Tillage effects on N2O emission from soils under corn and soybeans in Eastern Canada

2008 ◽  
Vol 88 (2) ◽  
pp. 153-161 ◽  
Author(s):  
E G Gregorich ◽  
P. Rochette ◽  
P. St-Georges ◽  
U F McKim ◽  
C. Chan
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Biological N Fixation ◽  
No Till ◽  
Tillage System ◽  
Glycine Max L

The ways in which agricultural soils are managed influence the production and emission of nitrous oxide (N2O). A field study was undertaken in 2003, 2004, and 2005 to quantify and evaluate N2O emission from tilled and no-till soils under corn (Zea maysL.) and soybeans (Glycine max L. Merr) in Ontario. Overall, N2O emission was lowest in 2003, the driest and coolest of the 3 yr. In 2004, the significantly larger annual N2O emission from no-till soils and soils under corn was attributed to an episode of very high N2O emission following the application of fertilizer during a period of wet weather. That the N loss by N2O emission occurred only in no-till soils and was large and long-lasting (~4 wk) confirms the strong effect that management has in reducing fertilizer N losses. In 2005, tilled soils had significantly larger N2O emission than no-till soils, most of which was emitted before the end of June. Because the tilled soils were better aerated , nitrification was likely the primary process contributing to the larger emission. Relatively low N2O emission from soybeans suggests biological N fixation does not appear to contribute substantially to the annual N2O emission. Further study of methods to reduce N2O emission in agricultural systems should focus on improving N use efficiency within a particular tillage system rather than looking to differences between tillage systems. Key words: Tillage, corn, soybeans, nitrogen, nitrous oxide, biogenic gas emission, nitrification, denitrification, fertilization

scholarly journals Global soil nitrous oxide emissions in a dynamic carbon-nitrogen model

2015 ◽  
Vol 12 (21) ◽  
pp. 6405-6427 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. Huang ◽  
S. Gerber
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Elevated Co2 ◽  
N Uptake ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
N Availability ◽  
Plant N Uptake ◽  
Biological N Fixation ◽  
N2o Fluxes

Abstract. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas that also contributes to the depletion of stratospheric ozone. Due to its high temporal and spatial heterogeneity, a quantitative understanding of terrestrial N2O emission and its variabilities and responses to climate change are challenging. We added a soil N2O emission module to the dynamic global land model LM3V-N, and tested its sensitivity to mechanisms that affect the level of mineral nitrogen (N) in soil such as plant N uptake, biological N fixation, amount of volatilized N redeposited after fire, and nitrification-denitrification. We further tested the relationship between N2O emission and soil moisture, and assessed responses to elevated CO2 and temperature. Results extracted from the corresponding gridcell (without site-specific forcing data) were comparable with the average of cross-site observed annual mean emissions, although differences remained across individual sites if stand-level measurements were representative of gridcell emissions. Processes, such as plant N uptake and N loss through fire volatilization that regulate N availability for nitrification-denitrification have strong controls on N2O fluxes in addition to the parameterization of N2O loss through nitrification and denitrification. Modelled N2O fluxes were highly sensitive to water-filled pore space (WFPS), with a global sensitivity of approximately 0.25 TgN per year per 0.01 change in WFPS. We found that the global response of N2O emission to CO2 fertilization was largely determined by the response of tropical emissions with reduced N2O fluxes in the first few decades and increases afterwards. The initial reduction was linked to N limitation under higher CO2 level, and was alleviated through feedbacks such as biological N fixation. The extratropical response was weaker and generally positive, highlighting the need to expand field studies in tropical ecosystems. We did not find synergistic effects between warming and CO2 increase as reported in analyses with different models. Warming generally enhanced N2O efflux and the enhancement was greatly dampened when combined with elevated CO2, although CO2 alone had a small effect. The differential response in the tropics compared to extratropics with respect to magnitude and sign suggests caution when extrapolating from current field CO2 enrichment and warming studies to the globe.

