Fertilizer Nitrogen Management To Reduce Nitrous Oxide Emissions in the U.S.

Food, fiber, and fuel demands of a growing global population are resulting in increased fertilizer nitrogen use. Correct N management decisions, based on agronomic and environmental research, can improve crop production and help reduce GHG emissions. Residual soil nitrate and emissions of N 2 O may be minimized when best management practices for fertilizer N are implemented. Balanced fertilization with other essential nutrients also enhances N use efficiency. Emissions of N 2 O vary among fertilizer N sources, depending on cropping conditions. With intensive crop management, GHG emissions are not necessarily increased per unit of production. Such ecological intensification of crop production can help spare natural areas from conversion to cropland and preserve lands for GHG mitigation. Use of the right source, at the right rate, right time, and right place - termed 4R Nutrient Stewardship - is advocated, in combination with appropriate cropping and tillage practices, to achieve agronomic, economic, and environmental goals.