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Updated: Jun 7, 2026
10:29
Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers
Published on: March 21, 2016
Nitrogen source effects on nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated no-till corn.
Ardell D Halvorson1, Stephen J Del Grosso, Alluvione Francesco
1USDA-ARS, 2150 Centre Ave., Bldg. D, Ste. 100, Fort Collins, CO 80526, USA. ardell.halvorson@ars.usda.gov
Journal of Environmental Quality
|November 4, 2010
Summary
Enhanced-efficiency nitrogen fertilizers significantly reduced nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions in irrigated no-till corn production. These advanced fertilizers lowered N2O losses without impacting crop yields, offering a sustainable solution for agriculture.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Environmental Science
- Soil Science
Background:
- Nitrogen fertilization is crucial for crop yield but can increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.
- Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas, and its agricultural emissions are a significant environmental concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced-efficiency nitrogen (N) fertilizers in reducing N2O emissions.
- To compare these fertilizers against conventional urea and urea-ammonium nitrate (UAN) in an irrigated no-till corn system.
Main Methods:
- Field study over two growing seasons in an irrigated no-till corn system.
- Application of four enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers (two polymer-coated urea, two with inhibitors) and conventional N sources.
- Measurement of nitrous oxide fluxes using static, vented chambers and gas chromatography.
Main Results:
- All tested enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers significantly reduced growing-season N2O-N emissions compared to urea and UAN.
- Specific products like SuperU and UAN+AgrotainPlus showed substantial reductions (up to 53%) compared to urea.
- N2O-N loss as a percentage of applied N was significantly lower for all enhanced-efficiency fertilizers compared to urea (0.3%).
- No significant reduction in corn grain yield was observed with the use of enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced-efficiency N fertilizers can effectively reduce N2O emissions in irrigated no-till corn production.
- These fertilizers offer a viable strategy to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions without compromising crop productivity.
- Findings are particularly relevant for semiarid central Great Plains agricultural systems.
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