Over-fertilization in Greenhouses Threatens Soil Health and Groundwater Quality
Conventional flooding irrigation and over-fertilization in solar greenhouse vegetable production systems are causing soil pH to decrease in both topsoil and subsoil layers. Excessive nitrogen fertilizer leads to soil acidification and nutrient imbalances, with nitrogen leaching to deeper soil layers. Over time, pH levels in greenhouse soils decrease significantly, affecting soil productivity and groundwater quality. The study found that N accumulates in topsoils while P and K accumulate, leading to imbalances in nutrient ratios. Changes in mineral N concentration in the topsoil drive soil pH changes. To prevent groundwater contamination and maintain soil health, irrigation and fertilization practices in greenhouse production need to be adjusted to avoid N leaching, soil acidification, and nutrient imbalances.