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Nitrogen
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Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation
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Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation

A special issue of Nitrogen (ISSN 2504-3129).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2026) | Viewed by 5734

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Nasratullah Habibi

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Guest Editor
Department of International Agricultural Development, Tokyo University of Agriculture, Tokyo, Japan
Interests: ethylene biosynthesis and signaling; plant hormone crosstalk; stress physiology in plants; molecular regulation of plant development; postharvest plant biology
Dr. Francisco Padilla

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, University of Almeria, Carretera de Sacramento s/n, La Cañada de San Urbano, 04120 Almería, Spain
Interests: optical sensors; plant-soil interactions; precision agriculture; N fertilization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most critical macronutrients for plant growth and productivity. Its availability, form, and management play a pivotal role in shaping crop yield, quality, and environmental sustainability. However, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in modern agriculture remains low, leading to significant nitrogen losses through leaching, volatilization, and denitrification. These losses not only reduce economic returns for farmers but also contribute to environmental issues such as water contamination and greenhouse gas emissions.

This Special Issue, titled “Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation”, brings together recent advances and innovative strategies for optimizing nitrogen use in diverse cropping systems. It explores a wide range of topics, including nitrogen uptake and assimilation, soil–nitrogen interactions, biofertilizers, genetic improvement for NUE, and precise nitrogen application technologies. By integrating multidisciplinary approaches, this Special Issue aims to provide a platform for researchers and practitioners to share knowledge and promote sustainable nitrogen management practices that enhance both agricultural productivity and environmental stewardship.

We invite contributions that offer novel insights, practical applications, and policy implications for improving nitrogen efficiency in plant cultivation systems globally.

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Nasratullah Habibi
Dr. Francisco Padilla
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nitrogen is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 1200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nitrogen use efficiency (NUE)
  • nitrogen cycling
  • nitrogen uptake and assimilation
  • soil–plant nitrogen interactions
  • soil fertility management
  • nitrogen fertilization strategies
  • precision nitrogen management
  • sensor-based nitrogen management
  • variable rate nitrogen fertilization
  • sustainable nitrogen management
  • agroecosystem sustainability
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • nitrogen-responsive crops
  • biofertilizers and biostimulants
  • genetic improvement for NUE

