Experts warn of severe threats to ecosystems due to nitrogen deposition from fertilizer use and sewage. A global network is needed to monitor and address this issue in Latin America and BRICS nations, which are the largest users of nitrogen fertilizer.
The global seaweed industry is driving growth with valuable uses in food, fertilizer, pharmaceuticals, and industrial products. However, rapid expansion poses ecological and societal risks, including disease outbreaks and environmental degradation.
A new international study links fertilizer addition to decreased plant diversity in diverse ecosystems globally, highlighting the need for ecosystem preservation strategies as they face multiple human-induced threats.
Researchers have received a grant to study ways of reducing fertilizer use in high-temperature agricultural regions. By modifying fertilization and irrigation practices, nitrogen losses to the atmosphere can be reduced by 50 percent.
Researchers at UC Riverside developed an economic model that shows how flexible treatment processes can create a water supply that is affordable and benefits crops. The model demonstrates the potential of blending wastewater to produce irrigation water suitable for various crops, reducing fertilizer costs and increasing affordability.
Researchers at Aarhus University have developed an alternative fertilizing source for organic farming, allowing farmers to harvest mobile green manure repeatedly without affecting crop yields. The method has the potential to improve fertilizer quality and reduce the need for conventional animal manure in the future.
Thermally conditioned sewage sludge serves as an excellent fertilizer improving soil properties and reducing phosphorus waste. The nutrient-rich sludge stimulates microbial activity, inducing competition between microorganisms and plant roots for phosphorus uptake.
Climate change contributes to severe algal blooms in the Chesapeake Bay through increased precipitation variability. Nitrogen-rich agricultural runoff, exacerbated by changing weather patterns, leads to toxic algae growth and hypoxia, harming humans, marine life, and fisheries.
A new U of T Scarborough study identified rice varieties that can reduce nitrogen waste and minimize environmental pollution. The research found that certain chemicals produced by the roots of these crops can significantly reduce nitrogen capture inefficiencies in soil microbes.
Engineers developed a numerical model to calculate nitrogen's age in corn and soybean fields, potentially improving fertilizer application techniques. The research found that nitrogen topsoil has a relatively high average age compared to water, with ammonium accumulating in the upper layers.
Researchers at James Cook University have developed a more efficient fertilizer that reduces nitrogen loss by up to half. The new technology allows for improved balance between plant growth and environmental protection. Testing on a North Queensland dairy farm showed promising results, with significant reductions in pollution.
Plants can grow faster with higher atmospheric carbon dioxide levels if they have enough nitrogen, according to a new study. Microbes, particularly fungi that partner with plants, are essential for this process.
A new study recommends using residual fertilizer to give plants staying power and add value for consumers. Controlled-release fertilizers proved to be more effective in maintaining plant performance beyond the production phase.
A new study reveals that the type of soil used in agricultural models can significantly impact yield projections, particularly in regions with limited fertilizer or irrigation. This uncertainty highlights the need for improved soil observations to better adapt to climate change impacts on food production.
A USGS study found historic nitrate levels in Midwest streams in 2013, with Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois experiencing the highest concentrations. The research suggests that fertilizer application and manure are primary sources of nitrate, posing health risks to water users.
Research on Iowa stream nitrate levels reveals counterintuitive findings, contradicting models that more corn would increase nitrate concentrations. Fertilizer application and soil chemistry differences between corn and soybeans may contribute to lower nitrate levels in streams.
A new study published in Frontiers in Plant Science found that introducing legumes into agricultural systems can reduce nitrous oxide emissions by 20-30% and fertilizer use by 25-40%. The study also shows increased gross margins in forage agriculture systems, demonstrating the potential for both environmental and economic benefits.
Farmers' use of nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste contributes to the formation of tiny solid particles, or aerosols, causing heart disease and death. However, projections suggest that reduced industrial emissions could decrease aerosol production if fertilizer use doubles.
Research reveals that nitrogen-rich fertilizers and animal waste combine with combustion emissions to form solid particles causing disease and death. The good news is that declining combustion emissions may reduce fine-particle pollution even if fertilizer use doubles.
