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Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk

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A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 6884

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Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Witold Grzebisz

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Guest Editor

Department of Agricultural Chemistry and Environmental Biogeochemistry, Poznan University of Life Sciences, 60-625 Poznan, Poland
Interests: agriculture; crop production; fertilizers; fertilization systems; plant nutrition; plant diagnostics; sustainable agriculture; soil fertility; soil diagnostics; environment protection
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Xuesong Luo

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Guest Editor

Key Laboratory of Arable Land Conservation (Middle and Lower Reaches of Yangtze River), Ministry of Agriculture, College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
Interests: soil microbial ecology; nitrogen cycling; antibiotic resistome; heavy metal stabilization by soil microbes
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Dear Colleagues,

The growing demand for food requires the increased consumption of fertilizer nitrogen (N_f). The plant production strategy as usual is not effective in terms of yields, thus posing a threat to the environment. The inertia of current production processes is the result of focusing efforts on environmental hazards rather than maximizing production gains. The hypothesis of this project is that minimization of N_f dispersion can only be achieved by maximizing yields. This assumption is based on two pillars. The first is correctly identifying the maximum yield, i.e., the yield attainable (Y_attmax) for a specific geographical area and/or for a field unit. The second pillar is the amount of N_f which was not converted into the yield within the growing season. This is how the nitrogen gap (NG) is defined. The most important challenge for the farmer is to first identify and then prioritize the factors determining the action of N_f into coarse and fine groups.

Nitrogen gap is a diagnostic tool which allows the farmer to define Y_attmax as the production target and the distance of a particular field or field unit to that target. The coarse group of factors affecting the recovery of N_f in the currently grown crop can, in fact, be limited to a few, such as i) a properly defined Y_attmax, ii) correctly calculated N_f rate (in most cases, the first), iii) current and potential soil fertility level, and iv) crop rotation. All these factors are responsible for the efficiency of the N flow from the soil to the plant during its critical – cardinal stages of yield formation. A necessary condition for soil fertility is the quantity of the nutrient resources. The limited nature of these resources forces the farmer to replenish them cyclically. Sufficient soil fertility conditions result from the size of the available nutrient pools in the plant rooting zone in the soil. The efficiency of the nutrient flow to the plant determines both the uptake and utilization of N present in the soil−plant continuum during the growing season. All other factors responsible for the N economy of the plant should be treated as fine. Their task is the in-season correction of the nutritional status of the crop, oriented essentially towards N balancing. This set of factors includes: i) variety selection, ii) plant protection, iii) in-season N_f fertilization (topdressing), iv) foliar fertilization (macro-, and micro-nutrients application), and v) foliar application of growth stimulants. All these factors are responsible for the degree of the yield components development. Their maximization increases the capacity of the physiological sink of the crop, which in turn determines its demand for N. This is the necessary condition for high productivity of N_f, which in fact, determines a low dispersion of N_f into the environment.

Prof. Dr. Witold Grzebisz
Dr. Xuesong Luo
Guest Editors

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Keywords

maximum attainable yield
yield gap
yield formation
nitrogenous growth factor
soil fertility growth factors
nitrogen dispersion control
nitrogen use efficiency

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 218 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap—Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk

by Witold Grzebisz

Agronomy 2024, 14(4), 683; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy14040683 - 27 Mar 2024

Viewed by 817

Abstract

The world’s growing demand for food cannot be met without the consumption of fertilizer nitrogen (N_f) [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

Research

Jump to: Editorial

23 pages, 1848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Grain Yield and Gluten Content in Winter Bread Wheat Based on Nutrient Content in Plant Parts during the Critical Cereal Window

by Witold Grzebisz, Witold Szczepaniak, Jarosław Potarzycki and Maria Biber

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2649; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13102649 - 20 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952

