A dataset for 15N natural abundance of soil ammonia volatilization

Investigating the sources of ammonia (NH3) in the atmosphere and the contribution of each source is essential for environmental pollution control. The presented dataset aims to provide 15N natural abundance (delta 15N) data collected from different controlled treatments to fill the knowledge gap between insufficient data of soil delta 15N-NH3 and accurately identifying atmospheric NH3 source apportionments. Our results showed that the overall delta 15N-NH3 values emitted from soil ranged from -46.09 to 10.22 parts per thousand, with an average of -26.81 +/- 11.17 parts per thousand. The mean delta 15N-NH3 values under different nitrogen (N) application rates, N fertilizer types, air temperatures, soil moisture, soil pH, soil types, and land use types were -29.41 +/- 10.91, -32.43 +/- 6.86, -29.10 +/- 10.04, -30.31 +/- 6.18, -24.84 +/- 13.76, -23.53 +/- 7.66, and -14.57 +/- 12.54 parts per thousand, respectively. Significant correlations were observed between delta 15N-NH3 values and soil pH, soil NO3--N concentration, and NH3 volatilization. This unique database provides basic data and evidence for the qualification of atmospheric NH3 source apportionments under different study area conditions.