An interdisciplinary team will analyze soil, crop, and climate conditions at 75 Midwestern corn farms to identify factors influencing farmers' decisions about environmentally friendly practices. The study aims to reduce water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from corn farming, with results expected to inform policy approaches.
A recent study found that fertilizers with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus increase soil organic carbon stocks, but do not enhance soil aggregate stability. Researchers tested continuous corn plots under conventional tillage and high water inputs for 50 years, revealing a mixed picture of fertilizer benefits.
In a surprising finding, researchers found that pikas prefer vegetation grazed on by caterpillars, which acts as natural fertilizer. This unusual partnership could have long-term implications for competition and food resources in northern mountain environments.
A new study in the Amazon finds that deep, permeable soils can act as a natural buffer against the negative impacts of crop fertilizer on nearby streams. The research suggests that these soils can absorb excess nutrients and reduce pollution, but warns that changes in land use may lead to increased nutrient runoff in the future.
Researchers found that current costs of forest conservation are low, but future agricultural yields could increase dramatically, rendering financial incentives ineffective. This threatens the long-term viability of conservation programs in tropical developing countries.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory and Technical University of Madrid create model for iron transportation in legumes to enhance nitrogen fixation. This breakthrough aims to lessen reliance on nitrogen fertilizers and promote sustainable agriculture practices.
Biofuels have significant ecological impacts due to high-intensity agriculture practices that contribute to water pollution and loss of biodiversity. Cellulosic ethanol, made from grasses and perennial native crops, may offer a more sustainable alternative with reduced resource competition and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
A record-breaking algae bloom in Lake Erie was triggered by a combination of long-term agricultural practices and extreme weather events. The researchers predict that future blooms will be even more severe unless agricultural policies are revised to reduce nutrient runoff.
The Gulf of Mexico's 'Dead Zone' grows larger due to increased fertilizer runoff from Midwestern fields, depleting oxygen levels and harming fish and shellfish populations. Advanced solutions like soil-staying fertilizers and genetically modified crops could mitigate the problem.
A six-year University of Illinois study found that continuous corn systems experience a yield reduction compared to corn rotated with soybean, known as the continuous corn yield penalty. The study identified N availability, corn stover accumulation, and unfavorable weather as primary causes of the penalty.
A Kansas State University research team found that global nitrogen availability has remained steady for the past 500 years, despite increased industrial production. The study suggests a link between nitrogen and carbon levels, with implications for future ecosystem changes.
A study developed a new model to improve climate balance in agriculture by identifying key factors contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and energy inefficiencies. Organic farming strategies, such as planting legumes and using soil less intensively, show promise for reducing emissions and improving yields.
A new study reveals that China's nitrogen emissions increased by 60% annually from the 1980s to 2000s, leading to decreased air quality, acidification of soil and water, and reduced biological diversity. The country's rapid industrialization and agricultural expansion are major contributors to this pollution problem.
Researchers propose bioenergy with carbon capture and storage (BECCS) and biochar as solutions to achieve net-negative emissions. BECCS captures CO2 emissions from power plants, while biochar uses pyrolysis to produce a fertilizer that absorbs atmospheric CO2.
A study found 149 unique antibiotic-resistant genes on Chinese commercial pig farms, with levels 192-28,000 times higher than controls. Daily exposure to antibiotics allows microbes carrying these genes to thrive, posing a potential global risk to human health.
A new study has found that widely used nanoparticles accumulate in soybean plants grown in farm soil, which could have health implications. Zinc oxide and cerium dioxide, commonly used in cosmetics, were detected in the reproductive/edible portions of the soybeans.
Researchers from San Francisco State University found that nitrogen boosts the growth and toxicity of phytoplankton that produce a potent toxin called domoic acid. These diatoms can cause Amnesic Shellfish Poisoning in humans and death among marine mammals and seabirds.
Researchers found that mixing different cover crops can increase dry matter biomass by up to 25% while reducing weed suppression needs. This long-term study supports the use of legume-rye mixes for optimal results in commercial organic production systems.
A new 'scarecrow' gene has been found that controls a unique leaf structure, leading to more efficient photosynthesis. This discovery could lead to new varieties of staple crops with significantly higher yields through genetic engineering.
A new study led by McGill University researchers found that rising meat consumption and calorie intake have fueled a 38% increase in the world's per capita phosphorus footprint since the early 1960s. By reducing meat consumption, particularly beef, countries can significantly decrease demand for mined phosphorus.
A University of Illinois study found that perennial biofuel crops such as miscanthus can greatly reduce nitrogen losses in the environment. The crops showed high efficiency in reducing nitrate leaching and nitrogen oxide emissions, making them a promising alternative to traditional corn-based ethanol production.
