A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
Agroforestry systems have been shown to significantly increase soil organic carbon stocks, with an average increase of 34% from agriculture to agroforestry. The transition also showed increases in deeper layers, especially when including perennial plants.
An international team analyzed ancient DNA from 38 northern Europeans, uncovering that Scandinavia was settled via southern and northern routes. Agriculture arrived in northern Europe through migrating farmers and pastoralists. The study provides new insights into population dynamics of prehistoric northern Europe.
University of Tennessee assistant professor Tyson Raper received the 2018 Dr. J. Tom Cothren Outstanding Young Cotton Physiologist Award for his research contributions to cotton physiology. He leads education and research efforts on cotton, wheat, and small grain crops.
New NOAA research predicts snowpack levels in the West 8 months in advance, providing crucial information for farmers and urban water managers. The accurate predictions can be made on a mountain range scale, helping to improve regional water forecasts and inform decisions on water supply, wildfire risk, ecology, and agriculture.
The US Department of Agriculture's NIFA has awarded $17 million to research and extension programs aimed at combating citrus greening disease in Florida. Researchers are developing detection systems, hydroponics, and biocontrol methods to address the devastating impact of the disease on the state's $1.5 billion citrus industry.
Researchers have quantified the ecosystem benefits of urban agriculture at a global scale, estimating annual values of $33 billion in four ecosystem services. The study projects an annual food production of 100-180 million tons and energy savings of 14-15 billion kilowatt hours.
A team of six MSU professors aim to increase women's representation in agricultural science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields. They will provide an online course targeting freshman and sophomore students, highlighting the diversity of roles and contributions by women currently working in agricultural careers.
The USDA has awarded a grant to the University of Tennessee at Knoxville for research on solvent fractionated lignins, aiming to develop polymeric products for building and construction sectors. The project will help integrated biorefineries enhance U.S. energy security by reducing dependence on foreign oil.
NIFA's investments support transformative discoveries in maximizing agricultural productivity, providing a safe food supply, and promoting responsible stewardship. The partnership aims to bolster the US economy by creating jobs and enhancing nutrition while sustaining natural resources.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has announced support for projects that strengthen food and agricultural science education in insular areas. The funding is made available through three programs: Resident Instruction Grants Program, Distance Education Grants, and Agriculture and Food ...
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded six grants totaling $836,494 to support farmer safety and health. The AgrAbility program provides direct agricultural assistance, education, and networking to farmers with disabilities, while the Youth Farm Safety Education and Certification (YFSEC) Program delivers time...
A team of scientists and archaeologists has discovered a 15,000-year-old Natufian site in Jordan that pushes back the timeline for permanent settlement in the region. The site's early dates suggest that hunter-gatherers were more versatile than previously thought and had multiple pathways to agriculture.
The report highlights the need for Europe to change its diet to improve consumer health and mitigate climate change. Scientists recommend decreasing animal protein consumption, introducing new incentives for affordable nutrition, and promoting sustainable agriculture practices.
NIFA's Federally-Recognized Tribes Extension Program and Tribal Colleges Research Grants Program support education and research-based knowledge for tribal communities. The programs address unique needs and problems of American Indian tribal nations through grants worth over $5 million in fiscal year 2017.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides training, education, and technical assistance to attract diverse groups into farming and ranching. The program aims to help farmers and ranchers establish successful enterprises and increase their chances of survival.
A recent study reveals prehistoric women performed intensive manual labor for thousands of years, surpassing modern female athletes. This finding highlights the crucial role of women's labor in agriculture's development and underscores the importance of using female comparative data to interpret past behavior.
NIFA's Agriculture and Food Research Initiative program supports research, education, and extension projects that promote a safe, nutritious food supply. The funding enables scientists to investigate innovative approaches to detect and control contaminants in food, contributing to the production of high-quality, nourishing food.
Rothamsted Research emphasizes the importance of accelerating UK agriculture to meet post-Brexit challenges through a focus on sustainable growth. The institute advocates for a dynamic, innovative model that prioritizes co-development, sharing, and engagement to drive impact.
The USDA has awarded grants to promote sustainable forest and rangeland management through innovative projects addressing emerging issues in the Western Gulf region and beyond. These projects aim to empower landowners and managers with science-based decision-making tools and resources to achieve conservation and economic goals.
