Salt-Affected Soils: Nitrous Oxide Emissions

Nitrous oxide (N₂O) not only is an important greenhouse gas but can also contribute to the depletion of the stratospheric ozone layer. Agricultural sectors are emitting a large quantity of N₂O as nitrogen fertilizers are widely applied. However, a few studies have been conducted on N₂O emissions from salt-affected soils compared to not salt-affected soils. Possible reasons of variation in N₂O emissions are mainly due to differences in soil microbial activities caused by the presence of salt or manuring with certain organic amendments. More studies are needed to elucidate mechanisms of N₂O emissions from salt-affected soils.