NITROGEN IN RAINFED AND IRRIGATED CROPPING SYSTEMS IN THE MEDITERRANEAN REGION


Ryan J., İBRİKÇİ H., Sommer R., McNeill A.

ADVANCES IN AGRONOMY, VOL 104, vol.104, pp.53-136, 2009 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 104
  • Publication Date: 2009
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0065-2113(09)04002-4
  • Journal Name: ADVANCES IN AGRONOMY, VOL 104
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.53-136
  • Çukurova University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

The Middle East region, embracing West Asia and North Africa (WANA), is characterized by a Mediterranean climate which dictates the agriculture of the region. Being one of the centers of origin of settled farming, where cereals and pulses originated along with sheep and goats, crop production is largely rainfed and is dependent on the limited rainfall (200-600 mm) during the cool moist season in late fall to late spring. The agricultural sector has changed in recent decades with intensification and pressure on land use. As elsewhere, increased chemical fertilizer use, especially nitrogen (N), has had an impact on the transition from a traditional system to a more market driven one with increased inputs.