A study published in Science Advances found that ancient agricultural activity caused significant changes to soil nutrients and plants, leading to a lasting effect on the environment. Researchers analyzed animal bones from 90 archaeological sites in Ireland and discovered an increase in deforestation and agriculture during the Bronze Age.
Researchers found that fawn survival is higher in landscapes with mixed forest and agricultural cover, but human-caused mortalities are greater. The study suggests that efforts to alter fawn survival may be challenging due to predation, and that reducing antlerless harvests may be more effective.
Increasing temperatures and mercury pollution shift female-to-male ratios in snapping turtles, favoring male offspring in agricultural habitats. Field experiments found that temperature profiles and soil moisture content influenced sex determination, while mercury levels correlated with the development of more male offspring.
In Mato Grosso, Brazil, researchers found that large-scale farms produce high yields of soybean and maize using succession farming, also known as safrinha. The study shows that while technology adoption rates are low, successive cropping systems improve productivity without relying on high-tech solutions.
Researchers warn that achieving water quality goals for the Gulf of Mexico will take decades, as decades-long nitrogen buildup from agriculture poses a long-term problem. The study suggests major changes in agricultural and river management practices are necessary to improve water quality.
A UAE research team discovered significantly lower background radiation levels in agricultural topsoil compared to the global average. The study, published in Current Nutrition & Food Science, used gamma-ray spectrometry to measure radiation levels in 145 farm locations across the country.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants totaling $2.6 million to support innovative ideas in agriculture and food production through the Exploratory Research Grants (ERG) program. The grants aim to develop proof of concept for untested ideas that will lead to positive disruption of the agricultural norm.
A large-scale intervention in China improved agricultural efficiency while reducing environmental impact among 20.9 million smallholder farmers, yielding a 10% increase in grain output and a 15-18% decrease in fertilizer use.
Agricultural production can lead to biodiversity loss; optimized land use can minimize this impact. Ten countries can already reduce expected biodiversity loss by one third if they follow the researchers' suggestions.
A study published in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics refutes the idea that climate change leads to civil war in Africa due to food scarcity. Instead, conflicts are driven by competition over abundant food resources, with most armed groups unable to sustain themselves and instead seeking control over local food supplies.
Kimberly L. Jensen, a professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has received the SAEA's Lifetime Achievement Award for her significant contributions to agricultural economics and Southern agriculture. She is recognized for her research interests in bioenergy economics, agribusiness, and environmental labeling.
High crop intensification occurred in 28 countries, including Asia and Latin America, resulting in a 137% increase in energy use per hectare. Despite a 10% increase in land use, energy efficiency improved globally during later decades of the study period.
A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that wetland complexes can significantly reduce nitrate levels in rivers and streams. Retaining or restoring wetlands in intensively managed agricultural watersheds can improve local water quality while reducing nitrate exports to the Gulf of Mexico dead zone.
A new study published in Nature Geoscience found that modifying the properties of land surface in populated areas and agricultural lands could reduce extreme temperatures by 2-3°C. Changing crops, adopting no-till agriculture, and lightening infrastructure are proposed modifications.
A team of six MSU professors aim to increase women's representation in agricultural science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. They will provide an online course targeting freshman and sophomore students, highlighting the diversity of roles and contributions by women currently working in agricultural careers.
NIFA's investments support transformative discoveries in maximizing agricultural productivity, providing a safe food supply, and promoting responsible stewardship. The partnership aims to bolster the US economy by creating jobs and enhancing nutrition while sustaining natural resources.
The study found that ancient Andean societies developed specific environmental knowledge to conserve water and avoid frost, enabling them to flourish in an arid region. The discovery of micro-terraces and non-centralized agrarian systems suggests a resilient approach to agriculture that continues to inspire indigenous communities today.
A new study suggests that unconventional spaces like rooftops, salt-affected land, and contaminated sites can generate renewable energy while sparing valuable agricultural land. The research found that these land-sparing sites in the Central Valley could exceed state energy demands up to 13 times for photovoltaics.
