Summary
This field study examined how the nitrification inhibitor DMPSA affects the fate and cycling of 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate in irrigated maize production. By tracking isotopic nitrogen through the soil–plant system, the authors evaluated whether DMPSA reduces nitrification-mediated nitrogen losses (leaching and volatilisation) and improves crop nitrogen uptake. The findings contribute to understanding of nitrogen use efficiency and loss mitigation strategies in intensive irrigated cereal systems.
UK applicability
Findings may have limited direct relevance to UK maize cultivation, which is generally rainfed and less intensive than irrigated Mediterranean systems. However, results on nitrification inhibitor performance could inform nitrogen management policy and fertiliser recommendations in UK arable farming if DMPSA efficacy varies with climate and soil type.
Key measures
15N recovery in plant biomass and soil; nitrification rates; nitrogen leaching and gaseous losses; soil mineral nitrogen concentrations over the growing season
Outcomes reported
The study tracked the fate of 15N-labelled ammonium nitrate in an irrigated maize crop, with and without the nitrification inhibitor DMPSA, measuring nitrogen transformations and losses in soil.
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