Reducing Nitrogen Losses in US Row-Crop Agriculture: Challenges, Solutions, and Policy Pathways

This working paper argues that improving nitrogen management in the United States (U.S.) row-crop systems is essential for public health, climate mitigation, water quality, and farm profitability. It documents that nitrous oxide from agricultural soils accounts for roughly half of U.S. agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and that the combined footprint of soil emissions and fertilizer production was approximately 346 million tonnes (Mt) of carbon dioxide equivalents (CO₂e) in 2022. The paper also summarizes other key nitrogen loss pathways in agriculture, such as ammonia emissions and nitrate losses, that harm air quality and water resources and reduce on-farm nitrogen use efficiency.