Researchers at Mississippi State University have successfully bred heat-tolerant annual ryegrass using recurrent phenotypic selection. The new germplasm can germinate and survive under high temperature stress conditions, allowing for late summer or early fall planting in the Southeast, increasing grazing days in winter and spring.
Researchers found that longer alfalfa harvest intervals in the southeastern US result in positive outcomes, with harvesting at 42-day intervals producing maximum productivity. Growing alfalfa in mixtures with tall fescue also yields greatest forage mass and nutritive value.
A recent study by Corteva Agriscience and universities across the US has determined the optimal seeding rate for soybean growers, providing help to reduce risk and optimize yield potential. The research found that farmers should increase seeding rates in areas of lower productivity and reduce them in areas of higher productivity.
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.
Researchers studied desert soil pores and found they determine water distribution and control a key resource in arid environments. The study's findings suggest that soil texture affects pore formation and reforming after disturbance, highlighting the importance of understanding these soils.
Researchers are studying salt deposits as a long-term disposal solution for high-level nuclear waste, which can create heat and radioactivity. The US Department of Energy is conducting thermal testing underground to test the safety and efficacy of salt formations in containing radionuclides.
Breeding methodologies can increase fructan levels in winter wheat cultivars without reducing genetic diversity. Researchers successfully developed wheat cultivars with increased fructan levels using recurrent genomic selection, providing a proof-of-concept for improving nutritionally enhanced crops.
New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.
Soil microorganisms decompose organic nitrogen, releasing inorganic nitrogen for plant growth. The initial burst of microbial activity after CO2 flush is a key indicator of forthcoming soil nitrogen mineralization.
A newly developed wheat variety contains higher levels of fructans, a naturally occurring carbohydrate that can promote healthy gut bacteria. The breeders used genomic selection to reduce the development time and cost of creating such a high-fructan wheat variety.
Researchers evaluated integrated crop-livestock systems in paddy fields, finding higher grain yields with lower fertilizer application. ICLS promotes nutrient cycling, leading to increased nutrient-use efficiency and reduced dependence on external inputs.
Researchers developed a new pinto bean variety, TARS-LH1, with increased resistance to leafhoppers and drought tolerance. The new crop has broad adaptation to different climates and could contribute to reducing pesticide use in common bean farming.
Research investigated cover crop biomass production and soil properties in the eastern Great Plains. Early-planted cover crops had minimal effects on soil properties after 4 years, with low biomass production.
Researchers have discovered that certain plant materials can help store more carbon in soils and reduce erosion. Using two-step experiments with biomass crops, they found that miscanthus and willow performed better than sorghum in storing long-term carbon, making sustainable farming on peatlands possible.
Researchers found that salmon-derived nutrients decrease over time but are retained in soils, supporting microbial and plant growth. The study revealed contrasting nutrient cycling pathways between two soil types, with potential for increased plant growth in the riparian zone.
Soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates using oxygen and diverse processes, making nutrients available to plants. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial roles in the soil nitrogen cycle, which can inform efficient fertilizer use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
A team of researchers used a computerized particle analyzer to count weed seeds with high accuracy. The technology can process 2,000-2,500 seeds in just three minutes, significantly reducing the time required for seed counting.
Soil researchers found significant movement of sulfate into subsoils and improved water quality after implementing the Clean Air Act Amendment in 1990. However, soils still exhibit chemical imbalances, indicating a long-term recovery process.
Research by ecologist Kathleen Treseder reveals that fungi make resource allocation decisions in response to climate change. In extreme conditions, fungi store more carbon, but in moderate climates, they release more carbon dioxide.
Research by North Carolina State University's Rich McLaughlin team found that tilling and adding amendments to soil can greatly improve infiltration rates, reducing runoff and water pollution. Grasses and wildflowers also showed promise in improving infiltration, with wildflowers potentially providing additional benefits for pollinators.
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.
Researchers explore drone technology to improve fruit tree management, enhancing crop yields and sustainability. Drones equipped with sensors provide high-resolution images and spectral data to monitor tree health, water and nutrient status, and estimate biomass production.
Researchers are exploring how cover crops can enhance the sustainability of star fruit farms in Florida. By incorporating cover crops like sunn hemp and velvet bean into their practices, farmers can improve soil organic matter and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
Researchers found that additives like dolomite and micronutrient fertilizer can reduce phosphorus concentrations in drainage water by an average of 70%. These amendments help keep phosphorus in the pot, addressing a major environmental concern. The study aims to explore the long-term retention of retained phosphorus in containers.
Researchers are exploring various water management techniques to optimize crop yields and reduce water usage in water-scarce areas. Advanced irrigation technologies, such as mobile drip and precision application, show promise in reducing applied water by up to 20%.
