Snowcover Influences Upon Episodic Release of Nitrous Oxide from Agricultural Soils During Spring Thaw

Abstract:

In regions where agricultural soils seasonally freeze, such as the Canadian prairies, up to 60-70% of the annual nitrous oxide (N₂O) emission can occur during the soil thaw period. The conditions responsible for this episodic release of N₂O are poorly understood. In order to elucidate the influencing factors a replicated plot study was conducted in Outlook, Saskatchewan, Canada (51.5°N) during the 2014-2015 winter period. The study compared soil thermal conditions and soil gas fluxes (nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide) from plots that had the snow periodically removed and those on which snow was allowed to accumulate. Soil gas fluxes were measured using an automated chamber system (Gasmet DX4030 FTIR analyzer and Licor Li-8100 chamber system) and analyzer. Soil conditions were continuously monitored throughout the winter and thaw periods. Owing to the insulating effect of snow, the snow free plots were colder during the mid-winter period, but thawed 3-4 days earlier than the snow covered treatment. Following thaw, the snow-free plots were 2-3 degrees warmer than the snow-covered plots for 5-7 days before reaching a similar thermal regime. Due to the differences in the timing of soil thaw and the pre- and post-thaw thermal conditions, cumulative and peak N₂O emissions were much higher from the plots that had been kept snow-free. These results suggest that agricultural practices which influence snow redistribution may have an effect upon spring soil gas fluxes. This study also highlights the importance of incorporating snowmelt and soil thaw physics into process-based greenhouse gas models.