Search
Enhancing agroecosystem nitrogen management: microbial insights for improved nitrification inhibition

June, 2024 | Trends in Microbiology | Source |

 

Introduction: Excessive nitrification in agroecosystems causes nitrate leaching and Nâ‚‚O emissions. Although nitrification inhibitors (NIs) reduce nitrogen losses, their efficacy varies due to interactions among soil conditions and microbial communities. A Belgian-Spanish team led by Ghent University and Universidad del País Vasco reviews the microbiology of nitrification, NI mechanisms, aiming to understand how microbial and abiotic factors influence NI performance. The goal is to inform the development of more targeted, efficient NIs for sustainable nitrogen management.

Key findings: Nitrification in agroecosystems is primarily driven by ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), archaea (AOA), and comammox bacteria, which catalyze the rate-limiting step of ammonia oxidation. Their responses to NIs vary, depending on microbial traits and environmental conditions. Common NIs like DCD, DMPP, and nitrapyrin mainly target AOB, while few—such as PTIO and SIAS—affect AOA. No specific inhibitors currently exist for heterotrophic nitrifiers. The study highlights that soil pH, organic matter, clay and copper content, nitrogen levels, and temperature strongly shape the composition of the nitrifying community and thus influence NI effectiveness. For instance, acidic soils favor AOA, weakening AOB-targeted inhibitors, while higher temperature can positively affect AOA abundance and potentially lower the efficiency of DMPP and DCD.

NI application can also shift microbial dynamics, increasing non-target nitrifiers and reducing overall inhibition. Co-application of AOA- and AOB-targeting NIs emerges as a promising strategy. The study identifies key gaps—including NI persistence, microbial resistance, and the contribution of heterotrophic nitrifiers—and calls for broader NI testing, microbiome integration, and further exploration of crop-derived biological NIs. Policy incentives and site-specific NI strategies are crucial to enhance nitrogen use efficiency and reduce emissions in agriculture.

 

Figure | Targets and effects of NIs in different ammonia-oxidation pathways.

 

Viewed Articles
Enhancing agroecosystem nitrogen management: microbial insights for improved nitrification inhibition
June, 2024 | Trends in Microbiology | Source |  Introduction: Excessive nitrification in agroecosystems causes nitrate leaching and N₂O emissions. Although nitrification inhibitors (NIs) reduce nitrog
Read More
Optimizing the rate of straw returning to balance trade-offs between carbon emission budget and rice yield in China
June, 2024 | Sustainable Production and Consumption | Source |  Introduction:  As the world's largest producer (15.4%) and consumer (21.4%) of rice, China faces the critical challenge of balancing
Greenhouse gas emissions and mitigation in rice agriculture
September 26, 2023 | Nature Reviews Earth & Environment | Source | Introduction: This collaborative review, conducted by researchers from 3 universities in China, University of Exeter (UK), UC Davis,
Diversifying crop rotation increases food production, reduces net greenhouse gas emissions and improves soil health
January 3, 2024 | Nature Communications | Source | Introduction: Conventional intensive farming boosts yields but also drives GHG emissions, soil degradation, and climate vulnerability, especially in
Opportunities for mitigating net system greenhouse gas emissions in Southeast Asian rice production: A systematic review
February 28, 2024 | Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment | Source | Introduction: Southeast Asia (SEA) produces 28% of global rice. As flooded rice fields account for nearly half of global crop-relat
Mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions and reduced irrigation water use in rice production through water-saving irrigation scheduling, reduced tillage and fertiliser application strategies
October 15, 2020 | Science of The Total Environment | Source |  Introduction: Rice production in Asia accounts for 75% of the global supply but is highly vulnerable to climate change, with rising temp
TOP