Hanna Poffenbarger

AONR agronomic optimum nitrogen rate EONR economic optimum nitrogen rate 1 INTRODUCTION In seeking to maximize corn (Zea mays L.) yields, nitrogen (N) is often overapplied, generating a surplus and resulting in N losses through different pathways, increasing environmental harm (Thorburn & Wilkinson, 2013; Zhang et al., 2015).

Abstract Nanocarriers (NCs) that can precisely deliver active agents, nutrients and genetic materials into plants will make crop agriculture more resilient to climate change and sustainable. As a research field, nano-agriculture is still developing, with significant scientific and societal barriers to overcome. In this Review, we argue that lessons can be learned from mammalian nanomedicine.

Newly published research from Iowa State University agronomists shows that the application of nitrogen fertilizer at optimum levels to corn and soybeans is required to maintain carbon in the soil, giving rise to a range of environmental and production benefits. The research was published last month in the peer-reviewed academy journal Plos One.