Nutrient leaching remains a significant environmental concern due to its adverse effects on soil quality, groundwater contamination, human health, and the eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems. The urgency of addressing this issue has escalated with the increasing frequency and intensity of climate variability and extreme weather events, which exacerbate nutrient losses from agricultural systems. For this study, three peach cultivars (Prunus persica L.), including 'Crimson Joy', 'Liberty Joy', and 'Rich Joy', were planted at Auburn University's Research and Extension Center in Chilton, Clanton, Alabama, on February 23, 2024, using a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four blocks. Each block consists of 9 peach trees, totaling 36 trees. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of nutrient leaching on the growth of three distinct young peach cultivars, using recommended fertilization rate (by The Southeastern peach guide). A soil sampling method is used to compare the nutrient levels at selected depths. The soil depths are 25.4 and 50.8 cm within and 76.2 and 101.6 cm below the peach tree root zone. The collected soil samples are analyzed for Nitrate Nitrogen (NO3-N (mg/kg)), Ammonium nitrogen (NH4-N (mg/kg)) and pH. Additionally, the young peach trees are assessed by measuring plant height (cm), trunk cross-sectional area (cm2) and annual leaf nitrogen analysis (%). The preliminary results of this study, which is still in progress indicate that both depth and cultivar significantly influence NH4-N concentrations over time, while rainfall events and cultivar interactions affect NO3-N leaching dynamics. Although pH levels changed, they did not differ statistically. Each cultivar exhibited TCSA increases and height growth, with all cultivars maintaining leaf nitrogen levels within the optimum range. This study will help the Alabama peach growers to understand the impacts of nutrient leaching and utilize better alternatives that can help to not only get maximum profit economically but also ensure that the environment is safe and sound for the current and future generations.
