Abstract: Composting is an effective way to realize livestock manure treatment and recycling. However, the nitrogen loss during manure composting is relatively
serious. Studies on this nitrogen loss and its control could provide theoretic basis and practical reference for efficient nitrogen loss control. This paper described the nitrogen transformation and the main nitrogen loss ways during the composting, and summarized the main factors (including raw material characteristics, environment factors, and technological conditions) affecting the nitrogen loss in the composting. In addition, the research progress in the nitrogen loss control, including adjusting carbon and nitrogen metabolism, changing nitrogen form,adding ammonia adsorbent, and controlling pile aeration and temperature, was reviewed, and the prospects for future research were presented.

Key words: nitrogen loss, control method, livestock manure, compost, cucumber, Mg(NO₃)₂ stress, NaCl stress, physiological response, membership function.