The Feinstein International Center at Tufts University is awarded an $8.5 million contract to support evidence-gathering from agriculture projects in Ethiopia. The project aims to understand the impact of agricultural development on rural communities and inform policy improvements.
A recent study at Chalmers University of Technology found that greenhouse gas emissions from food production threaten the UN's 2-degree Celsius limit for global warming. Reducing meat and dairy consumption could bring agricultural climate pollution down to safe levels, but broad dietary change can take time.
A study published in Agricultural Systems found that planting cover crops increases eight of eleven ecosystem services, including carbon and nitrogen retention, erosion prevention, and weed suppression. The research highlights the importance of considering temporal dynamics when assessing management system effects on ecosystem services.
Agroforestry is key to increasing food production in Africa by replenishing soils, improving biodiversity, and conserving natural resources. By adopting sustainable agricultural intensification techniques, farmers can meet the growing population's needs without degrading the environment.
Crop intensification through agroforestry can improve soil fertility, biodiversity, and water quality, increasing food production in Africa. By reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers, farmers can maintain nutrient cycling, organic matter build-up, and ecosystem resilience.
African smallholder farmers can benefit from agroforestry practices to increase storage of carbon, enhance agricultural productivity, and improve resilience to climate change impacts. Agroforestry is a win-win solution that addresses both mitigation and adaptation needs in food-focused production systems.
Agricultural fires in Indochina have detrimental effects on the environment, releasing vast amounts of smoke that cause air pollution. The fires also pose health risks to individuals with respiratory concerns.
The recent Ohio River flood of 2011 caused significant agricultural land damage, with approximately 1,000 acres flooded. However, due to the timing of the flood, cultivated soils were not severely impacted, resulting in minimal loss of soil productivity and yield reduction. The study highlights the need for reevaluation and implementat...
Converting natural land to cropland decreases global vegetation growth, with the largest reductions in former tropical forests and savannas. The study's findings have important implications for terrestrial carbon storage, suggesting strategies should be avoided to prevent severe degradation of vegetation growth.
A recent study found that community-focused agriculture has a measurable effect on economic growth in certain US regions. For every $1 increase in agricultural sales, personal income rose by 22 cents over five years.
A Princeton University research team created a model to evaluate how human response to climate change may alter the agricultural utility of land. The study found that most conservation lands have low agricultural utility due to rugged terrain, but some areas could become more valuable for farming in the future.
A modeling study by US Forest Service researchers shows that reforesting the Lower Mississippi Alluvial Valley can significantly reduce runoff from agricultural lands and sediment entering rivers and streams. Converting agricultural lands to forests in or near battures can greatly lessen water outflow and reduce sediment load, with a t...
University of Illinois researchers suggest a partnership between farmers and scientists to develop effective practices for reducing nitrogen and phosphorus losses from agricultural fields. The goal is to find widespread regional acceptance and reduce the size of the hypoxic zone in the Gulf of Mexico.
Historic global trends predict that global forest cover will decline by 10% over the next century unless new technologies boost yields or strategies to decrease food consumption are introduced. Reforestation may increase global forest cover to 35% within 70 years if food production and consumption stabilize.
Advances in agricultural technology have led to the removal of 1.5 billion pounds of unhealthy saturated and trans fats from North American diets since 2006. Scientists are working to meet the increasing demand for protein-rich foods while addressing challenges such as climate change, soil erosion, and evolving pests and diseases.
A recent study by Kansas State University predicts that the High Plains Aquifer will deplete to 69% by 50 years if current irrigation trends continue. Reducing water use could extend the aquifer's lifetime and increase net agricultural production until 2110.
NASA detects hundreds of fires in central Africa on August 21, 2013, suggesting deliberate agricultural burning to manage land and clear unwanted plants. The fires produce smoke degrading air quality and pose threats to species extinction.
Researchers have found pesticides commonly used in California's agricultural regions contaminating Pacific Tree Frogs in remote mountain areas, including national parks. The detection of pyraclostrobin, tebuconazole, and simazine highlights the potential long-term impact on biodiversity.
Researchers found that common fungicides and insecticides can weaken the immune systems of honey bees, making them more susceptible to infection with a deadly parasite. The study's findings highlight the need for stricter regulations on pesticide use during crop pollination.
The Ecological Society of America examines ways to improve soil, water, and nutrient retention, pollinator support, and pest suppression. Sessions focus on land sharing, global-to-local connections, and resilient future interdependencies between conservation and agriculture.
A study published in Science magazine found that current agricultural policies result in considerable financial and environmental costs. The research suggests refocusing public policies could improve the situation by rewarding farmers for ecosystem services like climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and water regulation.
A new study published in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine concludes that US farm subsidy policies contribute to the worsening obesity epidemic by making unhealthy foods affordable for consumers. The study recommends investing in sustainable agriculture and prioritizing public health in agricultural policy.
Researchers found that two 15-year-old constructed marshes in Ohio accumulated soil carbon at an average annual rate of 2150 pounds per acre, surpassing natural wetlands and other agricultural lands. This suggests that restored and man-made wetlands should be considered for long-term carbon storage.
Dozens of agricultural fires in central Africa were detected using NASA's MODIS satellite, highlighting the widespread use of slash-and-burn agriculture methods. These practices threaten biodiversity and air quality, producing smoke that can lead to deforestation and erosion.
A recent study suggests that empowering women farmers with knowledge of improved agricultural practices and modern storage methods can significantly increase food security in Sub-Saharan Africa. This approach has been shown to reduce poverty and post-harvest losses, leading to a more stable food supply.
Agricultural fires are a common occurrence in eastern Russia, particularly during the planting season. The Russian military uses specially equipped transport airplanes to put out over 90 fires, highlighting the need for monitoring and intervention.
