Volume: 4, 2025
4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland:
ENVIRONMENT – PLANT – ANIMAL – PRODUCT
Abstract number: P005
DOI: https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.P005
Published online: 9 April 2025
ICDSUPL, 4, P005 (2025)
Innovative methods to increase the efficiency of nitrogen use by plants
Sylwia Figiel1*, Marzena Sylwia Brodowska1
1 Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Akademicka 13, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
* Corresponding author: sylwia.figiel@up.lublin.pl
Abstract
Nitrogen is a critical nutrient for plant growth, integral to proteins, nucleic acids, and chlorophyll. However, conventional nitrogen fertilizers often exhibit low use efficiency, with plants absorbing only a fraction of the applied N, leading to environmental issues such as water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) is thus essential for sustainable agriculture. The methodologies discussed encompass advanced fertilizer technologies, biological innovations, precision agriculture, alternative nitrogen sources, and integrated soil management: 1. Advanced Fertilizer Technologies: Utilization of nanofertilizers and slow-release fertilizers to provide targeted and sustained nitrogen availability. 2. Biological Innovations: Incorporation of microbial inoculants, such as nitrogen-fixing bacteria, and genetic modifications to enhance nitrogen uptake and assimilation. 3. Precision Agriculture: Using innovative technologies to monitor nitrogen status in plants and optimize fertilizer application. 4. Alternative Nitrogen Sources: Exploration of plasma-activated water (PAW) and plasma-fixated nitrogen as sustainable nitrogen supplements. 5. Integrated Soil Management: Amendment of soils with biochar and zeolite to improve nitrogen retention and availability. Recent studies have demonstrated the efficacy of these innovative approaches: – Nanofertilizers: Enhanced NUE by providing controlled nutrient release, leading to improved plant growth and reduced environmental impact; Microbial Inoculants: Certain soil microbes have been shown to improve nitrogen uptake, reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers, Precision Agriculture: More precise nitrogen management, resulting in higher yields and reduced fertilizer usage; Alternative Nitrogen Sources: PAW has been found to enhance seed germination and plant growth in hydroponic systems, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizers. Implementing these innovative methods holds significant promise for enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in plants. Such strategies not only improve crop productivity but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen losses and mitigating pollution. Future research should focus on integrating these approaches into holistic nutrient management systems tailored to specific agroecological contexts.
Keywords: nitrogen, biofertilizers
How to cite
S. Figiel, M.S. Brodowska, 2025. Innovative methods to increase the efficiency of nitrogen use by plants. In: 4th International PhD Student’s Conference at the University of Life Sciences in Lublin, Poland: Environment – Plant – Animal – Product. https://doi.org/10.24326/ICDSUPL4.P005