Nitrogen use efficiency-a key to enhance crop productivity under a changing climate

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Plant Science

Background:

• Nitrogen (N) is an essential plant nutrient and the most applied fertilizer globally.
• Current agricultural practices result in significant nitrogen loss, impacting crop yields and the environment.
• Low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) necessitates improved crop management and breeding strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review literature on nitrogen loss pathways and factors affecting NUE.
• To explore agronomic and genetic approaches for enhancing NUE in crops.
• To propose integrated strategies for improving nitrogen assimilation and reducing environmental impact.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of nitrogen loss mechanisms (volatilization, runoff, leaching, denitrification).
• Analysis of factors influencing nitrogen use efficiency in various crops.
• Synthesis of agronomic, genetic, and biotechnological strategies for NUE improvement.

Main Results:

• Crops utilize only about 50% of applied nitrogen, with the remainder lost to the environment.
• Nitrogen loss negatively affects farmer profitability and causes water, soil, and air pollution.
• Agronomic practices and genetic improvements are key to enhancing NUE.

Conclusions:

• Improving NUE is critical for sustainable agriculture and environmental health.
• Harmonizing agronomic, genetic, and biotechnological tools can optimize nitrogen assimilation.
• Integrated approaches are needed to align agricultural productivity with environmental protection.