A micrometeorological technique was used to calculate the net transfer of NH 3 between a corn crop and the atmosphere. On the 10 days of measurement, there was continual interchange of NH 3 between crop and atmosphere with a strong indication of a diurnal cycle. Ammonia absorption by the plant‐soil system (downward transfer of NH 3 ) predominated when the soil surface was dry, but sustained losses of NH 3 (upward transfer) occurred when it was moist. Net absorption rates of 6.6 g N ha −1 hour −1 were calculated in the former period, and net losses of as much as 27.6 g N ha −1 hour −1 in the latter.
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Denmead et al. (1978) studied this question.