Improve Nutrient Management
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Provided by: Project Drawdown|Published on: January 7, 2026
Scientific ReportsScientist Reviewed
9101112AP
Scientist Reviewed This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Learn about our review process →
Synopsis
- This report from Project Drawdown explores the reduction of excess nitrogen fertilizers as a highly recommended action that reduces climate emissions.
- Students will understand the benefits of this solution, the drawbacks, its potential for emissions reductions, and the potential costs and barriers to implementation.
Subjects: Biology, Earth and Space Sciences
Authors: Project Drawdown
Region: Global
Languages: English
Teaching Materials
Positives
- This solution has many additional benefits that benefit people and wildlife, giving the reader hope for the future.
- Students will enjoy manipulating the interactive data tables and comparing outcomes.
Prerequisites
- While students may be familiar with carbon dioxide, they may need more information on how nitrous oxide behaves as a greenhouse gas.
- Teachers should note that some of the pages that are linked in the report may be under construction.
Differentiation & Implementation
- Teachers can use this article as part of a larger unit to discuss the impact of agricultural practices on the climate and more sustainable alternatives. Teachers can also use this video in the unit.
- To make connections to the Sustainable Development Goals, teachers can point out that this solution is focused on SDG 13, Climate Action, but it also supports many of the other goals. Looking at the Additional Benefits section, students can connect benefits to the SDGs they support.
- Teachers can use a jigsaw method, having the whole class read the first few paragraphs of the report, then assigning the collapsed options to student pairs or groups.
This resource analyzes improving nutrient management in agriculture as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This drawdown solution is exceptionally well-sourced and features a thoughtful discussion, including a look at additional benefits of improved nutrient management. This resource is recommended for teaching.
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Resource Type and Format
About the Partner Provider
Project Drawdown
Project Drawdown is a nonprofit organization that seeks to help the world reach “drawdown”—the future point in time when levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere stop climbing and start to steadily decline. Cities, universities, corporations, philanthropies, policymakers, communities, educators, activists, and more turn to Project Drawdown as they look to advance effective climate action. Project Drawdown resources for educators include the database of Drawdown Solutions, educational video series Climate Solutions 101, the Drawdown Stories initiative, and more.
Scientist Reviewed
This resource has been reviewed by SubjectToClimate's climate scientists and verified for scientific accuracy and up-to-date information. Our review process ensures that every resource in our library reflects the current state of climate science.
Learn about our review process →
