Role of Slow-Release Fertilizers and Nitrification Inhibitors in Greenhouse Gas Nitrous Oxide (N2O) Emission Reduction from Rice-Wheat Agroecosystem

The application of nitrogen fertilizer significantly boosts crop yields and economic gains. However, its excessive use has triggered environmental issues, particularly concerning the global greenhouse effect. With the IPCC aiming to slash global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 80% before 2100, urgent advancements in technologies are imperative to curtail nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agricultural systems. The extensive cultivation of rice-wheat and the amplified utilization of commercial fertilizers have led to elevated N2O emissions. Thus, controlling soil nitrification becomes pivotal in reversing the ongoing decline in nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and diminishing N2O emissions. Slow-release fertilizers (SRFs) and nitrification inhibitors (NIs) emerge as viable solutions by impeding nitrification, thereby mitigating nitrogen loss. These inhibitors exhibit promising potential in curbing gaseous nitrogen loss, offering a potent avenue to enhance fertilizer N efficiency and crop yields while minimizing nitrogen loss from fertilizers. This approach presents multifaceted benefits, spanning environmental preservation, agronomic enhancements, and economic advantages. This chapter reviews the advancements made in SRFs and NIs, delving into their types, mechanisms, influencing factors, and application. Additionally, it summarizes the impact of SRFs and NIs on agriculture and their role in reducing N2O emissions, assessing their contribution from the perspectives of agricultural production and environmental protection.