Improving nitrogen management in agriculture

Synthetic nitrogen fertilizers are essential for agriculture but can lead to water pollution when nitrate-nitrogen leaches into surface and groundwater. This project aims to recover nitrogen within cropping systems using electrochemical treatment and cover cropping. Field experiments will investigate nitrogen uptake and release patterns, minimize losses, and recover nitrate from runoff. The project will develop a framework for nitrogen recycling and storage, promoting sustainable agriculture in California's Salinas Valley.