Image 2_Water management at fertilization controls urease inhibitor performance in mitigating ammonia volatilization from temperate rice agrosystems.jpg

Urease inhibitors such as NBPT (N-(n-butyl) thiophosphoric triamide) are commonly used to mitigate NH₃ emissions from urea-based fertilizers, but their effectiveness can vary depending on environmental conditions, particularly water management and temperature.</p>Methods<p>This study evaluated the effect of water management at fertilization (WMF) on NH₃ emissions from temperate rice agro-ecosystems (NW Italy).

A field trial was conducted in 2024 where urea and urea + NBPT were applied and compared to ammonium sulfate under drained vs flooded conditions, with NH₃ emissions monitored over the 2 weeks following application. Soil N forms were monitored and agronomic parameters determined.</p>Results<p>Results show that NBPT effectiveness is strongly influenced by water management. Under drained conditions, the inhibitor reduced NH₃ emissions by approximately 72% compared with untreated urea, indicating inhibitor activation under aerobic conditions.