A study by UC researchers identified over 8,400 square kilometers of non-agricultural land in the Central Valley suitable for large solar installations. This land can generate enough solar energy to exceed California's projected demands by 13 times for photovoltaic power and two times for concentrating solar power.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced support for projects that strengthen food and agricultural science education in insular areas. The funding is made available through three programs: Resident Instruction Grants Program, Distance Education Grants, and Agriculture and Food ...
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded six grants totaling $836,494 to support farmer safety and health. The AgrAbility program provides direct agricultural assistance, education, and networking to farmers with disabilities, while the Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification (YFSEC) Program delivers time...
NIFA's Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program and Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program support education and research-based knowledge for tribal communities. The programs address unique needs and problems of American Indian tribal nations through grants worth over $5 million in fiscal year 2017.
Researchers applied an ecological model to explain historical settlement patterns in Utah, finding that agricultural suitability drove colonization. The study's results illustrate why populations are distributed across the state and provide insights into the impact of early settlers' decisions on modern-day Utah.
A study by University of Illinois ornithologist Mike Ward found that 85% of Canada geese wintered in the Greater Chicago Metropolitan Area, with none making foraging flights to agricultural fields. The birds' ability to minimize risk by using urban areas suggests they are prioritizing survival over energy intake.
Global CO2 emissions have stalled for the third consecutive year, with fossil carbon dioxide emissions slowing down since 2012. Meanwhile, methane and nitrous oxide emissions continue to rise, driven by agricultural activities and industrial production in key countries like China, US, and India.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants to support the development of new agricultural products and technologies. These grants aim to increase consumer acceptance of whole grain wheat, improve shelf life, and commercialize innovative ventures.
Scientists from the University of Minnesota found that excessively fertilized lakes in Iowa had low algae growth due to the destructive effect of nitrate particles, resulting in increased water clarity. This study suggests that relying on water clarity to gauge water quality may not be effective in all regions.
A new study found that a selection of efficient key plant species can effectively support pollinators in agricultural landscapes. The researchers identified 14 crucial plant species for the whole bee and hoverfly community, highlighting the potential of targeted agri-environmental schemes.
A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.
Agricultural insurance can have a range of unintended ecological and social consequences, including declining biodiversity and soil quality. Insured farmers may adopt riskier cultivation strategies, leading to further environmental problems.
A grant-funded project has mapped soil erosion intensity across 2.5 million square kilometers of agricultural land in European Russia. Researchers found that ravine erosion is receding, likely due to reduced thawed flow and increased absorption by soil.
The TerraSentia robot, developed by the University of Illinois, can autonomously count plants and measure stem width to estimate biomass. Early adopters will receive consulting services to teach their robot to detect additional traits that drive their business or research.
Climate change may alter desert locust distribution and behavior, potentially increasing agricultural threats in southern Africa. The study suggests maintaining existing monitoring capacities and reviewing prevention strategies to address changing environmental conditions.
Researchers found that mothers who took recommended amounts of folic acid around conception had a significantly lower risk of developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) even when exposed to household or agricultural pesticides. Folic acid intake was associated with reduced autism risk, but did not eliminate it.
The USDA has invested $12.6 million in funding doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for agricultural science research and education. The program aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled professionals to tackle pressing food system issues, including plant health, production, and animal welfare.
A new study suggests that Jordan may face disastrous droughts if alternative water sources are not implemented. Climate change and water scarcity could lead to a decline in rainfall, higher temperatures, and reduced freshwater supply, making it difficult for the country to meet its water demands.
A long-term study at the University of Kansas investigates how to restore native prairie ecosystems on abandoned farmland. Excess nitrogen has been shown to lead to a loss in plant diversity and simplify the system, favoring only a few species. The research aims to speed up restoration processes and re-establish original biodiversity.
A new study published by a Lancaster University-led team warns that phosphorus losses will increase unless major changes are made to agricultural practices. Climate change will lead to warmer winters, resulting in more phosphorus transferred from agricultural land into rivers and oceans.
