Climate models suggest that offsetting agricultural emissions through CO2 removal could require substantial price increases, potentially up to 41% for beef, 40% for milk, and 14% for rice. Implementing such measures could be crucial in achieving ambitious climate targets.
Research finds female-owned farms in the US are more common in areas closer to urban markets and engage in agritourism, offering greater childcare access. Average farm size, annual sales, and types of farm activities also correlate with female participation.
A comprehensive analysis identifies risks in smart agriculture and proposes countermeasures to prevent information theft and cyberattacks. The researchers categorized agricultural systems into three modes and proposed six general countermeasures, including technological and physical solutions.
Karen DeLong, UTIA Associate Professor, received the SAEA Emerging Scholar Award for her research and publication activity. Her work focuses on livestock economics, agricultural policy, and international trade, with over $4.7 million in grant funding.
Burton C. English, a UTIA professor, received the SAEA Lifetime Achievement Award for his significant and enduring contributions to the agricultural economics profession. He is recognized internationally as an expert in bioenergy research and has made substantial impacts on sustainable aviation fuel development.
A study by scientists from Incheon National University reveals that microplastics in agricultural soil can affect soil quality, plant physiology, and even the environment. The researchers found that different shapes of MPs dominate various agricultural practices, highlighting the need for efficient management strategies to reduce the t...
A study found that plant species richness reduces viral infections in both wild and cultivated meadow environments. In contrast, the number of virus species increases near agricultural fields due to confusing disease regulation mechanisms.
The developed framework captures detailed information on agricultural groundwater use at the regional scale down to individual fields. It combines data from satellite images, weather prediction models, and land-surface hydrology models to estimate water delivery to each field.
Global land-use greenhouse gas emissions from 1961 to 2017 have increased, jeopardizing the Paris climate agreement's goals. Poorer countries in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and sub-Saharan Africa experienced the most pronounced surge in these emissions.
Recent advances in crop modeling and remote sensing can enhance the quality of index insurance programs, increasing the value that index insurance offers to agricultural households and communities. This approach enables inexpensive, quick coverage to many people who would otherwise be uninsured.
A recent study by Arizona State University analyzed large-scale land acquisitions and their impact on climate change. The research found that implementing environmental regulations can significantly reduce carbon emissions, but this comes at the cost of reducing the amount of land available for agricultural development.
A study from University of Illinois agricultural economists found that Illinois residents value efforts to reduce watershed pollution and are willing to pay for environmental improvements. Respondents were surveyed on their willingness to pay for various water quality improvements, with a 50% reduction in algal blooms estimated to be w...
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a modeling framework to estimate soil erosion in the Drummer Creek watershed. The study found that even partial changes in tilling practices can have significant results, with vulnerable areas seeing a near-70% reduction in soil loss and sediment yield.
A new study finds that the global food system must be transformed to prevent widespread biodiversity losses and habitat destruction. By analyzing the impact of agricultural expansion on nearly 20,000 species, researchers estimate that millions of square kilometers of natural habitats could be lost by 2050.
The EU-funded SHOWCASE project aims to integrate biodiversity into farming practices through a 5-year research collaboration between farmers, scientists, and conservationists. The project will explore socio-economic incentives for farmers to adopt biodiversity-friendly practices, which are currently underutilized.
Researchers have developed a renewable energy-driven food processing and drying system that alleviates both pollution and landfill issues. The system uses high temperature thermal energy storage to provide heated air for drying, replacing fossil fuels and reducing air pollution.
Researchers developed a simple and inexpensive technique to assess genetic toxicity in bats, highlighting the need for monitoring wildlife health due to declining biodiversity. The study found higher levels of micronuclei frequency in bats roosting near agricultural lands.
Scientists from SMART DiSTAP have engineered a novel type of plant nanobionic optical sensor that can detect and monitor arsenic levels in the belowground environment. This non-destructive approach enables plants to serve as self-powered detectors of arsenic, marking a significant upgrade over conventional methods.
Researchers analyzed soil and sheep feces samples to determine contamination levels of microplastics in Murcia's agricultural soils. They found 100% soil samples contained microplastics, as well as 92% of sheep feces samples, highlighting the ingestion of plastics by livestock.