Denitrification estimates in monoculture and rotation corn as influenced by tillage and nitrogen fertilizer

1997 ◽  
Vol 77 (3) ◽  
pp. 389-396 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ming X. Fan ◽  
Angus F. MacKenzie ◽  
Melissa Abbott ◽  
François Cadrin
Keyword(s):  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Conventional Tillage ◽  
Nitrate Content ◽  
Soil Core ◽  
N Losses ◽  
Closed Chamber ◽  
Corn Production ◽  
Field Estimation ◽  
Glycine Max L ◽  
N Rates

Denitrification in agricultural soils results in loss of N for crop growth and production of N2O, a greenhouse gas. Agricultural management must be evaluated for denitrification losses in order to develop minimum N loss systems. Field estimation of denitrification losses is necessary to evaluate crop management effects. Two methods of field denitrification measurements, a soil core (SC) incubation and an in situ closed chamber (CC), were assessed in monoculture corn (Zea mays L.) and corn in rotation with soybean (Glycine max L. Merill) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Relative estimates of denitrification by the two methods depended on soil texture, with the CC method showing more treatment effects. Denitrification losses were higher with no-till than conventional tillage at one site, and were generally higher with corn than soybean. Nitrogen losses were linear with added N in monoculture corn plots, and ranged from 1.1 to 4.1% of added N. Losses were not related to added N in corn following alfalfa or soybean. Ratios of N2O/(N2O + N2) as measured with the SC method were lower at the Ste. Rosalie (1) site than at the Chicot site (0.95 to 2.84), but ratios of N2O/(N2O + N2) measured with the CC method were similar for the sites, from 0.46 to 1.20. Denitrification losses measured by either method were related to soil moisture and nitrate content in the soils. Corn production should be carried out with conventional tillage and minimum fertilizer N rates for minimum denitrification. Key words: Rotations, corn, soybean, denitrification, closed chamber, soil core

scholarly journals Nitrous oxide production in boreal soils with variable organic matter content at low temperature – snow manipulation experiment

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (3) ◽  
pp. 5305-5337 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Maljanen ◽  
P. Virkajärvi ◽  
J. Hytönen ◽  
M. Öquist ◽  
T. Sparrman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
Organic Matter Content ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Peat Soils ◽  
Snow Manipulation ◽  
Boreal Soils

Abstract. Agricultural soils are the most important sources for the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), which is produced and emitted from soil also at low temperatures. The processes behind emissions at low temperatures are still poorly known. To simulate the effects of a reduction in snow depth on N2O emission in warming climate, snow pack was removed from three different agricultural soils (sand, mull, peat). Removal of snow lowered soil temperature and increased the extent and duration of soil frost which led to enhanced N2O emissions during freezing and thawing events in sand and mull soils. The cumulative emissions during the first year when snow was removed over the whole winter were 0.25, 0.66 and 3.0 g N2O-N m−2 yr−1 in control plots of sand, mull and peat soils, respectively. Without snow cover the respectively cumulative emissions were 0.37, 1.3 and 3.3 g N2O-N m−2 yr−1. Shorter snow manipulation during the second year did not increase the annual emissions. Only 20% of the N2O emission occurred during the growing season. Thus, highlighting the importance of the winter season for this exchange and that the year-round measurements of N2O emissions from boreal soils are integral for estimating their N2O source strength. N2O accumulated in the frozen soil during winter and the soil N2O concentration correlated with the depth of frost but not with the winter N2O emission rates per se. Also laboratory incubations of soil samples showed high production rates of N2O at temperatures below 0°C, especially in the sand and peat soils.

scholarly journals The effect on nitrogen oxide emission from agricultural soils

2020 ◽  
Vol 175 ◽  
pp. 09014
Author(s):  
Yulia Kolesnikova ◽  
Viktoriia Semal ◽  
Оlga Nesterova ◽  
Simona Castaldi ◽  
Mariya Bovsun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Russian Far East ◽  
Far East ◽  
Drainage System ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
Organic Fertilizers ◽  
Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Organic And Mineral Fertilizers ◽  
Reduce Emissions

The study investigates the effect of biochar on nitrous oxide emission in Endoargic Anthrosols in the southern territory of the Russian Far East. Biochar (bio-charcoal) was applied in the amounts of 1 kg/m2 and 3 kg/m2 in combination with organic and mineral fertilizers to drained and drain-free fields during the vegetation season, and the five-gas analyzer G2508 (Picarro) was used. Cumulative flows of N2O were estimated. The analysis revealed that biochar reduces the emissions and the cumulative flow of nitrous oxide. The higher the dose of biochar, the lower the emission and cumulative flows of nitrous oxide, regardless of a drainage system. Biochar (1 kg/m2) reduced the cumulative N2O flow from the soil by 52.2% throughout the experiment conducted, while a dose of 3 kg/m2 allowed for 97.8% reduction. The study found that organic and mineral fertilizers can be effectively used in combination with biochar, as N2O emission from the soil with mineral fertilizers is significantly higher than from the soil with organic fertilizers. Biochar (1 kg/m2) combined with organic fertilizers reduces N2O emission by 53.7%, while a dose of 3 kg/m2 can reduce emissions by 88.9%. Biochar (1 kg/m2) combined with mineral fertilizers reduced the flow of N2O by 17.5%, while a 3 kg/m2 dose of biochar used with mineral fertilizers reduced the emission by 85.3%.

