Feasibility of electrokinetic nitrogen supply for soil fertilization purposes

Abstract : This article presents the results of the application of electrokinetic technique to fertilize an agricultural natural soil with nitric nitrogen (as NO3−). The injection into the soil of amounts of nitrate proportional to the applied electric current is adapted to the plant needs. This would help to reduce the nitrate pollution in waters generated in part by excessive fertilizer inputs in agricultural systems. The pilot test was realized at constant current of 2.54A (current density 6.2A.m-2) on a soil mass of 46.7 kg. All results showed the injection and transport of nitrate through the soil. The electromigration is the preponderant transport mechanism. Nitrate ions were transported throughout the soil sample at contents between 208-1428 mg N.kg-1of soil, on the ground corresponding to a nitrogen rate between 80-550 kg N. ha-1. pH is maintained at its initial value in electrolytic compartments in electrolytic compartments. the electrical energy consumed in the pilot test was about 32.9 Wh.kg-1. .