A new study by the University of Illinois and USDA-Agricultural Research Service has identified the key factors influencing sweet corn yield. The analysis found that seed source is a significant variable, with processors having a choice over which hybrids to use, and high nighttime temperatures also impact yield.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPrecision Agriculture·DateAug 24, 2023
Researchers warn that microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils could contribute to antibiotic-resistant bacteria entering the food chain. This phenomenon is not well known, but studies suggest that plastics can act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial resistant bacteria.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalPathogens·DateAug 23, 2023
GoPro HERO13 Black
GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.
A USTC study reveals the Yangshao culture period's dominant crops were broomcorn millet, foxtail millet, and rice, with millets occupying a main position in agricultural structure. Climate change may have driven this shift around 6400 years ago.
SourceUniversity of Science and Technology of China·JournalArchaeological and Anthropological Sciences·DateAug 21, 2023
A new tool helps evaluate pesticide toxicity at high resolution and suggests targeting a few pesticides in watersheds could significantly reduce aquatic toxicity in California. The Environmental Release Tool (ERT) quantifies pesticide applications and toxicity by watershed, covering hundreds of commodities.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Water·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 9, 2023
The University of Tennessee Extension will host a series of workshops across the state to help agricultural producers navigate labor management. The workshop series aims to improve the economic sustainability of labor-intensive farming operations in Tennessee by reducing risks associated with attracting and retaining agricultural labor.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateAug 3, 2023
Researchers developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon stocks in agricultural fields, reducing the number of samples needed by 30%. The approach uses doubly balanced sampling and accounts for auxiliary information available in elevation maps, satellite images, and previous surveys. By improving soil sampling efficiency, thi...
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGeoderma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 2, 2023
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A Penn State research team is studying the effectiveness of riparian buffers in mitigating excess nutrients, sediments, and pesticides in streams. The study aims to identify areas where buffers are underperforming and develop solutions for restoring and maintaining buffer integrity.
Researchers at Tufts University have developed modified yeast that can efficiently consume agricultural waste biomass sugars, including xylose, arabinose, and cellobiose. This breakthrough enables the production of biofuels, pharmaceuticals, and bioplastics with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
SourceTufts University·JournalMetabolic Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 19, 2023
Researchers found that cultivating reed grass on undrained peat soil or wet meadows can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional potato crop rotation. This approach also offers potential economic benefits and can help restore the original ecosystem with high biodiversity.
The ASPB's annual conference addresses global issues in plant biology, exploring ways to increase food productivity and sequester carbon. Experts discuss advances in agricultural systems, genome editing, and artificial intelligence to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture.
SourceAmerican Society of Plant Biologists·DateJul 6, 2023
Rapid agricultural expansion in South American plains has led to increased flooding, as shallow groundwater tables and declining evapotranspiration reduce hydrological stability. The findings suggest that the conversion of native vegetation to crops contributes to these changes.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateJun 29, 2023
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only)
Sony Alpha a7 IV (Body Only) delivers reliable low-light performance and rugged build for astrophotography, lab documentation, and field expeditions.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 14, 2023
A study from the University of Illinois analyzed 7,839 US meat processing plants to identify factors associated with plant survival. Small and medium-sized plants were more likely to fail than large plants, while business diversification played a critical role in small plant survival.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of the Agricultural and Applied Economics Association·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 13, 2023
Researchers have unlocked the large-scale genomic analysis of foxtail millet, an important cereal crop that has been grown for roughly 11,000 years. The study identified key genes and marker-panels for its evolution and improvement in different environments.
SourceNew York University·JournalNature Genetics·DateJun 8, 2023
The new digital decision support tool DAKIS was developed to help farmers transition to diversified and sustainable agricultural systems. It integrates large datasets, extracts critical analysis, and provides actionable crop management options.
SourceEurasia Academic Publishing Group·JournalEnvironmental Science and Ecotechnology·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 5, 2023
A Japanese-led team used mapping techniques to quantify the impact of agriculture on high-priority conservation areas. The study found that commodities like beef, rice, and soybeans are often produced in high-conservation priority areas, while others like barley and wheat are sourced from low-priority areas.
SourceResearch Institute for Humanity and Nature·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 29, 2023
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.
Carefully planned restoration of agricultural coffee landscapes can increase crop yield by promoting pollinators' habitat, leading to long-term conservation and economic benefits. Over a 40-year period, strategically allocating land to agriculture and forest can double profits for landholders while increasing forest cover by 20%.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Biology·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 23, 2023
Researchers identified three main topics: environmental perception, risk assessment and mitigation, and human factors and ergonomics in automated agricultural machines. The study highlights the need for improved sensors and safety standards to address the challenges posed by dynamic environments.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSafety·TypeLiterature review·DateMay 15, 2023
Agricultural economist Charles Towe found that non-resident owners, mainly from NYC, are buying up farmland in Columbia County, leading to idle land and low-value farming practices. This trend has significant economic implications for the local community.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalLand Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMay 11, 2023
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·DateApr 28, 2023
A recent study in Heilongjiang Province, China found a significant positive correlation between farmers' adoption of organic fertilizer and biopesticides. The technical environment played a crucial role in promoting their adoption, with factors such as training, accessibility, and information exchange increasing the likelihood of adopt...
