Virtual nitrogen as a tool for assessment of nitrogen management at the field scale: A crop rotation approach

The concept of virtual N, based on quantification of the un-worked Nmin pool, is a basis for sound management of N in a particular cropping sequence. The accuracy of NV determination based on SSyB characteristics was much more reliable than the SSuB procedure. The results offer holistic tools to develop N fertilizer management practices that reduce the application of excess N, in turn improving both N use efficiency and economic return to farmers while reducing the impact of the production system.