Environmental and Social Drivers of Improved Nitrogen Management Technology.

Many factors are contributing to greater demands for the production of food, fiber, and biofuels. Global competition among farmers is increasing as the economies of developing countries change and as energy prices escalate. Such pressures influence nutrient management decisions, strain the capabilities of many farmers, and they affect the entire fertilizer production, distribution, and supply chain. Associated with increased fertilizer nitrogen use, are increased risks of loss to the environment. Society is demanding greater water quality and air quality accountability by agriculture, in part based on trends in water quality indicators and estimates of greenhouse gas emissions, but also due to fears and misperceptions. More numeric water quality criteria are being developed, and in some instances, federal authority has sought to override state-initiated, science-based numeric nutrient criteria development. Carbon trading opportunities are being explored, regulations to reduce carbon dioxide equivalent emissions are being evaluated, and nitrous oxide emission protocols and mitigation plans are being developed.  Each of these issues provides more compelling justification for improved nitrogen use efficiency and effectiveness.  Trends in U.S. and global food production and consumption, fertilizer nitrogen consumption, and water and air quality impacts will be addressed.