Abstract: Atmospheric nitrogen(N) deposition refers to the processes by which N components are removed from atmosphere and then deposited on the earth surface. Nowadays N deposition is wellknown to be one of key components of global N biogeochemical cycles. Along with the aggravated anthropogenic perturbation (fossil fuel combustion, nitrogen fertilizer application, livestock and poultry production, e.g.), large amount of reactive N (Nr) species are emitted into atmosphere and subsequently deposited back to global, terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems, existing as a source of nutrient and acid, where they have been altering the natural N cycling profoundly. Moreover, excessive anthropogenic Nr deposition may exert the direct or indirect detrimental environmental effects, e.g. soil acidification, water eutrophication, biodiversity degradation, human health issues, etc. Emerging from an agricultural benchmark to increasing industrialization and urbanization, China was identified as one of the three N deposition hotspots. This paper reflected on the research history of N deposition, in addition, several main research progresses were involved in: responses of different ecosystems to N saturated, economic cost assessment on N deposition, improvement on N monitoring and analysis, research progresses on organic N and current situation in China, consideration of N deposition into integrated cropland nutrient management and its perspective, and the last but not the least, the development of monitoring network presently. In view of the complexity of N research, establishing national monitoring network in parallel to modeling works should attract more attention in the future.

Key words: atmospheric nitrogen deposition, organic N deposition, ecological effect, farmland nutrient, monitoring network, research progress