Intrinsic parton transverse momentum in next-to-leading-order pion production

We study pion production in proton-proton collisions within a pQCD-improved parton model in next-to-leading order augmented by intrinsic transverse momentum ($k_\perp$) of the partons. We find the introduction of $k_\perp$ necessary to reproduce the experimental data in the CERN SPS to RHIC energy range. We study the influence of intrinsic $k_\perp$ on the so-called $K$ factor, the ratio of the NLO cross section to the Born term. A strong $p_T$ dependence is seen, especially in the 3-6 GeV transverse momentum region of the outgoing pion, where nuclear effects (e.g. the Cronin effect) play an important role.