Researchers found that selective breeding for high yield reduced the flexibility of corn varieties to respond to variable environments. This reduction in plasticity comes at the cost of maximum productivity.
Research by Samuel Haruna found that cover crops and perennial biofuel crops can relieve soil compaction, reducing the impact of fluctuating temperatures. These crops slow down temperature changes and retain moisture, allowing soils to better regulate temperature fluctuations.
Researchers have developed a new technique, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), to accurately measure soil carbon levels in coastal wetlands like mangrove forests. This method has higher accuracy and is non-toxic, fast, and inexpensive, making it suitable for large-scale monitoring.
Scientists at the University of Georgia developed an efficient living mulch system that benefits both corn production and soil health. By removing portions of clover after each harvest, farmers can reap cost savings from reduced herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer usage.
A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that warm-season annual grasses have good potential for use in horse pastures. These grasses provide horses with more summer grazing options and offer improved nutritional profiles compared to cool-season grasses.
A study predicts that climate change will reduce the growth and stature of big bluestem grass by up to 60 percent in the next 75 years. The change is mainly attributed to altered rainfall patterns, which could lead to a fundamental shift in the Midwestern ecosystem.
A combination of biosolids, zinc, and limestone effectively lowers cadmium levels in spinach to non-toxic levels. This innovative approach aims to protect local producers and consumers by growing safe and profitable crops.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison will study how legumes evolved to cooperate with bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The goal is to recreate this ability in other crops like poplar and cereals, reducing fertilizer use and environmental pollution.
A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.
Researchers made significant strides in transferring disease- and stress-resistance traits from wild relatives of several legumes to their domesticated varieties. This research improves the resilience of domestic legume varieties and sustains agriculture in semi-arid regions.
Research finds that intercropping corn with chili peppers reduces soil erosion, improves economic return, and increases biodiversity. This method is particularly beneficial for farmers in southern China's hilly areas, where it can bring in an extra $1,000-$2,000 per year.
Researchers have developed a high-tech method using visible near-infrared diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (vis-NIRS) to analyze soil texture. This technique allows for rapid, cost-effective, and portable measurements of clay, silt, and sand content, providing valuable insights into soil properties.
A new study reveals genetic insights into heat tolerance in peas, identifying two key traits: longer flowering duration and higher pod numbers. These traits can help breed more resilient pea varieties for warmer climates.
Researchers found that the bacteria communities in the National Mall's soil did not change significantly before and after the renovation. The study highlights the importance of understanding how changes in the soil microbiome can impact plant productivity and health.
Researchers found that biochar can absorb nutrients from manure, reducing nutrient runoff and water pollution. Biochar also demonstrated significant reductions in ammonia emissions, a primary contributor to manure odors.
Researchers developed a portable x-ray fluorescence spectrometry (PXRF) device to measure calcium levels in soils. The device provides accurate data on 20 elements in 60 seconds, improving field assessments for soil scientists.
Research from the University of Missouri found that claypan farmers need to apply less potassium and more phosphorus than generally recommended due to the soil's unique characteristics. This can help reduce nutrient losses and improve crop growth.
Researchers in Oklahoma compared measured soil moisture with the Keetch-Byram Drought index and found that high-quality soil moisture data consistently outperformed KBDI. Soil moisture conditions conducive to large wildfires were more narrowly defined, providing earlier warnings of extreme wildfire potential.
A new web application provides historical climate data to farmers, allowing them to compare current year's conditions with past ten years. The app covers the Texas region and offers information on soil temperature, growing degree days, and precipitation.
The presence of surface and buried crude oil affects redox in wetland soils under flooded and drained conditions. Researchers found that oil slowed oxygen transport into the root zone, increasing stress on plants.
A team of researchers led by Cody Ross measured water flow in the vadose zone, a critical region under the soil surface. They found that in the southeastern Canadian Prairies, old water accounted for a significant portion of streams, contradicting previous research.
A study by researchers from the USDA Forest Service and the University of Minnesota found that controlled burns did not lead to increased mercury levels in yellow perch, contradicting previous mixed results. The research also showed no significant disruption to watershed food webs.
Researchers developed a long-term field experiment to monitor post-compaction evolution of soil structure, revealing projected recovery rates of years to decades. Initial results indicate different recovery rates for various properties and decreasing recovery rates with soil depth.
Studying pea genetics and environmental factors, researchers found that pea yield is affected by both genetics and environment, but environment has a larger impact. The study also identified pea varieties with higher protein and resistant starch content, which can benefit human health and the environment.
Researchers found that a new type of nitrogen fertilizer, SuperU, can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from irrigated crops by up to 53% compared to traditional granular urea. However, the effect depends on crop rotation, with yields remaining unaffected when used in corn production.
Researchers discovered how chemical ripeners increase sucrose storage in sugarcane by stimulating ethylene production. This process enables plants to accumulate more sugar, leading to higher yields and improved profitability for plantation owners.
Scientists have found that supplementing cattle with dried distillers' grains can minimize the effects of harder-to-digest Bermuda grass as seasons progress. This allows for a potential two-season grazing strategy to optimize nutrition and weight gain.
Researchers found that biochar application successfully reduced soil acidity and made heavy metals less bioavailable, converting them into less toxic forms. This locally sourced biochar can be used to prevent metal accumulation in soils near abandoned mines, potentially reviving degraded ecosystems.
A new study found that camelina seed yields were 54% lower at Hays than at Moccasin due to environmental conditions. However, seed protein content was significantly higher at Hays, and oil composition differed between the two test sites.
Researchers found that even small amounts of bird feces can significantly impact water quality by altering nutrient conditions and microbial communities. The study suggests that bird droppings may contribute to algal blooms, but further research is needed to fully understand the effects.
