Nitrous oxide: emission from soils during nitrification of fertilizer nitrogen.

Nitrous oxide is released from soils to the atmosphere during nitrification of ammonium and ammonium-producing fertilizers under aerobic conditions as well as by denitrification of nitrate under anaerobic conditions. Emissions of nitrous oxide during nitrification of fertilizer nitrogen may be significant in regard to the potential threat of fertilizer-derived nitrous oxide to the stratospheric ozone layer. Such emissions can be greatly reduced through the use of nitrapyrin, which inhibits nitrification of ammonium by soil microorganisms.