Subsoils:: chemo- and biological denitrification, N2O and N2 emissions

Agricultural practices, soil characteristics and meteorological conditions are responsible for eventual nitrate accumulation in the subsoil. There is a lot of evidence that denitrification occurs in the subsoil and rates up to 60-70 kg ha(-1) yr(-1) might be possible. It has also been shown that in the presence of Fe2+ (formed through weathering of minerals) and an alkaline pH, nitrate can be chemically reduced. Another possible pathway of disappearance is through the formation of nitrite, which is unstable in acid conditions. With regard to the emission of N2O and N-2, it can be stated that all conditions whereby the denitrification process becomes marginal are favourable for N2O formation rather than for N-2. Because of its high solubility, however, an important amount of N2O might be transported with drainage water.