Name: calibrated passive sampling - multi-plot field measurements of nh3 emissions with a combination of dynamic tube method and passive samplers
Uploaded: 2016-03-21T13:00:00
Description: Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers at JoVE.com

The author is grateful to Dr. Marco Roelcke, Dr. Dirk Niekisch, Dr. Robert Quakernack, Dr. Kang Ni for their effort in developing and further development of this approach. Many thanks also to the field technicians Doris Ziermann and Jun Yang. The underlying investigations were supported by Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, the Federal State Schleswig Holstein, EFRE grants of the European Union and SKW Piesteritz corp. as indicated in detail in the cited publications.

1. Experimental Design and General Operational Instructions
<ol>
	<li>Use comparatively large plots (12 m x 12 m or 9 m x 9 m) as compared to the sizes usually applied in replicated field trials (e.g. 3 m x 8 m) to avoid effects of uneven fertilizer distribution on ammonia emissions (Figure 2). Use square plot shapes to avoid effects of shifting wind directions on ammonia uptake by the samplers. Reduce drift of NH3 from one plot to the other to an acceptable degree by keeping a buff...

<ol>
	<li>Erisman, J. W., Bleeker, A., Hensen, A., Vermeulen, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Agricultural+air+quality+in+Europe+and+the+future+perspectives.">Agricultural air quality in Europe and the future perspectives.</a> Atmos. Environ. 42, 3209-3217 (2008).</li><li>Bremner, J. M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Recent+research+on+problems+in+the+use+of+urea+as+a+nitrogen+fertilizer.">Recent research on problems in the use of urea as a nitrogen fertilizer.</a> Fert. Res. 42, 321-329 (1995).</li><li>Sutton, M. A., Oenema, O., Erisman, J. W., Leip, A., van Grinsven, H., Winiwarter, W. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Too+much+of+a+good+thing.">Too much of a good thing.</a> Nature. 472, 159-161 (2011).</li><li>Glibert, P. M., Harrison, J., Heil, C., Seitzinger, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Escalating+worldwide+use+of+urea+-+a+global+change+contributing+to+coastal+eutrophication.">Escalating worldwide use of urea - a global change contributing to coastal eutrophication.</a> Biogeochemistry. 77, 441-463 (2006).</li><li>Sommer, S. G., Schjoerring, J. K., Denmead, O. T. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ammonia+emission+from+mineral+fertilizers+and+fertilized+crops.">Ammonia emission from mineral fertilizers and fertilized crops.</a> Adv. Agron. 82, 557-622 (2004).</li><li>Jensen, L. S., et al., Sutton, M. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Benefits+of+nitrogen+for+food,+fibre+and+industrial+production.">Benefits of nitrogen for food, fibre and industrial production.</a> The European Nitrogen Assessment. , (2011).</li><li>Sommer, S. G., Hutchings, N. J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ammonia+emission+from+field+applied+manure+and+its+reduction+-+invited+paper.">Ammonia emission from field applied manure and its reduction - invited paper.</a> Eur. J. Agron. 15, 1-15 (2001).</li><li>Shah, S. B., Westerman, P. W., Arogo, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measuring+ammonia+concentrations+and+emissions+from+agricultural+land+and+liquid+surfaces:+A+review.">Measuring ammonia concentrations and emissions from agricultural land and liquid surfaces: A review.</a> J. Air Waste Manage. 56, 945-960 (2006).</li><li>Loubet, B., Cellier, P., Flura, D., Genermont, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=An+evaluation+of+the+wind-tunnel+technique+for+estimating+ammonia+volatilization+from+land:+Part+1.+Analysis+and+improvement+of+accuracy.">An evaluation of the wind-tunnel technique for estimating ammonia volatilization from land: Part 1. Analysis and improvement of accuracy.</a> J. Agr. Eng. Res. 72, 71-81 (1999).</li><li>Vandr&#233;, R., Kaupenjohann, M. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+Situ+Measurements+of+Ammonia+Emissions+from+Organic+Fertilizers+in+Plot+Experiments.">In Situ Measurements of Ammonia Emissions from Organic Fertilizers in Plot Experiments.</a> Soil Sci. Soc. Am. J. 62, 467-473 (1998).</li><li>Roelcke, M., Li, S. X., Tian, X. H., Gao, Y. J., Richter, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=In+situ+comparisons+of+ammonia+volatilization+from+N+fertilizers+in+Chinese+loess+soils.">In situ comparisons of ammonia volatilization from N fertilizers in Chinese loess soils.