Researchers found that filter and espresso coffeemakers leave more antioxidants in used coffee grounds, making most grounds a good source of useful substances. The extracted compounds can still be used as fertilizer after extraction.
A new study by Brown University finds that farm soils mediate the environmental consequences of modern farming, particularly with phosphorus, a key agricultural nutrient. The research compares soybean production in US, Brazil, and Argentina, revealing how soil type and management impact phosphorus usage and environmental pollution.
A new study reveals that fish play a crucial role in recycling nutrients, providing fertilizer for sea grass and algae growth. The research found that fish populations around reefs can cause significant changes in ecosystem productivity.
Researchers have discovered a soil bacterium that degrades the common veterinary antibiotic sulfamethazine and uses it for growth. This finding challenges existing theories on antibiotic resistance and suggests that soil bacteria may be capable of breaking down antibiotics more rapidly, potentially reducing their impacts.
Scientists have created a slow-release fertilizer using attapulgite, guar gum, and humic acid, reducing waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The new fertilizer has been shown to improve soil moisture content, regulate soil acidity and alkalinity, and minimize nutrient loss via runoff and leaching.
USDA researchers have developed a method to capture and recycle ammonia from livestock waste, reducing harmful emissions and concentrating nitrogen for fertilizer. The system uses gas-permeable membranes, achieving an average removal rate of 45-153 mg/liter per day.
Reducing nitrogen fertilizer use by 60% in over-fertilized areas could substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions without affecting crop productivity. The study found that N2O emissions have become the dominant factor in China's warming effect, surpassing the cooling effects of CO2 uptake.
Researchers found that fertilizer introduction stimulates bacterial growth, breaking down peat and vital components of the soil, leading to rapid changes in creek morphology and salt marsh retreat. The team's study highlights the devastating impact of nutrient enrichment on coastal ecosystems, threatening cities from storm surges, carb...
A 12-year-long study by ICRAF reveals that combining legume trees with maize fields increases yield stability and reduces fertilizer use. This sustainable solution helps farmers cope with droughts and degraded soils, producing consistent and relatively high yields year after year.
A new crop insurance plan offers Rwandan farmers protection from extreme weather, using automated weather stations. The program, called Kilimo Salama, provides insurance to thousands of farmers in the Southern and Western provinces, shielding them from financial losses.
A new research project led by University of Minnesota scientists could lead to the development of sustainable, drought-resistant turf grasses. The project, funded by a $2.1 million grant, aims to breed low-input grasses that require less water, fertilizer, and pesticide.
A $250,000 NSF grant will support the largest indoor hydroponic gardening initiative for youths in Boston's history. The program, led by Professor Michael Barnett, will teach 600 students about science, nutrition, and economics through soil-free gardening technology.
Farmers can create detailed maps using NASA and USGS Landsat satellite data to identify areas suitable for crops, reducing fertilizer waste and promoting sustainable agriculture. The technology uses band combinations to rapidly recognize features and changes over time, supporting crop analysis and decision-making.
Carbon dioxide released into oceans due to water pollution and air increases may be harming commercial fish populations. A new model predicts that nutrient runoff from fertilizer, human waste, and other pollutants could worsen ocean acidification, impacting species like clams, oysters, scallops, and mussels.
Researchers at USDA's ARS have identified sorghum as a promising bioenergy crop thanks to its drought tolerance, versatility, and high biomass content. The plant can produce sugar that can be converted into biofuel, making it an attractive alternative for the southern US region.
Researchers at Oregon State University are developing a photosynthetic biorefinery to produce affordable products from diatoms. They aim to create a facility that can simultaneously produce semiconductors, biomedical products and biofuels using cheap materials like silicon and nitrates.
A team of scientists from Texas A&M AgriLife Research is conducting a study to monitor fertilizer runoff and establish management practices for new turf in Central Texas. The study, sponsored by The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, aims to understand how different fertilization and irrigation methods affect runoff volume and nutrient load.
Researchers found that closing the yield gap on underperforming lands could boost production significantly, while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. The study suggests that more strategic use of fertilizer and water could lead to substantial gains in crop production and reduced adverse environmental impacts.
A U.S. Department of Agriculture scientist has discovered a natural, biodegradable chelating agent called EDDS that can replace existing fertilizers contributing to waterway pollution. The findings support the use of EDDS in floral and nursery crop industries, promoting environmental sustainability.
