Managing nitrogen in maize production for societal gain

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Economics

Background:

• Modern agriculture is crucial for food security but poses risks to human health and ecosystems.
• Nitrogen (N) management in maize production significantly impacts environmental quality and human well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To quantify the societal economic benefits of improved nitrogen management in US Midwest maize production.
• To identify strategies for reducing environmental and health costs associated with nitrogen use in agriculture.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a nitrogen (N) mass-balance model to assess N inputs and environmental losses.
• Employed empirical models to evaluate yield response to nitrogen fertilization.
• Monetized health and environmental costs associated with current maize N management practices.

Main Results:

• Current maize N management costs society six times more than it profits farmers.
• Air emissions of ammonia from synthetic fertilizers and manure are the primary source of pollution costs.
• Potential to reduce costs by 85% ($21.6 billion annually) while increasing farmer profits.

Conclusions:

• Shifting fertilizer types, optimizing application rates, and reducing production on low-yield land can yield substantial economic and environmental benefits.
• Reducing ammonia emissions through fertilizer management can decrease health and environmental costs by 46% ($11.7 billion).
• Optimizing fertilization rates limits nitrous oxide emissions, further reducing costs by $9.5 billion.