This global meta-analysis provides robust evidence that the application of nitrification inhibitors (NIs) significantly influences nitrogen cycling, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and agronomic performance in agricultural systems. Our findings demonstrate that NIs reduce soil nitrous oxide (N₂O) emissions by 67.31% and ammonia (NH₃) volatilization by 17.99%, confirming their effectiveness in mitigating nitrogen-related environmental losses. Simultaneously, NI application enhanced crop yield by 6.1% and improved nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) by 16.54%, indicating agronomic benefits alongside environmental gains.

Among the five nitrification inhibitors evaluated, 3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate (DMPP) showed the most comprehensive effectiveness, simultaneously enhancing yield and substantially reducing N₂O emissions, thus offering strong potential for integrated nitrogen management strategies. Specific crop responses also highlighted the value of NIs in major cereal production: wheat yield increased by 7.7%, and maize yield by 8.25% following NI application.

Our analysis further reveals that increases in soil mineralized nitrogen (sum of NH₄⁺ and NO₃⁻) under NI treatment are positively associated with crop yield, suggesting that improved nitrogen retention in the soil promotes plant productivity. Environmental moderators were also identified. Higher mean annual precipitation (MAP) was correlated with increased NH₃ emissions under NI application, potentially due to enhanced surface ammonium accumulation and volatilization. Meanwhile, mean annual temperature (MAT) was positively associated with NUE, likely driven by increased microbial activity and nitrogen assimilation at warmer temperatures. In addition, soil pH emerged as a key factor influencing N₂O emissions; higher pH levels were linked to reduced emissions, possibly by altering microbial pathways toward more complete denitrification or reduced N₂O production.

Overall, this study underscores the potential of nitrification inhibitors as a valuable tool to optimize nitrogen use in agriculture. Their ability to reduce environmental nitrogen losses while supporting crop productivity highlights their relevance in sustainable nutrient management, particularly in the context of climate change and global food security. Future work should continue to refine application strategies by considering site-specific factors such as soil properties, crop type, and climate conditions to maximize the benefits of NIs deployment.