Nitrogen Management for Improving Water, Energy, and Food Security

Brian T. Krienke, Daran R. Rudnick, Tsz Him Lo, Xin Qiao

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

Nitrogen fertilizer management intersects each aspect of the FEW system as it affects agronomic, economic, and environmental outcomes. Inefficient management of N fertilizer results in unnecessary energy usage, and of particular concern is nitrate contamination of water resources. Nitrogen management strategies generally fall into two categories, proactive or reactive, with regard to application timing. Strategies that improve NUE and reduce N loss focus on synchronizing N supply with crop N demand. Reactive management guided by crop sensors has been shown in the literature to improve NUE with minimal yield loss in maize. This is attributed to the ability to closely monitor N status and respond accordingly with an appropriate N rate. However, in some cases, coarse-textured soils do not allow sufficient time to react to N stress. Emerging methods known as canary plots are being developed to react sooner before N stress becomes limiting to yield. Fertigation is a method that alleviates logistical challenges with reactive management as it facilitates the synchronization of N supply and crop demand through multiple in-season N applications. Recent research highlights the potential for variable rate fertigation to improve the spatial-temporal resolution accuracy of N management. Challenges remain a reactive sensor-based fertigation system. The interaction of water x N stress can lead to misdiagnosed deficiencies and over application of N fertilizer. Research is summarized that provides a working method to improve diagnosis.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationFood, Energy, and Water Nexus
Subtitle of host publicationA Consideration for the 21st Century
PublisherSpringer International Publishing
Pages203-214
Number of pages12
ISBN (Electronic)9783030857288
ISBN (Print)9783030857271
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2022

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Medicine
  • General Environmental Science

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