Saturday, August 29, 2026
Science

Inspired by nature, scientists engineer tiny 'nitrogen factories' that could help future cereal crops

As fertilizer prices remain elevated, researchers at South Dakota State University are developing an innovative solution to corn's nitrogen supply problems by taking inspiration from an ancient Mexican variety and root nodules found on soybeans. In a new study, published in Plant and Soil, the resea...

Inspired by nature, scientists engineer tiny 'nitrogen factories' that could help future cereal crops
Image: Phys.org
As fertilizer prices remain elevated, researchers at South Dakota State University are developing an innovative solution to corn's nitrogen supply problems by taking inspiration from an ancient Mexican variety and root nodules found on soybeans. In a new study, published in Plant and Soil, the researchers demonstrate how hydrogel beads may offer a promising way to naturally supply plants with nitrogen.

Originally published at Phys.org

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