Abstract: Function of canopy in changing nutrient cycle and flux is one of the focuses in recent years. On a basis of comprehensively appraising published research, we analyzed the nitrogen loss leaching from plant canopy and several factors which affected it. We pointed out the disadvantages of published research and the key problems that ought to be solved: (1) the mensuration need be advanced; (2) carrying out the research on nitrogen loss leaching from canopy of field plant; (3) carrying out the research on the type of nitrogen loss if the nitrogen is leached from plant canopy; (4) the nitrogen use efficiency of different variety should be contact with the research on nitrogen leaching; (5) carrying out the mechanism research on pathway and progress of nitrogen leaching, and the factors which affected it should be contact with the research, such as the leaf area of different growth stage, stomata density, stomata conductance and apparent free space, which is beneficial to explain the mechanism of nitrogen leaching from plant canopy.

Key words: Plant canopy, Rainfall, Nitrogen loss, Research advances