1、Nitrogen fertilization and soil nitrogen cycling: Unraveling the links

Investigating the migration and transformation processes of nitrogen under nitrogen fertilizer application is of significant importance. In chemical fertilization, nitrogen (N) is recognized as an essential nutrient for sustainable crop production (H. Chen et al., 2021).

2、Drive soil nitrogen transformation and improve crop nitrogen absorption

This review examines the current advancements in the green manure industry, focusing on the modulation of nitrogen transformation in soil and how crops absorb and utilize nitrogen after green manure application.

3、Advances in Nitrogen Use Efficiency of 15N

We emphasize studies utilizing 15 N-enriched fertilizers. Unlike previous studies that addressed isolated aspects of nitrogen dynamics, this review integrates findings on nitrogen transformation pathways, recovery rates, and environmental losses.

4、A self

In this work, authors demonstrate a self-sufficient fog harvester system that simultaneously produces nitrogen-based nutrients for fertilizer via spark-driven nitrogen fixation.

Nitrogen Journey in Plants: From Uptake to Metabolism, Stress

Plants uptake and assimilate nitrogen from the soil in the form of nitrate, ammonium ions, and available amino acids from organic sources. Plant nitrate and ammonium transporters are responsible for nitrate and ammonium translocation from the soil into the roots.

How to make nitrogen fixation in fertilizers more sustainable

Nitrogen fixation, crucial for fertilizers and supporting half the world's food production, is an energy- and carbon-intensive process. New approaches promise to make nitrogen fixation more sustainable, or to find alternative green solutions that enhance crop health and yields.

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in agriculture by integrating

Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is essential for promoting sustainable crop production and mitigating the negative impacts of nitrogen loss, such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen assimilation in plants: current status and future prospects

To increase grain yields, large amounts of fertilizers, especially nitrogen (N) fertilizers, are applied during agricultural production; however, only 30%–50% of the applied N fertilizers could be absorbed and incorporated into crops (Raun and Johnson, 1999).

Drive soil nitrogen transformation and improve crop nitrogen absorption

This review examines the current advancements in the green manure industry, focusing on the modulation of nitrogen transformation in soil and how crops absorb and utilize nitrogen after green manure application.

Nitrification and Denitrification: Key Processes and Influences

Nitrification and denitrification are essential biochemical processes in the nitrogen cycle, transforming nitrogen compounds and influencing soil fertility, water quality, and greenhouse gas emissions.

The transformation and absorption of nitrogen fertilizers is a complex process involving multiple components such as soil, plants, and microorganisms. After application, nitrogen fertilizers undergo a series of biochemical reactions to be absorbed and utilized by plants, subsequently influencing crop growth and development. The following outlines the process of nitrogen fertilizer transformation and absorption:

1. Application to Soil: Nitrogen fertilizers are uniformly spread or mechanically applied in fields, ensuring thorough mixing with the soil.

2. Nitrogen Dissolution: Since most nitrogen fertilizers are in solid granular form, they require dissolution through water. During this process, nitrogen from the fertilizer is released as ions into the soil solution.

3. Soil Absorption: Soil microorganisms (e.g., bacteria, fungi) and plant roots convert dissolved nitrogen ions into usable forms via enzymes on their surfaces. This initial step, called ammonification, transforms inorganic nitrogen into organic forms.

4. Ammonia Formation: Under microbial activity, nitrogen ions in fertilizers are first converted into ammonia (NH₃), a simple organic form of nitrogen.

5. Nitrification: Ammonia is further transformed into nitrate (NO₃⁻) by specific soil bacteria (e.g., Nitrobacter). This stable nitrogen form is critical for plant uptake.

6. Denitrification: In anaerobic conditions, aerobic microorganisms reduce nitrate back into ammonia (NH₃) or nitrogen gas (N₂), a process known as denitrification. Byproducts include molecular nitrogen (N₂) and other reduced forms.

7. Plant Uptake: Plants absorb water and dissolved nitrogen ions through root hairs. These ions are transported throughout the plant, participating in protein, nucleic acid, and other organic compound syntheses.

8. Metabolic Processes: Absorbed nitrogen supports photosynthesis and organic matter production. Some nitrogen is excreted as ammonia during metabolic activities.

9. Plant Growth: Through these processes, plants utilize nitrogen from fertilizers to promote growth and development.

10. Environmental Impact: Excessive nitrogen fertilizer use can harm ecosystems. Runoff may cause water eutrophication, algal blooms, and groundwater contamination due to excess nitrate.

Sustainable Agriculture Strategies: To minimize environmental risks while optimizing nitrogen use, the following measures are recommended:

1. Rational Fertilization: Tailor fertilizer amounts and timing to crop needs and soil conditions to avoid overapplication.

2. Organic Alternatives: Increase use of slow-release organic fertilizers (e.g., manure, green manure) to stabilize soil nutrient supply.

3. Deep Placement: Apply fertilizers deeper into the soil to enhance efficiency and reduce runoff losses.

4. Soil Management: Improve soil structure and water-holding capacity to mitigate nitrogen leaching.

5. Bioremediation: Utilize nitrogen-fixing bacteria, phosphorus-solubilizing microbes, and other beneficial organisms to reduce synthetic fertilizer reliance.

By implementing these practices, nitrogen fertilizers can be used more efficiently while mitigating environmental pollution, fostering sustainable agricultural development.