Smart Net-Zero

May 08, 2024 | Nature Food | Source | 

Introduction: Researchers affiliated with National Academy of Agriculture Green Development in China examine management practices in China aimed at improving food production efficiency while reducing nitrogen pollution by analyzing data from two national agricultural pollution censuses spanning from 2007 to 2017.

Key findings: The findings reveal that despite a slight decline in organic fertilizer use during this period, other practices such as no-till farming, reintegrating straw into fields, and improving fertilizer application methods have led to enhanced crop yields and reduced nitrogen pollution levels.

The researchers propose strategies of gradually increasing organic fertilizer use, reducing synthetic fertilizer and manure application rates, and estimated that by 2050, nitrogen use efficiency would increase by 18%. Integrating these approaches not only supports food security goals but also mitigates environmental impacts, ensuring a balance between agricultural development and ecological health in China.