scholarly journals Nitrous oxide production in boreal soils with variable organic matter content at low temperature – snow manipulation experiment

2009 ◽  
Vol 6 (11) ◽  
pp. 2461-2473 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Maljanen ◽  
P. Virkajärvi ◽  
J. Hytönen ◽  
M. Öquist ◽  
T. Sparrman ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Soil Temperature ◽  
Low Temperatures ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Winter Season ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Peat Soils ◽  
Snow Manipulation ◽  
Boreal Soils

Abstract. Agricultural soils are the most important sources for the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), which is produced and emitted from soils also at low temperatures. The processes behind emissions at low temperatures are still poorly known. Snow is a good insulator and it keeps soil temperature rather constant. To simulate the effects of a reduction in snow depth on N2O emission in warming climate, snow pack was removed from experimental plots on three different agricultural soils (sand, mull, peat). Removal of snow lowered soil temperature and increased the extent and duration of soil frost in sand and mull soils. This led to enhanced N2O emissions during freezing and thawing events. The cumulative emissions during the first year when snow was removed over the whole winter were 0.25, 0.66 and 3.0 g N2O-N m−2 yr−1 in control plots of sand, mull and peat soils, respectively. In the treatment plots, without snow cover, the respective cumulative emissions were 0.37, 1.3 and 3.3 g N2O-N m−2 yr−1. Shorter snow manipulation during the second year did not increase the annual emissions. Only 20% of the N2O emission occurred during the growing season. Thus, these results highlight the importance of the winter season for this exchange and that the year-round measurements of annual N2O emissions from boreal soils are integral for estimating their N2O source strength. N2O accumulated in the frozen soil during winter and the soil N2O concentration correlated with the depth of frost but not with the winter N2O emission rates per se. Also laboratory incubations of soil samples showed high production rates of N2O at temperatures below 0°C, especially in the sand and peat soils.

scholarly journals Processes regulating progressive nitrogen limitation under elevated carbon dioxide: a meta-analysis

2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (9) ◽  
pp. 2689-2699 ◽  
Author(s):  
Junyi Liang ◽  
Xuan Qi ◽  
Lara Souza ◽  
Yiqi Luo
Keyword(s):  
Elevated Co2 ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Co2 Enrichment ◽  
C Sequestration ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N Fixation ◽  
N Cycle ◽  
Biological N Fixation ◽  
Fertilization Effect ◽  
Progressive Nitrogen Limitation

Abstract. The nitrogen (N) cycle has the potential to regulate climate change through its influence on carbon (C) sequestration. Although extensive research has explored whether or not progressive N limitation (PNL) occurs under CO2 enrichment, a comprehensive assessment of the processes that regulate PNL is still lacking. Here, we quantitatively synthesized the responses of all major processes and pools in the terrestrial N cycle with meta-analysis of CO2 experimental data available in the literature. The results showed that CO2 enrichment significantly increased N sequestration in the plant and litter pools but not in the soil pool, partially supporting one of the basic assumptions in the PNL hypothesis that elevated CO2 results in more N sequestered in organic pools. However, CO2 enrichment significantly increased the N influx via biological N fixation and the loss via N2O emission, but decreased the N efflux via leaching. In addition, no general diminished CO2 fertilization effect on plant growth was observed over time up to the longest experiment of 13 years. Overall, our analyses suggest that the extra N supply by the increased biological N fixation and decreased leaching may potentially alleviate PNL under elevated CO2 conditions in spite of the increases in plant N sequestration and N2O emission. Moreover, our syntheses indicate that CO2 enrichment increases soil ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3−) ratio. The changed NH4+/NO3− ratio and subsequent biological processes may result in changes in soil microenvironments, above-belowground community structures and associated interactions, which could potentially affect the terrestrial biogeochemical cycles. In addition, our data synthesis suggests that more long-term studies, especially in regions other than temperate ones, are needed for comprehensive assessments of the PNL hypothesis.

scholarly journals Rice Residue-Based Biochar Mitigates N2O Emission from Acid Red Soil

Agronomy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (12) ◽  
pp. 2462
Author(s):  
Muhammad Aamer ◽  
Muhammad Bilal Chattha ◽  
Athar Mahmood ◽  
Maria Naqve ◽  
Muhammad Umair Hassan ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Microbial Biomass ◽  
Soil Ph ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Microbial Biomass Carbon ◽  
Acid Soils ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Biomass Carbon ◽  
Red Soils

