Researchers at USDA-Agricultural Research Service found that using less chicken litter than needed for maximum crop yields can increase farmer profits. The study aimed to calculate the optimal amount of chicken litter for cotton crops to balance yield and profitability.
US soybean crop is under threat from the kudzu bug, but research has found that some wild relatives of soybeans have developed resistance to the pest. These adapted plants have built defense mechanisms against pests, including limiting the ability of nymphs to survive.
A 12-year study found that wider riparian buffer zones were more efficient at removing nitrogen from agricultural runoff than narrower ones. The location of the buffer zone and soil conditions also played a role in nitrogen removal efficiency.
Researchers developed an affordable open-source data logger to collect high-frequency stream data, capturing trends in water volume and behavior. The logger enables communities to build resilience to water resource stress, a crucial step in addressing the impact of global climate change.
A nine-year study by R. Howard Skinner found that multispecies pastures produce significantly more forage than two-species mixtures, with an average increase of 31%. This improvement is attributed to the enhanced carbon storage in the soil, allowing it to hold more water and mitigate droughts.
Researchers are using bioreactors to intercept nitrogen-rich drainage water from tile-drained fields, neutralizing the nutrient that causes problems for aquatic ecosystems. The trenches enhance a natural process, converting nitrogen into benign gas, and have shown promise in improving water quality.
LobeFinder algorithm quantifies and analyzes shape changes in puzzle piece-shaped plant cells, providing insights into leaf size and crop yield. The technology could also be adapted to measure boundary shifts in other complex geometric forms.
Agroforestry allows farmers to balance biomass trees with crops, capturing more carbon, filtering nutrients, and stabilizing soil. The practice offers greater economic security and long-term benefits for farmers.
A recent study analyzed data from 25 previous studies to identify factors influencing ammonia emissions in dairy barns. Researchers found that reducing crude protein in a dairy cow's diet can significantly lower nitrogen excretion, resulting in reduced ammonia emissions. The study provides key information for farmers and farm advisers ...
A new tool called Phenocart captures essential plant health data, allowing for faster measurements and larger experiments. The portable device uses a repurposed bicycle wheel and handles to collect data on growth rate, color, and other vital signs.
The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.
A study found triclosan in nearly 58% of freshwater streams, contaminating crops and potentially harming humans. Triclosan degrades quickly but breaks down into more harmful compounds, affecting soil microbial communities and plant growth.
The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) sent ten students to the PanAfrican Legume Conference in Zambia to learn about pulses and grain legumes. The conference, which drew over 500 participants from 46 countries, focused on sustainable systems for food, income, and nutritional security.
A study by Stephen Smith found that intellectual property protection encourages crop improvement, benefiting both breeders and society. The research linked optimal genetic innovation with increased economic welfare, health, and nutrition for consumers.
Researchers discover that tree legumes can significantly contribute nitrogen to silvopastoral systems, benefiting both livestock and the environment. The study found two types of legume trees with different decomposition rates and nutrient cycles, but both show promise as alternatives to industrial fertilizers.
A new study provides science-based recommendations for setback distances between animal agriculture practices and fresh produce, aiming to improve food safety. The research found that produce fields should be set back at least 160 meters from areas of manure application to lower the risk of foodborne illness.
Dr. Martinus van Genuchten has made significant contributions to soil physics and vadose zone hydrology, including developing theoretical equations that are now universally used worldwide. His leadership has also supported the careers of countless graduate students and junior scientists.
A new study uses multistripe laser triangulation (MLT) scanner to predict water movement through soil, identifying preferential flow patterns. The technique helps scientists manage water resources better by predicting recharge rates, water runoff, and soil erosion.
Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.
Researchers found that modern corn hybrids maintain per-plant yield in environments with low nitrogen, can recover from mid-season stress, and take up nitrogen after silking. This suggests reserving a portion of nitrogen fertilizer for later application could be beneficial for growers.
A recent publication by Journal of Environmental Quality highlights the science behind antibiotic resistance in agroecosystems. Key findings include the widespread use of large quantities of antibiotics and animal waste leading to environmental contamination.
