Vinasse application to sugar cane fields. Effect on the unsaturated zone and groundwater at Valle del Cauca (Colombia)

摘要: Extensive application of vinasse, a subproduct from sugar cane plantations for bioethanol production, is currently taking place as source nutrients that forms part agricultural management in different agroclimatic regions. Liquid vinasse composition characterised by high variability organic compounds and major ions, acid pH (4.7), TDS concentration (117,416-599,400mgL(-1)) elevated EC (14,350-64,099μScm(-1)). A large-scale field Valle del Cauca (Colombia), where monitoring soil, unsaturated zone the aquifer underneath has been made since 2006 to evaluate possible impacts on three experimental plots. For this assessment, wells piezometers were installed determine groundwater flow water samples collected chemical analysis. In zone, tensiometers at depths patterns, while suction lysimeters used sample determinations. The findings show sandy loam plot (Hacienda Real), low retention, showing transport capacity, other two plots silty presented temporal saturation due La Nina event (2010-2011). strong effect recharge which would dilute infiltrated during period and, hand dissolution precipitated salts bringing them back into solution may occur. slight increase ions was observed (~5% TDS), can be attributed combination factors: dilution produced input hydrochemical processes along with nutrient removal uptake. This fact make vulnerable contamination.