A study models the effects of removing farmed animals from the US agricultural system on food production and greenhouse gas emissions. Removing animals resulted in increased food availability, but also led to nutrient deficiencies and reduced GHG emissions by 28%. The removal of animals had unintended consequences on the food supply
The USDA has announced grants to support integrated pest management (IPM) projects, aiming to increase production and ensure food security. These projects focus on developing safer, more effective pest management approaches for various crops, including fruits, vegetables, tree nuts, and nursery crops.
The Tennessee Beginning Farmers Development Program aims to connect Tennesseans with opportunities in agriculture, providing resources and support for those starting or developing an agriculture-based enterprise. The program will also help build a network of veteran farmers across the state.
Researchers will analyze U.S. biorefinery supply chains from feedstock to alternative jet fuels, with a focus on Southeastern states. The project aims to accelerate the commercialization of renewable fuels and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 80%.
The USDA has awarded grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the US. Researchers will focus on creating disease-resistant vaccines for key species such as catfish and trout, as well as implementing more efficient and sustainable farming practices. The goal is to foster a globally...
The USDA has invested $3 million in three colleges serving Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians to prepare students for careers in food, agriculture, and natural resources. The University of Hawaii and the University of Alaska Fairbanks will develop pathways to recruit underrepresented students into their programs.
Experts discuss the potential risks and benefits of gene editing, including its applications in human health, agriculture, and the environment. The discussion highlights the need for harmonized policies across national borders to address concerns about misuse and unintended consequences.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) has awarded $5.4 million in grants to study the environmental impact of genetically engineered organisms and develop methods for monitoring their dispersal. Researchers will investigate probiotics, CRISPR gene-edited trees, and other biotechnology innovations to inform food safety p...
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded grants to support the development of new agricultural products and technologies. These grants aim to increase consumer acceptance of whole grain wheat, improve shelf life, and commercialize innovative ventures.
Researchers found that water with different isotopes exhibits complex dynamic properties when in contact with liquid water. The team's findings have significant implications for understanding ice crystallization and its applications in various industries, including agriculture and food preservation.
Researchers at the University of Queensland have discovered modified peptides that can enhance plant growth and development. The study, published in Cell Chemical Biology, found that these peptides can regulate root development and increase productivity, leading to improved agricultural sustainability and food security.
Plants form a symbiotic relationship with fungi, gaining key nutrients while also becoming more resistant to diseases and drought. The fungal symbiosis increases the plant's levels of certain hormones, making it more tolerant to environmental stressors and ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture.
A new study by Jacob Weiner found that less competitive wheat varieties produce higher yields when grown in groups, challenging traditional plant breeding methods. This finding could lead to a shift towards group selection and the development of more efficient agricultural practices.
New research suggests that reducing deforestation and increasing soil carbon sequestration in agriculture can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining or improving food security. This approach has the potential to bring benefits for climate change mitigation while minimizing trade-offs with food security.
New research found that global livestock methane emissions for 2011 are 11% higher than previously estimated. The study used revised emissions factors and spatially distributed annual carbon fluxes to calculate the increased emissions.
A 70-year analysis of Danish data reveals a clear connection between nitrogen utilization and groundwater quality. The study found that reduced nitrogen applications lead to lower nitrate concentrations in groundwater, suggesting that economic growth can be achieved without negative environmental impacts.
In at least 18 states, academic health centers partner with cooperative extension systems to improve local community health. These collaborations focus on nutrition education, healthy cooking demonstrations, and health and nutrition education for seniors.
The USDA has invested $12.6 million in funding doctoral and postdoctoral fellowships for agricultural science research and education. The program aims to foster a diverse pool of skilled professionals to tackle pressing food system issues, including plant health, production, and animal welfare.
The University of California, Davis has received a $4.5 million grant to develop improved disease-resistant strawberry varieties. The project aims to reduce the use of fumigants like methyl bromide and promote sustainable production in the US strawberry industry.
Researchers found modest changes in skull morphology for groups consuming cereals, dairy, or both, but differences were small compared to other factors like gender and population variation.
University of Delaware researchers have developed new methods to evaluate the risk of subsurface phosphorus losses in US croplands, particularly in flat and artificially drained areas. The study uses soil data to improve existing phosphorus index models and provides a more accurate assessment of subsurface phosphorus risks.