A new study from the University of Illinois reports a 10% reduction in nitrate load in the Illinois River from 2010 to 2014, compared to the 1980s and early 1990s. The reduction is linked to improved fertilizer management and higher corn yields, resulting in less nitrogen left in the soil and washed into the river.
A University of Illinois study reveals declining sulfur levels in agricultural areas, with negative balances in some watersheds and rivers. Farmers may need to apply sulfur fertilizer in the future, particularly on fields with less soil organic matter.
Algae farming is sensitive to fertilizer costs, with ammonia and carbon dioxide being major concerns. Approaches like increasing surface area, partial pressure, and contact time can improve nutrient utilization efficiency for CO2. Dosing ammonia at a controlled rate can minimize its volatility and toxicity.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to improve the growth of protein-rich bean crops by using zinc oxide nanoparticles, reducing the need for rock phosphorus fertilizer. The nanoparticles increase nutrient uptake and enzyme activity, leading to a lesser need for external phosphorus application.
Scientists at NREL developed a new, light-driven chemical process to produce ammonia, the main ingredient of fertilizer. The research uses nanocrystals to harness light energy, which then energizes electrons to trigger nitrogen transformation.
A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.
Intensifying tropical agriculture may sequester up to 1-4 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually, forcing farmers to pay a recurring 'P-tax'. Recycling phosphorus-rich livestock manure and rethinking high-meat diets could mitigate this issue.
Research estimates massive phosphorus buildup in landscapes, affecting aquatic ecosystems for decades. The study suggests strategies to recycle phosphorus and reduce its long-term impact on food and water security.
A new study reveals that copper sulfate, commonly used as a fungicide in agriculture, is lethal to the native Brazilian bee Friesella schrottkyi. Sublethal exposure also affects its behavior, highlighting concerns for growers and pollinator conservation.
The study identifies a key region in the genome where selection has changed the behavior of rhizobia, making them less beneficial to plants exposed to nitrogen fertilizer. This finding has significant implications for finding sustainable solutions to address environmental concerns.
A new study assesses the impact of Rutgers University's Organic Land Care Certificate Program on landscaper attitudes and practices. Survey results show significant reductions in synthetic fertilizer use and pesticide application, with a focus on holistic landscape management.
Scientists studied over 15,000 sites across the US, finding nitrogen deposition exceeded critical loads for loss of plant species richness in 24 percent. The study highlights the impact of atmospheric nitrogen deposition on ecosystems, with effects more pronounced in acidic soils and dry climates.
A new University of Michigan-led study concludes that meeting the goal of reducing levels of algae-promoting phosphorus in Lake Erie by 40 percent will require widespread use of strong fertilizer-management practices, significant conversion of cropland to grassland and targeted conservation efforts.
A new study finds that nitrogen fertilizer applied to fields today will pollute water for decades, increasing the risk of blue baby syndrome and other serious health concerns. The researchers discovered that nitrogen is building up in soils, creating a long-term source of nitrate pollution in ground and surface waters.
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 study by Chenping Xu and Beiquan Mou found that spinach can be improved in nutritional value through cultural practices that impose either low fertilizer levels or slight salt stress. This approach resulted in only moderately or slightly reduced yield, while also increasing antioxidant capacity.
Researchers found that CRP biomass yield can reach up to 6.4 metric tons per hectare, but economic analyses show that costs of fertilizer application may outweigh benefits. Implementing a system where land owners harvest one-third of their acreage per year could reduce government costs by $31 million annually.
The study found that eastern Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Northern Atlantic regions are suitable for growing bioenergy grasses like Miscanthus while minimizing water quantity and quality effects. Bioenergy crops can mitigate nitrogen leaching across the US by displacing other cropland or grassland.
Researchers aim to unlock the secret of nitrogen fixation in legumes, which could revolutionize agriculture by reducing fertilizer usage and saving billions of dollars. The project will use advanced DNA sequencing and computational analysis to understand the signaling between plants and bacteria in the root nodules.
The Danforth Center is collaborating with the University of Illinois to identify genetic variants impacting photosynthesis and nitrogen uptake in maize. This project aims to improve crop yields while reducing fertilizer usage, offering economic and environmental benefits.
A team of molecular biologists has found a gene that encodes a protein recognizing cell membranes surrounding symbiotic bacteria, directing other proteins to harvest nutrients. This discovery reveals the fundamental mechanisms behind plant-microbe interactions, with implications for future agricultural advances.
