Globally scalable management solutions to mitigate the agricultural reactive nitrogen crisis
Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: The global reactive nitrogen (Nr) crisis presents a pressing challenge, requiring practices that balance Nr losses and crop productivity. Here, we quantitatively synthesize the effect of 14 common management practices on Nr losses and crop productivity by reviewing 146 available meta-analyses and conduct a second-order meta-analysis based on 6382 unique primary studies comprising 20,167 paired observations. We identify four globally scalable ‘win-win’ practices: enhanced-efficiency fertilizers, reduced nitrogen inputs, optimized fertilization methods, and biochar amendments. These practices mitigate Nr losses—reducing N₂O (-12–35%), NO (-22–35%), NH₃ (-20–40%), and leaching or runoff (-18–27%)—while enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (23–71%), uptake (9–21%), and crop yield (9–15%). By quantifying synergistic benefits across diverse agroecosystems, our findings facilitate global movements commensurate with the reactive nitrogen crisis without compromising food security.Keywords: Reactive nitrogen; Second-order meta-analysis, Nitrogen mitigation, Crop productivity, Sustainable agriculture 1. Dataset.xlsxContains the whole dataset used for the study.2. Figure1_Xu.rmdR Markdown file for generating Figure 1.3. Fig1_Data_2.tsvData file in TSV format used for Figure 1.4. Fig1_Data_1.xlsxAnother dataset supporting Figure 1.5. Figure2_Xu.rmdR Markdown file for generating Figure 2.6. Fig2_Data.xlsxData file supporting Figure 2.7. Figure3_Xu.rmdR Markdown file for generating Figure 3.8. Fig3_Data.xlsxData file for Figure 3.9. Unique Primary Studies.xlsxA collection of primary studies referenced in the research.10. Model_Result_Example.htmlAn HTML output file displaying the results of the meta-analysis.Contains model summaries and statistical outputs.For any additional requests, please contact Shengwen Xu ([email protected]).
Source: Figshare
Authors: Xu, Shengwen, Yu, Yongxiang, Baquerizo, Manuel Delgado, Yao, Huaiying
Language: English
Subfield: Environmental Chemistry
Field: Environmental Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W6902180996
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