Deciphering the Interactions in the Root–Soil Nexus Caused by Urease and Nitrification Inhibitors: A Review

Optimizing nitrogen (N) availability to plants is crucial for achieving maximum crop yield and quality. However, ensuring the appropriate supply of N crops challenging due various pathways through which can be lost, such as ammonia (NH3) volatilization, nitrous oxide emissions, denitrification, nitrate (NO3−) leaching, runoff. Additionally, become immobilized by soil minerals when ammonium (NH4+) gets trapped in interlayers clay minerals. Although synchronizing with plant uptake could potentially reduce loss, this approach hindered fact that loss from fields typically influenced a combination management practices (which controlled) weather dynamics, particularly precipitation, temperature fluctuations, wind are beyond our control). In recent years, use urease nitrification inhibitors has emerged strategy temporarily delay microbiological transformations N-based fertilizers, thereby mitigating loss. Urease slow down hydrolysis urea NH4+ NH3 volatilization. Nitrification inhibit bacteria (Nitrosomonas spp.) convert nitrite (NO2−), slowing first rate-determining step process reducing NO3− or denitrification. This review aims provide comprehensive understanding inhibitor technologies their profound implications root uptake. It underscores critical need develop design principles enhanced efficiency, highlighting potential revolutionize agricultural practices. Furthermore, offers valuable insights into future directions usage emphasizes essential traits superior should possess, paving way innovative advancements optimizing sustainable production.