Biochar with nitrapyrin reduces ammonia volatilization and increases nitrogen use efficiency of cabbage: A 15N tracer study

Aim Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in subtropical cropping systems is low causing a large quantity of reactive N loss to the environment. However, the mechanisms and pathways of such losses are poorly understood. The objectives of the research were to quantify N volatilization rates and corresponding NUE in a biochar and nitrapyrin-treated cabbage field using N-control as well as a 15 N-based approach. Methods The treatments consisted of: N-control, urea alone, urea with nitrapyrin (UN), urea with biochar (UB), and urea with biochar and nitrapyrin (UNB). In each plot, 15 N-labeled urea was applied in 1 m 2 micro-plots to repeat the treatments. Results The UNB had higher ( p