What Causes Low Nitrogen Fertilizer Use Efficiency?

small farmer  2025-08-13 19:44:29   8  1 Like

What Causes Low Nitrogen Fertilizer Use Efficiency?

1、Low nitrogen use efficiency of dual

Our explanation of these results is the low N demand by small, defoliated crops and increased N demand as they regrew after defoliation. Additional evidence for the N-demand explanation came from a positive relationship between NUE of grazed crops and the yield of grain-only crops.

2、Reducing soil nitrogen losses from fertilizer use in global maize and

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency can effectively reduce soil nitrogen losses from fertilizer use in the production of maize and wheat, according to a global analysis of field...

Reducing soil nitrogen losses from fertilizer use in global maize and

3、Nitrogen Fertilizer Use Efficiency: Research Progress

The aim is to provide a scientific basis for improving crop nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency, reducing resource waste, decreasing environmental pollution and increasing crop yield.

Nitrogen use efficiency—a key to enhance crop productivity under a

Studies have shown that crops use only 50% of the applied N effectively, while the rest is lost through various pathways to the surrounding environment. Furthermore, lost N negatively impacts the farmer’s return on investment and pollutes the water, soil, and air.

Fate of nitrogen in agriculture and environment: agronomic, eco

Excessive and inefficient use of N fertilizer results in enhanced crop production costs and atmospheric pollution. Atmospheric nitrogen (71%) in the molecular form is not available for the plants.

N Loss Mechanisms and Nitrogen Use Efficiency

Nitrogen use efficiency varies from one situation to another due to variability for crop health (plant stresses) and the magnitude of nitrogen loss. Nitrogen loss potential is influenced primarily by weather conditions and soil type.

Sustainable strategies to limit nitrogen loss in agriculture through

Alongside ensuring an overall increase in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), improving fertilizer nitrogen availability through international collaboration, policy, and advanced techniques can reduce food shortages and build resilience.

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture by integrating

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for promoting sustainable crop production and mitigating the negative impacts of nitrogen loss, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

REGIONAL NUTRIENT USE EFFICIENCY TRENDS AND SUSTAINABLE FERTILIZER

This paper is based on the Nitrogen Use Eficiency (NUE) trends of six countries with different profiles (Brazil, China, Denmark, India, Nigeria and USA) and provides key insights about factors that could potentially favour or hinder fertilizer management improvements across different regions.

Low Nitrogen Enhances Nitrogen Use Efficiency by Triggering NO

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth and crop productivity; however, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) decreases with increasing N supply, resulting in a waste of resources.

The main reasons for low nitrogen fertilizer use efficiency are as follows:

  1. Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer Application: In agricultural production, overapplication of nitrogen fertilizers leads to excessive nitrogen content in the soil, preventing plants from fully absorbing and utilizing it, thereby reducing nitrogen use efficiency. Additionally, excessive nitrogen disrupts the balance of other nutrients in the soil, further harming crop growth.

  2. Poor Soil Conditions: Soil physical and chemical properties significantly impact nitrogen use efficiency. Extremes in soil pH (too high or too low) or insufficient organic matter content hinder nitrogen dissolution and absorption. Soil microbial activity also affects nitrogen transformation and uptake.

  3. Improper Crop Variety Selection: Different crops have varying nitrogen demands. Choosing crop varieties with high nitrogen requirements may result in inadequate nutrient supply even with proper fertilization, reducing nitrogen use efficiency.

  4. Inappropriate Fertilization Methods: Timing and application techniques influence nitrogen efficiency. Applying nitrogen too early or using incorrect methods (e.g., mixing with phosphorus, potassium, or other fertilizers) can reduce absorption.

  5. Environmental Factors: Climate, rainfall, and other environmental conditions affect nitrogen efficiency. Drought, heat, or cold weather weakens photosynthesis and nitrogen uptake, while excessive moisture or low temperatures slow plant growth and nutrient absorption.

  6. Pest and Disease Impact: Pests and diseases directly damage crops, limiting nitrogen uptake. They may also alter growing conditions, indirectly reducing nitrogen use efficiency.

Measures to Improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency:

  1. Rational Nitrogen Application: Adjust fertilizer rates and timing based on crop needs and soil conditions to avoid overuse.

  2. Improve Soil Health: Enhance soil properties by adding organic matter, adjusting pH, and boosting microbial activity.

  3. Select Suitable Crop Varieties: Choose crops tailored to soil conditions and nitrogen requirements to optimize nutrient use.

  4. Optimize Fertilization Methods: Apply nitrogen at appropriate growth stages and avoid combining with other fertilizers that may reduce efficiency.

  5. Account for Environmental Factors: Monitor weather and rainfall, adjusting fertilization plans to ensure crop health.

  6. Strengthen Pest and Disease Control: Use scientific methods to minimize damage, ensuring crops can fully utilize nitrogen.

improving nitrogen use efficiency requires a holistic approach, considering crop needs, soil conditions, and environmental factors. By implementing effective strategies, sustainable agricultural development can be advanced.

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