Strategies for efficient use of nitrogen in agriculture

Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important nutrients for plant growth and is therefore largely
applied in agricultural systems through fertilization. However, nitrification leads to nitrate
leaching and the production of gaseous nitrous oxide, which can result in a loss of up to 50% of
nitrogen availability to the plant.
There are different strategies to prevent nitrification, such as the use of synthetic nitrification
inhibitors (SNI), biological nitrification inhibitors (BNI), controlled slow-release fertilizers and
keeping plants in continuous growth to assimilate nitrogen. However, when making a decision on
which methodology to use to manage fertilization, the advantages and disadvantages of each must
be known in order to achieve efficient nitrogen use (NUE). This mini-review will show some
strategies used in agriculture.