Reducing dissolved inorganic nitrogen in surface runoff water from sugarcane production systems

► We studied dissolved inorganic nitrogen losses in surface runoff water from a sugarcane production system. ► Nitrogen lost as dissolved inorganic nitrogen is lower with lower nitrogen application rates. ► Total nitrogen lost in surface runoff water is lower under lower nitrogen application rates. ► Lower nitrogen application rates can maintain productivity without depleting soil mineral nitrogen reserves. ► Lower nitrogen rates can help minimise impact on downstream ecosystems.