Author
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Halvorson, Ardell |
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Del Grosso, Stephen - Steve |
Submitted to: Better Crops
Publication Type: Popular Publication Publication Acceptance Date: 8/22/2012 Publication Date: 11/26/2012 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. |