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

Application of a triple 15N tracing technique to elucidate N transformations in a UK grassland soil

Nadine Loick, E. R. Dixon, G. Peter Matthews, Christoph Müller, Verónica Ciganda, María López‐Aizpún, Miguel A. Repullo, L. M. Cardenas

Geoderma · 2020

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Summary

This field study employed a novel triple 15N tracing approach to track nitrogen transformations in a UK grassland soil, as suggested by the methodology-focused title. The technique appears designed to simultaneously follow multiple nitrogen species through soil processes, offering insights into microbial-mediated N cycling under temperate grassland conditions. Such mechanistic understanding of soil nitrogen dynamics is relevant to optimising nutrient management and reducing losses in pastoral systems.

UK applicability

Findings from this UK-based grassland study directly apply to UK pastoral farming contexts and inform localised understanding of nitrogen cycling under native climate and soil conditions. The methodology and results may guide nitrogen fertiliser strategies and environmental protection measures for British grassland systems.

Key measures

15N isotope tracing; nitrogen transformation rates; nitrification and denitrification pathways; soil inorganic nitrogen pools

Outcomes reported

The study applied a triple 15N isotopic tracing technique to quantify nitrogen transformation pathways and cycling dynamics in grassland soil. The work aimed to elucidate the fate and mobility of different nitrogen forms under field conditions typical of UK grasslands.

Theme
Farming systems, soils & land use
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.2020.114844
Catalogue ID
MGmow3f0xu-tfuvoz

Topic tags

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