By Jamie Martin
A team of researchers has introduced a new approach to nitrogen fertilization that could help farmers improve efficiency while reducing environmental risks.
Published in npj Sustainable Agriculture, the study by Yekutiel, Gelfand, Baram, and colleagues proposes a dynamic soil-based fertilization system. The method uses real-time soil nitrogen information to guide fertilizer decisions throughout the growing season.
Nitrogen is one of the most important nutrients for crop growth, but large amounts of applied fertilizer are often not absorbed by plants. Excess nitrogen can be lost through water movement, remain unavailable in the soil, or be released into the atmosphere as greenhouse gases.
The researchers suggest replacing fixed fertilizer schedules with a system that responds to changing field conditions. Regular soil testing helps determine how much nitrogen is available and whether additional fertilizer is needed.
The strategy relies on a nitrogen balance that considers soil nutrient levels, expected crop demand, previous fertilizer applications, and possible losses. This creates a more accurate picture of crop nutrient requirements during different growth stages.
Young crops generally require lower amounts of nitrogen, while demand increases as plants rapidly develop leaves, stems, fruits, or grain. Later applications may provide limited benefits if crops can no longer efficiently absorb nutrients. Applying fertilizer at the right time can improve nitrogen-use efficiency and maximize crop performance.
The study also highlights environmental benefits. Better synchronization between fertilizer applications and crop uptake can reduce nitrate leaching into groundwater and lower nitrous oxide emissions. This helps protect water quality and supports climate-smart agriculture.
Researchers note that successful adoption will depend on accurate soil testing and effective sampling practices. However, the concept offers farmers a practical way to make fertilizer decisions using measurable field data instead of fixed recommendations.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-fotokostic
Categories: National