Nitrogen Surplus Benchmarks for Controlling N Pollution in the Main Cropping Systems of China

Summary

This research quantifies nitrogen surplus benchmarks for China's main cropping systems as a mechanism for controlling reactive nitrogen pollution. The authors propose that these benchmarks can serve as realistic management targets under improved fertilisation practices and 4R-nutrient stewardship, potentially enabling more sustainable nitrogen management at scale. The findings suggest that double cropping systems require substantially higher nitrogen management thresholds than single cropping systems.

UK applicability

Whilst the benchmarks are calibrated to Chinese agro-ecological and management contexts, the methodology for establishing nitrogen surplus targets and the 4R-nutrient stewardship framework may inform UK nitrogen management policy, particularly for intensive mixed and horticultural systems. Direct application of the numerical benchmarks would require recalibration for UK soil, climate and cropping conditions.

Key measures

Nitrogen surplus (kg N ha⁻¹); reactive nitrogen losses; nitrogen deposition rates across different cropping system types

Outcomes reported

The study established nitrogen surplus benchmarks for major cropping systems in China to control nitrogen pollution. The benchmarks distinguish between single and multiple cropping systems, with double cropping systems showing roughly twice the nitrogen surplus of single cropping systems.

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