AbstractThe use of synthetic N fertilizers has grown exponentially over the last century, with severe environmental consequences. Most of the reactive N will ultimately be removed by denitrification, but estimates of denitrification are highly uncertain due to methodical constraints of existing methods. Here we present a novel, mobile isotope ratio mass spectrometer system (Field-IRMS) for in-situ quantification of N₂ and N₂O fluxes from fertilized cropping systems. The system was tested in a sugarcane field continuously monitoring N₂ and N₂O fluxes for 7 days following fertilization using a fully automated measuring cycle. The detection limit of the Field-IRMS proved to be highly sensitive for N₂ (54 g ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) and N₂O (0.25 g ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) emissions. The main product of denitrification was N₂ with total denitrification losses of up to 1.3 kg N ha⁻¹ day⁻¹. These losses demonstrate sugarcane systems in Australia are a hotspot for denitrification where high emissions of N₂O and N₂ can be expected. The new Field-IRMS allows for the direct and highly sensitive detection of N₂ and N₂O fluxes in real time at a high temporal resolution, which will help to improve our quantitative understanding of denitrification in fertilized cropping systems.