Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 3 — Observational / field trialPeer-reviewed

“Hot spots” of N and C impact nitric oxide, nitrous oxide and nitrogen gas emissions from a UK grassland soil

Nadine Loick, E. R. Dixon, Diego Ábalos, Antonio Vallejo, Peter J. Matthews, Karen McGeough, Catherine Watson, Elizabeth M. Baggs, L. M. Cardenas

Geoderma · 2017

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Summary

This field study investigated how localised inputs of nitrogen and carbon (termed 'hot spots') affect the speciation and magnitude of gaseous nitrogen losses from a UK grassland soil. The research suggests that certain application protocols may extend nitrogen residence time in soil, thereby reducing NO emissions whilst maintaining or improving plant-available nitrogen. Findings have implications for optimising fertiliser application strategies to minimise atmospheric nitrogen losses whilst preserving agronomic efficiency.

UK applicability

The study was conducted on UK grassland soil, making findings directly applicable to UK pasture management and fertiliser protocols. Results may inform best-practice recommendations for reducing nitrogen emissions from British grasslands whilst maintaining productivity and nutrient cycling efficiency.

Key measures

Emissions of NO, N₂O, and N₂ (in moles or flux units); nitrogen residence time in soil; plant nitrogen uptake; fertiliser efficiency metrics

Outcomes reported

The study measured nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and nitrogen gas (N₂) emissions from UK grassland soil under different nitrogen and carbon input scenarios. The research examined how the spatial distribution and residence time of applied nitrogen sources influence gaseous nitrogen losses.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Soil fertility & nutrient management
Study type
Research
Study design
Field trial
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
United Kingdom
System type
Pasture-based livestock
DOI
10.1016/j.geoderma.2017.06.007
Catalogue ID
BFmovi1pkk-h0nyx8

Topic tags

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