Biochar application is considered an effective approach to mitigating nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural soils. However, the mechanisms of biochar to mitigate N2O emissions from acidic red soils are still unclear. Therefore, the present study aims to underpin mechanisms associated with rice residue-based biochar in mitigating N2O emissions from acid soils. Soil treated with different rates of biochar control, from 1%, 2%, and 3%, and different soil properties, including soil pH, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), NH4+-N, NO3−-N, genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB), and enzymatic activities ((nitrate reductase (NR) and urease (UR)) were studied. The application of 3% biochar increased the soil pH (5.21–6.48), MBC (565–685 mg/kg), NO3−-N contents (24.23–44.5 mg/kg), genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB) and UR activity. The highest N2O emission (43.60 μg kg−1) was recorded and compared with the application of 1% (26.3 μg kg−1), 2% (18.33 μg kg−1), and 3% biochar (8.13 μg kg−1). Applying 3% biochar effectively reduced the N2O emission due to increased soil pH, MBC, NO3−-N contents, genes abundance (nosZ, nirK, AOA, and AOB), and weakened NH4+-N and NR activities. Therefore, increasing soil pH, genes abundance, and weakened nitrification following the addition of rice residue-based biochar can effectively reduce the N2O emissions from acidic red soils.

scholarly journals Nitrous oxide emission reduction in temperate biochar-amended soils

2012 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 151-189 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Felber ◽  
R. Hüppi ◽  
J. Leifeld ◽  
A. Neftel
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Co2 Emissions ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Ghg Emissions ◽  
Pyrolysis Product ◽  
Tropical Soils ◽  
N2o Emission ◽  
Field Conditions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Glucose Addition

Abstract. Biochar, a pyrolysis product of organic residues, is an amendment for agricultural soils to improve soil fertility, sequester CO2 and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. In highly weathered tropical soils laboratory incubations of soil-biochar mixtures revealed substantial reductions for nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2). In contrast, evidence is scarce for temperate soils. In a three-factorial laboratory incubation experiment two different temperate agricultural soils were amended with green waste and coffee grounds biochar. N2O and CO2 emissions were measured at the beginning and end of a three month incubation. The experiments were conducted under three different conditions (no additional nutrients, glucose addition, and nitrate and glucose addition) representing different field conditions. We found mean N2O emission reductions of 60 % compared to soils without addition of biochar. The reduction depended on biochar type and soil type as well as on the age of the samples. CO2 emissions were slightly reduced, too. NO3– but not NH4+ concentrations were significantly reduced shortly after biochar incorporation. Despite the highly significant suppression of N2O emissions biochar effects should not be transferred one-to-one to field conditions but need to be tested accordingly.

Testing the DNDC model using N2O emissions at two experimental sites in Canada

2002 ◽  
Vol 82 (3) ◽  
pp. 365-374 ◽  
Author(s):  
W N Smith ◽  
R L Desjardins ◽  
B. Grant ◽  
C. Li ◽  
R. Lemke ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Nitrous Oxide ◽  
Management Practices ◽  
Agricultural Soils ◽  
Nitrous Oxide Emissions ◽  
N2o Emissions ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Dndc Model ◽  
Eastern Canada ◽  
Ipcc Methodology ◽  
Key Words Nitrous Oxide

Measured data from two experimental sites in Canada were used to test the ability of the DeNitrification and DeComposition model (DNDC) to predict N2O emissions from agricultural soils. The two sites, one from eastern Canada, and one from western Canada, provided a variety of crops, management practices, soils, and climates for testing the model. At the site in eastern Canada, the magnitude of total seasonal N2O flux from the seven treatments was accurately predicted with a slight average over-prediction (ARE) of 3% and a coefficient of variation of 41%. Nitrous oxide emissions based on International Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) methodology had a relative error of 62% for the seven treatments. The DNDC estimates of total yearly emissions of N2O from the field site in western Canada showed an underestimation of 8% for the footslope landscape position and an overestimation of 46% for the shoulder position. The data input for the DNDC model were not of sufficient detail to characterize the moisture difference between the landscape positions. The estimates from IPCC guidelines showed an underestimation of 54% for the footslope and an overestimation of 161% for the shoulder. The results indicate that the DNDC model was more accurate than IPCC methodology at estimating N2O emissions at both sites. Key words: Nitrous oxide, DNDC, soil model, greenhouse gas, testing

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