The study identified the Atlantic Forest, Gulf of Guinea, and Thailand as regions where agricultural conversion provides higher benefits than environmental costs. In contrast, Latin America, insular Southeast Asia, and Madagascar are considered economically viable conservation targets due to low agricultural benefits and high environme...
A recent Penn State study analyzed the fate of seven emerging contaminants in wastewater treatment plants and groundwater wells. The results showed that soil generally acts as an effective biogeochemical filter, removing most contaminants except during snowmelt events.
Researchers discovered that plant parasitic nematodes activate plant stem cells to form galls on the roots of agricultural crops. This finding holds promise for developing resistant crop varieties and improving crop yields.
The USDA is investing $7.6 million in research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding will support projects that promote beneficial organisms associated with pests and better understand the fundamental mechanisms of interactions between plants, pests, or beneficial species.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded $16 million in grants to 42 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities. These institutions will focus on building research, teaching, and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences.
A new study found that reducing meat consumption and adopting organic farming methods can help mitigate environmental degradation, but not at the expense of land use and energy efficiency. The researchers suggest combining different production systems to create a more sustainable agricultural system.
Rice farmers in Taiwan value eco-labels more than financial incentives, according to a study by the Technical University of Munich. The study found that offering an eco-label can encourage farmers to reduce chemical fertilizers and adopt sustainable cultivation methods.
Researchers aim to promote sustainable water for agriculture through stakeholder engagement, testing flexible models in Arizona, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The project seeks to address complex web of social, economic, cultural, institutional, legal, and biophysical conditions influencing water resource management.
A Duke University study reveals that larger patches of tropical forest are being lost worldwide due to industrial-scale agricultural expansion. The trend is most pronounced in Southeast Asia and South America, where clearings for large-scale agriculture account for more than half of all observed forest loss between 2000 and 2012.
Agricultural production improves hive health by providing adequate food resources and nectar yields, outweighing pesticide risks. Bees in agricultural areas had better colony thermoregulation and higher brood production than those in non-agricultural environments.
Researchers propose five broad research priorities to understand relationships between beneficial microbes and plant health, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and sustainable practices. The 'core microbiome' and functional mechanisms of microbiome assembly and resilience will be studied to develop new tools for analyzing micr...
Researchers tracked the impact of Brazil's Soy Moratorium on deforestation and soy production in Mato Grosso. The study found a significant reduction in deforestation after the moratorium took effect, with a shift towards more efficient agricultural practices.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $1 million in funding to strengthen food and agricultural science education in insular areas. This program aims to increase the number of students pursuing food and agriculture careers by strengthening institutional capacities in instruction and curriculum.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $800,000 to enhance distance education in the agricultural sciences for students in remote geographic regions. This funding will support higher education institutions in US insular areas to develop online courses and programs in food and agricultural sciences.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $18 million in funding to support the next generation of agricultural science professionals. The program aims to strengthen pathways for students and researchers in agriculture-related fields, from primary school STEM education to fellowships for new scientists.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
Ants cultivated and maintained vast subterranean farms producing fungi, dating back to 30 million years ago. These ancient agricultural ants have evolved complex societies, with crops dependent on ant farmers for survival.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture is providing $400,000 to increase women and minority representation in the agricultural science workforce. Eligible applicants can apply for funding through NIFA's Women and Minorities in Science program.
The USDA has allocated $150.2 million through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to support projects addressing key agricultural, food, and natural resource problems. The funding aims to develop innovative technologies and sustainable management strategies for livestock, crops, and critical underlying resources.
African forests, which feed and provide subsistence means to at least 100 million people, are being cleared at a rate of over 10% by 2025 due to expanding agricultural production. The study recommends policies that prioritize forest conservation and local control of land to mitigate deforestation.
Researchers call for a coordinated effort to understand plant-microbiome interactions to improve plant health and agricultural productivity. Five key research priorities are proposed to address nutrient use, stress tolerance, disease resistance, microbiome assembly, and functional mechanisms.
The USDA has announced $300,000 in funding for initiatives offering farm safety education and certification to youth in agricultural production. The program aims to provide industry-recognized credentials and ensure vocational curricula align with current regulations.