Effect of nitrapyrin on nitrous oxide emission from fallow soils fertilized with anhydrous ammonia

Nitrous oxide emission from three soils was measured using a chamber technique. Treatments sampled were unfertilized soil, and soil fertilized with 60 or 80 kg N ha^–1 of band-applied anhydrous ammonia ± nitrapyrin. The flux of nitrous oxide from unfertilized soil was very low (1.1 to 1.6 g N ha^–1 day^–1).Application of anhydrous ammonia caused a significant increase in the cumulative emission of nitrous oxide in two soils over 27 or 29 days compared with unfertilized soil. Fertilizer-induced loss of nitrous oxide was highest in a calcareous clay soil which had the highest nitrification rate and accumulated the highest concentration of nitrite within the fertilizer bands. Fertilizer-induced losses of nitrous oxide were < 0.05% of the applied fertilizer.Addition of nitrapyrin inhibited nitrification in all soils and reduced nitrite accumulation in the fertilizer bands. Nitrapyrin addition significantly reduced fertilizer-induced loss of nitrous oxide only in the calcareous clay soil. In the other soil, nitrapyrin had a lower bioactivity (relative inhibition of nitrification) which may have been due to its higher organic matter content.

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Resumo Este trabalho constitui de uma avaliação da quantidade de óxido nitroso emitido por três solos. A emissão de óxido nitroso foi determinada em solos não fertilizados e onde a amônia-anidra (60 e 80 kg de N ha^–1) foi aplicada, em bandas, com e sem nitrapyrin. O fluxo diário de óxido nitroso nos solos onde não se aplicou o fertilizante variou entre 1.1 e 1.6 g N ha^–1. A aplicação da amônia-anidra causou um significativo aumento na emissão de óxido nitroso em dois solos. A emissão de óxido nitroso induzida pela aplicação do fertilizante foi mais alta em um solo calcáreo-argiloso. Foi neste solo onde a nitrificação ocorreu mais intensamente e um maior acúmulo de nitrito foi observado. As perdas de óxido nitroso induzidas pela aplicação da amônia-anidra foram menores do que 0.05% do fertilizante aplicado. A aplicação conjunta de nitrapyrin com o fertilizante inibiu parcialmente a nitrificação nos três solos e reduziu o acúmulo de nitrito nas bandas do fertilizante. A adição de nitrapyrin reduziu significativamente a emissão de óxido nitroso somente no solo calcáreo-argiloso. No outro solo, a inibição relativa da nitrificação (bio-atividade) foi a mais baixa observada. A baixa bio-atividade do nitrapyrin sugere um efeito causado pelo mais alto teor de matéria orgânica verificado neste solo.

     

Conductivité électrique totale de sels doubles de type iodure d'argent—polydiiodure de N pentylène N′ alkylène tétraméthyl N,N, N′, N′, diammonium

Résumé Les ionènes de formule {[NMe₂(CH₂)₅NMe₂(CH₂) _n ]2I}_p (avec Me=radical méthyl;n=3, 4, 5; etp le degré de polymérization) ont été préparés. Leur spectre RMN et IR est présenté et discuté. Associés à de l'iodure d'argent, ils donnent des composés conducteurs qui suivent la loi d'Arrhénius. Le système AgI-polydiiodure de N pentylène N propyléne tétraméthyl N, N, N, N diammonium possède à 25°C une conductivité maximale de 0.01 cm^–1 pour une composition renfermant 80% en équivalent de AgI. Cette étude se place dans une perspective de mise au point de générateurs tout solide.

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Ionenes with the formula {[NMe₂(CH₂)₅NMe₂(CH₂) _n ]2I}_p (where Me=methyl group;n=3, 4, 5; andp the degree of polymerization) have been prepared. Their NMR and IR spectra are shown and discussed. When these compounds are associated with silver iodide they give conducting compounds which obey the Arrhenius law. The highest conductivity of the AgI–N-pentylene, N-alkylene, N, N, N, N-tetramethyl diammonium polyiodide system, at 25°C, is 0.01 cm^–1, corresponding to a compound containing 80% of AgI equivalent. This study has been carried out with the purpose of achieving solid generators.

