CanN2ONet

Due to the increasing demand for agricultural products to support the growing world population, synthetic nitrogen fertilizer is an essential input for agricultural crops, driving yield gains and subsequently supporting global food security. Inefficiencies in the translation of nitrogen fertilizer to agricultural products results in nitrogen losses through multiple channels, including as the greenhouse gas nitrous oxide (N2O), and represents a significant economic cost to agricultural producers. Therefore, it is crucial that the use of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer follow principles of responsible plant nutrition by including, amongst other aims, improved nutrient use efficiency and reduced environmental losses. To achieve this, we introduce CanN2ONet, a collaboration network between leading experts from post secondary institutions across Canada with partners spanning industry, government, and producer organizations. Funded by the NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative, the outcomes of CanN2ONet will include a better understanding of agroecosystem nitrogen cycling, strategies to guide partners decisions towards emissions reduction goals, and highly qualified trainees that understand farm-level realities and who are connected to the agri-food network.