</a> Nutr. Cycling Agroecosyst. 62 (1), 73-88 (2002).</li><li>Pacholski, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Calibration+of+a+simple+method+for+determining+ammonia+volatilization+in+the+field+-+comparative+measurements+in+Henan+Province,+China.">Calibration of a simple method for determining ammonia volatilization in the field - comparative measurements in Henan Province, China.</a> Nutr. Cycling Agroecosyst. 74, 259-273 (2006).</li><li>Flesch, T. K., Harper, L. A., Powell, J. M., Wilson, J. D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Inverse-dispersion+calculation+of+ammonia+emissions+from+Wisconsin+dairy+farms.">Inverse-dispersion calculation of ammonia emissions from Wisconsin dairy farms.</a> Trans. ASABE. 52, 253-265 (2009).</li><li>Gericke, D., Pacholski, A., Kage, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measurement+of+ammonia+emissions+in+multi-plot+field+experiments.">Measurement of ammonia emissions in multi-plot field experiments.</a> Biosystems Eng. 108 (2), 164-173 (2011).</li><li>Quakernack, R., Pacholski, A., Techow, A., Herrmann, A., Taube, F., Kage, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ammonia+volatilization+and+yield+response+after+application+of+biogas+residues+to+energy+crops+in+a+coastal+marsh+of+Northern+Germany.">Ammonia volatilization and yield response after application of biogas residues to energy crops in a coastal marsh of Northern Germany.</a> Agric., Ecosyst. Environ. 160, 66-74 (2012).</li><li>Ni, K., Pacholski, A., Gericke, D., Kage, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measurement+duration+required+for+determining+total+ammonia+losses+after+field+application+of+slurries+by+trail+hoses.">Measurement duration required for determining total ammonia losses after field application of slurries by trail hoses.</a> J. Agr. Sci. 151 (1), 34-43 (2013).</li><li>von Bobrutzki, K., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Field+inter-comparison+of+eleven+atmospheric+ammonia+measurement+techniques.">Field inter-comparison of eleven atmospheric ammonia measurement techniques.</a> Atmos. Meas. Tech. 3, 91-112 (2010).</li><li>Ni, K., Pacholski, A., Kage, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ammonia+volatilization+after+application+of+urea+to+winter+wheat+over+3+years+affected+by+novel+urease+and+nitrification+inhibitors.">Ammonia volatilization after application of urea to winter wheat over 3 years affected by novel urease and nitrification inhibitors.</a> Agric. Ecosyst. Environ. 197, 184-194 (2014).</li><li>Sintermann, J., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Are+ammonia+emissions+from+field-applied+slurry+substantially+over-estimated+in+European+emission+inventories.">Are ammonia emissions from field-applied slurry substantially over-estimated in European emission inventories.</a> Biogeosciences. 9, 1611-1632 (2012).</li><li>Mannheim, T., Braschkat, J., Marschner, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Measurement+of+ammonia+emission+after+liquid+manure+application.+2.+Comparison+of+the+wind+tunnel+and+the+IHF+method+under+field+conditions.">Measurement of ammonia emission after liquid manure application. 2. Comparison of the wind tunnel and the IHF method under field conditions.</a> J. Plant Nutr. Soil Sci. 158, 215-219 (1995).</li><li>Puchalski, M. A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Passive+ammonia+monitoring+in+the+United+States:+Comparing+three+different+sampling+devices.">Passive ammonia monitoring in the United States: Comparing three different sampling devices.</a> Environ. Monit. 13 (11), 3156-3167 (2011).</li><li>Tang, Y. S., Cape, J. N., Sutton, M. A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Development+and+types+of+passive+samplers+for+monitoring+atmospheric+NO2+and+NH3+concentrations.">Development and types of passive samplers for monitoring atmospheric NO2 and NH3 concentrations.</a> ScientificWorldJournal. 1, 513-529 (2001).</li></ol>

It was shown that the proposed method can be used to compare ammonia emissions from different fertilizer treatments in replicated field trials and to use the obtained statistically significant information from these measurements to improve management of N fertilizers. The quantity of emissions obtained by this approach has been validated in earlier studies by comparison with micrometeorological measurements13,15,16. In this paper, the quantitative validity of this approach was indirectly demonstrated by a clos...