Researchers at the University of California, Irvine (UCI), have found that commercial natural gas capture accounts for up to 70% of the dramatic leveling off in atmospheric methane levels since the late-20th century. The study suggests that changes in fossil fuel use were a major factor in this trend.
Researchers discovered that two nanomaterials, cerium oxide and zinc oxide, can profoundly alter soil-based food crop quality and yield. The study found that zinc oxide nanoparticles increased the level of zinc in plant tissues, while cerium oxide reduced nitrogen fixation, compromising soil fertility.
A Spanish researcher proposes using urine as a CO2 absorbent, producing ammonium bicarbonate and calcium carbonate when combined with olive waste water. The mixture can absorb various grams of CO2 per liter and reduce emissions by 1% in a stable manner.
A team led by an MSU professor has created a cost-effective way to remove phosphorous from wastewater, reducing eutrophication and toxic algae growth. The new method uses nanoparticles composed of iron to efficiently absorb phosphorous, which can be recovered for fertilizer products.
A team of researchers at the University of Missouri is working on a $5.4 million grant project to develop non-food biofuel crops that can thrive in marginal land without affecting food production. The goal is to produce 6-8 billion gallons of liquid fuel annually, with minimal impact on the food supply.
A study found that when grasshoppers change their diet to high-energy carbohydrates under stress from spiders, it affects the decomposition of organic matter in soil. This leads to a slower breakdown of uneaten plants, resulting in lower quality fertilizer and reduced microbial activity.
Researchers found that predators can alter how microbes break down organic matter, leading to changes in soil carbon dioxide release and decomposition rates. This highlights the importance of considering animal influence on ecosystem functioning, especially in an era of biodiversity loss.
Biofuels' environmental benefits are overstated due to neglected GHG emissions and flawed Life Cycle Analysis models. The study highlights the omission of CO2 from vehicles using ethanol and biodiesel as a key contributor to this overestimation.
Researchers found that estrogens convert from one form to another in anoxic conditions, stalling biodegradation and complicating detection. The study reveals a reverse transformation process, where estrone reverts to alpha- and beta-estradiols, inhibiting further degradation.
Researchers at Ben-Gurion University successfully tested a solar-powered desalination system that provides high-quality irrigation water for crops in arid regions. The system uses nanofiltration membranes to treat brackish water, resulting in 25% less irrigation and fertilizer needed compared to traditional practices.
Researchers at Purdue University have discovered that a widely available fungicide can inhibit steroid production in plants, resulting in smaller, more efficient varieties. These 'dwarfed' plants could significantly reduce agriculture's environmental footprint and costs for seed producers.
Clemson University researcher Julia Frugoli has been awarded a nearly $600,000 four-year grant to study how plant roots communicate with each other to control growth. This research could lead to nitrogen-free farming methods that increase food supply and benefit agricultural production.
A team led by Janine Sherrier is using Medicago truncatula to study symbiotic relationships between legumes and rhizobia, with potential benefits for crop production and reducing energy-intensive fertilizer production. This research could help lower production costs and environmental impact.
Researchers at Case Western Reserve University have discovered a parallel between bacterial and human cell behavior, shedding light on potential treatments for diseases. The study found that nitric oxide plays a fundamental regulatory role in controlling bacterial function via S-nitrosylation.
Researchers developed a modern water treatment plant using rainwater and treated wash water for personal needs. Vacuum sewage systems significantly reduce water consumption and lower costs. The DEUS technology recovers biogas, produces fertilizer, and benefits regions with extreme water shortages
Research found that strip-till farming produces higher yields than no-till systems due to more efficient phosphorus and potassium use. The study also revealed that strip-till helps retain soil water, leading to better plant growth conditions.
Fertilizer placement in strip-tilled fields causes non-uniform distribution of potassium and phosphorus, affecting whole-field fertility. To address this issue, researchers recommend taking multiple samples outside the fertilizer band for more accurate assessments.
A new study suggests that reducing nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from the industrial and agricultural sectors by 50% is crucial to meet the IPCC's most aggressive strategy for climate change mitigation. The study found that a 50% reduction in meat consumption per person is necessary to stabilize atmospheric N2O concentrations.
A study by University of California, Berkeley chemists links increased fertilizer use to nitrous oxide rise, a major greenhouse gas contributing to global climate change. The study uses nitrogen isotope data to identify the fingerprint of fertilizer use in archived air samples from Antarctica and Tasmania.
Key indicators of the planet's state include higher carbon dioxide levels, rising air and ocean temperatures, melting sea ice and permafrost, and biodiversity loss. Scientists warn that if trends are not reversed, critical thresholds will be pushed beyond, leading to catastrophic consequences.