The AGRIMODELS Cluster brings together three European projects aiming to improve agricultural policy-making by developing synergies among complementary approaches. The projects will create a modular and customisable toolset for flexible use, addressing key challenges such as food and water security, carbon storage, and biodiversity.
The project will populate a database of bioreactor and saturated buffer designs, trial novel modifications to improve efficiency, and install monitoring systems for real-time water quality detection. The goal is to increase adoption and effectiveness of these low-cost solutions in the Midwest.
Researchers at Penn State discovered that biochars made from cotton gin waste and guayule bagasse can adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, including sulfapyridine, docusate, and erythromycin. The study found that temperature increases during the pyrolysis process enhanced the biochar's capacity to adsorb contaminants.
The EU's climate-neutral goal may be undermined by high imports of agricultural products from countries with lax environmental standards. The study recommends harmonizing sustainability standards and reducing fertilizer and pesticide use to achieve global sustainability.
Research by Ashley Larsen and Frederik Noack found that less diverse croplands lead to greater variability in pesticide use, while more diverse landscapes reduce pesticide application. The study suggests strategies for increasing food production while minimizing environmental impact.
Researchers found that rice paddies with a history of being wetlands support more wetland plant species. Land consolidation and agricultural abandonment negatively impact biodiversity. The study's findings may inform conservation efforts and promote sustainable agriculture in the Asian monsoon region.
The report highlights the need for improved disease and pest management systems to address the vulnerability of lower-middle and low-income countries to pandemic-scale outbreaks. Agricultural producers face significant challenges, including reduced labor availability, supply chain disruptions, and under-funded research programs.
A new study estimates that droughts in Italy cause losses between 0.55 and 1.75 billion euros, mainly due to agricultural productivity decline. The economic impacts of droughts extend beyond agriculture, affecting the food industry and wholesale services.
Scientists discovered that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi supply nitrogen to plants through a newly identified protein, enabling crops like rice to thrive with reduced fertilizer use. The finding could lead to more sustainable agricultural practices and reduce environmental impact by minimizing agrochemical use.
The UT Agribusiness Academy aims to increase Tennessee secondary students' exposure to agribusiness content and career opportunities, bolstering curricular success. The grant-funded project will provide online modules and professional development components for 60 teachers over three summers.
Researchers found that producing animal-sourced foods consumes over 80% of the Earth's agricultural acreage, leading to widespread deforestation and climate change. Shifting to land-friendly diets could regrow native vegetation capable of absorbing CO2, reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers have published the most comprehensive genome information for three troublesome agricultural weeds, which could lead to better understanding of herbicide resistance. The genomes will help identify specific enzymes responsible for detoxifying herbicides, enabling scientists to develop new control methods.
The University of Illinois will lead two of seven new national artificial intelligence institutes, one focusing on agricultural resilience and the other on molecular discovery. The institutes aim to advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, and automation to address major agricultural challenges.
Soil loss due to water runoff is projected to increase significantly by 2070, with potential losses of over 28 billion metric tons annually. Sustainable land cultivation practices can mitigate this threat and ensure food security for the world's population.
A unique study reveals that EU agricultural subsidies flow to intensively farmed regions causing environmental damage, while poorer regions are underfunded. The Common Agricultural Policy's €54 billion annual budget is concentrated in the hands of only 20% of farmers.
Using local producer knowledge helps estimate groundwater use in modelling for mapping sustainable use of scarce resources. Farmers' land use, agricultural practices and water use are key factors in this approach.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals a significant decline in US bird biodiversity related to neonicotinoid use, particularly affecting grassland birds. The research found a 2.2% decline in grassland bird populations for every 100 kg increase in neonicotinoid usage per county.
Researchers employed a gendered ecosystem services approach with Lozi communities to identify locally relevant strategies for sustainable agricultural development. The study found that agroecological intensification, such as multiple cropping and agroforestry, can restore and maintain ecosystem services in cultivated lands while reduci...
Researchers find that a combination of subsidies, weather experience, and financial literacy leads to long-term insurance uptake. Subsidies alone have limited effect without financial education and actual payout experience.
Researchers Rebecca Lybrand and her team studied the interaction between ground-nesting bees and soils in agricultural settings. They found that active nesting sites were present in locations with little to no rock cover and low vegetation, which may provide a suitable habitat for these pollinators.
