How to Make Corn a "Decarbonized Crop" — Differences in Temperate, Subtropical, and Tropical Regions: Blueprint for Low-Emission Corn

An international team from the Institute of Atmospheric Physics (IAP) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has integrated life cycle assessment (cradle-to-gate) into the CNMM–DNDC model and validated it with long-term empirical data from temperate (Yongji), subtropical (Yanting), and tropical (Madeya) regions. The results showed that the subtropical Yanting had the smallest carbon footprint, while the tropical Madeya had the largest. The contributing factors varied by region: in the subtropical area, low soil carbon sequestration and emissions from fertilizer production were key, whereas in the tropical area, soil carbon loss and low yield were significant contributors. The combined use of chemical and organic fertilizers, along with the return of crop residues to the field, was found to be an effective strategy for maintaining yield while reducing emissions, with particularly significant effects in tropical regions. Although large-scale discussions have not yet formed on social media due to the recent release, the findings are spreading through curation platforms like Buzzing, sumi.news, and SciURLs, being perceived as an "implementation roadmap showing optimal solutions by climate zone." In terms of policy, movements towards low-emission fertilizers and low CI incentives could provide support.