| Abstract: | The N‐deposition in Germany is commonly calculated as values of about 20—30 kg/ha·yr. This range is based on the measurements of the nitrate and ammonium nitrogen bulk deposition, which does not include the gaseous N‐deposition and the direct N‐uptake by plants. The calculation of airbone N‐deposition from N‐balances of the Static Fertilization Experiment Bad Lauchstädt came to 50—58 kg/ha·yr. This is consistent with results from other European long‐term experiments. Using the newly developed 15N‐based ITNI‐system, the total airborne N‐deposition can be determined. For Bad Lauchstädt analogous to results of former measuring periods an annual N‐deposition of 65 kg/ha·yr was measured in 1998, a figure greater than the balanced values. The balanced and measured values show, that airborne N‐deposition is often underestimated and amounts to at least 50 kg/ha·yr, which is a significant burden on natural ecosystems. By taking this extra N‐input into account in calculations for fertilizer recommendations in agriculture a decrease of N‐losses can be achieved which, in turn can also induce a decrease in airborne N‐deposition. |