Abstract

Reliable prediction of winter bread wheat grain yield (GY) and its qualitative parameters (crude protein (CP) and wet gluten (GL) content, wet gluten yield (GLY)) requires evaluation of the plant nutritional status in the Critical Cereal Window (CCW). The reliability of the forecast depends on the dedicated plant characteristics and the correct selection of the diagnostic plant parts. This hypothesis was verified in a one-factor field experiment carried out in the 2013/2014, 2014/2015, and 2015/2016 growing seasons. The field experiment included applying 0, 40, 80, 120, 160, 200, and 240 kg N ha⁻¹. The N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu content in wheat was determined in two growth stages: (i) beginning of booting (BBCH 40) and (ii) full flowering (BBCH 65). The evaluated plant components included the leaves and stem for BBCH 40 and the flag leaf, leaves, stem, and ear of BBCH 65. Grain yields were very high, significantly responding to the increased rates of fertilizer nitrogen (N_f), with a maximum yield of 11.3 t ha⁻¹ achieved in 2014 (N rate of 209 kg N ha⁻¹), 13.7 t ha⁻¹ in 2015, and 8.6 t ha⁻¹ in 2016 (N rate of 240 kg N ha⁻¹). The CP and GL content also increased linearly in accordance with the N_f rates. At the beginning of the booting stage, the GY forecast based on the content of nutrients in the leaves or the stem was 94%. Meanwhile, a slightly higher yield prediction was obtained for leaves during the full flowering stage (95%). The key nutrients comprised K, Ca, and Mn, accounting for 93% of the GY variability. The accuracy of the GL prognosis at BBCH 40, regardless of the plant part, exceeded 99%. Three nutrients, namely, P, Mg, and Zn, explained 98% of the GL variability, and the GLY forecast was high (97%). Both wheat traits depended on Zn, which buffered the action of N and Mg. At the full flowering stage, the highest, yet slightly weaker, predictions of GL and GLY were obtained for leaves (95% and 92%, respectively). At this stage of winter wheat growth, the significant role of Zn and K and the buffering effect of Cu on the action of both nutrients was apparent. The obtained results unequivocally confirm that the game for winter wheat grain yield occurs within the Critical Cereal Window. In addition, the end result depends on the plant’s N supply during this period and the nutritional status of other nutrients. Application of 40–80 kg N ha⁻¹ fertilizer critically impacted the GY and technological quality. Moreover, micronutrients, including Zn and Cu, influence the GY, GL, and GLY considerably. At the beginning of the booting phase (BBCH 40), winter wheat leaves serve as a highly reliable plant component indicator for evaluating nutrient content and quantitative (GY, GLY) and qualitative (GL) characteristics of grain. Moreover, analysis conducted during BBCH 40 allows the farmer to correct the nutritional status of the wheat, taking into account N and other nutrients as necessary. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

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25 pages, 2412 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sulfur Carriers on Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Potatoes—A Case Study

by Jarosław Potarzycki and Jakub Wendel

Agronomy 2023, 13(10), 2470; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13102470 - 25 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1142

Abstract

The use of sulfur is an important factor in potato production. At the beginning of this study, a hypothesis was put forward according to which sulfur carrier affects yield (TY) and nitrogen efficiency (EN). The three-year study was conducted in a two-factor system: (1) sulfur fertilization, SF (control—without S, elemental sulfur—S⁰, calcium sulfate—CS), and (2) nitrogen fertilization level, NF (0, 30, 60, 90, 120, and 150 kg N·ha⁻¹). In addition to TY, the following EN indicators were analyzed: agronomical efficiency (EA), physiological efficiency (EPh), partial factor productivity (PFP), and recovery (R). For both sources of sulfur, an increase in TY was confirmed. After applying CS, the optimum for the maximum yield was 106 kg N·ha⁻¹, while the application of S⁰ resulted in 134 kg N·ha⁻¹. The impact of SF on the nitrogen economy decreased in the direction of EA = PFP > EF > R and depended on the sulfur carrier. A positive trend was found, associated with the increase in R under the influence of S⁰ and the clearly higher EPh after the application of CS. A particularly strong effect of CS on EA was evident in the range of lower nitrogen doses. The EN values depended on the meteorological conditions during the research years. The strongest variability was subject to EPh, which, as a result of SF, was significantly higher in relation to the control (without S) during the growing season, with an unfavorable distribution of precipitation. The application of CS reduced the unit nitrogen uptake (UU-N). Using path analysis, a direct relationship of Ca accumulation (controlled by N and S) with TY was demonstrated. The conducted research indicates a significant impact of sulfur fertilizers, related to TY and EN, especially visible under conditions of limited nitrogen supply. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

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11 pages, 1099 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contributions of Ammonia-Oxidizing Archaea and Bacteria to Nitrous Oxide Production in Intensive Greenhouse Vegetable Fields

by Yubing Dong, Xintong Xu, Junqian Zhang, Ying Jiao, Bingxue Wang, Chenyuan Wang and Zhengqin Xiong

