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Challenges in quantifying biosphere-atmosphere exchange of nitrogen species

  • M. A. Sutton*
  • , E. Nemitz
  • , J. W. Erisman
  • , C. Beier
  • , K. Butterbach Bahl
  • , P. Cellier
  • , W. de Vries
  • , F. Cotrufo
  • , U. Skiba
  • , C. Di Marco
  • , S. Jones
  • , P. Laville
  • , J. F. Soussana
  • , B. Loubet
  • , M. Twigg
  • , D. Famulari
  • , J. Whitehead
  • , M. W. Gallagher
  • , A. Neftel
  • , C. R. Flechard
  • B. Herrmann, P. L. Calanca, J. K. Schjoerring, U. Daemmgen, L. Horvath, Y. S. Tang, B. A. Emmett, A. Tietema, J. Peñuelas, M. Kesik, N. Brueggemann, K. Pilegaard, T. Vesala, C. L. Campbell, J. E. Olesen, U. Dragosits, M. R. Theobald, P. Levy, D. C. Mobbs, R. Milne, N. Viovy, N. Vuichard, J. U. Smith, P. Smith, P. Bergamaschi, D. Fowler, S. Reis
*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

Abstract

Recent research in nitrogen exchange with the atmosphere has separated research communities according to N form. The integrated perspective needed to quantify the net effect of N on greenhouse-gas balance is being addressed by the NitroEurope Integrated Project (NEU). Recent advances have depended on improved methodologies, while ongoing challenges include gas-aerosol interactions, organic nitrogen and N2 fluxes. The NEU strategy applies a 3-tier Flux Network together with a Manipulation Network of global-change experiments, linked by common protocols to facilitate model application. Substantial progress has been made in modelling N fluxes, especially for N2O, NO and bi-directional NH3 exchange. Landscape analysis represents an emerging challenge to address the spatial interactions between farms, fields, ecosystems, catchments and air dispersion/deposition. European up-scaling of N fluxes is highly uncertain and a key priority is for better data on agricultural practices. Finally, attention is needed to develop N flux verification procedures to assess compliance with international protocols.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)125-139
Number of pages15
JournalEnvironmental Pollution
Volume150
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPrint publication - Nov 2007
Externally publishedYes

UN SDGs

This output contributes to the following UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

  1. SDG 2 - Zero Hunger
    SDG 2 Zero Hunger

Keywords

  • Fluxes
  • Landscape
  • Micrometeorology
  • Modelling
  • Nitrogen
  • Regional up-scaling

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