In:
Global Change Biology, Wiley, Vol. 24, No. 2 ( 2018-02)
Abstract:
Improving nitrogen (N) management for greater agricultural output while minimizing unintended environmental consequences is critical in the endeavor of feeding the growing population sustainably amid climate change. Enhanced‐efficiency fertilizers ( EEF s) have been developed to better synchronize fertilizer N release with crop uptake, offering the potential for enhanced N use efficiency ( NUE ) and reduced losses. Can EEF s play a significant role in helping address the N management challenge? Here we present a comprehensive analysis of worldwide studies published in 1980–2016 evaluating four major types of EEF s (polymer‐coated fertilizers PCF , nitrification inhibitors NI , urease inhibitors UI , and double inhibitors DI , i.e. urease and nitrification inhibitors combined) regarding their effectiveness in increasing yield and NUE and reducing N losses. Overall productivity and environmental efficacy depended on the combination of EEF type and cropping systems, further affected by biophysical conditions. Best scenarios include: (i) DI used in grassland ( n = 133), averaging 11% yield increase, 33% NUE improvement, and 47% decrease in aggregated N loss (sum of NO 3 ‐ , NH 3 , and N 2 O, totaling 84 kg N/ha); (ii) UI in rice‐paddy systems ( n = 100), with 9% yield increase, 29% NUE improvement, and 41% N‐loss reduction (16 kg N/ha). EEF efficacies in wheat and maize systems were more complicated and generally less effective. In‐depth analysis indicated that the potential benefits of EEF s might be best achieved when a need is created, for example, by downward adjusting N application from conventional rate. We conclude that EEF s can play a significant role in sustainable agricultural production but their prudent use requires firstly eliminating any fertilizer mismanagement plus the implementation of knowledge‐based N management practices.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1354-1013
,
1365-2486
DOI:
10.1111/gcb.2018.24.issue-2
Language:
English
Publisher:
Wiley
Publication Date:
2018
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2020313-5
SSG:
12
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