In this study, the pump and fertilize (PAF) was applied to reduce nitrogen infiltration into groundwater at three corn cultivation sites over a three-year period, and its effectiveness was evaluated. PAF involves pumping nitrate-contaminated groundwater and using it for irrigation, thereby replacing the need for chemical fertilizers. This method not only substitutes chemical fertilization, but also reduces nitrogen infiltration into groundwater through root zone consumption. To confirm PAF’s effectiveness, an equal amount of nitrogen was applied in each cultivation plot, either through chemical fertilizer or irrigation with nitrate-contaminated groundwater. Regular monitoring of infiltrating pore water and groundwater was conducted in each cultivation plot. The linear regression slope for nitrate concentration in the pore water after repeated application of PAF ranged from -3.527 to -8.3485 mg-N/L/yr, confirming that PAF can reduce nitrate concentration in the pore water. With an increasing proportion of PAF, the infiltrating nitrate mass in pore water was reduced by 42% compared to plots fertilized with chemical fertilizer. Additionally, the linear regression slope of nitrate concentration in groundwater was calculated as -2.2999 and -9.2456 mg-N/L/yr. Therefore, continuous application of PAF in rural areas is expected to significantly contribute to reducing nitrate concentration in groundwater.

Keywords: Groundwater, Nitrate, Non-point source, Pump and fertilize