The first results of atmospheric N2O measurements on the surface of towers in mixed agriculture areas in Central Europe

Climate change caused by the increasing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity. In order to make reliable predictions, we need to monitor atmospheric changes and understand the underlying processes. In May 2015, the Los Gatos Research Model 913-0014 Rapid Response N ₂ O Analyzer was added to an existing monitoring system to monitor atmospheric N ₂ O concentrations and surface atmospheric N ₂ O concentrations . The chart shows the first measurement.

Monitoring system and location

At the Hegyhátsál high tower greenhouse gas monitoring point (Hungary, 46°57'N, 16°39'E, 248m), the large-area vorticity covariance system monitors the surface atmospheric carbon dioxide flux in the surrounding main agricultural areas. The system is installed at 82m Above the ground above the tower, it has been in continuous operation since its completion in 1997 (Haszpra et al., 2005). In May 2015, the fast response N ₂ O analyzer was completed. The inlet of the N ₂ O analyzer and the inlet of the CO ₂ analyzer can be matched. This configuration allows sharing of the CO ₂ vortex covariance system operating the N ₂ O vortex covariance system and a single ultrasonic anemometer . The monitoring system operates at 4 Hz. The N ₂ O analyzer has been carefully calibrated to meet the four standards of MIA-BGI preparation and certification in Jena, Germany.

Time variation of N ₂ O concentration

At 96 meters above the ground , the eddy covariance system has a NOAA cylinder sampling point every 14 meters. Weekly cylinder samples provide the possibility to quantitatively compare measurements. The average deviation is 0.11 ± 0.47 ppb.

Surface Atmospheric N ₂ O Flux and Biome-BGCMuSo Ecosystem Model

In order to simulate the atmospheric N ₂ O flux in the biosphere of the agricultural area around the monitoring station , an upgraded version of the ecosystem model based on the Biome-BGCMuSo v4.0 process was used (Hidy et al., 2016). Biome-BGC widely used model based, which comprises an amount of nitrogen and the detailed agricultural management module. The simulated flux can be compared to the measured flux data for calibration and evaluation of the model. Although the model does not have clear information about the actual agricultural activities being carried out ( cannot simulate management interventions such as peaks in fertilization emissions ) , its simulation of real-world N ₂ O fluxes is quite good. However, in general , the model can be used to fill gaps in the measurement data series .