Summary
This field-based study investigated how spatial variation in soil nitrogen and carbon distribution ('hot spots') influences gaseous nitrogen emissions from a UK grassland. The findings suggest that management practices prolonging the residence time of applied nitrogen sources in soil can reduce nitric oxide emissions while potentially enhancing plant nutrient uptake, with implications for optimising fertiliser application protocols to minimise environmental nitrogen losses without compromising agronomic efficiency.
UK applicability
The study was conducted on UK grassland soils and directly addresses nitrogen management in British pastoral systems, making findings directly applicable to UK farming practice. Results could inform revision of fertiliser application guidance for UK grasslands to balance emissions reduction with nutrient availability.
Key measures
Emissions of nitric oxide (NO), nitrous oxide (N₂O), and nitrogen gas (N₂); nitrogen source residence time in soil; plant nutrient uptake efficiency
Outcomes reported
The study examined how spatial heterogeneity ('hot spots') of nitrogen and carbon in grassland soil affect emissions of nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and nitrogen gas. The research investigated whether managing the residence time of applied nitrogen sources in soil could minimise gaseous nitrogen losses whilst maintaining plant nutrient uptake.
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