Master of Science / Department of Agronomy / David B. Mengel / World population, together with the cost of crop production inputs, is increasing rapidly. The current seven billion people on earth are expected to reach nine billion by 2050 with resulting demands on world food production. In addition, the quality of our environment is being impacted by human activities, including agricultural production and crop fertilization. Nitrogen (N) management is the process of applying N fertilizers in a way to maximize use of N by crops, while minimizing loss to the environment. It is becoming imperative, as a means of increasing crop yields and food supplies, while reducing input usage, and minimizing the impact of N fertilization on the quality of our environment, that improved N application practices be identified and utilized. The objectives for this study were to compare the timing of anhydrous ammonia (AA) fertilizer N applications, fall and spring, with and without two different nitrification inhibitors (NI) as possible tools to enhance yield and Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) in corn (Zea mays) and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in Kansas. Two different nitrification inhibitors were tested as alternatives, N-Serve (nitrapyrin) produced and marketed by Dow AgroSciences, and an experimental product under development by Koch Agronomic Services LLC. Three differing rates of the experimental product were used to assist in determining the optimal rate for this product. The study was conducted over two growing seasons, 2012 and 2013, which differed significantly in rainfall, rainfall distribution, and resulting NUE. Experiments were established at three sites for both crops in both years, on sites/soils selected for differing potentials for N loss, and mechanisms of N loss. One site was established at the Kansas State University Agronomy North Farm (N Farm), where yield potential was high, and N loss potential was low. A second site was established under irrigation at the Kansas River Valley Experiment Field near Topeka, KS (KRV), on a coarse silt loam soil with high potential for N loss through leaching. The third site was established at the East Central Kansas Experiment Field near Ottawa KS (ECK), on a clay pan soil with a high potential for denitrification loss. Weather conditions together with soil characteristics played a major role in the performance of N timing applications and impacted the response to the use of the inhibitors. In low N loss environments such as the N Farm, fall applications of AA to increase spring time-availability for producers showed minimal negative effects on yield or NUE. When combined with a nitrification inhibitor in the fall, performance was similar to spring application for both corn and wheat. At the KRV site leaching loss or potential loss from fall application was high for corn and wheat in both years, however little impact on NUE with NI use was observed. At the high ECK denitrification site, there was only one N loss potential event leading to inhibitor performance at Ottawa in corn in 2013.

Metalaxyl, [N—(2,6-Dimethylphenyl)-N-(Methoxyacetyl)-alanine methyl ester], is used extensively in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) production for prevention of black shank (Phytophthora parasitica Dast. var. nicotianae), blue mold (Peronospora tabacina Adam), and damping-off (Pythigm spp.). Metalaxyl is also patented as a nitrification inhibitor, although not marketed for that purpose. Proper maturity and ripening of flue-cured tobacco depends on an adequate supply of N through the time of removal of the inflorescence, with a declining supply of N from that point. Use of a chemical which might prolong the availability of N in tobacco could delay maturity and reduce the quality of the cured leaf. These studies were conducted to determine whether metalaxyl might inhibit nitrification under a broad range of soil physical and environmental conditions prevalent in the tobacco producing areas of Virginia. The influence of soil type, soil pH, soil temperature, and soil moisture on inhibition of nitrification by metalaxyl (1 mg kg⁻¹) were investigated in three soils used extensively for tobacco production. Soils used in the study were Cecil sandy loam (clayey, kaolinitic, thermic Typic Hapludult), Appomattox fine sandy loam (clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Kandhapludult), and Mattoponi sandy loam (clayey, mixed, thermic Typic Hapludult). Metalaxyl did not inhibit nitrification under any of the conditions studied. However, NO₂⁻ accumulation with metalaxyl was sometimes greater than the control, especially at high pH (7.0) in the Cecil and Appomattox soils, and at 10 and 20°C. Nitrite and NO₃⁻ accumulations from four rates of metalaxyl (1, 5, 25, and 125 mg kg⁻¹) were compared with those of an untreated control and a nitrapyrin standard over a seven week soil incubation period in further studies using the same soils and adjusted pH levels. Significant NO₂⁻ accumulation occurred during the first week after treatment at high pH in all soil types, with 5, 25, and 125 mg kg⁻¹ metalaxyl. Only the 125 mg kg⁻¹ metalaxyl treatment caused NO₂⁻ accumulation at the high pH in all soils beyond the second week after treatment, with the peak occurring in most cases between weeks three and four. Nitrate accumulation proceeded normally in all soil types and pH levels except with treatments of 25 and 125 mg kg". Nitrate accumulations with 25 mg kg⁻¹ were similar to those for nitrapyrin. The 125 mg kg⁻¹ rate was consistent in causing near total inhibition of NO₃⁻ accumulation at all pH levels in all soils. Nitrate accumulation tended to be lower at lower soil pH levels compared to the highest pH for all soils. Little difference in nitrification due to soil appears to be evident. Use of metalaxyl at recommended rates of 0.25 to 1.5 mg kg⁻¹ would not be expected to inhibit nitrification. / Ph. D.