Ammonia (NH3) is the only atmospheric trace gas predominantly (90%) emitted from agricultural sources in the EU. Although agriculture is also a major source (&#62;50% of EU emissions), these contribute only to about ~5% to the total of EU15 anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. In contrast, agricultural NH3 emissions are responsible for about 45% of emission-derived eutrophication, 31% of acidification and 12% fine dust formation within the EU151. In addition to detrimental effects to ecosystems and human health, nitrogen (N) loss by NH3 emission is an economic loss to farmers2. Nitrogen fertilizer is essential for the high rate of food production delivered by modern agriculture. Apart of the environmental damage, NH3 emissions thus, mean a considerable loss of nutrients, as NH3 is derived from fertilizer ammonium, in addition to nitrate the key mineral nitrogen species directly available to the plant governing crop growth processes and yield. Application of N fertilizers contributes &#8364;20-80 billion of profit per year for EU farmers but in turn it was estimated that NH3 released into the air from agriculture causes ~&#8364;50 billion in annual damage in the EU3. Therefore, reduction of NH3 emissions is essential for both decreasing the environmental effects and increasing the efficiency of the applied N.
In agriculture, NH3 is mainly emitted from animal houses, manure (slurries, anaerobic digestates (AD), solid manure) storage and management as well as manure field application. The propensity to emit NH3 differs depending on manure composition, e.g. dry matter content and manure pH. To some extent ammonium and amine based synthetic nitrogen fertilizers as urea and diammonium phosphate also contribute to NH3 emissions. Although calcareous ammonium nitrate (CAN) is the principal N fertilizer in many European countries, the use of granular urea has increased, and was second to CAN in Central and Western Europe in 20124. Urea is particularly popular in developing countries due to its advantages of a high N content, safety, and easy transportation and is the world&#39;s most important synthetic nitrogen fertilizer5. However, the increase of pH and surface soil NH4+-concentrations resulting from urea hydrolysis can result in high NH3 emissions. This can cause low N use efficiency, especially in alkaline soil or soil with low sorption capacity, which limits the use of urea fertilizer in Europe6,7.
Many studies on NH3 emission from organic and mineral fertilizer application and livestock housing have been performed in recent decades6, 8. Nevertheless, the research related to NH3 emissions after application of ammonia emitting fertilizers is still limited. This in particular applies to the relationship between ammonia emissions, fertilizer type used, site conditions and crop growth. Under ideal conditions this requires replicated field trials due to the variable response of crops to treatments which can only be validated in an experimental design including field replication for statistical testing.
Ammonia losses should therefore also be determined in replicated multi-plot field trials9, but the dominating ammonia loss methods yielding quantitative emissions (i.e. kg N/(ha*h)) require large field areas (micrometeorological methods), expensive equipment (wind tunnels) or in-field electrical power supply which make their application in replicated field trials difficult or impossible. In addition, specific settings of wind tunnels have been criticized with respect to the accuracy of obtained emission values10. Therefore, there is a strong need for an ammonia loss method to determine ammonia emissions in replicated field trials. This method could be used to help improve agricultural measures to reduce ammonia emissions based on statistically validated effects of site conditions, fertilizer type, application methods and crop development.
The basic idea of the new methodology, calibrated passive sampling, is to link a simple semi-quantitative measuring method for the measurement on many plots, with a quantitative method by simultaneous measurements with both methods on a few plots. Passive samplers modified compared to the design in the original publication11 are used as a semi-quantitative measurement method. The Dynamic-Tube Method (DTM)12, a calibrated dynamic chamber method, is employed to obtain a transfer coefficient, which converts the semi-quantitative losses of the passive sampler to quantitative losses (kg N ha-1). Due to the low air exchange rate in the chamber system uncalibrated emissions obtained from the DTM are about one order of magnitude lower than true emissions. However, this problem was overcome by a calibration equation which corrects the chamber fluxes depending on in-situ wind conditions13. These calibration equations can only be applied when chambers have the same internal headspace volume and design as those used in the calibration trials. Chambers can be directly inserted in soil or placed on soil rings. The latter prevent excessive disturbance of the soil and allows an almost airtight introduction of the chambers on dense grass swards or compacted soil. Moreover, the exact amount of fertilizer to be tested can be applied inside the soil rings. However, soil clods on the soil rings can also entail clamping between the chamber and the soil ring.
<img alt="Figure 1" src="/files/ftp_upload/53273/53273fig1.jpg" /> 
Figure 1: Simultaneous measurement with passive samplers and chamber method (DTM) in field plot. Passive sampler is located in the center of a square plot 0.15 m above soil/canopy. Measurements with DTM are made at least 2 locations within a plot per measurement date. Areas dedicated for harvest should not be affected by chamber and passive sampler measurement operations.
