An international study led by China’s Institute of Atmospheric Physics identifies effective farming practices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in corn farming without compromising yield
A groundbreaking study from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences offers a comprehensive roadmap for sustainable corn farming. Utilizing the CNMM-DNDC model, researchers analyzed maize cultivation across temperate, subtropical, and tropical climates, pinpointing specific practices that can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining high yields. The findings provide actionable insights for farmers and policymakers and are published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences.
The carbon footprint of corn farming
The researchers used a powerful computer model called CNMM-DNDC to analyze the complete “carbon footprint” of growing maize in three distinct climates: temperate (China), subtropical (China), and tropical (Kenya).
“The challenge has been to find solutions that both feed the world and protect it,” the lead author, Dr. Siqi Li, explained her motivation for the study. “By integrating a ‘cradle-to-gate’ tracking method into our model, we can now precisely quantify the greenhouse gas emissions from farm and supply chain activities per bushel of corn. This gives us a powerful tool to identify the most effective mitigation strategies.”
The researchers found that a farm’s carbon footprint is highly dependent on its local climate and soil conditions. Subtropical regions, such as Yanting in China, had the lowest carbon footprint due to efficient soil carbon storage and lower emissions from fertilizer manufacturing.
Whereas in temperate regions, such as Yongji in China, there is a moderate carbon footprint, and the significant soil carbon storage helps balance out high emissions from the fertilizer supply chain. Contrastingly, tropical regions like Kenya had the highest footprint primarily due to soil carbon loss and lower yields, which made each harvested kilogram of corn more carbon-intensive.
“Our study, examining the shifts in greenhouse gas emissions under integrated soil fertility management in long-term maize trials, provides robust evidence for climate-smart intensification in Africa.” Said Peter Bolo from the International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Nairobi, a co-author of the study.
Practical solutions to reduce carbon emissions
The study not only identifies the problem but also provides practical, implementable solutions. This empowers farmers, policymakers, and researchers to take action and make a tangible difference in reducing carbon emissions from corn farming.
The study provides practical solutions that can reduce emissions without sacrificing corn farming yields. By using a mixture of synthetic and organic fertilizers, this reduces dependence on energy-intensive synthetic options, cutting down on off-farm emissions.
Recycling crop waste and returning leftover stalks and leaves to the field is a highly effective technique to reduce carbon emissions. This enhances soil health and turns the field into a natural carbon sink, pulling carbon from the atmosphere. The study noted that the benefits of this practice are most pronounced in tropical regions, where soils require the most assistance in retaining carbon.
This research provides a data-driven foundation for the global agricultural community to adopt climate-smart farming. Policymakers play a crucial role in implementing these findings, crafting informed incentives that encourage the adoption of sustainable farming practices.
