Pulse Brain · Growing Health Evidence Index
Tier 1 — Meta-analysis / systematic reviewPeer-reviewed

Direct nitrous oxide emissions in Mediterranean climate cropping systems: Emission factors based on a meta-analysis of available measurement data

María Luz Cayuela, Eduardo Aguilera, Alberto Sanz-Cobeña, Dean C. Adams, Diego Ábalos, Louise Barton, Rebecca Ryals, Whendee L. Silver, Marta Alfaro, V. A. Pappa, Pete Smith, Josette Garnier, Gilles Billen, Lex Bouwman, Alberte Bondeau, Luis Lassaletta

Agriculture Ecosystems & Environment · 2016

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Summary

This meta-analysis pooled field measurements of direct nitrous oxide emissions from Mediterranean climate cropping systems to establish robust, region-specific N₂O emission factors for greenhouse gas inventory and modelling applications. The large international author team synthesised data across multiple sites and management practices, deriving factors that reflect the particular soil and climatic conditions of Mediterranean agriculture rather than relying on global default values. The work addresses a recognised gap in regional emission factor specificity for this agro-climatic zone.

UK applicability

Mediterranean-derived emission factors have limited direct applicability to UK temperate cropping systems, which differ substantially in soil moisture, temperature regimes, and nitrogen cycling dynamics. However, the meta-analytical methodology and approach to regional factor derivation may inform development of UK-specific or temperate-zone emission factors for national greenhouse gas inventories.

Key measures

Direct N₂O emission factors (likely expressed as kg N₂O-N ha⁻¹ or percentage of applied nitrogen); emission factors stratified by management practice and Mediterranean climatic conditions

Outcomes reported

The study synthesised field measurements of direct nitrous oxide emissions from Mediterranean climate cropping systems to derive region-specific N₂O emission factors. These factors account for soil and climatic conditions particular to Mediterranean agriculture and are intended for use in greenhouse gas inventory and modelling work.

Theme
Climate & resilience
Subject
Climate & greenhouse gas mitigation
Study type
Meta-analysis
Study design
Meta-analysis
Source type
Peer-reviewed study
Status
Published
Geography
International
System type
Arable cereals
DOI
10.1016/j.agee.2016.10.006
Catalogue ID
BFmowc2b4w-r8hbhh

Topic tags

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