A model of ammonia volatilization from applied urea. IV. Effect of method of urea application

Equations are given for calculating the initial distribution when a solute is (a) applied at the surface (b) placed below the surface and (c) mixed uniformly in a given depth of top soil. These equations are plugged into a predictive model developed by the authors (Rachhpal-Singh & Nye, 1986a) to compare the concentration profiles of ammoniacal-nitrogen and soil pH, and ammonia volatilization losses under the three methods of urea application. Placement of urea gave smaller ammonia losses than uniform mixing in the same depth of soil, which in turn gave smaller losses than surface application. Half-time for ammonia volatilization was about 6 days irrespective of the method and depth of urea application. Concentration profiles of ammoniacal-nitrogen and soil pH were more affected by variation in the depth of placement than by depth of mixing. The experimental ammonia volatilization losses and the concentration profiles of ammoniacal-nitrogen and soil pH agreed very well with those predicted by the model.     

A model of ammonia volatilization from applied urea. III. Sensitivity analysis, mechanisms, and applications

A sensitivity analysis of the model described in Part I showed that the proportion of N lost as ammonia from surface applied urea is very sensitive to the initial pH of the soil, its pH buffer capacity, the rate of urea application, and the soil urease activity. Under the conditions tested, the diffusion of bicarbonate ion to the soil surface, to neutralize the acid generated when NH₄⁺ is volatilized as NH₃, appeared to be the main process controlling the rate of ammonia volatilization. The amount of ammonia volatilized was not very sensitive to the value of the transfer coefficient between the soil surface and the atmosphere, nor to the soil moisture status if this was around field capacity. Adsorption of ammoniacal-nitrogen was less important than the soil pH buffer capacity in influencing the ammonia volatilization. Further applications and extensions of the model are discussed.     

A model of ammonia volatilization from applied urea. II. Experimental testing

Experimental methods for the measurement of the transfer coefficient for ammonia volatilization from the soil surface to the atmosphere, the gaseous diffusion impedance factor in soil, and other parameters required by the predictive model are described. Following surface application of urea to soil columns, the measured concentration profiles of urea, ammoniacal-nitrogen and soil pH, and the losses of ammonia by volatilization, were compared with the model predictions. The very good agreement between the measured and the predicted results suggested that all important processes have been accounted for in the model.     

A model of ammonia volatilization from applied urea. VI. The effects of transient-state water evaporation

Rachhpal-Singh & Nye's model of ammonia volatilization is further expanded to account for the effects of transient-state water evaporation when the soil surface dries significantly. Full details are given of the derivation and numerical solution of equations describing transient-state water movement, and the diffusion and convection in soil of urea and its hydrolysis products, and of acid generated by ammonia volatilization. For the wide range of soil hydraulic properties considered, the effects of a dry soil layer on the rate of volatilization supplement the effects of increased convective supply of NH⁺₄ and HCO^?₃ ions to the soil surface. The dry layer results in increased gaseous NH₃ diffusion through the soil, and thereby increases the flux of NH₃ across the soil surface and the neutralization of H⁺ ions generated by volatilization.     

Ammonia toxicity in aerobic rice: use of soil properties to predict ammonia volatilization following urea application and the adverse effects on germination

Recent studies indicate that aerobic rice can suffer injury from ammonia toxicity when urea is applied at seeding. Urea application rate and soil properties influence the accumulation of ammonia in the vicinity of recently sown seeds and hence influence the risk of ammonia toxicity. The objectives of this study were to (i) evaluate the effects of urea rate on ammonia volatilization and subsequent seed germination for a range of soils, (ii) establish a critical level for ammonia toxicity in germinating rice seeds and (iii) assess how variation in soil properties influences ammonia accumulation. Volatilized ammonia and seed germination were measured in two micro‐diffusion incubations using 15 soils to which urea was applied at five rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1.0 g N kg^?1 soil). Progressively larger urea rates increased volatilization, decreased germination and indicated a critical level for ammonia toxicity of approximately 7 mg N kg^?1. Stepwise regression of the first three principal components indicated that the initial pH and soil texture components influenced ammonia volatilization when no N was added. At the intermediate N rate all three components (initial pH, soil texture and pH buffering) affected ammonia volatilization. At the largest N rate, ammonia volatilization was driven by soil texture and pH buffering while the role of initial pH was insignificant. For soils with an initial pH > 6.0 the risk of excessive volatilization increased dramatically when clay content was <150 mg kg^?1, cation exchange capacity (CEC) was <10 cmol_c kg^?1 and the buffer capacity (BC) was <2.5 cmol_c kg^?1 pH^?1. These findings suggest that initial pH, CEC, soil texture and BC should all be used to assess the site‐specific risks of urea‐induced ammonia toxicity in aerobic rice.     

