New Study Charts Path for Low-Emission Corn Farming Across the Globe

A new international study led by the Institute of Atmospheric Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences offers farmers and policymakers a clear roadmap for growing one of the world's most vital crops in a way that is both productive and better for the planet.

The research pinpoints specific farming practices that can reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of maize (corn) cultivation while maintaining high yields, a critical step toward sustainable global agriculture.

Published in Advances in Atmospheric Sciences, the study 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 carbon footprint measures all greenhouse gases emitted from the production of fertilizers right up to the harvest of the crop.