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 18036 KB  
Article
Determination of Optimal Nitrogen Application Rates to Enhance Heat Stress Tolerance in Autumn Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) Using OJIP Transient Analysis
by Tae Seon Eom, Tae Wan Kim and Sung Yung Yoo
Nitrogen 2026, 7(2), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7020047 - 23 Apr 2026
Abstract
High-temperature stress severely reduces the photosynthetic efficiency of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), a cool-season crop. This study evaluated five nitrogen (N) levels {0 N, 0.5 N, 1 N (234 kg urea ha−1, based on RDA), 2 N, and 4 N} [...] Read more.
High-temperature stress severely reduces the photosynthetic efficiency of radish (Raphanus sativus L.), a cool-season crop. This study evaluated five nitrogen (N) levels {0 N, 0.5 N, 1 N (234 kg urea ha−1, based on RDA), 2 N, and 4 N} through an open-field experiment under high-temperature stress conditions. Analysis of OJIP transients revealed that high temperatures severely inhibited photosynthetic capacity in the 0 N, 0.5 N, and 4 N treatment groups. These groups exhibited a simultaneous increase in K and J-steps, signifying electron transport bottlenecks and structural damage to the oxygen-evolving complex (OEC). Consequently, energy absorption and trapping decreased, while heat dissipation increased. In contrast, the 2 N treatment maintained superior Fm(maximum fluorescence) and energy flux, demonstrating enhanced photosynthetic resilience. However, despite improved photosynthetic stability, the 2 N group did not show a significant increase in yield compared to the 0.5 N or 1 N treatment groups. These results suggest that photosynthetic protection under heat stress does not necessarily guarantee higher yields, highlighting the need to identify optimal fertilization points for sustainable production. Overall, the findings of this study provide fundamental data for strategic nitrogen management in open-field radish cultivation to mitigate the impacts of increasing climatic instability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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18 pages, 452 KB  
Article
Assessing Nitrogen Use Efficiency Among Seasons, Rice Varieties and Soils of Bangladesh
by Md. Mosaraf Hossain, Md. Abdul Kader, M. Jahiruddin, Shamim Mia, Ahmed Khairul Hasan and Abu Zofar Md. Moslehuddin
Nitrogen 2026, 7(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7020042 - 9 Apr 2026
Viewed by 199
Abstract
Understanding the factors controlling nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in paddy soil is essential for optimizing the application of relatively costly nitrogen (N) fertilizer for rice cultivation. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the seasonal variation in NUE among three Aus, five Aman, [...] Read more.
Understanding the factors controlling nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in paddy soil is essential for optimizing the application of relatively costly nitrogen (N) fertilizer for rice cultivation. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to assess the seasonal variation in NUE among three Aus, five Aman, and three Boro rice varieties at the Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU) farm during the Aus, Aman, and Boro cropping seasons. In addition, the variation in the NUE of rice was assessed among eight soil series throughout Bangladesh during the Boro season. The experiment included N control and N application at the recommended rates. The results showed that BRRI dhan48 outperformed the other varieties in the Aus season, with the maximum agronomic efficiency (AE). In contrast, BRRI dhan65 was better in terms of physiological efficiency (PE), whereas BRRI dhan42 showed the lowest AE. Throughout the Aman period, BR11 exhibited the best AE and PE. During the Boro season, BRRI dhan29 and BINA dhan-6 demonstrated the maximum AE, PE, and apparent recovery efficiency (ARE). Grain yield, nitrogen response, AE, and ARE were markedly higher in the Boro season than in the Aus and Aman seasons. Among the eight locations, the highest grain yield of BINA dhan-7 in the Aman season was recorded in the Noadda soil series, followed by Barisal and Sara, with an AE extended from 11 to 19 kg grain kg/N applied, PE from 31 to 61 kg grain kg/N uptake, and ARE from 21% to 41%. These findings highlight the significant variability in NUE among rice varieties, seasons and soil series, suggesting the importance of variety, location and season-specific N management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
23 pages, 3204 KB  
Article
Maize Yield and Nutrient Cycling in Degraded Pasture via Intercropping and Nitrogen Management During the Dry Season
by Karina Batista, Mayne Barboza Sarti, Laíze Aparecida Ferreira Vilela, Luciana Gerdes, Cristina Maria Pacheco Barbosa and Gabriela Aferri
Nitrogen 2026, 7(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7020036 - 24 Mar 2026
Viewed by 273
Abstract
Maize–tropical grass intercropping has been adopted during the dry season as a strategy for soil cover; however, a knowledge gap remains regarding adequate nitrogen (N) supply and the efficiency of this system in degraded pasture areas. The objective of this study was to [...] Read more.
Maize–tropical grass intercropping has been adopted during the dry season as a strategy for soil cover; however, a knowledge gap remains regarding adequate nitrogen (N) supply and the efficiency of this system in degraded pasture areas. The objective of this study was to evaluate dry biomass, grain yield, and macronutrient concentrations in maize–tropical grass intercropping as a function of N rates applied as side-dressing in the dry season. The experimental design consisted of a randomized complete block design in a split-plot arrangement with four replications. Main plots comprised maize monoculture, maize intercropped with Urochloa ruziziensis (Congo grass), and maize intercropped with Megathyrsus maximus cv. Aruana (Aruana Guinea grass). Subplots consisted of N rates (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg ha−1). Maize–Aruana intercropping showed a positive linear response to N rates for grain yield; specifically, the nitrogen rate of 150 kg ha−1 resulted in a 71.71% increase in grain yield compared to the lack of nitrogen supply. Conversely, maize monoculture showed a negative linear response, where the highest N rate (150 kg ha−1) resulted in a 68.83% reduction in grain yield compared to the lack of nitrogen supply. Despite yield potential being capped by seasonal water deficits and frost events, the intercropping systems maintained essential growth dynamics. Aruana grass provided a protective effect for maize development under stress. The findings demonstrate that N side-dressing in the maize–Aruana intercropping system in a minimum of 71.83 kg ha−1 is an adequate strategy to enhance grain yield and biomass production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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23 pages, 1158 KB  
Article
Optimizing Nitrogen Management Across Sowing Methods and Water Regimes for Wheat Production on the Loess Plateau
