Modern agriculture has achieved high productivity through the use of chemical fertilizers, but it has also increased environmental burdens, including water pollution and nitrous oxide emissions caused by excessive losses of reactive nitrogen. In regions with high nitrogen fertilizer inputs, low nitrogen-use efficiency and increasing greenhouse gas emissions have become major challenges. JIRCAS discovered Biological Nitrification Inhibition (BNI), a natural process in which interactions between crops and soil microorganisms suppress nitrification, and has advanced the development of BNI-enhanced wheat. Expanding the range of BNI-enhanced crops and their applications is essential for establishing sustainable food production systems that improve nitrogen-use efficiency while reducing environmental impacts.

This project aims to improve the productivity and sustainability of food production systems by enhancing nitrogen-use efficiency through BNI. It also promotes research and development to expand the range and utilization of BNI-enhanced crops through international research collaboration under the BNI Consortium.

• Development of food production systems utilizing BNI-enhanced crops
• Strengthening international research networks through the BNI Consortium

India, Mexico, Nepal, Brazil, African countries, Colombia, South American countries, and other countries worldwide

Researchers and producers involved in upland crops such as wheat, maize, sorghum, and millets; livestock producers using Brachiaria (Urochloa); stakeholders in related food systems; and government agencies and other organizations implementing measures to address environmental impacts.

YOSHIHASHI Tadashi (Biological Resources and Post-harvest Division)