A new study on Brazil's second-crop corn systems shows that converting native ecosystems or pasture to cropland for double cropping can release significant CO2, especially under conventional tillage. No-till and reduced-tillage methods help preserve soil organic carbon and cut emissions, while excessive synthetic fertilizer use accelerates carbon loss through microbial activity. The research also points to precision nutrient management, longer crop cycles, and intercropping with legumes as ways to improve the net carbon balance. For policymakers, the findings reinforce the need to limit deforestation and incentivize conservation tillage to keep Brazil's agricultural expansion from undermining climate goals.
