Effect of a nitrification inhibitor on nitrous oxide emissions and ammonia volatilization from a maize crop

Application of organic or mineral N fertilizers in the field triggers losses of ammonia (NH3) to the atmosphere. These losses are of concern not only from the economic point of view, but also because they may cause threats to the environment and human health. The principal objectives of this study were to assess the inhibitory effect of 3,4 dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) (Zerulla et al., 2001; Weiske 2001) on N2O emissions and NH3 volatilization in an irrigated maize crop (Zea Mays), under Mediterranean conditions, fertilized with pig slurry (PS) and Calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) in split application, adjusted to provide 200 kg N ha-1 .