Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
2.8
2.3
Journals
Nitrogen
Special Issues
Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems
share announcement

Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 7296

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Arbindra Timilsina

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Texas A&M AgriLife Research Center, Vernon, TX 76384, USA
Interests: nitrogen cycling; management practice; nitrogen assimilation; denitrification; mitigation measures; nitric oxide; greenhouse gas emissions
Dr. Bikram Pandey

E-Mail
Guest Editor
CAS Key Laboratory for Plant Diversity and Biogeography of East Asia, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
Interests: N2O modeling; nitrogen fertilizer; mitigation measures; process-based models; soil emissions

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for agricultural productivity; it plays a central role in crop growth and ecosystem health. However, its management presents a dual challenge: optimizing nitrogen uptake by crops and increasing the yield while minimizing nitrogen losses to the environment. Inefficient nitrogen use leads to losses through pathways such as leaching, volatilization, and denitrification, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions, water contamination, and soil degradation.

This Special Issue aims to focus on advancing our understanding of nitrogen dynamics in agricultural ecosystems, emphasizing the mechanisms of nitrogen uptake and loss. We also aim to explore innovative management practices, technologies, and mitigation strategies aimed at improving nitrogen use efficiency and reducing environmental impacts.

Researchers are invited to contribute original studies and reviews on topics including nitrogen cycling, assimilation, and loss, as well as practical solutions for sustainable nutrient management. By addressing these issues, this Special Issue seeks to promote sustainable and resilient agricultural systems globally.

Dr. Arbindra Timilsina
Dr. Bikram Pandey
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 cycling
  • management practice
  • nitrogen assimilation
  • denitrification
  • mitigation measures

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

17 pages, 2260 KB  
Article
From Waste to Wealth: Integrating Fecal Sludge-Based Co-Compost with Chemical Fertilizer to Enhance Nutrient Status and Carbon Storage in Paddy Soils
by Sabina Yeasmin, Md. Sabbir Hosen, Zaren Subah Betto, Md. Kutub Uddin, Md. Parvez Anwar, Md. Masud Rana, A. K. M. Mominul Islam, Tahsina Sharmin Hoque and Sirinapa Chungopast
Nitrogen 2026, 7(1), 10; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7010010 - 7 Jan 2026
Viewed by 1045
Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of applying fecal sludge-based co-compost (CC) integrated with chemical fertilizers on soil nutrient status, organic carbon (OC) storage, and economic returns in paddy soils. Ten integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments were tested, i.e., BRRI recommended dose of fertilizer [...] Read more.
This study evaluated the effects of applying fecal sludge-based co-compost (CC) integrated with chemical fertilizers on soil nutrient status, organic carbon (OC) storage, and economic returns in paddy soils. Ten integrated nutrient management (INM) treatments were tested, i.e., BRRI recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), CC 5.0 t ha−1, RDF + CC 2.0 t ha−1, RDF + CC 1.5 t ha−1, RDF + CC 1.0 t ha−1, RDF + CC 0.5 t ha−1, 75% RDF + CC 2.0 t ha−1, 75% RDF + CC 1.5 t ha−1, 75% RDF + CC 1.0 t ha−1, and 75% RDF + CC 0.5 t ha−1. Two rice varieties were cultivated over two consecutive seasons—winter rice (boro) and monsoon rice (aman)—in the experimental field. Soil samples (0–15 cm) were collected before and after the seasons and fractionated into labile particulate organic matter (>53 µm) and stable mineral-associated organic matter (<53 µm). Bulk soils and CC were analyzed for OC, nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and heavy metals, while the fractions were analyzed for OC and N. Across both seasons, 75% RDF combined with 2.0 t ha−1 or 1.5 t ha−1 of CC consistently showed the highest OC, total N, and soil C stock, with moderate P, K, and S levels. Sole RDF produced the lowest OC and N. Among fractions, stable OC was the highest in the 75% RDF + 2.0 t ha−1 CC treatment, statistically similar to 75% RDF + 1.5 t ha−1 CC, and the lowest under RDF alone. Economically, sole RDF yielded the highest profit, while full RDF + CC achieved competitive returns. Reduced RDF + CC treatments (75% RDF + 1.5 or 2.0 t ha−1 CC) offered slightly lower returns but improved soil sustainability indicators. Overall, applying 75% RDF + 1.5 t ha−1 CC provided the most cost-effective balance of nutrient enrichment, soil C stock, and profitability. This CC-based INM approach reduces chemical fertilizer dependency, enhances soil health, and promotes sustainable waste management, supporting environmentally resilient rice production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

