1、Negative impacts of excessive nitrogen fertilization on the abundance

Excessive nitrogen (N) fertilization (ENF) and low utilization efficiency of fertilizer-derived N in high-input, high-yield cropping systems are serious ecological and economic problems in China.

2、Effects of Long

Soil acidification is widespread in China, affecting crop yields, agricultural product quality, and biodiversity. Since the 1980s, much work has been done on acidic soils in China, but it is controversial whether excessive nitrogen fertilizer application can lead to soil acidification mechanisms.

3、(PDF) Positive and Negative Impact of Nitrogen Fertilizer on Soil

This study found that excessive nitrogen fertilization had negative impact on soil health factors such as bulk density increment and carbon content decline through deeper profiles.

4、Excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers: an unawareness causing

The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizer results in low nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and has no yield benefits. NUE for most of the plant species ranges from 30 to 50%, while remaining 50–70% nitrogen is either utilized by soil microorganisms, lost through leaching, and/or volatilized to nitrous oxide (Wuebbles 2009; Ng et al. 2016).

Excessive Nitrogen Fertilizer Application Causes Rapid Degradation of

To maintain good productivity, a large quantity of fertilizers was continuously applied to the soil. Due to low nitrogen (N) use efficiency, excessive nutrients are accumulated in soil profile. As a result, greenhouse soil is often compromised by the secondary soil salinization.

Effects of Long

To address the above issues, we conducted a meta-analysis of 115 published papers to integrate and analyze the effects of N fertilizer application on soil acidification and biological properties from 1980 to 2024.

Over

The excessive application of nitrogen-based fertilizers alters the soil's pH balance and reduces microbial diversity. This disrupts the natural nutrient cycling process and can result in nutrient imbalances, reduced soil fertility, and erosion.

How Excessive Fertilizer Use Raises Soil Nitrate Dangerously

In this article, we explore how excessive fertilizer use leads to heightened soil nitrate concentrations, why this is problematic, and what steps can be taken to mitigate these risks while maintaining productive farming systems.

Global nitrogen enrichment impacts plant diversity more than soil

This global meta-analysis suggests that nitrogen enrichment has stronger negative effects on plant diversity but modest to negligible effects on soil bacterial and fungal diversity.

Impacts of long

Therefore, liming acidic soil in upland red soil of South China is a promising management option for improved soil quality, wheat grain yield, and mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions.

Nitrogen fertilizers are commonly used in agricultural production to provide plants with essential nitrogen. overapplication of nitrogen fertilizers can lead to a series of adverse effects on soil health. Below is a detailed analysis of the consequences of excessive nitrogen fertilizer use:

1. Soil Structure Disruption: Excessive nitrogen application reduces soil organic matter content, degrading soil structure. Organic matter is crucial for improving water retention and aeration, which support root growth and nutrient absorption. A decline in organic matter alters soil physical properties, causing compaction that hinders root development. Additionally, soil microorganisms are disrupted, leading to ecological imbalances.

2. Soil Acidification: Nitrogen fertilizer breakdown releases ammonia gas, which escapes into the atmosphere or reacts with soil carbonates to form ammonium salts, intensifying soil acidification. Lower soil pH impairs plants’ ability to absorb nutrients.

3. Salt Accumulation: Overuse of nitrogen fertilizers leads to nitrate buildup, increasing soil salinity. High salt concentrations disrupt plant growth and can cause mortality.

4. Nutrient Imbalance: Excess nitrogen suppresses the availability of other essential nutrients, stunting plant growth and reducing crop quality. Prolonged overuse also depletes soil nutrients, leading to impoverishment.

5. Environmental Pollution: Nitrogen runoff contaminates water bodies through surface flow and groundwater seepage, threatening aquatic ecosystems and human health. Nitrogen is a non-selective pollutant with far-reaching ecological harm.

6. Ecological Disruption: Excess nitrogen disrupts soil microbial communities critical for nitrogen cycling, inhibiting their function and reducing biodiversity. This imbalance harms soil organisms and overall ecosystem resilience.

Mitigation Measures:

1. Rational Fertilization: Tailor nitrogen application to crop needs and soil conditions to avoid excess.

2. Organic Fertilizer Integration: Combine chemical fertilizers with organic matter to enhance soil structure, improve nutrient diversity, and reduce synthetic fertilizer reliance.

3. Crop Rotation: Rotate crops to prevent nutrient accumulation and acidification. Root residues from previous crops boost organic matter, improving soil health.

4. Proper Irrigation: Maintain balanced irrigation to prevent salt buildup and support root function. Avoid over-irrigation to mitigate salinity risks.

5. Scientific Fertilization: Base fertilizer selection on soil tests and crop requirements. Prioritize efficiency to minimize environmental harm.

excessive nitrogen fertilizer use poses severe risks to soil health and ecosystems. Adopting scientific and sustainable practices is essential to protect soil vitality and environmental balance.