Summary
This paper develops evidence-based nitrogen surplus benchmarks for China's principal cropping systems as a strategy to mitigate nitrogen pollution whilst maintaining productivity. The authors demonstrate that double cropping systems generate approximately twice the nitrogen surplus of single cropping alternatives. The proposed benchmarks serve as realistic intermediate targets for improving conventional nitrogen management practices and provide a foundation for more sustainable nutrient stewardship across Chinese agriculture.
UK applicability
Whilst developed for Chinese cropping contexts, the methodological approach to setting nitrogen surplus benchmarks and the 4R-nutrient stewardship framework have relevance to UK nitrogen pollution reduction strategies. However, direct application would require recalibration to UK soil types, climate conditions, and existing regulatory nitrogen management standards.
Key measures
Nitrogen surplus (kg N/ha); nitrogen deposition rates; reactive nitrogen losses; comparison between single and double cropping systems
Outcomes reported
The study established nitrogen surplus benchmarks for major Chinese cropping systems to identify realistic targets for reducing nitrogen pollution. Double cropping systems showed approximately twice the nitrogen surplus of single cropping systems.
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