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Biological Nitrification Inhibition Has Clear Impacts on Nitrification and Nitrogen Use Efficiency but Impacts on Nitrate Leaching in Real World Settings Remain Uncertain

Yixuan Sun
Vol.4, No.3, pp.1-7, 2026 DOI: 10.62051/ijafsr.v4n3.01 September 10, 2026
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Abstract: Nitrogen pollution is one of the major problems faced by modern agriculture. It accelerates global warming and contaminates water. Nitrate leaching is one of the main pathways by which nitrogen becomes pollution. Biological nitrification inhibition (BNI) is a process where certain plants release chemical compounds from their roots that help with suppressing nitrification. BNI has been widely studied and seen as an effective and sustainable way to reduce nitrification. However, the effects of BNI on nitrate leaching in realistic field conditions remain uncertain. This paper examined studies on the effects of BNI-producing plants on nitrification, nitrogen use efficiency, and nitrate leaching. Evidence was drawn from common BNI-producing plants, such as sorghum, rice, and plantain. Evidence shows that BNI can reduce nitrification, and several studies suggest it may improve NUE. However, only one study in this review directly measured nitrate leaching. Simulation evidence also suggests that the timing of BNI compound release may limit its effectiveness in real field conditions, where nitrification often occurs immediately after fertilization. More research in realistic field conditions will be needed to determine the actual effectiveness of BNI for reducing nitrate leaching.
Keywords: Biological nitrification inhibition, Nitrate leaching, Nitrification, Nitrogen use efficiency, Sorgoleone, Sustainable agriculture
APA Citation: Yixuan Sun (2026). Biological Nitrification Inhibition Has Clear Impacts on Nitrification and Nitrogen Use Efficiency but Impacts on Nitrate Leaching in Real World Settings Remain Uncertain. International Journal of Agriculture and Food Sciences Research, 4(3), 1-7. https://doi.org/10.62051/ijafsr.v4n3.01

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