Anthropogenic Nitrous Oxide Emission from Agricultural Soils in Russia and its Role in the Global Climate Change

M. L. Gitarskiy, R. T. Karaban, D. E. Konyushkov, I. M. Nazarov, and A. A. Romanovskaya

The contribution of agricultural sector of Russia to global nitrous oxide (N2O) emission to the atmosphere is considered. Direct anthropogenic N2O emissions by agricultural soils were calculated for 1991, 1995, and 1996 being 116, 62.2, and 58.4 Gg in terms of nitrogen (N2O-N), respectively. The decrease in total nitrous oxide emission in 1995 and 1996 is related to general regression in agricultural production, particularly the reduced application of mineral and organic fertilizers. Additional investigations are required to specify emission factors for N2O in accordance with the national features of land use and the properties of soils under cultivation.

Joomla templates by a4joomla