A model of ammonia volatilization from applied urea. V. The effects of steady-state drainage and evaporation

Rachhpal-Singh & Nye's model of ammonia volatilization is expanded to account for the effects of steady-state water movement by drainage or evaporation when the soil does not dry out to any great extent. The model shows how upward movement of water during evaporation increases volatilization by carrying urea-derived NH₄⁺ and HCO₃^? ions upward, thereby increasing the concentration of ammonia gas at the surface. Conversely, water drainage reduces volatilization by carrying the dissolved solutes into the soil. The model is used to assess the effects on volatilization of evaporating conditions and of irrigation or rainfall.     

Simulating in situ ammonia volatilization losses in the North China Plain using a dynamic soil‐crop model

Ammonia (NH₃) volatilization is an important N loss pathway in intensive agriculture of the North China Plain (NCP). Simulation models can help to assess complex N and water processes of agricultural soil–crop systems. Four variations (Var) of a sub‐module for the deterministic, process‐based HERMES model were implemented ranging from simple empirical functions (Var 3 and 4) to process‐oriented approaches (Var 1 and 2) including the main processes of NH₃ volatilization, urea hydrolysis, nitrification from ammonium‐based N fertilizer, and changes in soil solution pH. Ammonia volatilization, plant growth, and changes in ammonium and nitrate pools in the soil over several winter wheat–summer maize double‐crop rotations at three locations in the NCP were simulated. Results were calibrated with two data sets (Dongbeiwang 1, Shunyi) and validated using two data sets (Dongbeiwang 2, Quzhou). They showed that the ammonia volatilization sub‐module of the HERMES model worked well under the climatic and soil conditions of N China. Although the simpler equations, Var 3 and 4, showed lower deviations to observed volatilization across all sites and treatments with a mean absolute error (MAE) of 1.8 and 1.4 in % of applied N, respectively, compared to process‐oriented approaches, Var 1 and 2, with a MAE of 2.2 and 1.9 in % of applied N, respectively. Environmental conditions were reflected better by the process‐oriented approaches. Generally, simulation results were satisfying but simulated changes in topsoil pH need further verification with measurements.     

Volatilization of Ammonia Derived from Fertilizer and Its Reabsorption by Coffee Plants

Abstract

Volatilization of ammonia derived from nitrogen (N) fertilizers and its possible reabsorption by crops depend on specific soil, climate, and atmospheric conditions, as well as the method of fertilizer application and plant architecture. In an experiment carried out in Piracicaba, State of São Paulo, Brazil, the volatilization of ammonia derived from urea, ammonium sulfate, and natural soil were quantified using static semi‐open N‐ammonia (NH₃) collectors. Fertilizers were top‐dressed under the plant canopy on top of dead leaf mulch. In another experiment, the reabsorption of the volatilized ammonia by plants was quantified using ¹⁵N‐labeled urea. Results showed, as expected, that volatilization derived from urea was seven times more intense in relation to ammonium sulfate, whose volatilization was very low, and slightly more than the natural volatilization from soil at pH 5.3. The loss of ammonia from the ammonium sulfate was very low, little more than twice of that of the natural soil. Through isotopic labeling, it was verified that 43% of the volatilized N‐NH₃ was reabsorbed by coffee plants, which gives evidence that volatilization losses are greatly reversed through this process.     

Control of ammonia volatilization with N‐(N‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide in loamy sands

Abstract

In a laboratory study, ammonia (NH₃) was trapped from 10 g soil units treated with 10 mg urea‐N, 10 mg urea‐N plus 50 ug N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), or 10 mg urea‐N plus 50 ug phenyl‐phosphorodiamidate (PPD). The soil was a Dothan loamy sand with pH levels adjusted to 6.0, 6.5, and 6.9 prior to N application. After 12 days, NBPT reduced NH₃ volatilization 95 to 97%, while PPD reduced it 19 to 30%. Although NH₃ loss was positively related to initial soil pH, there was no interaction between pH and urease inhibitor. In a field study, NH₃ was trapped in semi‐closed chambers from 134 kg N/ha surface applied to corn (Zea mays L.) 6 weeks after planting. Nine days after N application, NH₃ losses were 20.5, 1.5, 1.5, and 0.2 kg N/ha from urea, urea plus 0.25% NBPT, urea plus 0.50% NBPT, and ammonium nitrate, respectively. Covariance analysis showed that percent organic matter was negatively related to NHL losses. The soil properties, initial pH, CEC, and percent sand, did not vary enough to affect NH₃ volatilization. In conclusion, in both the laboratory and the field, NBPT exhibited strong control of NH₃ volatilization, and could thereby prevent significant loss of surface‐applied urea‐N to crops.     

