A new gene discovery in orange corn has significant implications for addressing vitamin A deficiency-related blindness and child mortality. Increasing beta-carotene levels in cereal grains can be an economical approach to tackling these deficiencies, especially in developing countries.
Researchers developed a method to measure the stability of organic waste using respiration indices, which can predict biodegradable content and facilitate efficient treatment facility design. The study applies this methodology to various types of organic wastes, including food and garden waste, municipal solid waste, and sludge.
Scientists use repeat photography to study riparian areas, demonstrating the effectiveness of experiential learning in understanding spatial and temporal variability. Participants found that using photographs enhanced their understanding of these concepts, especially climate change impacts.
This study investigates the impact of landscape position on biomass crop yield, finding that summit positions produce higher yields than flat areas. Corn stover yield is positively influenced by terrain slope, nitrogen, and soil darkness profile.
A recent study found that stormwater runoff is the primary source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) pollutants in the New York/New Jersey Harbor. The study estimated that stormwater runoff contributes about half of the total PAH load to the harbor. The researchers also identified gaps in data, particularly for stormwater runoff ...
Congressman Tom Latham received the 2010 Champion of Agronomy Award from the American Society of Agronomy for his strong support of agriculture and conservation. The award recognizes his commitment to advancing agricultural research and development, essential for America's farmers and ranchers.
A Purdue University study has found that nanosilver, a bactericidal agent, is toxic to fish and can cause malformations even at low concentrations. Researchers detected nanoparticles as small as 30 nanometers inside fish embryos, highlighting the need for further testing on environmental release levels.
Researchers transformed an agricultural science course for Kú teachers to incorporate culturally relevant learning, improving teacher confidence and student satisfaction. The course built a community of practice among teachers, incorporating project-based learning and Hawaiian culture.
A 2-year field study found that peppermint yields and oil content are higher in Mississippi compared to other regions. Delaying the first harvest until late July promotes accumulation of menthol, a key oil ingredient.
The American Society of Agronomy identifies key questions and expected outcomes for achieving global food security and sustainable agriculture. The 'grand challenge' involves doubling production on existing farmland with efficient systems that prioritize resource use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
Scientists have developed a revised model to better understand the transport of fluid constituents, which has important roles in biology, physics, and chemistry. The new model contradicts widely accepted models and provides an improved analysis of combined advection and diffusion.
Scientists analyzed over 300 papers to establish relationships between buffer design features and pollutant removal efficacy. The study found that buffers with trees have higher nitrogen and phosphorus removal efficacy than those with grasses or mixtures of grasses and trees.
A renowned science educator, Marvin Druger, reflects on his mission to inspire students to enjoy the adventure of learning. His new book, Practical Perspectives on Science Education, offers practical tips, personal reflections, and a passion for making science education meaningful and motivational.
Researchers developed a pilot program to integrate hands-on learning activities into routine lab work for undergraduate students. The program increased participants' interest in sustainable agriculture and found that farm visits were most important in making lab work meaningful.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that resistant wheat plants stave off attacks by Hessian fly larvae by destroying their midgut and preventing nutrient absorption. The study found that the midgut disruption is caused by a toxic substance called lectin, which is produced by the plant in response to the fly's presence.
Scientists develop a new technique to measure spatial patterning in peatland surfaces, enabling improved monitoring of damage caused by human activity. Airborne laser scanning instruments can detect fine-scale structures like hummocks and hollows, critical for tracking climate change.
Researchers found that corn plants in no-till fields experience intense competition for sunlight, water, and nutrients, leading to reduced yields. The leftover corn residue creates patches of soil with lower temperatures and different nutrient content, resulting in significant height differences among plants.
Scientists sequenced the soybean genome to understand its genes and improve characteristics. However, duplicated genes present a challenge, with many copies shuffled, making prediction difficult. Genome sequencing eliminates this issue, enabling faster research advancements.
Monsoon rainfall has decreased over the past 50 years in rural areas with increased irrigation in northern India, while urban areas have seen an increase in heavy rainfall. This shift is attributed to landscape changes and cooling effects on low-pressure systems necessary for monsoons to progress.