Researchers found that wood frogs with pesticide tolerance are more susceptible to a deadly virus and a parasitic worm, while those far from agriculture have reduced susceptibility. This study highlights the complexity of pesticide-parasite interactions and the need to consider multiple stressors in environmental conservation.
Researchers propose applying ecological theories to improve microbial technology development, aiming for more effective and sustainable agriculture. By identifying underlying ecological mechanisms, treatment communities can be designed to be robust and persistent.
A US Department of Agriculture-funded study found that affordable health insurance is a major concern for American farmers, affecting their business risk and ability to run a successful enterprise. The study also highlights the impact of health-related costs on farm succession issues and access to land for young farmers.
Researchers found that amphibian susceptibility to parasites varies with proximity to agriculture and evolutionary responses to pesticides. Wood frogs living closer to agriculture with high baseline tolerance had lower trematode loads, while those far from agriculture with inducible pesticide tolerance had higher viral loads.
The USDA has awarded $7.2 million in grants for research on plant-biotic interactions, aiming to improve crop yields and reduce the need for fertilizers. The funding will support fundamental and applied research to better understand the complex relationships between plants, microbes, and invertebrates.
The USDA is investing $7.6 million in research to help manage pests and beneficial species that affect agricultural crops. The funding will support projects that promote beneficial organisms associated with pests and better understand the fundamental mechanisms of interactions between plants, pests, or beneficial species.
The US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has awarded $16 million in grants to 42 1890 historically black land-grant colleges and universities. These institutions will focus on building research, teaching, and extension programs in the food and agricultural sciences.
A new analysis of urban agriculture in the northeastern US found that it provides limited environmental benefits, with a 1.1-2.9% reduction in food-related carbon emissions. Minimizing meat and dairy purchases is recommended for consumers seeking to lower their footprint.
The USDA has allocated $6.8 million for seven research and extension grants focused on pollinator health, addressing declining populations of managed and wild pollinators. These projects aim to promote pollinator health, reduce honey bee colony losses, and restore habitats.
Researchers found that probiotics can improve immunity in fruit flies exposed to pesticides, a common model for studying honey bee effects. This mechanism could lead to improved survival rates for honey bees exposed to pesticide toxins, with potential benefits for agriculture and human health.
A new study reveals that large-scale water cycles in California have a modest impact on small-scale earthquake activity. Slight changes in ground stress associated with snow accumulation, snowmelt, runoff, and irrigation for agriculture influence earthquake likelihood.
Scientists at the University of Bonn have created a robotic system that uses short laser pulses to weaken weed vitality, eliminating the need for herbicides. The innovative technology has the potential to transform the field of sustainable agriculture.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is providing up to $6 million in funding for sustainable energy research, focusing on perennial grasses and woody plants. This investment aims to develop more options for producing biofuels and biobased industrial products, creating jobs and rural prosperity.
A new study by the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture found that TVA reservoirs generate an average annual economic impact of $11.9 billion, supporting over 130,000 local jobs. The study also revealed that these reservoirs provide significant recreational opportunities, with visitors experiencing high levels of satisfaction.
A study by Lehigh University sociologist Dr. Kelly Austin finds a link between deforestation and increasing malaria rates across developing nations due to rural population growth, agricultural specialization, and increased standing water and sunlight favoring Anopheles mosquito species.
Researchers aim to promote sustainable water for agriculture through stakeholder engagement, testing flexible models in Arizona, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The project seeks to address complex web of social, economic, cultural, institutional, legal, and biophysical conditions influencing water resource management.
The USDA is providing funding to help private forestland owners and ranchers make informed decisions about their natural resources. NIFA investments will enhance the sustainability of forest and rangeland resources through education programs, supporting well-managed forests and rural economic development.
A Duke University study reveals that larger patches of tropical forest are being lost worldwide due to industrial-scale agricultural expansion. The trend is most pronounced in Southeast Asia and South America, where clearings for large-scale agriculture account for more than half of all observed forest loss between 2000 and 2012.
Conventional tillage severely damages earthworm populations, but reduced tillage practices can increase their numbers. Farming with no-tillage, Conservation Agriculture, and shallow non-inversion tillage are shown to significantly boost earthworm populations.