Potential for Ammonia Volatilization from Urea in Dryland Kentucky Bluegrass Seed Production Systems

Urea replaced ammonium nitrate (AN) as a nitrogen (N) source for dryland Kentucky bluegrass seed production in the inland Pacific Northwest in the United States. This study assessed ammonia (NH₃) volatilization, N recovery, and seed yield from urea as compared to AN. Laboratory incubations indicate NH₃ volatilization is greater from soil covered by fresh residue than soil alone or covered by burned residue. Although pH of the fresh and burned residues exceeded 8.0, urease activity in burned residue was <15% of that in unburned residue or soil. Ammonia volatilization from dry urea and fluid urea AN was greater than AN at burned and unburned sites after a 5 October application. Ammonia volatilization was higher and N recovery and seed yield were lower for urea after a 15 November application at an unburned site. To reduce NH₃ volatilization, apply urea to fields with low urease activity or moisture content and/or immediately before a significant rain event.     

Urea nitricphosphate for cool‐season grass production

Abstract

Significant losses of nitrogen (N) can occur via volatilization of ammonia (NH₃) when non‐incorporated broadcast applications of urea or urea‐containing fertilizers are made. This study was conducted to determine the efficacy of urea nitricphosphate (UNP) as an N and phosphorus (P) source for cool‐season grasses and to evaluate NH₃ volatilization potential of UNP as compared to urea under laboratory conditions. A three‐year field study compared UNP to ammonium nitrate (AN) and urea at 56 and 112 kg N/ha for tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis Leyss.). Brome yields were significantly higher from UNP as compared to urea for one of the three years. No such differences occurred with fescue. Nitrogen uptake was significantly higher from UNP as compared to urea for one year each for brome and fescue. Phosphorus uptake by brome was significantly higher from UNP as compared to urea for two years. Laboratory incubation studies showed significantly lower NH₃ volatilization from UNP than from urea after seven days, but no significant differences after 14 days. The delay in NH₃ volatilization was due to the diffusion and subsequent hydrolysis of urea immediately below the soil zone initially influenced by the UNP. The reduction in NH₃ volatilization at the early time could partially be attributed to an inhibition of urea hydrolysis and significantly lower soil pH values for UNP as compared to urea in the upper 30 mm of soil cores. The general conclusion from the field and laboratory work was that UNP is a suitable N source for cool‐season grasses, with the primary potential benefit being delayed NH₃ volatilization as compared to urea.     

南京两种菜地土壤氨挥发的研究

在南京雨花区武警农场和栖霞区东阳科技站先后进行了秋季小青菜和秋冬季大白菜田间试验,研究菜地土壤施用氮肥后的氨挥发及其影响因素,氨挥发采用密闭室间歇密闭通气法测定。结果表明,小青菜试验地的pH为5 .4 ,施肥后土壤pH值也未高于6 .0 ,故氨挥发损失低(<0 .4 % ) ;而在pH为7.7的大白菜试验地上,控释尿素、低氮和高氮3个处理(施氮量分别为N 180、30 0和6 0 0kghm-2 )氨挥发率分别为0 .97%、12 .1%和17 1%。以上结果表明,土壤pH是影响菜地土壤氨挥发的主要因素,降低氮肥用量能明显减少氨挥发,而施用控释尿素是一种有效控制氨挥发损失的措施。大白菜不同施肥期的结果还表明,施尿素后降雨通过降低表层土壤氮的浓度而影响氨挥发,降雨离施肥期越近,雨量越大,氨挥发越小     

Diffusion of urea, ammonium and soil alkalinity from surface applied urea

A model for predicting the concentration profiles of urea, ammonium and soil pH in a soil column following diffusion from a surface application of urea is developed, using independently derived parameters, and tested experimentally. The following processes within the model were studied separately under the same conditions as those in the diffusion run. The rate of urea hydrolysis as a function of substrate concentration and pH in the soil solution, and the sorption of urea and ammonium by the soil from solution. A theory for the propagation of changes of pH in soils was applied to describe the diffusion of soil alkalinity arising from urea hydrolysis. These processes were linked by three diffusion equations—for urea, NH₄ and soil alkalinity, which were solved numerically using finite difference methods. There was good agreement between experimental and predicted concentrations of urea and NH₄, and soil pH values at the two times tested.     

