The most important innovation in the LTER-CWN project is the mobile laboratory for measuring the exchange of nitrous oxide between soil and atmosphere. With the help of a state-of-the-art laser spectrometer and adequate measuring chambers, scientists thoroughly examine the gas flow concentration and the isotopic composition of nitrous oxide (N20), a particularly harmful greenhouse gas. This measuring station is part of a mobile measuring trailer, and thus enables measuring campaigns at the different LTER-CWN sites. In addition, the mobile laboratory is specifically used in the case of heavy rain, or under freeze/thaw conditions, as nitrous oxide emissions are particularly high under these conditions.
Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that has a substantial impact on climate change. The N20 emissions are largely caused by humanity. Because of intense agriculture, they keep rising sharply on a global level.
Mobile lab for measuring campaigns
(© Universität für Bodenkultur, E. Diaz-Pinés)
