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Estimating Sediment Denitrification Rates Using Cores and N2O Microsensors
Published on: December 6, 2018
Environmental Parameters Regulating Gaseous Nitrogen Losses from Two Forested Ecosystems via Nitrification and
1Department of Forestry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina 27695-8002, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service Southeastern Experiment Station, Coweeta Hydrologic Laboratory, Otto, North Carolina 28763.
Applied and Environmental Microbiology
|December 1, 1986
Summary
Forest soil nitrogen (N) loss via nitrous oxide (N2O) diffusion was studied. Soil moisture and base saturation significantly influenced N2O emissions, with riparian zones acting as key denitrification sites.
Area of Science:
- Forest ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Soil science
Background:
- Nitrogen (N) losses from forest ecosystems impact environmental quality.
- Understanding gaseous N emissions is crucial for watershed management.
- Disturbed forests may exhibit altered N cycling compared to reference sites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify gaseous nitrogen (N) losses, specifically nitrous oxide (N2O), from disturbed and reference forested watersheds.
- To identify key soil properties and environmental factors controlling N2O emissions.
- To differentiate N2O production pathways (nitrification vs. denitrification).
Main Methods:
- In situ N2O diffusion measurements over a 10-month period.
- Laboratory incubations to assess nitrification and denitrification processes.
- Analysis of soil properties including temperature, base saturation, and water-filled pore space.
Main Results:
- Soil temperature, base saturation, and water-filled pore space explained 43% of N2O diffusion variation.
- Nitrification-derived N2O correlated positively with base saturation and ambient nitrate (NO3).
- Denitrification was primarily influenced by soil moisture, precipitation, and slope position, with riparian zones showing high activity.
Conclusions:
- Riparian zones in disturbed watersheds are significant sites for nitrate (NO3) depletion via denitrification.
- Soil moisture is a critical factor controlling denitrification rates.
- Forest management practices and landscape position influence gaseous N losses.
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