Fertilizer nitrogen (N) contributes to ammonia ( NH ₃ ) emissions, which European Union member states have committed to reduce. This study focused on evaluating NH ₃ ‐N loss from a suite of N fertilizers over multiple applications, and gained insights into the temporal and seasonal patterns of NH ₃ ‐N loss from urea in Irish temperate grassland using wind tunnels. The fertilizers evaluated were calcium ammonium nitrate ( CAN ), urea and urea with the N stabilizers N‐( n ‐ butyl ) thiophosphoric triamide ( NBPT ), dicyandiamide ( DCD ), DCD + NBPT and a maleic and itaconic acid polymer ( MIP ). 200 (and 400 for urea only) kg N/ha/yr was applied in five equal applications over the growing season at two grassland sites (one for MIP ). Mean NH ₃ ‐N losses from CAN were 85% lower than urea and had highly variable loss (range 45% points). The effect of DCD on NH ₃ emissions was variable. MIP did not decrease NH ₃ ‐N loss, but NBPT caused a 78.5% reduction and, when combined with DCD , a 74% reduction compared with urea alone. Mean spring and summer losses from urea were similar, although spring losses were more variable with both the lowest and highest losses. Maximum NH ₃ ‐N loss usually occurred on the second day after application. These data highlight the potential of stabilized urea to alter urea NH ₃ ‐N loss outcomes in temperate grassland, the need for caution when using season as a loss risk guide and that urea hydrolysis in temperate grassland initiates quickly. Micrometeorological measurements focused specifically on urea are needed to determine absolute NH ₃ ‐N loss levels in Irish temperate grassland.

An exponential growth in global population is expected to reach nine billion by 2050, demanding a 70% increase in agriculture productivity, thus illustrating the impact of global crop production on the environment and the importance of achieving greater agricultural yields. Globally, the variety of high-quality microgreens is increasing through indoor farming at both small and large scales. The major concept of Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) seeks to provide an alternative to traditional agricultural cultivation. Microgreens have become popular in the twenty-first century as a food in the salad category that can fulfil some nutrient requirements. Microgreens are young seedlings that offer a wide spectrum of colours, flavours, and textures, and are characterised as a “functional food” due to their nutraceutical properties. Extensive research has shown that the nutrient profile of microgreens can be desirably tailored by preharvest cultivation and postharvest practices. This study provides new insight into two major categories, (i) environmental and (ii) cultural, responsible for microgreens’ growth and aims to explore the various agronomical factors involved in microgreens production. In addition, the review summarises recent studies that show these factors have a significant influence on microgreens development and nutritional composition.

Nitrogen (N) losses are a major environmental issue. Globally, crop N fertilizer applications are excessive, and N use efficiency (NUE) is low. N loss represents a significant economic loss to the farmer. NUE is difficult to quantify in real time because of the multiple chemical–biological–physical factors interacting. While there is much scientific understanding of N interactions in the plant–soil system, there is little formal expression of scientific knowledge in farm practice. The objective of this study was to clearly define the factors controlling NUE in wheat production, focusing on N inputs, flows, transformations, and outputs from the plant–soil system. A series of focus groups were conducted with professional agronomists and industry experts, and their technical information was considered alongside a structured literature review. To express this understanding, clear graphical representations are provided in the text. The analysis of the NUE processes revealed 16 management interventions which could be prioritized to increase farm nitrogen use efficiency. These management interventions were grouped into three categories—inputs, flow between pools, and outputs—and include management options through the range of application errors, fertilizer input choice, root development, pests and disease, soil structure, harvesting and storage errors, and soil resources of water, micronutrients, carbon, nitrogen, and pH. It was noted that technical solutions such as fertilizer formulation and managing organic matter require significant supply chain upgrades. It was also noted that farm-scale decision support would be best managed using a risk/probability-based recommender system rather than generic guidelines.