Researchers have developed an efficient way to manage nitrogen in agriculture, using light sensors to monitor crop health and vitality. This approach reduces nitrogen fertilizer application, decreases environmental pollution, and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, increasing economic returns for farmers.
Researchers discovered that adding fertilizers to ridges and combining with plastic mulching increases yield by 9.7% and reduces nitrogen loss by 72.5%. The study highlights the importance of targeted fertilizer application to optimize nitrogen consumption and reduce environmental impact.
A team of scientists from The Ohio State University shared early results from a trio of studies aimed at improving models designed to guide agricultural practices for reducing the risk of nitrogen and phosphorous farm runoff. These models can help quantify the impact of fertilizer application timing on nutrient runoff.
Researchers at Georgia Institute of Technology have confirmed the existence of a long-hypothesized interaction between nitrogen and titanium dioxide in the presence of light. This catalytic reaction could provide a new source of farm fertilizer, reducing costs for farmers in developing nations.
Ben-Gurion University researchers develop process using hydrothermal carbonization to heat raw solid human waste, converting it into hydrochar: a safe, reusable biomass fuel. The hydrochar can be used for household heating and cooking, while the liquid byproduct serves as fertilizer.
Using computer modeling, a team discovered that plasmas activate metal catalysts in packed bed reactors, causing faster and more efficient chemical reactions. This process could lead to more efficient processes for removing air pollution, converting CO2 into fuels, and producing fertilizer.
Researchers have found that planting shrub willow and switchgrass in marginal lands reduces fertilizer nitrate levels, controlling erosion and improving water quality. This integrated land management approach also generates biomass for biofuel and supports pollinators and other wildlife.
Research finds that long-term annual application of manure improves most soil quality properties compared to inorganic fertilizer. Manure increases soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and water-stable aggregates, while reducing soil electrical conductivity.
Agricultural Research Service scientists have identified key genes and transcription factors in plants that allow them to direct nitrogen to their roots, shoots, flowers, and seed heads. This knowledge may enable the breeding of new plant varieties with improved nitrogen use efficiency.
Researchers at UC Davis and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory discovered a gene network that enables plant roots to efficiently take up and metabolize nitrogen. This breakthrough could lead to the development of crop varieties that need less fertilizer or make better use of it, reducing environmental impacts.
Researchers propose that applying CAFE-style standards to fertilizer production could yield $5-8 billion in economic benefits for the US corn sector. The approach aims to incentivize technology development and reduce nitrogen pollution, with potential environmental and human health gains.
A new study suggests that requiring manufacturers to sell nitrogen fertilizers with efficient compounds could reduce air and water pollution from nitrogen use by 16 percent. This approach could earn farmers millions of dollars through higher crop yields and reduce total costs of nitrogen pollution up to $5-7 billion.
A study finds that phosphorus accumulation in watersheds can reach a catastrophic threshold, accelerating runoff and harming aquatic ecosystems. The researchers estimate that some watersheds could reach this point in less than a decade due to high fertilizer use rates.
Researchers at UC Berkeley have developed protective suits for bacteria that allow them to thrive in environments without oxygen. The hybrid system mimics photosynthesis and captures carbon dioxide, producing various chemical compounds that can be used by industry or in space colonies.
Researchers found that using legume cover crops reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizer by up to 35% compared to cereal cover crops or no cover crop at all. This simple technique can help farmers maximize sweet potato yields while reducing costs and environmental impact.
Researchers have identified a corn variety that obtains 29-82% of its nitrogen from beneficial bacteria, attracted by sugary secretions. This trait could reduce fertilizer use and increase production in poor soils.
A new study reveals that fertilizing plants can destroy the beneficial microbiomes on their leaves, making them more susceptible to disease. Researchers found that low doses of beneficial microbes are often more effective in protecting plants from infection than higher doses.
A new quick soil test aims to determine nitrogen need by measuring protein presence. This method has the potential to reduce fertilizer waste and mitigate environmental problems associated with excessive nitrogen use.
