Abstract

MONTENEGRO-BALLESTERO, Johnny. Polynomic Behavior of Nitrous Oxide Emission in Coffee Plantations in Costa Rica. Ciencias Ambientales [online]. 2019, vol.53, n.2, pp.1-24. ISSN 2215-3896.  http://dx.doi.org/10.15359/rca.53-2.1.

Nitrous oxide is a powerful greenhouse gas that is generated both by natural processes and by agricultural practices such as nitrogen fertilization. For this reason, the emission of N2O was quantified by the application of urea nitrogen (0, 100, 225 and 350 kg ha-1 a-1) to coffee plantations in two coffee producing regions of Costa Rica (Valle Occidental y Los Santos). The emission was quantified during a whole agricultural year. The results showed the effect of rainfall on N2O emission; regardless of the dose, the highest emission occurred during the first days after fertilizer application. In Valle Occidental, the highest emission of N2O was detected with 350 kg of N ha-1 a-1, intermediate levels with 100 and 225 kg of N ha-1 a-1. The lowest emission was presented without fertilization. These results adjusted a polynomial model (Y=8E-08x3-4E-05x2+0.0064x+0.6266, r2=0.87). In Los Santos, the emission was lower without fertilizer; the highest levels were presented with 350 kg of N ha-1 a-1. The emission with 100 and 225 kg of N ha-1 a-1 was similar, although different from the other treatments. A polinomial model was adjusted (Y=-3E-06x2+0.0023x+0.6347, r2=0.87). With the data of both localities a polynomial model was adjusted Y=6E-08x3-3E-05x2+0.0052x+0.6247 (r2=0.83). The use of this information is recommended to estimate the N2O generated by the application of urea to coffee plantations.

Keywords : climate change; mitigation, nitrogen; urea.

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