Progress 02/20/15 to 12/31/18
Outputs
Target Audience:
Nothing Reported
Changes/Problems:
Nothing Reported
What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?
Nothing Reported
How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?
Nothing Reported
What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Multistate Hatch funds were not expended on this project in FFY 2018 and the research is now being conducted at the University of Wisconsin.
Publications
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Progress 10/01/16 to 09/30/17
Outputs
Target Audience:The NADP provides fundamental measurements that support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to precipitation and deposition chemistry, as well as atmospheric mercury and ammonia. NADP data are relevant to a wide audience and available to all. Data from our monitoring effort are used by a wide range of scientists for a number of research topic areas (see publications). Our data are used by policymakers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics. Our data are also used in many different educational areas including chemical, agricultural, and environmental sciences; are used at many different educational levels including elementary, secondary and post-secondary; and are used for many different theses and dissertations (see publication record). All data are available free of charge via the NADP website (nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Changes/Problems:There were no major changes/problems with the NADP approach. The NADP is an ongoing research support and monitoring project. However, we are always trying to add value to our data, and therefore add to the goals. A change in equipment (digital precipitation gages) did occur over the past several years, but this did not change the project approach. However, it did improve the quality of the data collected with the addition and availability of digital and sub-hourly precipitation data. We have now added about 245 digital raingages to replace the older mechanical gages of the historic network, adding 15-minute averages of precipitation depth to replace 2-week charts. Dry deposition estimates are planned for the gaseous measurements of the AMoN and AMNet networks using modelled estimates of deposition velocity. The Total Deposition Science Ad hoc Committee within NADP is charged with determining methods and protocols for the development of this dataset. Timing of these additions is committee dependent, but may occur at our next meeting (April 2018). One major change (after this reporting period, FY18) for the NADP is the expected move from a home base of the University of Illinois to the University of Wisconsin's State Laboratory of Hygiene. This move will be for both the Program Office and laboratory services for the NTN, AIRMoN, and AMoN networks. The PO will move effective 2/28/2018. Laboratory services will move sometime in the summer period. Plans for the move are currently under development. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the next year, we intend to produce a new type of online "classes" that operators can take on their own schedule. These classes will use video footage of the earlier training classes (discussed above), and utilize one-on-one questioning periods with the site liaisons to provide a chance for the operators to ask questions, and for the site liaisons to assure that the operators/students understand what is needed and expected at our NADP sites. This planning is ongoing. The NADP is helping the development of a wet deposition mercury network in Asia (mentioned elsewhere). Much of this effort is training for network officers and monitoring countries on the appropriate sampling for wet deposition of mercury. One training session/trip was performed during this project period. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Internet disbursement of data is the primary route of dissemination for the NADP project. Web statistics show annually that we are reaching our stakeholders and targeted populations, and that the percentage breakdown of these users remains relatively fixed: federal and state agencies (app. 40%), universities (36%), K to 12 schools (16%), and others (8%). During this period, NADP recorded 23,600 data downloads from our site, with 23,000 map downloads. Registered users of our data continue to be strong (33,027), which demonstrate that NADP continues to be relevant to the scientific and educational communities. Distribution of our printed map summaries also is an important part of our dissemination of NADP information and data products (maps, all networks, etc.). For the 2015 Map Summary, almost all of the hardcopies have been distributed. For the 2016 Map Summary (printed Oct 2017), it was completed during August and Sept. 2017, and distribution will begin. The NADP distributes annual map summaries online (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx) and mails approximately 1500 hardcopies to members of the Technical Committee each year. In conjunction with the Ecological Response and Outreach Subcommittee (EROS), and the hiring of a part time Outreach Coordinator, the NADP continued its quarterly NADP newsletter with four published issues during this project period (Jul. 2017, Feb. 2017, Dec. 2016, Sep. 2016, http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/newsletter/), and continued its presence on social media (Facebook, Twitter). Newsletter distribution continues, with the current newsletter being the 11th of the series. During the last 24 months, EROS subcommittee undertook a rewrite of our traditional "Nitrogen in the Nation's Rain", which is a general sciences booklet aimed at laymen and 6-12th grade science students. The new version, now called "Nitrogen from the Atmosphere" was completed in Aug. 2016, and is available on our website (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/brochures/nitrogenAtmos.pdf) and in print from the Program Office. At this fall's NADP meeting, EROS will develop a plan for further distribution, with an emphasis on distribution to science teachers. Two thousand copies were printed for distribution. EROS has also developed a series of science videos, aimed at more general audiences, which will cover topics that NADP works in, such as acid precipitation, ammonia in the atmosphere, nitrogen cycling in ecosystems, etc. During the 2016 and 2017 year, 10 videos have been developed, edited and added to our listing and are available on NADP's website (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/videoLib/). This is a new direction for NADP, and many more videos are planned. The Critical Loads Atmospheric Deposition subcommittee published a 2015 Critical Load map summary of their U.S. critical loads map series, a first for NADP (finalized in early 2016). The map series focuses on nitrogen and sulfur critical loads. The CLAD Map Summary is available from the NADP Program Office. The SAESs produced an NRSP Impact Statement brochure for the NADP and NRSP-3 (March 2016). This short brochure documents the important information for the agricultural industry that can be gleaned from the NADP project and data. The brochure is focused on the agricultural community, describing the basics of the program, data available, sampling locations, how NADP is related to agricultural research, and general research findings important to the community. Distribution of this document continues. NADP has recently attended and provided a display booth at several national meetings (FY16-17). Here is a listing of some of the more recent ones: National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference, St. Louis, MO. Aug 2016. About 700 air quality scientists and state agency representatives were present. Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand, July 2016. NADP is attempting to help Asia countries develop a mercury network for wet deposition (like the MDN), and for gaseous measurement (like the AMNet). About 120 people were present, including representatives from 20 countries. "Atmospheric Sciences Current Scene", Center for Atmospheric Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Aug 2016. D. Gay was invited to provide a lecture on how NADP operates, what is measured, etc. The audience was about 75 environmental scientists from Mexico and Central America. We have worked with several UNAM scientists for many years on wet deposition. Mercury 2017 Planning Meetings, Providence, RI (Oct 2015, and Feb 2016). D. Gay is involved with the planning for the next every-other-year large mercury science meeting, which was held in Providence, RI in July 2017. An NADP booth was part of this meeting. International Conference on Mercury as a Global Pollutant (Mercury 2017) was held in Providence, RI between July 16-21, 2017. NADP was present at the conference with a booth. Over 1000 attendees were present, for five full days of talks and posters. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As stated previously, we met all of our goals for the year. However, we are always trying to add value to our data, and therefore add to the goals. We are also planning to continue to increase the rate of sample result reporting, so that data is finalized and distributed faster for website distribution. Additionally, NADP will seek to increase the number of network site locations, so that researchers have more data from more locations. Dry deposition estimates are planned for the gaseous measurements of the AMNet networks using modelled estimates of deposition velocity. The Total Deposition Science Ad hoc Committee within NADP is charged with determining methods and protocols for the development of this dataset. This information will be very valuable to depositional researchers. The Technical Committee has requested that NADP publish its digital precipitation record (approximately 300 gages) as an independent precipitation database to be used as our other wet and dry deposition databases. This should be added during FY18-19 and provide additional data with no additional expenditures. This will allow researchers to access the precipitation data as a stand-alone product. Since one of the goals is for site support, we are continually attempting to bring in new sites and cooperators. These efforts seem to be useful, since the NTN network is as large as it has ever been. Particularly important is the rapid increase in the AMoN, since its ammonia focus is particularly important to Agriculture. Two of the new sites starting during 2016 are at Agricultural Research Service sites. NADP began cooperating with new USGS researchers by sharing mercury locations (~20) and collecting atmospheric mercury samples for isotopic analysis. This new information should be useful for determination of particular sources of gaseous mercury. This will have implications for the MDN and the AMNet sites.