A microbial framework for nitrogen cycling solutions in agroecosystems

Abstract

Nitrogen use in agriculture often prioritizes immediate yield gains at the expense of the environment and agroecosystem health. This problem persists because current solutions for crop nitrogen use inefficiency focus too narrowly on inputs and overlook the internal processes that govern nitrogen's fate, from crop uptake and environmental losses to storage and transfer between various organic pools. We synthesize recent research developments in soil nitrogen biogeochemistry into an aspirational and accessible microbe-centered framework that clarifies understanding of nitrogen accumulation, recycling, and plant uptake processes in soil. This framework can guide scientific exploration and practical applications to boost crop yields, enrich soil organic matter, and reduce environmental nitrogen losses.

Published in

One Earth
2024, volume: 7, number: 12, pages: 2103-2107
Publisher: CELL PRESS

SLU Authors

• MacLaren, Chloe

  • Department of Crop Production Ecology, Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences
    
  • International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)

UKÄ Subject classification

Environmental Sciences related to Agriculture and Land-use

Publication identifier

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oneear.2024.11.018

Permanent link to this page (URI)

https://res.slu.se/id/publ/140170