Designing a nitrogen-efficient cold-tolerant maize for modern agricultural systems

Maize (Zea mays L.) is the world's most productive grain crop and a cornerstone of global food supply. However, in temperate agricultural systems, maize exhibits 2 key anomalies. First, as a tropical species, maize cannot be planted in the cold conditions of early spring when light and natural soil nitrogen are available, resulting in a shorter growing season and creating a seasonal mismatch between nitrogen accessibility and demand. Second, maize kernel protein is a major nitrogen sink, driving fertilizer demand because of the scale of cultivation. This inefficient mismatch stems from modern maize's uses and the modest nutritional value of storage proteins. To address these anomalies, we established the Circular Economy that Reimagines Corn Agriculture initiative. Our vision requires advances in 3 research areas: (ⅰ) developing cold and frost tolerance during germination and early growth to enable the use of spring nitrogen and light resources; (ⅱ) reducing nitrogen allocation to grain by reducing low-quality storage proteins and developing alternative nitrogen sinks; and (ⅲ) stabilizing soil nitrogen by enhancing biological nitrification inhibition. We present blueprints for a nitrogen-efficient, cold-tolerant maize designed to utilize the full growing season, enabling farmers in temperate regions to fully leverage maize's C4 photosynthesis, reduce fertilizer inputs, increase yields, and minimize environmental impact.