     

Influence of soil physical properties, fertiliser type and moisture tension on N2O and NO emissions from nearly saturated Japanese upland soils

In Japan, upland soils are an important source of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO) gas emissions. This paper reports on an investigation of the effect of soil moisture near saturation on N₂O and NO emission rates from four upland soils in Japan of contrasting texture. The aim was to relate these effects to soil physical properties. Intact cores of each soil type were incubated in the laboratory at different moisture tensions after fertilisation with NH₄-N, NO₃-N or zero N. Emissions of N₂O and NO were measured regularly over a 16–20 day period. At the end of the incubation, soil cores were analysed for physical properties. Moisture and N fertiliser significantly affected rates of emissions of both N₂O and NO with large differences between the soil types. Nitrous oxide emissions were greatest in the finer-textured soils, whereas NO emissions were greater in the coarser-textured soils. Emissions of N₂O increased at higher moisture contents in all soils, but the magnitude of increase was much greater in finer-textured soils. Nitric oxide emissions were only significant in soils fertilised with NH₄-N and were negatively correlated with soil moisture. Analysis of soil properties showed that there was a strong relationship between the magnitude of emissions and soil physical properties. The importance of soil wetness to gas emissions was mainly through its influence on soil air-filled porosity, which itself was related to gas diffusivity. From the results of this research, we can now estimate likely effects of soil texture on emissions through the influence of soil type on soil aeration and soil drainage. This is of particular value in modelling N₂O and NO emissions from soil moisture status and land use inputs.     

Response to N-fertilizer of Italian ryegrass grown alone and in mixture with berseem clover under continental irrigated mediterranean conditions

In a field experiment over three growing seasons, the potential benefits of planting berseem clover (Trifolium alexandrinum L) with Westerwold Italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.) were examined under irrigated continental Mediterranean conditions.Similar N rates (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 kg N ha^–1 cut^–1) were applied to both pure Italian ryegrass stands and mixtures, each given three successive cuts. One previously unfertilized cut was performed in late winter. Species in the mixture were established at 50:50 seed ratio but the mean proportion of berseem clover was 14%. Mean winter survival of berseem was 87% but 88% of the plants had leaves damaged by the frost. Forage production varied with both N rate and cutting sequence in both the pure stand and the mixture but differences between the two types of swards were significant only at low levels of fertilizer N. Total DM production over the four cuts in plots with N applications of 0,90, 180, 270 and 360 kg N ha^–1 a^–1 were 7.14, 9.51, 11.66, 13.91 and 14.36 t DM ha^–1 a^–1 in pure stand, respectively. Corresponding values for the mixture were 8.80, 10.94, 12.90, 14.05 and 13.64 t DM ha^–1 a^–1. The mean response of Italian ryegrass in the range of 0–360 kg N ha^–1 a^–1 was 20 kg DM per kg N applied. The corresponding value for the mixture was 13 kg DM per kg N applied. At the berseem clover proportions reached in this work, N equivalence showed values of about 80 kg N ha^–1 a^–1. As rates of N increased from 0 to 120 kg N ha^–1 cut^–1, nitrogen concentration increased by 78%. In the applied range of N fertilizers, N0₃-N was not affected.

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Résumé Dans un essai réalisé au cours de trois saisons agricoles, on a étudié le potentiel de 1'association du bersim avec le raygrass italien. Les cultures ont été emenées et irrigué dans des conditions continentales méditerranéennes. On a appliqué, aussi bien pour la culture pure du raygrass que pour l'association, une fertilisation azotée avec les doses suivantes (0, 30, 60, 90 et 120 kg N/ha/coupe) après chacune des trois coupes successives. Une autre coupe avant fertilisation a été faite à la fin de 1'hiver. Les proportions du bersim et du raygrass dans le mélange de graines étaient de 50:50. Cependant, dans la culture en association, les plantes du bersim n'étaient préentés qu'avec un 14 pourcent. 87% des plantes du bersim ont pu survivre en hiver, dont 88% avaient des feuilles endommagées par les gelées. La production d'herbe a été proportionnelle aux doses de fertilisation pour la culture pure et l'association. Néanmoins, différence entre les rendements de chacune de ces dernières était d'autant plus nette que les doses d'azote incorporées dans le sol étaient faibles. La production de la MS pour les quatre coupes dans les parcelles avec les applications de 0, 90, 180, 270 et 360 kg N ha^–1 a^–1 étaient de 7.14, 9.51, 11.66, 13.51, 14.36 tMS ha^–1 a^–1. Le rendement moyen du raygrass italien dans un intervalle de 0-360 kg N ha^–1 a^–1 a été de 20 kg MS par kg de N de fertilisation. Concernant le bersim, les valeurs équivalentes de N étaient de 1'ordre de 80 kg N ha^–1 a^–1. Au fur et à mesure que les doses de fertilisation azotée augmente de 0 à 120 kg ha^–1 coupe, la concentration en azote augmente de 78%. Dans l'intervalle de la fertilisation azotée appliqué NO₃ -N n'a pas été affectée.

