Researchers from Japan's Tohoku University have revealed the biological mechanisms that plants follow when absorbing nitrogen fertilizers from their roots. Biological mechanisms in regulating plant roots' use of nitrogen via gene and protein control systems could help develop crops that require less nitrogen fertilizer to produce acceptable yields.
Researchers also found that cress thrives in oxidized soil, where nitrates are the primary source of nitrogen. If the applications to other types of crop plants are successful, it could open the way for plant growers and geneticists to grow crops that may need less fertilizer.