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Since 1978, the NADP has provided fundamental measurements to support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to the ambient concentration and wet deposition of atmospheric pollutants in North America. From Sept. 2016 - Aug. 2017, NADP data were cited in over 350 (includes 248 during calendar year 2016 and over 100 found thus far in 2017) peer-reviewed publications, dissertations, theses, and agency reports. Data from the NADP's five monitoring networks were downloaded over 23,640 times by approximately 33,000 registered data users. These data users represent federal and state agencies (40% of users), universities (36%), K-12 students and educators (16%) and others (8%). Each year, NADP data is used by policy makers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics, including the impact of atmospheric pollutant fallout on the North American food supply. Data are also used in (STEM) curricula on the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary level. All data are available free of charge (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Notable outcomes during the 2016-17 project period are as follows: Wet deposition sample concentrations and fluxes were reported from 13,636 NTN, 927 AIRMoN, and 5,294 MDN samples. Ambient concentration data from 2,660 AMoN samples and over 60,400 hours of AMNet data were added to the NADP databases. All data is available on the NADP website, and summarized in annual maps. The NADP hosted its annual technical committee meeting and scientific symposium to review data processing algorithms and to present and share data from stakeholders. Total attendance was over 130 from academic, government, and tribal organizations. NADP began a formal effort to estimate dry deposition, towards an estimation of total deposition (wet and dry). Within this national research support project (NRSP), there are three stated goals: 1) management and coordination of the five NADP networks; 2) site support, chemical analysis, and data validation for network sites directly supported by this agreement; and 3) quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure consistent operation procedures. During this annual period, all three of our goals were met. Major Activity 1: Our principal output is the collection and analysis of precipitation chemistry and atmospheric chemistry samples. For all of these networks (except AMNet), 22,520 samples were collected of the four types, along with over 60,400 observations from the AMNet. Specifics are included above. Major Activity 2: The NADP makes our collected data available to support research and education. We do this through a web-available database and through our annual map series and map summary. All of these analytical results, organized by site and date, are available here (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/data/). Each calendar year the NADP produces a series of 23 national maps of wet deposition concentration and flux maps for all of our analytes and networks. For the gaseous networks, we produce similar types of summary figures. Each map summary is available here (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx), and the 2017 maps will be produced in the summer of 2018, after all normal data processing. Goals 2 and 3 are completed for each year before the data is released in final form and maps are generated. Therefore, all Objectives were met for NADP. Results Achieved: As a National Research Support Project, our results are the data and the database as described above. Research results are the journal articles are described in the Products Section of this report (articles listed are only a subset of the 350 (CY 2016 and thus far in 2017) articles that use or reference NADP data over the project period). A listing of these can be found here (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx). During the past year, several other very important results have occurred beyond our basic mission and goals. Network Extension and Data: The Mercury Litterfall mercury monitoring initiative measures mercury and methyl mercury in forest litterfall (leaves, twigs, etc.). These dry deposition estimates will complement the MDN wet deposition mercury monitoring and the dry deposition estimates from AMNet. The initiative is now in its sixth year, with analysis and field support provided by the USGS. During this period, the "pre-network" data is currently being distributed by USGS (https://my.usgs.gov/gcmp/program/show/938608). Mercury litterfall was approved for another year of operation at the 2017 Spring Meeting. Continued Quality Assurance Audits. NADP contract laboratories and the Program Office are each reviewed annually in rotation to identify problems, improve performance, and provide external checks to NADP. The CAL was audited in the Summer of 2017, and began to report back on the few findings at the Fall NADP meeting (after this project period). The Program Office was audited in the Summer of 2016, with results discussed at both the Fall 2016 and Spring 2017 meetings. Addressing these findings is continuing. Equipment Upgrade: Originating with a Technical Committee decision in 2006, the NADP has converted the overwhelming majority of its older-style mechanical precipitation gages to digital-style precipitation gages. There are only about 24 sites remaining unchanged (< 10%). Additionally, the TDEP subcommittee is planning to make routine estimates (through modeling) of dry deposition of gaseous mercury using AMNet measurements. This represents an important step forward for NADP, because it will add to our wet deposition measurements the important "dry" deposition component (i.e., without precipitation). It will provide researchers with another component of "total" deposition. Significant advances for this were made during the reporting period. Another improvement to the database and quality assurance is to digitize all of the individual field records (back to 1978) and make them available to researchers. These improvements continue. During the past year, several other important results have occurred beyond our basic mission and goals. Collaboration with USGS on mercury isotopes monitoring (FY16-17), with a goal of determining the ultimate source of mercury (atmospheric deposition, coal combustion, etc.). Measurement are being made at 20 NADP MDN sites for two years (started in early 2017); Collaboration with Asia countries, USEPA and EPA-Taiwan on mercury monitoring (FY14-17) across Asia, with NADP providing "know how" for network development and continuous monitoring; countries include Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Canada, Vietnam, Australia, Mongolia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Bangladesh, India, Thailand, Philippines, and Myanmar (http://rsm2.atm.ncu.edu.tw/apmmn/); The TDep is working with EPA scientists to estimate dry deposition, and with NADP deposition to provide basic maps of total N and S deposition, resulting in a next-generation map series for total deposition, accessible by the research community (http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/committees/tdep/tdepmaps/). New maps were produced during the year; Full integration of PRISM/USDA-NRCS precipitation data into our precipitation deposition mapping routines, and PRISM is supported by the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Service (http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/climate/). This important change continues; The Critical Loads Atmospheric Deposition Subcommittee, a NADP Science Subcommittee, received approval for five more years of operation; and Currently in discussions with the Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (FY16-17) and affiliated organizations (including NOAA, EPA, CDC, etc.) for a national allergen tracking network of aeroallergens (causing rhinitis {hay fever} and asthma). The CSTE is concerned about the lack of routine and consistent measurements, and this could be an important network for agricultural activities.
Publications
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
A partial listing of Dissertations and Theses (FY16-17) that have used NADP maps and data:
Pina, A. J. (2017). A social-ecological approach to managing agricultural ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doctoral dissertation, Colorado State University.
Raper, Tyson B. 2017. Sulfur and Tennessee Row Crops. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Tennessee.
Brooker, A. P., 2016. Soil fertility status in Ohio and Indiana and the association between soil fertility and soybean grain yield in Ohio. Masters Thesis, The Ohio State University.
Fakhraei, H., 2016. Modeling the effects of acid deposition and natural organic acids on surface waters. Doctoral Dissertation, Syracuse University, http://surface.syr.edu/etd/432/.
Fegel, T. S., 2016. Between a rock and a hard place: the chemistry, biology, and lability of glacial meltwaters in the American West. Masters Thesis, Colorado State University.
Johnson, D. K., 2016. Field indicators for the prediction of Appalachian soil and bedrock geochemistry. Doctoral dissertation, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University.
Keyel, E. R., 2016. Mercury accumulation in raptors. Masters Thesis, University of Minnesota.
Liao, Y., 2016. Analysis of potential sources and processes affecting ambient speciated mercury concentrations at Kejimkujik National Park, Nova Scotia. Masters Thesis, University of Windsor. Paper 5840.
Manifold, H. F., 2016. Nitrogen budget for Beargrass Creek watershed: a baseline study for a 45 percent nitrogen reduction goal. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Minnesota.
Moore, M. F., 2016. Measuring and modeling stormwater runoff from an interstate in a rural/forested watershed. Doctoral Dissertation, Auburn University.
Scarpelli, T., 2016. The role of amino acids in the nitrogen cycle of peatlands, Open Access Master's Thesis, Michigan Technological University, http://digitalcommons.mtu.edu/etdr/140.
