Nitrogen deposition as an important nutrient from the environment and its impact on ecosystems in China

Abstract

As an example of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, the paper summarizes the definition, form and amount of nutrient from the environment (NFE) and the relationship between NFE and anthropogenic reactive N emission.Based on our own study and published articles, we find that N wet and dry deposition has been an important nutrient resource in agricultural and natural ecosystems in China.The total amount of N deposition and other environment-derived N in China was up to 18 Tg N/a, equal to approximately 60% of the national N fertilizer consumption.Nitrogen deposition is expected to contribute substantially to nutrient cycling and net primary productivity in various ecosystems.Therefore, it is crucial to utilize this environment-derived nutrient resource by integrated nutrient resource management in order to realize the sustainable development of both agricultural and non-agricultural ecosystems.