     

Seasonal N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O emissions respond differently to environmental and microbial factors after fertilization in wheat–maize agroecosystem

Biogeochemical processes regulating cropland soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions are complex, and the controlling factors need to be better understood, especially for seasonal variation after fertilization. Seasonal patterns of N₂O emissions and abundances of archaeal ammonia monooxygenase (amoA), bacterial amoA, nitrate reductase (narG), nitrite reductase (nirS/nirK), and nitrous oxide reductase (nosZ) genes in long-term fertilized wheat–maize soils have been studied to understand the roles of microbes in N₂O emissions. The results showed that fertilization greatly stimulated N₂O emission with higher values in pig manure-treated soil (OM, 2.88 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) than in straw-returned (CRNPK, 0.79 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) and mineral fertilizer-treated (NPK, 0.90 kg N ha^?1 year^?1) soils. Most (52.2–88.9%) cumulative N₂O emissions occurred within 3 weeks after fertilization. Meanwhile, N₂O emissions within 3 weeks after fertilization showed a positive correlation with narG gene copy number and a negative correlation with soil NO₃^? contents. The abundances of narG and nosZ genes had larger direct effects (1.06) than ammonium oxidizers (0.42) on N₂O emissions according to partial least squares path modeling. Stepwise multiple regression also showed that log narG was a predictor variable for N₂O emissions. This study suggested that denitrification was the major process responsible for N₂O emissions within 3 weeks after fertilization. During the remaining period of crop growth, insufficient N substrate and low temperature became the primary limiting factors for N₂O emission according to the results of the regression models.     

Nitrous oxide mitigation potential of reduced tillage and N input in durum wheat in the Mediterranean

In Italy, managed soils account for about 50% of annual national emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O), thus the effect of agricultural practices on N₂O emissions must be studied in order to develop mitigation strategies. Soil N₂O emissions were measured in two field campaigns (2013–2014 and 2014–2015) on durum wheat in a Mediterranean environment to test the mitigation potential of reduced tillage and nitrogen (N) fertilization rate. N₂O emissions were measured with a fully-transportable instrument developed during the project LIFE?+?IPNOA “Improved flux Prototypes for N₂O emission reduction from Agriculture” and equipped with an infrared laser detector. Reducing tillage from ploughing to minimum tillage had no effect on average daily N₂O flux, while decreasing the N rate from 170 to 110 kg N ha^?1 reduced the average daily N₂O flux, without negatively affecting the grain yield. Furthermore, N₂O daily flux were positively correlated with soil water filled pore space, NO₃-N, and NH₄-N concentrations, and they were largely variable between the two field campaigns as a result of different environmental and management conditions (i.e.: rainfall, different amount of crop residues incorporated in soil). Overall, the innovative fully-transportable instrument performed well in the field and allowed us to conclude that decreasing the N fertilizer rate was a valuable option to mitigate N₂O emissions without negative effects on wheat productivity.     

The influence of controlled release fertilisers and the form of applied fertiliser nitrogen on nitrous oxide emissions from an andosol

A laboratory experiment was conducted to determine whether applying controlled release nitrogen fertilisers could reduce nitrous oxide emissions from an andosol maintained at different water contents, compared with applying standard nitrogen fertiliser. The effect of the form of N applied (NH₄-N or NO₃-N) was also investigated. Soil was collected from an arable field and sub-samples were treated with controlled release or standard fertiliser, applied at a rate of 200 g N g^–1 dry soil either as NH₄ ⁺ or NO₃ ^–. The soils were maintained at 40%, 55%, 70% or 85% water filled pore space (WFPS) and incubated at 25 °C for 50 days. Gas samples were collected and analysed every 3–4 days and soil samples were analysed on five occasions during the incubation. Emissions of N₂O were much greater from ammonium sulphate than from calcium nitrate fertiliser, indicating that nitrification was the main source of the N₂O. Emissions at 85% WFPS were greater than at the lower water contents in all treatments. The use of controlled release NH₄-N fertilisers reduced and delayed the maximum peak of emissions, but at 55% and 70% WFPS this did not always result in lower total emissions. Emissions from the controlled release NO₃-N fertiliser were very low, but only significantly lower than from standard NO₃-N fertiliser at water contents below 85% WFPS. The results demonstrate that choosing the appropriate form of fertiliser in relation to expected soil moisture could significantly reduce N₂O emissions. Applying the fertiliser in a controlled-release form could further reduce emissions by reducing the length of time that fertiliser nitrogen is present in the soil and available for nitrification or denitrification.     

