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Mapping global nitrogen deposition impacts on soil respiration.
1Faculty of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Road, Thunder Bay, Ontario P7B 5E1, Canada.
Atmospheric nitrogen deposition impacts soil respiration (Rs) differently based on soil pH and nitrogen amounts. While global Rs increased, specific regions with high deposition and low pH experienced declines, challenging universal negative impact assumptions.
Area of Science:
- Ecology
- Biogeochemistry
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Soil respiration (Rs) is crucial for terrestrial ecosystem health.
- The impact of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition on Rs globally is uncertain.
- Anthropogenic activities drive increasing atmospheric N deposition.
Approach:
- Conducted a meta-analysis of 340 experimental N addition studies.
- Identified key factors influencing Rs response to N deposition.
- Mapped global Rs changes under N deposition.
Key Points:
- Overall N addition effect on Rs was insignificant.
- Rs responses shifted from positive to negative with increased N and lower soil pH.
- Negative Rs responses intensified in acid soils.
- Heterotrophic and autotrophic respiration showed more negative responses in low pH soils.
Conclusions:
- Global Rs increased by 2.8% from 2000-2020 due to N deposition.
- Hotspots of Rs decline identified in Eastern U.S., Europe, and Eastern Asia.
- Findings highlight spatial heterogeneity in N deposition impacts on belowground processes and carbon release.
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