Innovations for a sustainable future: rising to the challenge of nitrogen management in Latin America

BUSTAMANTE, MMC; MARTINELLI, LA; OMETTO, JPHB; DO CARMO, JB; JAMARILLO, V; GAVITO, ME; ARAUJO, PI; AUSTIN, AT; PÉREZ, T; MARQUINA, S

Comodoro Rivadavia

Congreso; XXVI Reunión Argentina de Ecología (ASAE); 2014

ASAE

Latin America encompasses a dizzying array of ecosystems and socioeconomic models, and theregion shows high vulnerability to the projected impacts of climate change in the next century. Atthe same time, Latin America, can significantly contribute to the mitigation of greenhouse gases(GHGs) emissions within a sustainable development framework. Land use changes with associatedbiomass burning, agriculture with N fertilizers and animal waste, are the main sources of N2Oanthropogenic emissions and pollution of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems in the region, and haveincreased markedly in the last decades. An integrated research network for a better management ofNis crucial for effective agricultural management, improvement of ecosystem health in urban andcoastal areas and reduction of GHG emissions. Major goals must include the proper evaluation ofall N sources, many of which are still roughly estimated or ignored, testing of alternatives to reduceprincipal sources of GHGs, and technological innovation for higher resource use efficiency. Currentbarriers might be overcome through policies that support truly sustainable practices reducingnegative environmental impacts and maintaining ecosystem functions and services.