Eddy covariance measurements from a Southern Italian buffalo farm

Agroecosystems play an important role in the anthropogenic influence on climate, through the variation of carbonstorage potential of the ecosystems, and exchanges of greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as methane (CH4), nitrousoxide (N2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) between land and atmosphere. In this work we present eddy covariancemeasurements carried out at a commercial buffalo farm located in Southern Italy (Borgo Cioffi, Eboli, 40o 31' N,14o 57' E), the European southernmost cropland observation candidate site of ICOS (Integrated Carbon Observation System) infrastructure. The experimental field has dimension of about 15 hectares and it is characterized bya six monthly crop rotation of sorghum vulgare and lolium perenne. Soil fertilization is performed using buffaloslurry from the adjacent livestock. From July 2017 an eddy covariance tower provided measurements of NEE (NetEcosystem Exchange) using a close path CO2 and water (H2O) analyzer (Li7200, Licor Inc.); CH4 and N2O fluxmeasurements were performed by a QCL (Quantuum Cascade Laser) trace gas monitor (Aerodyne Inc.). Severalother sensors placed in the proximity of the station provided meteorological and soil properties measurements. Wehere report the key factors affecting CO2, N2O and CH4 emission such as soil temperature, soil water content andsoil mineral nitrogen concentration due to fertilization. Flux measurements are correlated to management practices, like plowing or harvest of the culture. Accurate emissions estimates for different crops were then used forthe determination of N2O and CH4 emission factors.