Integration of Environmental, Agronomic, and Economic Aspects of Fertilizer Management
Pamela A. Matson,
*
Rosamond Naylor,
Ivan Ortiz-Monasterio
Nitrogen fertilization is a substantial source of
nitrogen-containing trace gases that have both regional and global
consequences. In the intensive wheat systems of Mexico, typical
fertilization practices lead to extremely high fluxes of nitrous oxide
(N2O) and nitric oxide (NO). In experiments, lower rates of
nitrogen fertilizer, applied later in the crop cycle, reduced the loss of nitrogen without affecting yield and grain quality. Economic analyses projected this alternative practice to save 12 to 17 percent
of after-tax profits. A knowledge-intensive approach to fertilizer
management can substitute for higher levels of inputs, saving farmers
money and reducing environmental costs.
P. A. Matson and R. Naylor, Institute for International
Studies, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-6055, USA.
I. Ortiz-Monasterio, International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center,
El Batan, Mexico.
*
To whom correspondence should be addressed.
