A new Nitrogen Index to evaluate nitrogen losses in intensive forage systems in Mexico

Use of the new Nitrogen Index tier zero to assess the effects of nitrogen fertilizer on N2O emissions from cropping systems in Mexico

“…A Tier one tool is simpler, and is a user-friendly tool that requires minimal data input but is still capable of providing a good assessment for a given system in a relatively small amount of time (Shaffer and Delgado, 2002;Delgado et al, 2006Delgado et al, , 2008. Figueroa-Viramontes et al (2011) validated the use of the Tier one version of the Nitrogen Index for intensive forage systems in Mexico. However, since there are areas of Mexico that have even less information available, an even simpler tool, the Nitrogen Index tier zero, was developed to conduct a quick assessment of the effects of N fertilizer or manure management practices without needing any laboratory data inputs.…”

“…This tool has proven to be very valuable in evaluating fertilization regimes (fertilizer, manure, or combination of fertilizer and manure), and in providing information to help users develop recommendations to improve N management and use efficiency (Figueroa-Viramontes et al, 2011). However, while this Tier one tool is very simple to use, it still requires a little soil testing information such as initial nitrate and ammonia in the soil, soil organic matter, soil pH, and background nitrate levels in irrigation water.…”

Manejo integrado de nutrientes en sistemas agrícolas intensivos: revisión

“…La agricultura intensiva utiliza todos los medios para maximizar los rendimientos, por lo tanto también los beneficios. No obstante, las repercusiones son importantes al medio ambiente debido a que se sobreexplota a los recursos naturales (Figueroa-Viramontes et al, 2011) y provoca contaminación por su uso excesivo (Moreau et al, 2012). Numerosos estudios han demostrado que la lixiviación de nitrógeno en forma de NO 3 -N ha contaminado tanto las aguas superficiales como las aguas subterráneas (Syswerdaa et al, 2012) y junto con el fósforo (P), están generado eutrofización en los cuerpos lacustres.…”

Positive impacts in soil and water conservation in an Andean region of South America: Case scenarios from a US Agency for International Development multidisciplinary cooperative project

“…For example, the Mexico Nitrogen Index is a bilingual tool that has been used to assess nitrogen management practices in Mexico (Figueroa-Viramontes 2011a, 2011b. We adapted the Mexico Nitrogen Index to Ecuador and Bolivia and added a sustainability index to assess the effects of conservation practices on soil sustainability in the Andean region of South America.…”