Summary
This review by Keeney and Hatfield, published in Agriculture, Ecosystems and Environment in 2008, provides a comprehensive overview of the nitrogen cycle as it operates within agricultural systems. The paper likely synthesises knowledge on nitrogen inputs, transformations, and losses, with particular attention to the inefficiencies and environmental externalities associated with intensive nitrogen use. It is considered a foundational reference for understanding nitrogen dynamics in the context of sustainable farm management.
UK applicability
Although not specifically focused on UK conditions, the principles of agricultural nitrogen cycling discussed are broadly applicable to UK arable and mixed farming systems, and are pertinent to UK regulatory frameworks such as the Nitrates Directive and Farming Rules for Water.
Key measures
Nitrogen use efficiency; nitrate leaching losses; nitrous oxide emissions; ammonia volatilisation; soil nitrogen pools
Outcomes reported
The paper likely reviews the major pathways of nitrogen transformation in agricultural systems, including mineralisation, nitrification, denitrification, and losses via leaching and gaseous emissions. It probably examines the consequences of nitrogen management practices for environmental quality and crop productivity.
Topic tags
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