Mobile continuous-flow isotope-ratio mass spectrometer system for automated measurements of N(2) and N(2)O fluxes in fertilized cropping systems

The use of synthetic N fertilizers has grown exponentially over the last century, with severe environmental consequences. Most of the reactive N will ultimately be removed by denitrification, but estimates of denitrification are highly uncertain due to methodical constraints of existing methods. Here we present a novel, mobile isotope ratio mass spectrometer system (Field-IRMS) for in-situ quantification of N(2) and N(2)O fluxes from fertilized cropping systems. The system was tested in a sugarcane field continuously monitoring N(2) and N(2)O fluxes for 7 days following fertilization using a fully automated measuring cycle. The detection limit of the Field-IRMS proved to be highly sensitive for N(2) (54 g ha(−1) day(−1)) and N(2)O (0.25 g ha(−1) day(−1)) emissions. The main product of denitrification was N(2) with total denitrification losses of up to 1.3 kg N ha(−1) day(−1). These losses demonstrate sugarcane systems in Australia are a hotspot for denitrification where high emissions of N(2)O and N(2) can be expected. The new Field-IRMS allows for the direct and highly sensitive detection of N(2) and N(2)O fluxes in real time at a high temporal resolution, which will help to improve our quantitative understanding of denitrification in fertilized cropping systems.