Impact of nitrogen management on nitrous oxide emissions in agronomic long-term experiments (N2O-DV)

Short description

Nitrogen fertilization in crop production is one of the most important anthropogenic sources of climate-relevant nitrous oxide emissions. While the short-term effects of nitrogen fertilization on nitrous oxide emissions are relatively well understood, little is known about the long-term effects of crop management measures. Therefore, the goal of this project is to assess the long-term effects of crop rotations, as well as organic and inorganic fertilizer management in long-term crop experiments. This should contribute to climate-friendly nitrogen management in crop production. Within the framework of the project, four long-term experiments are evaluated at three locations (Giessen, Rauischholzhausen and Speyer). In these trials, the factors crop rotation, organic and inorganic nitrogen management have been varied in continuous patterns for at least 40 years. Nitrous oxide emissions are measured in all trials throughout the year, i.e. both during and outside the growing season. These measurements are supplemented by the analyses of soil parameters Nmin, total CN content, and microbial biomass and activity. In order to determine the yield effectiveness of different crop production variants and to put it in relation to nitrous oxide emissions, yield and quality parameters of the crop are also collected. Nitrous oxide emissions are balanced for individual years as well as for total crop rotation and emission factors are calculated. Thereby the project will help to devise climate –friendly nitrogen management strategies.

Project duration

Aug 2023 – July 2027

Staff involved

Yavar Vaziritabar, Michael Frei

Collaboration partners

LUFA Speyer

Funding

BMEL