Nitrogen in Agricultural Systems: Implications for Conservation Policy

Marc Ribaudo , Jorge Delgado , LeRoy Hansen ; Michael Livingston , Roberto Mosheim,and James Williamson

United States Department of Agriculture

关键词: Reactive nitrogen;    nitrogen management;    fertilizer;    water quality;    greenhouse gas;    economic incentives;    conservation policy;    regulation;   

RP-ID  :  ERR-127

学科分类：农业科学（综合）

美国|英语

来源: United States Department of Agriculture Publications

【 摘 要 】

Nitrogen is an important agricultural input that is critical for crop production. However, the introduction of large amounts of nitrogen into the environment has a number of undesirable impacts on water, terrestrial, and atmospheric resources. This report explores the use of nitrogen in U.S. agriculture and assesses changes in nutrient management by farmers that may improve nitrogen use efficiency. It also reviews a number of policy approaches for improving nitrogen management and identifies issues affecting their potential performance. Findings reveal that about two-thirds of U.S. cropland is not meeting three criteria for good nitrogen management related to the rate, timing, and method of application. Several policy approaches, including financial incentives, nitrogen management as a condition of farm program eligibility, and regulation, could induce farmers to improve their nitrogen management and reduce nitrogen losses to the environment.