Summary
This four-year field study evaluated nitrogen use efficiency metrics across four pasture-crop rotation systems in Uruguay, ranging from continuous cropping to continuous pasture. The findings reveal substantial variation in crop NUE (62.5–83.8%), livestock NUE (5.5–24.4%), and system NUE (5.5–43.4%), with pasture-inclusive systems retaining significantly more soil nitrogen than continuous cropping. The results suggest that rotation design and grazing management are critical levers for optimising nitrogen resource efficiency and moving toward sustainable intensification.
Regional applicability
The findings on nitrogen retention benefits of pasture-based rotations are broadly relevant to UK mixed farming systems, particularly in lowland areas where crop-pasture rotations remain common. However, the study's focus on tall fescue pastures in a temperate South American climate may require adaptation to UK grassland species composition and management practices.
Key measures
Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE; % of N in food outputs relative to total N inputs), nitrogen surplus (NSURP; total N inputs minus N in food products), nitrogen balance (N retained; inputs minus food outputs and losses)
Outcomes reported
The study measured and compared nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), nitrogen surplus, and nitrogen balance across four pasture-crop rotation systems of varying intensity over a four-year period (2019–2022). Component-level (crop and livestock) and system-level metrics were quantified to identify differences in nutrient retention and resource efficiency.
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