Scientists have engineered a bacterium that can fix nitrogen from the air, paving the way for nitrogen-fixing plants that could reduce fertilizer usage and increase crop yields. The breakthrough could benefit billions of people worldwide, particularly subsistence farmers.
Researchers have sequenced the genome of a tiny fern species, Azolla filiculoides, which has been found to have significant environmental applications. The fern's unique gene provides insect resistance and can be used as a sustainable fertilizer, while its symbiotic relationship with cyanobacteria allows for nitrogen fixation.
Researchers found that coating fertilizer with maleic-itaconic polymers (MIPs) slows down urease activity, improving nitrogen availability for plants. The study suggests farmers have a choice depending on their soil's acidity, offering a potential solution to increase crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers found that lawns in Salt Lake Valley up to 100 years old show no signs of being saturated with fertilizer nutrient nitrogen, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that natural processes may account for the unusual pattern, including storage in the soil and losses through groundwater leaching.
Increasing farm size in China is associated with lower fertilizer and pesticide use per hectare, yet yields remain relatively stable. Removing policies constraining land-use rights could significantly reduce chemical usage while doubling farmers' incomes.
Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife have developed a fertilizer system that applies phosphite to engineered cotton crops, allowing them to utilize the nutrient while suppressing weeds. This technology has shown promise in inhibiting growth of glyphosate-resistant Palmer amaranth and other herbicide-resistant weeds.
Top nitrogen researchers discuss potential pathways to achieve radical improvements in nitrogen fixation chemistry, driven by molecular-level understanding and discovery of new catalytic systems. They also present a clean and renewable light-driven process for converting nitrogen to ammonia, a primary component of fertilizer.
Researchers at Oak Ridge National Laboratory have discovered a new type of catalytic reaction that generates ammonia from nitrogen and water using an electric field and nanoscale carbon spikes. The process occurs at room temperature and could lead to more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly methods for fertilizer production.
Research reveals that advanced treatment technologies on dairy farms do not fully remove antibiotics from manure, leaving behind concerning levels of antibiotic residues. Composting and multistep processes may help reduce these levels, according to lead researcher Diana Aga.
A Princeton University researcher has discovered a bacterium that can break down toxic metal pollutants in the absence of oxygen. This microbe, Acidimicrobiaceae bacterium A6, can perform chemical conversion in anaerobic conditions, potentially providing an efficient alternative to costly oxygen-dependent methods.
Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.
A new study evaluated 101 commercially available elite corn hybrids for their yield stability and crop-management adaptability. The researchers found that hybrids with stable yields under varying conditions are less responsive to environmental factors, while those with high adaptability yield well in optimal conditions but may perform ...
A new study reveals that organic fertilizers from biowaste fermentation contain microplastic particles, which enter the terrestrial environment and may end up in human food. The amount of microplastic particles differs based on pre-treatment methods and plant type.
A field experiment was conducted over two years to evaluate the effects of different nitrogen levels and drip irrigation modes on seed cotton yield, dry matter, and water productivity. Results showed that Rassafa cotton cultivar is responsive to nitrogen fertilizer and drip irrigation modes.
A large-scale intervention in China improved agricultural efficiency while reducing environmental impact among 20.9 million smallholder farmers, yielding a 10% increase in grain output and a 15-18% decrease in fertilizer use.
Researchers found that individual tree species are limited by phosphorus but entire forest communities are not. Forests with low phosphorus soils actually show faster growth rates compared to those with high phosphorus levels. This discovery has significant implications for understanding forest growth and change in tropical regions.
Researchers created a composite material combining natural rubber with nanocarbons derived from compost, demonstrating improved electrical resistivity and potential applications as sealants and sensors. The study provides an eco-friendly alternative to carbon black fillers, which are commonly used in rubber products.
Research found that fertilized soils in the Central Valley contribute up to 40 percent of California's NOx emissions. The study suggests potential solutions through improved fertilizer management and soil conservation techniques.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
A new method using sunlight to split atmospheric nitrogen molecules could drastically cut the energy needed for fertilizer production. Researchers at Princeton University used computer simulations to model light's behavior in tiny structures made from gold and molybdenum, which concentrates light energy to boost a catalyst's power.
