Nitrogen in the environment: Sources, problems, and management

Authors: Hatfield, Jerry; Follett, Ronald

Submitted to: Complete Book
Publication Type: Book / Chapter
Publication Acceptance Date: 11/2/2007
Publication Date: 7/20/2008
Citation: Hatfield, J.L., Follett, R.F., editors. 2008. Nitrogen in the Environment: Sources, Problems, and Management, Second Edition. Oxford, UK: Elsevier. 702 p.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Nitrogen (N) is among the most important elements required in agricultural systems to produce food and to supply protein for the increasingly larger World population. The amount of N required increases directly in response to the requirement for protein in the diets of growing population numbers. World population is projected to increase from current levels of about 6.1 to nearly 8 billion people during the next 25 years, and the requirement for N inputs will increase accordingly to meet the dietary protein requirements of this growing population. Countries such as China are rapidly increasing the use of N fertilizer as a result of their large population and an increased demand for dietary protein. Such trends must be expected and planned for in many other parts of the World with growing populations, increased demands for dietary protein, and improved living standards. This book holistically describes the topic of N in the environment, the sources of N and the issues associated with its management. The Second Edition of this volume provides an update on many of the original chapters to enhance the information available from the literature and to expand the information to address some new areas that are emerging as potential concerns about N in the environment. Twenty-two chapters were prepared by sixty-one authors who provide an extensive scientific and literature documentation of the issues.