Global emission inventories with 1°x 1°resolution were compiled for nitrogen oxides (NO + NO2, together denoted as NO(x)), ammonia (NH3) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. For NO(x) the estimated global anthropogenic emission for 1990 is about 31 million ton N year-1. The major anthropogenic sources identified include fossil fuel combustion (70%, of which the major sources are road transport and power plants) and biomass burning (20%). Natural sources contribute about 19 million ton N year-1, mainly lightning and soil processes. For NH3the estimated global emission for 1990 is about 54 million ton N year-1. The major sources identified include excreta from domestic animals and wild animals, use of synthetic N fertilisers, oceans and biomass burning. About half of the global emission comes from Asia, and about 70% is related to food production. For N2O the major sources considered include fertilised arable land, animal excreta, soils under natural vegetation, oceans, and biomass burning. The global source of N2O is about 15 million ton N2O-N year-1of which about 30% is related to food production. All three inventories are available on a sectoral basis on a 1°x 1°grid for input to global atmospheric models and on a regional/country basis for policy analysis.