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.
A study in Peru found that shifting from subsistence farming to commercial agriculture is associated with less diverse diets and reduced access to food among local communities. The expansion of cash crops like palm oil and cocoa has led to simplified production systems and decreased agricultural biodiversity.
A study found that Conservation Agriculture can increase organic carbon in soil by up to three times the goal amount, making it a key tool for mitigating climate change. By adopting no-till farming and rotating crops, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
A study by Dr. Jiangen Zhou et al. found that fish farming significantly changes microbial communities and decreases nitrogen levels, offering a potential solution to reduce nitrate pollution in ponds.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have discovered a new plant gene, CLE53, that regulates cooperation between fungi and plants. The gene helps plants absorb phosphorus more effectively, reducing fertiliser use and increasing agricultural efficiency.
Researchers analyzed agricultural systems using multiomics approach and found that organic nitrogen fuels plant growth. They also discovered differences in bacteria in the rhizosphere, which make nitrogen available to plants.
The University of Tennessee is one of 26 institutions to receive a REEU grant, focusing on integrated pest management. Nineteen students have been selected for the internship program, which will provide training in modern agricultural technology, communication and leadership skills.
Researchers developed a two-region soil-gas diffusivity model to characterize aggregated agricultural soils. The model accurately estimates gas diffusion and provides insights into greenhouse gas emissions.
A University of Illinois study finds climate-smart agricultural practices increase maize yields, particularly when farmers have access to training and resources. The practices, such as absorption trenches and agroforestry fertilizer trees, help conserve water and soil nutrients.
Scientists at Northern Arizona University are studying the impact of microbial communities in soil on agricultural crops to increase yield and efficiency. The team found that traditional approaches to crop rotation may not be effective, but advances in microbiome science can help optimize agricultural systems.
A new study predicts that US agricultural workers will experience double the number of unsafe days due to extreme heat by 2050, with health risks tripling. The research suggests that adapting working conditions, such as using lighter protective clothing and taking breaks, can mitigate these risks.
A recent study by the University of Göttingen suggests that new plant breeding technologies, such as genetic engineering and gene editing, can help increase food production whilst being more environmentally friendly. This approach has been evaluated over 50 years of research from around the world.
A recent study by UConn researchers found that mismanagement and inadequate infrastructure are the root causes of supply problems for Ugandan farmers. The study revealed discrepancies in the quality of agricultural supplies like seeds and fertilizers due to improper handling, not adulteration.
EU Common Agricultural Policy is set to be revised, with over 3,600 researchers urging that scientific data be taken into consideration. The position paper proposes ten measures to improve the policy, including adequate funds for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and effective protection of natural habitats.
Researchers developed a process to recover 80-90% of phosphorus from dried distiller's grains with solubles (DDGS), reducing excess phosphorus in manure and minimizing algae production. The process is estimated to add $1 million annually in revenue for ethanol plants, while improving environmental sustainability.
A new study from UC Davis finds significant disparities between employers' and employees' approaches to wildfire smoke concerns. Many farmworkers prioritize work over safety, while some employers lack clear plans or protocols for managing air quality.
A new study models the potential for growing major food crops in newly suitable regions due to climate change. The researchers found that Earth's agricultural landmass could increase by one-third, including vast new farming prospects in Canada and Russia's north.
A new study predicts the Len Small levee will continue to fail even if repaired due to erosion and increased precipitation. The levee's failure has caused severe damage to homes and businesses, and agricultural land degradation.
The Everglades Agricultural Area is experiencing significant soil subsidence due to climate change, threatening the region's ecosystem and agricultural economy. Researchers recommend practices such as crop rotation with rice and adding plant material back into the soil to mitigate decomposition and increase soil carbon.
A new paper demonstrates that digital extension practices are adopted at rates comparable to traditional in-person extension, with significantly lower costs. The study highlights the research utility of digital extension and its potential for improvement through iteration and testing.
The researchers highlight the urgent need for investment in research infrastructure to provide reliable data on population health, nutrition, and agricultural practices. An international body is proposed to address pressing nutritional and agricultural issues and prepare policy decisions.