Nutrient (Nitrogen and Phosphorus) Management in Agricultural Catchments for Improving Crop Productivity and Water Quality

摘要

Managing land and water resources is increasingly challenging as a result of increasing competition for natural resources because of population and economic growth, climate change and other drivers. Nutrient management in agriculture plays an important role in crop production intensification and improving the quality of land and water resources in agricultural catchments. In this paper, a brief overview is presented on critical issues related to nutrient management in agricultural catchments for improving crop productivity, nutrient use efficiency and water quality. Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) are critical nutrients for global agricultural productivity and food security. Increased demand for food production has resulted in extensive use of thesenutrients resulting in impacts on surface and groundwater quality. Optimal nutrient management can be established with knowledge of nutrient budgets for site-specific conditions, nutrient use efficiency by crops and availability of legacy nutrients. Long-term goals of nutrient management in agricultural watersheds should include conservation and enhancement of soil quality. Future soil and nutrient management practices should consider nutrient imbalances resulting from surplus and deficits in fertilizer use in the catchment.