10 pages, 266 KB  
Article
Biological Nitrification Inhibition in Urochloa Genotypes and Implications for Biomass Production and Nitrogen Uptake
by José Fidel Rodríguez-Tuz, Francisco J. Solorio-Sánchez, Luis Ramírez-Avilés, Juan Carlos Ku-Vera, Carlos Fernando Aguilar-Pérez, Magnolia Tzec-Gamboa and Fernando Casanova-Lugo
Nitrogen 2026, 7(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7010003 - 23 Dec 2025
Viewed by 697
Abstract
The identification of forage species with Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity is a promising strategy to inhibit soil nitrification and reduce nitrogen (N) losses. This study evaluated the BNI capacity of five Urochloa genotypes (Camello, Cayman, Marandú, Mulato II, Talismán) and their impact [...] Read more.
The identification of forage species with Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) capacity is a promising strategy to inhibit soil nitrification and reduce nitrogen (N) losses. This study evaluated the BNI capacity of five Urochloa genotypes (Camello, Cayman, Marandú, Mulato II, Talismán) and their impact on biomass yield and nitrogen uptake (NU). The BNI capacity, biomass yield, N content, and NU of five Urochloa genotypes were compared. Significant differences in BNI capacity were observed between genotypes (p < 0.009). Cayman and Marandú presented the highest BNI values (87.41 and 87.21%, respectively), higher than those of Mulato II, Talismán and Camello (78.20, 81.77 and 82.63%, respectively). Regarding biomass yield, Cayman and Marandú stood out with 3093.5 and 2911.7 kg DM ha−1, respectively. Talismán and Camello showed higher N concentrations in the biomass (1.64 and 1.63%). In terms of NU, Cayman recorded the highest efficiency (47.32 kg N ha−1), surpassing Marandú, Camello, Talisman and Mulato II (42.83, 42.77, 41.53 and 37.23 kg N ha−1, respectively; p < 0.0001). BNI capacity influences biomass yield and nitrogen uptake. The Cayman genotype is positioned as a promising forage alternative for the development of more efficient and sustainable livestock systems by promoting more efficient N use. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems)
15 pages, 1188 KB  
Article
Wheat Plants Reduce N2O Emissions from Upland Soil Subject to Transient and Permanent Waterlogging
by Mubashir Husnain, Pablo L. Ribeiro, Britta Pitann and Karl Hermann Mühling
Nitrogen 2025, 6(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6040098 - 3 Nov 2025
Viewed by 1048
Abstract
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme soil moisture events, such as winter waterlogging followed by spring drought, particularly in temperate regions of Europe, North America and Northeast China. While N2O emissions from paddy soils under waterlogging and [...] Read more.
Climate change is expected to increase the frequency of extreme soil moisture events, such as winter waterlogging followed by spring drought, particularly in temperate regions of Europe, North America and Northeast China. While N2O emissions from paddy soils under waterlogging and subsequent drainage have been widely studied, knowledge of upland arable soils under wheat cultivation remains limited. We hypothesized that: (1) in upland soils, combined waterlogging and drought reduces N2O emissions compared to continuous waterlogging, and (2) plant presence mitigates soil nitrate accumulation and N2O emissions across different moisture regimes. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using intact upland soil cores with and without wheat under four moisture treatments: control (60% water-holding capacity, WHC), drought (30% WHC), waterlogging, and waterlogging followed by drought. Daily and cumulative N2O fluxes, soil mineral nitrogen (NH4+-002DN and NO3−-N), and total nitrogen uptake by wheat shoots were measured. Prolonged waterlogging resulted in the highest cumulative N2O emissions, whereas the transition from waterlogging to drought triggered a sharp but transient N2O peak, particularly in soils without plants. Wheat presence consistently reduced N2O emissions, likely through nitrate uptake, which limited substrate availability for incomplete denitrification. Moisture regimes strongly affected nitrate dynamics, with drought promoting nitrate accumulation and waterlogging enhancing nitrate loss. These findings highlight the vulnerability of upland soils in regions prone to seasonal moisture extremes. Effective management of soil moisture and nitrogen, including the promotion of plant growth, is essential to mitigate N2O emissions and improve nitrogen use efficiency under future climate scenarios. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 1699 KB  
Article
Impact of Organic and Inorganic Sources of Nitrogen on Soil Fertility, Nitrogen Use Efficiency, and Carbon Accumulation Potential Under Subtropical Rice-Based Cropping Patterns in Farmers’ Fields
by Sabina Yeasmin, Mojakkar Noman, Zaren Subah Betto, Tamanna Rahman, Sanjida Parven Sarly, A. K. M. Mominul Islam and Md. Parvez Anwar
Nitrogen 2025, 6(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen6030086 - 19 Sep 2025
Viewed by 2052
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the effect of organic amendment-based integrated nitrogen (N) application on major soil macronutrients, carbon (C) accumulation, crop productivity and N use efficiency (NUE) of different rice-based cropping patterns. This experiment was composed of various organic amendments ((i): control [...] Read more.
This study aimed to assess the effect of organic amendment-based integrated nitrogen (N) application on major soil macronutrients, carbon (C) accumulation, crop productivity and N use efficiency (NUE) of different rice-based cropping patterns. This experiment was composed of various organic amendments ((i): control (no organic amendment, application of 100% N from urea); (ii): 25% N from compost + 75% N from urea; (iii): 25% N from cowdung + 75% N from urea; iv: 25% N from vermicompost + 75% N from urea) and rice-based cropping patterns ((i) rice–rice–rice, (ii) rice–fallow–rice–mustard, and (iii) rice–vegetables–rice). Organic amendments and soils (0–20 cm) were collected from farmers’ fields and were analyzed for major nutrients: N and organic C (OC), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S). Soil OC accumulation potential, system productivity and partial factor productivity of N were also calculated. The results indicate that organic amendment application significantly enhanced soil OC (0.957–1.604%) compared to control (0.916–1.292%), with vermicompost attaining the highest OC content and OC accumulation potential (up to 24.15%), especially in the rice–vegetables–rice pattern. Vermicompost also predominantly increased N (22–62%) and S (51–78%) level in soils, while cowdung significantly amended P levels (155–178%) and contributed steadily to improved K levels in soil. Overall, nutrient improvements and soil fertility were highest under the rice–vegetables–rice system, followed by rice–fallow–mustard–rice and rice–rice–rice. System productivity was maximum in the rice–vegetables–rice pattern (up to 85.7 t ha−1), with remarkable enhancements in NUE when organic amendments were applied. Cowdung and vermicompost both matched or exceeded the performance of chemical fertilizer in these cases. These results demonstrate the advantages of integrated N management and diversified cropping to improve nutrient cycling, soil health and sustainable productivity in rice-based agroecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

