Researchers are using alternative breeding methods to increase switchgrass's biomass yield, ethanol production, and reduce lignin content. The study utilizes the Smith-Hazel Selection Index to select for multiple traits simultaneously, aiming to speed up the breeding process and achieve more ideal switchgrass by 2025.
A recent study in Japan reveals that overcrowded, older tree plantations are a significant source of non-point nitrogen pollution. The findings highlight the need for better forest management practices to restore their ability to clean water rather than pollute it.
Researchers found that relay-cropping camelina with soybean uses less water than traditional double-cropping methods. This approach also yields higher soybean crops due to a longer growing season, benefiting pollinators and soil carbon content.
A promising new solution for improving water quality is the Agricultural Conservation Planning Framework (ACPF), a systematic approach to identifying best options for reducing nutrient losses and erosion within a watershed. The framework provides an inventory of conservation possibilities, allowing farmers and stakeholders to choose th...
Researchers developed a combination approach to recover phosphorus from wastewater using mathematical modeling. The method achieved approximately 90% removal of phosphorus, generating $150,000 in annual revenue for WWTPs with limited budgets. This sustainable approach reduces mining demand and improves surface water health.
Researchers have made significant strides in measuring preferential flow, a crucial factor in soil's physical, chemical, and biological functions. The study reveals unique water patterns depending on landform units, soil types, initial moisture, and precipitation features.
Researchers found that soils with rich organic material and low phosphate absorption show low radiocesium interception potential. Soils with high clay or silt content adsorb radiocesium more readily due to higher mica content.
Researchers found that fine particles eroded from riverbanks were the main source of phosphorus in Lake Pepin sediment before 1850. After 1850, riverbanks absorbed P from polluted river water, contributing to increasing phosphorus concentrations. Upgrading sewage treatment plants is crucial to controlling phosphorus pollution upstream.
Researchers propose combining 'fertigation' and decentralized water treatment with drip irrigation to create 'tailored' water containing high levels of nitrate. This approach aims to reduce waste and increase efficiency in lawn care, but further study is needed to address potential challenges.
A recent study reveals that grain legume crops are a valuable source of essential micronutrients, including iron, zinc, selenium, magnesium, manganese, copper, and nickel. The research found that these crops can provide up to 100% of the recommended daily allowance for certain micronutrients per serving.
Adding camelina or safflower to crop rotations with winter wheat and summer fallow increases wind erosion risk in the Pacific Northwest. No-till fallow or planting another crop without a fallow year can help control blowing dust.
A new modeling tool, GAMCAF, predicts a 40% increase in potato production across the ESR and identifies key factors affecting yields, such as soil quality and water management. The platform aims to optimize regional food production and improve food security for consumers, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
Researchers found that soil pH, iron concentrations, and total cadmium levels are excellent predictors of biologically available cadmium for plants. Increasing soil acidity can also release more cadmium into the soil, while iron oxides bind it tightly.
Researchers extracted biochemicals from genetically modified tomatoes and compared them to non-GM varieties. The study found no significant differences overall, but did identify a difference related to fruit ripening. This approach has potential for use in breeding programs and addressing consumer concerns about GM foods.
The Gulf of Mexico's dead zone is exacerbated by excessive nutrient runoff from US agricultural practices. Experts recommend adopting cover crops and subsurface drainage systems to reduce nitrogen and phosphorus export. Despite potential challenges, implementing these practices could mitigate the problem.
In Tacoma, Washington, community gardens have increased by 14 to 34 in three years despite initial concerns about contaminated soils. Experts like Kristen McIvor use soil testing and provide biosolid-based products to educate growers and reduce contamination fears.
Dr. Pedro Sanchez predicts significant increases in African food production due to the convergence of policies, subsidies, credit guarantees, and agronomic improvements. Key to this success is the implementation of agricultural technologies.
Agriculture faces increasing competition for water, but integrated water management plans can increase water security by utilizing blue, green, and gray waters. The symposium highlights the importance of protecting these three water sources to meet the world's growing demand for food.
The presentation highlights the importance of cataloging and conserving crop wild relatives worldwide. Researchers have identified critical taxa in need of protection and conducted inventories of CWRs in the US, revealing nearly 4,600 species, including endangered relatives of sunflower, bean, and sweet potato.
A new study reveals that earthworms can survive for up to three weeks without water by entering a state of estivation, where they reduce their surface area exposure and seal themselves in a mucus-lined chamber. After rewetting, the earthworms were able to recover and regain their weight.
Researchers are studying the effects of urban climates on crop yields to develop new crops adapted to urban gardens and provide recommendations for urban farmers. The benefits of urban agriculture include increased food production, community engagement, and access to healthy fresh produce.
Chinese agriculture's remarkable success in feeding the world's population comes with significant environmental costs. Massive losses of nutrients pollute streams, rivers, soil, and air, while CAFOs drive global resource consumption. Efforts to shift focus towards food security, efficient use of resources, and environmental protection ...
A new study developed a robust model for predicting corn yields using easily obtained measurements, such as plant morphology and precipitation. The model was tested across multiple environments and found accurate results, providing valuable insights for farmers and biofuel industries.
Researchers found that two 15-year-old constructed marshes in Ohio accumulated soil carbon at an average annual rate of 2150 pounds per acre, surpassing natural wetlands and other agricultural lands. This suggests that restored and man-made wetlands should be considered for long-term carbon storage.