Électrodes minces de CdO préparées par pulvérisation réactive (‘spray’) ou par oxydation de cadmium déposé par metallisation sous vide. II. Hydratation et réduction des films de CdO

Résumé Les films CdO de quelques microns d'épaisseur obtenus par pulvérisation réactive et par métallisationoxydation sont examinés du point de vue de leur hydratation en Cd(OH)₂ et de leur réduction à l'état de Cd métallique, en milieu potassique aqueux. Le coefficient de diffusion des molécules H₂O à travers Cd(OH)₂ est mesuré en suivant la résistance des films, et est estimé de l'ordre de 10^–10 à 10^–11 cm²s^–1 pour les deux types de préparation. Des oscillations de potentiel pendant la réduction à courant constant révèlent un mécanisme dû à la compétition entre la réduction de CdO, son hydratation en Cd(OH)₂, la réduction et la dissolution de Cd(OH)₂.

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CdO films a few micrometers thick, which have been prepared by reactive spraying and by oxidation in air of evaporated cadmium, were examined with respect to their hydration into Cd(OH)₂ and to their reduction into Cd metal in aqueous potash solution. The diffusion coefficient of H₂O molecules through Cd(OH)₂ was measured by monitoring the film resistance, and was found to be in the order of 10^–10 to 10^–11 cm²s^–1 for both types of film. Oscillations of potential during the course of the reduction at constant current have unveiled a mechanism which is due to a competition between the reduction of CdO, its hydration into Cd(OH)₂, the reduction and the dissolution of Cd(OH)₂.

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ERA au CNRS No. 468 Electrochimie des Dérivés Métallo-minéraux et Métallo-organiques.     

Rates and controls of nitrous oxide and nitric oxide emissions following conversion of forest to pasture in Rondônia

Tropical soils are important sources of nitrous oxide (N₂O) and nitric oxide (NO) emissions from the Earths terrestrial ecosystems. Clearing of tropical rainforest for pasture has the potential to alter N₂O and NO emissions from soils by altering moisture, nitrogen supply or other factors that control N oxide production. In this review we report annual rates of N₂O and NO emissions from forest and pastures of different ages in the western Brazilian Amazon state of Rondônia and examine how forest clearing alters the major controls of N oxide production. Forests had annual N₂O emissions of 1.7 to 4.3 kg N ha^-1 y^-1 and annual NO emissions of 1.4 kg N ha^-1 y^-1. Young pastures of 1–3 years old had higher N₂O emissions than the original forest (3.1–5.1 kg N ha^-1 y^-1) but older pastures of 6 years or more had lower emissions (0.1 to 0.4 kg N ha^-1 y^-1). Both soil moisture and indices of soil N cycling were relatively poor predictors of N₂O, NO and combined N₂O + NO emissions. In forest, high N₂O emissions occurred at soil moistures above 30 water-filled pore space, while NO emissions occurred at all measured soil moistures (18–43). In pastures, low N availability led to low N₂O and NO emissions across the entire range of soil moistures. Based on these patterns and results of field fertilization experiments, we concluded that: (1) nitrification was the source of NO from forest soils, (2) denitrification was not a major source of N₂O production from forest soils or was not limited by NO- supply, (3) denitrification was a major source of N₂O production from pasture soils but only when NO₃^- was available, and (4) nitrification was not a major source of 3 NO production in pasture soils. Pulse wettings after prolonged dry periods increased N₂O and NO₃^- emissions for only short periods and not enough to appreciably affect annual emission rates. We project that Basin-wide, the effect of clearing for pasture in the future will be a small reduction in total N₂O emissions if the extensive pastures of the Amazon continue to be managed in a way similar to current practices. In the future, both N₂Oand NO fluxes could increase if uses of pastures change to include greater use of N fertilizers or N-fixing crops. Predicting the consequences of these changes for N oxide production will require an understanding of how the processes of nitrification and denitrification interact with soil type and regional moisture regimes to control N₂O and NO production from these new anthropogenic N sources.     

Nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural soils

This paper addresses three topics related to N₂O emissions from agricultural soils. First, an assessment of the current knowledge of N₂O emissions from agricultural soils and the role of agricultural systems in the global N₂O are discussed. Secondly, a critique on the methodology presented in the OECD/OCDE (1991) program on national inventories of N₂O is presented. Finally, technical options for controlling N₂O emissions from agricultural fields are discussed.The amount of N₂O derived from nitrogen applied to agricultural soils from atmospheric deposition, mineral N fertilizer, animal wastes or biologically fixed N, is not accurately known. It is estimated that the world-wide N₂O emitteddirectly from agricultural fields as a result of the deposition of all the above nitrogen sources is 2–3 Tg N annually. This amounts to 20–30% of the total N₂O emitted annually from the earth's surface. An unknown, but probably significant, amount of N₂O is generated indirectly in on and off farm activities associated with food production and consumption.Management options to limitdirect N₂O emissions from N-fertilized soils should emphasize improving N-use efficiency. Such management options include managing irrigation frequency, timing and quantity; applying N only to meet crop demand through multiple applications during the growing season or by using controlled release fertilizers; applying sufficient N only to meet crop needs; or using nitrification inhibitors. Most of these options have not been field tested. Agricultural management practices may not appreciably affect indirect N₂O emissions.     

Nitrous oxide formation potential of various humid tropic soils of Malaysia: A laboratory study

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) is formed mainly during nitrification and denitrification. Inherent soil properties strongly influence the magnitude of N₂O formation and vary with soil types. A laboratory study was carried out using eight humid tropic soils of Malaysia to monitor NH₄ ⁺ and NO₃ ^– dynamics and N₂O production. The soils were treated with NH₄NO₃ (100 mg N kg^–1 soil) and incubated for 40 days at 60% water-filled pore space. The NH₄ ⁺ accumulation was predominant in the acid soils studied and NO₃ ^– accumulation/disappearance was either small or stable. However, the Munchong soil depicted the highest peak (238 g N₂O-N kg^–1 soil d^–1) at the beginning of the incubation, probably through a physical release. While the Tavy soil showed some NO₃ ^– accumulation at the end of the study with a maximum N₂O flux of 206 g N₂O-N kg^–1 soil d^–1, both belong to Oxisols. The other six soils, viz. Rengam, Selangor, Briah, Bungor, Serdang and Malacca series, formed smaller but maximum peaks in an decreasing order of 116 to 36 g N₂O-N kg^–1 soil d^–1. Liming the Oxisols and Ultisols raised the soil pH, resulting in NO₃ ^– accumulation and N₂O production to some extent. As such the highest N₂O flux of 130.2 and 77.4 g N₂O-N kg^–1 soil d^–1 was detected from the Bungor and Malacca soils, respectively. The Selangor soil, belonging to Inceptisol, did not respond to lime treatment. The respective total N₂O formations were 3.63, 1.92 and 1.69 mg N₂O-N kg^–1 soil from the Bungor, Malacca and Selangor soils, showing an increase by 49 and 99% over the former two non-limed soils. Under non-limed conditions, the indigenous soil properties, viz. Ca⁺⁺ content, %clay, %sand and pH of the soils collectively could have influenced the total N₂O formation.     

Two-year field study on the emission of N2O from coarse and middle-textured Belgian soils with different land use

In the following study N₂O emissions from 3 different grasslands and from 3 different arable lands, representing major agriculture areas with different soil textures and normal agricultural practices in Belgium, have been monitored for 1 to 2 years. One undisturbed soil under deciduous forest was also included in the study. Nitrous oxide emission was measured directly in the field from vented closed chambers through photo-acoustic infrared detection. Annual N₂O emissions from the arable lands ranged from 0.3 to 1.5 kg N ha⁻¹ y⁻¹ and represent 0.3 to 1.0% of the fertilizer N applied. Annual N₂O emissions from the intensively managed grasslands and an arable land sown with grass were significantly larger than those from the cropped arable lands. Emissions ranged from 14 to 32 kg N ha⁻¹ y⁻¹, representing fertilizer N losses between 3 and 11%. At the forest soil a net N₂O uptake of 1.3 kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ was recorded over a 2-year period. It seems that the N₂O-N loss per unit of fertilizer N applied is larger for intensively managed and heavily fertilized (up to 500 kg N ha⁻¹) grasslands than for arable lands and is substantially larger than the 1.25% figure used for the global emission inventory. Comparison of the annual emission fluxes from the different soils also indicated that land use rather than soil properties influenced the N₂O emission. Our results also show once again the importance of year-round measurements for a correct estimate of N₂O losses from agricultural soils: 7 to 76% of the total annual N₂O was emitted during the winter period (October–February). Disregarding the emission during the off-season period can lead to serious underestimation of the actual annual N₂O flux. This revised version was published online in August 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Nitrous oxide emission from upland crops and crop-soil systems in northeastern China

