Effectiveness of N Fertilizers with Nitrification Inhibitors on Winter Barley Nutrition and Yield

Excessive N loss through leaching and volatilization is a major concern in modern agriculture, reducing N use efficiency, groundwater contamination, and environmental degradation. To address these issues, this research evaluates the impact of N fertilizers containing nitrification inhibitors (NIs), which restrict the conversion of ammonium (NH4+) into nitrate (NO3−), thereby enhancing N retention in the soil. This study examines the effects of different N fertilizer applications on the yield and nutrient dynamics of winter barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) Field experiments were conducted to compare the effects of a one-time and split application of granular N fertilizers ENSIN (with NIs) and DASA (without NIs) on winter barley yield and N dynamics. The highest grain yield was observed with a single ENSIN application (8.35 Mg.hm−2), followed by a divided DASA application (7.97 Mg.hm−2), both significantly outperforming the control (no N). The most efficient N use was recorded for the single ENSIN application, yielding 27.4 kg of grain per kg of applied N. Agrochemical analyses were conducted to assess soil NH4+ and NO3− content throughout the vegetation period, and lysimetric methods were used to determine leaching losses. The results highlight the potential of NIs to improve nutrient uptake efficiency, reduce N loss, and enhance sustainable barley production. Through optimizing fertilizer application strategies, this study contributes to the development of more sustainable agricultural practices that improve crop yield while minimizing environmental impacts, particularly in reducing N runoff and groundwater contamination.