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An Optimized Rhizobox Protocol to Visualize Root Growth and Responsiveness to Localized Nutrients
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Closing yield gaps through nutrient and water management.

Nathaniel D Mueller1, James S Gerber, Matt Johnston

  • 1Institute on the Environment, University of Minnesota, St. Paul, Minnesota 55108, USA. muell512@umn.edu

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|August 31, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Meeting future food demands requires sustainable intensification. Closing yield gaps can increase global crop production significantly, while optimizing nutrient and water management can reduce environmental impacts.

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Area of Science:

  • Agricultural Science
  • Environmental Science
  • Global Food Security

Background:

  • Humanity faces the challenge of meeting doubled food demand by 2050 amid environmental degradation from agriculture.
  • Sustainable intensification is proposed to increase yields and decrease environmental impacts, but its global implications are unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess global intensification prospects by closing yield gaps.
  • To analyze spatial patterns of agricultural management and yield limitations.
  • To identify necessary management changes for increased yields.

Main Methods:

  • Global-scale assessment of yield gaps (difference between observed and attainable yields).
  • Analysis of factors controlling yield variability: fertilizer use, irrigation, and climate.
  • Evaluation of management changes needed for yield gap closure.

Main Results:

  • Closing yield gaps could increase global production by 45%–70% for most crops.
  • Yield variability is primarily driven by fertilizer, irrigation, and climate.
  • Significant reductions in environmental impact are possible by eliminating nutrient overuse, enabling ~30% cereal production increase.

Conclusions:

  • Meeting future food security and sustainability goals is achievable through significant changes in nutrient and water management.
  • Sustainable intensification requires tailored regional management strategies to close yield gaps effectively.