In news somewhat loosely connected to the combustion industry, scientists have found evidence that suggests that the standard method for estimating emissions of N₂O­ from agriculture is not always accurate. Atmospheric measurements have indicated that when more fertiliser is applied to crops than is needed, the production of nitrous oxide is an exponential function of the amount applied, rather than the standard assumption of a linear relationship. Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas 300 times more potent than CO₂.