Nitrification Inhibitors: Classes and Its Use in Nitrification Management

Abstract

The explosive expansion of human activity during the last two centuries through industrial and agricultural pursuits has resulted in massive changes in the nitrogen (N) cycle of the planet. Based on the projected population growth and food demand, the N-fertilizer inputs into agricultural systems need to be doubled in the near future which would lead to further increase in the amount of N lost to the environment. If production agriculture continues to move towards high-nitrification agricultural systems with the expansion and intensification of agricultural activities, there is potential for catastrophic consequences to our planet due to the destruction of the ozone layer, global warming, and eutrophication. It is therefore imperative to manage the nitrification in agricultural systems for minimizing N leaks into the environment which are not only a serious economic and energy drain on society but also potentially have long-term ecological and environmental consequences. Currently, more than 60% of the total N applied to agricultural systems is lost, amounting to an annual economic loss equivalent to US$17 billion worldwide. Wide substrate range of ammonia monooxygenase (AMO), an important enzyme involved in nitrification, has enabled a range of chemicals or chemical formulations that can be effectively deployed as additives to N fertilizers to regulate nitrification. These chemicals by augmenting the efficiency of N-fertilizer use help us to achieve higher food production for catering the ever increasing population and minimize fertilizer-related pollution of the environment. This paper overviews N transformations in agricultural systems and the salient agrochemicals employed for management of nitrification, the most important transformation, in particular.