A new study characterizes human urine-derived nutrients for sustainable agriculture, revealing three supply-demand typologies across the globe. Countries with co-located supply-demand, like India and Uganda, can reuse nutrients locally, while dislocated countries, such as the US and Australia, need concentrated fertilizer production.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 19, 2021
A new study suggests that growing stinkweed as a crop could produce cleaner jet fuel with fewer environmental impacts than other biofuels. The study found that stinkweed requires less fertilizer and pesticides, resulting in lower carbon dioxide emissions and air pollution.
SourceOhio State University·JournalApplied Energy·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 2, 2021
A team of researchers has identified a gene called ZmCIPK15 that regulates the angle of root growth in corn, leading to improved nitrogen capture. This discovery could support breeding of crops with deeper roots to enhance food security, particularly in regions where nutrient deficiencies are prevalent.
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A new paper synthesizes results from nearly thirty researchers on nitrogen management in agriculture, identifying areas for improvement and providing a foundation for sustainable nitrogen management. The study's findings have significant implications for addressing food security and environmental pollution challenges.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·JournalNature Food·DateJul 15, 2021
The article highlights the significant impact of nitrous oxide on the ozone layer and climate change. Chemical companies are now developing efficient technologies to reduce N2O emissions, including catalyst-based processes that can decrease emissions by up to 90%. The industry is also exploring alternative uses for captured N2O emissions.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalChemical & Engineering News·DateJul 14, 2021
A new method for producing urea, a critical fertilizer element, has been developed by researchers at the University of Texas at Austin. The process uses electrocatalysis and reduces energy consumption compared to traditional methods.
SourceUniversity of Texas at Austin·JournalNature Sustainability·DateJul 14, 2021
A study finds that cropland redistribution to marginal lands undermines environmental sustainability, increasing wind erosion, irrigation water consumption, fertilizer use, and decreasing natural habitats. The study suggests restricting land reclamation and boosting crop yields for both food security and environmental benefits.
SourceScience China Press·JournalNational Science Review·DateJun 24, 2021
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A green transition roadmap for emissions-reducing technologies could achieve net negative emissions through optimized fertilizer application, low-emission alternatives, and system redesign. This plan aims to generate environmental benefits while fulfilling societal functions in row crop agriculture.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 21, 2021
Researchers developed county-level nitrogen application datasets for corn, improving the accuracy of greenhouse gas calculations. The new approach found excess nitrogen application in most US corn-producing counties, particularly in the Midwest and Northern Plains.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateJun 18, 2021
Researchers develop a novel aquaponics treatment system inspired by sewage plants that breaks down fish sludge and turns nutrients from fish waste into an effective fertilizer for plants. The system successfully delivers nutrients to plants in the form of a liquid fertilizer, improving plant growth and reducing waste.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·DateJun 14, 2021
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that mixed farming methods could eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the US if established across high-quality cropland. The methods reduce synthetic fertilizer use and increase protein production while reducing beef consumption by 20%.
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Researchers found that US agriculture contributes to 15,900 annual deaths due to poor air quality, mainly from ammonia emissions. Improving livestock manure management and using fertilizer additives can reduce mortality from poor air quality by consuming more plant-based foods.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 10, 2021
A novel matrix-based slow-release urea was developed to improve nitrogen use efficiency in rice production, reducing nitrogen loss and increasing soil nitrogen availability. The new fertilizer showed significant agronomic nitrogen efficiency gains and improved rice yields.
SourceHefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalPedosphere·DateMay 7, 2021
A team of scientists has identified a protein called SYFO1, which plays a crucial role in the initial contact between legume roots and symbiotic bacteria. The protein causes root hairs to change direction, allowing them to wrap around bacteria and form beneficial relationships.
SourceUniversity of Freiburg·JournalCurrent Biology·DateMay 3, 2021
A study by Penn State researchers suggests that dairy farmers can reduce nitrous oxide emissions from corn crops by applying manure after planting and using organic nitrogen amendments. The results show that this approach can lower total nitrogen application and mitigate climate change, while also protecting water quality.
