Sustainable intensification of agricultural drainage

Michael J. Castellano (), Sotirios V. Archontoulis, Matthew J. Helmers, Hanna J. Poffenbarger and Johan Six
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Michael J. Castellano: Iowa State University
Sotirios V. Archontoulis: Iowa State University
Matthew J. Helmers: Iowa State University
Hanna J. Poffenbarger: University of Kentucky
Johan Six: ETH-Zürich

Nature Sustainability, 2019, vol. 2, issue 10, 914-921

Abstract: Abstract Artificial drainage is among the most widespread land improvements for agriculture. Drainage benefits crop production, but also promotes nutrient losses to water resources. Here, we outline how a systems perspective for sustainable intensification of drainage can mitigate nutrient losses, increase fertilizer nitrogen-use efficiency and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions. There is an immediate opportunity to realize these benefits because agricultural intensification and climate change are increasing the extent and intensity of drainage systems. If a systems-based approach to drainage can consistently increase nitrogen-use efficiency, while maintaining or increasing crop production, farmers and the environment will benefit.

Date: 2019
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DOI: 10.1038/s41893-019-0393-0

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