Agronomy 2023, 13(9), 2420; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13092420 - 20 Sep 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 904

Abstract

With excessive nitrogen (N) input, high nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions are frequently observed in greenhouse vegetable fields. We hypothesized that the underlying production mechanisms can be derived across a wide selection of vegetable fields in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Thus, we investigated the emission characteristics and relative contributions of ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) and bacteria (AOB) and other microbial processes to the N₂O production from five long-term greenhouse vegetable fields through an incubation experiment with combined inhibition methods. The results showed that the ammonia oxidation process is the dominant contributor to N₂O production at all five sites, accounting for 88–97% of the total N₂O emissions. Regardless of acidic, neutral, or alkaline soil, AOA-driven N₂O emission rates were consistently higher than AOB-driven N₂O emission rates. Both AOA-driven and AOB-driven N₂O emissions exhibited positive correlations with soil pH, with significant increases in soil N₂O production associated with high pH levels. Therefore, general production mechanisms were derived, such that more attention should be paid to AOA-driven N₂O emissions and to vegetable soils with a relatively high pH in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

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27 pages, 5507 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Energy Crisis—Alternative Use of Winter Bread Wheat Grain Depending on Protein Content

by Hanna Klikocka and Witold Szczepaniak

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 861; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13030861 - 15 Mar 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1233

Abstract

Our economic analysis aimed to evaluate the profitability of winter bread wheat production based on two fundamental aspects. The first was the grainprotein content as a criterion for determining grain prices. The other was a comparative simulation of production profitability relying on grain production costs in 2015 and 2022. We used the results of a field experiment conducted in 2014 and 2015 involving winter bread wheat fertilised with nitrogen applied at progressive increments of 40 kg N ha⁻¹ within arange from 0 to 240 N ha⁻¹ with or without fungicide protection. We assumed that experimental factors significantly affected both the yield and the market value of grain, and hence the profitability conditioned by wheat prices on global markets. The working hypothesis of this paper is: wheat production profitability has not changed in the face of a global energy crisis. Our analysis shows that growing bread wheat generates profit when inputs are high: these inputs include high nitrogen rates and full crop protection. The real grain selling price guarantees production profitability. We should consider that, in the circumstances of a global energy crisis, the world should possibly switch to baking products from low-protein flour. Only upon such an assumption can the expenditure on fertilisers and fungicides be significantly reduced. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

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21 pages, 2941 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Inorganic Fungicides (Phosphites) Instead of Organic Fungicides in Winter Wheat—Consequences for Nitrogen Fertilizer Productivity

by Witold Grzebisz, Szymon Łączny, Witold Szczepaniak and Jarosław Potarzycki

Agronomy 2023, 13(3), 627; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/agronomy13030627 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301

Abstract

Substitution of organic with inorganic fungicides (phosphites, Phi) does not change the efficiency of fertilizer nitrogen (N_f) in winter wheat. This hypothesis was tested in the 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 growing seasons. A two-factorial experiment with three phosphite variants (Cu–Phi, Mg–Phi, and Cu/Mg) and six plant protection methods (fungicides + Phi ⟶ reduced fungicide frequency + phosphite ⟶ phosphite). Grain yield decreased with increasing frequency of phosphites instead of fungicides. The decrease in yields was 3.6 t ha⁻¹ in the favorable 2016/2017 and 1.1 t ha⁻¹ in the dry 2017/2018. The primary reason for yield decrease in a given growing season was increased wheat infestation by pathogens. The direct cause was disturbances in the nitrogen status of wheat after flowering on treatments with a predominance of phosphites. The thousand grain weight (TGW) responded negatively to reduced fungicide application frequency. The critical stage in the assessment of pathogen pressure on wheat was the medium milk phase (BBCH 75). At this stage, indices of SPAD and leaf greenness together with indices of wheat infestation with pathogens allowed for a reliable prediction of both TGW and grain yield. It can be concluded that phosphites do not substitute organic fungicides in limiting pathogen pressure in winter wheat. Moreover, increased pressure of pathogens significantly reduces N_f productivity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members' Collection Series: Effective Control of the Nitrogen Gap - a Double Gain - Higher Yields and Reduced Environmental Risk)

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