Dataset: Trial A test of the dissolution method for estimates of the 15N2 atom% of incubations

Abstract

The “dissolution” method to measure N2 fixation rates with 15N2 gas tracer involves the preparation of 15N2-enriched water that is then added to each incubation bottle. Investigators typically measure the 15N2 atom% of the 15N2-enriched inoculum by MIMS, and extrapolate the 15N2 atom% in the incubations based on the inoculum value. Here, we demonstrate that such extrapolation yields inaccurate estimates of the 15N2 atom% of incubations. The latter should be measured directly.