Aqueous And Gaseous Nitrogen Losses Induced By Fertilizer Application

ASU Author/Contributor (non-ASU co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Chuanhui Gu Ph.D., Assistant Professor (Creator)
Institution
Appalachian State University (ASU )
Web Site: https://library.appstate.edu/

Abstract: Anthropogenic input of reactive nitrogen to ecosystems has led to significant environmental consequences [Galloway et al., 2003; Aber et al., 1998]. Use of nitrogen fertilizers in agriculture has a direct impact on water (NO3) and atmospheric pollution (N2O, NO, NH3) [Vitousek et al., 1997]. Groundwater NO3 concentrations exceed drinking water standards in many areas [Byrnes, 1990; Scanlon et al.,2007], resulting in potential human health effects (i.e., methemoglobulinemia [Hill, 1996]). Elevated NO3  concentrations in leachate and surface water can also lead to eutrophication of lakes and estuaries [Lowrance et al., 1997]. Agricultural land also has been identified as the major anthropogenic source of nitrous oxide (N2O) [Mosier, 1998; Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2007] and an important source of nitric oxide (NO) [Yienger and Levy, 1995] entering the atmosphere. Because the formation of these N species in soils is primarily through volatilization, nitrification, and denitrification [Bremner, 1997; McKenney and Drury, 1997; Firestone and Davidson, 1989], theirrelease rates can drastically increase with elevated inputs of nitrogen from fertilization. Nitrous oxide (N2O) is an important greenhouse gas and is also involved in the destruction ofstratospheric ozone [IPCC, 2001]. Nitric oxide (NO) emissions contribute to the formation of tropospheric ozone and acid deposition [McTaggart et al., 2002]. NH3 emissions affect the environment in the form of wet and dry depositionof NH4 + salts, causing acidification of poorly buffered soils and eutrophication [van der Weerden and Jarvis, 1997]. Such concerns have stimulated extensive studies in recent years to identify potential mitigation options for reducing N leaching and emission from agroecosystems [Skiba et al., 1997].

Additional Information

Publication
Gu, Chuanhui, Maggi,F., W.J.Riley, G.M. Hornberger, T.Xu, C.M Oldenburg, N.Spycher, N.L.Miller, R.T.Venterea, C.Steefel. (2009). "Aqeuous and Gaseous Nitrogen Losses Induced by Fertilizer Application," Journal of Geophysical Research-Biogeosicence. Version of record available from John Wiley and Sons. [DOI: 10.1029/2008JG000788], [ISSN: 0148-0227].
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Nitrous oxide, nitrogen, fertilization, volatization, acidification

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