To derive the transfer coefficients measurements are carried out simultaneously on a small number of plots with both methods (Figure 1). It is important that they are applied with the same total measurement duration and that measurements are carried out at the same time (within 1 hr). The principle facilitating the application of a transfer coefficient for many plots is based on the fact that passive samplers placed in a homogeneous experimental field, with appropriate distance to obstacles disturbing the wind field as hedges, buildings etc. (at least 10 times, ideally 20 times of obstacle height)14, have the same NH3 absorption behavior under identical environmental conditions. So, for example, 50% lower emission on a plot would directly translate to 50% reduced ammonia uptake by a sampler solution. Therefore, a transfer coefficient used for scaling of acid trap values on a single plot can be used to scale the values of all acid traps used in the same field trial. Due to effects of varying environmental conditions (temperature, wind speed, surface roughness) on ammonia uptake efficiency of passive samplers11 the transfer coefficient has to be derived for each measurement campaign, respectively.
The general features of the two methods applied and the required design of field trials include 4 dynamic chambers placed onto the soil connected with Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubing and ventilated by a bellows pump (DTM), passive samplers and large quadratic experimental plots with large buffer spaces for reducing the effect of NH3 drift between plots on the emission measurement on the actual plot.
The passive samplers are filled with dilute sulfuric acid (0.05 M H2SO4) and are placed in the center of the plots. The solution in the passive samplers continuously absorbs ammonia, and is replaced regularly depending on the expected intensity of the emissions. Simultaneously, NH3 fluxes are measured with the DTM on two treatment plots and a control plot at specific points in time. In contrast to wind tunnels, both methods combined in calibrated passive sampling have only very limited effects on soil moisture, soil temperature and rainfall which can affect ammonia emission losses very strongly6,8. While passive samplers are mounted 0.15 m above soil and canopy surface, without any effect on those variables, measurements with DTM chambers last only for about 5 min reducing potential chamber effects to a minimum.
Accurate results for NH4+ concentrations in the sampling solution can be obtained by measurements with ammonium-sensitive electrodes. Measurements with Continuous-Flow Auto Analyzers can be problematic as pH sensitive color reaction applied in these instruments can by hampered by the acidic pH of the sampling solution and chemicals used require modification. NH3 concentrations in the air passed through the chamber system of the DTM are instantaneously measured with indicator tubes. The measured NH3 concentrations are recorded on a data sheet after each measurement.
For DTM, NH3 fluxes (mg N/(m&#178; *h)) are calculated from measured NH3 concentrations and air flow rate through the 4 chamber system and the area covered by the chambers (Eq. 1, paragraph 2.5.1). The resulting un-calibrated fluxes (which underestimate the true emissions) are scaled to quantitative losses with a calibration equation (Eq. 2 and 3, see paragraph 2.5.1). Scaled cumulative NH3 losses (kg N/ha) of the DTM are calculated by averaging the fluxes between two subsequent measurement dates, multiplying this average flux with the duration of each interval, and adding-up all losses from all measurement intervals of a measurement campaign. Cumulative qualitative NH3 losses (ppm sum) from passive samplers are calculated by adding up collected NH4+-concentrations (ppm) on a plot within an experimental campaign. This is feasible because under identical volume and measurement temperatures, ppm values directly translate into captured amounts of ammonia. To scale these qualitative losses to quantitative losses the transfer coefficient (kg N/(ha *ppm)) is derived by relating cumulative final loss of the DTM (kg N ha-1) to the total sum of concentrations in the samplers measured on the same plots. This transfer coefficient is then used to convert semi-quantitative emissions from passive sampling to quantitative fluxes (e.g. kg N/ha) by multiplying the cumulative concentrations with the transfer coefficient.
Loss of water from the collectors through evaporation does not affect the absorption capacity but has to be corrected later for data analysis. Spilling of solution due to during strong winds has not been observed even in the coastal marshes of northern Germany. Decisive for a successful application of this approach is the identical design of all passive samplers applied in the field including identical position and height of placement within a plot. Several designs of passive samplers have been successfully applied in the past. This paper suggests one particular design which has proved reliable and easy to operate in field measurements. The presented approach has been extensively tested by comparison to standard ammonia loss methods (micrometeorological methods) in about 15 field trials confirming the quantitative validity of the procedure15,16 and an unbiased representation of the emissions dynamics17. The coefficient of determination (r&#178;) of calibrated fluxes compared to the micrometeorological measurements in the calibration study13 was 0.84, quite similar to the coefficient obtained by comparing ammonia sensors for measured atmospheric ammonia concentrations in a recent study18. The relative root-mean-square error of cumulative ammonia losses was 17%, also quite close to values obtained in other studies comparing micrometeorological measurements13. In the second validation where the proposed method was compared to micrometeorological measurements of ammonia emissions from organic slurries (5 separate trials), an r&#178; of 0.96 (slope of curve &#8776; 1) and a relative root-mean-square error of 5% was obtained for final cumulated ammonia emissions15. The method has proved sensitive in a 3 year field trial using different synthetic N fertilizers19. The application of this approach is restricted to average wind speeds &#8804;4 m/sec at 2 m height as the chamber method was only validated under those conditions 13,15,16.
A measurement campaign is defined as an experiment testing ammonia emissions after application of fertilizers on several plots lasting for several days, up to weeks. Each measurement campaign on a plot consists of several subsequent sampling intervals (passive sampler) or measurement dates (DTM). Sampling interval is defined as sequential duration of absorbance of emitted ammonia by a sampling solution. Measurement date is defined as sequential point in time at which DTM measurements are done on different plots used for deriving the transfer coefficient.