Two laboratory experiments were conducted to study the effects of salt and nitrogen-sulfur compounds on the transformations of nitrogen in three Arizona soils. In the first experiment the effect of NaCl in concentrations of 0 to 1 m (molal) at moisture levels of 1/3 and 15 bars was studied in the Gila and Laveen loam soils. At 1/3 moisture nitrification of urea-¹⁵N and native soil nitrogen was appreciably reduced only at 1 m salt level. At 15 bars moisture, nitrification was almost completely inhibited by the 1 m salt concentration. Mineralization of soil nitrogen was reduced more by decreasing moisture than by increasing salt concentrations. Ammonia volatilization was increased by both salt and moisture stress and was associated with inhibition of nitrification. Slight effects of salt were observed on ¹⁵N immobilization and ¹⁵N recovery (including volatilization). In the second experiment nitrogen-sulphur combinations (¹⁵N labelled) of KNO₃, KNO₃ + S, urea, urea + S, APS (ammonia polysulfide) and Thiosul (ammonium thiosulfate) were studied at field capacity (FC) and 1.5 FC moistures. In the calcareous Gila soil nitrification was suppressed by the presence of sulfur at 1.5 FC moisture. Volatilization losses were appreciable only from APS. Immobilization of ¹⁵N was greatest from treatments with the higher sulfur rate (elemental S). Denitrification was slightly increased by sulfur at FC, however, at 1.5 FC dramatic losses occurred by denitrification (autotrophic in the presence of sulfur, especially with elemental S. The nitrifying ability of the slightly acid and coarse textured Sonoita soil was low. Nitrification was suppressed more by the presence of sulfur at both moistures. Ammonia volatilization was appreciable from APS followed by urea. ¹⁵N immobilization was high from urea followed by APS. Appreciable losses by denitrification occurred only with APS. The Sonoita soil showed a lower sulfur oxidizing power than the Gila with the only appreciable rate of oxidation from Thiosul followed by APS.

Increasing pressure is being placed on the dairy industry to reduce nitrogen losses from soil. Nitrification inhibitors are a management strategy that could be implemented on dairy farms to help reduce losses of nitrogen. Nitrification inhibitors work by temporarily inhibiting the microbial conversion of soil ammonium to nitrate. Past trials have indicated that nitrification inhibitors can increase grass production and decrease nitrate leaching; however, little is known about the long-term effects on other soil nitrogen processes such as denitrification. Denitrification rates in soils can be limited by the availability of substrate (carbon and nitrate) and by insufficient anaerobic microsites. The objective of this thesis was to establish whether the nitrification inhibitor, dicyandiamide (DCD), could decrease denitrification rates in dairy farm soils by limiting nitrate availability. A field trial was established at Dexcel's research farm near Hamilton, New Zealand on a Typic Orthic Allophanic Soil. Twenty replicated field plots were established in a paddock, ten plots acted as controls and ten plots had DCD applied to the soil once a month at a rate of 30 kg ha-1 yr-1. Denitrification rates were measured using the acetylene inhibition technique on intact soil cores. Ammonium and nitrate concentration, soil carbon availability, denitrifying enzyme activity and soil pH were measured from soil samples collected monthly. Two further field experiments and one laboratory experiment were undertaken. The distribution of denitrifying enzyme activity with soil depth was measured to ensure that the depth to which denitrification was sampled (15 cm) in the field experiment was sufficient. DCD degradation in the field during 20 days was measured to establish how long the effects of DCD might last. A laboratory study investigated whether DCD would decrease denitrifying enzyme activity in soil, when soil conditions were optimized for denitrification. More than 80% of the denitrifying enzyme activity occurred in the top 15 cm of the soil profile, indicating that the depth to which samples were collected was sufficient. There was no significant decrease in denitrification rates in the field experiment when DCD was added. Nitrification was partially inhibited as shown by a significant increase in soil ammonium (+14%) and a significant decline in soil nitrate (-17%) in the DCD-amended soils compared to the control soils. However, the decline in soil nitrate was not great enough for nitrate to limit denitrification. Nitrate concentrations were consistently greater than 5 mg NO3- kg-1 soil (the proposed threshold for declines in denitrification). The laboratory study supported the field study with DCD having no effect on denitrifying enzyme activity and nitrate concentrations remaining above 5 mg NO3- kg-1 soil. So while DCD reduced nitrification rates and the formation of nitrate, denitrification rates were not limited by nitrate availability. DCD was completely degraded in the soil 19 days after DCD application, with a half-life of 2.9 days, which may be a reason for the minor inhibition of nitrification. Denitrifying enzyme activity, carbon availability and soil pH were all unaffected by the application of DCD.

