Molecular Soil Biology 2025, Vol.16, No.4, 162-174 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/msb 162 Feature Review Open Access Enhancing Nitrogen Use Efficiency in Rice for Sustainable Agriculture Zhigang Fu Jiashan County Fengchan Grain & Oil Professional Cooperative, Jiashan, 314110, Zhejiang, China Corresponding email: 414192496@qq.com Molecular Soil Biology, 2025, Vol.16, No.4 doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0016 Received: 15 May, 2025 Accepted: 20 Jun., 2025 Published: 08 Jul., 2025 Copyright © 2025 Fu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Fu Z.G., 2025, Enhancing nitrogen use efficiency in rice for sustainable agriculture, Molecular Soil Biology, 16(4): 162-174 (doi: 10.5376/msb.2024.15.0016) Abstract The primary goal of this study is to enhance nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice (Oryza sativa L.) to promote sustainable agricultural practices. This involves reducing the dependency on nitrogen fertilizers while maintaining or improving rice productivity and minimizing environmental impacts. Key discoveries include the identification of genetic and agronomic strategies to improve NUE. Genetic approaches, such as the manipulation of NIN-like proteins (OsNLP1 and OsNLP3), have shown promise in enhancing NUE and grain yield under varying nitrogen conditions. Additionally, site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) and digital decision support tools like Rice Crop Manager have been effective in optimizing nitrogen application, thereby improving NUE and reducing environmental pollution. The integration of conventional breeding, molecular genetics, and alternative farming techniques has also been highlighted as essential for achieving sustainable improvements in NUE. The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach combining genetic, agronomic, and technological innovations to enhance nitrogen use efficiency in rice. These strategies not only improve rice productivity but also contribute to environmental sustainability by reducing nitrogen losses and pollution. Future research should focus on refining these approaches and promoting their adoption among farmers to achieve long-term sustainability in rice production. Keywords Nitrogen use efficiency; Rice (Oryza sativa L.); Sustainable agriculture; Genetic improvement; Site-specific nutrient management; Environmental sustainability 1 Introduction Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a fundamental staple food crop for more than half of the global population, playing a crucial role in food security worldwide (Lee, 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). As the global population continues to grow, the demand for rice is expected to increase, making it essential to enhance rice productivity to meet future food requirements (Huang et al., 2018; Lee, 2021). The significance of rice in global food security cannot be overstated, as it provides a primary source of calories and nutrition for billions of people (Lee, 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). Nitrogen (N) is a vital nutrient for the growth and development of rice, significantly influencing its yield and quality (Huang et al., 2018; Farooq et al., 2022). The application of N fertilizers has been a common practice to boost rice productivity; however, excessive use of N fertilizers has led to several environmental and economic challenges (Lee, 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). Over-application of N fertilizers results in nutrient losses through leaching, volatilization, and runoff, contributing to environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, the inefficient use of N fertilizers increases production costs and reduces the overall sustainability of rice farming (Chivenge et al., 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). Improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in rice is critical for reducing the environmental impact of N fertilization and enhancing the sustainability of rice production systems (Huang et al., 2018; Lee, 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). Enhanced NUE can lead to reduced N losses, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and decreased water pollution, thereby promoting environmental sustainability. Furthermore, improving NUE can help maintain or even increase rice yields while reducing the dependency on chemical fertilizers, thus supporting economic sustainability for farmers (Chivenge et al., 2021; Farooq et al., 2022). Strategies such as site-specific nutrient management (SSNM), integrated nutrient management (INM), and the use of N-efficient rice varieties are essential for achieving higher NUE and sustainable rice production (Huang et al., 2018; Chivenge et al., 2021; Farooq et al., 2022).
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