<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="1019">
	<tbody>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:171px;">stainless steel Dr&#228;ger chamber + soil rings</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Fa. Hofmann GmbH, Metallindustriewerk, Kiel, Germany</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">no number</td>
			<td style="width:80px;"></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="42">
			<td height="42" style="height:42px;width:171px;">roofs and stainless steel rod for passive sampler</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Fa. Hofmann GmbH, Metallindustriewerk, Kiel, Germany</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">no number</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:171px;">ammonia electrode + bench</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Thermo scientific</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">Cat. No. 9512BNWP or 951201</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:171px;">ammonia electrode filling solution</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Thermo scientific</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">Cat. No. 951202</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="80">
			<td height="80" style="height:80px;width:171px;">Ammonia calibration standards; 0.1 M ammonia chloride standard</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Thermo scientific</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">Cat. No. 951006&#160;</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:171px;">Dr&#228;ger pumps</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Draeger Safety AG&#38; Co Kg</td>
			<td style="width:443px;"></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="21">
			<td height="21" style="height:21px;width:171px;">Dr&#228;ger tubes</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Draeger Safety AG&#38; Co Kg</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">types: 0.25/a; 2/a; 5/a</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="60">
			<td height="60" style="height:60px;width:171px;">acid resistant passive sampling bottles (Azlon bottle, HDPE)</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">Dunn Labortechnik GmbH</td>
			<td style="width:443px;">Cat.No.: BGE230P</td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="60">
			<td height="60" style="height:60px;width:171px;">small vials (scintilation bottles PE 60 mm X 27 mm)</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">any laboratory store</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:171px;">PTFE tubing 7 mm x 1 mm WDG</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">any laboratory store</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
		<tr height="40">
			<td height="40" style="height:40px;width:171px;">connectors PP Y-Form 6-7 mm</td>
			<td style="width:327px;">any laboratory store</td>
			<td></td>
			<td></td>
		</tr>
	</tbody>
</table>

