Strategies for nitrogen management to mitigate nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions from maize field while maintaining yields in China: findings from a field experiment and a national meta‐analysis

Abstract BACKGROUND Scientific fertilization plays a crucial role in addressing food security and mitigating environmental costs. We conducted a two‐season field experiment in northwest China and synthesized 151 national studies to quantitatively assess the potentials of N rate, source (controlled‐release urea, nitrification inhibitors, urease inhibitors, and manure) and deep placement to simultaneously reduce ammonia (NH 3 ) and nitrous oxide (N 2 O) emissions while maintaining yields. RESULTS Field results showed that reducing N rate from 300 to 200 kg N ha −1 resulted in a marginal yield penalty (5.3%) but decreased N 2 O by 28.2% and NH 3 by 17.3%. Literature synthesis identified 180 kg ha −1 as the optimal N rate for 95% yield potential. Deep placement, compared to surface broadcasting, enhanced yield by 2.6% and reduced N 2 O by 15.3% in field trials, with meta‐analysis showing substantial suppression of NH 3 (80.5%) and N 2 O (12.5%). Manure substitution exhibited limited benefits for yield enhancement and N 2 O mitigation but demonstrated specific efficacy in medium‐ and coarse‐textured soils with low soil organic carbon. Urea plus controlled‐release urea performed best from meta‐analysis yet its benefit diminished under high rainfall. Urea–nitrification inhibitor blends led to 5.9% higher NH 3 and urea–urease inhibitors exerted limited mitigation efficacy on N 2 O production from field data, with meta‐results confirming the risk of urease inhibitors in stimulating NH 3 . Dual inhibitors worked synergistically to sustain yields and alleviate N losses, especially in alkaline and coarse soils. CONCLUSION The combination of using controlled‐release fertilizer plus traditional urea mixed with dual inhibitors and deep placement would be an enhanced approach across Chinese maize croplands under all conditions. © 2025 Society of Chemical Industry.