Absorption of 15N Enriched Ammonia by Winter Wheat at Different Growth Stages

BackgroundLoss of gaseous reactive nitrogen in the form of aerosols may impact human health, and its deposition leads to eutrophication and acidification of natural ecosystems. In order to reduce ammonia (NH3) emissions, which are a main pathway of nitrogen loss to the environment, accurate monitoring and understanding of the factors involved is required.AimsAs information on the absorption of NH3 by wheat plants in central Europe is scarce, we conducted a field experiment to quantify NH3 absorption by a winter wheat canopy in May and June with each two emission scenarios (5 and 12 kg NH3-N ha-1).MethodsTo induce NH3 emissions, a 15N enriched ammonium sulfate solution (pH 9) was applied in trays between the wheat rows.ResultsAbsorption of the volatilized NH3 of the aboveground plant biomass ranged between 23 and 181 mg NH3-N m-2 (corresponding to 14.8% and 20.0% of the emitted NH3) and was significantly higher during the first sampling in May, when compared to the second sampling in June. A higher emission led to a higher absolute amount absorbed.ConclusionsThe results indicate that wheat will indeed absorb significant amounts of NH3 emitted at ground level. They will be useful for further improving NH3 emission factors and the understanding of the NH3 emission pathway.