Digital Agriculture and Nitrogen: Science, Implementation, and Policy

Gains in nitrogen use efficiency in crop production remain low due to management complexities and perceived divergent economic and environmental incentives. Digital agriculture technologies can move the industry forward through win-win scenarios by incentivizing optimum “4R” management.

Adoption gaps can be overcome through voluntary programs, regulation, or industry programs within the supply chain. But stakeholders are looking for robust sustainability indicators, like N balance, to drive sustainable crop N management. Research gaps are addressed through simulation studies that support realistic use of indicators and policy approaches in the context of realistic goals by farmers.