NASA Grant Supports Study on Nitrogen Emissions in Agriculture

By Andi Anderson

A new research project funded by the NASA Interdisciplinary Research in Earth Science program is set to shed light on the impact of nitrogen emissions from agriculture on both productivity and air quality. Led by Kaiyu Guan, Director of the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, the study integrates satellite remote sensing, strategic fieldwork, and ecosystem biochemistry modeling to quantify nitrogen fluxes across the U.S. Midwest.

The interdisciplinary team, comprising researchers from four institutions, aims to measure two key nitrogen fluxes—ammonia (NH3) and nitric oxide/nitrogen dioxide (NOx)—from agricultural sources. By combining in situ measurements, satellite data, and biochemical modeling, the researchers seek to accurately quantify the magnitude of nitrogen emissions from agricultural fields to the atmosphere.

The three-year project brings together experts in atmospheric science, ecosystem science, and agroecosystem modeling. Utilizing state-of-the-art satellite data analysis, fast flux sensors, and targeted field measurements, the team will develop new methods to estimate nitrogen emissions. This approach bridges different scales and synthesizes measurement and modeling data, providing valuable insights into agricultural emissions patterns.

Mark Zondlo from Princeton University emphasizes the importance of this interdisciplinary approach in advancing understanding of agricultural emissions. By integrating satellite observations, field data, and biochemical models, the team aims to comprehensively study the nitrogen cycle—a task previously challenging to accomplish.

Ultimately, the project aims to provide farmers with improved guidance on nitrogen fertilizer use and strategies to mitigate nitrogen emissions, thereby enhancing air quality in agricultural landscapes. This innovative research, funded by NASA, represents a unique opportunity to holistically understand nitrogen dynamics in agriculture and inform sustainable practices for the future.

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