Song, S., 2016. Quantifying mercury surface fluxes by combining atmospheric observations and models. Doctoral Dissertation, Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Soper, F. M., 2016. Effects of woody legume (Prosopis Glandulosa) encroachment on nitrogen fixation, storage and gas loss in a subtropical, semi-arid savanna. Doctoral Dissertation, Cornell University.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
As a National Research Support Project (NRSP-3), our main mission is to support research, and in particular to provide data for research journal articles and reports.
Each year, the NADP compiles a list of research articles, reports and theses/dissertations that used NADP data or compared their results to NADP data. For the calendar year 2016 (last full count) we had 248 publications using NADP data. During the current 2017, counting is not yet complete, but at least 100 publications have been found. The annual bibliography of articles and reports can be found here: http://nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx.
In this report section, we have included example publications, which are more agricultural-related publications. Each was taken from this project period (Sep. 2016-Aug 2017).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Elkin, K. R., Veith, T. L., Lu, H., Goslee, S. C., Buda, A. R., Collick, A. S., ... and Bryant, R. B., 2016. Declining Atmospheric Sulfate Deposition in an Agricultural Watershed in Central Pennsylvania, USA. Agricultural & Environmental Letters 1: 160039 (November), DOI: 10.2134/ael2016.09.0039.
The authors (including ARS scientists) studied the impact of reduced sulfur/sulfate deposition over the past 40 years to agricultural lands in central Pennsylvania. Atmospheric sulfur/sulfate deposition has decreased by 75% since 1979. With this reduction, many agricultural soils now have sulfate deficiencies. Twenty six percent of fields were found to be below optimum values (10 mg S per Kg soil). They concluded that S as a nutrient will require future monitoring and more sulfur enriched fertilizers will be needed.
The study used weekly sulfate deposition in precipitation (NADP samples) from 1979 through current times from a south central NADP site (PA47). Trends of these measurements were used to as a basis for their conclusions.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Fant, Charles, R. Srinivasan, B. Boehlert, L. Rennels, S. C. Chapra, K. M. Strzepek, J. Corona, A. Allen and J. Martinich, 2017. Climate Change Impacts on U.S. Water Quality Using Two Models: HAWQS and U.S. Basins. Water 9(2): 118.
The authors compared and contrasted two different water quality models: Hydrologic and Water Quality System (HAWQS) and U.S. Basin under future climate scenarios and focusing particularly on water temperature, dissolved oxygen, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus. The authors concluded that with some differences, the models were generally similar in output, and that both models estimate that water quality will more likely worsen in the East than in the West, and result in future significant financial costs.
The authors used input data from all NADPs NTN sites across the country for input to the WAWQS model, for nitrogen and phosphorus over several years, as input to the landscape portion of the model (i.e. baseline).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Felix, J. D., Elliott, E. M. and Gay, D. A., 2017. Spatial and temporal patterns of nitrogen isotopic composition of ammonia at U.S. ammonia monitoring network sites. Atmospheric Environment 150: 434442.
The authors used ammonia samples sampled monthly at a subset of nine Ammonia Monitoring Network (NADP AMoN) sites and analyzed each for nitrogen isotopic composition, in order to begin to determine the source of the ammonia gas. Given that agriculture is such a large source of ammonia, this new technique of source apportionment will be of interest to agriculture. The authors were able to delineate a signal varying between non-agricultural and agricultural regions, delineate between seasonal agricultural emissions and more steady natural sources. They also noted a seasonal spring rise in agricultural emissions associated with spring fertilization and gaseous emissions of other types of agricultural operations.
The authors used multiple samples from nine locations within the NADPs Ammonia Monitoring network to determine isotopic nitrogen ratios.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Katz, B. S., Stotler, R. L., Hirmas, D., Ludvigson, G., Smith, J. J. and Whittemore, D. O., 2016. Geochemical recharge estimation and the effects of a declining water table. Vadose Zone Journal 15(Oct.), DOI: 10.2136/vzj2016.04.0031.
The authors studied the changing recharge rates of the High Plains Aquifer (in Kansas), a very important agricultural region of the U.S. that is experiencing important agricultural use. They used the movement of chloride through the surface layers to estimate recharge rates. The authors argue that previous estimated recharge rates based on chloride concentration are in error due to remnant chloride (and other analytes) remaining from previously-pumped water, that recharge has still yet to occur, that recharge rates are much longer than anticipated, and that recharge is much more complicated rather than general regional recharge.
The authors used both rainfall rates and chloride concentrations from several NADP NTN sites in this region of Kansas.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Nelson, Andrew J., S. Koloutsou-Vakakis, M. J. Rood, L. Myles, C. Lehmann, C. Bernacchi, S. Balasubramanian et al., 2017. Season-long ammonia flux measurements above fertilized corn in central Illinois, USA, using relaxed eddy accumulation. Agricultural and Forest Meteorology 239: 202-212.
The authors used a relaxed eddy correlation set up to measure ammonia deposition and emission from corn in central Illinois during 2014, with and after the addition of nitrogen fertilizer. The authors found large emission fluxes of ammonia primarily during the first 30 days after application, and through the season. They also concluded that this emission during the first 21 days after application was approximately 80% of the total nitrogen loss to the atmosphere during the entire growing season.
The authors used the NADP AMON laboratory and field methods for the measurement of ammonium for their denuders (capture device), laboratory analysis procedures (FIA), passive monitor standard operating procedures, and compared their results to regional AMoN observations from our IL11 site.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Pina, A. J., 2017. A social-ecological approach to managing agricultural ammonia emissions and nitrogen deposition in Rocky Mountain National Park. Doctoral dissertation, Colorado State University.
The author was interested in a social-ecological approach to decreasing the emissions and impact of agricultural ammonia to the Rocky Mountains National Park. He used meteorological monitoring and passive tracers to show a connection of park ammonia to the agricultural areas through summer time advection ( large-scale winds were responsible for slow and steady transport ) rather than simple convection. He then developed an early warning system where farmers could minimize ammonia emissions during times where to-park-transport were occurring to minimize the air quality/environmental impact.
The author used NADP data extensively, from several NADP NTN sites in Colorado (primarily CO19, NPS-Beaver Meadows, and CO98 NPS-Loch Vale), over the long period of record.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Prasad, R. and Hochmuth, G. J., 2016. Environmental nitrogen losses from commercial crop production systems in the Suwannee River Basin of Florida. PloS One 11(12): e0167558, DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167558.
The authors are working on nitrogen input to the Suwanee River (FL) basin, which is one of the few basins with increasing nitrogen levels, and thought to be from agricultural runoff. Attempting to estimate nitrogen losses into the environment from commercial row and vegetable crops currently using best management practices, the authors constructed N budgets for three crops: potato, sweet corn, and silage corn over a four year period. The authors estimate that ~35% of nitrogen applied is lost, and particular from crop residue and from late season application.
The authors used NADP NTN nitrate and ammonium data obtained from the nearby SAES observation point (Branford FL, FL03) to use in their nitrogen input and budget. Atmospheric deposition was determined to be only 5% of the nitrogen in the system.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2017
Citation:
Raper, Tyson B., A. T. McClure, F. Yin and B. Brown, 2017. Sulfur and Tennessee Row Crops. Adapted from Rapers Doctoral Dissertation, University of Tennessee.
The authors developed this Extension education bulletin (from Rapers dissertation) to stress the importance of S and the role it plays within higher plants, describe the common occurrence of limited sulfur, and define options for agricultural professionals. They give a very good introduction to the importance of sulfur to crops, with many examples and pictures. They focused on why this is occurring more often now, which is based upon NADP long-term observations of decreasing sulfate deposition in Tennessee. They provide farmers with yield curves, estimated amounts needed for certain crops, and the cost recovery of the same.
The authors use long-term NADP data for sulfur deposition at a central Tennessee site (TN14) as the explanation of the new need for sulfate-containing fertilizer application.
