Effect of enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers and ANVOL™ on spring wheat production and soil health

Abstract

Nitrogen (N) is an essential macronutrient that plays a critical role in the cultivation of spring wheat, affecting several physiological and developmental processes. The widespread use of N fertilizers can result in environmental contamination, as approximately half of the N applied as fertilizers is lost through various pathways. Urea treated with N stabilizers such as urease inhibitors and nitrification inhibitors could be an effective way to reduce N losses. I hypothesized that application of enhanced efficiency N fertilizers such as polymer-coated urea and urea supplemented with inhibitors of urease and nitrification will improve the growth, yield, and quality of spring wheat, outperforming the traditional application of untreated urea. This study tracked the effects of different N sources at two different application rates (80 kg N ha-1 and 120 kg N ha-1 ) on plant growth attributes, field productivity, soil health metrics, and soil chemical and biological parameters. Nitrogen source had minimal effect on soil health, with only slight changes in microbial composition and nutrient levels. The use of either traditional urea or enhanced efficiency N fertilizers corresponded to the development of beneficial microbial communities. Plant phenotypic traits, grain characteristics, soil nitrate levels, and disease occurrence were not significantly influenced by the choice of N source or application rate, an outcome that can be attributed to limited rainfall during the growing season of the experiment. Grain yields were no higher in any treated plots compared to the no-N reference plots. Plant assimilation of N did occur compared to reference plots, at three times the concentration during booting and two times during tillering stages. Overall, N management strategies that prioritize optimal nutrient absorption, improve soil structure, and promote sustainable agricultural practices are recommended. However, these strategies must be adapted to prevailing environmental conditions.