Lignosulfonate (LS), a by-product of the pulp and paper industry, may have the potential to increase fertilizer N availability by acting as a urease and nitrification inhibitor. Four consecutive laboratory studies were conducted to evaluate the behavior of LS in agricultural soils. The effects of various types and rates of LS on soil respiration and soil N dynamics were determined. Effects of LS in combination with fertilizers on microbial activity and N dynamics were measured. Due to the high water solubility of LS a leaching column study was conducted to determine the potential leaching of LS. / Higher rates (20% w/w) of LS initially inhibited microbial activity. Generally LS was relatively resistant to degradation by soil microorganisms and small proportions of added LS-C ($<$2.1%) were leached from the soil columns, but leaching was a function of soil and moisture regime. Recovery of added mineral LS-N from soil treated with LS was low ($<$41%). Mineral N recovered from LS plus fertilizer amended soil was higher than recovery from corresponding fertilizer treatments. Lignosulfonate reduced urea hydrolysis and the proportion of added N volatilized as NH$ sb3$-N from a LS plus urea treatment. The mineral N pool from LS plus fertilizer treated soils had significantly lower NO$ sb3$-N concentrations than corresponding fertilizer treatments. Nitrification inhibition was believed to have been due to high fertilizer concentrations. At reduced urea and LS concentrations, LS decreased NO$ sb3$-N recovery in one of four soil types. However, reduced recovery may not have been from nitrification inhibition but possibly from denitrification or chemical reactions between N and phenolics from LS.

No description available.

Numerous Investigators have reported that NH₄⁺ uptake reduces the yield and quality of flue-cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.). Metalaxyl, a fungicide commonly used in the production of flue-cured tobacco, has been patented as a nitrification inhibitor. The objectives of this study were to 1) determine the influence of metalaxyl at commonly applied rates on the + nitrification of NH₄⁺ from various sources; 2) study the Influence of soil pH on inhibition of nitrification by metalaxyl; 3) study the Influence of N source and metalaxyl on N accumulation in the plant; and 4) evaluate the influence of N source and metalaxyl on the yield, quality, and chemical composition of flue-cured tobacco leaf. Field, greenhouse, and laboratory experiments were conducted in the Southern Piedmont region of Virginia in 1984 and 1985 to carry out these objectives. Metalaxyl was found to reduce the population of NH₄⁺ oxidizers in soil and inhibit nitrification at applications of 0.56, 1.12, and 3.36 kg ha⁻¹. The inhibitory effects of metalaxyl were much weaker than nitrapyrin. Nitrification was inhibited by metalaxyl only in soils where nitrification was slowed by low pH and wet conditions. In soils of high nitrifying capacity, metalaxyl did not inhibit nitrification. Nitrogen uptake was enhanced by high NO₃⁻ concentrations in the soil, except where metalaxyl reduced NO₃⁻ leaching. Cured leaf concentrations of N were not affected by N source but were slightly reduced by metalaxyl. Nitrogen source and metalaxyl did not affect yield, total alkaloids, or reducing sugars. Quality Index was reduced by decreased soil NO₃⁻ from both N source and metalaxyl. / M.S.

