Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass: Effects of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization (Year 2)

Authors

R. Braun, Kansas State UniversityFollow
D. Bremer, Kansas State UniversityFollow

Keywords

trace gas, climate change, greenhouse gas

Abstract

This study was conducted from 2013–2016 to determine how irrigation and N fertilization may be managed to reduce N₂O emissions and enhance carbon sequestration. In this study, annual nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions were greatest in urea and the least in unfertilized (no N) among treatments. During summer, the lower irrigation treatment resulted in less N₂O emitted. All fertilizer and irrigation treatments maintained acceptable quality and high levels of percent green cover; however, the controlled-release fertilizer resulted in more consistent turf quality and green cover compared to urea and unfertilized. Urea fertilizer had higher peak fluxes after fertilization and overall annual emissions than polymer-coated nitrogen (N) fertilizer. Thus, controlled-release N fertilizers, such as polymer-coated urea, and/or lower irrigation may reduce N₂O emissions in turfgrass.

Recommended Citation

Braun, R. and Bremer, D. (2017) "Nitrous Oxide Emissions and Carbon Sequestration in Turfgrass: Effects of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization (Year 2)," Kansas Agricultural Experiment Station Research Reports: Vol. 3: Iss. 4. https://doi.org/10.4148/2378-5977.7159