1、Factors Affecting Nitrogen Fertilizer Volatilization
Any surface applied ammonia- and ammonium-based N fertilizer, including manure, can lose nitrogen (N) to the atmosphere via ammonia volatilization. The potential is greatest with urea and fluids containing urea such as urea ammonium nitrate (UAN; Table 1).
2、Ammonia volatilization from synthetic fertilizers and its mitigation
Ammonia (NH 3) volatilization is a major pathway of nitrogen (N) loss in agricultural systems worldwide, and is conducive to low fertilizer N use efficiency, environmental and health issues, and indirect nitrous oxide emission.
3、Volatilization: Understanding Nitrogen Loss
Learn about volatilization, one of the main nitrogen loss mechanisms. Discover how it occurs and ways to reduce this form of nitrogen loss.
4、Nitrogen Fertilizers and Volatilization of Ammonia, Carbonic Gas
Nitrogen stands out among the elements that plants need in greater quantity, and for this reason, nitrogen fertilizer is the most consumed, with an emphasis on urea.
The Science Behind Volatilization in Soil Management
In the context of soil management, volatilization primarily involves the loss of nitrogen compounds, especially ammonia (NH₃), from fertilizers applied to soil.
Understanding Factors Controlling Ammonia Volatilization from
Nitrogen losses via ammonia volatilization following surface application of NH4 or NH4-forming N fertilizers are controlled by various soil, environmental, and fertilizer management factors as discussed in the following sections.
Does Nitrogen Evaporate From Fertilizer
Many people mistakenly believe nitrogen fertilizer quickly evaporates after application, thus diminishing its effectiveness. In reality, evaporation is influenced by soil type, weather, and application methods.
(PDF) Nitrogen Fertilizer Volatilization
Because ammonium nitrate and incorporated urea have minimal volatilization, when yields and protein were similar between the two N sources and placements, minimal volatilization loss was assumed.
Ammonia volatilization as the major nitrogen loss pathway in dryland
NH 3 volatilizations were identified as the major pathways of soil N outputs. NH 3 volatilizations can be reduced by appropriate fertilizer and irrigation. The losses of excessive reactive nitrogen (N) from agricultural production pose detrimental impacts on water, air and land.
How Volatilization Affects Fertilizer Efficiency
Several factors contribute to the volatilization of nitrogen fertilizers: 1. Soil pH. Volatilization rates increase significantly in alkaline soils (pH above 7) because at higher pH levels ammonia is more likely to be present in its gaseous form rather than as ammonium ions bound to soil particles. 2. Temperature.
Nitrogen fertilizers in chemical fertiltilizers can be released into the atmosphere through volatilization, a phenomenon known as "volatilization." Volatilization refers to the process where gas molecules escape from solid or liquid substances into the air. The volatilization of nitrogen fertilizers primarily results from reactions between their nitrogen content and organic matter in the soil, producing ammonia (NH₃) and nitrate ions (NO₃⁻). Nitrogen fertilizers mainly consist of nitrogen elements, typically existing in forms such as ammonia (NH₃), nitrate nitrogen (NO₃⁻), or amides (NH₂-C₃H₅O₂). In soil, these nitrogen fertilizers can react with organic matter, generating ammonia, nitrates, and other compounds. These reactions include:
- Ammonia Volatilization: Ammonia, a primary form of nitrogen in fertilizers, can volatilize into the atmosphere from the soil. The rate of ammonia volatilization depends on temperature, humidity, soil type, and the kind of nitrogen fertilizer. Under high temperatures and humidity, ammonia volatilizes faster; conversely, it volatilizes slower under low temperatures and dry conditions. Additionally, soil type affects the volatilization rate; for example, clayey soils tend to volatilize ammonia more readily than sandy soils.
- Nitrate Volatilization: Nitrate (NO₃⁻), another common form of nitrogen fertilizer, can also enter the atmosphere through volatilization. Similar to ammonia, the volatilization rate of nitrates is influenced by temperature, humidity, and soil type. High temperatures and humidity accelerate nitrate volatilization, while low temperatures and dryness slow it down. Clayey soils also promote nitrate volatilization more than sandy soils.
- Amide Decomposition: Amides (NH₂-C₃H₅O₂), a unique form of nitrogen fertilizer, decompose into ammonia and water. The decomposition rate of amides is affected by temperature, humidity, and soil type. Decomposition is faster under high temperatures and humidity but slower under low temperatures and dry conditions. Clayey soils facilitate amide decomposition more than sandy soils. The volatilization of nitrogen fertilizers not only leads to nitrogen loss but also poses environmental and ecological risks. Nitrogen from fertilizers mainly volatilizes as ammonia, contributing to increased greenhouse gases and exacerbating global warming. ammonia is toxic and harmful to human health and ecosystems. rational application of nitrogen fertilizers to minimize volatilization losses is crucial for environmental protection and ecological balance.

