When applied properly, nitrogen fertilizer can offer environmental and agricultural production benefits, according to a recent study by agronomists from Iowa State University. The fertilizer can lead help soil maintain carbon, which helps it retain water, which ultimately reduces runoff and improves downstream water quality.
“Our data show that nitrogen fertilizer, when applied at a level that maximizes crop production, is critical to maintain soil carbon for sustainable agricultural systems,” said Michael Castellano, an associate professor of agronomy and co-author of the study. “In fact, I’d say it plays an essential role.” The study was supported through NIFA’s Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI).
Read more at Iowa State University.
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