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Enhanced-efficiency fertilizers are not a panacea for resolving the nitrogen problem.
- Source :
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Global change biology [Glob Chang Biol] 2018 Feb; Vol. 24 (2), pp. e511-e521. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Nov 02. - Publication Year :
- 2018
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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 (EEFs) 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 EEFs 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 EEFs (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 <subscript>3</subscript> <superscript>-</superscript> , NH <subscript>3</subscript> , and N <subscript>2</subscript> 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 EEFs might be best achieved when a need is created, for example, by downward adjusting N application from conventional rate. We conclude that EEFs 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.<br /> (© 2017 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 1365-2486
- Volume :
- 24
- Issue :
- 2
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- Global change biology
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 28973790
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.13918