by Jiangyu Chang, Pengli Yuan, Zhongze Si, Yuqi Niu, Hafeez Noor, Yongkang Ren, Linghong Li, Pengcheng Ding, Aixia Ren and Min Sun
Nitrogen 2026, 7(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7010009 - 6 Jan 2026
Viewed by 506
Abstract
Sustainable nitrogen (N) management is critical for enhancing wheat production in the water-limited environment of China’s Loess Plateau. This study investigated the effects of four N rates (0, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1) and two sowing methods, furrow sowing [...] Read more.
Sustainable nitrogen (N) management is critical for enhancing wheat production in the water-limited environment of China’s Loess Plateau. This study investigated the effects of four N rates (0, 120, 180, and 240 kg N ha−1) and two sowing methods, furrow sowing (FS) and drill sowing (DS), on wheat yield, grain quality, and water-use efficiency (WUE). Results indicated that N application significantly improved all metrics. The optimal N rate for yield was 180 kg N ha−1 (N180), producing yields equivalent to the higher 240 kg N ha−1 rate (N240). Compared to the N0 control, the N240 treatment under FS in 2022–23 increased grain yield by 25.4% and WUE by 11.9%, while under DS it increased yield by 23.6% and WUE by 11.1%. However, in the following year (2023–24), the greatest benefits under FS came from N180, which increased yield by 19.3% and WUE by 11.5% over the control. Higher N rates markedly elevated grain quality: N240 resulted in the highest steamed bread score and concentration of volatile compounds. Nitrogen application also intensified soil water use, particularly before anthesis. In 2022–23, the highest N240 reduced soil water at maturity by 16.6% (FS) and 15.9% (DS) and increased total water consumption by up to 7.8% compared to N0. Yield was strongly correlated with soil water depletion in the 0–200 cm layer during the reproductive period. While N240 optimized quality, the N180 rate combined with improved sowing methods (FS or DS) provided the best balance, drill sowing was crucial agronomic practice for enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE), achieving high yield, superior WUE, and acceptable quality. We therefore recommend an N rate of 180 kg ha−1 with improved sowing as a sustainable practice for dryland wheat production on the Loess Plateau. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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18 pages, 2611 KB  
Article
Nitrogen Matters: Assessing the Effects of Nitrogen Fertilization on Maize Growth and Grain Productivity
by Nasratullah Habibi, Zarir Sharaf, Mohammad Yousuf Fakoor, Shafiqullah Aryan, Abdul Basir Mahmoodzada, Amruddin Fakhri and Shah Mahmoud Faqiri
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040115 - 16 Dec 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1985
Abstract
Nitrogen deficiency is a major constraint on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in Afghanistan, where poor soil fertility limits yields. This study investigated the effect of urea fertilizer on maize growth, physiology, and yield under semi-arid conditions in Balkh Province with a [...] Read more.
Nitrogen deficiency is a major constraint on maize (Zea mays L.) productivity in Afghanistan, where poor soil fertility limits yields. This study investigated the effect of urea fertilizer on maize growth, physiology, and yield under semi-arid conditions in Balkh Province with a Calcisols soil type, focusing on maize cultivated for grain production. A field experiment was conducted in 2019 using a randomized complete block design with three replications and four nitrogen levels: 0 (control), 38.4, 76.8, and 115.2 kg ha−1. The region consists of fertile alluvial plains suitable for crop cultivation, though maize productivity is constrained by soil nutrient limitations, especially nitrogen deficiency. The soil at the experimental site is silty loam in texture, moderately fertile with alkaline pH (8.1), low organic matter (0.5%), and limited available nitrogen (15 mg kg−1). Growth traits (plant height, leaf number, leaf area, SPAD value), physiological parameters (leaf area index, crop growth rate, biomass), and yield components (cob length, cob diameter, seed number, 100-seed weight, biological yield, and Brix content) were recorded. Results showed that nitrogen application significantly improved all traits compared to the control. The highest values for plant height (260.2 cm), cob length (31.67 cm), biological yield (216.6 t ha−1), and Brix content (8.6%) were observed at 115.2 kg ha−1, although 76.8 kg ha−1 produced nearly similar results. Correlation analysis revealed strong positive associations between SPAD values, vegetative traits, and yield. The findings indicate that 115.2 kg ha−1 urea is an efficient and practical nitrogen rate for enhancing maize productivity under Afghan conditions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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11 pages, 1231 KB  
Article
Application Effects of Clinker-Tea-Waste Compost on Rice Growth and Nutrient Uptake in a Low-Fertility Paddy Field
by Wataru Shiraishi, Nobuki Morita, Yo Toma and Hideto Ueno
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 114; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040114 - 12 Dec 2025
Viewed by 608
Abstract
Sustainable recycling of organic residues and industrial byproducts is crucial for soil fertility and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of clinker-tea-waste compost (CTC) on rice growth, nutrient uptake, and soil chemical properties in a low-fertility paddy field over two years. In [...] Read more.
Sustainable recycling of organic residues and industrial byproducts is crucial for soil fertility and environmental sustainability. This study evaluated the effects of clinker-tea-waste compost (CTC) on rice growth, nutrient uptake, and soil chemical properties in a low-fertility paddy field over two years. In 2017, CTC was applied at 12, 18, and 22 Mg ha−1, while chemical fertilizer (CF) served as control. In 2018, all treatments received equal CF to assess residual effects. The results showed a limited immediate nitrogen supply in 2017, with no significant differences in rice growth, yield, or soil ammonium nitrogen (AN) among treatments. However, significant residual nitrogen effects emerged in 2018, with higher soil AN concentrations, nitrogen uptake indices, and rice yields in plots with higher CTC rates than in 2017. Si availability from clinker ash was evident immediately after application in 2017, correlating positively with rice stover Si content and CTC application rate. However, its residual effect disappeared in 2018 when CTC was discontinued. These findings demonstrate the complementary nutrient supply of CTC, with delayed nitrogen availability from tea residues and short-lived silicon release from clinker ash. This study highlights the potential of CTC for enhancing soil fertility and crop productivity in rice cultivation systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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Review

