Technology Assessment of Biological Nitrogen Fixation in U.S. Maize and Rice Production. Executive Summary

摘要

This document summarizes a study undertaken to identify and address some of the major impacts that might emerge in the long-term future of biological nitrogen fixation (BNF). The physical, social, economic, and other systems within which BNF operates are discussed, and a range of problems which BNF may help to solve are listed including: world hunger, declining farm incomes, world demand for U.S. agricultural exports, expensive fertilizers, and cropland degradation. Several problems implied by the development and use of BNF in maize and rice production are described including: adoption incentives, ensuring needed inputs, environmental protection, and genetic risk and yield variability.