Summary
This field trial investigates how spatially variable application of nitrogen and carbon sources to UK grassland soil influences gaseous nitrogen emissions and plant-available nitrogen retention. The authors found that certain application patterns extended nitrogen residence time in soil, reducing nitric oxide emissions whilst potentially improving plant nutrient availability. These findings suggest that fertiliser application protocols could be optimised to minimise atmospheric nitrogen losses whilst maintaining agronomic efficiency.
UK applicability
Findings are directly applicable to UK grassland management and fertiliser practice, as the study was conducted on UK soil under local conditions. If the effects hold across broader soil types and climatic conditions, the results could inform policy and practical guidance on fertiliser application to reduce agricultural nitrogen emissions.
Key measures
Emissions of NO, N₂O, and N₂; soil nitrogen residence time; spatial distribution of N and C inputs; plant nutrient uptake efficiency
Outcomes reported
The study measured nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and nitrogen gas (N₂) emissions from a UK grassland soil under different nitrogen and carbon application patterns. The research examined how spatial heterogeneity in nutrient inputs affects the magnitude and composition of gaseous nitrogen losses.
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