The US Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service has released new geospatial data products, including satellite images of agricultural land cover across most of the nation. These cropland data layers can be used to monitor crop rotation patterns, land use changes, and water resources.
A study by Oregon State University economists found that countries like France and the US fare well due to competitive crop production and few trade barriers. In contrast, low-income countries suffer from higher trade restrictions and below-average productivity.
Researchers introduced a single bacterial gene into yeast to improve bioethanol production from agricultural waste, increasing ethanol yields while eliminating major byproducts glycerol and acetate. The innovation addresses second-generation bioethanol challenges, enabling more efficient and sustainable production.
A new study projects variable impacts of climate change on maize and bean harvests in East Africa, presenting both threats and opportunities for farmers. With adequate investment, the region can achieve food security despite predicted declines in staple crop production.
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.
African biosafety regulators will receive science-based information on biotechnology, protecting farmers, consumers, and the environment. The initiative aims to reduce poverty through improved agricultural practices.
Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.
Researchers discovered higher levels of pathogens and co-infections in honeybees from collapsing colonies, but no single pathogen can be identified as the cause. The study suggests that CCD may be contagious or caused by exposure to a common risk factor impairing bee immune systems.
Researchers have discovered a natural food preservative in mango seeds, which can inhibit the growth of deadly bacteria like Listeria. This breakthrough could help prevent outbreaks and save lives, as well as reduce waste by recycling fruit kernels.
Perennial crops offer a solution to unsustainable agricultural systems by producing more, requiring less input, and maintaining soil health. Increasing landscape diversity can also boost populations of pests' natural enemies, reducing the need for pesticides.
Emory researchers are using DNA sequencing technology to study the genomics of agricultural ant societies, which could lead to breakthroughs in waste processing and agriculture. The project aims to understand how ants have evolved to process huge amounts of organic material over millions of years.
Agriculture is expected to see an increase in supply and demand, leading to higher real prices for grain and oilseeds. The rising trend of corn and soybean yields in major production areas, combined with new technologies and genetic improvements, will contribute to this growth.
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.
A new tool developed at Purdue University helps sort out how to choose the best non-point source pollution control strategies for water resources. By analyzing data from an area, it can compute the most cost-effective solutions in just a few hours.
The new grants will study the use and impacts of nitrogen, essential to life but also causing environmental problems such as climate change. The research aims to improve data-collection methods and quantify necessary reductions in nitrous oxide emissions to reduce agricultural pollution.
A recent review of contaminated waters found high concentrations of pharmaceuticals, including antibiotics, in natural and drinking waters. The study warns that increased farm usage of anti-infectives may augment levels in future agricultural wastewater, posing a risk to aquatic biota and human health.
Scientists from the POLARCAT campaign found that agricultural fires in Russia, Kazakhstan, China, and other countries are releasing large amounts of soot into the atmosphere, accelerating melting of snow and ice. This report highlights the importance of controlling these emissions as a supplemental strategy to reduce carbon dioxide.
The study clarifies the chemical nature of the ISNT and its relationship to microbial growth. It finds that the test mainly detects bacterial amino sugars, suggesting this form of soil nitrogen is key to its effectiveness in predicting corn yield response.
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.
A perspective article published in International Journal of Private Law suggests that the prairies can capitalize on environmentally friendly farming practices and produce renewable energy sources. The author proposes solutions such as marketable sod, fertilizers, bio-methane, and artificial wetlands to address climate change.
Researchers found that nitrous oxide production rates in small stream sediments are linked to nitrate availability. The study suggests that management efforts to reduce nitrous oxide production should focus on limiting nitrate transport to stream ecosystems.
Experts from Queen's University are in India to advise on reducing parasitic infections that destroy plants and animals, costing the world economy $200 billion annually. The delegation will share their expertise on managing drug resistance in livestock and promoting modern agricultural practices.
