Effect of crop type and crop growth on atmospheric nitrogen deposition

Varying atmospheric nitrogen (N) depositions for different crops were observed at Bad Lauchstädt (Saxony‐Anhalt, Germany) when using the ITNI system (ITNI = Integrated Total Nitrogen Input), which is based on the 15 N isotope dilution method. These differences were only partly explained by climatic influences. The effects of crops on the atmospheric N deposition measured by the ITNI system are discussed. For this purpose, data of six different plant species recorded in 1998 were re‐analyzed. It was found that the airborne N input is closely correlated with the morphology and metabolism of crops. Daily atmospheric N depositions of 129.0–360.8 g per hectare were measured for the plant species used. The nutritional supply of plants, especially with N, is another factor of influence on the N input from the atmosphere which should be considered. To investigate this aspect, a pot experiment was conducted with the grass Lolium perenne at three different N levels. An increase in the airborne N uptake (corresponding to N fertilization) was observed as biomass production rose.