After the exchange meeting, staff members of the Nitrocalcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch of the China Nitrogen Fertilizer Association (hereinafter referred to as the Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch) together with the head of the Henan Science and Technology Small Courtyard, went to the Yuzhou Science and Technology Small Courtyard for on-site inspection, exchange, and learning.

Dr. Yang Wang from Henan Agricultural University introduced that the Yuzhou Science and Technology Small Courtyard, led by Professor Youliang Ye from the College of Resources and Environment at Henan Agricultural University, is located in Kangcheng Village, Shundian Town, Yuzhou City, Henan Province. Officially inaugurated in September 2012, it is supported by Henan Agricultural University and primarily involves graduate and undergraduate students who are deeply rooted in rural areas. Backed by enterprises, the courtyard focuses on cooperatives, large-scale grain growers, and individual farmers, using agricultural technologies such as soil testing and formulated fertilization and high-yield cultivation as its core platforms. It serves as an integrated “agriculture, rural areas, and farmers” service platform that combines scientific research, talent development, and technical services.

Student Tian Peiyu from the Science and Technology Courtyard led everyone on a tour of the 100-mu experimental field, where he provided us with a detailed introduction to the purpose, content, and significance of the long-term nitrogen-level positioning experiment conducted in Yuzhou. He also reported on the work carried out by the Yuzhou Science and Technology Courtyard—focusing on integrated technologies aimed at reducing the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides while enhancing their efficiency—and highlighted the achievements made in the area of nitrogen fertilizer management. Senior advisor Niu Tianliang expressed his approval of the field trial standards established by the Henan Science and Technology Courtyard, praised the courtyard’s “agriculture, rural areas, and farmers” service model, and highly commended its innovative research, technology dissemination, social services, and distinctive talent-development approach.

At the very beginning of the Yuzhou Science and Technology Courtyard’s establishment, both living and working conditions there were extremely challenging. Yet, despite these hardships, the students remained firmly rooted in the rural community, truly achieving a seamless integration of theory and practice. They not only managed to do laundry and cook meals themselves but also took to the lecture platform to provide training for local farmers, ventured into fields and villages to guide farmers in adopting scientific farming techniques, and wholeheartedly served the farmers. As a result, the farmers shifted from initial resistance and misunderstanding to active cooperation and even proactively requesting their assistance. It was precisely through their youthful dedication that the Science and Technology Courtyard achieved success.

From them, we’ve seen a spirit of hard work and simplicity, unwavering conviction, and the pure, sacred camaraderie among teammates. The countless experiences they’ve accumulated in the fields and at the edges of farmlands—these are all invaluable treasures in life. We at the branch believe that with everyone’s relentless efforts, the Science and Technology Courtyard will continue to thrive and achieve even greater glory! The Calcium-Magnesium Fertilizer Branch stated that it will continue to collaborate with the Henan Science and Technology Courtyard on mechanistic studies related to calcium-magnesium fertilizer products. Further updates on these studies will be shared on our WeChat platform—stay tuned!