Relatively few studies have quantified N2O losses

The gap

Evidence profile

Sourced from the abstract and stated research gap and future-work section and stated challenges of the source papers, classified as general, drawn from work published between 2015 and 2026, spanning 7 journals. Those papers have been cited 29 times in total.

Supporting evidence — 8 representative gaps

• Effects of nitrogen application frequency under integrated water and fertiliser management on soil physicochemical properties, dry matter accumulation, photosynthetic characteristics and yield (2026) · Scientific Reports · doi

  However, the specific mechanisms by which the frequency of split nitrogen fertilizer applications influences cotton yield and NRE under water-fertilizer integration conditions remain poorly understood.

  generalabstractevidence 5/5
  Keywords: fertilizer specific mechanisms frequency split nitrogen applications influences cotton yield water integration conditions remain poorly
• Soil Organic Carbon, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus Levels and Stocks After Long‐Term Nitrogen Fertilization (2015) · CLEAN - Soil Air Water · cited 12× · doi

  However, conflicting findings have been reported in the literature about the long‐term effects of nitrogen (N) fertilization on the profile distribution of SOC, N, and phosphorus (P) concentrations and stocks.

  generalabstractevidence 5/5
  Keywords: conflicting reported literature long term effects nitrogen fertilization profile distribution phosphorus concentrations stocks
• Optimizing split nitrogen application for enhanced maize yield in slightly saline coastal soils (ECe 3–4 dS m−1) (2026) · Discover Soil · doi

  The study identifies a gap in the current understanding of optimal N fertilizer application methods and timing for maize cultivation in coastal regions. The experiment addresses the need for effective N fertilizer application strategies in slightly saline coastal soils.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: study identifies gap current understanding optimal fertilizer application
• Elevated CO2 and warming intensify plant reliance on soil nitrogen reserves despite intensive fertilization (2026) · Nature Communications · doi

  Future research should investigate the effects of climate change on soil nitrogen cycling in different ecosystems. Studies should examine the potential for compensatory biological nitrogen fixation to offset soil nitrogen depletion. Research should also explore new strategies to maintain soil nitrogen stocks and ensure the long-term sustainability of intensively managed agroecosystems.

  generalfuture-work sectionevidence 5/5
  Keywords: future research investigate effects climate change soil nitrogen
• Kornertrags-, stickstoffbilanz- und energieeffizienzorientierte Stickstoffmineraldüngung von Körnermais in einem Langzeitdüngungsversuch in der Steiermark (2026) · Die Bodenkultur Journal of Land Management Food and Environment · cited 1× · doi

  The study identifies a gap in the understanding of the relationship between nitrogen fertilization, grain yield, and energy efficiency. The study highlights the need for more research on sustainable agriculture practices. The study identifies a need for more research on the environmental impact of fertilization practices.

  generalstated research gapevidence 5/5
  Keywords: study identifies gap understanding relationship between nitrogen fertilization
• Integrating intercropping, nitrogen fertilization and Azospirillum spp. to enhance growth, yield, and quality of sweet corn-sweet potato systems in sandy land (2026) · Journal of the Saudi Society of Agricultural Sciences · doi

  Excessive nitrogen application can disrupt the ionic balance in soil water and lead to nitrate leaching or runoff. The high cost of nitrogen fertilizer is a major constraint for farmers. The need for sustainable nitrogen management strategies is a significant challenge.

  generalstated challengesevidence 5/5
  Keywords: excessive nitrogen application disrupt ionic balance soil water
• Short planks in the crop nutrient barrel theory of China are changing: Evidence from 15 crops in 13 provinces (2022) · Food and Energy Security · cited 16× · doi

  Abstract Large quantities of fertilizers, mainly nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), are used in China's crop production; however, whether N, P, and K still limit yield under the current high input remains unknown.

  generalabstractevidence 4/5
  Keywords: abstract large quantities fertilizers mainly nitrogen phosphorus potassium used china crop production whether still limit
• Elevated CO2 and warming intensify plant reliance on soil nitrogen reserves despite intensive fertilization (2026) · Nature Communications · doi

  The distinction between external nitrogen inputs and mobilization of soil nitrogen reserves remains poorly resolved. The role of soil nitrogen reserves in sustaining plant growth under climate change is not well understood.

  generalstated research gapevidence 3/5
  Keywords: distinction between external nitrogen inputs mobilization soil reserves

Questions about this gap