U.S. Mexico Dissertation Research: Nitrogen Cycling and Nitrous Oxide Emissions from Waters Draining the Yaqui Basin, Mexico

Stanford University, Stanford CA

Investigators

Abstract

0104334 Matson This U.S.-Mexico Program award will provide support for dissertation research by Mr. John Harrison, under the direction of Dr. Pamela Matson of Stanford University. Mr. Harrrison will work in Mexico with Dr. Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio on the Wheat Program at the International Wheat and Maize Improvement Center (CYMMYT) in Obregon, Mexico. The investigators will study the emissions of nitrous oxide from waters draining the Yaqui Basin in Mexico. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas that is increasing globally and the fertilization of agricultural fields is thought to be the single most important source of the observed increase. The Yaqui Valley provides a unique opportunity to look at the interactions of several kinds of anthropogenic change that are important drivers of biogeochemical change. Results from this study should improve our basic understanding of nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural drainage and the factors that control them.