A small change in how nitrogen is used can trigger widespread benefits—from healthier soil to reduced greenhouse gas emissions. That’s the message from Dr. Kate Congreves, a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan, who believes nitrogen lies at the heart of both agricultural success and environmental sustainability.
“It’s not about choosing between the environment and the economy,” says Dr. Congreves. “It’s about understanding how they can work together. Nitrogen plays a role in everything from food security and economic growth to public health and environmental protection.”
As an associate professor in the Department of Plant Sciences and the Jarislowsky and BMO Chair in Regenerative Agriculture, Dr. Congreves studies how nitrogen connects different aspects of the food system. Nitrogen is essential for all living organisms as it forms part of DNA, proteins, and amino acids. But it’s also a major contributor to pollution when used inefficiently in agriculture.
Nitrogen fertilizers are critical to crop production. Yet once applied, they can release nitrous oxide—a potent greenhouse gas—into the atmosphere. “This makes nitrogen use a major source of human-made emissions,” she says. “Improving how we use fertilizers can cut emissions and help meet government climate targets.”
Collaborative Solutions for Complex Problems
Public interest in sustainable farming is growing, Dr. Congreves notes. Whether it’s called regenerative agriculture, climate-smart farming, or soil health, the goal is the same: to farm in a way that supports people and the planet.
But real progress, she says, depends on collaboration across disciplines. “These are complex, interconnected issues. We need different kinds of expertise working together to see the full picture and find workable solutions.”
The University of Saskatchewan is well positioned to lead. Located in one of Canada’s major crop regions, the university focuses on agriculture, sustainability, and health. It is also home to key research facilities such as the Global Institute for Food Security, the Global Institute for Water Security, and the Canadian Light Source synchrotron.
“This infrastructure draws top talent from around the world and supports international collaboration,” says University President Peter Stoicheff. “It helps us become the kind of university the world needs—one that’s focused on solving today’s global challenges.”
Dr. Congreves works closely with networks like the Global Nitrogen Innovation Center for Clean Energy and the Environment (NICCEE) and the Canadian Nitrous Oxide Network (CANN2ONET), which gather data and share best practices on nitrogen use.
Improving Nitrogen Efficiency
A better understanding of nitrogen can lead to more targeted strategies in how we manage soil, crops, and fertilizers.
Healthy soils are a good starting point. Practices like crop rotation with cover crops can boost nitrogen-use efficiency by better aligning soil nitrogen availability with plant needs. “This improves the timing between when the soil releases nitrogen and when crops are ready to take it up,” Dr. Congreves explains.
When it comes to crops, choosing the right variety—or cultivar—can also make a big difference. “We’ve seen that high-yielding crops tend to be more efficient at using nitrogen,” she says. This trend holds across various crops, including small grains and potatoes.
Fertilizer use is guided by the 4R Nutrient Stewardship framework: applying the right type of fertilizer, at the right rate, at the right time, and in the right place. Adjustments based on soil testing are especially effective. On the semi-arid Prairies, this approach has cut nitrous oxide emissions by more than half while maintaining crop yields.
“All these practices—soil testing, crop choice, fertilizer timing—need to be considered together as part of a larger system,” says Dr. Congreves. “Crop rotation and diversity also matter when managing nitrogen.”
Green Alternatives to Traditional Fertilizer
Beyond farming practices, Dr. Congreves sees promise in greener ways to produce nitrogen fertilizer. Traditional methods rely on the energy-intensive Haber-Bosch process, which is tied to fossil fuels. New technologies use renewable energy to create green ammonia, a cleaner alternative.
“These small, modular units could even be placed on farms,” she says. “That would make fertilizer more accessible and reduce reliance on centralized production.” But she also warns that easier access could lead to overuse, raising new risks and reinforcing the need for smarter management.
In focusing on nitrogen, Dr. Congreves hopes to support a better future. Her research touches everything from reducing emissions and supporting clean technologies to helping farmers grow food more efficiently.
“By improving how we use nitrogen, we can make a real difference—for agriculture, for the environment, and for society as a whole,” she says.
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