A study by Dr. Kristyn Harms and colleagues found that experiential learning significantly impacts students' ability to manage change in agroecosystems. The study identified key factors, including hands-on activities, emotional responses, and human interactions, that contribute to behavioral change.
Interactive e-lessons developed by soil science educators engage learners with active learning strategies, interactive Flash animations, and experiential activities. These lessons aim to help students and the public recognize the critical importance of soil in addressing various issues.
A USDOE and USDA study found switchgrass to produce more dry biomass per dollar cost than the other three species, making it the optimal choice for a field. The study recommends fertilizing with 60 pounds of nitrogen per acre per year and harvesting once per year after senescence.
The completed maize genome sequence reveals a complex genome with nearly as many genes as humans but substantially more complexity, containing about 85% repetitive sequences. This provides clues to genetic variability and gene function, enabling researchers to develop diverse maize hybrids that can adapt to environments.
K-State's Fred Cholick, Dean of the College of Agriculture, received the Agronomic Service Award for his development of agronomic service programs and practices. Dave Mengel, Professor of Agronomy, won the Werner L. Nelson Award for his outstanding performance in diagnostic techniques and approaches.
Researchers found that copper and zinc toxicity in soybeans is additive, with high copper inhibiting zinc adsorption and causing more extractable zinc. Soil texture also influenced the degree of toxicity, with coarse-textured soils being more susceptible.
The symposium emphasizes the complex interaction of grape variety, viticulture, and soil to produce great wines. Experts will discuss factors such as soil surface color, drainage, and chemical composition to understand terroir, a term defined as vineyard site, soil, and climate.
The K-State team is developing tools that can predict the consequences of water policy decisions on communities. The interdisciplinary study examines how changes in policy and water use practices affect everything from land use practices to population shifts.
The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.
A new study by Purdue University researchers suggests that local and regional strategies such as creating green spaces and buffer zones in urban areas could help address climate change. The study found that greener land cover contributes to cooler temperatures, while any other change leads to warmer temperatures.
Experts will discuss emerging developments in plant and soil sciences, including drought-tolerant sorghum and biotechnology. The meeting also addresses climate change, energy, and sustainable development.
Phosphorus is a crucial element in agriculture, but its excessive use leads to massive eutrophication problems in water bodies worldwide. Dr. Curtis Richardson will discuss phosphorus biogeochemistry and its role in wetland functioning, highlighting the need for realistic management techniques.
The symposium will explore various funding sources, including public-private partnerships, commercialization strategies, and foundations. Presenters will share their experiences with targeted support for cultivar development and national/global programs to build capacity and provide public support.
A study examines how public officials obtain information about debatable scientific issues, including agricultural biotechnology. Results show that Texas legislators relied more on the Cooperative Extension Service, while state FFA officers preferred online sources.
Researchers in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study found that urban grasslands retain a significant amount of nitrogen, with losses typically less than 40% of applied fertilizer. This surprising result suggests that these ecosystems have considerable capacity for nutrient retention, contrary to concerns about environmental impacts.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will recognize individuals with outstanding contributions to education, national and international service, and research. The 2009 award recipients include Donald Graetz, David Mengel, Robert G. Hoeft, and others.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will present the 2009 fellows at a special ceremony in Pittsburgh. The fellows were chosen for their professional achievements and meritorious service, with only 0.3% of members selected.
The American Society of Agronomy, Crop Science Society of America, and Soil Science Society of America will present scholarships to recognize outstanding students' achievements in agronomy, soil science, and crop science. The awards will be presented at the ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings in Pittsburgh.
The USDA's $320 million initiative aims to support programs in 12 states, enabling farmers to implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient runoff and improve wildlife habitat. The program underscores the agency's commitment to sustainable land stewardship and cleaner water.
Researchers have found that soybeans contain high levels of tocopherols, which have antioxidant properties and may play a role in cardiovascular diseases and cancer prevention. The study suggests that selection for high α-tocopherol content in soybeans will be possible, making it easier to develop functional foods with specific health-...
Undergraduate students can learn problem-solving skills by analyzing subsidence and restoration of organic wetland soils. This approach emphasizes cross-disciplinary concepts, such as mass-volume relationships, to help students understand complex soil processes.
