Emissions of nitric oxide from 79 plant species in response to simulated nitrogen deposition

To assess the potential contribution of nitric oxide (NO) emission from the plants grown under the increasing nitrogen (N) deposition to atmospheric NO budget, the effects of simulated N deposition on NO emission and various leaf traits (e.g., specific leaf area, leaf N concentration, net photosynthetic rate, etc.) were investigated in 79 plant species classified by 13 plant functional groups. Simulated N deposition induced the significant increase of NO emission from most functional groups, especially from conifer, gymnosperm and C3 herb. Moreover, the change rate of NO emission was significantly correlated with the change rate of various leaf traits. We conclude that the plants grown under atmospheric N deposition, especially in conifer, gymnosperm and C3 herb, should be taken into account as an important biological source of NO and potentially contribute to atmospheric NO budget.

► Simulated N deposition induces the significant increase of NO emission from plants.
► The increased NO emission is closely related to leaf N level and net photosynthesis.
► Abundant nitrite accumulation is a reason of NO emission induced by excess N input.
► The plants grown under N deposition potentially contribute to atmospheric NO budget.