A study by Alison Franklin and her team at Pennsylvania State University found that treated wastewater from pharmaceutical and personal care products shows scant presence in wheat crops irrigated with the effluent. The researchers discovered that most compounds were present on the outer surfaces of plants, but only trace amounts were d...
Researchers found a wild potato with almost seven times as much calcium as usual varieties. Breeding programs can now use molecular markers to identify high-calcium traits, speeding up the breeding process. This discovery aims to improve crop quality and reduce cosmetic issues in potatoes.
The Crop Science Society of America is sending graduate students to Zambia to learn about dry bean research and increase international knowledge of this important crop. The PanAfrican Grain Legume Conference and World Cowpea Conference will focus on pulses, dry beans, peas, and lentils.
The four empty lots in Chicago's South Side have poor-quality soils with high alkaline levels and excess chemicals, including lead and heavy metals. Soil testing is crucial to determine the extent of contamination and guide remediation efforts.
Wild tomato varieties exhibit dual resistance against whiteflies, which damages plants by extracting sap, creating honeydew, and transmitting viruses. Breeding these traits into commercial tomatoes could offer a sustainable solution for controlling the pest.
Researchers have evaluated the potential of ancient grains in modern agriculture, finding that they require reduced fertilization to prevent lodging. While they contain high amounts of protein, the quality is lower than in modern crops. However, these grains can enrich biodiversity and offer premium products through traditional methods.
A recent study found that faba beans can increase soil nitrogen and carbon levels, providing long-term benefits for farmers. The research suggests that growers should adjust their fertilizer recommendations to account for the slow-release nitrogen in pulse crops.
Research reveals that grassland soil microbial communities exhibit seasonal responses to temperature and precipitation changes, with warming treatments having a limited impact. The study highlights the importance of long-term research to understand the effects of climate change on these critical ecosystems.
Researchers used biosolids to create a soil blend that supported healthy bacteria, fungus, and plants, outperforming traditional compost in restoring the degraded surface area of Lake Calumet Cluster Site. The 'dream treatment' has potential to restore poor quality soils in Chicago's dense urban areas.
A team of scientists has identified two promising potato varieties, Payette Russet and Easton, that form less acrylamide when fried. The study shows a strong relationship between the genetics of raw potatoes and their potential to produce acrylamide.
Researchers found that native prairie gardens showed a general trend towards lower soil density, better root penetration, and greater water movement compared to adjacent lawns. However, the differences were not enough to conclude that prairie gardens are flat out better for soil than lawns.
Research found that composting is most reliable to kill bacteria with resistance genes in cow manure. Composting speeds up decomposition and reduces volume of manure. Manure management practices like composting and stockpiling can make it difficult for resistant bacteria to travel from farm to environment.
Research found beaver-created ponds can remove 5-45% of nitrogen from water, reducing the risk of algal blooms and low oxygen levels. The study's findings suggest a new perspective on the ecological benefits of beavers in the region.
Research reveals that ancient aquatic algae were genetically pre-adapted to form symbiotic relationships with microorganisms, crucial for plant nutrient acquisition. This finding sheds light on the evolution of land plants from freshwater algae and could help unlock efficient nutrient acquisition in crops like cereals.
Researchers found that mixtures of cereal rye and hairy vetch can effectively control weeds and conserve soil moisture. Adding poultry litter increased decomposition and nitrogen release when the cover crop contained at least 50% cereal rye.
The upcoming Connecting Phytobiomes with Soil and Plant Health symposium aims to understand the interactions between plants and soils as they relate to crops, agronomy, and entomology. This research focuses on the importance of the microbiome in enhancing soil and water sustainability.
The symposium aims to address the role of urban soils in storing carbon and mitigate climate change. Experts propose various management options such as biodiversity enhancement and sustainable land use practices to increase soil carbon storage.
The symposium will cover the entire food supply chain, from input companies to consumers, and feature representatives from major food companies, including American Crystal Sugar and General Mills. Sustainability will be a key focus of the event, with panel discussions from industry experts.
Researchers at Kansas State University have identified a key genetic link that enhances heterosis in sorghum, leading to improved plant height and potential increases in crop yield. The findings offer new insights into the complex genetic phenomena of heterosis and its impact on economically important traits.
