What is nutrient leakage/run-off?
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Nutrient leakage is the movement of nutrients from soil to surface water and groundwater. Nutrient leakage can decrease the efficiency of fertilization (lost money for the farmer and reduced yield due to nutrient scarcity) and the environment (pollution of water sources and eutrophication).
The level of the problem depends on many different factors. Soil structure, type and quantity of fertilizers, and rainfall/irrigation intensity are the main factors affecting leaching. Nitrogen, the key nutrient in plant growth, is highly vulnerable to leakage in the form of nitrates. Sandy fields, nitrate fertilizers, and intense rainfall lead to nutrient leakage.