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Rising nitrogen fertilizer prices and projected increase in maize ethanol production: the future of forage production and the potential of legumes in forage production systems.
- Source :
- Grassland Science; Oct2016, Vol. 62 Issue 4, p203-212, 10p
- Publication Year :
- 2016
-
Abstract
- Nitrogen ( N) fertilizers are critical in today's agriculture especially in the United States. Leaching, methane and nitrous oxide emissions from N fertilizer use and the implications for global climate and water pollution raised serious concerns among environmentalists and agronomists. Prices of N fertilizers increased geometrically over the past few years. The projected increase in maize ( Zea mays L.) ethanol production is expected to increase N fertilizer demand and prices. Hay prices are, however, staggering and producers are looking for alternatives to N fertilizers. This review paper assessed trends in fertilizer use and prices as well as factors affecting fixation and transfer of dinitrogen ( N<subscript>2</subscript>) in forage production systems. Additionally, economic implications of using N fertilizers and grass-legume mixtures are discussed. From the review, it was apparent that legumes have the potential to replace N fertilizers or at least complement the use of N fertilizers in forage production systems. However, N transfer in forage production systems is low. A lot more research is needed to answer the question 'Why legumes fix so much N<subscript>2</subscript> and transfer just a small proportion to other crops.' Similarly, identifying compatible grass-legume species that enhance N<subscript>2</subscript> fixation will be a giant step towards reduced N fertilizer use and ensuring environmental sustainability. With the sharp increase in N fertilizer prices, the use of legumes in forage production systems seems promising. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 17446961
- Volume :
- 62
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Complementary Index
- Journal :
- Grassland Science
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 119102362
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1111/grs.12130