The International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) has launched an ambitious research initiative called CropSustaiN, aimed at reducing the nitrogen footprint of agriculture and mitigating climate change impacts through innovative, nature-based solutions. The initiative focuses on developing breakthrough wheat varieties utilizing a natural process known as Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI).
Understanding Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI)
Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI) is a process where plants naturally suppress soil nitrification by releasing specific compounds. Nitrification is the microbial conversion of ammonia into nitrate, which can lead to nitrogen leaching and greenhouse gas emissions. BNI leverages the plant’s innate ability to inhibit this process, thus reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. This method contrasts with synthetic nitrification inhibitors, offering a potentially more scalable and cost-effective solution.
Objectives of CropSustaiN
CropSustaiN aims to develop wheat varieties that can significantly reduce agriculture’s environmental footprint without compromising yield or soil health. By incorporating genes from wild crop relatives known for better nitrogen use efficiency, such as wild rye, these new varieties are designed to use nitrogen more effectively and suppress nitrification naturally.
Potential Impact on Global Agriculture
BNI represents a genetic mitigation strategy that could revolutionize nitrogen management in agriculture. By decreasing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers, BNI could help curb greenhouse gas emissions and water pollution, providing substantial environmental benefits. This approach could potentially reduce nitrogen fertilizer usage by up to 20%, depending on regional farming conditions, making it particularly impactful for the Global South.
Financial and Research Support
The CropSustaiN initiative has received a significant boost with a $21.1 million grant from the Novo Nordisk Foundation. This funding will support the development and scaling of BNI-enabled wheat varieties, extending the initiative’s potential benefits to other staple crops like maize and rice. The foundation emphasizes an inclusive approach, ensuring that these innovative seeds are accessible to all farmers without exclusive patent rights.
Historical and Collaborative Foundation
CropSustaiN builds on research initiated in 2015 by CIMMYT in collaboration with the Japan International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences (JIRCAS). The joint research has already produced BNI wheat lines tested over three farming seasons, showing promising results. The Novo Nordisk Foundation has also funded related BNI research at institutions like ICRISAT, Aarhus University, the University of Aberdeen, and the University of Copenhagen, fostering a robust ecosystem for innovation.
Future Directions and Goals
The agenda for CropSustaiN includes validating the efficacy of BNI across diverse climates and integrating this technology into mainstream agricultural practices. Although the initiative carries risks, its potential rewards are significant. Successful implementation could lead to widespread adoption of BNI, offering valuable insights into sustainable nitrogen management and potentially transforming agricultural practices globally. By leveraging genetic strategies embedded in plant seeds, CropSustaiN aims to benefit both the planet and farmers’ livelihoods, heralding a new era in sustainable agriculture.
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