Two studies by the University of Pittsburgh researchers found that wood frogs living near agricultural fields are resistant to chlorpyrifos and other insecticides. This increased resistance may be an adaptation to frequent exposure to pesticides, which can harm amphibian populations.
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.
Research finds double cropping associated with higher GDP, median per capita income, and better public sanitation. Double cropping also linked to stronger employment and tax revenue, which benefits entire economy.
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.
A research team led by Anna Michalak found that the 2011 record-breaking algal bloom in Lake Erie was triggered by long-term agricultural practices combined with extreme precipitation, weak lake circulation, and warm temperatures. The team predicts future mega-blooms unless scientifically guided management plans are implemented.
A large-scale study found that wild insects consistently enhance fruit set for a broad range of crops and agricultural practices on all continents. The researchers concluded that losses of wild insects from agricultural landscapes will likely impact both natural heritage and harvests.
A recent study found that managed honey bees are less successful at pollinating crops than wild insects, highlighting the negative consequences of losing wild insect populations. The research emphasizes the need for integrated management practices to promote long-term agricultural production and enhance global crop yields.
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.
To feed the world, Paul Ehrlich advocates for a bottom-up movement focusing on agricultural and demographic planning to address overpopulation and overconsumption. Giving women equal rights is a crucial first step in this effort.
Vegetated drainage ditches have been shown to effectively capture herbicides and insecticides from field runoff, reducing their impact on downstream waterways. This innovative solution provides a cost-effective way for farmers to manage agricultural pollutants and protect natural resources.
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.
Agricultural research and development investments have seen a surge in private sector spending, driving innovations in crop seed, biotechnology, and farm machinery. The USDA study shows how public-private partnerships are crucial for advancing agricultural productivity.
Michigan State University will use a $7.8 million grant to help eight African nations intensify sustainable farming methods and improve environmental quality. The project aims to promote effective government strategies, build capacity of national policy institutes, and support small farmers.
Research estimates that European countries with weak agricultural import controls are more vulnerable to exotic insect pests. The study provides new metrics to evaluate and improve border controls, highlighting the need for better biosecurity measures to prevent invasive insects from entering the continent.
Researchers found that releasing green leaf volatiles increases plant fitness by attracting enemies of herbivores and boosting reproduction. This natural defense mechanism can improve agricultural yields without harming the environment.
Michigan State University will lead a new global food security effort using a $7.3 million federal grant. The program aims to strengthen agricultural research institutions and train researchers in Africa and Asia, focusing on plant breeding, food science, and food security.
Researchers at Michigan State University have developed a novel biofuel production process that produces energy more than 20 times higher than existing methods. The process, known as microbial electrolysis cells (MECs), uses bacteria to breakdown and ferment agricultural waste into ethanol.
A Texas AgriLife Research team is conducting a 3-year study to analyze the benefits of converting traditional cotton land to grow switchgrass or biomass sorghum for bioenergy crops. The study aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote agricultural sustainability.
The Illinois livestock industry contributes significantly to the state's economy, generating over 25,000 jobs and $3.5 billion in production. The report also highlights the importance of strategic partnerships between the livestock industry and meat and dairy processing sectors.
Researchers from Sichuan Agricultural University and BGI reported the atlas of DNA methylomes in porcine adipose and muscle tissues, providing a valuable epigenomic source for obesity prediction and prevention. The study found that different methylated regions in promoters play a more important role in regulating gene expression and ar...
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 computer model assesses ecological impacts and compares effectiveness of strategies to reduce biological diversity risks. The study shows that preserving fallow land and field margins can buffer unintended side-effects and prevent external costs.
The university is launching a new initiative to advance desert agriculture using an olive tree forest planted in Wadi Mashash. The project aims to produce food, cash crops, and sustainable farming practices.
Penn State researchers found that consumers are highly concerned about produce safety, and supermarkets will increasingly require growers to demonstrate good agricultural practices. To comply, growers will need GAP training and educational materials, as supermarkets implement policies requiring third-party certification.
A UC Davis report reveals that over 90% of human-generated nitrate contamination comes from agricultural activity, posing health risks to 1 in 10 people in the state's most productive agricultural areas. Fixes for drinking water systems could cost $20-35 million per year.
Women farmers produce a lower yield on their crops than male farmers by an average of 25 percent. A recent report shows differences in yield in the same household, with female farmers facing restrictions on access to labor and basic farm inputs.
The climatic Solar Terms have advanced by 6-15 days and delayed by 5-6 days across China due to global warming. This shift affects agricultural planning, with earlier springs and later autumns impacting phenology-related terms.
A global plan for sustainable agriculture has been developed to increase food production by doubling current levels, while minimizing environmental damage. The plan combines data from crop records and satellite images to create new models of agricultural systems.
A new study finds that irrigation increases global agricultural productivity by an amount equivalent to the entire US agriculture sector, leading to significant carbon uptake. Adding even small amounts of water can have a bigger impact than larger amounts in wetter regions.
Researchers at USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have created a unique fingerprinting method to identify the source of soil, distinguishing between soils from rural roads and agricultural fields. This innovation has significant implications for managing wind erosion and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A new study links increased insecticide use in the US Midwest to landscape change, finding that simplification of agricultural landscapes boosts crop pest pressure. The research suggests that preserving or restoring semi-natural lands can reduce the need for insecticides and contribute to agricultural economies.
Stanford researchers discovered that local farmers' social and economic networks are key to adopting new technologies, with credit unions playing a significant role. The study found that most farmers rely on credit unions for technical expertise and management advice rather than external experts.
Researchers have uncovered patterns of ancient croplands in Hawaii, providing clues to individual household farming decisions. The findings suggest that these decisions were later adopted by the ruling class, leading to a more complex agricultural system. This study offers insights into the structure of Hawaiian society during this tim...