Global analysis of nitrogen inputs from irrigation water to cropland

Nature Sustainability 2026 Open access

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Authors: João Serra, Luis Lassaletta, Gerard H. Ros, Miguel Quemada, Franca Giannini Kurina, E. Aguilera, Morten Graversgaard, C. Cordovil, Maria do Rosário Cameira, W. de Vries, Achim Dobermann, Xin Zhang
+3 more Jaber Rahimi, Tommy Dalgaard, Klaus Butterbach‐Bahl
DOI: 10.1038/s41893-026-01930-8
Cited by: 1
References: 44

Abstract

Irrigation is typically overlooked as a source of reactive nitrogen to cropland. However, nitrate-rich irrigation water constitutes a substantial portion of the global agricultural nitrogen budget that should be accounted for in fertilizer application and irrigation strategies.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Soil and Water Nutrient Dynamics Irrigation Practices and Water Management Polymer-Based Agricultural Enhancements

Publication details

Journal / source
Nature Sustainability
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Publication date
7 September 2026
Language
EN