Growers Embrace Nutrient-Use Efficiency
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The concept of nutrient-use efficiency (NUE) has become a central focus for growers and agronomists alike. As the global population continues to rise, the pressure to sustainably increase food production by nearly 60% by 2050 intensifies.1 To meet this challenge, farmers must preserve natural resources and maintain — or even improve — soil fertility while producing higher yields, all without sacrificing their return on investment.
Nutrient-use efficiency is no longer just a sustainability goal; it’s a business imperative. Growers are laser-focused on protecting their nitrogen investments and maximizing the return on every nutrient applied.
Understanding plants and their environment
By understanding how plants interact with their environment, growers can support nutrient-use efficiency in multiple ways.
At the root of the issue — literally — is root development. A strong, healthy root system enables plants to absorb and utilize nitrogen and other essential nutrients more effectively. However, while the roots are stationary, certain nutrients are mobile, like nitrogen. This means it can leach, or move, away from the root zone of the plant, making it unavailable for plant uptake. Farmers must use other methods to support their crops and ensure they are able to use the nitrogen when it is available. Balancing the micro- and macronutrients can help a crop’s health and make it more able to utilize nitrogen when it is applied.
The role of other nutrients in nitrogen uptake
Sulfur, the fourth most essential macronutrient after nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, plays a key role in nitrogen uptake. It helps prevent nitrogen leaching and supports the production of amino acids and chlorophyll — both vital for plant growth and yield potential.
Calcium, though a secondary macronutrient, is equally important. It enhances plant vigor, strengthens cell walls and reduces post-harvest issues like bruising in crops such as potatoes. Without adequate calcium, plant growth slows, diminishing the effectiveness of other nutrient inputs.
Micronutrients such as zinc and manganese also play key roles in nutrient-use efficiency. They are essential to the proper utilization of all macronutrients, and they are important on their own for healthy plant growth and subsequent yields.
- Zinc supports enzyme function, hormone production and carbohydrate metabolism. It also influences leaf size and chlorophyll concentration, both of which are critical for photosynthesis and energy production.
- Manganese activates plant enzymes and aids in photosynthesis. It also helps convert nitrogen into nitrates, making it more accessible for plant uptake.
Each of these nutrients plays an important role for a healthy crop, and as the Law of the Minimum states, they all need to be in the right amount to help plants reach their full potential. These nutrients work together to help crops reach their full potential while maximizing the efficiency of applied fertilizers.
The role of biostimulants
Biostimulants, which have been used in agriculture for more than 130 years, are gaining popularity with growers for their ability to support nutrient-use efficiency in crops.
Adding biostimulants alongside your current agronomic practices can help perform several functions that support a healthy crop from the inside out. These products can help:
- Improve drought and heat tolerance
- Support root mass
- Boost nitrogen-use efficiency
However, choosing the right solution depends on the crop, environment and specific challenges. When considering biostimulant options, consultation with trusted agronomic partners is essential.
As growers face increasing demands to produce more with fewer resources, Corteva Biologicals offers science-backed solutions that support nutrient-use efficiency and crop resilience.
In today’s agricultural landscape, nutrient-use efficiency isn’t just a best practice — it’s a pathway to success. Visit your country page to learn more about the solutions available to you.
Reference:
1 Michael van Dijk et al., “A meta-analysis of projected global food demand and population at risk of hunger for the period 2010–2050,” Nature Food no. 2 (2021), 494–501, https://www.nature.com/articles/s43016-021-00322-9.
Many factors contribute to crop performance and return on investment. Products are intended to complement sound agronomic practices. Results may vary.