Abstract

The AgriGES project is a Concerted Research Action lead by Gembloux Agro-Bio Tech, aiming to quantify methane and nitrous oxide emission from pastures and crop fields, respectively. Besides quantification, a second important goal of the AgriGES project is to study the flux dynamics and to gain a better understanding of the biophysical processes coming into play. We focus here on N₂O fluxes and first propose an overview of the current modelling efforts. Two main weaknesses of these models have been identified, and potential new developments are suggested to mitigate these issues, with an emphasis on the denitrification process. Secondly, we propose a review of the current knowledge on the main environmental factors influencing nitrous oxide emission. Several mitigation options are also explored.

Key words: Nitrous oxide emission, environmental factors, modeling.