Estimation of Nitrate Concentration in Groundwater Source Using Zonal Nitrate Balance Method in Male Village of Western Maharashtra

The excessive use of N-fertilizers is a major source of nitrate leaching into the groundwater, created problem of poor quality of drinking water in several regions of India. This paper demonstrates a framework for estimation of nitrate concentration leached in groundwater source from agricultural activities. The study performed in Male village of Kolhapur district in western part of Maharashtra state, one of the extensive sugarcane belts of the state. The calculations were carried out using Zonal Nitrate Balance Method considering Vadose zone of the ground aquifer as a reference level for water and nitrate inflow and outflows. Three crop seasons of one year are considered as a time framework of the analysis. In the study, major contributing parameters of water budget and nitrate transport have taken into consideration such as precipitation, irrigation water application, evapotranspiration, N-fertilizer application, N-uptake by crops, nitrate in soil accumulation and volatilization. The framework yielded nitrate concentration in groundwater at the end of each crop season. It is a simple tool developed for measurement and analysis of nitrate levels, identify vulnerable zones in the region to assist government agencies to know about groundwater pollution. The study would support the government agencies in decision making and develop sustainable solutions for nitrate pollution of drinking water in the rural area.