The influence of nitrification on the “soil” solution of container media has not been documented. The investigation of this influence is justified since the ionic form of N in a soil solution has a significant influence on plant tissue nutrient content and growth. Three genera of woody plants were grown in one-liter containers filled with pine bark, treated with and without a nitrification inhibitor and fertilized with 210 ml of a 100 ppm NH₄-N solution. Without the inhibitor and over time, “soil” solution NH₄-N concentrations and pH decreased and NO₃-N concentrations increased. “Soil” solution and tissue cation concentrations were generally greater without the inhibitor. In a second experiment, pine bark in one-liter containers was treated with either 0, 3 or 6 kg lime m⁻³. “Soil” solution data and NO₃-N accumulation rate (NAR) data showed an earlier nitrification of NH₄-N at the 6 kg lime compared to the 3 kg lime treatment whereas NO₃-N was not found at the 0 kg lime treatment. In a 3rd experiment, pine bark in one-liter containers was treated with 210 ml of either 25, 100 or 200 ppm NH₄-N. Over time “soil” solution NO₃-N concentrations were greatest and pH values were lowest at the 200 ppm N treatment. The NAR of the 25 ppm N treatment was less than the 100 and 200 ppm N treatment which were not different. The lack of correspondence between the “soil” solution NO₃-N data and the NAR data for the 100 and 200 ppm N treatments was explained on the basis of NH₄-N supply. In a 4th experiment, pine bark in one-liter containers were subjected to either 10°, 20°, 30° or 40° C for 24 days. “Soil” solution NH₄-N concentrations decreased over time at 10°, 20° and 30°. “Soil” solution NH₄-N and NO₃-N concentrations at 40° were considerably higher and lower, respectively, than at other temperatures. Over time the general order of NAR was: 20° = 30° > 10° > 40°. Results of these experiments indicate that nitrification is an important consideration in the nutrition of container-grown plants. / Ph. D.

Grazing pasture is a major system of livestock production in many countries and it has been identified as an important source of N2O from urine deposition on soils. The aim of this study was to determinate the N2O emissions from soil after urine deposition and the emission factor, in addition, determine how temperature and water content of the soil influence these emissions. We also intended to study a potential of mitigation using nitrification inhibitors. Soil and gas samples were collected in traditional livestock areas in Brazil and UK to evaluate the N2O emission dynamics under field conditions. In addition, incubation experiments were conducted to evaluate how temperature and water content affect N2O emissions in the soil and to study the potential mitigation on N2O emission from the soil after urine application, using two distinct nitrification inhibitors. In the field experiment, the N2O emission factor for cattle urine was 0.20% of the applied urine N in Brazil and 0.66% for the UK conditions. The incubation experiments showed the N2O emissions after urine application are higher in soils with high moisture and high temperature. The nitrification inhibitor effectiveness was not statistically significant, however had shown some N2O emission absolute reductions among 6% to 33% comparing with urine only application on the soil. Various physical and biological factors can be influence the effectiveness of the products. It confirmed that urine deposition can contribute to N2O emission from the soil and the temperature and water content can markedly increase these emissions. The nitrification inhibitors have a potential mitigation effect since some decreased emissions of almost 40%. The results in this study are pioneers and can be used as a basis for more complex evaluations and to help with determining the carbon footprint of beef production worldwide / Considerado o maior sistema de produção animal em muitos países, as pastagens tem sido identificadas como uma importante fonte de emissão de N2O, devido à deposição de urina ao solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as emissões de N2O do solo após a deposição de urina e seu fator de emissão, além disso, determinar como temperatura e teor de água do solo influenciam as emissões. Pretendeu-se também estudar o potencial de mitigação das emissões de N2O usando inibidores de nitrificação. Amostras de solo e de gás foram coletadas em áreas tradicionais de pastagens do Brasil e do Reino Unido para avaliar a dinâmica das emissões de N2O. Experimentos de incubação também foram realizados para avaliar a influência de fatores como temperatura e teor de água no solo nas emissões, além de avaliar o potencial de redução das emissões de N2O do solo após a aplicação da urina, utilizando dois inibidores de nitrificação. Nos experimentos de campo realizados no Brasil e no Reino Unido, o fator de emissão do N2O para a urina foi de 0,20% e 0,66% do nitrogênio na forma de urina bovina aplicada, respectivamente. Nos experimentos de incubação, as emissões de N2O após a aplicação de urina foram maiores em solos com alta umidade e alta temperatura. A eficácia no uso dos inibidores de nitrificação não foi estatisticamente significativa, no entanto mostrou uma redução absoluta entre 6% a 33% nas emissões de N2O comparado com a aplicação de apenas urina ao solo. Vários fatores físicos e biológicos podem ter influenciado a eficácia dos produtos. Dessa forma, confirma-se que a deposição de urina pode contribuir para a emissão de N2O do solo e que a temperatura e o teor de água no solo podem aumentar consideravelmente essas emissões. Os inibidores de nitrificação podem ser usados como um potencial de mitigação, já que houve redução em termos absolutos de quase 40% nas emissões. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo são pioneiros e poderão ser utilizados como base para avaliações mais complexas e contribuir para a determinação da pegada de carbono na produção de carne mundial

