Localizing nitrogen fertilizer boosts herb productivity and reduces nitrogen losses
The study found that applying nitrogen fertilizer locally to a perennial legume-grass mixture on eroded soil increased nitrogen use efficiency by the plants. This led to higher productivity of the plants, increased protein content, and reduced nitrate levels in the phytomass. Compared to scattered application, local application of nitrogen fertilizer resulted in better utilization by the plants, increased fixation in the soil, and reduced gaseous losses. This approach can help improve the sustainability and yield of perennial legume-grass mixtures on eroded soils.