Ecologist Cathy Pfister used WWI-era maps to study kelp forest changes in the Pacific Northwest. The abundance of kelp beds remained constant despite climate change, except for areas closest to Puget Sound and Seattle.
Small-holder farmers in Kenya are eager to cultivate croton trees for oil production, animal feed, and organic fertilizer. The study found that most households have croton trees already, and they would be willing to plant more if there's a dedicated market.
Researchers developed mathematical equations to calculate crop yields and optimize fertilizer use for sorghum-peanut intercropping. The study aims to improve profits and food production in West Africa, where millions of farmers face food security challenges.
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.
Researchers investigated optimal fertilizer rates and soilless growing substrates to grow cannabis plants with higher medicinal components and greater yield. The study, published in HortScience, is the first of a series investigating ideal horticultural practices for indoor cannabis production.
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.
Researchers have developed an environmentally friendly process to transform olive mill wastewater into sustainable products. The process involves embedding the wastewater in cypress sawdust, rapidly drying it, and then subjecting it to pyrolysis to produce bio-oil and charcoal pellets.
Researchers have created a biocompatible fertilizer from carbon dots derived from rapeseed pollen, increasing plant biomass by 50% in treated plants. The process was found to be relatively inexpensive, costing just 3 cents per gram.
A new study from the University of Waterloo found that reducing algae-causing nutrients in agricultural runoff can take up to 30-40 years to have a desired impact. Despite decreasing nutrient inputs, water quality has been slow to respond, with some watersheds taking decades to see significant improvements.
Satellite data can optimize fertilizer use, protect groundwater, and monitor agricultural areas more efficiently. The DEMMIN soil measurement and validation site is a key player in this initiative.
A study by Rice University researchers found that biochar can reduce health care costs, especially in urban areas close to farmland. The use of biochar in agriculture may also lower the need for fertilizer and reduce pollutants by storing nitrogen in the soil.
Researchers from University of Waterloo found that small wetlands have a significant role in preventing excess nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus from reaching waterbodies. The study suggests that protection efforts should focus on preserving smaller wetlands, which are more effective at filtering environmental contaminants.
Researchers at Michigan State University found that cellulosic biofuels can provide a climate benefit, but only if certain conditions are met, including using native perennial species on marginal lands and minimizing nitrogen fertilizer use.
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 at Concordia University have developed a low-temperature process using psychrophilic bacteria to break down food waste, producing methane comparable to traditional anaerobic digestion processes. The study shows promise for reducing the global impact of food waste on climate change and energy demands.
Researchers develop process to mix chicken droppings with Mexican sunflower to produce biogas, which can power generators and used as fertilizer. The method produces more than 3 kg of biogas from 8 kg of poultry waste and sunflowers, reducing environmental pollution.
A study by researchers at the University of the Basque Country found that feeding broccoli plants with ammonium instead of nitrate increases the production of glucosinolates, which have anticarcinogenic properties. The findings suggest a potential new fertilizer treatment to mitigate environmental problems
A new study by the University of Minnesota reveals that lawn fertilizers and pet waste are major sources of nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants in urban watersheds. The research highlights the need to reduce excessive fertilizer use and properly manage pet waste to mitigate pollution and eutrophication.
Researchers have invented a 'bionic' leaf that uses bacteria, sunlight, water and air to produce fertilizer in the soil where crops are grown. The system produces biomass and liquid fuel yields that greatly exceeded natural photosynthesis.
A new program, ROOTS, aims to develop drought-resistant crops with improved root function and plant health monitoring. Researchers are adapting miniaturized sensing technologies to monitor root productivity and detect stress signals in real-time.
A University of Sheffield study found that fertilizers used in wheat cultivation contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, dwarfing other production processes. The research highlights the need for sustainable solutions to reduce environmental impacts and promote food security.
Researchers have created a novel method to produce ammonia at room temperature, utilizing enzymes derived from nature, which also generates a small electrical current. This process could potentially lead to a less energy-intensive source of ammonia used worldwide as a vital fertilizer.