SourceHigher Education Press·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 26, 2023
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
Researchers used drones to capture images of corn fields damaged by wild pigs in Texas, finding an average loss of 3,416 kg of corn per hectare and a direct cost to producers of up to $48.24 per hectare. The damage occurred mainly in later growth stages, when corn ears were maturing.
SourceWiley·JournalWildlife Society Bulletin·DateApr 19, 2023
Scientists at the University of Córdoba develop biodegradable materials from agricultural waste to clean air. The new material, with a three-dimensional structure, increases photocatalytic particles' exposure to light, resulting in enhanced air purification.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 19, 2023
The National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program has successfully collected herd production data for 100 years, providing crucial input for cattle breeding and genetics. The program's cooperative structure, data interoperability, and governance model make it a unique example of how data collection benefits producers.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalApplied Economic Perspectives and Policy·TypeCase study·DateMar 23, 2023
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that local enforcement of manure management regulations can effectively reduce nutrient concentrations in rivers and lakes. The study focuses on Wisconsin's unique approach, which allows counties to participate in enforcement without state approval.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 21, 2023
Researchers from UPF's CaSEs research group have developed sustainable agricultural strategies using traditional small-scale rainfed agriculture for drought-tolerant crops like finger millet and sorghum. The study provides novel information on the intersection of traditional ecological knowledge and academic knowledge.
SourceUniversitat Pompeu Fabra - Barcelona·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeObservational study·DateFeb 28, 2023
Researchers synthesized global data from nearly 600 studies on biochar to analyze its potential as a climate-smart agricultural practice. Biochar acts like a sponge, improving soil's capacity to hold water and nutrients, making it more resilient to droughts and sustaining crop yields.
SourceUniversity of Connecticut·JournalRenewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews·TypeSystematic review·DateFeb 21, 2023
A new study published in Biogeosciences suggests that agricultural soil erosion may actually create an organic carbon sink, rather than a source. The researchers argue that the 'geomorphic OC pump' transfers organic carbon from the atmosphere to upland soils, which can be stored in sedimentary environments.
SourceEuropean Geosciences Union·JournalBiogeosciences·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2023
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
Even after 80 years of abandonment, former agricultural sites have only partially recovered in terms of plant diversity compared to undisturbed sites. Researchers from iDiv and other institutions found that restoration interventions can help speed up the recovery process by targeting specific species composition.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 7, 2023
Global market trends are changing as Brazil catches up with US cotton exports, driven by trade policies and increased production. Brazilian cotton exports have risen significantly, while US exports have declined, especially in the Chinese market.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateFeb 6, 2023
OmniVis, a pathogen detection company, has received $100,000 from the Purdue Ag-Celerator fund to establish a field pilot for its hand-held devices. The funding aims to test the devices in real-world settings and make connections with the agricultural community.
The article highlights that forests are not just threatened by agricultural expansion, but also by the consumption of non-agricultural products and international trade. Intact forests play a crucial role in regulating climate and biodiversity, and their loss can have significant indirect impacts on carbon emissions and biodiversity loss.
SourceCell Press·JournalOne Earth·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJan 20, 2023
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
Penn State researchers created a customized food safety training program for farmers market vendors, addressing inadequate practices in Pennsylvania and other states. The program resulted in significant knowledge gains and changes in attitudes among participants.
SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Extension·DateJan 18, 2023
A recent study found that agricultural droughts in Central Asia will continue to worsen due to human-induced warming and natural climate variability. The researchers used ensemble simulations and observations to project future changes in agricultural droughts across the region, indicating a worsening trend in the coming century.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 12, 2023
A global study reveals that around 50% of soil-available phosphorus worldwide comes from mineral fertilizers, with significant regional disparities. The findings highlight the need for sustainable agricultural practices to reduce dependence on non-renewable resources.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJan 6, 2023
A study of 226 agricultural experiments found that intercropping resulted in higher protein levels and more productive systems than monocultures. The research revealed that intercropping requires 19% less land to produce the same amount of grain, making it a promising strategy for sustainable global food production.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJan 5, 2023
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
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
Research at the University of British Columbia found that intensive agriculture has driven rapid evolutionary change in waterhemp, a North American native plant, turning it into a problematic weed. The study compared genetic samples from modern farms and historical specimens to track evolution over two centuries.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalScience·TypeObservational study·DateDec 8, 2022
A genomic evaluation reveals human-driven genetic mutations that made waterhemp herbicide-resistant and widespread. The plant thrived under agricultural intensification, competing with crops like soy and corn.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateDec 8, 2022
Researchers at UMass Amherst calculated pre-agricultural soil erosion rates in the Midwest, finding them to be 0.04 mm per year, significantly lower than the USDA's current limit of 1 mm per year. Modern agriculture has accelerated erosion rates, threatening topsoil and global food security.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalGeology·DateDec 7, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers developed a modeling framework using remote sensing data to predict gully erosion susceptibility. They found that spatiotemporal changes in land cover and precipitation were crucial in predicting gully formation in agricultural areas, with 7.4% of the study area having an elevated risk of developing gullies.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Hydrology Regional Studies·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 23, 2022
A new study by the University of Illinois found that temperature in the place of origin has a significant negative impact on export of agricultural goods, while temperature in the destination has little effect. The researchers also identified precipitation as a more nuanced factor in trade.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeMeta-analysis·DateNov 16, 2022
Climate change is exacerbating health crises among migrant workers in the US agriculture sector, with extreme heat and chemical exposure posing significant risks. The Lancet report highlights the unequal burdens of climate change, particularly on vulnerable populations.
SourceColumbia University's Mailman School of Public Health·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 27, 2022
Research by Penn State found that lower-than-normal rainfall in Tanzania is associated with a 13-percentage-point increase in the risk of being food insecure for households. The study's findings suggest potential policy interventions to help agricultural households become more resilient against drought conditions.
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
A study found that counties with more land enrolled in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program have lower average concentrations of particulate air pollution. This is due to reduced nitrogen compounds and dust emissions from decreased agricultural activity and increased vegetative cover.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalGeoHealth·DateOct 12, 2022
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that Brazil can increase its soybean production by 36% by 2035 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and eliminating deforestation. The strategy involves intensifying crop yields, growing a second crop on soybean fields, and raising more cattle on smaller pastures.
SourceUniversity of Nebraska-Lincoln·JournalNature Sustainability·DateOct 10, 2022
A major new study found that 24% of farmers reported mobility problems, while 31% experienced anxiety and depression. The research, published in BMC Public Health, highlights the need to tackle physical and mental health issues in the agricultural industry.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalBMC Public Health·TypeSurvey·DateOct 10, 2022
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals how cattle ranchers in Brazil cope with weather shocks. The research found that ranchers make decisions based on rainfall patterns and anticipate extreme dry seasons by selling animals for slaughter or to confinement operations, which can decouple food sources from current weather.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 6, 2022
A study published in the Review of Development Economics found that investments in high-quality education for rural farm people are crucial to breaking the cycle of low soil health and human capital development. Annual returns to schooling in Malawi were 3-4% after correcting for various factors.
SourceWiley·JournalReview of Development Economics·DateOct 5, 2022
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
Researchers at UTIA are using a $800,000 grant from Shell to investigate the potential of winter oilseed crops as a sustainable solution for agriculture and biofuels. The project aims to identify top oilseed crops for the Mid-South and Southeast regions and develop best management practices to maximize outputs.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 15, 2022
A new study by Martin-Luther-University Halle-Wittenberg found that using only students in experiments can lead to biased results, as their decisions differ from those of other population groups. The study compared agricultural science students to farmers and found differences in risk-taking, patience, trust, and generosity.
SourceMartin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg·JournalAustralian Journal of Agricultural and Resource Economics·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 12, 2022
A case study in Laos explores the application of climate services for agriculture, demonstrating improved agricultural planning and decision-making through ICT-based platforms like LaCSA. The project successfully co-created agromet services with local stakeholders, increasing capacities and promoting resilience to climate risks.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalClimate Services·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2022
Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 26, 2022
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateAug 23, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A study of 3,637 Indian farmers found that COVID-19 disrupted agricultural labor and supply chains, but didn't lead to a significant increase in sustainable farming practices. Despite this, many farmers expressed interest in learning more about sustainable methods.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022
Researchers analyzed the impact of continental free trade and agricultural development on Africa's food security. They found that combining both approaches can improve trade balances, reduce hunger, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022
A new study from North Carolina State University reveals no-till farming boosts agricultural land values in the Midwest, with a 1% increase translating to a $7.86 per acre gain. This finding supports the economic and environmental benefits of adopting soil conservation practices like no-till farming.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAmerican Journal of Agricultural Economics·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 15, 2022
Researchers at Australian National University and James Cook University identified a natural mechanism that enables plants to limit water loss without compromising CO2 uptake. This discovery has significant implications for the agricultural industry, potentially leading to drought-tolerant crops that can withstand extreme weather events.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Plants·DateAug 8, 2022
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's REM Lab uses eye-tracking technology to study consumer preferences, product evaluations, and behavior. The lab aims to develop new solutions in multiple agricultural industries, with potential applications in marketing design and product displays.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateJun 15, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.