Although it is known that crops can directly emit N₂O, their contribution to the total N₂O emission from crop-soil systems under field conditions is not well understood. This study was conducted to study the contribution of crops to total N₂O emission from soybean-soil and maize-soil systems in northeastern China. The effects of N fertilization on N₂O emission and NO ₃ ⁻ -N concentration in plants were also studied. The emission from crop-soil systems was measured with the closed chamber method, whereas the direct emission from crops was measured with the soil surface-sealed method. The addition of fertilizer N significantly increased the NO ₃ ⁻ -N concentration in crops and enhanced the N₂O emission from crop-soil systems and from crops alone. The amount of N₂O emitted directly from soybean plants accounted for 6 to 11% of the total soybean-soil emission. Similarly, the amount of N₂O emitted directly from maize plants accounted for 8.5 to 16% of the total maize-soil emission. The proportion of the applied N lost through direct N₂O emission from plants ranged from 0.19 to 0.34%, whereas the proportion of the applied N lost through N₂O emission from the crop-soil system ranged from 1.1 to1.9%. These results suggest that the use of chambers that do not include plants may lead to an underestimation of the total N₂O emission from crop-soil systems. This revised version was published online in November 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Subsoil <Superscript>15</Superscript>N-N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O Concentrations in a Sandy Soil Profile After Application of <Superscript>15</Superscript>N-fertilizer

Studies on emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O) from agricultural soils mostly focus on fluxes between the soil and the atmosphere or are limited to the atmosphere in the topsoil. However, in soils with shallow water tables, significant N₂O formation may occur closer to the groundwater. The aims of this study were (i) to determine the importance of subsoil N₂O formation in a sandy soil; and (ii) to obtain a quantitative insight in the contribution of subsoil N₂O to the overall losses of N₂O to the environment. We applied ¹⁵N labeled fertilizer at a rate of 5.22 kg ¹⁵N ha⁻¹; 50% as Ca(NO₃)₂ and 50% as NH₄Cl, on a mesic typic Haplaquod seeded with potatoes (Solanum tuberosum L.), and traced soil N₂O concentrations and fluxes over a one-year period. Throughout the year, total N₂O and the amount of ¹⁵N recovered in soil N₂O were highest in the subsoil, with a maximum concentration at 48 cm depth in mid-February of 19900 μl m⁻³ and 24 μg ¹⁵N m⁻³, respectively. The maximum concentration coincided with the highest water-filled pore space of 71%. The cumulative flux of N₂O was 446 g N₂O-N ha⁻¹, the recovery of ¹⁵N in this flux was 0.06%. During the summer, maximum fluxes followed high soil N₂O concentrations. During winter, no such relation was found. We concluded that the formation of N₂O was the highest in the subsoil, largely controlled by water-filled pore space rather than NO₃⁻ concentration or temperature. Although high subsoil N₂O concentrations did not lead to high surface fluxes of N₂O in the winter, artificial draining may lead to high indirect N₂O emissions through supersaturated drainage water.     

Estimates of the interannual variations of N2O emissions from agricultural soils in Canada

The DNDC model was used to estimate direct N₂O emissions from agricultural soils in Canada from 1970 to 1999. Simulations were carried out for three soil textures in seven soil groups, with two to four crop rotations within each soil group. Over the 30-year period, the average annual N₂O emission from agricultural soils in Canada was found to be 39.9 Gg N₂O–N, with a range from 20.0 to 77.0 Gg N₂O–N, and a general trend towards increasing N₂O emissions over time. The larger emissions are attributed to an increase in N-fertilizer application and perhaps to a trend in higher daily minimum temperatures. Annual estimates of N₂O emissions were variable, depending on timing of rainfall events and timing and duration of spring thaw events. We estimate, using DNDC, that emissions of N₂O in eastern Canada (Atlantic Provinces, Quebec, Ontario) were approximately 36% of the total emissions in Canada, though the area cropped represents 19% of the total. Over the 30-year period, the eastern Gleysolic soils had the largest average annual emissions of 2.47 kg N₂O–N ha^–1 y^–1 and soils of the dryer western Brown Chernozem had the smallest average emission of 0.54 kg N₂O–N ha^–1 y^–1. On average, for the seven soil groups, N₂O emissions during spring thaw were approximately 30% of total annual emissions. The average N₂O emissions estimates from 1990 to 1999 compared well with estimates for 1996 using the IPCC methodology, but unlike the IPCC methodology our modeling approach provides annual variations in N₂O emissions based on climatic differences.     

