Study Finds Bayer’s Preceon™ Smart Corn System Reduces Carbon Intensity in Corn Production

14 January 2026, US: A new peer-reviewed study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality has found that Bayer’s Preceon™ Smart Corn System delivers multiple benefits that support more sustainable corn production. Based on several years of data, the study conducted by a team of Bayer and university researchers shows that short-stature corn systems (SSC) reduced the carbon intensity of corn production by an average of 13 percent. This reduction is attributed to higher yield potential, improved root systems, and more efficient input management.

The research identified several environmental advantages, including a lower carbon intensity score and significantly more robust root systems for Preceon™ Short Stature Corn Hybrids. Root mass in these hybrids was found to be 39 percent larger than that of traditional hybrids, potentially enabling greater carbon sequestration in the soil.

According to the study, these advancements represent an important step in addressing increasingly unpredictable weather conditions, while reinforcing Bayer’s commitment to sustainability and positioning growers to benefit from the potential financial opportunities associated with sustainably produced crops.

Commenting on the findings, Elzandi Oosthuizen, Senior Vice President of Bayer’s Global Corn Enterprise Team, said the company is encouraged by the study’s results and the potential benefits for corn farmers worldwide. The research demonstrates that the development of new hybrids can both enhance agricultural productivity and significantly reduce the environmental impact of corn farming. As climate change presents growing challenges, the adoption of sustainable practices is becoming increasingly critical for the future of agriculture. In addition, rising demand for sustainably produced crops is creating opportunities for farmers to access new markets and potentially improve profit margins.

While the Preceon™ Smart Corn System offers multiple potential benefits for growers, including increased productivity and resiliency, the study—published last month—quantifies several environmental advantages of Preceon™ compared with traditional corn hybrids. Key findings include:

The Preceon™ Smart Corn System provides a more sustainable approach to corn production by reducing the carbon footprint of growing corn by an average of 13 percent. Reductions ranged from 3 percent to as high as 28 percent when compared with taller, traditional hybrids.

The system also delivers greenhouse gas savings of 0.09 to 0.78 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per year. These reductions are driven by higher yield efficiency, which allows more grain to be produced per unit of input; lower nitrogen content in plant residue, resulting in reduced nitrous oxide emissions; and larger root systems that sequester more carbon in the soil.

The short stature of Preceon™ hybrids enables better input optimisation by allowing greater field access during a wider portion of the growing season. This increased accessibility supports more active management of crop protection products and nitrogen applications, contributing to improved yield potential and production efficiency.

In addition, short-stature corn hybrids feature root systems that are 39 percent larger than those of traditional hybrids, potentially storing an additional 0.46 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per year in the soil.

The system also supports optimised nitrogen management. Improved access allows growers to apply nitrogen fertiliser during a broader window in the growing season using standard equipment, leading to better yields and reduced nitrous oxide emissions. This results in savings of 0.16 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per year from split nitrogen applications, along with an additional 2.77 percent reduction due to lower nitrogen content in plant residue.

Preceon™ hybrids also help reduce crop losses by providing increased protection against lodging—when corn plants are pushed over near the root—and greensnap, where stalks break due to wind during severe weather events.

These findings further highlight the company’s progress in developing sustainably produced solutions that support both environmental stewardship and farmer economic benefits. Through continued investment in agricultural innovation, the company aims to help farmers adapt to a changing marketplace while contributing to improved environmental outcomes.

Corn remains a global staple crop, particularly in the United States. Based on the study’s findings, average greenhouse gas savings could reach 0.35 tons of CO₂ equivalent per hectare per year. If adopted on half of U.S. corn acreage, this would translate into a reduction of 12.6 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually—equivalent to removing 16.1 billion car miles driven.

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