Abstract
A field experiment was conducted in Astaneh-ye Ashrafieh of Guilan Province in northern Iran to evaluate the environmental impact of peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production under three levels of nitrogen (N) use (0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1) applied in the form of urea fertilizer. Six categories of environmental impact (i.e., global warming potential, acidification potential, terrestrial eutrophication potential, depletion of fossil resources, potassium resources, and phosphate resources) were determined. The functional unit was assumed the production of one ton of peanut pod yield. Peanut pod yield increased by 48.8% with N rate 30 kg ha−1 and by 108.6% with N rate 60 kg ha−1, compared with control (without N fertilization). The environmental index (EcoX) values with regard to global warming, acidification, and terrestrial eutrophication potential were 0.18, 0.52, and 0.66 for N rates of 0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1, respectively. Increase in N rate aggravated the emission of NH3 and N2O, resulting in more harmful effect of peanut growth on the environment at higher N rates than control (without N fertilization). The resources depletion index (RDI) values with regard to depletion of fossil resources, potassium resources, and phosphate resources were 0.80, 0.53, and 0.30 for N rates of 0, 30, and 60 kg ha−1, respectively. Increase in N rate and the resultant higher peanut yield mitigated the environmental effects of fertilization mainly by reducing the depletion of phosphate resources. Proper N input is a major consideration for mitigating environmental impacts of N fertilization in crop production and producers should be informed to use the least rate that will give them an economic optimum return over the long run.
Highlights
Nitrogen (N) is a major element in crop production throughout the world
Proper N input is a major consideration for mitigating environmental impacts of N fertilization in crop production and producers should be informed to use the least rate that will give them an economic optimum return over the long run
Previous research in the area showed that the application of 52 kg N ha−1 resulted in peanut yield of 3210 kg ha−1 [12], which is comparable with yield data of the present study
Summary
Nitrogen (N) is a major element in crop production throughout the world. This nutrient is the most crucial for upgrading soil fertility and improving crop productivity [1]. N mainly supplied in the form of urea fertilizers is among the most highly consumed energy resources for crop production in Iran, as shown in previous studies [2]. The application of chemical fertilizers has adverse impacts on the environment in terms of different categories [3,4,5], such as nutrient leaching, salinity and acidification of agricultural soils, emission of greenhouse gases, and accumulation of chemical residues [6,7]. Appropriate use of fertilizers in agriculture is essential for limiting the environmental impact of conventional farming [8]
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