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Progress 10/01/15 to 09/30/16
Outputs
Target Audience:The NADP provides fundamental measurements that support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to precipitation and deposition chemistry, as well as atmospheric mercury and ammonia. NADP data are relevant to a wide audience and available to all. Data from our monitoring effort are used by a wide range of scientists for a number of research topic areas (see publications). Our data are used by policymakers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics. Our data are also used in many different educational areas including chemical, agricultural, and environmental sciences; are used at many different educational levels including elementary, secondary and post-secondary; and are used for many different theses and dissertations (see publication record). All data are available free of charge via the NADP website (nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Changes/Problems:There were no major changes/problems with the NADP approach. The NADP is an ongoing research support and monitoring project. A change in equipment (digital precipitation gages) did occur over the past five years, but this did not change the project approach. But it did improve the quality of the data collected with the addition and availability of digital and hourly precipitation data. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the past five years, the NADP has changed from on-site, annual operator training sessions to online monthly training video conferences. The first video training was conducted in 2012 and this practice continued. The objective was to improve sampling techniques for site operators, to provide this training more often, and to save travel funding of attendees. An overall improvement in the number of trainees did occur, and the financial savings have been realized. For all classes, the focus is on further training of the NADP site operators to improve their sampling technique. However, we feel that the training program is not as effective as it could be. We are currently working on a new training program for our operators. This should be developed over the next year and implemented. Further information on this training program will be forthcoming. The NADP is helping the development of a wet deposition mercury network in Asia (mentioned elsewhere). Much of this effort is training for network officers and monitoring countries on the appropriate sampling for wet deposition of mercury. Two separate training days were performed during this project period. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Internet disbursement of data is the primary route of data dissemination for the NADP project. Web statistics show annually that we are reaching our stakeholders and targeted populations, and that the percentage breakdown of these users remains relatively consistent: federal and state agencies (app. 40%), universities (36%), K to 12 schools (16%), and others (8%). Download statistics have shown general increases in the number of registered data users each year. During this project period, NADP recorded 1,275,841 site views, 26,922 data downloads, 24,167 map downloads, and 32,791 registered users of our site. These statistics continue to demonstrate that NADP is relevant to the scientific and educational communities. Distribution of our printed map summaries also is an important part of our dissemination of NADP information and data products (maps, all networks, etc.). During the last year, the NADP printed 3000 copies of our 2014 Map Summary (Oct. 2015). The NADP distributes annual map summaries online (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx) and mails/hands out the balance of the hardcopies to members of the Technical Committee, scientists, and the public each year. During this year, we have very few map summaries remaining (about 100). The 2015 Map Summary was printed in Sept. 2016, and approximately 60% of these have been distributed. In conjunction with the Ecological Response and Outreach Subcommittee (EROS), and the hiring of a part time Outreach Coordinator, the NADP began both a quarterly NADP newsletter (November 1, 2014) and has initiated an NADP presence on social media through Facebook and Twitter (Fall 2014). Newsletter distribution continues, with the current newsletter being the 7th of the series. During the last 12 months, the EROS subcommittee undertook a rewrite of our traditional "Nitrogen in the Nation's Rain", which is a general sciences brochure aimed at the publicand 6-12th grade science students. The new version of the brochure, now called "Nitrogen in the Atmosphere" was completed in Aug. 2016, and 2,000 copies were printed. EROS is currently developing a plan for distribution, with an emphasis on distribution to science teachers. EROS has also planned a series of science videos, aimed at more general audiences, which will cover topics that NADP works in, such as acid precipitation, ammonia in the atmosphere, and nitrogen cycling in ecosystems. The first videos are complete, and several more videos will be completed in the next few months. The Critical Loads Atmospheric Deposition subcommittee published a map summary of their U.S. critical loads map series, a first for NADP. The map series focuses on nitrogen and sulfur critical loads. The CLAD Map Summary is available from the NADP Program Office. NADP has recently attended and provided a display booth at several national meetings. National Water Quality Monitoring Conference, Tampa Bay, Florida, May 2016. About 800 water quality scientists and policy professionals were present. It turns out that this meeting was hosted in part by a Tampa Bay water consortium which has used NADP data for over 20 years. Association for the Sciences of Limnology and Oceanography, Santa Fe, NM June 2016. About 600 freshwater and oceanographers scientists were in attendance. National Ambient Air Monitoring Conference, St. Louis, MO. Aug 2016. About 700 air quality scientists and state agency representatives were present. Tribal Air Monitoring Support (TAMS) Ecosystems Class, Flagstaff, AZ, June 2016. This is educational outreach where NADP representatives teach a class to beginning tribal environmental officers about deposition, its impact upon the ecosystem, and how to interpret and use our data. Asia Pacific Mercury Monitoring Meeting, Bangkok, Thailand, July 2016. NADP is attempting to helpcountries in Asia develop a mercury network for wet deposition (like the MDN) and for gaseous measurement (like the AMNet). About 120 people were present, including representatives from 20 countries. Atmospheric Sciences Current Scene - TheCenter for Atmospheric Sciences of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), Mexico City, Aug 2016. Dr. Gay was invited to provide a lecture on how NADP operates and what is measured. The audience was about 75 environmental scientists from Mexico and Central America. We have worked with several UNAM scientists for many years on wet deposition. Mercury 2017 Planning Meetings, Providence, RI (Oct 2015, and Feb 2016). Dr. Gay is involved with the planning for the next every-other-year large mercury science meeting, to be held in Providence, RI in July 2017. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As stated previously, we met all of our goals for the year. However, we are always trying to add value to our data, and therefore add to the goals. Training: During the next year, we intend to produce a new type of online "classes" that operators can take on their own schedule. These classes will use video footage of the earlier training classes (discussed above) and utilize one-on-one questioning periods with the site liaisons to provide a chance for the operators to ask questions, and for the site liaisons to assure that the operators/students understand what is needed and expected at our NADP sites. This planning is ongoing. A new pilot litterfall mercury monitoring initiative began measurement on Sept 1, 2012 and continues in its 5th year. This network specifically measures mercury and methyl mercury in forest litterfall (leaves, twigs, etc.). These dry deposition estimates will complement the MDN and AMNet deposition monitoring, and may become a full-fledged NADP network with Executive Committee. Dry deposition estimates are planned for the gaseous measurements of the AMoN and AMNet networks using modelled estimates of deposition velocity. The Total Deposition Science Ad hoc Committee within NADP is charged with determining methods and protocols for the development of this dataset. Timing of these additions is committee dependent, but may occur at our next meeting (April, 2017). Council of State and Territorial Epidemiologists (CSTE): Currently in discussions with the CSTE and affiliated organizations (including NOAA, EPA, CDC, etc.) on the monitoring effort for a national allergen tracking network for monitoring of aeroallergens (causing allergic rhinitis {hay fever} and asthma). The CSTE is concerned about the lack of routine and consistent measurement, and are interested in using NADP's considerable experience in this area. Discussions are ongoing, and the full participation of NADP is still unclear. But a collaborative network (and new) network is a possibility. Since one of the goals is for site support, we are continually attempting to bring in new sites and cooperators. These efforts seem to be useful, since the NTN network is as large as it has ever been, and the AMoN has experienced tremendous growth (its ammonia focus is particularly important to agriculture). Two of the newest sites are located at Agricultural Research Service locations. Additional Hires: During FY16, the NADP Program Office will hire two more people, including a Site Liaison (direct interface with sites) and an Assistant Coordinator (help with network management due to growth). These two additions have been approved by the NADP Executive Committee, and should improve our service to NADP members.