Ammonia volatilization and nitrous oxide emissions from organic fertilizers applied to arable soils

Three field experiments were conducted in the North China Plain under different cropping systems during three different years and seasons.

One or two different organic fertilizers (biogas digestate, cattle slurry) and two or three application methods were compared. Ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions (in two experiments only) were measured in situ following fertilizer application. Generally, an increased incorporation depth strongly reduced NH3 losses but increased N2O emissions. The different application methods were evaluated regarding their combined global warming potentials.