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27 pages, 770 KB  
Review
Optimizing Nitrogen Inputs for High-Yielding and Environmentally Sustainable Potato Systems
by Ivana Varga, Marina Bešlić, Manda Antunović, Jurica Jović and Antonela Markulj Kulundžić
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 117; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040117 - 16 Dec 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1432
Abstract
For successful potato production, maintaining a proper balance of mineral nutrients is crucial, as high yields cannot be achieved in fields lacking essential elements. The exact amount of fertilizer should be determined based on the expected yield, crop nutrient requirements, soil analysis, cultivation [...] Read more.
For successful potato production, maintaining a proper balance of mineral nutrients is crucial, as high yields cannot be achieved in fields lacking essential elements. The exact amount of fertilizer should be determined based on the expected yield, crop nutrient requirements, soil analysis, cultivation technology, and specific growing conditions. N (N) plays a crucial role in potato tuber growth. It is involved in the synthesis of proteins that are stored in the tubers and helps prolong the lifespan of the leaf canopy. On average, potato crops require a N supply of 80–120 kg/ha. Based on several studies, N fertilization significantly increased potato tuber yield, while dry matter content showed a slight decline. This indicates that higher N rates can enhance yield but potentially decrease tuber quality. To achieve high tuber yields while preserving desirable dry matter and starch content, the optimal N rate is approximately 100–120 kg N/ha. Although higher N inputs (>150 kg N/ha) may temporarily boost vegetative growth, they ultimately delay tuber maturation, reduce dry matter and starch accumulation, and increase production costs due to inefficient fertilizer use. Excessive N fertilization accelerates soil degradation and contributes to environmental pollution (soil acidification, NO3− leaching, NH3 emissions, NO, N2O, and NO2, leading to additional long-term ecological burdens. Therefore, minimizing N losses through sustainable soil management is essential for maintaining both farm profitability and environmental protection. Integrating N fertilization with biofertilizers—such as beneficial bacteria that colonize roots, enhance nutrient uptake, and stimulate root development—can improve yields while reducing reliance on costly synthetic fertilizers. This supports both soil fertility and crop productivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Management in Plant Cultivation)
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