SourcePenn State·JournalNutrient Cycling in Agroecosystems·DateApr 22, 2021
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A new study shows that incorporating legumes into traditional crop rotations can significantly reduce environmental impacts while increasing nutritional value for humans and livestock. Legumes are a sustainable source of nitrogen, enriching the soil with essential nutrients and providing protein, fiber, and vitamins.
SourceFrontiers·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·DateApr 13, 2021
Researchers from the University of Córdoba found that foliar application is an efficient strategy to increase zinc content in plants by up to 50%. This method was more effective than soil application and can be beneficial for growers in developing countries where diets are limited to vegetable products grown in low-nutrient soils.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalPlant and Soil·DateApr 9, 2021
Researchers have discovered a fungus that can improve nutrient uptake and yield in ketchup tomatoes, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. The fungus, Ceriporia lacerata, enhances enzyme activity in soil and increases sugar-acid ratio, vitamin C content, and flavor in tomatoes.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalJournal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry·DateMar 31, 2021
A new study found that decades of corn breeding led to a degradation of sustainable nitrogen-fixing microbes in the soil, contributing to increased greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers recreated the history of corn breeding from 1949 to 1986 and found modern corn varieties recruit fewer beneficial microbes than earlier varieties.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalThe ISME Journal·DateMar 16, 2021
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Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered a simple polymer additive can cut agricultural pollution in half by improving fertilizer stickiness. The study found that combining fertilizers with a miniscule amount of polyethylene oxide nearly eliminated environmental loss, reducing percentage from 30 to just five.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalPhysics of Fluids·DateMar 8, 2021
Researchers aim to understand and analyze the interconnectedness of these life-sustaining systems by investigating how nitrogen flows through agricultural production systems. The goal is to improve nitrogen-use efficiency and address challenges such as water scarcity and energy demands.
SourceUniversity of Maryland Center for Environmental Science·DateFeb 22, 2021
Researchers at RUDN University have developed a biopolymer filter that captures phosphates and nitrates from wastewater using microalgae, making it a potential sustainable fertilizer. The filter is made of chitosan-based polymer and shows high efficiency in consuming nutrients.
SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Water Process Engineering·DateFeb 19, 2021
A two-year study in Brazil found that fertilizing a grass cover crop with potassium improved cotton fiber quality, leading to higher market value. The technique also reduced production cost by optimizing operational logistics and conserving water.
SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalScientific Reports·DateFeb 16, 2021
Excessive fertilizer use is costing US corn farmers billions of dollars every year, with one-third of applied fertilizer compensating for ongoing soil fertility loss. The true cost of fertilizer use goes beyond economic costs, also impacting the environment and freshwater ecosystems.
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A CABBI study shows energy sorghum behaves more like perennial miscanthus in its efficient use of water and light to produce abundant biomass. Energy sorghum has higher nitrogen emissions than maize but can be managed with careful fertilizer, offering a middle-road crop solution.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·DateJan 7, 2021
Researchers found a key gene, OsTCP19, that helps rice adapt to low soil nitrogen levels. By introducing this gene into modern cultivars, farmers can improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer use, leading to more sustainable agricultural practices.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature·DateJan 6, 2021
A new analysis of global data reveals that fertilizer pollution in streams and rivers can lead to increased growth across the food web, including algae, insects, and fish. The study suggests regulators should expand their view beyond algal responses to reduce nutrient runoff.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalBiological Reviews·DateDec 17, 2020
A University of Michigan-led study finds that urine diversion and recycling can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, freshwater consumption, and the potential for algal blooms. The method also has lower environmental impacts than conventional wastewater treatment and fertilizer production methods.
SourceUniversity of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateDec 15, 2020
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Researchers at Tokyo University of Science devise a new electrochemical technology to manufacture ammonia-based fertilizer from urea, addressing the problem of food production in closed environments. The study aims to provide a solid basis for sustaining long-term stay in extremely closed spaces such as space stations.
SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalNew Journal of Chemistry·DateDec 14, 2020
Farmers in Tanzania misuse fertilizers at low rates due to misconceptions about quality. A study found that appearance affects their willingness to buy, with poor-looking products commanding lower prices. The researchers interviewed farmers and recorded transactions to analyze the impact of physical appearance on fertilizer purchases.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Development Economics·DateDec 11, 2020
TPU scientists have developed an eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture that retains moisture and fertilizers in soil, degrading into non-toxic products. The new formulation uses natural components like whey protein and alginic acid, reducing the need for freshwater conservation and minimizing fertilizer's harmful effects on the soil.
