Over-application of nitrogen fertilizer results in a larger than previously estimated release of nitrous oxide, one of three major greenhouse gases, says research by Michigan State University appearing in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Nitrogen fertilizer stimulates soil microbes to produce more nitrous oxide. Agriculture is responsible for 80 percent of human-caused nitrous oxide emissions worldwide, say the researchers. The emissions have increased substantially in recent years with an increase in fertilizer use.
In a MSU news release, Phil Robertson, senior author of the paper, says, “Agriculture accounts for 8 to 14 percent of all greenhouse gas production globally. We’re showing how farmers can help to reduce this number by applying nitrogen fertilizer more precisely.” The MSU team said its research has application for growers worldwide and provides basis for expanding carbon credit programs to pay for fertilizer management
To read the abstract and for a link to the paper, click here.