Model Development for Nutrient Loading Estimates from Paddy Rice Fields in Korea

Abstract A field experiment was performed to evaluate water and nutrient balances in paddy rice culture operations during 2001–2002. The water balance analysis indicated that about half (50–60%) of the total outflow was lost by surface drainage, with the remainder occurring by evapotranspiration (490–530 mm). The surface drainage from paddy fields was mainly caused by rainfall and forced-drainage, and in particular, the runoff during early rice culture periods depends more on the forced-drainage due to fertilization practices. Most of the total phosphorus (T-P) inflow was supplied by fertilization at transplanting, while the total nitrogen (T-N) inflow was supplied by the three fertilizations, precipitation, and from the upper paddy field, which comprised 13–33% of the total inflow. Although most of the nutrient outflow was attributed to plant uptake, nutrient loss by surface drainage was substantial, comprising 20% for T-N and 10% for T-P. Water and nutrient balances indicate that reduction of surface dr...