Role of nitrogen (N) in plant growth, photosynthesis pigments, and N use efficiency: A review

Context: N is the vital element for the growth and development of plants out of all the required nutritious compounds. This element plays a key role in most plant metabolic processes. Objective: To review the literature related to the role of nitrogen in growth, yields, levels of chlorophyll pigments and efficiency in the use of nitrogen is carried out. Methods: In this article, an attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive review of nitrogen status in agriculture. Also, since nitrogen is the most used element by farmers, this research seeks to know its effects and impact on Nitrogen Use efficiency. Results: N deficiency affects plant growth, photosynthesis, and ultimately production. However, excessive N consumption reduces the quality of the product. Furthermore, N is one of the main components of chlorophyll structure in the plant. Chlorophyll content and N content in plants are closely related. Chlorophyll content plays a vital role in determining the plant's rate of photosynthesis and production. Leaf N content increases when N fertilizer is applied. Higher N content in leaves is associated with higher chlorophyll content and increased chloroplast activity and thus increased photosynthetic productivity. Conclusions: It is possible to reduce environmental pollution and increase productivity by understanding management methods that increase Nitrogen Use efficiency (NUE)