Calcium chloride and ammonium thiosulfate as ammonia volatilization inhibitors for urea fertilizers

Abstract

Surface‐applied urea fertilizers are susceptible to hydrolysis and loss of nitrogen (N) through ammonium (NH₃) volatilization when conditions favorable for these processes exist. Calcium chloride (CaCl₂) and ammonium thiosulfate (ATS) may inhibit urease activity and reduce NH₃ volatilization when mixed with urea fertilizers. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of CaCl₂ and ATS as urea‐N loss inhibitors for contrasting soil types and varying environmental conditions. The proposed inhibitors were evaluated in the laboratory using a closed, dynamic air flow system to directly measure NH₃ volatilization. The initial effects of CaCl₂ on ammonia volatilization were more accentuated on an acid Lufkin fine sandy loam than a calcareous Ships clay, but during volatilization periods of ≥ 192 h, cumulative N loss was reduced more on the Ships soil than the Lufkin soil. Calcium chloride delayed the commencement of NH₃ volatilization following fertilizer application and reduced the maximum N loss rate. Ammonium thiosulfate was more effective on the Lufkin soil than the Ships soil. For the Lufkin soil, ATS reduced cumulative urea‐N loss by 11% after a volatilization period of 192 h. A 20% (v/v) addition of ATS to urea ammonium nitrate (UAN) was most effective on the coarse textured Lufkin soil whereas a 5% addition was more effective on the fine textured, Ships soil. Rapid soil drying following fertilizer application substantially reduced NH₃ volatilization from both soils and also increased the effectiveness of CaCl₂ but not ATS. Calcium chloride and ATS may function as limited NH₃ volatilization inhibitors, but their effectiveness is dependent on soil properties and environmental conditions.     

Effect of urease and nitrification inhibitors on ammonia volatilization and abundance of N‐cycling genes in an agricultural soil

The effect of the combined application of urease and nitrification inhibitors on ammonia volatilization and the abundance of nitrifier and denitrifier communities is largely unknown. Here, in a mesocosm experiment, ammonia volatilization was monitored in an agricultural soil treated with urea and either or both of the urease inhibitor N‐(n‐butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT) and the nitrification inhibitor 3,4‐dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP), with 50% and 80% water‐filled pore space (WFPS). The effect of the treatments on the abundance of bacteria and archaea was estimated by quantitative PCR (qPCR) amplification of their respective 16S rRNA gene, that of nitrifiers using amoA genes, and that of denitrifiers by qPCR of the norB and nosZI denitrification genes. After application of urea, N losses due to NH₃ volatilization accounted for 23.0% and 9.2% at 50% and 80% WFPS, respectively. NBPT reduced NH₃ volatilization to 2.0% and 2.4%, whereas DMPP increased N losses by up to 36.8% and 26.0% at 50% and 80% WFPS, respectively. The combined application of NBPT and DMPP also increased NH₃ emissions, albeit to a lesser extent than DMPP alone. As compared with unfertilized control soil, both at 50% and 80% WFPS, NBPT strongly affected the abundance of bacteria and archaea, but not that of nitrifiers, and decreased that of denitrifiers at 80% WFPS. Regardless of moisture conditions, treatment with DMPP increased the abundance of denitrifiers. DMPP, both in single and in combined application with NBPT, increased the abundance of nitrification and denitrification genes.     

Minimizing Ammonia Volatilization from Urea in Waterlogged Condition Using Chicken Litter Biochar

Application of urea in lowland rice fields leads to ammonia (NH₃) volatilization and environmental pollution, and diminishes nitrogen recovery by rice (Oryza sativa L.). Amending urea with biochar could reduce NH₃ loss from urea as well as improve chemical properties of acid soils. An incubation study was conducted using a closed-dynamic air flow system to determine NH₃ volatilization from urea and chemical properties of an acid soil (Typic Paleudults). The soil was mixed with three rates of chicken litter biochar (20, 40, and 60 g pot^?1) and 1.31 g urea. Mixing an acid soil with biochar (60 g pot^?1) in waterlogged to stimulate conditions in paddy condition significantly reduced NH₃ loss and total titratable acidity. Biochar application also increased soil pH, total nitrogen, available nitrate, organic matter, total organic carbon, total carbon, available phosphorus, and exchangeable cations. Thus, chicken litter biochar can be used to reduce urea-N loss and ameliorate chemical properties of acid soils. This aspect is being embarked on in our on-going field experiments.     

