Ammonia mitigation campaign with smallholder farmers improves air quality while ensuring high cereal production

Reducing cropland ammonia (NH₃) emissions while improving air quality and food supply is a challenge, particularly in China where there are millions of smallholder farmers. We tested the effectiveness of a tailored nitrogen (N) management strategy applied to wheat–maize cropping systems in ‘demonstration squares’ across Quzhou County in the North China Plain. The N-management techniques included optimal N rates, deep fertilizer placement and application of urease inhibitors, implemented through cooperation between government, researchers, businesses and smallholders. Compared with conventional local smallholder practice, our NH₃ mitigation campaign reduced NH₃ volatilization from wheat and maize by 49% and 39%, and increased N-use efficiency by 28% and 40% and farmers’ profitability by 25% and 19%, respectively, with no detriment to crop yields. County-wide atmospheric NH₃ and fine particulate matter (with aerodynamic diameter <2.5 μm) concentrations decreased by 40% and 8%, respectively. County-wide net benefits were estimated at US$7.0 million. Our demonstration-square approach shows that cropland NH₃ mitigation and improved air quality and farm profitability can be achieved simultaneously by coordinated actions at the county level.