Researchers compared nutrient and sediment loss from no-till, conventional tillage, and reduced-input rotation watersheds, finding that no-till reduces soil erosion but may increase dissolved phosphorus. Reduced-input rotations strike a balance between conventional tillage and no-till, but led to higher levels of soil loss.
A study found that rotating nematode-resistant wheat with tomato plants reduces nematode numbers in soil and protects the next crop. The resistant wheat was bred with a gene that makes it less susceptible to root-knot nematodes, which cause significant damage to crops worldwide.
A recent study found that fertilizers with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus increase soil organic carbon stocks, but do not enhance soil aggregate stability. Researchers tested continuous corn plots under conventional tillage and high water inputs for 50 years, revealing a mixed picture of fertilizer benefits.
A new US inventory of crop wild relatives has identified nearly 4,600 species, including close relatives of sunflower, bean, sweet potato, and strawberry. The findings highlight the need for conservation efforts to protect these species from habitat loss, pollution, and climate change.
A study by Elizabethtown College researchers found that residential lawns in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, release more carbon dioxide than corn fields, primarily due to soil temperature. Temperature variations within developed areas contribute to smaller-scale urban heat islands.
The symposium aims to find solutions to the increasing gap between food production and water availability. Experts will discuss ways to optimize water use in crop production, protect freshwater resources, and reuse gray water to ensure both adequate food and abundant water supplies for future generations.
Researchers found that simple measures of labile soil organic matter, such as nitrogen mineralization and carbon mineralization, can predict corn performance. These inexpensive tests reflect long-term management and short-term seasonal changes.
Bt corn has higher yields and uses nitrogen more efficiently due to its healthy root system, leading to increased production and potential changes in management practices. This study demonstrates the benefits of Bt corn beyond rootworm resistance.
Researchers from Oklahoma State University created a reliable 'calendar' of seasonal drought patterns that can help farmers avoid costly losses to drought conditions. By considering soil properties and water deficits, the study found that traditional atmospheric measurements underestimated drought probabilities.
Researchers in China have discovered that corn can be used as a trap crop to control the devastating parasitic weed sunflower broomrape. The weed causes significant damage to vegetable and row crops, but using corn as a trap crop can induce suicidal germination in the weed, reducing its impact.
Researchers have discovered a soil bacterium that degrades the common veterinary antibiotic sulfamethazine and uses it for growth. This finding challenges existing theories on antibiotic resistance and suggests that soil bacteria may be capable of breaking down antibiotics more rapidly, potentially reducing their impacts.
Researchers successfully produce intricate pieces using 3-D printing, which offers benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. The technology also enables easy sharing of designs, allowing for better replication of experiments and collaboration among soil scientists.
A team of researchers used advanced soil analysis to uncover evidence of ancient Maya maize production in lowland areas, but also found signs of erosion in steeper soils. This study demonstrates the power of modern soil science in understanding past civilizations' treatment of the land and its impact on food security.
The Soil Science Society of America has announced its 2012 class of fellows, comprising 26 soil scientists from around the world. These distinguished professionals have made significant contributions to the field of soil science through their research, teaching, and extension work.
The Crop Science Society of America has selected 7 members for the 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their professional achievements and meritorious service in crop science. The new fellows include experts from universities, government institutions, and private companies.
The American Society of Agronomy has selected 0.3 percent of its members as Fellows for their outstanding contributions to the field of agronomy. The 2012 class of ASA Fellows includes researchers, scientists, and educators from universities and government institutions across the US.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) have presented 2012 scholarships and fellowships to support undergraduate students in agriculture, including the Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship and the J. Fielding Reed Scholarship.
The Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) presented awards to 11 individuals for their outstanding contributions to the field of crop science. The awards recognize achievements in various areas of crop research and education.
The Soil Science Society of America announced its 2012 award recipients, honoring their research and service in the field. The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to soil science, including Susan Brantley, Daniel Hillel, Pedro Sanchez, and Johannes Lehmann.
The American Society of Agronomy has recognized outstanding professionals with various awards. Jerome H. Cherney, Thomas A. Doerge, and David A. Zuberer were honored for their contributions to agronomic education, industry, and research.
A new study found that grasses coated with latex paints show a notable reduction in photosynthesis. The researchers discovered that red paint is more damaging to total canopy photosynthesis (TCP) than white paint, while diluting each color with water reduces their negative effects.
Researchers are launching a nationwide effort to conserve crop wild relatives in the US, recognizing that these plants have value in adapting food systems to climate change. The plants' genetic material could be used to breed drought-resistant crops, making them essential for global agriculture.
A new study reveals that wind erosion can carry away beneficial microbes from soil, reducing microbial diversity and depleting topsoil of essential bacteria. However, certain groups of microbes, such as Actinobacteria, remain in the parent soil despite erosive conditions.
A new computer model developed at NC State University predicts the environmental impact of forest land-use decisions, considering factors such as plant growth and water cycles. The DRAINMOD-FOREST model will help policy makers and forest managers make informed decisions to minimize environmental harm while maintaining forest productivity.
A new study by the University of Minnesota researchers found that APHIS failed to recognize environmental impacts and made legal errors in regulating genetically engineered crops. The agency's regulatory decisions have faced criticism, leading to litigation delays in the development of new GE crops.
Researchers measured gaseous nitrogen emissions in US lawns, finding denitrification removes excess nitrogen. Nitrogen removals were equivalent to 15% of annual fertilizer inputs, with most retained in lawn soils. The study's results are encouraging but highlight the need for further work on optimal soil management conditions.