Optimizing the Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Vegetable Crops

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for the production of vegetable crops, but anthropogenic sources pose risks due to its transformation into several reactive forms and movement throughout the environment. The bulk of the N research to date to improve Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) has followed a reductionist factorial approach focused on synthetic N application rates and crop growth response, under monocultures. The increased adoption of diversified cropping systems, organic N sources, and alternative management practices makes it more challenging to unravel N form transformation, movement, and crop uptake dynamics, in time and space. Here, based on a selected review of the recent literature, we propose a holistic approach of nutrient management to highlight key management and production variables as well as multilevel cropping system, genetic, environmental, ecological, and socioeconomic interactions to improve the N cycle and NUE. The best management strategies to improve NUE include both organic and inorganic N rate calibration studies, germplasm selection, crop rotations, identification of nutrient x nutrient interactions, and pest and water management. Agroecological practices that may improve NUE include vegetational diversification in time and space, integrated crop–livestock systems, conservation tillage, organic amendment inputs, legume-based cropping systems, as well as a landscape approach to nutrient management.

Rice straw incorporation and Azolla application improves agronomic nitrogen-use-efficiency and rice grain yields in paddy fields

“…The NUE indices refer to key metrics used to assess the effectiveness with which plants utilize nitrogen in their growth and development (2,3). These indices help measure the efficiency of nitrogen uptake, assimilation, and utilization by plants, which is crucial for optimizing fertilizer application and reducing environmental impacts such as nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions (4)(5)(6). According to Congreves et al (7), the common NUE indices include nitrogen uptake efficiency (NUpE), nitrogen utilization efficiency (NUtE), and nitrogen recovery efficiency (NRE).…”

“…These soil-based indices provide valuable insights into nutrient dynamics and plant-soil interactions, contributing to sustainable nitrogen management in agriculture (7). The capacity of crops to absorb nitrogen (N) relies on several interconnected factors, including soil fertility, crop variety, soil moisture, temperature, seasonal timing, N uptake patterns, pest and disease prevalence, farmer knowledge, and socioeconomic conditions on the farm (6). The primary objective of this study is to explore fertilizer-based indices, specifically focusing on guiding efficient nitrogen management practices.…”

Vegetable Response to Added Nitrogen and Phosphorus Using Machine Learning Decryption and the N/P Ratio

“…Current nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendation models rely primarily on soil and tissue test calibration based on a limited number of multi-environment fertilizer trials (MEFTs) and on field surveys [1][2][3]. Questionable nutrient budget models based on nutrient offtakes and efficiency were thought to support recommendations led to insurance applications, overfertilization, and economic loss [4]. Extra N dosage is often applied by growers against uncertainty [5], resulting in economic loss, environmental damage [6,7], altered crop quality [8], and greater crop susceptibility to pest attacks [9].…”