Nitrogen Dynamics in Soil Amended with Different Rate of Nitrogen Fertilizer

Excessive application of nitrogen (N) fertilizer to support switchgrass growth for bioenergy production may cause adverse environmental effects. The objective of this study was to determine optimum N application rate to increase biomass yield of switchgrass and to reduce adverse environmental effects related to N. Switchgrass was planted in May 2008 and biomass yield, N uses of switchgrass, nitrate ($NO_3$) leaching, and nitrous oxide ($N_2O$) emission were evaluated from 2010 through 2011. Total N removal significantly increased with N rate despite the fact that yield did not increased with above $56kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ of N rate. Apparent nitrogen recoveries were 4.81 and 5.48% at 56 and $112kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ of N rate, respectively. Nitrogen use efficiency decreased into half with increasing N rate from 56 to $112kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$. Nitrate leaching and $N_2O$ emission were related to N use of switchgrass. There was no significant difference of cumulative $NO_3$ leaching between 0 and $56kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ but, it significantly increased at $112kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$. There was no significant difference of cumulative $N_2O$ emission among N rates in crest, but it significantly increased at $112kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ in toe. Excessive N application rate (above $56kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$) beyond plant requirement could accelerate $NO_3$ leaching and $N_2O$ emission in switchgrass field. Overall, $56kg\;N\;ha^{-1}$ might be optimum N application rate in reducing economic waste on N fertilizer and adverse environmental impacts.