Research found that combining crop rotations with soil amendments like poultry litter can alleviate issues associated with continuous cropping. Incorporating corn once within a 4-year cycle resulted in 8% greater yields than continuous soybean.
Scientists discovered that salicylic acid can improve a crop's ability to deal with drought by increasing the levels of three enzymes involved in the stress response. The treatment allows for more selective planting of drought-tolerant cowpea varieties, enabling them to grow in areas with limited water.
Researchers found that rotational grazing with a fenced riparian buffer or converting pastures to hayfields reduced soil erosion and runoff. These practices lowered sediment concentrations, volumes, and loads in watersheds compared to continuous grazing.
Researchers found that minimizing soil disturbance, ensuring permanent organic cover crops, and diversifying crops through crop rotation improved soil properties. These techniques created a beneficial environment for microorganisms, fungi, and earthworms, ultimately leading to increased crop productivity and reduced erosion.
A recent study suggests that fructans in wheat plants hold the key to developing climate-resilient varieties with increased nutritional value. The authors propose using fructans as a breeding target to create healthier and more resilient wheat varieties.
A team of researchers, led by Cynthia Bartel, conducted a field study to explore the compatibility of perennial groundcover grasses with maize. The study aimed to reduce the environmental harm caused by removing maize stover while increasing the benefits of renewable biofuels.
A new phosphorus index aims to reduce agricultural runoff pollution by focusing on field characteristics and best management practices. The updated approach addresses limitations of previous indices, providing a more practical tool for farmers and policymakers.
A recent study found that cover crops can mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing soil carbon sequestration. The research suggests that cover cropping can be an effective adaptive management tool to maintain yields and minimize nitrogen losses as the climate warms.
Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.
A 16-year Nebraska study found minimal negative impacts of grazing cattle on corn stubble on soil properties, except for slight compaction. Grazing may even have a slightly positive effect on soil microbial community structure due to the addition of nutrient-rich manure.
Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.
Researchers are using wild relatives to breed more resilient sunflower varieties, reducing the impact of diseases, weeds, and insects. The study highlights the importance of annotating genetic information in wild relative collections to preserve traits for future use.
Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.
Researchers explored growing cool season crops in California, finding canola achieved high yields and seed oil content, while camelina displayed greater cold and drought tolerance. The study recommends further research on more varieties of both crops for optimal growing conditions.
New research suggests agriculture's food demand will likely increase by 25-70%, challenging the widely accepted doubling of global crop and animal production. To meet growing food demands while protecting the environment, researchers propose quantitative targets for both food production and environmental impacts.
The study found that tall fescue resulted in more soil carbon than Kentucky bluegrass, but required more frequent mowing. Returning grass clippings increased both soil carbon and nitrogen compared to when clippings were collected.
Crossing chickpeas is challenging due to self-pollination and inbreeding. Researchers found that emasculation and hormone treatment do not increase cross-pollination rates, instead lowering success rates. Studying environmental factors like light, temperature, and humidity may improve breeding efficiency.
Researchers engineered four floating treatment wetland designs using different materials and plants, finding they can affect water quality in similar ways to natural wetlands. The study suggests these systems could help treat wastewater by enhancing nitrogen removal and managing algal blooms.
A recently restored floodplain along a Mississippi tributary removed almost as much nitrogen as a natural floodplain, significantly reducing chemical pollutants in the river. The study's findings suggest that reconnecting rivers to their floodplains can help improve water quality and reduce the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.
A genetic library of cowpea varieties is being developed to improve crop resilience and yield. The library, which contains 6,000 samples, will help crop scientists make informed decisions using genetic information.
A new, fully-automated rainout shelter has been developed to enable precise testing of crop varieties for their tolerances to water stress. The shelters use a portable solar power system and customizable features like rain sensors and surveillance cameras.
The Earth's critical zone is a vital layer that supports life and human activities. Research in this area reveals the importance of time, depth, and coupling in understanding the zone's dynamics. This knowledge helps predict and mitigate negative effects, such as soil degradation and water quality issues.
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Daniel Kaiser found that in-furrow starter fertilizer application has limited economic benefits for corn farmers in areas with cool spring temperatures. The practice, which aims to boost early-season growth, may not outweigh the costs of the fertilizer itself.
A new doctoral training collaboration between Warwick and Waitrose aims to develop graduate students who can address the need for a more secure and sustainable food system. The programme will provide PhD students with industry training and expertise in agriculture and sustainable crop production.
A team of scientists has developed an equation to measure soil physical quality, which can help determine the best use of a particular soil. The research, led by Robson Armindo, found that this approach can save time and money in crop production.
Margarita Romanets' invention uses water-based cultivation to grow strong-rooted strawberry plants immune to diseases. The method allows for a good harvest over 4-5 years and is being tested at RUDN Agrarian-Technological Institute.
Researchers found that intercropping Arabica coffee with macadamia tree HAES 816 improves environmental conditions and increases coffee production. The partnership reduces competition between crops and provides a source of income for farmers, making it a promising strategy for Brazilian coffee producers.
Researchers developed a single calibration that can be used with multiple NIRS instruments to accurately measure the percentage of alfalfa and grass in forage mixtures.
Researchers found specific hemp cultivars, such as Ferimon, Anka, and Jutta, consistently produced high yields of biomass and seeds in eastern Canada. The study provides valuable information on adapting industrial hemp to the region's wetter conditions.
A new study reveals that household wastewater can release disease-causing pathogens into the air during irrigation, contaminating crops. On moderately windy days, up to 89% of these pathogens were released within half an hour of soil irrigation.