calibrated passive sampling - multi-plot field measurements of nh3 emissions with a combination of dynamic tube method and passive samplers

Agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions (90% of total EU emissions) are responsible for about 45% airborne eutrophication, 31% soil acidification and 12% fine dust formation within the EU15. But NH3 emissions also mean a considerable loss of nutrients. Many studies on NH3 emission from organic and mineral fertilizer application have been performed in recent decades. Nevertheless, research related to NH3 emissions after application fertilizers is still limited in particular with respect to relationships to emissions, fertilizer type, site conditions and crop growth. Due to the variable response of crops to treatments, effects can only be validated in experimental designs including field replication for statistical testing. The dominating ammonia loss methods yielding quantitative emissions require large field areas, expensive equipment or current supply, which restricts their application in replicated field trials. This protocol describes a new methodology for the measurement of NH3 emissions on many plots linking a simple semi-quantitative measuring method used in all plots, with a quantitative method by simultaneous measurements using both methods on selected plots. As a semi-quantitative measurement method passive samplers are used. The second method is a dynamic chamber method (Dynamic Tube Method) to obtain a transfer quotient, which converts the semi-quantitative losses of the passive sampler to quantitative losses (kg nitrogen ha-1). The principle underlying this approach is that passive samplers placed in a homogeneous experimental field have the same NH3 absorption behavior under identical environmental conditions. Therefore, a transfer co-efficient obtained from single passive samplers can be used to scale the values of all passive samplers used in the same field trial. The method proved valid under a wide range of experimental conditions and is recommended to be used under conditions with bare soil or small canopies (&#60;0.3 m). Results obtained from experiments with taller plants should be treated more carefully.

In year 2014, a field trial was set up in the center of Denmark for testing the effects of several methods to reduce ammonia emissions after application of cattle slurry: incorporation with a rotary tiller, incorporation of acidified slurry and closed slot injection (injection of slurry in soil with subsequent coverage with soil). As a comparison with a high emission application technique and in particular for proper application of the chamber method trail hose application of slurry was also included. Altogether 24 plots were included in thi...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers at JoVE.com

Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers

Ammonia emissions are a major threat to the environment by eutrophication, soil acidification and fine particle formation and stem mainly from agricultural sources. This method allows ammonia loss measurements in replicated field trials enabling statistical analysis of emissions and of relationships between crop development and emissions.

Calibrated Passive Sampling - Multi-plot Field Measurements of NH3 Emissions with a Combination of Dynamic Tube Method and Passive Samplers

Agricultural ammonia (NH3) emissions (90% of total EU emissions) are responsible for about 45% airborne eutrophication, 31% soil acidification and 12% ...

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Integrated Field Lysimetry and Porewater Sampling for Evaluation of Chemical Mobility in Soils and Established Vegetation

Potentially toxic chemicals are routinely applied to land to meet growing demands on waste management and food production, but the fate of these chemicals ...

Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes (Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae)

Soil Sampling and Isolation of Entomopathogenic Nematodes Steinernematidae, Heterorhabditidae

Entomopathogenic nematodes (a.k.a. EPN) represent a group of soil-inhabiting nematodes that parasitize a wide range of insects. These nematodes belong to ...

The Use of an Automated System (GreenFeed) to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals

The Use of an Automated System GreenFeed to Monitor Enteric Methane and Carbon Dioxide Emissions from Ruminant Animals

Ruminant animals (domesticated or wild) emit methane (CH4) through enteric fermentation in their digestive tract and from decomposition of manure during ...

Characterization and Application of Passive Samplers for Monitoring of Pesticides in Water

Five different water passive samplers were calibrated under laboratory conditions for measurement of 124 legacy and current used pesticides. This study ...

Clean Sampling and Analysis of River and Estuarine Waters for Trace Metal Studies

Most of the trace metal concentrations in ambient waters obtained a few decades ago have been considered unreliable owing to the lack of contamination ...

Modification and Application of a Leaf Blower-vac for Field Sampling of Arthropods

Rice fields host a large diversity of arthropods, but investigating their population dynamics and interactions is challenging. Here we describe the ...

Reliable Method for Assessing Seed Germination, Dormancy, and Mortality under Field Conditions

We describe techniques for approximating seed bank dynamics over time using Helianthus annuus as an example study species. Strips of permeable polyester ...

Implementation of Portable Emissions Measurement Systems (PEMS) for the Real-driving Emissions (RDE) Regulation in Europe

Implementation of Portable Emissions Measurement Systems PEMS for the Real-driving Emissions RDE Regulation in Europe

Vehicles are tested in controlled and relatively narrow laboratory conditions to determine their official emission values and reference fuel consumption. ...

Production and Measurement of Organic Particulate Matter in a Flow Tube Reactor

Organic particulate matter (PM) is increasingly recognized as important to the Earth's climate system as well as public health in urban regions, and the ...

Wastewater Irrigation Impacts on Soil Hydraulic Conductivity: Coupled Field Sampling and Laboratory Determination of Saturated Hydraulic Conductivity

Since the early 1960s, an alternative wastewater discharge practice at The Pennsylvania State University has been researched and its impacts monitored. ...