Mining soil nitrogen threatens Australian wheat

Mining soil nitrogen reserves is threatening sustainable production in many wheat growing regions in Australia.

By integrating national datasets, mass balance calculations and model simulations, this study expects to reveal the situation of mining soil nitrogen reserves across wheat growing regions, determine their lifespan under current nitrogen management practices, and provide solutions to the threat of mining soil nitrogen reserves. This should enable a more balanced use of fertiliser nitrogen and soil nitrogen reserves, which are essential for soil fertility, the wheat industry, and ultimately global food security.