Effect of nitrogen (N) deposition on soil-N processes: a holistic approach

Nitrogen (N) deposition is a serious environmental issue for soil fertility and human wellbeing. Studies on various terrestrial ecosystems yielded fragmented information on soil-N status (microbial biomass- and mineral-N) and dynamics (N-mineralization and -leaching) whereas the holistic view on this issue is relatively unknown. A complete understanding of soil-N status and dynamics in response to N deposition is essential for sustainable management of ecosystem structure and function as needed for human wellbeing. Therefore, we conducted an experiment in the N-limited tropical grassland to explore the question whether N-deposition weakens the soil-N status and dynamics; if yes, then what could be the optimum amount of deposited N and the related controlling mechanism? We undertook a 3-year (2013–2016) experimental N fertilization (control, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N ha(−1) year(−1)) study (using urea as a source of N deposition). The data from a total of 72, 1 × 1 m plots (six treatments with 12 replicates) were collected and properly analysed with statistical software. N deposition caused significant differences in the parameters of soil-N status and dynamics. The responses of microbial biomass-N, N-mineralization, and mineral-N to the N deposition were quadratic (maximum values were in N(90)) whereas N-leaching showed a linear response. Compared to control, N deposition (30–150 kg N) consistently enhanced (29–96%) leaching of N. As a mechanism, acidification induced aluminium toxicity, carbon to nitrogen ratio and litter decomposition governed the soil-N status and dynamics. N deposition over and above 90 kg ha(−1) year(−1) resulted in a negative feedback to soil N transformation and availability. Hence, N deposition below 90 kg ha(−1) year(−1) could be a limit for the sustainable functioning of the tropical or similar grasslands.