A pioneering agricultural innovation known as the ARC bio-coupling technology, developed by a team led by Chinese Academy of Engineering academician Li Peiwu, has secured the top honor at the 14th China Innovation and Entrepreneurship Competition for Disruptive Technologies. This recognition highlights the successful transition of the research from laboratory settings to practical field applications, with promising market prospects for its extended industrial applications.
The technology addresses two major challenges that have long hindered the global development of soybean and peanut cultivation. The first issue is contamination by aflatoxin, a highly toxic and carcinogenic fungal toxin that reduces crop yield and quality, leading to economic losses and posing serious health risks through the food chain. The second challenge is the low nitrogen fixation efficiency of soybeans and peanuts. Although these legumes can form symbiotic relationships with rhizobia to convert atmospheric nitrogen into absorbable nutrients, natural conditions often result in insufficient nodulation and nitrogen fixation, necessitating chemical fertilizers that raise costs and harm the environment.
The ARC bio-coupling technology offers a dual solution. The "A" component targets aflatoxin control, "R" focuses on enhancing rhizobial nodulation and nitrogen fixation, and "C" represents the coupling of these functions. When applied to legumes such as soybeans and peanuts, the technology delivers multiple benefits: it enhances nitrogen and carbon sequestration, increases yield and efficiency, improves safety, and reduces harmful bacteria, losses, fertilizer use, costs, and carbon emissions.
The development of this technology spanned over two decades, beginning in 1999. The research team first achieved a breakthrough in 2012 by mastering core techniques for efficient aflatoxin detection. Subsequent efforts shifted to源头阻控, or source control, involving extensive monitoring and analysis of aflatoxin contamination patterns across China. Researchers identified an inverse relationship between rhizobia and aflatoxin levels, leading to the innovative idea of coupling the two research areas. After numerous trials, the team successfully isolated and combined beneficial microbial strains that suppress aflatoxin while promoting nodulation.
According to Li Peiwu, each nodule on legume roots functions like a miniature urea production facility. The technology enables peanut plants to achieve nitrogen self-sufficiency during later growth stages, reducing fertilizer use and leaving approximately 30% of biologically fixed nitrogen in the soil, thereby improving soil health. It also significantly lowers aflatoxin contamination risks, enhancing food safety.
The ARC technology was designated a nationally promoted agricultural technique in 2023, recognized as one of China's top ten major agricultural technologies in 2024, and selected as a key national scientific achievement in agriculture, food, and environment at the Zhongguancun Forum in 2025.
Government policies have further supported the adoption of this innovation. Since 2021, China's annual central policy documents have consistently emphasized increasing soybean production capacity, with specific focus on expanding peanut cultivation in 2025 and diversifying oilseed supplies in 2026.
Currently, the technology has been demonstrated across 22 provinces, covering areas ranging from hundreds to hundreds of thousands of acres. It has demonstrated strong resilience against adverse conditions, improved crop quality, and increased yields. For example, in Henan province, peanut growers using the technology reported reduced losses from extreme weather and diseases, with an average increase in income of about 300 yuan per mu.
Field data indicate that the application of ARC microbial agents boosts soybean and peanut yields by over 15% and 19%, respectively, suppresses aflatoxin-producing fungi by more than 63%, and reduces nitrogen fertilizer use by 20% to 40%. In 2024, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences launched a major research initiative to further refine the technology, focusing on mechanistic studies, product development, technical optimization, demonstration, and policy support.
By 2025, demonstration areas for ARC technology exceeded 3 million mu, with several cases of large-scale high yields recorded. Expansion to 30 million to 50 million mu is anticipated within the next three to five years.
Zhang Yangyong, head of the Oil Crops Research Institute, emphasized that technological innovation is the primary driver for increasing oilseed crop production. The institute plans to intensify research efforts to develop more disruptive technologies that address environmental changes and industry needs, thereby supporting national food security and carbon reduction goals.
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