A team of researchers from China created universal critical nitrogen dilution curves for 10 Japonica rice cultivars using machine learning methods. The study found that parameters a and b vary with cultivar, year, site, and N fertilizer quantity and ratio. Three universal N C curves were obtained using different approaches, which accur...
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalPlant Phenomics·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 23, 2023
Scientists at Tohoku University identified regulatory mechanisms in plants that utilize nitrogenous fertilizers, suggesting potential ways to generate crops with reduced fertilizer needs. The study focused on thale cress and aims to apply its findings to major crop plants like rice and cereals.
SourceTohoku University·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateApr 10, 2023
A new soil sensor has been developed to accurately measure temperature and nitrogen levels in soil, enabling farmers to optimize fertilizer use and reduce environmental pollution. The sensor can decouple temperature and nitrogen signals, allowing for precise monitoring of crop health and growth.
SourcePenn State·JournalAdvanced Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 28, 2023
Researchers from Osaka University have improved the Faradaic efficiency of nitrogen reduction into ammonia at ambient pressure using trace water. This work helps optimize the sustainability of the Haber-Bosch reaction, which contributes substantially to global carbon emissions.
SourceOsaka University·JournalACS Energy Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 21, 2023
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Researchers found that Greenlandic glacial rock flour can capture large amounts of CO2 through enhanced weathering, improving crop yields by up to 24% in Danish fields. The fine powder also acts as a natural fertilizer, providing a wider array of nutrients than commercial organic fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - The Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences·JournalInternational Journal of Greenhouse Gas Control·TypeCase study·DateMar 16, 2023
Researchers engineer crops and symbiotic bacteria to produce nitrogen fertilizer, reducing reliance on industrially produced fertilizers. The approach aims to create a symbiotic relationship between the bacteria and crop plants, promoting efficient nutrient exchange.
SourceNanjing Agricultural University The Academy of Science·JournalBioDesign Research·DateMar 8, 2023
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 3, 2023
A study by the University of Bonn has confirmed a significant reduction of methane emissions in slurry by 99% using calcium cyanamide, a long-standing fertilizer. This additive suppresses microbial degradation processes, resulting in lower greenhouse gas production during long-term storage.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalWaste Management·DateMar 3, 2023
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
SourceDrexel University·JournalEnvironmental Science Processes & Impacts·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 15, 2023
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Researchers analyzed 46 waste samples and proposed production opportunities for sustainable fuels, biogas, electricity, chemicals, and organic fertilizer. The study aims to reduce food waste and its environmental impact by finding alternative uses for industrial waste products.
SourceOhio State University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateJan 25, 2023
Researchers found that nitrified urine fertilizers, such as Aurin and CROP, can be used safely and productively in agriculture. The study tested these fertilizers on cabbage cultivation, with results showing yields comparable to conventional fertilizer products.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Environmental Science·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 16, 2023
UC Berkeley chemists designed and synthesized porous materials that bind and release ammonia at moderate pressures and temperatures, saving energy. The new MOFs could enable a more sustainable fertilizer production by producing ammonia closer to farmers.
SourceUniversity of California - Berkeley·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 11, 2023
A new study found a clear increase in sulfur fertilizer use in the Midwest as atmospheric sulfur deposition declined. The study, which analyzed decades of data, suggests that farmers replaced lost airborne nutrient with fertilizer.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateJan 9, 2023
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
SourceETH Zurich·JournalEnvironmental Research·DateDec 19, 2022
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Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateDec 19, 2022
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
SourceWest Virginia University·JournalEnvironmental Technology·DateDec 12, 2022
Scientists have successfully grown a heat-loving methanogen that can fix nitrogen while producing methane, a process that could lead to more efficient fertilizer and biofuel production. The microbe, Methanothermococcus thermolithotrophicus, uses a unique metabolism to acquire energy from methaneogenesis.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalmBio·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 22, 2022
Researchers at Drexel University have conducted a lifecycle analysis of nitrogen reclamation from wastewater, showing that it's technically viable and could help reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production. The study suggests air-stripping technology can be used to remove ammonia from wastewater, producing fertilizer chemi...
SourceDrexel University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2022
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Researchers at Università Cattolica developed a bio and green fertilizer from food chain waste, reducing chemical nitrogen fertilizers by 30% and improving plant growth. The study estimates a 40% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions associated with chemical fertilizer production.
SourceUniversita Cattolica del Sacro Cuore·JournalLand·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 18, 2022
A new study found that healthier plant-based dietary patterns had lower cardiovascular disease risk and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to less healthy plant-based diets. Diets high in refined grains, sugary drinks, and processed meat required more cropland, fertilizer, and irrigation water.
SourceHarvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet Planetary Health·TypeObservational study·DateNov 10, 2022
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
A team of scientists has discovered that repurposing CO2 from building exhaust as a fertilizer can help plants on rooftop farms grow larger and healthier. Studies found that spinach grown next to the vents had four times the biomass of controls, while corn also showed significant growth advantages.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 24, 2022
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A research team at UFSCar developed a biodegradable slow-release fertilizer using modified nanocellulose, which releases nutrients slowly and in a controlled manner. The material is designed to reduce the release of non-biodegradable chemicals into the ecosystem.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalCarbohydrate Polymers·DateOct 17, 2022
A new concept is presented to increase nitrogen fertilization efficiency and reduce nitrous oxide emission in agriculture. Crop plant-derived biological inhibitors are proposed as an economical alternative to chemical fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Vienna·JournalTrends in Plant Science·DateOct 10, 2022
Temporal variation in precipitation caused by climate change negatively affects crop growth, leading to declining yields and increasing reactive nitrogen losses. The study found that adjusting fertilizer application amounts can reduce nitrogen losses, but may not increase crop yields.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022
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Crop residue and pig manure slow down nitrogen release compared to synthetic fertilizer, reducing nitrogen loss through synchronized nutrient release and crop demand. Substituting up to 40% synthetic nitrogen with organic amendments can maintain high crop yield and significantly reduce nitrogen loss from sloping cropland.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 15, 2022
Researchers at the University of California, Davis have discovered a new pathway for cereals to capture nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for expensive fertilizers. The breakthrough could save farmers billions of dollars annually and benefit the environment by decreasing nitrogen pollution.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalPlant Biotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2022
The total ammonia emissions in China increased from 9.64 Tg in 2013 to 9.75 Tg in 2015, before decreasing to 9.12 Tg in 2018. Fertilizer and livestock are the main sources of ammonia emissions, accounting for over 80%.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateJul 20, 2022
A new study suggests that the bones of fallen Battle of Waterloo soldiers were likely sold as fertilizer due to the scarcity of human remains found on the battlefield. The research, published in the Journal of Conflict Archaeology, is based on original data and visitor accounts from the time period.
SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of Conflict Archaeology·DateJun 17, 2022
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalField Crops Research·DateJun 13, 2022
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Researchers at Rutgers University have made a groundbreaking discovery about nitrogen-fixing bacteria in leaf cells, which can provide plants with essential nutrients. This breakthrough has the potential to transform crop cultivation methods, reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
SourceRutgers University·JournalBiology·DateJun 8, 2022
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy·DateJun 6, 2022
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateMay 18, 2022
Scientists have developed a novel 'green' fertilizer that uses an advanced milling technique to produce slow-release soil nutrient crystals. The method reduces nitrogen pollution and energy consumption compared to traditional fertilizers.
SourceDeutsches Elektronen-Synchrotron DESY·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 11, 2022
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A team of scientists found that two beneficial microorganisms (Aureobasidium pullulans and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens) and a copper phosphite fertilizer can reduce Verticillium Wilt in olive trees by up to 70%. The study suggests that these compounds induce resistance in plants through different metabolic pathways, offering a non-speci...
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 3, 2022
Researchers create high-performance catalyst to pull ammonia and solid fertilizer from low-level nitrates in industrial wastewater, reducing carbon dioxide emissions. The process works at room temperature and under ambient pressure, with potential for decentralized ammonia production.
SourceRice University·JournalNature Nanotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 2, 2022
Researchers propose that wildlife can return phosphorus to the land by restoring interconnected animal communities, revitalizing ancient pathways of natural fertilization. This approach aims to generate sources of fertilizer for farmers and increase ecosystem resilience in the face of climate change.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateApr 11, 2022
European soybean production has significant economic and environmental advantages, including fixing nitrogen in the soil and reducing fertilizer use. Projections suggest that Europe can achieve 50-100% soybean self-sufficiency with a 2-6 times increase in cultivated land.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Food·DateApr 11, 2022
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Researchers assess development and performance of tailored approaches to fertilizer application in SSA, highlighting scalability and technical challenges. Solutions to overcome barriers to widespread adoption are outlined, including investment in soil capacity estimation and farmer-friendly digital tools.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalField Crops Research·TypeLiterature review·DateMar 30, 2022
Researchers at University of Gothenburg found that process water from the food industry can be used as fertilizer in land-based seaweed cultivation, increasing growth rates by over 60% and protein content quadrupled. This sustainable approach could provide an alternative source of protein in future foods.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalAlgal Research·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 29, 2022
The region needs to close its yield gap substantially to reduce rice imports and maintain a surplus for exports. Closing the existing yield gap will require improvements in crop management practices such as fertilizer use, irrigation, nutrient management, and integrated pest management.
