The study looked at different ways of growing crops in the western Corn Belt to see how they affect the environment. They measured how well each method produced food, materials, recycled nutrients, and controlled greenhouse gases. The results showed that some methods were better at balancing all these functions, while others were only good at producing a lot of food. Using less nitrogen fertilizer helped some methods perform well in all areas. It's important to find ways to grow crops that are productive but also protect the environment.