Using 15N Isotope to Evaluate the Effect of Brown Coal Application on the Nitrogen Fate in the Soil–Plant System

The problems of high nitrogen (N) fertilizer application rate and low N utilization efficiency are common worldwide in vegetable plantations. Application brown coal (BC, also known as lignite) can increase crop yield recovery (NRE). However, the effect BC on distribution exogenous soil–plant system under different fertilization strategies is unclear. pot experiment was set up three factors randomized design, including 15N-labeled urea fertilizer, BC, organic manure, pakchoi used test crop. There were five rates urea, 0, 100, 200, 300, 400 kg ha−1, two with 5 0 t manure ha−1 which constitutes ten treatments. other four treatments combination one 100 ha−1. In conclusion, interaction all combined improved soil 15N retention by 10.14% compared without amendment. Between 200 300 average potential loss decreased 10.41%. could reduce enhancing plant uptake increasing retention. use would maintain a NRE ensure yield.