SourceInternational Rice Research Institute·JournalNature Food·DateMar 24, 2022
Researchers used single cell RNA-sequencing to identify specific cells and genes in maize roots responsible for nitrate uptake. The study provides valuable insights into optimizing root nutrient uptake ability in crops.
SourceCactus Communications·JournalThe Crop Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 22, 2022
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Scientists have discovered that the onset of microbial fertilizer factories on the Earth's seafloor roughly 2.6 billion years ago was a crucial step in the rise of oxygen levels during the Great Oxidation Event. This recycling process fueled photosynthetic bacteria, which increased oxygen production and paved the way for complex life t...
SourceUniversity of Leeds·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 10, 2022
A study by McGill University researchers shows that tailored fertilizer recommendations based on on-site soil tests can significantly improve maize yields. The approach also helps farmers overcome financing constraints, increasing productivity and profits while minimizing environmental impact.
SourceMcGill University·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateMar 9, 2022
A recent field study examines the 2006 Abuja Declaration's effects on N fertilizer use, yield potential, and soil fertility. The study found that partial N balances exceeded optimal ranges, highlighting insufficient N input and elevated risk of soil depletion.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 25, 2022
Research comparing site-specific nutrient management approaches to existing farmer fertilization practices shows SSNM improves average rice yield by 644 kg/ha, increases profitability, and reduces N losses. SSNM also promotes better nutrient balance and considers micronutrients like zinc and iron.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeLiterature review·DateDec 14, 2021
A new study reveals that balancing iron and phosphorus levels is crucial to prevent chlorosis, a condition associated with yellowing leaves. The research team found that removing phosphorus can help restore photosynthesis, highlighting the need for more environmentally friendly agricultural practices.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 10, 2021
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A study by FAU Harbor Branch reveals that even properly functioning septic systems contribute to nitrogen pollution in the Indian River Lagoon. Groundwater samples showed higher dissolved nutrient concentrations than surface waters, indicating contaminated groundwater as a major source of nutrient loading.
SourceFlorida Atlantic University·JournalMarine Pollution Bulletin·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 2, 2021
A NASA-led study tracks changes in atmospheric ammonia concentrations in Africa from 2008 to 2018, revealing rises and falls in ammonia emissions linked to agricultural activities. The research highlights the need for sustainable agriculture practices to mitigate the impact of growing populations on food security.
SourceNASA/Goddard Space Flight Center·JournalAtmospheric Chemistry and Physics·DateNov 17, 2021
Scientists at Tokyo Institute of Technology have developed an environmentally friendly process to chemically recycle bio-based plastics into fertilizers. The process, which uses ammonia to break down the plastics, produces nitrogen-rich molecules that can be used as fertilizer, showing promising results in plant growth experiments.
SourceTokyo Institute of Technology·JournalGreen Chemistry·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 28, 2021
A new study maps global cropland nitrous oxide emissions and finds that reducing fertilizer application over 20% of the world's croplands could achieve 65% of global mitigation potential. The research identifies hotspots of high emissions in humid subtropical regions, where climate and soil characteristics play a significant role.
Agricultural runoff from fertilizer is converted into nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas, in rivers and streams. Researchers found that denitrification efficiency and streambed conditions significantly impact N2O emissions, offering potential avenues for reducing climate change.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalAGU Advances·DateOct 19, 2021
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A new study using machine learning uncovers 'genes of importance' in plants that help them grow more efficiently with less fertilizer, reducing economic and environmental costs. The approach also predicts additional traits in plants and disease outcomes in animals.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 24, 2021
ORNL is increasing its efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the US agricultural sector through science-based changes in practices. The lab has discovered a single gene that can make crops more drought-tolerant and productive, while also pulling CO2 from the atmosphere.
SourceDOE/Oak Ridge National Laboratory·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 21, 2021
Scientists at the University of Bonn and IPK discover that plants use signaling molecule InsP8 as a proxy for overall phosphate status. ITPK1 enzyme plays a key role in this process, regulating phosphate sensing and mobilization. The findings have far-reaching consequences for sustainable crop production.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
A comprehensive review found that site-specific nutrient management (SSNM) increases yield by 12% and profitability by 15%, while saving 18 kg N/ha and reducing environmental risk. SSNM can detect and correct long-standing nutrient input inadequacies, improving outcomes.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeMeta-analysis·DateSep 2, 2021
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A new study introduces a wild-grass chromosome segment that inhibits nitrification, reducing fertilizer use and nitrous oxide emissions in wheat crops. The technology has the potential to increase yields and grain quality in both well-fertilized and nitrogen-poor soils.
SourceInternational Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 1, 2021
Researchers at Cornell University have discovered a way to transform cow manure into a manageable, ecologically friendly biochar fertilizer through pyrolysis. This process reduces water content from 90% to zero, alleviating environmental issues and saving farmers money.