SourceTomsk Polytechnic University·JournalJournal of Cleaner Production·DateNov 29, 2020
Researchers at Shinshu University successfully cultivated AM fungi independently using myristate as a fuel source. The breakthrough could lead to the development of sustainable fertilizers for agriculture and forestry, reducing reliance on chemical fertilizers.
SourceShinshu University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 9, 2020
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Researchers studied attine ants and their fungal crops, finding that the ants' ability to target specific nutritional needs evolves as they develop more advanced farming practices. The findings suggest that humans can learn from nature's agricultural systems, which prioritize nutritional sustainability over industrial-scale production.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNature Ecology & Evolution·DateOct 26, 2020
Research finds that glyphosate residue in manure fertilizer inhibits the growth of strawberry and meadow fescue plants, despite reduced soil concentrations. The study also reveals indirect effects, such as increased herbivorous insects on larger strawberries.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateSep 18, 2020
Researchers uncover the production of nitric oxide by methane-eating microbes when they co-metabolize ammonia, a process previously thought to be toxic. This finding has significant implications for understanding the survival and growth of methanotrophs in environments with increasing fertilizer input.
SourceMax Planck Institute for Marine Microbiology·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateSep 13, 2020
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have discovered a plant protein that controls mineral and water uptake, leading to improved stress tolerance and reduced fertilizer use. This breakthrough has the potential to increase crop yields and food security, particularly for subsistence farmers.
SourceUniversity of Nottingham·JournalCurrent Biology·DateSep 4, 2020
A new study found that the yellow mealworm shows promise as a good, sustainable food source due to its high protein content and versatility. The research also identified potential uses for the insect's waste as organic fertilizer.
SourceIndiana University·JournalJournal of Insects as Food and Feed·DateAug 31, 2020
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Interplanting native tree species like rosewood and amarillo with teak in Central America's nutrient-poor soils improves soil health, increases water management, and boosts biodiversity. These findings suggest a more sustainable approach to reforestation and may protect the Panama Canal from flooding and drought.
SourceSmithsonian Tropical Research Institute·JournalNew Forests·DateAug 13, 2020
A new study reveals that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are now the primary source of sulfur emissions, outpacing fossil fuel emissions. This increase in sulfur use has detrimental effects on agricultural soils and downstream waters, similar to acid rain.
SourceSyracuse University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 10, 2020
Research suggests that fertilizer and pesticide applications on croplands are the largest source of sulfur in the environment, exceeding peak levels seen during acid rain days. This increase poses risks to mercury levels, soil degradation, and asthma rates in agricultural areas.
SourceUniversity of Colorado at Boulder·JournalNature Geoscience·DateAug 10, 2020
Researchers used a Skoltech supercomputer to perform sensitivity analysis on soil parameters for crop yield prediction. They found that certain input factors, such as fertilizer usage, significantly impacted crop yields.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·DateAug 7, 2020
Seabirds produce guano that serves as a fertilizer and contributes significantly to coastal and marine ecosystems. The researchers estimated the value of guano production at around $473 million per year, with nutrients deposited by seabirds worth an additional $1 billion annually.
SourceCell Press·JournalTrends in Ecology & Evolution·DateAug 6, 2020
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Researchers argue that one-sided narratives shape the dichotomy between state-led and market-led approaches to promote agricultural development. A combination of state-led initiatives, donor-funded or market-led approaches, and input subsidy programs can work if there is evidence-based policy learning between both camps.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalWorld Development·DateJul 13, 2020
Researchers found that GPS-guided tractors can reduce overlap and gaps in field coverage by up to 6% and 16%, respectively, leading to increased crop production and environmental benefits. This technology has the potential to be adopted by small farms, which currently lag behind larger producers in terms of technology adoption.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgricultural & Environmental Letters·DateJul 1, 2020
The Reutivar App aims to optimize fertilizer and water application in olive orchards, reducing waste and environmental impact. By using reclaimed water with macronutrient content, farmers can control fertilizing calendars and reduce nitrogen use, promoting a more sustainable approach to irrigation.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalComputers and Electronics in Agriculture·DateJun 23, 2020
Researchers investigated potassium fertilization effects on pears in a long history of fertilizer use to establish critical levels. Higher K doses resulted in lower ethylene production and respiration rates, extending storage life.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateJun 11, 2020
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A team of researchers has discovered a way to create a nitrogen-rich fertilizer using human waste, which could increase agriculture yields in developing countries and reduce groundwater contamination. The new method involves recycling nitrogen from urine through a process involving biochar and CO2 priming.
