Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agriculture: Challenges, strategies and future prospects

Abstract

Nitrogen is one of the most essential macronutrients for plant growth and agricultural productivity, yet it is often under-utilized or inefficiently managed, leading to environmental issues such as nitrogen leaching, greenhouse gas emissions, and water pollution. Improving Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE) is a critical objective for enhancing food production while minimizing adverse environmental impacts. This paper provides an in-depth review of various strategies to improve NUE in agriculture, including technological advancements, soil management practices, crop selection, and agronomic interventions. The review highlights the importance of optimizing nitrogen application, adopting precision agriculture techniques, and advancing breeding programs for NUE-enhanced crop varieties. Moreover, the paper explores the role of soil health, irrigation, and biological nitrogen fixation in optimizing nitrogen use in farming systems.