Summary
This field study quantifies the unintended climate consequences of using nitrogen fertiliser to accelerate carbon sequestration in newly established forests. Applied across contrasting soil types in lowland England, the research demonstrates that N-fertiliser application significantly increases nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions whilst converting soils from methane sinks to sources, resulting in a net increase in Global Warming Potential that only partially offsets gains from enhanced tree growth. The findings suggest that early-stage afforestation strategies relying on synthetic nitrogen inputs may create a substantial 'carbon-equivalent-debt' that undermines climate mitigation objectives.
UK applicability
Directly applicable to UK afforestation policy and practice, particularly Government schemes promoting tree planting on former arable land. The study's focus on lowland English soils and demonstration of elevated N2O emission factors above IPCC defaults indicates that UK afforestation projects using fertiliser inputs may need revised carbon accounting and mitigation approaches.
Key measures
Greenhouse gas emission factors (CO2, N2O, CH4 fluxes); Global Warming Potential (GWP); N2O emission factors (EF); tree growth rates; soil type comparisons (loamy vs. sandy loam)
Outcomes reported
The study measured greenhouse gas fluxes (CO2, N2O, and CH4) in response to nitrogen fertilisation and irrigation on newly afforested arable land in central England across two soil types. Results showed that combined irrigation and N-fertiliser application increased total Global Warming Potential by 32–34% relative to unfertilised controls, despite enhanced tree growth.
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