Dynamic model-based N management reduces surplus nitrogen and improves the environmental performance of corn production
Sela, S; Woodbury, PB; van Es, HM
| HERO ID | 5040439 |
|---|---|
| In Press | No |
| Year | 2018 |
| Title | Dynamic model-based N management reduces surplus nitrogen and improves the environmental performance of corn production |
| Authors | Sela, S; Woodbury, PB; van Es, HM |
| Journal | Environmental Research Letters |
| Volume | 13 |
| Issue | 5 |
| Abstract | The US Midwest is the largest and most intensive corn (Zea mays, L.) production region in the world. However, N losses from corn systems cause serious environmental impacts including dead zones in coastal waters, groundwater pollution, particulate air pollution, and global warming. New approaches to reducing N losses are urgently needed. N surplus is gaining attention as such an approach for multiple cropping systems. We combined experimental data from 127 on-farm field trials conducted in seven US states during the 2011-2016 growing seasons with biochemical simulations using the PNM model to quantify the benefits of a dynamic location-adapted management approach to reduce N surplus. We found that this approach allowed large reductions in N rate (32%) and N surplus (36%) compared to existing static approaches, without reducing yield and substantially reducing yield-scaled N losses (11%). Across all sites, yield-scaled N losses increased linearly with N surplus values above similar to 48 kg ha(-1). Using the dynamic model-based N management approach enabled growers to get much closer to this target than using existing static methods, while maintaining yield. Therefore, this approach can substantially reduce N surplus and N pollution potential compared to static N management. |
| Doi | 10.1088/1748-9326/aab908 |
| Wosid | WOS:000431146200003 |
| Is Certified Translation | No |
| Dupe Override | No |
| Is Public | Yes |
| Language Text | English |
| Keyword | N surplus; corn; yield-scaled N losses; crop simulation; dynamic model-based N management |