As an example of atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition, the paper summarizes the definition, form and amount of nutrient from the environment (NFE) and the relationship between NFE and anthropogenic reactive N emission. Based on our own study and published articles, we find that N wet and dry deposition has been an important nutrient resource in agricultural and natural ecosystems in China. The total amount of N deposition and other environment-derived N in China was up to 18 Tg N/a, equal to approximately 60% of the national N fertilizer consumption. Nitrogen deposition is expected to contribute substantially to nutrient cycling and net primary productivity in various ecosystems. Therefore, it is crucial to utilize this environment-derived nutrient resource by integrated nutrient resource management in order to realize the sustainable development of both agricultural and non-agricultural ecosystems.