Modeling approaches have emerged to address uncertainties arising from N₂O emissions variability, representing a powerful methodology to investigate the two emitting processes (i.e., nitrification and denitrification) and to represent the interconnected dynamics among soil, atmosphere, and crops. This work offers an extensive overview of the widely used models simulating N₂O under different cropping systems and management practices. We selected process-based models, prioritizing those with well-documented algorithms found in recently published scientific articles or having published source codes. We reviewed and compared the algorithms employed to simulate N₂O emissions, adopting a unified symbol system. The selected models (APSIM, ARMOSA, CERES-EGC, CROPSYST, CoupModel, DAYCENT, DNDC, DSSAT, EPIC, SPACSYS, and STICS) were categorized by the approaches used to model nitrification and denitrification processes, discriminating between implicit or explicit consideration of the microbial pool and according to the formalization of the main environmental drivers of these processes (soil nitrogen concentration, temperature, moisture, and acidity). Models’ setting and performance assessments were also discussed. From the appraisal of these approaches, it emerged that soil chemical–physical properties and weather conditions are the main drivers of N cycling and the consequent gaseous emissions.

Arable soils significantly contribute to atmosphere pollution through N₂O emissions due to the massive use of N-based fertilizers and soil managements. N₂O formation in the soil occurs mainly through nitrification and denitrification processes, which are influenced by soil moisture, temperature, oxygen concentration, pH, and the amount of available organic carbon and nitrogen. This review synthetically presents the mechanisms of N₂O formation and emission in arable land and some of the current strategies to improve crop nutrient use efficiency. Biological nitrification inhibitor-based agronomic strategies are also presented as future prospects for the sustainable management of crops, which is missing in most of the reviews.