36 pages, 2321 KB  
Review
Landscape Determinants of Nitrogen Leaching Risk: Mechanisms, Impacts, and Mitigation Strategies
by Bonface O. Manono, Jacinta M. Kimiti and Damaris K. Musyoka
Nitrogen 2026, 7(1), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/nitrogen7010020 - 5 Feb 2026
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1450
Abstract
Nitrogen leaching from land and farms is a major global issue that pollutes water, damages ecosystems, and accelerates climate change. This review synthesizes evidence from the literature on how interactions among landscape characteristics, sources of nitrogen input, and temporal dynamics shape leaching vulnerability. [...] Read more.
Nitrogen leaching from land and farms is a major global issue that pollutes water, damages ecosystems, and accelerates climate change. This review synthesizes evidence from the literature on how interactions among landscape characteristics, sources of nitrogen input, and temporal dynamics shape leaching vulnerability. It identifies conditions under which nitrogen is most likely to be transported through soil systems into aquatic environments. This review reveals that leaching vulnerability is strongly conditioned by soil hydraulic properties and topographic position. Coarse-textured upland soils exhibit substantially greater nitrate mobilization than finer-textured, hydrologically buffered lowland soils. Fertilizer formulation and application timing further modulate loss potential, with late-season mineral nitrogen inputs disproportionately contributing to subsurface export relative to demand-synchronized applications. Most of the nitrogen leaching occurs outside the active growing period, when vegetative uptake is suppressed and drainage intensity is highest. Farmers can lower nitrate runoff by using targeted fertilization, cover crops, and nitrification inhibitors, while landscape-scale features like controlled drainage and vegetative buffers provide additional downstream filtration. The effectiveness of regulatory approaches is amplified when aligned with economic incentives and regionally calibrated nutrient thresholds. Advances in high-resolution observation platforms and process-based predictive tools offer new capacity for anticipatory management, although widespread deployment is limited by financial and institutional constraints. Collectively, these insights support the development of more targeted and sustainable nitrogen management strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nitrogen Uptake and Loss in Agroecosystems)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop