Atmospheric deposition as an important nitrogen load to a typical agro-ecosystem in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain. 2. Seasonal and inter-annual variations and their implications (2008–2012). (March 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Huang, Ping; Zhang, Jiabao; Ma, Donghao; Wen, Zhaofei; Wu, Shengjun; Garland, Gina; Pereira, Engil Isadora Pujol; Zhu, Anning; Xin, Xiuli; Zhang, Congzhi
• Is Part Of: Atmospheric environment. Volume 129(2016)
• Page Start: 1
• Page End: 8
• Publication Date: 2016-03
• Subjects: Nitrogen dry deposition -- Nitrogen wet deposition -- Water surrogate surface -- Inter-annual variations -- Agro-ecosystem -- Huang-Huai-Hai Plain; Air -- Pollution -- Periodicals; Air -- Pollution -- Meteorological aspects -- Periodicals; 551.51
• DOI: 10.1016/j.atmosenv.2016.01.015
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1352-2310

Abstract

Abstract: Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, an important N source to agro-ecosystems, has increased intensively in China during recent decades. However, knowledge on temporal variations of total N deposition and their influencing factors is limited due to lack of systematic monitoring data. In this study, total N deposition, including dry and wet components, was monitored using the water surrogate surface method for a typical agro-ecosystem with a winter wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) and summer maize ( Zea mays L.) rotation system in the Huang-Huai-Hai Plain from May 2008 to April 2012. The results indicated that annual total N deposition ranged from 23.8 kg N ha −1 (2009–2010) to 40.3 kg N ha −1 (2008–2009) and averaged 31.8 kg N ha −1 . Great inter-annual variations were observed during the sampling period, due to differences in annual rainfall and gaseous N losses from farmlands. Monthly total N deposition varied greatly, from less than 0.6 kg N ha −1 (January, 2010) to over 8.0 kg N ha −1 (August, 2008), with a mean value of 2.6 kg N ha −1 . In contrast to wet deposition, dry portions generally contributed more to the total, except in the precipitation-intensive months, accounting for 65% in average. NH 4 + -N was the dominant species in N deposition and its contribution to total deposition varied from 6% (December, 2009) to 79% (July, 2008), averaging 53%. The role of organic N (O–N) in both dry and wet deposition was equal to or even greater than that of NO 3 − -N. Influencing factors such as precipitation and its seasonal distribution, reactive N sources, vegetation status, field management practices, and weather conditions were responsible for the temporal variations of atmospheric N deposition and its components. These results are helpful for reducing the knowledge gaps in the temporal variations of atmospheric N deposition and their influencing factors in different ecosystems, to improve the understandings on N budget in the typical agro-ecosystem, and to provide references and recommendations for field nutrient management in this region. Highlights: High variability of N deposition existed in inter-seasonal and -annual scenarios. Variations of rainfall are responsible for the differences of N deposition. Field activities strongly impact N deposition in agro-ecosystems. Fertilizer use should consider the inter-annual variation of N deposition.