Nitrous oxide emissions as influenced by legume cover crops and nitrogen fertilization

In this study, we measured nitrous oxide (N₂O) fluxes from plots of fall-planted hairy vetch (HV, Vicia villosa) and spring-planted broadleaf vetch (BLV, Vicia narbonensis) grown as nitrogen (N) sources for following summer forage crabgrass (Digitaria sanguinalis). Comparisons also included 60 kg ha^?1 inorganic N fertilizer for crabgrass at planting (60-N) and a control without N fertilizer. Each treatment had six replicated plots across the slope. Fluxes were measured with closed chamber systems during the period between spring growth of cover crops and first-cut of crabgrass in mid-July. HV had strong stand and aboveground biomass had 185?±?50 kg N ha^?1 (mean?±?standard error, n?=?6) at termination. However, BLV did not establish well and aboveground biomass had only 35?±?15 kg N ha^?1. Ratio vegetation index of crabgrass measured as proxy of biomass growth was highest in HV treatment. However, total aboveground biomass of crabgrass was statistically similar to 60-N plots. Fluxes of N₂O were low prior to termination of cover crops but were as high as 8.2 kg N₂O ha^?1 day^?1 from HV plots after termination. The fluxes were enhanced by large rainfall events recorded after biomass incorporation. Rainfall enhanced N₂O fluxes were also observed in other treatments, but their magnitudes were much smaller. The high N₂O fluxes from HV plots contributed to emissions of 30.3?±?12.4 kg N₂O ha^?1 within 30 days of biomass incorporation. Emissions were only 2.0?±?0.7, 3.4?±?1.3 and 1.0?±?0.4 kg N₂O ha^?1 from BLV, 60-N and control plots, respectively.     

Fungal and bacterial contributions to codenitrification emissions of N<Subscript>2</Subscript>O and N<Subscript>2</Subscript> following urea deposition to soil

Grazed pastures contribute significantly to anthropogenic emissions of N₂O but the respective contributions of archaea, bacteria and fungi to codenitrification in such systems is unresolved. This study examined the relative contributions of bacteria and fungi to rates of denitrification and codenitrification under a simulated ruminant urine event. It was hypothesised that fungi would be primarily responsible for both codenitrification and total N₂O and N₂ emissions. The effects of bacterial (streptomycin), fungal (cycloheximide), and combined inhibitor treatments were measured in a laboratory mesocosm experiment, on soil that had received ¹⁵N labelled urea. Soil inorganic-N concentrations, N₂O and N₂ gas fluxes were measured over 51 days. On Days 42 and 51, when nitrification was actively proceeding in the positive control, the inhibitor treatments inhibited nitrification as evidenced by increased soil NH ₄ ⁺ -N concentrations and decreased soil NO ₂ ^? -N and NO ₃ ^? -N concentrations. Codenitrification was observed to contribute to total fluxes of both N₂O (≥ 33%) and N₂ (≥ 3%) in urine-amended grassland soils. Cycloheximide inhibition decreased NH ₄ ⁺ –¹⁵N enrichment and reduced N₂O fluxes while reducing the contribution of codenitrification to total N₂O fluxes by ≥ 66 and ≥ 42%, respectively. Thus, given archaea do not respond to significant urea deposition, it is proposed that fungi, not bacteria, dominated total N₂O fluxes, and the codenitrification N₂O fluxes, from a simulated urine amended pasture soil.     

Reducing nitrous oxide emissions and optimizing nitrogen-use efficiency in dryland crop rotations with different nitrogen rates

Recent interests in improving agricultural production while minimizing environmental footprints emphasized the need for research on management strategies that reduce nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions and increase nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) of cropping systems. This study aimed to evaluate N₂O emissions, annualized crop grain yield, emission factor, and yield-scaled- and NUE-scaled N₂O emissions under continuous spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (CW) and spring wheat–pea (Pisum sativum L.) (WP) rotations with four N fertilization rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg N ha^?1). The N₂O fluxes peaked immediately after N fertilization, intense precipitation, and snowmelt, which accounted for 75–85% of the total annual flux. Cumulative N₂O flux usually increased with increased N fertilization rate in all crop rotations and years. Annualized crop yield and NUE were greater in WP than CW for 0 kg N ha^?1 in all years, but the trend reversed with 100 kg N ha^?1 in 2013 and 2015. Crop yield maximized at 100 kg N ha^?1, but NUE declined linearly with increased N fertilization rate in all crop rotations and years. As N fertilization rate increased, N fertilizer-scaled N₂O flux decreased, but NUE-scaled N₂O flux increased non-linearly in all years, regardless of crop rotations. The yield-scaled N₂O flux decreased from 0 to 50 kg N ha^?1 and then increased with increased N fertilization rate. Because of non-significant difference of N₂O fluxes between 50 and 100 kg N ha^?1, but increased crop yield, N₂O emissions can be minimized while dryland crop yields and NUE can be optimized with 100 kg N ha^?1, regardless of crop rotations.

