Efficient nitrogen use: deep fertilizer, urease and nitrification inhibitors

This study tackles the significant issue of nitrogen loss through leaching and volatilization in traditional agricultural methods by focusing on enhancing nitrogen use efficiency and reducing losses using innovative fertilization strategies. Over a three-year field experiment, the effectiveness of various fertilization techniques was assessed, including the use of fertilizers containing the nitrification inhibitor 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) and the urease inhibitor N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide (NBPT), alongside split urea treatment and the deep fertilizer technique. The findings indicate that deep fertilizer significantly reduces nitrogen loss by maintaining stable ammonium and nitrate levels in the soil. In contrast, the DMPP caused quick but temporary spikes in ammonium levels, potentially increasing nitrogen loss, while the NBPT also improved plant nitrogen content. Overall, deep fertilizer emerged as the most effective method, enhancing yield, economic gains, and nitrogen use efficiency. This method effectively manages soil nitrogen by maintaining a balance between ammonium and nitrate levels, reducing nitrogen losses through processes like volatilization and denitrification, and supporting optimal plant growth, highlighting its potential for broader treatment in sustainable agricultural practices.