Grazing pasture is a major system of livestock production in many countries and it has been identified as an important source of N2O from urine deposition on soils. The aim of this study was to determinate the N2O emissions from soil after urine deposition and the emission factor, in addition, determine how temperature and water content of the soil influence these emissions. We also intended to study a potential of mitigation using nitrification inhibitors. Soil and gas samples were collected in traditional livestock areas in Brazil and UK to evaluate the N2O emission dynamics under field conditions. In addition, incubation experiments were conducted to evaluate how temperature and water content affect N2O emissions in the soil and to study the potential mitigation on N2O emission from the soil after urine application, using two distinct nitrification inhibitors. In the field experiment, the N2O emission factor for cattle urine was 0.20% of the applied urine N in Brazil and 0.66% for the UK conditions. The incubation experiments showed the N2O emissions after urine application are higher in soils with high moisture and high temperature. The nitrification inhibitor effectiveness was not statistically significant, however had shown some N2O emission absolute reductions among 6% to 33% comparing with urine only application on the soil. Various physical and biological factors can be influence the effectiveness of the products. It confirmed that urine deposition can contribute to N2O emission from the soil and the temperature and water content can markedly increase these emissions. The nitrification inhibitors have a potential mitigation effect since some decreased emissions of almost 40%. The results in this study are pioneers and can be used as a basis for more complex evaluations and to help with determining the carbon footprint of beef production worldwide / Considerado o maior sistema de produção animal em muitos países, as pastagens tem sido identificadas como uma importante fonte de emissão de N2O, devido à deposição de urina ao solo. O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar as emissões de N2O do solo após a deposição de urina e seu fator de emissão, além disso, determinar como temperatura e teor de água do solo influenciam as emissões. Pretendeu-se também estudar o potencial de mitigação das emissões de N2O usando inibidores de nitrificação. Amostras de solo e de gás foram coletadas em áreas tradicionais de pastagens do Brasil e do Reino Unido para avaliar a dinâmica das emissões de N2O. Experimentos de incubação também foram realizados para avaliar a influência de fatores como temperatura e teor de água no solo nas emissões, além de avaliar o potencial de redução das emissões de N2O do solo após a aplicação da urina, utilizando dois inibidores de nitrificação. Nos experimentos de campo realizados no Brasil e no Reino Unido, o fator de emissão do N2O para a urina foi de 0,20% e 0,66% do nitrogênio na forma de urina bovina aplicada, respectivamente. Nos experimentos de incubação, as emissões de N2O após a aplicação de urina foram maiores em solos com alta umidade e alta temperatura. A eficácia no uso dos inibidores de nitrificação não foi estatisticamente significativa, no entanto mostrou uma redução absoluta entre 6% a 33% nas emissões de N2O comparado com a aplicação de apenas urina ao solo. Vários fatores físicos e biológicos podem ter influenciado a eficácia dos produtos. Dessa forma, confirma-se que a deposição de urina pode contribuir para a emissão de N2O do solo e que a temperatura e o teor de água no solo podem aumentar consideravelmente essas emissões. Os inibidores de nitrificação podem ser usados como um potencial de mitigação, já que houve redução em termos absolutos de quase 40% nas emissões. Os resultados encontrados neste estudo são pioneiros e poderão ser utilizados como base para avaliações mais complexas e contribuir para a determinação da pegada de carbono na produção de carne mundial