Abstract
Enhanced efficiency nitrogen fertilizers (EENFs) promise improved nitrogen use efficiency by better synchronizing nutrient supply with crop uptake, yet inconsistent field performance and uncertain private net returns help explain persistently low adoption rates. We conducted a Bayesian meta-analysis of 60 North American corn field experiments to quantify yield and economic impacts of four major EENF types. On average, EENFs increased corn yield by 3.24% relative to conventional fertilizers, with yield gains generally exceeding breakeven costs at current prices, though profitability varied across products and market conditions. These findings inform targeted EENF deployment for sustainable nitrogen management.
