Measurement and Modeling Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Ferric Luvisols in the Guinea Savanna Agro-ecological Zone of Ghana

Agricultural sector in Ghana contributes to about 60% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and is mainly characterized by fertilizer application to improve depleting soil fertility. With the increase in population and demand for increased productivity, application of inorganic fertilizers will result in enhanced greenhouse gas emissions. As nitrogen (N) is among the most limiting soil nutrient in the Guinea Savanna, chemical/organic fertilizers are applied in significant amounts to maintain crop productivity. Because of increased fertilizer and manure application to replenish dwindling soil fertility, the region is likely to become a significant source of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. To study the effect of fertilizer application on N2O emissions, Denitrification decomposition model (DNDC), a process-base model of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry in agricultural ecosystems was calibrated with field data obtained in 2013 and was used to predict the impact of N fertilizer source and rate of application on N2O emissions.