Effect of Stover Management and Nitrogen Fertilization on N2O and CO2 Emissions from Irrigated Maize in a High Nitrate Mediterranean Soil

A high soil nitrogen (N) content in irrigated areas quite often results in environmental problems. Improving the management practices of intensive agriculture can mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study compared the effect of maize stover incorporation or removal together with different mineral N fertilizer rates (0, 200 and 300 kg N ha(-1)) on the emission of nitrous oxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) on a sprinkler-irrigated maize (Zea mays L.). The trail was conducted in the Ebro Valley (NE Spain) in a high nitrate-N soil (i.e. 200 g NO3-N kg(-1)). Nitrous oxide and CO2 emissions were sampled weekly using a semistatic closed chamber and quantified using the photoacoustic technique in 2011 and 2012. Applying sidedress N fertilizer tended to increase N2O emissions whereas stover incorporation did not have any clear effect. Nitrification was probably the main process leading to N2O. Denitrification was limited by the low soil moisture content (WFPS < 54%), due to an adequate irrigation management. Emissions ranged from -0.11 to 0.36% of the N applied, below the IPCC (2007) values. Nitrogen fertilization tended to reduce CO2 emission, but only in 2011. Stover incorporation increased CO2 emission. Nitrogen use efficiency decreased with increasing mineral fertilizer supply. The application of N in high N soils of the Ebro Valley is not necessary until the soil restores a normal mineral N content, regardless of stover management. This will combine productivity with keeping N2O and CO2 emissions under control provided irrigation is adequately managed. Testing soil NO3--N contents before fertilizing would improve N fertilizer recommendations.