Leaching in agriculture refers to the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil due to rain and irrigation). This process can lead to excessive nutrient loss, which can negatively impact crop health and yield. Leaching can also refer to the practice of applying a small amount of excess irrigation where the water has a high salt content to avoid salts from building up in the soil). However, this practice requires drainage to carry away the excess water).

Leaching is a natural environmental concern when it contributes to groundwater contamination). As water from rain, flooding, or other sources seeps into the ground, it can dissolve chemicals and carry them into the underground water supply). Of particular concern are hazardous waste dumps and landfills, and in agriculture, excess fertilizer, improperly stored animal manure, and biocides (e.g. pesticides, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides) ).

Leaching is actually two important actions occurring simultaneously: (1) chemical interactions with surfaces and (2) physical movement of water. As the water passes through the rock and soil, it interacts with the surfaces of the materials, and compounds on the surface of minerals can become dissolved. In addition, the physical movement of water can dislodge and move particles. Leaching can transport chemical compounds like dissolved substances or larger materials such as decomposing plant materials, fine rock fragments, and microbes throughout the soil.

In summary, leaching in agriculture is the loss of water-soluble plant nutrients from the soil due to rain and irrigation. It can negatively impact crop health and yield, and it is a natural environmental concern when it contributes to groundwater contamination. Leaching is a complex process that involves both chemical interactions with surfaces and physical movement of water.