Investigating tradeoffs in nitrogen loss pathways using an environmental damage cost framework

Few studies have addressed whether in-field practices to reduce nitrate-nitrogen (NO3-N) leaching might increase nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which could undermine attempts mitigate agricultural N pollution. Over a 3-year period, we assessed the impacts of application timing and cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) cover crop on subsurface drainage NO3-N N2O emissions quantify changes in total loss corresponding social environmental damage costs under continuous corn (Zea mays L.). While losses were reduced by 37% with combination in-season split relative pre-season application, soil increased 26%, highlighting tradeoff between pathways. As result, from each system not different. These results demonstrate importance addressing pollution using holistic framework accounting for risks both emissions.