Multiple Facets of Nitrogen: From Atmospheric Gas to Indispensable Agricultural Input

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is a gas and the fifth most abundant element naturally found in the atmosphere. N’s role in agriculture and plant metabolism has been widely investigated for decades, and extensive information regarding this subject is available. However, the advent of sequencing technology and the advances in plant biotechnology, coupled with the growing interest in functional genomics-related studies and the various environmental challenges, have paved novel paths to rediscovering the fundamentals of N and its dynamics in physiological and biological processes, as well as biochemical reactions under both normal and stress conditions. This work provides a comprehensive review on multiple facets of N and N-containing compounds in plants disseminated in the literature to better appreciate N in its multiple dimensions. Here, some of the ancient but fundamental aspects of N are revived and the advances in our understanding of N in the metabolism of plants is portrayed. It is established that N is indispensable for achieving high plant productivity and fitness. However, the use of N-rich fertilizers in relatively higher amounts negatively affects the environment. Therefore, a paradigm shift is important to shape to the future use of N-rich fertilizers in crop production and their contribution to the current global greenhouse gases (GHGs) budget would help tackle current global environmental challenges toward a sustainable agriculture.

A Longitudinal Analysis of the Impact of Digital Technologies on Sustainable Food Production and Consumption in the European Union

“…This result suggests that an increase in agricultural production may contribute to an increase in GHG emissions, highlighting the need for improved agricultural practices to reduce environmental impact. As shown by Kabange et al [90], Xu et al [91], and Wang and Ouyang [34], agriculture constitutes a substantial source of global GHG emissions, stemming from direct agricultural activities like animal fermentation and the application of chemical fertilizers. These emissions contribute to climate change and environmental degradation.…”

“…Agriculture significantly contributes to global emissions of GHG methane (CH 4 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O), both through direct agricultural processes, such as animal enteric fermentation [90] and the application of chemical fertilizers [91], as well as through deforestation and land use changes associated with agriculture [92]. These emissions (approximately 12% of global GHG emissions) can have a significant impact on climate change, contributing to global warming and extreme weather phenomena [38].…”

Mitigating Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Crop Production and Management Practices, and Livestock: A Review

“…Although studies question the net impact of N-rich fertilization regimes on the emission of CH 4 and N 2 O from agriculture, a strong consensus exists on the fact that different rates of N applications differentially influence the activity of soil microorganisms, including methanogens and methanotrophs [28,29]. With the growing world's population and increasing food demands, coupled with the development of high-yielding crop varieties through modern breeding techniques, the use of nitrogen in crop production increased significantly during the past six decades [30]. It is widely accepted that nitrogen remains indispensable for achieving high performance in crop production, food quality, and nutritional value.…”