| In sub-humid ecosystems the potential for elevated N2O emissions and increased losses of NO3--N from no-tillage (NT) may offset other potential benefits. A study was conducted to determine the affect of tillage systems on N2O and NO3--N losses from the soil. Tillage did not significantly affect the depth of N 2O production or the loss of N2O and NO3 --N. There was a strong temporal effect in all compounds measured, which reflected the amount and state of water within the soil. Drain flow influenced loads, revealing a relationship between N2O and NO 3--N, with maximum loads reaching 0.012 kg N2O-N ha-1 and 4.5 kg NO3--N ha -1, respectively. Patterns exhibited by N2O flux were controlled by climatic factors and management factors, while the sole accumulation of N2O in the soil profile was a result of freeze/thaws events and released at spring thaw. |
