Optimized agricultural management reduces global cropland nitrogen losses to air and water

Summary

This 2024 synthesis, published in Nature Food, examines how optimised nitrogen management strategies can substantially reduce environmental losses of nitrogen to air and water across global croplands. Drawing on soil science and systems modelling approaches, the authors appear to quantify nitrogen fate across diverse farming practices and geographies, demonstrating that targeted management interventions can lower pollution losses whilst maintaining or enhancing crop productivity. The work contributes evidence-based guidance on the quantitative trade-offs between management choice, nutrient cycling efficiency, and environmental outcomes at global scale.

UK applicability

Findings are likely relevant to UK arable systems, particularly those seeking to reduce ammonia and nitrate losses under stricter water quality regulations and net-zero commitments. The global scope may require contextualisation for UK soil types, climate, and regulatory frameworks, particularly regarding nitrate vulnerable zones and precision application technologies available to UK farmers.

Key measures

Nitrogen losses to air (ammonia volatilisation, nitrous oxide emissions) and water (nitrate leaching, runoff); cropland productivity; nitrogen use efficiency under different management scenarios

Outcomes reported

The study synthesised evidence on how optimised agricultural nitrogen management reduces nitrogen losses to air and water across global croplands. The work quantifies the relationship between management practices and nutrient cycling efficiency at global scale whilst assessing impacts on productivity.

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