Name
Quantifying atmospheric nitrogen pathways across agricultural-wetland interfaces in the Canadian Prairies
Date & Time
Wednesday, May 27, 2026, 4:15 PM - 4:30 PM
Description
Agricultural intensification in the Canadian Prairies has substantially altered the regional nitrogen (N) cycle, primarily through the application of urea-based fertilizers. Wetlands in this hummocky landscape are traditionally viewed as N sinks, removing N via denitrification. However, the role of wetlands in other atmospheric pathways such as ammonia (NH3) volatilization and deposition remains a critical knowledge gap. During the 2025 season (May–October), we monitored five "Living Lab" sites in central Saskatchewan on the Mistawasis Nêhiyawak and Muskeg Lake Cree First Nations. Using a paired-station design to evaluate upland fields versus wetlands margins, we quantified atmospheric NH3 concentrations using passive samplers and bulk N deposition via open-bucket collectors. Deposition samples were analyzed for ammonium, nitrate, total N, and total dissolved N alongside meteorological and geochemical data to examine environmental controls governing flux. Preliminary results show that ambient NH3 and N deposition peak during spring fertilization, with secondary summer spikes likely driven by temperature-dependent volatilization. The similarity in N deposition between wetland-adjacent and upland sites points to a more regionalized loading pattern rather than a local effect. These findings highlight the influence of agricultural operations and seasonality in shaping N dynamics in wetland landscapes and provide the necessary context for the next phase of this research: the deployment of semi-open static chambers to measure direct NH3 emissions from wetland soils and water. By integrating ambient NH3 concentrations and deposition fluxes with direct emission data, this research will evaluate whether prairie wetlands function as unrecognized sources of reactive nitrogen to the atmosphere.
Location Name
DSU Council Chambers
Full Address
Dalhousie University
Halifax NS
Canada
Session Type
Oral Presentation
Abstract ID
74
Speaker Organization
University of Saskatchewan
Session Name
B3 (2 of 2)
Co-authors
Colin Whitfield
Presenting Author
Connor Johnson, University of Saskatchewan