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Denitrification at Sub-Zero Temperatures in Arable Soils: A Review

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Abstract

Nitrogen (N) in agricultural fertilizers is denitrified by soil bacteria when oxygen is limited, which effectively removes plant-available N from the soil to the atmosphere. Reported denitrification rates range from 0 to 239 kg N ha − 1 yr − 1, and, depending upon environmental conditions and management, may reduce the amount of N available for crop growth by 27%. Denitrification in soils also results in emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O), which is a recognized pollutant that contributes to stratospheric ozone destruction and radiative forcing in the troposphere. Practitioners of sustainable agronomy aim to improve plant N-use efficiency and reduce emissions of the greenhouse gases by synchronizing N application and plant nutritional requirements. However, it is difficult to predict denitrification rates during and after the growing season based on current knowledge. High rates are consistently reported in irrigated cropping systems following heavy applications of fertilizer-N, but few studies report denitrification during the dormant season. Denitrification in winter may represent a significant sink for fertilizer-N in cropping systems, but further research at sub-zero soil temperatures is needed. Here, the three factors required for microbial denitrification: limited O2 availability, electron donors and electron acceptors, are reviewed based on soil research performed both above and below 0 ∘ C. Gaps in the knowledge of denitrification rates in cropping systems, particularly when soils are frozen, are identified. Sustainable management of N in cropping systems such as greater N-use efficiency and lower greenhouse gas emissions could be advanced by greater understanding of denitrification in winter.

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Acknowledgements

Special thanks to Drs. Joe Pikul, Steve Merrill, Bill Schlesinger, Steve Whalen, and Mark Liebig for their valuable comments.

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  1. USDA-ARS, 459, Mandan, ND, 58554, USA

    Rebecca L. Phillips

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  1. Rebecca L. Phillips
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  1. INRA-CMSE-PME, rue Sully 17, Dijon CX, 21065, France

    Eric Lichtfouse

  2. Unite d¿Écodéveloppement, INRA-SAD, Avignon CX 09, 84914, France

    Mireille Navarrete

  3. UMR AGIR, INRA, Toulouse CX, 31326, France

    Philippe Debaeke

  4. UMR SADAPT, INRA-INA PG, Thiverval-Grignon, 78850, France

    Souchere Véronique

  5. Dépt. Environnement et Agronomie, INRA Avignon, Avignon CX 9, 84914, France

    Caroline Alberola

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Phillips, R.L. (2009). Denitrification at Sub-Zero Temperatures in Arable Soils: A Review. In: Lichtfouse, E., Navarrete, M., Debaeke, P., Véronique, S., Alberola, C. (eds) Sustainable Agriculture. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-2666-8_5

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