Summary
This narrative review examines the evolutionary and ecological contexts favouring biological nitrification inhibition (BNI)—the capacity of certain plants and soil organisms to suppress nitrification processes—and its consequences for ecosystem functioning. The authors propose a research agenda to clarify the selective pressures driving BNI adoption and to integrate understanding of BNI within broader soil health and nutrient cycling frameworks. The paper bridges plant physiology, soil microbiology, and ecosystem ecology to identify knowledge gaps and methodological priorities.
Regional applicability
The conceptual framework and research priorities presented are applicable globally, including to United Kingdom agricultural and grassland systems, where nitrogen cycling and nitrification are central to soil management and greenhouse gas emissions. Transferability depends on future empirical work in temperate systems specifically; the review itself does not present UK-specific evidence but establishes principles relevant to temperate farming contexts.
Key measures
Conceptual framework for BNI selection; ecosystem-level nutrient cycling effects; research priorities for mechanistic understanding
Outcomes reported
The paper explores evolutionary and ecological drivers of biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) in plants and microorganisms, and proposes a research agenda to understand selection mechanisms. It examines how BNI traits relate to broader ecosystem functioning and nutrient cycling processes.
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