Nitrogen fertilization is a substantial source of nitrogen-containing
trace gases that have both regional and global consequences, In the in
tensive 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 a
nd grain quality. Economic analyses projected this alternative practic
e 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.