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Sources of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions on farms

Code: 9781835458471
Publication date: 17-09-2026
Extent: 12 pages

Contributions by: Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Aarhus University, Denmark

Chapter synopsis:

This chapter reviews farm-based sources of nitrous oxide (N₂O) as a greenhouse gas (GHG). As the chapter discusses, N₂O emissions on farms primarily result from microbial processes in areas with high concentrations of inorganic and organic nitrogen. The chapter explores direct N₂O emissions related to sources such as fertilizer use, crop residue and livestock management. It also explores sources of indirect emissions e.g. those related to the translocation and conversion of reactive organic and inorganic nitrogen compounds. The chapter considers variables affecting emissions such as stage of plant growth, weather and seasonal events.



DOI: 10.19103/AS.2025.0169.05
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Table of contents
  • 1 Introduction
  • 2 Soil-based sources and sinks of N2O at the farm level
  • 3 Direct N2O emissions due to fertilizer use
  • 4 Direct N2O emissions due to crop residue management and livestock excreta
  • 5 Indirect N2O emissions related to reactive nitrogen (Nr) losses
  • 6 Other on-farm sources of N2O emissions
  • 7 Conclusion and future trends
  • 8 Where to look for further information
  • 9 References

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