The effect of reducing N fertilization rate on GHG emissions depends on the reference situation, with a larger degree of reduction resulting in a larger reduction of N2O and CO2 emission per hectare. If the current fertilization rate is lower than recommended rates, reducing the application rate may reduce crop yields which can result in higher GHG emissions per kg of crop produced. That is why this solution is facilitated by agronomic strategies to increase nitrogen sources from recycling organic matter (rebuilding soil fertility) and increasing legume in cropping systems (to get nitrogen issued from symbiotic N fixation therefore renewable nitrogen).

Split application of fertilizer often results in lower nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions because it aligns better with crop nitrogen uptake, reducing the amount of nitrogen available for microbial processes that produce N₂O. The effectiveness depends on the proper timing of split applications, weather conditions, and other management practices to enhance benefits of spit application, such as precision techniques. In some cases, adverse weather conditions can still lead to higher emissions despite split applications.

The effect of banded application on nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions depends on (i) local soil and environmental conditions, (ii) proper placement and proper concentration of the nitrogen in the band, and (iii) other management practices that can enhance benefits of banded applications, such as enhanced efficiency fertilizer or nitrification inhibitors. Banded application may lead to increased emissions if the soil conditions (soil type, moisture, temperature) favor rapid nitrification and denitrification processes. In water-saturated or poorly drained soils, localized band placement of nitrogen can create anaerobic zones with high nitrogen and moisture levels, promoting denitrification “hotspots” and thus increased N₂O emissions. Concentrating fertilizer in a small area also encourages microbial activity that produces more N₂O due to excess available nitrogen. Applying a large amount of nitrogen in a narrow band without adapting/reducing the dose compare to broadcast fertilisation, can exceed root uptake capacity, leaving excess nitrogen available for microbes and leading to greater N₂O losses. That is why this technique requires adapted management practices to use it properly.

The carbon sequestration potential of reducing synthetic fertilizer spans a wide range because it depends on whether N reductions limit biomass inputs (small effect) or eliminate unnecessary fertilizer without harming productivity (large effect), and on how strongly N₂O emissions respond to improved nitrogen management. Further, the carbon sequestration potentials in European soils range from very small to very high because they depend on multiple interacting factors that differ widely across landscapes, climates, and farming systems.