Improving Fertilizer Use Efficiency-Methods and Strategies for the Future

• Other Authors: Barłóg, Przemysław (Editor), Moir, Jim (Editor), Hlisnikovský, Lukáš (Editor), He, Xinhua (Editor)
• Format: Electronic Book Chapter
• Language: English
• Published: Basel MDPI - Multidisciplinary Digital Publishing Institute 2023
• Subjects: Research & information: general; Biology, life sciences; Technology, engineering, agriculture; Soil acidity and nutrient uptake; Critical stages of nutrient requirement by crop plants; Effect of nutrients on yield component formation; Nutrient balance; Macronutrient impact on crop growth rate and physiological determinants of yielding; Nutrients and tolerance to abiotic and biotic stresses; Nitrogen use effectivity; Urease and nitrification inhibitors; Crop plant quality
• Online Access: DOAB: download the publication; DOAB: description of the publication

The term fertilizer use efficiency (FUE) is not new. However, in recent years, improving the FUE has become particularly significant. This is due to growing demographic pressure, limited natural resources, climate change, and challenges related to environmental protection. This Special Issue of Plants contains papers that describe the current status of the knowledge and outlook of FUE improvement. The two review articles included provide an opportunity to become acquainted with the factors influencing FUE and contemporary trends in the development of fertilization strategies and technologies aimed at maximizing the value of this indicator. Of note, the concept of effective fertilization is presented and defined as the soil fertility clock (SFC). The 19 original articles included in this reprint present the results of research on the following: optimal N dose determination, balanced N fertilization, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), foliar fertilization, improving the effectiveness of phosphorus use, and the possibility of improving FUE through the application of innovative fertilizers. Thanks to all the articles, this Special Issue enriches our knowledge in terms of the assessment methods of FUE in plant production. Moreover, it indicates new possibilities, perspectives, and directions for the development of scientific research within this field in the coming future.