N2O emissions as response of process-related soil microbial activity to different irrigation and nitrogen fertilization regimes in potato cropping

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Liliane Rueß; Dr. Susanne Theuerl; Dr. Benjamin Trost
• Subject Area: Soil Sciences
• Term: from 2018 to 2023
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 405305955

Agricultural soils are one of the main sources of N2O emissions. The objective of the proposed project is to reveal the complex microbial-mediated processes behind N2O emissions – i.e. composition, distribution and especially activity of the soil-inhabiting microbial community - depending on different irrigation-fertilization regimes. Irrigation technologies and N fertilization regimes influence the spatial and temporal distribution of water and N in the soil and are hence expected to affect N2O producing microbial populations. The project combines agronomic and microbial investigations and N2O emissions measurements in a field experiment with a potato cropping system under sprinkling, drip irrigation, fertigation and non-irrigation. Cumulative area- and product-related N2O emissions and the major physical, chemical and biological factors are determined to derive appropriate management strategies.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Co-Investigator: Professorin Dr. Annette Prochnow