Zhang Advances Climate Resilient Agriculture at MSU

By Andi Anderson

Michigan State University is strengthening its efforts in climate resilient agriculture through cross campus collaboration and innovative research.

As part of a university wide initiative, MSU launched the 1855 Professors program to bring together experts from different disciplines to address major global challenges. One key focus area is climate change resilience in agriculture.

A newly appointed professor is contributing to this effort by connecting engineering science with agricultural systems. Working across chemical engineering and agricultural engineering, the research focuses on helping crops better withstand stress caused by extreme and unpredictable weather.

Climate related stress reduces plant growth and yields, creating challenges for farmers who already face limited farmland and rising production pressures.

To address these issues, the research team has developed polymer and biopolymer based nanocarriers. These tiny delivery systems transport bioactive compounds directly to specific plant tissues.

Targeted delivery ensures that plants receive the right compounds at the right time and in the right amounts. This approach improves efficiency, reduces waste, and strengthens plant health under climate stress conditions.

By improving how plants respond to environmental stress, farmers can achieve higher productivity while using fewer resources. The technology supports sustainable farming practices by limiting excess chemical use and reducing environmental impact.

The research also addresses environmental contamination, particularly from substances such as PFAS. These contaminants are a growing concern in food and water systems.

The team has developed methods to upcycle waste materials from agriculture and textile industries into useful nanofibrils. These materials can remove harmful contaminants from water and food systems.

Upcycling waste into valuable products supports sustainability by reducing global waste and creating cost effective solutions. It also strengthens domestic supply chains and supports cleaner food and water systems.

MSU’s cross campus collaboration model allows this research to move forward efficiently. By combining expertise from engineering, agriculture, and environmental sciences, the university creates practical solutions for real world problems.

This work reflects MSU’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and its land grant mission. Through teamwork and advanced research, the university continues to support farmers facing climate challenges while promoting resilient agricultural systems for the future.

Photo Credit: pexels-nataliya-vaitkevich