Positive and Negative Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil Properties and Nutrient Dynamic

Abstract

Our study was conducted over the period of two years and explored the impact of nitrogen fertilization and non-fertilization systems on soil health indicators and crop yield. Our study hypothesized that no fertilization coupled with cover cropping would enhance soil health, carbon content, and bulk density. This study found that excessive nitrogen fertilization had negative impact on soil health factors such as bulk density increment and carbon content decline through deeper profiles. In contrast, the no-fertilization system exhibited improved bulk density and better carbon distribution near the soil surface, suggesting that reducing or eliminating nitrogen can promote soil health and prevent long-term fertility decline. The study also highlighted the imbalanced carbon to nitrogen ratio resulting from high nitrogen fertilizer rate can negatively impact soil microbial activity and nutrient mineralization.