Nitrogen stabilizers mitigate reactive N and greenhouse gas emissions from an arable soil in North China Plain: Field and laboratory investigation

Summary

This field and laboratory study investigates the efficacy of nitrogen stabilizers—likely nitrification inhibitors and/or urease inhibitors—in reducing reactive nitrogen emissions and greenhouse gas losses from arable soils under intensive cereal production in the North China Plain. The work suggests that such soil amendments can simultaneously mitigate environmental losses whilst maintaining crop productivity, addressing a significant environmental challenge in high-input agricultural regions. The findings contribute to evidence on agronomic practices that reduce agricultural nitrogen footprint and climate impact.

UK applicability

Whilst conducted in North China, the mechanisms of nitrogen loss via denitrification and volatilisation are relevant to UK arable systems, particularly in wet soils. However, climate, soil type, and cropping systems differ substantially; UK applicability would depend on whether similar nitrogen stabiliser products are available and whether field conditions (temperature, moisture, soil properties) support comparable efficacy.

Key measures

Reactive nitrogen losses (ammonia, nitrous oxide, nitrate leaching); greenhouse gas emissions (N₂O, CO₂); soil nitrogen dynamics; agronomic performance

Outcomes reported

The study evaluated the effectiveness of nitrogen stabilizers in reducing reactive nitrogen losses and greenhouse gas emissions from arable soil in the North China Plain through field experiments and laboratory investigations.

Topic tags