Nitrogen Fertilization In The Environment

This study examines the interactions between nitrogen and the ecosystem and discusses nitrogen fertilization practices around the world. Simulation models that play an important role in determining the dynamics of source-sink relationships are presented, helping to pinpoint inefficiencies and develop strategies to synchronize nitrogen supply and demand.

Nitrogen is an essential element for plant growth and development and a key agricultural input-but in excess it can lead to a host of problems for human and ecological health. Across the globe, distribution of fertilizer nitrogen is very uneven, with some areas subject to nitrogen pollution and others suffering from reduced soil fertility, diminished crop production, and other consequences of inadequate supply. Agriculture and the Nitrogen Cycle provides a global assessment of the role of nitrogen fertilizer in the nitrogen cycle. The focus of the book is regional, emphasizing the need to maintain food and fiber production while minimizing environmental impacts where fertilizer is abundant, and the need to enhance fertilizer utilization in systems where nitrogen is limited. The book is derived from a workshop held by the Scientific Committee on Problems of the Environment (SCOPE) in Kampala, Uganda, that brought together the world's leading scientists to examine and discuss the nitrogen cycle and related problems. It contains an overview chapter that summarizes the group's findings, four chapters on cross-cutting issues, and thirteen background chapters. The book offers a unique synthesis and provides an up-to-date, broad perspective on the issues of nitrogen fertilizer in food production and the interaction of nitrogen and the environment.

The purpose of this book is to provide a balanced scientific review of the environmental and sustainability issues relating to fertilizer use and how its environmental impact can be minimized. The book is suitable for undergraduate and college students taking courses in soil, crop and environmental science as well as for agricultural advisers and extension workers, and farmers themselves. It will also be accessible to a more general audience concerned with food production and the environment.

Nitrate and nitrite are two ions largely diffused in the environment because they take part in the nitrogen cycle. Moreover, a great part of atmospheric nitrogen may be oxidized to nitrite and nitrate by microorganisms in plants, soil or water. The more stable form of oxidized nitrogen is nitrate ion, but, through microbial activity, it can be reduced to nitrite ion which is more chemically reactive. Nitrate and its salts are widely used, especially as inorganic fertilizers, and for many other purposes such as oxidizing agents, explosives, in the chemical industry and as food preservatives. This book discusses the agricultural uses, management practices and environmental effects of nitrogen fertilizers.

Fertilizers contribute to the variety, abundance, and low cost of food stuffs available to the public. However, fertilizer misuse can lower air, soil, and water quality. Regulators are scrutinizing fertilizers now more than ever because of their impact on the environment. This book provides an analysis of perchlorate in highly dissolved solid matrices and health issues of trace metals in fertilizers. This book focuses on nutrient impacts to water and the environment. Contributors include state and federal regulators, industry professionals, environmental consultants, and those in academia.

Food production remains the highest agricultural priority, subject to the constraint that it be done in harmony with nature, or at least with minimum environmental pollution. The amount of fertilizer applied can be controlled using modern application techniques, including soil and crop management, guaranteeing higher economic profit and lower environmental cost. It is in such a context that the present book addresses the efficient and rational use of mineral and organic fertilizers while preserving environmental quality. The book discusses the impact on surface and groundwaters, soils and crops, and experience of nitrate leaching, denitrification, ammonia volatilization, heavy metal pollution, agricultural and urban waste management, and international and national legislation. Audience: Agronomists, environmentalists, soil and food chemists, ecologists, policy makers, and managers in the fertilizer industry concerned with the trend of public opinion.

The nitrogen cycle, historical perspective, and current and potential future concerns / D.R. Keeney and J.L. Hatfield -- Nitrogen transformation and transport processes / Ronald F. Follett -- Importance and effect of nitrogen on crop quality and health / Jürg M. Blumenthal, David D. Baltensperger, Kenneth G. Cassman, Stephen C. Mason and Alexander D. Pavlista -- Utilization and metabolism of nitrogen by humans / Jennifer R. Follett and Ronald F. Follett -- Nitrate losses to surface water through subsurface, tile drainage / G.W. Randall and M.J. Goss -- Nitrogen in groundwater associated with agricultural systems / Michael R. Burkart and Jeffrey D. Stoner -- The importance and role of watersheds in the transport of nitrogen / T.J. Sauer, R.B. Alexander, J.V. Brahana and R.A. Smith -- Nitrogen transport and fate in European streams, rivers, lakes and wetlands / B. Kronvang, J.P. Jensen, C.C. Hoffmann and P. Boers -- Nitrogen effects on coastal marine ecosystems / John R. Kelly -- Gaseous ...