Freezing and thawing cycles affect nitrous oxide emissions in rain-fed lucerne (Medicago sativa) grasslands of different ages.

ABSTRACT: Lucerne (Medicago sativa L.) is a major component of the crops used in dry-land farming systems in China and its management is associated with notable nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions. A high proportion of these emissions is more likely to occur during periods when the soil undergoes freezing and thawing cycles. In this study, the effects of freeze/thaw cycles on N₂O emissions and related factors were investigated in lucerne grasslands. The hypothesis was tested whether increased emissions resulted from a disruption of nitrification or denitrification caused by variations in soil temperatures and water contents. Three days (3 × 24 h) were chosen, where conditions represented freezing and thawing cycles. N₂O emissions were measured for a fallow control (

SUBMITTER: Li Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8501990 | biostudies-literature | 2021

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature