| Summary: | This synthesis report analyzes 109 studies published between 2010 and 2025 on wheat nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) related research in Ethiopia. Research progress has accelerated after 2016, driven by the national wheat self-sufficiency initiative and the introduction of the new NPS and NPS based blended fertilizers. However, the evidence reveals an imbalanced research landscape. Most studies (over 80%) emphasize agronomic management and fertilizer rate trials, with limited exploration of nitrogen use efficiency and the broader system-level dimensions such as integrated nutrient management (INM), climate, landscape variability, and socio-economic factors. The analysis highlights NUE related research mainly focused on Vertisols (33%) and Nitisols (19%). Other soil types remain underrepresented. Similarly, research metrics are skewed toward Agronomic Efficiency (AE) and Partial Factor Productivity (PFP), which dominate over 70% of studies. Nevertheless, more integrative indicators such as Recovery Efficiency (RE), Physiological Efficiency (PE), and Internal Efficiency (IE) are seldom reported. To bridge these gaps, coordinated research and extension, and input supply efforts are required to promote site-specific, climate-smart, and socio-economically grounded fertilizer strategies that enhance nitrogen efficiency, reduce environmental losses, and improve farmer profitability.
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