Research finds that pathogenic E. coli are common in Michigan and Indiana streams, even with low fecal indicator bacteria concentrations. The study suggests that current methods for determining water quality may not accurately predict the presence of harmful pathogens.
Researchers have evaluated five materials as partial peat substitutes, finding that coconut fibers and pine bark are the most suitable options. These alternatives performed as well or better than standard Sphagnum peat in terms of plant growth and ornamental quality.
Researchers studied golf course putting greens to understand nutrient and chemical changes that occur over time. The study found that organic matter accumulation in the root zone contributes to increased retention of nutrients, while replacing peat with soil in the root zone can reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention.
A Purdue University study found that ground moisture at landfall is a major indicator of tropical storm behavior. Storms are more likely to sustain and cause heavy rains when the ground is wet, while dry conditions tend to calm them down.
Researchers developed prediction models to identify eroded waterways from digital terrain information, enabling the placement of grassed waterways and reducing soil erosion. These models accurately identified potential locations of erosion-prone areas, corresponding well with actual field observations.
Research suggests that corn yield stability improves when rotated with alfalfa, red clover, and timothy; dairy manure applications can support continuous corn in high-yielding years but hinder it in low-yielding years. Synthetic fertilizers or phosphorus-based manure negatively impact continuous corn yields.
A new study emphasizes the importance of technological advancements in the conversion of biomass to biofuels. By analyzing the US corn stover supply chain, researchers found that conventional technologies alone cannot achieve cost-performance goals, highlighting the need for improved equipment efficiency and new supply system designs.
A recent study found that adding a wood stove to a home can significantly reduce heating costs, with savings ranging from 25% to 60%. The carbon emissions associated with wood stoves are also negligible, making them a more environmentally friendly option than traditional gas heating systems.
Research found that DOC losses from tile drains were not affected by crop management practices, but drainage hydrology and manure application played a role. The study highlighted the importance of understanding DOC contributions to surface waters in agricultural watersheds.
Crop residues are crucial for sustaining soil organic matter, but extensive removal for ethanol production can impact soil productivity. Research suggests that straw removal rates should be limited to less than 66% and no more than 40% of aboveground residues removed.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
A series of symposium papers explore AquaCrop and other agronomic models that estimate water use efficiency under varying conditions. The models were shown to adequately simulate WUE under well-watered conditions but tend to overestimate or underestimate WUE under water stress, limiting their usefulness for deficit irrigation scenarios.
A literature review reveals that landfill cover soils oxidize more methane than previously recommended guidelines suggest. The overall mean fraction oxidized was 36%, with a standard error of 6%, indicating that the actual oxidation rate is likely higher than current default values.
Representative Hinchey recognized for his strong support of a national research portfolio that invests in all sciences. He has been a long-time champion for the agricultural and biological sciences, recognizing their key role in addressing society's challenges.
The study found that organic and rotational grazing systems were more profitable than conventional monocropping, despite increased risk exposure. The results suggest that governmental policy should support crop rotations and organic farming practices.
A study analyzing 28 soybean experiments found no significant yield advantage for early plantings, regardless of region or variety. However, delaying plantings beyond the critical date in late May or early June led to a substantial loss of yields, suggesting producers should prioritize timely planting.
A recent experiment studying the effects of ultraviolet radiation on liverwort asexual propagules found that students successfully formulated and tested hypotheses about UV impact. The study aims to understand how bryophytes develop protection mechanisms against UVR, which can inform crop resilience.
Researchers found that converting Conservation Reserve Program grasslands to bioenergy grain crops does not result in significant loss of sequestered soil organic carbon. No-till farming practices can conserve and even enhance soil carbon sequestration in these areas.
A study published in the Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education found that workshops improved Iranian pastoralists' understanding of rangeland management techniques, leading to better land utilization. The results showed a significant impact on concepts like animal-rangeland equilibrium and grazing duration.
A recent study found that early soybean planting from April to May consistently resulted in higher yields. However, oil concentration was higher at early plantings, while protein concentration was better when planted later in the season.