SourceUniversity of Saskatchewan·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateJun 2, 2020
Jonas Baltrusaitis is investigating dry mechanochemical synthesis of urea ionic cocrystals for more stable fertilizer materials. This technology aims to slow down urea hydrolysis, reduce ammonia emissions and extend nitrogen availability to plants.
Researchers found that a transcription factor TGA1 accelerates plant growth in response to nitrogen, leading to increased biomass. The study's findings have implications for improving nitrogen use efficiency in crops, benefiting agriculture and sustainability.
SourceNew York University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
A recent study uses the Noah LSM with multi-parameterization options to quantify the impacts of nitrogen dynamics on terrestrial carbon and water cycles in China. The results show improved simulations of gross primary productivity and leaf area index, with reduced errors and better spatial patterns.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAdvances in Atmospheric Sciences·DateMay 6, 2020
A new membrane-based technique recovers ammonia from urine while removing it as a pollutant from waste streams. This innovation uses moderate temperatures and recycle the ammonia for reuse in fertilizer, providing a more sustainable approach to nitrogen production.
SourceColumbia University School of Engineering and Applied Science·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateMay 6, 2020
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Research reveals that livestock and poultry farming account for 78.08% of agricultural ammonia emissions in Jiangsu Province, with nitrogen fertilizer application contributing 21.92%. The study suggests focusing on controlling ammonia emissions from these sources to mitigate haze pollution.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateApr 13, 2020
Researchers evaluated integrated crop-livestock systems in paddy fields, finding higher grain yields with lower fertilizer application. ICLS promotes nutrient cycling, leading to increased nutrient-use efficiency and reduced dependence on external inputs.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 9, 2020
Researchers at Nagoya University have discovered a hormone produced in nitrogen-starved leaves that regulates the demand and supply of nitrogen between plant shoots and roots. The hormone, CEPDL2, enhances nitrate uptake efficiency, potentially minimizing fertilizer use.
SourceNagoya University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 9, 2020
A new research study led by Miss Yu Yan Yau and Dr Benoit Thibodeau from the University of Hong Kong found that reducing fossil fuel combustion can significantly decrease hypoxic zones in Chinese coastal seas, with the South China Sea being the most sensitive area to nitrogen input
SourceThe University of Hong Kong·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·DateMar 27, 2020
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Research by plant pathologist Gary Stacey aims to develop effective inoculation protocols for biological nitrogen fixation in non-leguminous crops. The study found that bacterial colonization leads to significant shifts in plant metabolism, with some metabolites more abundant in inoculated plants.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalMolecular Plant-Microbe Interactions·DateMar 26, 2020
A recent study found that most ammonia emitted from fertilized paddy fields deposits near the source, rather than entering the atmosphere. This process reduces atmospheric ammonia pollution and is a result of dry deposition.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 20, 2020
Research on ancient hornwort genomes has identified genes that boost carbon dioxide concentration, increasing yield, and those promoting symbiosis with bacteria for nitrogen acquisition. This discovery may lead to more efficient crops requiring less fertilizer.
SourceUniversity of Zurich·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 16, 2020
Researchers sequenced three hornwort genomes, revealing genes that could boost crop efficiency and reduce nitrogen fertilizer use. The findings shed light on the evolution of early land plants and provide insights into the unique biology of hornworts.
SourceBoyce Thompson Institute·JournalNature Plants·DateMar 13, 2020
Soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates using oxygen and diverse processes, making nutrients available to plants. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial roles in the soil nitrogen cycle, which can inform efficient fertilizer use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 11, 2020
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