The atmospheric nitrous oxide (N2O) is of special interest, due to its persistent effect as a potent greenhouse gas and stratospheric ozone destructor. Animal manure fertilization is one of the key factors contributing to N2O formation. In the Northeastern US, dairy industry is the largest agricultural activity, and the manure cropland fertilization is a common practice. Continuous monitoring of N2O emissions from croplands in New York State was conducted by eddy covariance method from 2006 to 2009. The research was aimed at quantification of N2O emissions from manure-fertilized corn (Zea mays) and alfalfa (Medicago sativa) fields, estimating strength and spatial variability of soil N2O sources by conducting simultaneous static chamber campaign, and analysis of temporal distribution of N2O fluxes as affected by seasonality of climate variations and manure practices. The analysis of cumulative N2O emissions and source contributions into the integrated flux showed that manure nitrogen (N) was the most important factor controlling the extent of N2O formation: areas which received more manure N were stronger N2O emitters. Whereas N availability determined a magnitude of N2O emissions, the environmental changes altering soil moisture and temperature status were major N2O event triggers. The temporal flux distribution demonstrated episodic event-induced nature of N2O peak fluxes, which were primarily driven by strong rainfall and warm temperatures in growing season and soil thaw in winter and early spring. The greatest N2O emissions were observed when flux-triggering weather events coincided with or followed manure application. The most intense single N2O peak event was produced from combination of summer manure spreading and strong rainfall; however spring thaw-induced N2O fluxes showed more consistent seasonal year-to-year trend. The daily average fluxes measured by the EC and chamber techniques were in good agreement. The spatial variability of chamber measurements was mainly caused by high heterogeneity of soil N2O formation, which resulted both in net N2O production and consumption. The EC integrated flux was strongly dependent on wind direction and contributing footprint. The combination of the two different scale methods may help in reducing temporal and spatial variability of N2O estimates and improving N2O emission data quality. .

In temperate climates, a significant fraction of annual emissions of nitrous oxide (N2O) from agricultural land occurs during soil thaw. The objective of this study is to determine the impact of conversion of long-term fallow grassland to perennial grass bioenergy crops on N2O emissions during spring-thaw, and to identify field-scale features that influence emissions. We measured mid-afternoon fluxes daily from March 27th to April 7th 2013 from fallow and reed canarygrass over a short topological gradient using static chambers. Soil temperature, volumetric water content, and above-ground biomass were also observed, as were hourly air temperature and precipitation. Hot-moment analysis, non-parametric statistics and modeling results show that in the reed canarygrass, the topologically low subplots exhibited significantly elevated emissions compared to the fallow. Our results suggest that conversion of fallow grassland to perennial grass cropping systems for bioenergy or other uses could increase spring-thaw N2O emissions in wetness prone areas.

Nitrous oxide gas is a long-lived relatively active greenhouse gas (GHG) with an atmospheric lifetime of approximately 120 years, and heat trapping effects about 310 times more powerful than carbon dioxide per molecule basis. It contributes about 6% of observed global warming. Nitrous oxide is not only a potent GHG, but it also plays a significant role in the depletion of stratospheric ozone. This book describes the anthropogenic sources of N2O with major emphasis on agricultural activities. It summarizes an overview of global cycling of N and the role of nitrous oxide on global warming and ozone depletion, and then focus on major source, soil borne nitrous oxide emissions. The spatial-temporal variation of soil nitrous oxide fluxes and underlying biogeochemical processes are described, as well as approaches to quantify fluxes of N2O from soils. Mitigation strategies to reduce the emissions, especially from agricultural soils, and fertilizer nitrogen sources are described in detail in the latter part of the book.

A young boy learns about land vehicles from bicycles to subways and trolleys as he and his father travel to the train station

This report is a comprehensive greenhouse gas inventory for both New York City as a whole & for City gov¿t. operations. While there is no substitute for fed. action, all levels of gov¿t. have a role to play in confronting climate change & its potential impacts, & this report will help N.Y. begin doing that more aggressively. Mayor Bloomberg created the Mayor¿s Office of Long-term Planning & Sustainability & charged it with developing a comprehensive sustainability plan for the City¿s future. The result is PlaNYC, which has set a goal of reducing missions by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030, an ambitious but achievable goal. This greenhouse gas inventory is a critical first step in reducing N.Y.¿s contribution to global carbon dioxide levels. Illustrations.

Provides complete coverage of the recovery of mineral nutrients from biomass and organic waste This book presents a comprehensive overview of the potential for mineral recovery from wastes, addressing technological issues as well as economic, ecological, and agronomic full-scale field assessments. It serves as a complete reference work for experts in the field and provides teaching material for future experts specializing in environmental technology sectors. Biorefinery of Inorganics: Recovering Mineral Nutrients from Biomass and Organic Waste starts by explaining the concept of using anaerobic digestion as a biorefinery for production of an energy carrier in addition to mineral secondary resources. It then discusses the current state of mineral fertilizer use throughout the world, offering readers a complete look at the resource availability and energy intensity. Technical aspects of mineral recovery organic (waste-)streams is discussed next, followed by an examination of the economics of biobased products and their mineral counterparts. The book also covers the environmental impact assessment of the production and use of bio-based fertilizers; modelling and optimization of nutrient recovery from wastes; and more. Discusses global production and consumption of mineral fertilizers Introduces technologies for the recovery of mineral NPK from organic wastes and residues Covers chemical characterization and speciation of refined secondary resources, and shows readers how to assess biobased mineral resources Discusses applications of recovered minerals in the inorganic chemistry sector Compares the economics of biobased products with current fossil-based counterparts Offers an ecological assessment of introducing biobased products in the current fertilizer industry Edited by leading experts in the field Biorefinery of Inorganics: Recovering Mineral Nutrients from Biomass and Organic Waste is an ideal book for scientists, environmental engineers, and end-users in the agro-industry, the waste industry, water and wastewater treatment, and agriculture. It will also be of great benefit to policy makers and regulators working in these fields.