Innovative Nitrogen Management Strategies in Aquaponics, Hydroponics, Soilless, and Soil-Based Crop Systems for Sustainable Agriculture

Dear Colleagues,

Efficient nitrogen (N) management remains a critical challenge in achieving sustainable agricultural intensification. Nitrogen is a fundamental macronutrient for plant metabolism; however, its overuse and mismanagement across diverse cropping systems contribute to severe environmental issues, including nitrate leaching, eutrophication, soil degradation, and greenhouse gas emissions. This Special Issue aims to advance our understanding of Innovative Nitrogen Management Strategies across aquaponics, hydroponics, soilless culture, and soil-based agriculture, with a particular focus on optimizing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and minimizing environmental impact. We welcome contributions that explore nutrient cycling in closed-loop systems, precision fertigation technologies, and integrated nutrient solutions that utilize both organic and inorganic fertilizers. Special emphasis is placed on decoupled aquaponics systems, bioponics, and controlled environment agriculture (CEA), where system-specific innovations allow for real-time monitoring and adaptive nitrogen control. Moreover, studies that assess the role of microbial consortia, biochar, and smart-sensor networks in regulating nitrogen transformation and loss mitigation are of particular interest. This Special Issue encourages multidisciplinary research—from molecular insights into plant-nitrogen interactions to system-level models and policy implications—that collectively contribute to a more environmentally sustainable, resource-efficient, and climate-resilient agricultural future. 

Dr. Abdel Razzaq Altawaha
Prof. Dr. Abdulkadir Bayir
Guest Editors

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