Environmental and socioeconomic issues have underlined the
urgent need to better understand the role and fate of nitrogen (N) in crop
production systems. Nitrogen is the nutrient that most often limits crop
production, and its proper application can result in substantial economic
return to growers. However, adding more N to the soil than crops need may
result in economic loss and negative environmental impacts, as well as pose
substantial risk to human health. Managing N inputs to achieve a balance between
profitable crop production and environmental quality is a goal—and a challenge.
The behavior of N within the plant-soil system is complex, and an understanding
of the basic processes that regulate its fate is essential for developing an
efficient N management program. This publication aims to improve agricultural professionals’
knowledge and understanding of agronomic and cultural practices that could help
to improve the efficiency of their nitrogen fertilizer use and to enhance their
farming operations’ competitiveness. The publication summarizes the most current
applied scientific information on practices and methodologies available to
growers.
Thank you to Kelli Belmont - Cropping Systems Research Technician, UI Parma R&E Center, Dr. Aaron Daigh -Assistant Professor of Soil Physics, NDSU, and Dr. Christopher Rogers - UI Endowed Barley Research Agronomist, Aberdeen R&E Center, for their valuable contribution to this publication.
To access the full text, please go to: http://www.cals.uidaho.edu/edcomm/pdf/BUL/BUL0899.pdf
