Soil plays a critical role in the health of our planet, but its mismanagement is creating major environmental challenges.

The Power of Nitrous Oxide

Microorganisms in soil release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a greenhouse gas nearly 300 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO₂). This contributes heavily to global warming. Excessive use of chemical fertilizers is making the issue worse, producing more N₂O while polluting rivers and oceans with nitrogen runoff. These practices harm ecosystems, reduce biodiversity, and place immense strain on agriculture, making it less sustainable over time.

Environmental Dangers

We have to do something about these issues, otherwise they could spiral into delivering severe and unwanted consequences. Rising N₂O emissions will accelerate climate change, causing more extreme weather events and disrupting ecosystems worldwide. Overuse of fertilizers will degrade soil health, leading to reduced crop yields and threatening global food security. Polluted waterways will create dead zones, destroying aquatic life and destabilizing ecosystems. As a result of these problems, farming costs will inevitably rise, making agriculture less reliable and putting further pressure on the economy.

A Way Forward?

NTT is working to come up with solutions.

To help address the many environmental challenges described above, researchers from NTT and Meiji University have developed a new technology that aims to control the long-term survival of soil microorganisms.

Microorganism Gene Regulation

By targeting genes in Escherichia coli (E. coli), a common bacterium, they have been able to identify the genetic factors essential for microbial survival in soil. This could potentially allow for precise control of microbial populations, reducing environmental harm and promoting sustainable soil management. Working as a partnership, NTT focused on understanding gene regulation in microorganisms, planning research, and analyzing E. coli genes, while Meiji University developed a system to study E. coli survival in soil and identified genes critical for microbial persistence.

The traditional methods used to manage soil microorganisms until now, like altering soil properties or adding nutrients, only indirectly influence microbial activity. They often fail to target specific microbes, which limits their effectiveness in reducing greenhouse gas emissions or optimizing soil health. By contrast, the new technology being researched by NTT and Meiji University takes a more direct approach by modifying the viability of specific microorganisms based on their genetic makeup.

Understanding What the Soil Needs

Using E. coli as a model, researchers analyzed 300 transcription factors—proteins that regulate gene activity—to identify those critical for long-term survival in soil. They found several genes that help microorganisms cope with environmental stress, including limited nutrients and changes in water balance caused by osmotic pressure (water movement driven by differences in salt or sugar levels). By targeting these specific genes, they can improve or reduce the survival of specific microbes. This means they are better able to efficiently use the soil's natural processes.

A Healthier Environment

Once this research comes to fruition, it could have a number of big impacts on our environment. First, it could greatly reduce nitrous oxide emissions by promoting microorganisms that convert harmful nitrogen compounds into less harmful forms. This would help combat climate change and lower the environmental footprint of agriculture. Second, it could minimize the need for chemical fertilizers by improving nutrient cycling in soil, leading to healthier crops and more sustainable farming practices.

Cleaner ecosystems are another big benefit. By reducing nitrogen runoff, this technology would mean that dead zones in rivers, lakes, and oceans no longer develop, preserving biodiversity and protecting aquatic life. What's more, healthier soils support more reliable food production, improving global food security and reducing farming costs over time.

Biodiversity is the Key

NTT and Meiji's research demonstrates the importance of biodiversity in soil ecosystems. Maintaining a diverse microbial community helps encourage the resilience of soil processes, even as specific microorganisms are managed. This holistic approach to soil health paves the way for more sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices.

In a world facing mounting environmental pressures, this technology is a step in the right direction. Once developed, it could potentially give farmers a precise tool to manage soil health, reduce the impact of agriculture on the environment, and support global efforts to mitigate climate change.

For further information, please see this link:
https://group.ntt/en/newsrelease/2025/02/04/250204a.html

NTT—Innovating the Future

Daniel O'Connor

Daniel O'Connor joined the NTT Group in 1999 when he began work as the Public Relations Manager of NTT Europe. While in London, he liaised with the local press, created the company's intranet site, wrote technical copy for industry magazines and managed exhibition stands from initial design to finished displays.

Later seconded to the headquarters of NTT Communications in Tokyo, he contributed to the company's first-ever winning of global telecoms awards and the digitalisation of internal company information exchange.

Since 2015 Daniel has created content for the Group's Global Leadership Institute, the One NTT Network and is currently working with NTT R&D teams to grow public understanding of the cutting-edge research undertaken by the NTT Group.