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Impact Summary: The impact of our project is the repeated collection of basic pollution data in precipitation, and the use of this data in other research. The NADP repeatedly measures the flow of pollutants in precipitation and by dry deposition into ecosystems at about 350 locations in North America. First, 20,053 wet deposition measurements were made during this project year. Once analysis and data validation procedures were complete, we produced national maps to show the spatial variability of approximately 15 different pollutants, and these maps/figures were well used by the science/policy community (our first goal). Second, this data was provided to all requesters to use for a variety of research, education, and/or policy decisions. Our second goal is to make these measurements, and provide validated data to the science community free of charge and without restriction. During this project period, we had approximately 27,000 data downloads, and 247 journal articles were published using NADP data in some manner. Finally, the NADP organization and data support education through dissertations and theses uses (11 completed this year), and by providing data to K-12 educators for basic science education (significant amounts of data downloaded by education establishments) and basic educational documents for use by all (several new produced this year). Since 1978, the NADP has provided fundamental measurements to support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to the ambient concentration and wet deposition of atmospheric pollutants in North America. For the 2015 project year, NADP data were cited in 226 peer-reviewed publications, dissertations, and book chapters (247 in 2016; nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx). Distribution of data through our website is a primary way to distribute data. Data from the NADP's five monitoring networks were downloaded 26,922 times by approximately 32,791 registered data users. We recorded 24,167 downloads of our maps and summaries. These data users consistently represent federal and state agencies (40% of users), universities (36%), K-12 students and educators (16%), and others (8%). Each year, NADP data are used by policy makers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics, including the impact of atmospheric pollutant fallout on the North American food supply. Data are also used in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula on the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary level. All data are available free of charge (nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Notable outcomes: Wet deposition sample concentrations and fluxes were reported for 13,679 NTN, 877 AIRMoN, and 6,100 MDN samples. Ambient concentration data from 2,577 AMoN samples and approximately 60,000 hourly averages of each AMNet data component were added to the NADP databases. All data were summarized in annual maps and figures. The NADP hosted its two annual technical committee meetings and one scientific symposium to review network operations and procedures, and to present and share data from stakeholders. Attendance was over 330 from academic, government, and tribal organizations at "Acid Rain 2015" alone (described elsewhere). Within this national research support project (NRSP), there are three stated goals: 1) management and coordination of the five NADP monitoring networks; 2) site support, chemical analysis, and data validation for network sites directly supported by this agreement; and 3) quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure consistent operation and standard operational procedures. During this annual period, all three of our goals were met. Major Activity 1: Our principal output is the collection and analysis of precipitation chemistry and atmospheric chemistry samples. For all of these networks, 20,053 samples were collected of the three wet deposition networks, along with over 60,000 gaseous observations from the AMNet and AMoN. Specifics are included in the products section of this report. Major Activity 2: The NADP makes our collected data available to support research and education. We do this through a web-available database, and through our annual map series and map summary. All of these analytical results, organized by site and date, are available here (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/data/). Each year the NADP produces a series of 23 national wet deposition concentration and flux maps for all of our analytes and networks. For the gaseous networks, we produce similar summary figures. The 2014 Map Summary (produced 9/15) is available here (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx), and the 2015 Map Summary (produced 9/16) is also now available. Goals 2 and 3 are completed for each year before the data is released in final form and maps are generated. Data through January 2016 are finalized. Therefore, all Objectives (goals) were met this year. Results Achieved: As a National Research Support Project, our results are the data and the database as described above. Research results are the journal articles are described in the Products Section of this report (articles listed are only a subset of the 200+ articles that use or reference NADP data over the current project period). During the past year, several other very important results have occurred beyond our basic mission and goals. Litterfall Mercury Pilot Network. Working with USGS scientists, the NADP is operating a pilot litterfall network (26 sites) to determine the deposition of mercury with forest litterfall. This is its 5th year of operation. The network is designed to determine the feasibility and easy of network measurement, for the potential adoption by the NADP as a full network. The NADP continues its effort to estimate dry deposition, partnering with Environment Canada, and providing an estimation of total deposition (wet plus dry) of mercury. Formal acceptance of this method is expected to occur at this Spring's Executive Session (April, 2017). This will constitute a new and major data product, if approved. Continued Quality Assurance Audits. NADP contract laboratories and the Program Office are each reviewed annually in rotation to identify problems, improve performance, and provide external checks to the program. These audit team members are a mix of external and NADP member scientists. The Program Office was audited in 2010, 2013, and 2016. The audit report has been delivered, discussed at the Fall meeting, and a written response was provided back. Equipment Upgrade. Originating with a Technical Committee decision in 2006, the NADP has converted the overwhelming majority of its older-style mechanical precipitation gages to digital-style precipitation gages. There are only 23 remaining sites, representing < 8% of the network. A plan to purchase and install the remaining digital gages is on-going. The purchase is underway. Collaboration with USGS on isotopes of Mercury. By measuring isotopes of mercury, scientists think that they can determine the ultimate source type of the mercury (atmospheric deposition, etc.). Therefore, NADP is working with USGS scientists sample at 20 NADP MDN sites. Results will be forthcoming. US EPA with dry deposition estimates for N and S. One of the NADP science committees (Total Deposition Science Subcommittee, TDEP) is working with EPA scientists to estimate dry deposition, and with NADP deposition to provide annual maps of total N and S deposition. The modeling/mapping particulars can be found at the NADP website, and are downloadable.
Publications
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Kennedy, C.D., Kleinman, P.J. and DeMoranville, C.J. 2016. Spatial scale and field management affect patterns of phosphorus loss in cranberry floodwaters. Journal of Environmental Quality 45(January): 285-293.
The authors (including ARS scientists) were trying to determine the amount of phosphorus loss from cranberry agricultural areas under flooding conditions, and therefore the addition of phosphorus to these non-agricultural surface waters. The authors determined that high P export (4 kg P per acre) occurred with flooding conditions in organic rich cranberry bogs, but that more mineral soils would produce significantly less P flux.
The study used NADP chloride data in precipitation (site MA01) as a tracer for the dilution of precipitation, and the precipitation phosphorus addition to the individual farms and study areas.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Simmonds, M.B., Li, C., Lee, J., Six, J., Kessel, C. and Linquist, B.A. 2015. Modeling methane and nitrous oxide emissions from direct-seeded rice systems. Journal of Geophysical Research: Biogeosciences, 120(October), 2011-2035.
The study was designed to model methane and nitrous oxide emissions from rice fields with different management practices in place. Different combinations of observation times were used for model calibration and validation. Growing season emissions were reasonably well modelled, but fallow season emissions were poorly replicated. Management practices were poorly replicated. The model was determined to be very sensitive to root to total plant biomass ratio.
The authors used NADPs NTN deposition data for ammonium and nitrate from CA88 (UC Davis, SAES site) for depositional information for their modeling effort.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Zheng, J. and Doskey, P.V. 2016. Simulated rainfall on agricultural soil reveals enzymatic regulation of short-term nitrous oxide profiles in soil gas and emissions from the surface. Biogeochemistry 128(May): 327338, DOI 10.1007/s10533-016-0210-z.
The authors of this study investigated the role of enzymatic regulation on the accumulation of N2O during a transition from oxygen rich conditions to anoxic conditions during/after rainfall events. Anoxic conditions were induced by a simulated rainfall in the field. The authors conclude that the activity of N2O reductase in a corn field played a crucial role in regulating N2O emissions. The dynamics of N2O mixing ratios in soil gas and surface emissions were in excellent agreement with simulations using a one-dimensional, diffusionreaction equation of the denitrification enzyme kinetics.
The authors used the rainfall chemistry of a local NTN site (Bondville, Illinois) to develop chemically accurate synthetic precipitation based on long term measurements of NADP.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Zhu, L., Henze, D., Bash, J., Jeong, G.R., Cady-Pereira, K., Shephard, M., Luo, M., Paulot, F. and Capps, S. 2015. Global evaluation of ammonia bidirectional exchange and livestock diurnal variation schemes. Atmospheric Chemistry & Physics, 15 (November), 12823-12843, www.atmos-chem-phys.net/15/12823/2015/, DOI:10.5194/acp-15-12823-2015.
