Improved Chamber Systems for Rapid, Real-Time Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Manure and Soil

2017 ◽  
Vol 60 (4) ◽  
pp. 1235-1258 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Richard W. Todd ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Gary M. Marek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Real Time ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Chamber System ◽  
Flux Chamber ◽  
Total N ◽  
Recirculating Flow ◽  
Flux Measurements ◽  
Flow Through

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) emission rates have traditionally been measured using non-flow-through (NFT), non-steady-state (NSS) chambers, which rely on measuring the increase in N2O concentration in the sealed chamber headspace over time. These flux measurements are very labor- and time-intensive, requiring three to four gas samples collected over a 30 to 60 min period, followed by laboratory N2O measurement with a gas chromatograph (GC) and subsequent flux rate calculation. The objective of this research was to develop and evaluate improved, real-time flux chamber designs that rapidly quantify N2O emissions from manure and soil. The first chamber system consisted of six square 0.95 m2 chamber pans. The chamber pans were mounted on a rail system to facilitate controlled indoor/outdoor laboratory research at a pilot scale. An aluminum lid was moved among the chamber pans. A second portable chamber system with a circular footprint (0.49 m internal dia.) was designed for use in field measurements. With both systems, N2O concentrations were measured each second with 0.1 ppb resolution by recirculating sample air through a real-time continuous N2O analyzer with return flow into the recirculating-flow-through (RFT-NSS) chamber. Performance and observational data are presented for different chamber vent designs, sealing mechanisms between the chamber pan and lid, recirculation pumps, and presence/absence of an internal fan that mixes headspace air within the sealed chamber. As examples of the repeatability and precision of the methodology, ten consecutive flux measurements were obtained using moist manure (32.6% wet basis water content, WCWB) within a 15 min period in which chamber pans were fitted with lids for 60 s and removed for 30 s. The mean calculated N2O flux was 43.08 ±0.89 mg N2O m-2 h-1. Using dry manure (WCWB = 10.8%), five consecutive flux measurements showed a very low, but consistent, flux that averaged 0.025 ±0.0016 mg N2O m-2 h-1. Five case study experiments demonstrate the usefulness of these chamber systems and highlight discoveries and lessons learned to enhance future research efforts. Major discoveries and observations include: (1) installation of a small internal fan within the chamber lids decreased N2O fluctuation over small time periods, allowing precise measurement of manure N2O fluxes as low as 0.0073 mg N2O m-2 h-1 during a 60 s measurement period; (2) two distinct N2O peaks were observed at 1 and 21 d following the addition of water to manure (initial WCWB = 32.6%), with the second peak accounting for 83% of the total N2O emitted over 45 d; and (3) there was notable diurnal variation in N2O fluxes due to temperature variation, even when the manure was dry (WCWB = 10.8%). These flux chamber systems proved to be more rapid, precise, and repeatable than traditional flux chamber methods and offer promise for future greenhouse gas emissions research on manure and soil. Keywords: Cattle, Chamber, Diurnal, Fan, Feedlot, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Precision.

Nitrous Oxide Emissions from an Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard in Texas

2019 ◽  
Vol 62 (5) ◽  
pp. 1173-1183
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Byeng R. Min ◽  
Bryan L. Woodbury ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Spatial Variability ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Field Research ◽  
Background Level ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Flux Chamber ◽  
Arithmetic Means

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas (GHG) with a global warming potential much greater than that of carbon dioxide (CO2). Nitrous oxide is emitted from the manure-covered pen surfaces of open-lot beef cattle feedyards, and more than six million beef cattle are fed in the Southern Great Plains. A field research project was conducted to determine the temporal and spatial variability of N2O emissions from the pen surfaces of a commercial feedyard before and after simulated rainfall. Two week-long monitoring cycles were conducted in April and August 2018 in the Texas Panhandle. Temporal variability was assessed using six continuous automated flux chambers per pen, and spatial variability was assessed using a portable chamber at up to 61 locations in a single pen. Diurnal fluxes varied 5-fold to 10-fold over a 24 h period. Flux varied seasonally, with arithmetic means of 0.56 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1 in April and 3.21 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1 in August. Fluxes measured spatially across the pen surface over a 2 h period at midday were lognormally distributed, with April geometric and arithmetic means of -0.81 and 0.80 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1, respectively, and August geometric and arithmetic means of 0.095 and 2.6 mg N2O-N m-2 h-1, respectively. Fluxes peaked shortly after simulated rainfall. Arithmetic mean N2O-N flux for the 2 d after rainfall increased over the background level by 4.6-fold in April and 1.7-fold in August. Manure properties measured at the time of flux measurement were poorly correlated with N2O emissions and were of little value for predicting N2O emissions, which confirmed that further work is warranted on the biochemistry of feedyard manure. The results of this field research will help refine models for predicting N2O emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards and help to develop effective mitigation methods to conserve feedyard N. Keywords: Beef cattle, Flux chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Rainfall.