A recent study by Arizona State University's Charles Perrings highlights the substantial economic impact of invasive species on agriculture, fisheries, forestry, and ecosystems. In some countries, such as South Africa and Brazil, invasive species account for up to 112% of agricultural GDP.
Researchers will analyze the genome of five wheat varieties using new DNA sequencing technology to generate tools for breeders to select key agricultural traits. This project aims to speed up current breeding programs by highlighting natural genetic variation between wheat types.
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.
Research suggests that US public funding for specialty crops is inadequate, with production value growth not matched by research spending. Increasing funding could lead to lower fruit and vegetable prices, promoting healthier diets among Americans.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory discovered plant-associated bacteria that can improve plant growth on marginal land, increasing biomass and carbon sequestration. The findings have implications for sustainable biofuel production without competing with food crops or agricultural land.
A team of researchers from Purdue University has developed a precise biosensor for detecting blood glucose and potentially many other biological molecules. The device, resembling a tiny cube-shaped tetherball, uses single-wall carbon nanotubes anchored to gold-coated nanocubes to conduct electrical signals.
The Cereal Systems Initiative for South Asia (CSISA) aims to increase grain production by 5 million tons annually, benefiting six million poor rural households. The project will focus on sustainable cereal production in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal through the development of new crop varieties and technologies.
A study led by University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers found global yields of biofuels crops to be overestimated by 100-150%, highlighting the need for more realistic expectations. This information can empower countries to make informed decisions about agricultural biofuels.
A recent study in the Review of Agricultural Economics reveals that China's horticultural economy has contributed to poverty reduction among small and poor farmers. Despite the emergence of modern supply chains, ensuring food safety remains a challenge due to lack of contractual relationships and accountability.
Green areas in Randstad region may disappear due to lack of targeted agricultural policy, according to Dutch researcher Evelien van Rij. A distinction must be made between traditional Dutch landscapes used for recreation and other agricultural areas to guarantee their continued existence.
A study published in the Review of Agricultural Economics found that both fast food and table service restaurant meals are larger and have more calories than meals prepared at home. However, fast food meals tend to be smaller, resulting in fewer calories overall.
The US Department of Energy Joint Genome Institute has released a complete draft assembly of the soybean genetic code, making it available to researchers. Preliminary studies suggest that the soybean genome contains as many as 66,000 genes, more than twice the number identified in the human genome.
Bui Chi Buu, director general of the Institute of Agricultural Science for Southern Vietnam, has been awarded the Senadhira Rice Research Award for his outstanding work in developing popular rice varieties in Vietnam. His efforts have led to the certification of many rice varieties grown by farmers throughout the Mekong Delta.
Experts warn that cuts in funding for agricultural research and programs could be catastrophic for millions of smallholder farmers in Africa. Targeted investments in areas like controlling stem-rust infections and boosting small-scale fisheries could greatly boost crop yields and lift families out of poverty.
The program aims to develop advanced statistical methodologies for implementing USDA surveys and analyzing survey results. Four focus areas have been identified: multivariate imputation, new design and estimation methodologies, automated editing and imputation methods, and statistical multi-source predictive models.
The US Agency for International Development has awarded a $1 million grant to Virginia Tech to enhance agricultural productivity and trade barriers in Africa. The project aims to increase yields, reduce crop risks, and promote long-term productivity growth through science-based methods.
A Dutch researcher developed an early warning system to monitor food consumption and predict potential shortages in rural Uganda. The system highlights the most pressing issues in a given area at a certain moment in time.
The University of Illinois is receiving a $2 million NSF grant to develop sustainable biofuels infrastructure. Researchers will examine the engineering, social, environmental and economic constraints of building a sustainably-supporting bio-economy.
Researchers will analyze staple food and horticultural markets, focusing on maize, cassava, sorghum, cotton, and vegetables. The goal is to increase agricultural productivity and create efficient, sustainable markets for small farmers.
A recent report by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations highlights that higher food prices are partly to blame for the number of hungry people growing, with around 925 million worldwide. To address this, a second Green Revolution is needed to expand productivity sustainably while preserving natural resources.
