Summary
This laboratory incubation study employed 15N isotope tracing to quantify the occurrence and magnitude of simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) in nitrogen-fertilised soils maintained under oxygen-limiting conditions. The work contributes to understanding of dual nitrogen transformation pathways that can occur in waterlogged or poorly aerated soils, as suggested by the methodological focus on coupled isotope approaches. The findings are relevant to predicting nitrogen losses and cycling dynamics in flooded agricultural systems and wetland soils.
UK applicability
The mechanisms identified are relevant to UK heavy clay soils and poorly drained arable fields prone to waterlogging, as well as to soil management practices affecting soil aeration. Understanding SND may improve nitrogen loss predictions in UK soil models and inform mitigation strategies in high-rainfall regions.
Key measures
15N-labelled quantification of nitrification and denitrification rates; simultaneous nitrification-denitrification flux; nitrogen gas production; soil oxygen status
Outcomes reported
The study quantified simultaneous nitrification and denitrification (SND) processes occurring in nitrogen-fertilised soils under oxygen-limiting conditions using 15N isotope tracing. Measurements focused on the relative contribution of SND to overall nitrogen cycling and losses in these conditions.
Topic tags
Dig deeper with Pulse AI.
Pulse AI has read the whole catalogue. Ask about this record, its theme, or how the findings apply to UK farming and policy — every answer cites the underlying studies.