USDA issues Nitrogen in Agricultural Systems Nitrogen is an
important agricultural input that is critical for crop
production. However, the introduction of large amounts of
nitrogen into the environment has a number of undesirable
impacts on water, terrestrial, and atmospheric resources This
report explores the use of nitrogen in U.S. agriculture and
assesses changes in nutrient management by farmers that may
improve nitrogen use efficiency. It also reviews a number of
policy approaches for improving nitrogen management and
identifies issues affecting their potential performance.
Findings reveal that about two-thirds of U.S. cropland is not
meeting three criteria for good nitrogen management related to
the rate, timing, and method of application. Several policy
approaches, including financial incentives, nitrogen management
as a condition of farm program eligibility, and regulation,
could induce farmers to improve their nitrogen management and
reduce nitrogen losses to the environment. To read the report
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