Researchers developed new techniques to measure heat tolerance in quinoa, a health food rich in essential amino acids. The method uses spectral reflectance indices to assess plant growth under high temperatures, providing insights into grain production and paving the way for breeding more resilient varieties.
Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.
Researchers have generated genetic resources for three different varieties of millets, which can lead to the development of new crop varieties. The study's findings uncover tiny differences in DNA sequences that may be connected to characteristics like drought tolerance and growth rate.
Researchers found that while potassium fertilization increases alfalfa yield, it also decreases forage quality. Understanding the tradeoffs between yield and quality is crucial for sustainable production and fertility management.
Researchers in New Zealand have developed a comprehensive map of white clover heritage and genetic landscape, providing a valuable resource for breeders. The 'pedigree map' reveals the history of the species, including its origins and genetic makeup, enabling more informed breeding decisions.
Researchers found that combining stormwater controls with stream restoration results in improved erosion reduction. The study suggests that watershed-scale implementation of stormwater controls is essential for reducing channel erosion and pollutant loading, making it a more effective approach than individual restoration projects.
Studies examine the effects of temperature on itchgrass and divine nightshade seeds in sugarcane fields. Higher temperatures can kill weeds, but varying conditions are needed for optimal control, considering seed coat structure and soil insulation.
Researchers found that sesame performs well under drought conditions, with consistent yields even when water-deficit conditions decreased sorghum's yield by 25% and cotton's yield by 40%. Sesame has multiple market value uses, including food consumption, cooking oil production, and livestock feed.
Researchers emphasize the need to boost phosphorus use efficiency in farming systems due to its limited supply and environmental concerns. Strategies include breeding crops that utilize phosphorus more efficiently, designing crop rotations, and utilizing soil organic matter and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers have developed a new flaxseed cultivar called ND Hammond with significantly higher seed yield than other varieties. It also exhibits resistance to Fusarium wilt and flax rust diseases, making it an attractive option for US farmers.
A review of current land surface models highlights the need for more accurate infiltration predictions, which affect erosion control and water supply. The authors recommend increasing attention to soil structure, moisture, temperature, precipitation, terrain, and plants in these models.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding the ideal fertilizer rate and source to prevent root damage in canola crops. Using new imaging techniques, they developed dose-response curves for different nitrogen fertilizer sources, revealing that banding urea ammonium nitrate with low rates is the best option.
A recent study found that termite activity in wetlands improves soil structure and nutrient content. Termites help turn dead trees into valuable organic matter, increasing crucial soil carbon content.
A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.
A study by North Dakota State University researchers found that conservation tillage systems can reduce on-farm costs while preserving long-term productivity, dispelling concerns about lower yields.
Research reveals that active pharmaceutical ingredients can persist in groundwater due to sorption potential and biodegradability. Medicines like ofloxacin and naproxen were detected in groundwater samples, with varying levels of risk to human health.
Researchers reviewed knowledge on making corn into food products, highlighting the importance of corn quality and masa quality. They found that better quality corn could lead to higher yields, lower costs, and improved product consistency.
Researchers found that biosolids with low organic matter content yield more bioavailable nitrogen when applied to urban soils, making them a valuable resource for restoring degraded soils. The study highlights the importance of adjusting biosolid application rates based on soil degradation levels.
A new computational model reduces experimental error in coffee yield predictions, allowing researchers to identify high-yielding varieties with more uniform yields across multiple years. The study also reveals that some coffee plants can have reasonably stable yields across years, contradicting previous assumptions.
Researchers found that hydrology plays a greater role in methane emissions than plant species, highlighting the importance of wetland design. Constructed wetlands can be managed to reduce methane emissions by creating favorable conditions for oxygen delivery and soil saturation.
A recent study published in Agronomy Journal found that farmers' primary motivation for participating in on-farm research is the opportunity to collaborate with university faculty and other farmers, leading to increased confidence in results and improved economic outcomes. The study also highlights the importance of peer-learning and f...
Researchers at Tel Hai College and MIGAL Institute in Israel have developed a method to make phosphorus fertilizer from dairy wastewater and aluminum water treatment residue. This innovative approach has the potential to recycle the element without lowering crop yields, reducing the reliance on non-renewable resources.
Researchers used genetic maps to identify genes controlling fiber length in Sealand cultivars, which improved fiber quality while maintaining or increasing yields. This breakthrough could help breeders overcome the yield vs quality challenge in cotton breeding.
Researchers found that in-soil placement of fertilizer resulted in less phosphorus loss from snowmelt runoff. This practice helps roots access and take up phosphorus, reducing its interaction with runoff. The study's findings aim to encourage growers to adopt environmentally friendly practices.