Fertilizer Additive from Plants Increases Crop Yields and Reduces Emissions

Path analysis of NH₃, N₂O, NH₄⁺-N, and NO₃⁻-N emissions under different treatments (Image by LI Yaqun)

Researchers at the Institute of Applied Ecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, have developed a new eco-friendly fertilizer additive that significantly improves crop yields while cutting emissions of harmful gases.

Published in Soil & Tillage Research, the study marks a key breakthrough in sustainable farming and nitrogen management in soils.

The additive—2-cyclopenten-1-one (CCO)—is a plant-based compound that acts as a dual-function nitrogen inhibitor. It slows nitrogen loss and transformation in the soil, enhancing nitrogen use efficiency. Unlike traditional inhibitors such as NBPT (N-butylthiophosphoric triamide) and DMPP (3,4-dimethylpyrazole phosphate), which are prone to fast degradation, high manufacturing costs, and environmental concerns, CCO presents a more sustainable and potentially superior alternative.

Often likened to "microchips" in stabilized fertilizers for their role in maximizing nutrient efficiency—much like microchips enhance electronic performance—fertilizer inhibitors like CCO are vital for precision agriculture. The research team assessed CCO’s performance through field trials and metagenomic analysis at the National Agro-ecosystem Observation Station in Shenyang, comparing its effectiveness with standard nitrogen inhibitors combining NBPT and DMPP.

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The findings revealed that both the CCO and ND treatments effectively minimized nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions while boosting crop productivity. Specifically, both approaches curbed ammonia (NH₃) volatilization, lowered nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions, and improved the soil’s ability to absorb methane (CH₄). However, the two treatments operated through notably different molecular pathways.

While the ND treatment mainly influenced the activity of nitrogen-cycle-related genes such as amoB, nirS, and nisK, the CCO treatment exerted a stronger regulatory impact on denitrification-related genes like norB and nirD.

Metagenomic analysis further showed that CCO had a distinct effect on soil microbial communities and nitrogen metabolism processes. Key findings included changes in the abundance of microbial groups like Nocardioides and Nitrospira, along with modifications in the expression of key KEGG pathways, such as the electron transfer subunit of assimilatory nitrate reductase (K00360) and the small subunit of NADH-dependent nitrite reductase (K00363).

This discovery not only expands the range of eco-friendly nitrogen inhibitors but also deepens scientific understanding of the microbial mechanisms driving fertilizer efficiency.

Researchers noted that the study reinforces China’s leadership in sustainable fertilizer innovation and paves the way for the future development of more environmentally responsible, stabilized fertilizers. As agriculture faces increasing pressure to lower its environmental impact, innovations like CCO offer crucial solutions for a more sustainable future.