     

The effect of biological oxygen demand of cattle slurry and soil moisture on nitrous oxide emissions

The application of animal manure slurries to soils may cause high short-term emissions of nitrous oxide (N₂O). We performed studies on N₂O emissions varying the contents of NH₄-N and microbial available organic carbon (measured as biological oxygen demand, BOD) of cattle slurry. Additionally the effect of slurry BOD on N₂O emissions at different soil water contents (35, 54, 71% water filled pore space, WFPS) was studied. Slurries from an anaerobic digestion plant (digested slurry, BOD: 1.2 g O₂ l⁻¹) or untreated slurry (BOD: 6.8 g O₂ l⁻¹) were applied at 30 m³ ha⁻¹ and incubated at 20°C. The higher the WFPS the more N₂O was emitted independent from the type of slurry applied. At low and medium soil water contents, the digested slurry induced significantly lower N₂O emissions than the untreated slurry. The N₂O emissions were directly correlated with the BOD content of the slurry (R ²=0.61, P≤0.001). We also compared the effect of NH₄-N concentration and BOD on emissions from the slurries at 54% WFPS. Again the BOD had a significant influence on N₂O emissions but a reduction of NH₄-N had no effect on the amount of N₂O emitted. The microbially available organic carbon seems to determine the amount of N₂O emitted shortly after slurry application. This revised version was published online in June 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Interactions de la reduction du proton solvate et de l'oxygene dissous,sur une electrode de fer en solution sulfurique

Résumé A l'interface Fe/H₂SO₄, 1 N (aéré ou non), et dans le domaine de potentiel (–0·95, –1·2 V/E.S.S.), nous avons trouvé que le courant cathodique mesuré sur une électrode à disque tournant varie avec la vitesse de rotation suivant une loi de la forme:I=A+B ^1/2. A peut être identifié au courant de réduction du proton solvaté mais dépend fortement de la teneur en oxygène de l'électrolyte. La composante diffusionnelleB ^1/2 peut être identifiée à la réduction de l'oxygène dissous mais est très inférieure à celle relative à une surface uniformément réactive. Le blocage résultant est compatible avec l'analyse en fonction du potentiel de la corrélation entreA etB ^1/2 en supposant la réaction suivante: Fe H_adsFe H _ads ^* , où Fe H_ads est un hydrogène adsorbé faiblement lié de courte durée de vie (qq. s) et Fe H _ads ^* est un hydrogène adsorbé fortement lié de longue durée de vie (qq.h). Le déblocage résulte de la réaction chimique H_ads+1/4 O₂1/2 H₂O.Dans le cadre classique du mécanisme de dégagement de l'hydrogène en deux étapes, nous avons montré que notre modèle d'interdépendance implique que l'étape limitant la vitesse soit celle de Tafel à faible surtension et celle d'Horiuti pour des tensions cathodiques plus élevées.

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We found that at the 1 N Fe/H₂SO₄ (aerated or de-aerated) interface within the potential range (–0d95, –1.2 V/S.S.E.) the cathodic current measured on a rotating disc electrode varies with the rotation speed according to the relation:I=A+B^1/2. A can be assigned to the reduction of H⁺ but depends strongly on the oxygen concentration. On the other hand the diffusional componentB^1/2 can be assigned to the reduction of dissolved oxygen but is much lower than that relative to a uniform reactive surface. The resulting blocking is consistent with the analysis as a function of the potential of the correlation betweenA andB^1/2 by assuming the following reaction: Fe H_adsFe H _ads ^* . Fe H_ads and Fe H _ads ^* are adsorbed hydrogen low bonded with a short life time (a few s) and strong bonded with a long life time (a few h) respectively. The blocked surface is activated by the chemical reaction Fe H_ads+1/4 O₂1/2 H₂O+Fe.In the classic framework of the two-step hydrogen evolution mechanism, we demonstrated that our interdependence model implies that the rate determining step is the Tafel reaction at low overpotentials and the Horiuti reaction for the highest overpotentials.