ABSTRACT
Nutrient use e¬ciency (NUE) is an important aspect of plant nutrient management. While discussion of NUE of all essential elements is desirable, because over 108 ton of nitrogen (N) fertilizer is produced annually, 60% of which is used in cereals, we will focus on N as an example of a mobile nutrient from both production and environmental perspectives. Phosphorus (P) will represent immobile nutrients. ¤e importance of spatial and temporal variability on improved nutrient and water use e¬- ciency (WUE) will also be discussed. ¤is will highlight the need for better mid-season management practices that can ultimately decrease nutrient loss from di¦erent causes. ¤e approaches used to improve NUE of N and P can be applied to other plant nutrients. Recent technological advances that improve WUE will be further highlighted.
