Ideally, commonly used biogeochemical models might provide adequate predictions of denitrification processes of agricultural soils. However, incomplete process descriptions and inadequate parameterization of models often results in inadequate simulation results of the temporal variability of N₂O fluxes at field scale (little is known about the magnitude and temporal variability of N₂ fluxes). One of the most important factors for the proper modelling of the denitrification process is the accurate estimation of anaerobic processes in the soil and the temporal and spatial dynamics of changes in soil O₂ availability following e.g. rainfall events or incorporation of crop residues. The estimation of this dynamic is quite challenging because of the highly variable soil microsite conditions, which are extremely difficult to measure and model.

To address this issue the coordinated research unit „Denitrification in Agricultural Soils: Integrated Control and Modelling at Various Scales (DASIM)” was initiated to investigate more closely N-fluxes caused by denitrification in response to environmental effects, soil properties and microbial communities.

The main goals of this workshop are the following:

• - clarify the limitations of soil O₂ dynamic and the anaerobic volume modelling,
• - collect and compare new and existing approaches for modelling anaerobic soil processes,
• - discuss experimental approaches and available data on anaerobic processes and O₂ dynamics in soils
• - outline feasible concepts for improved simulation of soil O₂ dynamics,
• - establish a knowledge network on modelling of soil O₂ and denitrification dynamics.

All 13 projects of the MOPGA-GRI (German research initiative) program met to exchange their research findings at the digital  MOPGA-GRI meeting on 8th and 9th of December 2020. The work of the diverse international projects in the fields of climate, Earth system and energy research was shared and discussed among program members and with guests from from the respective research groups of the projects at German universities and non-university research institutions.

The Special Issue on Climate Change, Reactive Nitrogen, Food Security and Sustainable Agriculture edited by Klaus Butterbach-Bahl, Clemens Scheer, David E. Pelster has been published now in Current Opinion in Environmental Sustainability.

The MOPGA Kick-Off Conference in Paris was opened by Anja Karliczek and Frédérique Vida, who pronounced the importance of climate impact research for a sustainable future Earth (01/10/2019). More than 200 German and French researchers presented their projects and discussed their scientific ideas.

Find here the BMBF press release:

https://www.bmbf.de/de/karliczek-heute-die-grundlagen-fuer-eine-gute-zukunft-erforschen-9816.html

Policy Brief on mitigation options for reactive N losses launched: Addressing nitrous oxide: An often ignored climate and ozone threat

Lead scientists from around the globe recently came together for a meeting in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany supported by the OECD Co-operative Research Programme: Biological Resource Management for Sustainable Agricultural Systems. They exchanged and assessed the latest knowledge and agreed that, despite uncertainties and the need for additional research on processes driving N₂O emissions, there is sufficient knowledge available to implement immediate action towards reducing N pollution, specifically N₂O emissions. The actions listed below demand a more efficient use of fixed and reactive nitrogen in order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other forms of N pollution from agricultural systems.

17. April 2019

To discuss the next steps for establishing a global nitrous oxide database, project partners came together at IMK-IFU in Garmisch-Parthenkirchen. The goal of the database is to gather nitrous oxide flux data from agricultural sites across the globe in a standardized format in order to facilitate model validation and development. A synthesis effort for nitrous oxide fluxes will enable to better estimate and quantify global nitrous oxide fluxes from agricultiral soils.

15-16.April 2019

Our international workshop on climate change, reactive nitrogen, food security and sustainable agriculture brought together leading experts in the field of food security, soil science and agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. The workshop enabled to discuss the current knowledge on and establish a global research network for N₂O mitigation and denitrification in fertilised cropping systems. The participants presented latest research findings and policy developments on the trade-offs between crop productivity, N fertilizer use, and GHG emissions of agricultural ecosystems around the globe, with the aim of identifying hotspots and knowledge gaps of denitrification and N₂O emissions, reducing uncertainty of flux estimates, and establishing consistent standards for methodologies. This workshop provided a framework for international cooperation in key research and policy areas of food, soil, water and climate change.