1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture:
TOWARDS SOIL SUSTAINABILITY
11–13 June 2024 • Lublin–Nałęczów, Poland

https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.2.02
Published online: 4 October 2024

GHGs and ammonia emissions mitigation through improved soil organic matter stabilization
Sebastian Kuśmierz¹*, Katarzyna Kuśmierz²

¹ Institute of Soil Science, Environmental Engineering and Management, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
² Department of Environmental Engineering and Geodesy, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Leszczyńskiego 7, 20-069 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author:

Abstract
Optimizing sustainable nutrient management in arable soils is crucial for addressing the adverse environmental impacts of agriculture. Current knowledge remains insufficient to universally identify the trade-offs between agricultural intensification and soil nutrient volatile losses, particularly those of C-CO₂, N-N₂O, and N-NH₃, which pose the most significant environmental risks. The inherent spatial variability of soils, climatic factors, and anthropogenic impacts create complex, interrelated effects on greenhouse gases (GHGs) and ammonia emissions, complicating prediction and management. Despite these challenges, several agricultural practices are globally recommended for their environmental benefits, with organic fertilization being among the most widely adopted. However, improper utilization of manures and slurries application can lead to substantial environmental hazards. This study addresses these uncertainties by investigating the role of soil inherent variability in mitigating GHGs and ammonia emissions from manured soils. Fifty diverse farming households were selected to evaluate two manure application methods: surface spreading and injection. The effects of these methods on GHGs and ammonia emission rates were assessed. Simultaneously, soil chemical parameters were analysed and confronted with emission data using Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and stepwise multiple linear regression. Results indicated that soil organic matter (SOM) stock is paramount in mitigating N₂O and NH₃ emissions, despite the application method. At the same time, high SOM content poses a risk of increased CO₂ flux due to the rapid SOM decomposition in organic-rich soils. This study demonstrates that stabilizing SOM can be an effective strategy for reducing GHG and ammonia emissions, highlighting the need for tailored nutrient management practices that consider soil variability.

Keywords: soil respiration, carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide, ammonia, soil fertility, sustainable agriculture

How to cite
Kuśmierz S., Kuśmierz K., 2024. GHGs and ammonia emissions mitigation through improved soil organic matter stabilization. 1st International Conference of Soil and Agriculture: Towards Soil Sustainability. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICSA1.2.02