Using the calibrated DeNitrification-DeComposition (DNDC) model, we conducted a long-term simulation (1980−2019) incorporating various scenarios of nitrogen fertilizer and mulch, resulting in a baseline scenario and five mitigation scenarios. We revealed an average net global warming potential during the maize growing season of 5293 kg CO2 eq ha−1, with the most GHG derived from N2O (53%). Considering GHG costs, the net environmental and economic benefits in maize amounted to 5089 CNY ha−1. Our results, which provide the first calculation of the combined benefits of mulch and nitrogen fertilizer including GHG costs, not only underscore the immense potential of mulch for enabling carbon neutrality, but also offer valuable insights for policymakers and industry in selecting suitable mulch techniques for agricultural production.
Wei, H., Zhang, L., Qin, R. et al. Straw mulch and nitrogen fertilizer: A viable green solution for enhanced maize benefits and reduced emissions in China. Agron. Sustain. Dev. 44, 52 (2024).