A recent study uses color fingerprinting to identify the origin of sediments in the South Tobacco Creek watershed. The technique reveals that nature is more often responsible for sedimentation than previously thought, while human activities have a significant impact on hydrology and erosion.
Researchers in Spain are developing hypoallergenic parks to combat seasonal allergies, which affect millions worldwide. The study found that common trees in green spaces can cause unhealthy air quality.
Researchers in California found that melting snow can produce highly variable results in underground water levels. The study used a network of moisture sensors to measure soil moisture and relate it to snow depth, finding that different sensor locations and tree cover conditions led to varying wetting and drying dynamics.
Researchers developed vitamin A fortified sweet potato varieties to combat blindness in Africa and South-Eastern Asia. Impilo and Purple Sunset are the most promising varieties, offering high beta-carotene content and adaptability to different growing conditions.
The newly developed OLe peanut variety boasts a longer shelf life due to its higher oleic acid content, reducing the risk of rancidity by up to 10 times. This increase in disease resistance also makes it an attractive option for farmers, who can save up to $150/acre on fungicide usage and experience improved yields.
A 16-year-old scientist has created a solution to remove pharmaceutical drugs from contaminated water, using a plastic adsorbent that can capture the chemicals. The innovative technique, tested over six years, shows promise for scaling up and applying it in real-world water treatment.
Researchers found that strip-till farming increased soil organic matter content by 8.6% after five years compared to no-till methods. This resulted in reduced bulk density and penetration resistance, creating a more favorable environment for crop growth.
A 30-year study found Northern China's soil moisture decreased by 6% since 1983, with optimal levels now below 40%. The researchers attribute this decline to increased fertilizer use and crop types with high water demands, posing a risk to agriculture and the fresh water supply.
A new study using genomics to match plant varieties with climate stresses shows promise for increasing crop resilience. Researchers mapped genomic signatures of adaptation in sorghum varieties, identifying those that thrive under drought or toxic soils.
Researchers have discovered beneficial bacteria that live inside plant tissue, improving nitrogen use efficiency and plant growth. This breakthrough has potential benefits for sustainable agriculture with minimum environmental impacts.
A study by Sasha Kravchenko reveals that long-term differences in soil use impact pore sizes and microbial communities, providing plants with essential nutrients. The research compared two agricultural systems, finding complex pore structures and unique bacterial colonies within individual aggregates.
Plant breeders are developing salt-tolerant grass to conserve water, using treated wastewater in turf grass cultivation. The research found that additive genetic effects play a crucial role in salt tolerance, allowing breeders to select for desirable traits.
Purdue University researchers have identified a key gene that controls soybean seed coat permeability, which could lead to improved crop varieties for southern and tropical regions. The discovery also offers potential applications for enhancing the nutritional value of soybeans by modifying their calcium content.
Researchers are using alternative breeding methods to increase switchgrass's biomass yield, ethanol production, and reduce lignin content. The study utilizes the Smith-Hazel Selection Index to select for multiple traits simultaneously, aiming to speed up the breeding process and achieve more ideal switchgrass by 2025.
A recent study in Japan reveals that overcrowded, older tree plantations are a significant source of non-point nitrogen pollution. The findings highlight the need for better forest management practices to restore their ability to clean water rather than pollute it.
Researchers found that relay-cropping camelina with soybean uses less water than traditional double-cropping methods. This approach also yields higher soybean crops due to a longer growing season, benefiting pollinators and soil carbon content.
A promising new solution for improving water quality is the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF), a systematic approach to identifying best options for reducing nutrient losses and erosion within a watershed. The framework provides an inventory of conservation possibilities, allowing farmers and stakeholders to choose th...
A landmark report outlines seven projects to address global food security's complex ethical issues, including redefining farming as a service-oriented profession and developing climate-smart agriculture. The '7 by 5 Agenda' aims to make progress on divisive issues in the next five years.
Researchers developed a combination approach to recover phosphorus from wastewater using mathematical modeling. The method achieved approximately 90% removal of phosphorus, generating $150,000 in annual revenue for WWTPs with limited budgets. This sustainable approach reduces mining demand and improves surface water health.
Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.