How Do Temperature and Rainfall Affect Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Open-Lot Beef Cattle Feedyard Pens?

2018 ◽  
Vol 61 (3) ◽  
pp. 1049-1061 ◽  
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Bryan L. Woodbury ◽  
Mindy J. Spiehs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Regression Models ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Rainfall Event ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
High Plains ◽  
Simulated Rainfall ◽  
Recirculating Flow

Abstract. Temperature is a primary factor affecting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural soils, but little is known about how temperature affects nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure. The majority of grain-fed cattle in the Texas Panhandle are finished in large, earthen-surfaced, open-lot feedyards. Manure accumulates in feedyard pens and creates an environment high in nitrogen (N) and carbon (C) that can lead to N2O losses. In previous studies, N2O-N emissions from feedyard manure have been highly variable, ranging from negligible amounts from dry manure to 200 mg m-2 h-1 after a simulated rainfall event. The objective of this research was to determine how temperature affects N2O emissions from feedyard manure following rainfall. A recirculating flow-through, non-steady-state (RFT-NSS) chamber system with 1 m2 pans was used to monitor N2O emissions from beef cattle manure following a single 25.4 mm simulated rainfall event. Emissions were monitored at manure temperatures of 5.0°C, 11.2°C, 17.2°C, 21.5°C, 26.8°C, 31.0°C, 38.1°C, and 46.2°C. At all temperatures, a single N2O episode was observed following rainfall, peaking 2 to 11 h after rainfall with duration of 2 to 3 d. A second N2O episode was observed at temperatures =31.0°C, peaking 3 to 4 d after rainfall with duration of 18 d. When present, the second N2O episode accounted for 72% to 83% of the 20 d cumulative emissions. A step-increase in cumulative N2O emissions was observed between 26.8°C and 31.0°C, believed to be due to a major shift from denitrification to nitrification as the primary process of N2O production. Empirical regression models were developed for predicting cumulative N2O emissions based on temperature, which showed 88% agreement between predicted and field-observed N2O-N flux rates. These regression models will be useful for further quantification of N2O emissions from open-lot beef cattle feedyards in the U.S. Southern High Plains and for assessment of practices for reducing GHG emissions. Keywords: Beef cattle, Chamber, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Precipitation.

scholarly journals Biochar and urease inhibitor mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions and improve wheat yield in a urea fertilized alkaline soil

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Khadim Dawar ◽  
Shah Fahad ◽  
M. M. R. Jahangir ◽  
Iqbal Munir ◽  
Syed Sartaj Alam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Grain Yield ◽  
Block Design ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Urease Inhibitor ◽  
Alkaline Soil ◽  
Total N ◽  
N Assimilation

AbstractIn this study, we explored the role of biochar (BC) and/or urease inhibitor (UI) in mitigating ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) discharge from urea fertilized wheat cultivated fields in Pakistan (34.01°N, 71.71°E). The experiment included five treatments [control, urea (150 kg N ha−1), BC (10 Mg ha−1), urea + BC and urea + BC + UI (1 L ton−1)], which were all repeated four times and were carried out in a randomized complete block design. Urea supplementation along with BC and BC + UI reduced soil NH3 emissions by 27% and 69%, respectively, compared to sole urea application. Nitrous oxide emissions from urea fertilized plots were also reduced by 24% and 53% applying BC and BC + UI, respectively, compared to urea alone. Application of BC with urea improved the grain yield, shoot biomass, and total N uptake of wheat by 13%, 24%, and 12%, respectively, compared to urea alone. Moreover, UI further promoted biomass and grain yield, and N assimilation in wheat by 38%, 22% and 27%, respectively, over sole urea application. In conclusion, application of BC and/or UI can mitigate NH3 and N2O emissions from urea fertilized soil, improve N use efficiency (NUE) and overall crop productivity.

