An international team led by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences has mapped out a clear path for producing one of the world’s most important crops in a way that sustains yields while lowering environmental costs.
The study highlights farming practices that can cut greenhouse gas emissions from maize (corn) cultivation without sacrificing productivity — an essential move toward more sustainable global agriculture.
Published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, the research used a high-powered computer model, CNMM-DNDC, to track the full carbon footprint of maize across three climates: temperate (China), subtropical (China), and tropical (Kenya). This footprint accounts for all emissions, from fertilizer production through to harvest, according to a press release.
“The challenge has been to find solutions that both feed the world and protect it,” the lead author Dr. Siqi Li explained her motivation of 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 study showed that a farm’s carbon footprint is shaped largely by local climate and soil conditions. Subtropical regions, such as Yanting, China, recorded the lowest footprint thanks to strong soil carbon storage and lower emissions from fertilizer production.
Temperate areas like Yongji, China, had a moderate footprint—significant soil carbon storage helped offset the higher emissions linked to fertilizer supply.
Tropical regions, including Madeya, Kenya, faced the highest footprint. Here, soil carbon loss and lower yields made each kilogram of harvested maize 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 International Center for Tropical Agriculture in Nairobi, a co-author of the study.
The study goes beyond identifying problems to present practical “win-win” strategies that cut emissions while preserving yields. One key approach is combining synthetic and organic fertilizers, which lowers reliance on energy-intensive synthetic inputs and reduces off-farm emissions.
Another is recycling crop residues by returning stalks and leaves to the soil. This practice improves soil health and creates a natural carbon sink, drawing carbon from the atmosphere. Its benefits are especially pronounced in tropical regions, where soils struggle most to retain carbon.
Together, these findings offer a data-driven blueprint for climate-smart agriculture. By adopting tailored practices, farmers can boost sustainability, policymakers can design smarter incentives, and the global food system can move toward greater resilience and security.