In this study, the authors upgraded the GEOS-Chem atmospheric ammonia model, particularly with bi-directional atmospheric deposition and emission from the agricultural livestock and some fertilizer applications. Additions of these bi-directional emission sources improved the model comparison to atmospheric concentration primarily in the Southeast U.S. These sources increased model gross emissions by ~7%, and increases atmospheric lifetime of ammonia. The authors also conclude that these agricultural emission sources are still underrepresented.
The authors used the NADP AMoN ammonia concentrations from 2007-2010 as ammonia concentration input and model evaluation/quality assurance.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
As a National Research Support Project (NRSP-3), our main mission is to support research, and in particular to provide data for research journal articles and reports. Each calendar year, the NADP compiles a list of research articles, reports and theses/dissertations that used NADP data in some fashion, or compared their results to NADP data. For this project year, we can report over 200 articles and reports (247 in CY 2016). The 2015 journal articles were mostly listed in the last report, and all 2016 are listed here. Annual article bibliographies can be found here: nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx. In this report section, we have included example agricultural-related publications.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
In support of our education and outreach responsibilities, one new text used NADP information during 2016: Visconti, G. 2016. Fundamentals of Physics and Chemistry of the Atmosphere. Chapter 20, Springer. Additionally, eleven dissertations and theses (5) used NADP data, and are noted in the publications listing. There was also one senior honors thesis.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Alshawaf, M., Douglas, E. and Ricciardi, K. 2016. Estimating nitrogen load resulting from biofuel mandates. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health 13(May): 478, DOI: 10.3390/ijerph13050478.
This study was designed to determine if additional nitrogen gas emissions are present and/or important with increased use of corn and soybeans to manufacture biofuels in support of federal regulations. One primary output from the study was an estimate of increases of nitrate flux to the northern Gulf of Mexico region, and that using corn to meet future mandates will increase nitrate flux, but will require less agricultural land.
In this study, the authors used data from 186 different NADP sites over 1990-2005 as SPARROW model input for nitrogen deposition, in part to determine a longterm deposition value, and as input to the SPARROW model to estimate future scenarios.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Brooker, A.P. 2016. Soil fertility status in Ohio and Indiana and the association between soil fertility and soybean grain yield in Ohio. Masters Thesis, The Ohio State University.
Brooker ran 624 experiments over four years in Ohio and Indiana to assess the soil fertility conditions in each state, and to determine the impact of soil fertility on soybean grain yield in his Masters Thesis (Horticulture and Crop Science). He concluded that Ohio soybean grain yield was reduced by of 7 and 4 bu/acre, which were associated with Phosphorus and Potassium levels below state-established soil critical levels.
Brooker used NADP national maps over time to partially explain the trends in acid conditions of the soils for his site and experiment area (decreasing acidity).
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
David, M.B., Mitchell, C.A., Gentry, L.E. and Salemme, R.K., 2016. Chloride sources and losses in two tile-drained agricultural watersheds. Journal of Environmental Quality 45(January): 341-348.
David et al (includes SAES scientists) investigated the chlorine balance between agricultural systems and two rivers in Illinois over roughly 20 years. Chloride inputs to watersheds are most often from atmospheric deposition, road salt, or agricultural fertilizer. Particular to this section of Illinois fertilizer is added as potassium chloride, the largest source of Cl to these sites. Agricultural chloride was determined to be the largest flux to the rivers, and that river concentrations respond relatively quickly to these inputs (2-6 years).
The authors used locally measured NADP precipitation chemistry (Bondville, Illinois) to determine the longterm concentration and flux of chloride in precipitation for their chloride balance.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Elkin, K.R., Veith, T.L., Lu, H., Goslee, S.C., Buda, A.R., Collick, A.S., ... and Bryant, R.B., 2016. Declining atmospheric sulfate deposition in an agricultural watershed in central Pennsylvania, USA. Agricultural & Environmental Letters 1: 160039, DOI: 10.2134/ael2016.09.0039.
The authors (including ARS scientists) studied the impact of reduced sulfur/sulfate deposition over the past 40 years to agricultural lands in central Pennsylvania. Atmospheric sulfur/sulfate deposition has decreased by 75% since 1979. With this reduction, many agricultural soils now have sulfate deficiencies. Twenty six percent of fields were found to be below optimum values (10 mg S per Kg soil). They concluded that S as a nutrient will require future monitoring and more sulfur enriched fertilizers will be required.
The study used weekly sulfate deposition in precipitation (NADP samples) from 1979 through current times from a south central NADP site (PA47). Trends of these measurements were used to as a basis for their conclusions.
|
Progress 02/20/15 to 09/30/15
Outputs
Target Audience:The NADP provides fundamental measurements that support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to precipitation and deposition chemistry, as well as atmospheric mercury and ammonia. NADP data are relevant to a wide audience and available to all. Data from our monitoring effort are used by a wide range of scientists for a number of research topic areas (see publications). Our data are used by policymakers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics. Our data are also used in many different educational areas including chemical, agricultural, and environmental sciences; are used at many different educational levels including elementary, secondary and post-secondary; and are used for many different theses and dissertations (see publication record). All data are available free of charge via the NADP website (nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Changes/Problems:There were no major changes/problems with the NADP approach. The NADP is an ongoing research support and monitoring project. A change in equipment (digital precipitation gages) did occur over the past five years, but this did not change the project approach. But it did improve the quality of the data collected with the addition and availability of digital and hourly precipitation data. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?During the past five years, the NADP has changed from on-site, annual operator training sessions to online monthly training video conferences. The first video training was conducted in 2012 and this practice continues to date. The objective was to improve sampling techniques for site operators, to provide this training more often, and to save travel funding of attendees. An overall improvement in the number of trainees did occur, and the financial savings have been realized. For all classes, the focus is on further training of the NADP site operators to improve their sampling technique with our continually changing site operator network. Occasionally, we offer workshops for different reasons. In the past 5 years we have offered: 1) "Total Deposition" to discuss specific methods and procedures that could be adopted for some of our data, and make new estimates of fluxes available, and 2) A workshop on "Atmospheric Nitrogen" in support of the new interests in nitrogen compounds, and in organic nitrogen in particular. At both workshops, the attendees were a mix of policy professionals and scientists who would all use the information. These workshops gave these participants a forum to address what data would be most useful, and how the data would be developed. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Internet disbursement of data is the primary route of dissemination for the NADP project. Web statistics show annually that we are reaching our stakeholders and targeted populations, and that the percentage breakdown of these users remains relatively fixed: federal and state agencies (app. 40%), universities (36%), K to 12 schools (16%), and others (8%). Download statistics have shown general increases in the number of registered data users each year. During this project period, NADP recorded 1,294,307 site views, 28,018 data downloads, 23,921 map downloads, and 34,019 registered users of our site. These statistics continue to demonstrate that NADP continues to be relevant to the scientific and educational communities. Distribution of our printed map summaries also is an important part of our dissemination of NADP information and data products (maps, all networks, etc.). During the last year, the NADP printed 2,000 copies of our 2013 Map Summary (Oct. 2014). The NADP distributes annual map summaries online (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx) and mails approximately 1,500 hard copies to members of the Technical Committee each year. During this year, we have very few map summaries remaining (about 100). The 2014 Map Summary was just printed (Oct. 2015), and the same procedures will happen with this map summary. In conjunction with the Ecological Response and Outreach Subcommittee (EROS), and the hiring of a part time Outreach Coordinator, the NADP began both a quarterly NADP newsletter (November 1, 2014 was the first issue) and has initiated an NADP presence on social media through Facebook and Twitter (Fall 2014). A significant part of the newsletters will berecent NADP map products with a short explanation. This is aimed at nonprofessionals and educators. The Twitter feed is designed to build an audience (again of nonprofessionals), but also educators and other interested parties to alert them to new products, updates from NADP, and new educational products as they become available. Both the newsletter and the Twitter feed will increase the information dissemination and the community of interest size beyond just researchers and scientists. