Agronomic practices vs. natural soil factors: Influences on nitrous oxide emissions from corn and soybean fields.

Nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse gas (GHG) and major contributor to climate change, is primarily released through agricultural activities. To better understand and quantify how land management practices, local climate conditions, and soil physicochemical properties affect these agricultural N₂O emissions, we conducted a review of the peer-reviewed literature on N₂O emission from corn [Zea mays L.] and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] fields. We evaluated the seasonal, cumulative effects of three nitrogen fertilizer rates—no fertilizer (0), low ( 0.05) affect the emission of N₂O from fertilized or non-fertilized corn fields. Regardless of fertilization and tillage practices, our analysis, including Principal Component Analysis, revealed that in corn fields, precipitation and soil pH are the dominant factors influencing soil N₂O emissions. This study uniquely quantifies the influence of climate–soil factors, such as precipitation and soil pH, alongside agronomic practices, on N₂O emissions, offering new insights beyond previous reviews focused primarily on fertilizer rates or tillage effects.