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.
Researchers propose that plants 'decide' to thrive in certain environments, influencing biome productivity and composition. Nitrogen-fixing trees, which produce their own fertilizer, flourish in tropical zones but struggle in temperate forests, highlighting the importance of plant strategy in ecosystem evolution.
Researchers at UMass Amherst have identified a key molecule in nitrogen-fixing bacteria that may hold promise for improving crop yields without increasing fertilizer use. The discovery of the 'double agent' peptide could be a key factor in future efforts to improve legume crops and promote sustainable farming practices.
A study suggests that increasing nitrogen use efficiency globally can improve crop yields while reducing nitrous oxide emissions and other forms of nitrogen pollution. Researchers propose specific targets for different regions to achieve a global average nitrogen use efficiency of 70% by 2050.
A team of scientists has found evidence of iron-rich dust from 300 million years ago, which suggests that atmospheric dust acted as a fertilizer for life. The discovery provides new insights into the biogeochemical impacts of iron on the oceans and the climate system during the late Paleozoic era.
Scientists at Brigham Young University have made a breakthrough in reducing ocean dead zones by studying the potential of rhizobia, a type of beneficial bacteria. By understanding how these bacteria interact with plants, researchers aim to develop more sustainable farming practices that minimize fertilizer use and reduce water pollution.
A 2009 dust storm known as Red Dawn transported soil out to sea, causing a significant marine biological response in the Tasman Sea. The study found that phytoplankton growth was stimulated by iron-rich dust, with positive chlorophyll anomalies reaching up to 0.5mg m-3.
A new project promotes agroforestry in Myanmar's uplands as a sustainable alternative to shifting cultivation, which harms livelihoods and ecosystems. The project aims to reduce the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides while boosting yields and diversifying income sources.
A team of MSU researchers, led by Sarah Evans, will study how plants interact with microbes to obtain nitrogen in abandoned farmlands. The goal is to maximize biofuel yields while minimizing fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
Research from UNH shows that crop rotations can increase soil microbial functions, improving plant growth and soil health. By increasing rotational diversity, farmers can promote agroecosystem sustainability and mitigate threats to food security and environmental quality.
Researchers have developed a technology to economically convert atmospheric CO2 into highly valued carbon nanofibers, which can be used in products like strong composites and sports equipment. The process uses electrolytic syntheses and is powered by solar energy, with potential to remove large amounts of CO2 from the atmosphere.
Researchers at Leuphana University developed a new screening-based procedure to assess environmental risks caused by veterinary antibiotics. The Usage Pattern-Based Exposure Screening (UPES) method aggregates data on antibiotic usage patterns and models consumption to predict environmental impact.
A Kansas State University biochemist has modified a nonfood oilseed crop to produce high levels of lipids with unique properties. The researchers achieved very high levels of an oil with reduced viscosity and improved cold temperature characteristics, making it suitable for biofuels, industrial applications, and even food-related uses.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that meat food waste has a significant impact on the environment due to increased energy use in its production. The study suggests that consumers and institutions should be more conscious of not only the amount but also the types of food being wasted.
A new handheld device replaces traditional methods with a safer, more accurate, and affordable testing procedure. It is adaptable for different chemical measurements and can be used by schools and individuals to gather real data in their communities.
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.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory design a multifunctional landscape that balances economic feasibility, bioenergy, and environmental health. By analyzing subareas of a cornfield, they found that planting bioenergy crops like willows or switchgrass can provide biomass feedstock while limiting nitrogen fertilizer runoff.
New research suggests that rubber expansion is environmentally unsustainable, causing widespread deforestation, loss of carbon stocks, and reduction in biodiversity. Smallholder farmers' livelihoods are also at risk due to price fluctuations and narrowing income sources.
Researchers developed a biodegradable silicon transistor using cellulose nanofibrillated fiber substrate, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional silicon-based transistors. The device exhibited superior performance and microwave-frequency operation capabilities comparable to existing semiconductor transistors.
Researchers predict and synthesize five new calcium carbides with varied chemical and physical properties, including a two-dimensional metal-like compound. The discovery opens up possibilities for industrial applications in the chemical industry.