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?As stated previously, we met all of our goals for the year. However, we are always trying to add value to our data, and therefore add to the goals. Training: During the next year, we intend to produce online "classes" that operators can take on their own schedule. These classes will use video footage of the earlier training classes (discussed above), and utilize one-on-one questioning periods with the site liaisons to provide a chance for the operators to ask questions, and for the site liaisons to assure that the operators/students understand what is needed and expected at our NADP sites. Another improvement is to digitize all of the individual field precipitation records (back to 1978) and make them available to researchers via the NADP website for a more complete site and sample collection record. This is ongoing and should be completed during 2016. The Technical Committee has requested that NADP publish its digital precipitation record (approximately 300 gages) as an independent precipitation database to be used as our other wet and dry deposition databases. This should be added during FY16 and provide additional data with no additional expenditures. This will allow researchers to access the precipitation data as a stand-alone product. This new product will include this report's 50-site subnetwork. Since one of the goals is for site support, we are continually attempting to bring in new sites and cooperators. These efforts seem to be useful, since the NTN network is as large as it has ever been. Particularly noteworthy is the recent addition of a new SAES site in North Carolina.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
Since 1978, the NADP has provided fundamental measurements to support informed decisions on environmental and agricultural issues related to the ambient concentration and wet deposition of atmospheric pollutants in North America. For this project year, NADP data were cited in over 200 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters (236 in 2014 and 172 in 2015 thus far; see annual listings here: nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/bibliography.aspx). Data from the NADP's five monitoring networks were downloaded over 28,018 times by approximately 34,019 registered data users. We recorded 23,921 downloads of our maps and summaries. These data users consistently represent federal and state agencies (40% of users), universities (36%), K-12 students and educators (16%), and others (8%). Each year, NADP data are used by policy makers to make informed decisions on agriculturally important topics, including the impact of atmospheric pollutant fallout on the North American food supply. Data are also used in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) curricula on the elementary, secondary, and post-secondary level. All data are available free of charge (nadp.isws.illinois.edu). Notable outcomes during the project period are as follows: Wet deposition sample concentrations and fluxes were reported for 13,924 NTN samples. For the 50 sites in this subset, 2,500 samplers for 10 analytes were collected, analyzed, and quality assured. All data are available on the NADP website, and were summarized in annual maps and figures. The NADP hosted its two annual technical committee meetings and one scientific symposium to review network operations and procedures, and to present and share data from stakeholders. Attendance was over 140 from academic, government, tribal, and private organizations. Within this national research support project (NRSP), there are three stated goals: 1) Management and coordination of the five NADP monitoring networks; 2) Site support, chemical analysis, and data validation for network sites directly supported by this agreement; and 3) Quality assurance and quality control activities to ensure consistent operation and standard operational procedures. During this annual period, all three of our goals were met. Major Activity 1: Our principal output is the collection and analysis of precipitation chemistry and atmospheric chemistry samples. For all of these networks, over 26,000 samples were collected of the four network types, along with over 52,000 observations from the AMNet. Specifics are included in the products section of this report. Major Activity 2: The NADP makes our collected data available to support research and education. We do this through a web-available database, and through our annual map series and map summary. All of these analytical results, organized by site and date, are available here (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/data/). Each calendar year the NADP produces a series of 23 national maps of wet deposition concentration and flux maps for all of our analytes and networks. Each map summary is available here (nadp.isws.illinois.edu/lib/dataReports.aspx), and the 2015 Map Summary will be produced in the summer of 2016 after all normal data processing. Goals 2 and 3 are completed for each year before the data is released in final form and maps are generated. Therefore, all Objectives (goals) were met this year of the project. Results Achieved: As a National Research Support Project, our results are the data and the database as described above. Research results are the journal articles as described in the Products Section of this report (articles listed are only a subset of the 200+ articles that use or reference NADP data over the current project period). During the past year, several other very important results have occurred beyond our basic mission and goals. Continued Quality Assurance Audits. NADP contract laboratories and the Program Office are each reviewed annually in rotation to identify problems, improve performance, and provide external checks to the program. These audits are a mix of external and NADP member scientists. The CAL was audited in 2011 and 2014; the HAL in 2012 and 2015; and the Program Office in 2010 and 2013, and will be re-audited in 2016 (July). Results were reported back to the Executive Committee at the respective Fall meetings. Equipment Upgrade: Originating with a Technical Committee decision in 2006, the NADP has converted the overwhelming majority of its older-style mechanical precipitation gages to digital-style precipitation gages. There are only 25 sites remaining unchanged, representing < 8% of the network. Only two sites specific to this 50-site subset of NTN sites are as of yet recording digital precipitation. Another improvement to the database and quality assurance is to digitize all of the individual field records (back to 1978, most importantly precipitation data) and make them available to researchers. This is ongoing. One particularly noteworthy milestone for NADP was the collection of our 400,000th NTN sample at our Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument site (MT00) on March 28, 2015. This is quite a milestone for the NADP. Our Puerto Rico site (PR01), in cooperation with the USDA-FS, has now become the first site in our network with 4 different networks operating (NTN since 1985, MDN, AMoN, MDN). Additionally, several noteworthy points occurred with our State Agriculture Experiment Stations (SAES) relationship. During FY15, we were given a new 5-year operational contract (2015-2019) which will allow the core of the oldest stations to continue operation within NADP. Additionally, a new SAES site was started at North Carolina A&T State University, which became an active NTN site on Jan 30, 2015. NCA&T is a historically black university and is an 1890 Land-Grant University. This site operation is in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Energy.
Publications
- Type:
Books
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
A Listing of Textbooks that have used NADP maps and data.
Boucher, O. 2015. Atmospheric Aerosols: Properties and Climate Impacts. Springer.
Press, D. 2015. American Environmental Policy: The Failures of Compliance, Abatement and Mitigation. Edward Elgar Publishing.
Shaddick, G. and Zidek, J.V. 2015. Spatio-Temporal Methods in Environmental Epidemiology. CRC Press.
Sullivan, T.J. 2015. Air Pollutant Deposition and Its Effects on Natural Resources in New York State. Cornell University Press.
- Type:
Theses/Dissertations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
A partial listing of Dissertations and Theses (9/14-8/15) that have used NADP maps and data.
Anderson, J. 2015. Geochemical Assessment and Separation of Source Waters in the Upper Boulder River Watershed Near Boulder, MT. Masters Thesis, Montana Tech of the University of Montana.
Bluck, G.M. 2015. Soybean Yield Response in High and Low Input Production Systems. Masters Thesis, The Ohio State University.
Coble, A.A. 2015. Biogeochemical Cycling in Lake Superior Tributaries: Seasonality, Quantity and Quality of Export. Doctoral Dissertation, Michigan Technological University, 2015.
Ganzlin, P. 2015. Decadal Scale Responses of Soil and Ecosystem Processes to Forest Restoration in Rocky Mountain Conifer Forests. Masters Thesis, University of Montana-Missoula.
Kim, S. 2015. Particulate Matter and Ozone: Remote Sensing and Source Attribution. Doctoral dissertation, Harvard University, Graduate School of Arts & Sciences.
Kronholm, S.C. 2015. Hydrologic Flowpath and Other Natural and Anthropogenic Factors Controlling Nitrogen Movement From the Landscape to Streams. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Minnesota.
Kuschner, M. A. 2015. A Model of Carrying Capacity and Ecosystem Impacts in a Large-Scale, Bivalve-Dominated Agro-Ecosystem: Hard Clam Aquaculture in Cherrystone Inlet, VA. Masters Thesis, The College of William and Mary.
Maas, B.J. 2015. Interpretation of Geochemical Signatures from Modern Carbonate Springs to the Rock Record. Doctoral Dissertation, Louisiana State University and Agriculture and Mechanical College.