水氮调控对设施土壤氨挥发特征的影响

基于连续6年设施番茄水氮调控定位试验,采用高分辨激光光谱法观测分析灌水下限(土壤水吸力为W_1:25 kPa、W_2:35 kPa、W_3:45 kPa)和施氮量(N_1:75 kg N/hm~2、N_2:300 kg N/hm~2、N_3:525 kg N/hm~2)对设施土壤氨挥发通量、累积挥发量、番茄产量及单产累积排放量的影响。结果表明:灌水下限、施氮量及两者交互作用极显著的影响设施土壤氨挥发通量峰值、累积挥发量、单产氨挥发累积量、氨挥发损失率和番茄产量。氨挥发通量表现为施氮后6～8天氨挥发达到峰值。经验S模型可以较好地表征基肥和追肥2个时期氨挥发累积量随时间的变化,氨挥发特征参数表现为基肥期以灌水下限和水氮交互影响为主,追肥期以施氮量和水氮交互影响为主。与基肥相比,采用滴灌追肥可显著的降低氨挥发累积量94.78%～96.30%。受土壤pH和土壤NH_4~+-N含量及施肥带比例影响,氨挥发的氮损失率在0～2%。施氮量为300 kg N/hm~2和灌水下限25 kPa组合的水氮处理(W_1N_2)是协调氨挥发量和设施番茄产量的最佳水氮管理模式。     

太湖地区稻田氨挥发及影响因素的研究

应用微气象学方法研究太湖地区水稻三个不同施肥期施用尿素后的氨挥发损失 ,并对其影响因素 (气候、田面水中NH 4 N浓度和作物覆盖等 )的作用进行了分析研究。结果表明 ,水稻施用尿素后的氨挥发损失为各时期施氮量的 18 6 %～ 38 7% ,其中以分蘖肥时期损失最大 ,其次为基肥 ,穗肥氨挥发损失最小。氨挥发损失主要时期是在施肥后 7d内。在水稻不同生长期 ,各因素对氨挥发的影响能力大小并不一样 ,三个施肥期的氨挥发损失通量与施肥后田面水中铵态氮浓度呈显著正相关。     

Controlled‐release urea decreased ammonia volatilization and increased nitrogen use efficiency of cotton

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilizer input leads to higher N loss via ammonia (NH₃) volatilization. Controlled‐release urea (CRU) was expected to reduce emission losses of N. An incubation and a plant growth experiment with Gossypium hirsutum L. were conducted with urea and CRU (a fertilizer mixture of polymer‐coating sulfur‐coated urea and polymer‐coated urea with N ratios of 5 : 5) under six levels of N fertilization rates, which were 0% (0 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 50% (110 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 75% (165 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 100% (220 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), 125% (275 mg N kg⁻¹ soil), and 150% (330 mg N kg⁻¹ soil) of the recommended N fertilizer rate. For each type of N fertilizer, the NH₃ volatilization, cotton yield, and N uptake increased with the rate of N application, while N use efficiency reached a threshold and decreased when N application rates of urea and CRU exceeded 238.7 and 209.3 mg N kg⁻¹ soil, respectively. Ammonia volatilization was reduced by 65–105% with CRU in comparison to urea treatments. The N release characteristic of CRU corresponded well to the N requirements of cotton growth. Soil inorganic N contents, leaf SPAD values, and net photosynthetic rates were increased by CRU application, particularly from the full bloom stage to the initial boll‐opening stage. As a result, CRU treatments achieved significantly higher lint yield by 7–30%, and the N use efficiency of CRU treatments was increased by 25–124% relative to that of urea treatments. These results suggest that the application of CRU could be widely used for cotton production with higher N use efficiency and lower NH₃ volatilization.     

Ammonia Volatilization from Soil,Dry-Matter Yield,and Nitrogen Levels of Italian Ryegrass

Nitrogen (N) loss by ammonia (NH₃) volatilization is the main factor for poor efficiency of urea fertilizer applied to the soil surface. Losses can be suppressed by addition of zeolite minerals to urea fertilizer. The objective of this study was to evaluate ammonia volatilization from soil and dry-matter yield and nitrogen levels of Italian ryegrass. A greenhouse experiment was carried out with the treatments of urea, urea incorporated into soil, urea + urease inhibitor, urea + zeolite, ammonium nitrate, and unfertilized treatment. Ammonia was captured by a foam absorber with a polytetrafluoroethylene tape. There were few differences between zeolite and urease inhibitor amendments concerning NH₃ volatilization from urea. Results indicate that zeolite minerals have the potential to improve the N-use efficiency and contributed to increasing N uptake. Zeolite and urea mixture reduced 50% the losses by volatilization observed with urea.