ISSN:
1432-0789
Keywords:
Key words Nitrous oxide
;
Methane
;
Clover
;
Herb ley
;
Cultivation
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Biology
,
Geosciences
,
Agriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Fishery, Domestic Science, Nutrition
Notes:
Abstract Nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions and methane (CH4) consumption were quantified following cultivation of two contrasting 4-year-old pastures. A clover sward was ploughed (to 150–200 mm depth) while a mixed herb ley sward was either ploughed (to 150–200 mm depth) or rotovated (to 50 mm depth). Cumulative N2O emissions were significantly greater following ploughing of the clover sward, with 4.01 kg N2O-N ha–1 being emitted in a 48-day period. Emissions following ploughing and rotovating of the ley sward were much less and were not statistically different from each other, with 0.26 and 0.17 kg N2O-N ha–1 being measured, respectively, over a 55-day period. The large difference in cumulative N2O between the clover and ley sites is presumably due to the initially higher soil NO3 – content, greater water filled pore space and lower soil pH at the clover site. Results from a denitrification enzyme assay conducted on soils from both sites showed a strong negative relationship (r=–0.82) between soil pH and the N2O:(N2O+N2) ratio. It is suggested that further research is required to determine if control of soil pH may provide a relatively cheap mitigation option for N2O emissions from these soils. There were no significant differences in CH4 oxidation rates due to sward type or form of cultivation.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s003740050587
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