scholarly journals Denitrifying pathways dominate nitrous oxide emissions from managed grassland during drought and rewetting

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (6) ◽  
pp. eabb7118
Author(s):  
E. Harris ◽  
E. Diaz-Pines ◽  
E. Stoll ◽  
M. Schloter ◽  
S. Schulz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Growth Rate ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
N Fertilization ◽  
High Variability ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Severe Drought ◽  
Total N ◽  
The Past ◽  
Precipitation Changes ◽  
Isotopic Measurements

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas whose atmospheric growth rate has accelerated over the past decade. Most anthropogenic N2O emissions result from soil N fertilization, which is converted to N2O via oxic nitrification and anoxic denitrification pathways. Drought-affected soils are expected to be well oxygenated; however, using high-resolution isotopic measurements, we found that denitrifying pathways dominated N2O emissions during a severe drought applied to managed grassland. This was due to a reversible, drought-induced enrichment in nitrogen-bearing organic matter on soil microaggregates and suggested a strong role for chemo- or codenitrification. Throughout rewetting, denitrification dominated emissions, despite high variability in fluxes. Total N2O flux and denitrification contribution were significantly higher during rewetting than for control plots at the same soil moisture range. The observed feedbacks between precipitation changes induced by climate change and N2O emission pathways are sufficient to account for the accelerating N2O growth rate observed over the past decade.

scholarly journals Greenhouse gas emissions from the water–air interface of a grassland river: a case study of the Xilin River

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xue Hao ◽  
Yu Ruihong ◽  
Zhang Zhuangzhuang ◽  
Qi Zhen ◽  
Lu Xixi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Carbon Dioxide ◽  
Land Use ◽  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Sand Land ◽  
Very High

AbstractGreenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from rivers and lakes have been shown to significantly contribute to global carbon and nitrogen cycling. In spatiotemporal-variable and human-impacted rivers in the grassland region, simultaneous carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide emissions and their relationships under the different land use types are poorly documented. This research estimated greenhouse gas (CO2, CH4, N2O) emissions in the Xilin River of Inner Mongolia of China using direct measurements from 18 field campaigns under seven land use type (such as swamp, sand land, grassland, pond, reservoir, lake, waste water) conducted in 2018. The results showed that CO2 emissions were higher in June and August, mainly affected by pH and DO. Emissions of CH4 and N2O were higher in October, which were influenced by TN and TP. According to global warming potential, CO2 emissions accounted for 63.35% of the three GHG emissions, and CH4 and N2O emissions accounted for 35.98% and 0.66% in the Xilin river, respectively. Under the influence of different degrees of human-impact, the amount of CO2 emissions in the sand land type was very high, however, CH4 emissions and N2O emissions were very high in the artificial pond and the wastewater, respectively. For natural river, the greenhouse gas emissions from the reservoir and sand land were both low. The Xilin river was observed to be a source of carbon dioxide and methane, and the lake was a sink for nitrous oxide.

Effects of strategic tillage on short-term erosion, nutrient loss in runoff and greenhouse gas emissions

Soil Research ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 55 (3) ◽  
pp. 201 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. R. Melland ◽  
D. L. Antille ◽  
Y. P. Dang
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Heavy Rainfall ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Nutrient Loss ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Nutrient Losses ◽  
Short Term ◽  
Trade Offs ◽  
Carbon Dioxide Co2

