Environmental and societal costs of maize production decrease by addressing the uncertainty in nitrogen rate recommendations
Field trial analyses show that nitrogen fertilizer rates in the US Corn Belt can be reduced by 12–16% with minimal maize yield risk. Such reductions lower N₂O emissions and leaching, providing substantial social and environmental benefits. However, deeper cuts risk yield loss, highlighting the need for incentives that support both farmers and ecosystem health.
Subject Tags
- Agriculture
Abstract
Excessive crop nitrogen (N) fertilization has negative environmental and social consequences. Using maize grain yield response to nitrogen field trials, we consider the uncertainty surrounding N rate recommendations to demonstrate that fertilizer N rates can be reduced by 12─16% in the US Corn Belt, with negligible risk of maize yield losses. This reduction in N fertilizer applications decrease N2O–N emissions by 10% and N leaching by 13%, leading to a social benefit of 230─$530 M, due to enhanced air and water quality. Additional N reductions could benefit ecosystems and human health. However, the high risk of yield loss associated with additional N reductions makes this practice unacceptable for farmers. This emphasizes the need for incentive programs that consider the responsibilities and limitations of all actors along the food supply chain.
Citation
Palmero, F., Davidson, E. A., Guan, K., Eagle, A. J., Birgé, H. E., Prasad, P. V., ... & Ciampitti, I. A. (2026). Environmental and societal costs of maize production decrease by addressing the uncertainty in nitrogen rate recommendations. Nature Communications.
TNC Authors
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Hannah E. Birgé
Director, Science and Standards. Corporate Engagement
The Nature Conservancy
Email: hannah.birge@tnc.org