Update of a biogeochemical model with process-based algorithms to predict ammonia volatilization from fertilized cultivated uplands and rice paddy fields

Abstract

Accurate simulation of ammonia (NH₃) volatilization from fertilized croplands is crucial to enhancing fertilizer-use efficiency and alleviating environmental pollution. In this study, a process-oriented model, CNMM–DNDC (Catchment Nutrient Management Model–DeNitrification–DeComposition), was evaluated and modified using NH₃ volatilization observations from 44 and 19 fertilizer application events in cultivated uplands and paddy rice fields in China, respectively. The major modifications for simulating NH₃ volatilization from cultivated uplands were primarily derived from a peer-reviewed and published study. NH₃ volatilization from cultivated uplands was jointly regulated by wind speed, soil depth, clay fraction, soil temperature, soil moisture, vegetation canopy, and rainfall-induced canopy wetting. Moreover, three principle modifications were made to simulate NH₃ volatilization from paddy rice fields. First, the simulation of the floodwater layer and its pH were added. Second, the effect of algal growth on the diurnal fluctuation in floodwater pH was introduced. Finally, the Jayaweera–Mikkelsen model was introduced to simulate NH₃ volatilization. The results indicated that the original CNMM–DNDC not only performed poorly in simulating NH₃ volatilization from cultivated uplands but also failed to simulate NH₃ volatilization from paddy rice fields. The modified model showed remarkable performances in simulating the cumulative NH₃ volatilization of the calibrated and validated cases, with drastically significant zero-intercept linear regression of slopes of 0.94 (R² = 0.76, n = 40) and 0.98 (R² = 0.71, n = 23), respectively. The simulated NH₃ volatilization from cultivated uplands was primarily regulated by the dose and type of the nitrogen fertilizer and the irrigation implementation, while the simulated NH₃ volatilization from rice paddy fields was sensitive to soil pH; the dose and depth of nitrogen fertilizer application; and flooding management strategies, such as floodwater pH and depth. The modified model is acceptable to compile regional or national NH₃ emission inventories and develop strategies to alleviate environmental pollution.