Topographic and depth-dependent controls on nitrous oxide release in upland soils

The high spatial and temporal variability of nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions from the soil surface has made it difficult to predict flux patterns at the ecosystem scale. Topographical position, which influences flow regimes and soil depth, may be a useful predictor of surface N₂O fluxes. Soil-atmosphere fluxes of N₂O from upland topographical areas can make up a considerable proportion of watershed N exports, even when there are no other symptoms of N saturation in the watershed. Can upland N gas losses be a mechanism by which N limitation to biota is maintained in high N input watersheds?