Nitrogen transformation and losses in soil: A cost-effective review study for farmer

Abstract

Environmental and economic issues have increased the necessity to know better understand the role and fate of nitrogen (N) in crop production systems. Nitrogen is the nutrient most often deficient for crop production in India, and its use can result in substantial economic return for farmers. Losses of nitrogen from the soil and plant system not only reduce soil fertility and plant yield but can also create adverse impacts on the environment. Nitrogen fertilizer useful to crops is partially lost through different mechanisms, including ammonia volatilization, de-nitrification, and leaching. These losses may cause environmental problems like polluting the atmosphere, aquatic systems, and groundwater. However, losses can be reduced a considerable extent by various techniques. Research has been conducted in whole world to minimalize nitrogen fertilizer losses. This paper reviews this information on nitrogen fertilizer losses, indicating management practices for minimizing these losses from the soil‐water system.