Analyzing higher moments of nitrogen response for risk efficient fertilizer application in wheat and corn production

• The question of optimal fertilizer intensity has a long history and is still relevant from several perspectives. • While it is obvious that the optimal input use contributes to economic benefits for the farmer, understanding the economically optimal use of nitrogen fertilizer may help to address environmental policies more efficiently. • Literature shows that nitrogen (N) fertilizer applications to agricultural crops often exceed the rate recommended by officials or advisors. One possible explanation is farmers’ response to uncertainty. • This study contributes to this question based on long term crop response data in Canada and Germany.