Temporal concentration trends of ammonia (NH3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) derived from paddy fields in South Korea by real-time monitoring

This study aimed to investigate year-round emission patterns of ammonia (NH₃) and nitrogen dioxide (NO₂) from paddy fields in South Korea using real-time monitoring. While previous studies focused on short-term measurements during farming seasons, this study provides novel insight into off-season emissions. Surprisingly, the highest concentrations of both NH₃ and NO₂ were observed during winter, not during peak agricultural activity. These results suggest that post-harvest soil conditions and atmospheric stability may play a greater role in emissions than previously understood. Elevated nighttime concentrations also indicate potential health risks to nearby residents or workers, even outside working hours. The findings support the need for seasonally adaptive air quality management in agricultural environments.