A new study from MIT reveals how lanthanides, a group of rare earth elements used in fertilizers, enhance plant growth and protect crops from UV stress. Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the research provides insights into the mechanisms behind these benefits, paving the way for more efficient agricultural practices.
The study demonstrates that applying a nanoscale dose of lanthanides to seeds can improve the resilience of staple crops like chickpea, barley, corn, and soybeans. The researchers discovered that lanthanides interact with chlorophyll, the pigment responsible for photosynthesis, by replacing magnesium at its core. This process, termed “re-greening,” helps chlorophyll retain its ability to absorb light and boosts plant health.
Additionally, the team found that lanthanides increase plants’ tolerance to UV stress—an unexpected benefit that could prove valuable as climate change leads to more extreme weather conditions.
Lanthanides have been used in agriculture for decades, particularly in China, where they are applied to millions of hectares of farmland annually. However, their precise role in plant biology has remained unclear. This study offers a deeper understanding of how these elements function, enabling farmers to optimize their use.
The researchers also highlighted the potential of lanthanum, a low-value byproduct of rare earth mining, as an effective and affordable option for crop treatment. Scaling up this research could lead to new, sustainable methods for enhancing crop yields and resilience.
The MIT team plans to expand their research to include field and greenhouse studies, further testing the effects of lanthanides under real-world conditions. They also aim to explore applications beyond agriculture, such as interactions with human proteins.
“This study is a first step toward more conscious and effective use of lanthanides in agriculture,” said Giorgio Rizzo, the paper’s first author. “We hope it opens new avenues for sustainable farming practices.”
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