Combining cover crops and enhanced efficiency fertilizers to minimize nitrogen losses from annual crops

Lead Applicant: Claudia Wagner-Riddle

Research Priority: Soil Health

Program Type: Tier 1

Funding Cycle: 2025/2026

Research Centre: Ontario Crops Research Centre - Elora

Research Summary: Cover crops help reduce nitrogen loss, but fertilizer use afterward can still cause pollution. Nitrous oxide, a powerful greenhouse gas, is released when nitrogen escapes into the air. Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENF) may help reduce these effects, but more research is needed. Scientists will study how cover crops and EENF affect nitrogen levels in soil, air and water. They will use special tools to track how nitrogen moves and changes underground. The goal is to find the best way to protect the environment while keeping crops healthy. These results will help farmers make better choices about fertilizer use.