ARS | Publication request: Nitrogen Source and Placement Affect Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Irrigated Corn in Colorado

Submitted to: Better Crops
Publication Type: Popular Publication
Publication Acceptance Date: August 22, 2012
Publication Date: November 26, 2012
Citation: Halvorson, A.D., Del Grosso, S.J. 2012. Nitrogen Source and Placement Affect Soil Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Irrigated Corn in Colorado. Better Crops. 96(4):7-9.

Interpretive Summary: Research shows that N fertilizer source affects growing season soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from irrigated corn systems in Colorado. Use of controlled release and stabilized N sources reduced N2O emissions under no-till (NT) and strip-till (ST) corn production systems up to 66% when compared to commonly used urea and up to 43% compared to UAN. Urease and nitrification inhibitor additions to urea and UAN resulted in significant reductions in N2O emissions, as did polymer-coating urea. Surface broadcast application of N sources resulted in lower N2O emissions than surface band applications. Choice of N source and placement can be valid management alternatives for reducing N2O emissions to the environment in semi-arid areas.

Technical Abstract: Limited information is available on the effects of N fertilizer source on soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. This article summarizes research conducted by the USDA-ARS from 2009-2011 on N fertilizer source effects on growing season soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from irrigated corn systems in Colorado. Use of controlled release and stabilized N sources reduced N2O emissions under no-till (NT) and strip-till (ST) corn production systems up to 66% when compared to commonly used urea and up to 43% compared to UAN. Urease and nitrification inhibitor additions to urea and UAN resulted in significant reductions in N2O emissions, as did polymer-coating urea. Surface broadcast application of N sources resulted in lower N2O emissions than surface band applications. Choice of N source and placement can be valid management alternatives for reducing N2O emissions to the environment in semi-arid areas.