Occasional strategic tillage (ST) of long-term no-tillage (NT) soil to help control weeds may increase the risk of water, erosion and nutrient losses in runoff and of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with NT soil. The present study examined the short-term effect of ST on runoff and GHG emissions in NT soils under controlled-traffic farming regimes. A rainfall simulator was used to generate runoff from heavy rainfall (70mmh–1) on small plots of NT and ST on a Vertosol, Dermosol and Sodosol. Nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) fluxes from the Vertosol and Sodosol were measured before and after the rain using passive chambers. On the Sodosol and Dermosol there was 30% and 70% more runoff, respectively, from ST plots than from NT plots, however, volumes were similar between tillage treatments on the Vertosol. Erosion was highest after ST on the Sodosol (8.3tha–1 suspended sediment) and there were no treatment differences on the other soils. Total nitrogen (N) loads in runoff followed a similar pattern, with 10.2kgha–1 in runoff from the ST treatment on the Sodosol. Total phosphorus loads were higher after ST than NT on both the Sodosol (3.1 and 0.9kgha–1, respectively) and the Dermosol (1.0 and 0.3kgha–1, respectively). Dissolved nutrient forms comprised less than 13% of total losses. Nitrous oxide emissions were low from both NT and ST in these low-input systems. However, ST decreased CH4 absorption from both soils and almost doubled CO2 emissions from the Sodosol. Strategic tillage may increase the susceptibility of Sodosols and Dermosols to water, sediment and nutrient losses in runoff after heavy rainfall. The trade-offs between weed control, erosion and GHG emissions should be considered as part of any tillage strategy.

scholarly journals Contribution of the cotton irrigation network to farm nitrous oxide emissions

Soil Research ◽  
2016 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 651 ◽  
Author(s):  
B. C. T. Macdonald ◽  
A. Nadelko ◽  
Y. Chang ◽  
M. Glover ◽  
S. Warneke
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Surface Area ◽  
Land Surface ◽  
Irrigation System ◽  
Minor Component ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Deep Drainage ◽  
Total N ◽  
Irrigation Network

Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a potent greenhouse gas, and agriculture is the dominant source of N2O-N emissions. The Australian cotton industry requires high inputs of N to maintain high lint quality and yields; however, over-fertilisation with N is symptomatic of the industry. Up to 3.5% of N fertiliser applied is lost directly from cotton fields as N2O gas. Excess N may also be lost via erosion, deep-drainage, leaching and runoff, and may subsequently form indirect N2O emissions. The estimate by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) suggests that 0.0025kg N2O-N is produced indirectly from groundwater and surface drainage for each kg N lost via runoff and leaching, although this estimate carries a large degree of uncertainty. This study is the first to address the lack of indirect N2O emission data from irrigated cotton-farming systems. Indirect emissions were determined from total N concentrations in irrigation runoff by using the IPCC emission factor and from measurements of dissolved N2O during the first four irrigations (October–December 2013). Total indirect N2O emissions from the surface of the irrigation network over 3 months when estimated by the dissolved-N2O method were 0.503±0.339kgha–1. By contrast, N2O emissions estimated by the IPCC methodology were 0.843±0.022kgha–1 irrigation surface area. Over the same period of measurement, direct land-surface emissions were 1.44kgN2O-Nha–1 field. Despite relatively high emissions per surface area, the irrigation network is only a minor component of the total farm area, and indirect emissions from the irrigation system contribute ~2.4–4% of the total N2O emissions and <0.02% of the applied N fertiliser.

Toward Modeling of Nitrous Oxide Emissions Following Precipitation, Urine, and Feces Deposition on Beef Cattle Feedyard Surfaces

2020 ◽  
Vol 63 (5) ◽  
pp. 1371-1384
Author(s):  
David B. Parker ◽  
Kenneth D. Casey ◽  
Kristin E. Hales ◽  
Heidi M. Waldrip ◽  
Byeng Min ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Beef Cattle ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Empirical Modeling ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
List Type ◽  
Equivalent Mass ◽  
Fresh Feces ◽  
Feces Deposition

HighlightsNitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas emitted from feedyard pen surfaces.Experiments were conducted to quantify nitrous oxide emissions from precipitation, urine, and feces.Nitrous oxide emissions from urine were about 30% of those from equal amounts of precipitation.Regression equations were developed for empirical modeling of emissions.Abstract. The amount of moisture deposited annually as urine (~320 mm) and feces (~95 mm) on typical semi-arid Texas beef cattle feedyard pens is considerable compared to the regional 470 mm mean annual precipitation. Precipitation is a primary factor affecting nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from manure, but specific effects of urine and feces deposition are unknown. The objectives of this research were to (1) quantify N2O emissions following precipitation, urine, and feces deposition on a dry feedyard manure surface, and (2) develop equations for future empirical modeling of these emissions. Four experiments (Exp.) were conducted using recirculating flux chambers to quantify N2O emissions. Exp. 1 had treatments (TRT) of water (W), artificial urine (AU), and two urines collected from beef cattle fed high-quality forage (FU) or corn-based concentrate (CU). Exp. 2 had TRT of W, AU, and two feces levels (Fx1 and Fx2). In Exp. 3, N2O emissions were quantified from fresh feces pats. In Exp. 4, the effect of rainfall pH on N2O emissions was evaluated. Results from Exp. 1 showed that the W TRT had the highest mean cumulative N2O emission, while AU, FU, and CU ranged from 31.0% to 70.0% of W on an equal volume-applied basis. There was little correlation between N2O emissions and urine or water nitrogen (N) content. In Exp. 2, W again had the highest cumulative N2O. Cumulative N2O emissions expressed per unit of water added were 29.0, 3.8, 4.5, and 5.1 mg N kg-1 water added for W, AU, Fx1, and Fx2, respectively. In Exp. 3, fresh feces pats emitted no direct N2O, but N2O originated from the dry manure beneath the feces pat due to wetting. In Exp. 4, the highest N2O emissions occurred at pH 5 and pH 8, with lower emissions at pH 6 and pH 7. This research has shown that the addition of moisture to the pen surface from urine and feces contributes considerably to N2O emissions as compared to precipitation alone. The following recommendations were developed for future empirical modeling purposes: (1) N2O emissions from urine should be calculated as 32.7% of those emissions from the equivalent mass deposition of water, and (2) N2O emissions resulting from the mass of water in feces should be calculated as 15.6% of those emissions from the equivalent mass deposition of water. Keywords: Beef cattle, Greenhouse gas, Manure, Nitrous oxide, Urine, Precipitation.

Assessing the effects of agricultural management on nitrous oxide emissions using flux measurements and the DNDC model

2015 ◽  
Vol 206 ◽  
pp. 71-83 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kingsley Chinyere Uzoma ◽  
Ward Smith ◽  
Brian Grant ◽  
Raymond L. Desjardins ◽  
Xiaopeng Gao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Agricultural Management ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Dndc Model ◽  
Flux Measurements

scholarly journals The use of agricultural soils as a source of nitrous oxide emission in selected communes of Poland

2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-49
Author(s):  
Paweł Wiśniewski ◽  
Mariusz Kistowski
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Greenhouse Gas Emissions ◽  
Greenhouse Gas ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
Organic Soils ◽  
Low Carbon ◽  
Gas Emissions ◽  
Low Carbon Economy ◽  
Carbon Economy

Abstract Nitrous oxide (N2O) is one of the main greenhouse gases, with a nearly 300 times greater potential to produce a greenhouse effect than carbon dioxide (CO2). Almost 80% of the annual emissions of this gas in Poland come from agriculture, and its main source is the use of agricultural soils. The study attempted to estimate the N2O emission from agricultural soils and to indicate its share in the total greenhouse gas emissions in 48 Polish communes. For this purpose, a simplified solution has been proposed which can be successfully applied by local government areas in order to assess nitrous oxide emissions, as well as to monitor the impact of actions undertaken to limit them. The estimated emission was compared with the results of the baseline greenhouse gas inventory prepared for the needs of the low-carbon economy plans adopted by the studied self-governments. This allowed us to determine the share of N2O emissions from agricultural soils in the total greenhouse gas emissions of the studied communes. The annual N2O emissions from agricultural soils in the studied communes range from 1.21 Mg N2O-N to 93.28 Mg N2O-N, and the cultivation of organic soils is its main source. The use of mineral and natural fertilisers, as well as indirect emissions from nitrogen leaching into groundwater and surface waters, are also significant. The results confirm the need to include greenhouse gas emissions from the use of agricultural soils and other agricultural sources in low-carbon economy plans.

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