Studies of tillage effects on N₂O emissions have been inconclusive due to the high temporal variability in emissions and the complexity of controlling factors. Increase in carbon and moisture levels in no-tillage (NT) soils can lead to higher N₂O emissions during the growing season, however, in cold climates improved soil structure in no-till can lead to reduced N₂O during spring-thaw compared to conventional tillage (CT). The temporal dynamics of CO₂ (¹²C and ¹³C - CO₂ isotopes) and N₂O fluxes of NT and CT plots, linked to soil chemical, physical, and microbial community structure measurements are the focus of a project initiated in 2005. This paper presents the initial results of flux measurements using micrometeorological techniques, sampling to determine carbon content and δ¹³C of soil and plant pools, and genetic diversity of the nitrifier and denitrifier communities.