Modeling the interinfluence of fertilizer-induced NH₃ emission, nitrogen deposition, and aerosol radiative effects using modified CESM2

Abstract

Global ammonia (NH3) emission is expected to continue to rise due to intensified fertilization for growing food to satisfy the increasing demand worldwide. Previous studies have focused mainly on estimating the land-to-atmosphere NH3 injection but seldom addressed the other side of the bidirectional nitrogen exchange – deposition. Ignoring this significant input source of soil mineral nitrogen may lead to an underestimation of NH3 emissions from natural sources. Here, we used an Earth system model to quantify NH3-induced changes in atmospheric composition and the consequent impacts on the Earth's radiative budget and biosphere as well as the impacts of deposition on NH3 emissions from the land surface. We implemented a new scheme into the Community Land Model version 5 (CLM5) of the Community Earth System Model version 2 (CESM2) to estimate the volatilization of ammonium salt (NH4+) associated with synthetic and manure fertilizers into gaseous NH3. We further parameterized the amount of emitted NH3 captured in the plant canopy to derive a more accurate quantity of NH3 that escapes to the atmosphere. Our modified CLM5 estimated that 14 Tg N yr−1 of global NH3 emission is attributable to fertilizers. Interactively coupling terrestrial NH3 emissions to atmospheric chemistry simulations by the Community Atmospheric Model version 4 with chemistry (CAM4-chem), we found that such emissions favor the formation and deposition of NH4+ aerosol, which in turn influences the aerosol radiative effect and enhances soil NH3 volatilization in regions downwind of fertilized croplands. Our fully coupled simulations showed that global-total NH3 emission is enhanced by 3.3 Tg N yr−1 when 30 % more synthetic fertilizer is used compared to the 2000-level fertilization. In synergy with observations and emission inventories, our work provides a useful tool for stakeholders to evaluate the intertwined relations between agricultural trends, fertilizer use, NH3 emission, atmospheric aerosols, and climate so as to derive optimal strategies for securing both food production and environmental sustainability.