The effects of controlled release urea on maize productivity and reactive nitrogen losses: A meta-analysis

Application of controlled release urea (CRU) is recommended to reduce the undesirable environmental effects resulting from urea application. However, the overall effects of CRU on maize productivity and reactive nitrogen (N) losses remain unclear. Our global meta-analysis based on 866 observations of 120 studies indicated that application of CRU instead of urea (same N rate) increased maize yield by 5.3% and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 24.1%, and significantly decreased nitrous oxide (N2O) emission, N leaching and ammonia (NH3) volatilization by 23.8%, 27.1% and 39.4%, respectively. The increase of NUE and reduction of N2O emission by CRU application were greater with medium and high N rates (150 ≤ N < 200 and N ≥ 200 kg N ha−1) than with low N rates. The reduction in N2O emission and N leaching with CRU application were enhanced when soil organic carbon (SOC) content was <15.0 g kg−1, and soil texture was medium or coarse. The reduction in N2O emission and NH3 volatilization with CRU were greater in soils with pH ≥ 6.0. We concluded that use of CRU should be encouraged for maize production, especially on light-textured soils with low organic matter content.