Summary
This paper presents and evaluates an isotopic mapping approach to quantify the reduction of N₂O to N₂ during soil denitrification, using stable isotope signatures to distinguish denitrification products. The methodology includes uncertainty analysis to improve the precision of nitrogen gas emissions estimates relative to N₂O, contributing to more accurate soil nitrogen cycling characterisation. The work is relevant to improving greenhouse gas inventories and understanding actual nitrogen losses from agricultural systems.
UK applicability
The isotopic methodology developed is applicable to UK agricultural soils for refining N₂O and N₂ emission estimates from denitrification, supporting more accurate national greenhouse gas reporting and informing soil management practices. The approach could enhance monitoring of nitrogen cycling in UK farming systems and support evidence-based nitrogen fertiliser policy.
Key measures
Stable isotope signatures (nitrogen and oxygen isotopes); N₂O to N₂ product ratios; denitrification pathway quantification; model-derived uncertainty estimates
Outcomes reported
The study quantified the proportion of denitrified nitrogen lost as N₂ versus N₂O using stable isotope signatures and evaluated a mathematical model for estimating product ratios. The work provided uncertainty analysis to improve estimates of actual nitrogen gas release relative to N₂O emissions in agricultural soils.
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