Menger, A. 2015. Response of Streamflow and Stream Chemistry to Pine Beetle Induced Tree Mortality Across Northern Colorado. Masters Thesis, Colorado State University.
Moragas, B.A. 2014. Implementation, Development and Evaluation of the Gas-Phase Chemistry Within the Global/Regional NMMB/BSC Chemical Transport Model (NMMB/BSC-CTM). Doctoral Dissertation, Dept. of Earth Sciences, Barcelona Supercomputing Center - Centro, Nacional de Supercomputaci�n [BSC-CNS], Barcelona.
Rose, D.H. 2014. A Cumulative Damage Approach to Modeling Atmospheric Corrosion of Steel. Doctoral Dissertation, University of Dayton.
Sabo, R.D. 2014. Stage III N-Saturated Forested Watershed Rapidly Responds to Declining Atmospheric N Deposition. Masters Thesis, University of Maryland, College Park.
White, C. 2015. Effect of Increased Atmospheric Nitrogen Deposition and Elevated CO2 on Traits Responsible for Carnivory in the Sundews Drosera Rotundifolia and Drosera Intermedia. Senior Honors Thesis, University of Michigan.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Arnott, J.C., Osenga, E.C., Cundiff, J.L. and Katzenberger, J.W. 2015. Engaging Stakeholders on Forest Health: A Model for Integrating Climatic, Ecological, and Societal Indicators at the Watershed Scale. Journal of Forestry 113(5), 447-453.
The authors developed an ecologically-driven numerical model of forest health indices to be used for outreach and education of populations and as a decision support tool. The model uses climatic, sociological and ecological data to make its estimate of forest health. NADP data is used (the model was developed in/for Colorado) as an air quality input along with CASTNET data to determine an air quality score, which can then be blended into predictions of different public goals.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Balasubramanian, S., Koloutsou-Vakakis, S., McFarland, D.M. and Rood, M.J. 2015. Reconsidering Emissions of Ammonia from Chemical Fertilizer Usage in Midwest USA. J. Geophys. Res. Atmos. 120, 62326246, doi:10.1002/2015JD023219.
In this paper, the authors develop a new ammonia (NH3) emissions model (Improved Spatial Surrogate (ISS)) which estimates spatial and temporal distribution of emissions based on chemical fertilizer input, crop location, nitrogen management, and a biogeochemical model. NADP wet deposition data for ammonia were used in the model inputs. Significant changes in emissions were noted versus commonly used emissions models over the Midwestern United States.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Batte, M.T. and Forster, D.L. 2015. Old is New Again: The Economics of Agricultural Gypsum Use. Journal of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, 2015 Edition, http://www.asfmra.org/2015-journal-of-asfmra/#.
The authors used surveys of area farmers to better understand the use of Gypsum on U.S. farms in the Midwest. The farmers reported significant benefits of gypsum addition related to soil fertility, water management and crop performance related to gypsum addition and its long-term use. A cost to benefit ratio was found to be high. NADP data was used over multiple years to show the reduction in sulfate deposition over wide areas of the country, and therefore the importance of sulfur contributions from gypsum.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
David, M.B., Mitchell, C.A., Gentry, L.E. and Salemme, R.K. 2015. Chloride Sources and Losses in Two Tile-Drained Agricultural Watersheds. Journal of Environmental Quality. doi:10.2134/jeq2015.06.0302.
The authors evaluated chlorine loading to local rivers (central Illinois) with respect to atmospheric deposition, road salt, or agricultural fertilizer sources. Their observations show an increase in chloride concentrations as potash use increased (60s & 70s), with an important lag in loading of 2-6 years with field tile drainage. Fertilizer contribution was the dominant source, with long-term records of NADP chloride deposition data used for the accounting of atmospheric deposition loading.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Kennedy, C.D., Buda, A.R., Kleinman, P.J. and DeMoranville, C.J. 2015. Chemical and Isotopic Tracers Illustrate Pathways of Nitrogen Loss in Cranberry Floodwaters. Journal of Environmental Quality 44(4), 1326-1332.
The authors report phosphate loading during floods from natural and agricultural cranberry bogs in the Northeast. Important sources of phosphorus include hydrological, edaphic, and agricultural management factors (additions). Export loading variability is high (<0.8 to 4.7 kg P ha-1) with high values related to flooding conditions of rich organic soils. Agricultural management showed reduced phosphorus release. NADP chloride data from local sites was used to help separate irrigation water from atmospheric precipitation contributions.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Kleinman, P.J., Church, C., Saporito, L.S., McGrath, J.M., Reiter, M.S., Allen, A.L., ... and Joern, B.C. 2015. Phosphorus Leaching From Agricultural Soils of the Delmarva Peninsula, USA. Journal of Environmental Quality 44(2), 524-534.
The authors investigated the leaching of phosphorus from soils before and after poultry litter application in Eastern Delaware. With application, leachate P increased dramatically, with a majority of the leachate P thought to be from the application. The authors used two NADP sites and long-term chemistry to make synthetic precipitation that matched the analyte concentrations of local precipitation.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Landa, E.R. and Shanley, J.B. 2015. Ahead of His Time: Jacob Lipman's 1930 Estimate of Atmospheric Sulfur Deposition for the Conterminous United States. Soil Science 180(3), 87-89.
The authors provide a historical perspective review of the early work of Jacob Lipmans early estimate of sulfur deposition (~1930). The approach used by Lipman was replicated in early acid rain work during the 70's and 80's, and show that his estimates of sulfur deposition were very close to more recent backcasts of 1930's deposition and early estimates by NADP for the coterminous U.S.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Sardans, J. and Pe�uelas, J. 2015. Potassium: A Neglected Nutrient in Global Change. Global ecology and biogeography 24(3), 261-275.
The authors provide a review article on Potassium in the environment and in plant processes, and note the fundamental nature of K to plants, in their water use efficiency and the potential impact to global climate change. They point to examples from the scientific literature that suggest K can be as limiting to plant productivity as N, and that anthropogenic K deposition from the atmosphere can be much higher than natural sources. Specifically, Ks important role in water use by plants makes it very important under changing climate conditions. The NADP network is held up as a model for monitoring of K, where few other observations exist.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Steiner, J., Strickland, T., Kleinman, P., Havstad, K., Moorman, T., Moran, M., ... and McCarty, G. 2015. The Long Term Agroecosystem Research Network-Shared Research Strategy. In: Interagency Conference on Research in the Watersheds.
The authors (ARS scientists) lay out a shared research strategy for the Long Term Agro-Ecosystem Research Network (LTAR). The goals and outcomes are presented. Deposition of pollutants is listed as one of their foundation science measurements within the LTAR, and note the role of NADP in these measurements and the LTAR sites that are part of the NADP.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Stets, E.G., Kelly, V.J. and Crawford, C.G., 2014. Long-Term Trends in Alkalinity in Large Rivers of the Conterminous U.S. in Relation to Acidification, Agriculture, and Hydrologic Modification. Science of Total Environment 488: 280-289.
The authors estimate the impact of agriculture (among other factors) on the alkalinity trends of large rivers in the U.S. Using long-term alkalinity trends across all major river basins, the authors found a significant relationship to agricultural lime usage within most river basins, but not all. NADP data for nitrogen and sulfate wet deposition were used from all stations over many years to determine atmospheric input of acidification ions, and their change over time as input for their estimations.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Haupt, G., Lauzon, D. and Hall, B. 2015. Sulfur Fertilization: Improving Alfalfa Yield and Quality. Crops and Soils 48(4), 26-30.
The authors developed this outreach/education magazine article to address concerns of sulfur deficiencies in alfalfa. The widespread decrease in sulfate deposition across Canada and the United States is described (long-term NADP data). The authors note deficiency symptoms, and discuss a controlled sulfur addition experiment. Discussed are the increases in alfalfa yield, stand quality, sulfur uptake rates, and suggestions for managing sulfur addition.
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