Environment-friendly nitrogen management practices in wetland paddy cultivation

Abstract

A large amount of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is required for paddy cultivation, but nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in paddy farming is low (20–40%). Much of the unutilized N potentially degrades the quality of soil, water, and air and disintegrates the functions of different ecosystems. It is a great challenge to increase NUE and sustain rice production to meet the food demand of the growing population. This review attempted to find out promising N management practices that might increase NUE while reducing the trade-off between rice production and environmental pollution. We collected and collated information on N management practices and associated barriers. A set of existing soil, crop, and fertilizer management strategies can be suggested for increasing NUE, which, however, might not be capable to halve N waste by 2030 as stated in the “Colombo Declaration” by the United Nations Environment Program. Therefore, more efficient N management tools are yet to be developed through research and extension. Awareness-raising campaign among farmers is a must against their misunderstanding that higher N fertilizer provides higher yields. The findings might help policymakers to formulate suitable policies regarding eco-friendly N management strategies for wetland paddy cultivation and ensure better utilization of costly N fertilizer.

Sustainability of Organic Farming from a Global Perspective: A Critical Analysis of Soil Types and Fertility Status of Organically Managed vs. Chemicalized Vegetable Fields of South India

“…Whether organic or chemicalized farming, excessive use of N sources in agriculture signi cantly impacts global environmental integrity and human health (Pei et al, 2023). A signi cant portion of the unutilized synthetic nitrogen (N) in chemicalized agricultural elds reaches natural environments that degrade the quality of soil, water, and air, disrupting various ecosystem functions (Alam et al, 2023). Applying particular organic wastes, such as poultry manure rich in NPK, also has environmental concerns, such as air, soil, and water (Rahman et al, 2022).…”

A Review on Impact of Different Nitrogen Management Techniques on Maize (Zea mays L.) Crop Performance

“…It is a voluminous element, consisting of 78% volume of air however practically unavailable to plants except leguminous crops. The natural source does not provide enough nitrogen for a satisfactory yield (Alam et al, 2023). Moreover, studies by Yadav et al (2023a) have highlighted the adverse effects of high applications of NPK fertilizers, which can deplete the soil of essential micronutrients over time and disrupt beneficial soil organisms that facilitate nutrient uptake by plants.…”

“…Integrated nitrogen management is known as the consolidation of organic and inorganic sources of plant nutrients, which improves soil nutrition, crop root system, and soil organic carbon, resulting in improved crop growth and optimal yield production (Sarwar et al, 2021). Organic sources enhance the activities of soil microbes, which play an important role in nitrogen mobilization and better NUE (Alam et al, 2023). Incorporation of organic matter, whether in the form of crop residues, organic manure such as farmyard manure (FYM), vermicompost, bio-compost, etc., or amendments, has a significant effect on bulk density, soil aggregation, soil structure, soil moisture holding capacity, soil tilth and infiltration rate (Gudadhe, 2018).…”

Response of Irrigation and Nitrogen Fertilization on Uptake of Primary Nutrients by Maize

“…Deficits of nutrients may impact plant health and ultimately crop yield [6]. Nitrogen is one of the primary nutrients that involves in the improvement of crop productivity and soil fertility [7,8,9]. It is an integral ingredient of many plant molecules and also facilitates the way in which plants use potassium, phosphorus, and other elements.…”