A study estimates the economic value of insect pollination worldwide at €153 billion in 2005, which represented 9.5% of global agricultural production. The loss of pollinators would result in a consumer surplus loss of €190-310 billion due to price elasticity of demand.
New research suggests that climate change may increase Middle East rainfall by up to 50% in the Euphrates-Tigris watershed, contrary to previous projections. This could alleviate agricultural challenges and reduce food shortages.
A study published in HortTechnology found that migrant labor raises average wages within green industry firms, but has no significant effects on hours worked and sales. Migrant workers contribute positively to the total number of hours worked by seasonal part-time and full-time employees.
Researchers across the US are calling for a national network of sites like MSU's Long-Term Ecological Research site at Kellogg Biological Station to address agriculture's challenges. A paper in BioScience suggests that a long-term interdisciplinary approach could help address key agricultural issues.
Researchers found that toads in suburban areas are less likely to suffer from reproductive system abnormalities than those near farms. The study highlights the difference between the impact of agriculture versus development on amphibians.
The book offers a holistic approach to understanding nitrogen management, emphasizing accountability and nitrogen budgeting. The authors' broad perspectives address the nitrogen cycle's impact on climate change and soil fertility.
The CSIRO report highlights the importance of building adaptive capacity among farm managers and agri-businesses. It suggests that incremental changes may be sufficient for some regions, while others will need more transformative adaptations.
A Stanford study reveals that reviving abandoned agricultural land for biofuel production could ease the global energy crunch without exacerbating food shortages or climate change. The researchers estimate up to 1-1.2 billion acres of fallow cropland globally, with potential for biomass energy conversion.
A panel of industry representatives emphasizes the importance of biotechnology in creating sustainable industries. Key findings include the potential for biomaterials and sustainable industrial processes to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and promote environmentally sound agricultural methods.
The USGS conducted a holistic study on agricultural chemicals in the environment, collecting field data and employing numerical models to simulate water and chemical transport. The results show that modifications to agricultural practices can profoundly alter chemical transport rates, affecting contaminant dilution and transformation.
The new satellite tool provides daily observations of small areas, allowing for improved yield assessments and modeling of water transfer. This enables the reorientation of irrigation towards crop parcels where it is most needed, facilitating significant improvements in cultivation practices.
A new study reveals that longer, more complex crop rotations increase organic corn yields by 30%, while also improving soybean yields. The results show that diverse crop systems can help address production challenges in organic grain crop production.
Researchers at Kew Gardens are testing a sensor device that gathers crucial data on air temperature, humidity, and soil moisture to help farmers in Africa make informed decisions about planting and harvesting. The device aims to optimize crop yields, reduce waste, and improve food security for local communities.
Donald R. Nielsen, University of California-Davis professor, is recognized for his groundbreaking work in linking theory with field measurements and spatial variability of agricultural soils. He has guided 37 students through graduate degrees and authored over 300 scientific publications.
Researchers discovered that ants have been farming fungus for approximately 50 million years, with four distinct agricultural systems emerging over time. These findings shed light on the evolution of agriculture and could lead to improved human agricultural and medical methods.
A research team led by Mark Hoddle has successfully used biological control to eradicate the glassy-winged sharpshooter, a major agricultural pest, from Tahiti and neighboring islands. The team introduced a microscopic parasitic wasp that attacks the insect's eggs, reducing its population to less than 5% of its original density.
Brent Christner's team found biological particles in precipitation, which can catalyze freezing at warmer temperatures, affecting precipitation patterns. The discovery has implications for understanding agricultural pathogens and their role in the global warming process.
The Government of Bangladesh plans to expand the use of urea deep placement (UDP) technology on 1 million hectares of rice land, expected to boost dry season rice production by 548,000 tons. This technology cuts nitrogen losses significantly, allowing farmers to increase yields by 25% while using less than 50% as much urea as before.