Global estimates of gaseous emissions of NH3, NO and N2O from agricultural land

Plants take up only 50 percent of the nitrogen fertilizer applied to agricultural land. Part of this inefficiency is a result of emissions of ammonia (NH3), nitrous oxide (N2O) and nitric oxide (NO). Quantifying these emisions is important, both as part of an attempt to improve fertilizer use efficiency and because of their influence on ecosystems, atmospheric pollution and the so-called greenhouse effect. This report provides a comprehensive review of the literature about emissions of NH3, N2O and NO, and examines the regulating factors, measurement techniques and models. It draws these data together and generates global emission estimates that can serve as a basis for further addressing the issues of efficiency and environmental impact.