Open AccessExploring global changes in agricultural ammonia emissions and their contribution to nitrogen deposition since 1980
Author(s) -
Lei Liu,
Wen Xu,
Xiankai Lu,
Buqing Zhong,
Yixin Guo,
Xiao Lu,
Yuanhong Zhao,
Wei He,
Songhan Wang,
Xiuying Zhang,
Xuejun Liu,
Peter M. Vitousek
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
proceedings of the national academy of sciences of the united states of america
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1091-6490
pISSN - 0027-8424
DOI - 10.1073/pnas.2121998119
Subject(s) - reactive nitrogen , nitrogen , ammonia , deposition (geology) , agriculture , environmental science , environmental chemistry , ecosystem , nutrient pollution , nitrogen cycle , pollution , environmental pollution , natural resource economics , environmental protection , chemistry , ecology , biology , economics , paleontology , organic chemistry , sediment
Significance Agricultural systems are already major forces of ammonia pollution and environmental degradation. How agricultural ammonia emissions affect the spatio-temporal patterns of nitrogen deposition and where to target future mitigation efforts, remains poorly understood. We develop a substantially complete and coherent agricultural ammonia emissions dataset in nearly recent four decades, and evaluate the relative role of reduced nitrogen in total nitrogen deposition in a spatially explicit way. Global reduced nitrogen deposition has grown rapidly, and will occupy a greater dominant position in total nitrogen deposition without future ammonia regulations. Recognition of agricultural ammonia emissions on nitrogen deposition is critical to formulate effective policies to address ammonia related environmental challenges and protect ecosystems from excessive nitrogen inputs.