Articles tagged with Conventional Farming
Researchers at the University of Queensland have developed a new approach to breeding crops for farming systems, which could lead to more sustainable and efficient farming practices. By selecting crop varieties based on their legacy, or the impact they have on the soil and subsequent crops, farmers may be able to reduce fertiliser bill...
Research finds that wildflower strips and organic farming increase biodiversity by 20-30% and profits in wheat fields by 150% compared to conventional farming, with organic farming being the most profitable
Cocoa farmers in West Africa face a new climate threat: excessive rainfall. Scientists at Harvard University discovered that predicting extreme rains could help protect harvests. The study found that heavy rain during the wet season and dry season can damage cocoa crops, leading to price volatility and reduced production.
Researchers at UC Riverside identified a genetic marker that controls avocado tree flowering patterns, allowing breeders to determine flower type long before it blooms. This discovery could revolutionize avocado breeding by making decisions faster and more efficient, with potential benefits for high-quality fruit production.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that virtual fences lead to a more even distribution of animals across the pasture and reduced movement near edges. Virtual fences also elicit similar behavior from cattle as conventional electric fences.
Researchers at Binghamton University developed a system that enables users to monitor real plants in real-time using virtual reality. This technology makes farming more accessible for older adults and people with disabilities, allowing them to observe plants without physically being present.
New research finds that higher temperatures can benefit bumble bees with underground nests by allowing them to spend more time foraging, but may devastate those with aboveground nests due to increased cooling costs. The benefits appear to outweigh the costs, but just a few damaging hours of extreme heat could set a colony back.
A new study from UC Riverside shows that a locally adapted population of SoCal honeybees can naturally suppress deadly mites. The hybrid bees are less susceptible to Varroa mite infestations and cross-thresholds, making them more resistant than commercial breeds.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
A new study finds that dairy manure digesters are highly effective in reducing methane emissions from cow manure, with most systems performing well. However, occasional leaks of large magnitude offset the climate benefits, highlighting the need for thorough monitoring and verification.
A study of European farmers' protests reveals a wide range of concerns including environmental regulations, which differ between countries. Farmers in Germany criticized bureaucracy, while French farmers focused on financial pressures, Belgian farmers expressed a broad mix of concerns, and Dutch farmers voiced dissatisfaction with policy.
A new study reveals that farmers in the Northeast are facing a growing threat of tick-borne diseases, which can be devastating to their livelihoods. The research found that farmers often experience multiple tick bites per month, with some contracting serious illnesses like Lyme carditis.
A new study from the University of Oxford estimates that adopting more plant-based diets could reduce global agricultural labor needs by 5-28% by 2030, which is equivalent to 18-106 million full-time jobs. This shift could also cut global labor costs by $290-995 billion per year.
The UK food system is under pressure due to climate change, global shocks, and poor diets. A new report calls for radical transformation in three key areas: more resilient farming, smarter land use, and healthier diets.
A new analysis of data from Rothamsted's Broadbalk long-term experiment found that nitrogen and phosphorus fertilizers can significantly increase the amount of carbon stored in farmland soils. This can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon, rather than releasing it into the atmosphere.
A meta-analysis of 16 studies found that diverse pasturelands have no effect on milk production or methane emissions, but a higher proportion of legumes can promote milk yield. The study suggests that farms should consider the benefits of diverse grassland areas for overall productivity and ecosystem benefits.
Engineers have developed a new class of nontoxic, biodegradable solid lubricants to replace existing toxic lubricants in modern farming equipment. The new lubricant reduces friction and prevents seed jamming, outperforming commercial talc and microplastic lubricants.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that social pressure is the primary driver behind farmers' willingness to protect their livestock from wolves. Financial support, such as subsidies for electric fences, also encourages farmers to take action. However, guard dogs are not a preferred option.
New research shows a small reduction in quad bike deaths at work in Australia since the introduction of new safety standards, but public health experts emphasize the need for continued action to keep Australians safe.
A new study by Texas A&M University is tracking the health effects of living in an agrihood community, where residents have access to a working farm and green spaces. The study aims to measure changes in physical activity, nutrition, and social connectedness among participants.
Preliminary research suggests that climate change can lead to a reduction in nutritional quality in food crops, with potential devastating consequences for human health. The study found that elevated CO2 levels and hotter temperatures can exacerbate this decline, particularly affecting essential proteins, minerals, and antioxidants.
A new study from the University of California, Riverside shows that sealing manure ponds at a Central Valley farm can dramatically reduce atmospheric methane emissions. The researchers found that this method can achieve an 80% reduction in emissions, comparable to California state officials' climate planning estimates.
A new digital tool provides free satellite monitoring and analysis of vegetation and crop health across Kansas and the nation. The Sentinel GreenReport Plus combines satellite imagery with climate datasets to provide users with insights into vegetation greenness, changes in land cover over time, and climate abnormalities.
Research by NIOO-KNAW reveals that less intense farming practices, such as reduced ploughing and increased grass-clover mixtures, can improve soil health and multifunctionality in both conventional and organic agriculture. This approach, known as 'productive de-intensification,' aims to retain crop yields while enhancing soil functions.
A new study by Michigan State University researchers found that farmers who integrated small-scale solar arrays into their fields were more financially secure than those without. The research suggests using strategic placement of solar panels to improve crop yields on lower-yield spots, reducing the need for entire field conversions.
A new study confirms copper-based fungicides as a reliable solution for aerial stem rot in potatoes. The research found that copper fungicide treatments consistently slowed disease spread and improved yields over a 10-year period.
A study by Eawag and the University of Zurich found that human impacts on biodiversity are widespread and severe, with average species declines of 20% across all biogeographic regions. The composition of species communities is also shifting, with environmental pollution and habitat changes having a particularly negative impact.
Scientists at KAUST developed a new nanoplastic mulch that cools greenhouses by 25 degrees Celsius, increasing Chinese cabbage crop yields by nearly 200%. The biodegradable mulch reduces microplastic waste and energy consumption in hot cities.
Researchers developed a numerical tool to quantify sunlight intensity and its influence on plant growth, enabling accurate predictions of sunlight patterns. The model can help farmers optimize greenhouse conditions and planting schedules, leading to improved crop yields.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
The amount of nitrogen fertilizer needed for corn production has been rising due to increased yield demands and nutrient loss during wetter springs. Improving efficiency through practices like crop rotation and spring fertilizer application can help reduce environmental losses.
Researchers at the Technical University of Denmark have found that adding biochar to chicken feed can significantly reduce campylobacter levels in free-range chickens. The study, published in Poultry Science, demonstrates an 80% reduction in campylobacter and suggests a potential tool for improving public health.
A £2 million project, led by Anglia Ruskin University, is working to identify vulnerabilities in the UK's food system and prioritize areas for improvement. The project will analyze potential pathways leading to civil unrest and work with stakeholders to build resilience and address early-stage problems.
Researchers tracked farmworker movement and behavior in response to wildfire smoke using cell phone data from over 12,000 workers. The study found that workers reduced their hours worked by 37% on smoky days and switched fields to avoid worst conditions.
Researchers found that streams near farms are a significant source of nitrous oxide emissions, with some areas emitting up to half of the total emissions in the region. The study suggests that targeting mitigation efforts on streams and rivers connected to agricultural soils can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Research led by Penn State scientists found that indigenous hunter-gatherer practices played a key role in seed dispersal and genetic diversity of native plants. The study challenged the conventional notion of agriculture and suggested humans impacted plant populations long before farming began.
New research reveals methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest. Capturing and converting methane into biogas could reduce emissions and save farmers over £400 million a year in fuel costs.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
A century-old experiment has pinpointed the genes behind barley's adaptability, enabling its continued survival in rapidly changing environments. Researchers identified key genes that enable flowering at optimal times, allowing crops to thrive despite increased temperatures and droughts.
Research reveals native plants and non-native crops attract pests that spread diseases, causing harm to both plant populations. The studies also found viruses transmitted from crops to wild plants, which can have devastating effects on native ecosystems.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Human-caused nitrous oxide emissions accelerated globally, reaching a record high in 2022, with the agricultural sector accounting for 74% of emissions. The use of chemical fertilizers and animal manure is particularly significant contributors to this growth.
A new study found that removing hedgerows and field margins decreases the diversity and abundance of arthropods, which can lead to reduced natural pest control. The research suggests that using flowering plants in field margins and implementing agri-environmental measures can be effective ways to increase farmland biodiversity.
Researchers at ETH Zurich developed a recipe for cocoa-fruit chocolate that boosts fibre content by 20% while reducing saturated fat by 30%. The new chocolate variant uses powdered sugar substitute made from the fruit's pulp, offering a healthier indulgence with improved nutritional profile.
A study at the University of Bonn found that organic barley developed specific gene variants less sensitive to nutrient deficit or water scarcity. Conventionally farmed barley became more genetically uniform over time, while organic barley remained heterogeneous.
Researchers at NTU Singapore and Temasek Polytechnic develop a new, sustainable feed alternative for farmed Asian seabass, reducing reliance on wild-caught fishmeal. The single cell protein is cultivated from soybean processing wastewater, offering a promising solution to the aquaculture industry's environmental challenges.
A researcher will study how plants defend themselves against nematode infections, which could lead to novel drugs or antibiotics for humans and livestock. The project aims to increase food security in Africa and Asia by understanding the molecular mechanisms behind plant resistance.
Research found that organic farming significantly affects pesticide use in neighboring fields, with benefits for both organic and conventional farmers. Clustering organic fields together can provide the most benefits by concentrating pest control benefits to organics and reducing costs to conventional fields.
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering lamb's nutritional value when comparing its carbon footprint. The research found that lambs finished on grass diets had a lower carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content, making them a more sustainable option.
A new study finds that red-colored agricultural nets are more effective at deterring onion thrips than traditional black or white nets. The use of red nets resulted in a 25-50% reduction in insecticide applications, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers at UH are expanding research knowledge and building a new curriculum for students to address climate change impacts on food crops. They aim to improve plant growth and build resistance against extreme weather events, such as droughts and heat waves.
Linköping University scientists create an electrically conductive substrate, eSoil, which enhances crop growth by up to 50% in just 15 days. This innovation enables efficient water and nutrient management, making it suitable for urban environments and areas with limited arable land.
Researchers have found that struvite, a recycled phosphorus fertilizer, can reduce nutrient leaching and maintain soybean yields compared to conventional fertilizers. The study showed that struvite can be a full substitute for traditional fertilizers in terms of yield benefits.
The publication provides comprehensive guidance on evaluating and using water safely in agriculture, with a focus on health and environmental protection. It offers technical solutions and good agricultural practices to mitigate risks from crop and livestock farming, fish farming, and wastewater use.
Researchers at UC Santa Barbara's Climate Hazards Center have made significant advancements in predicting droughts and food shortages in the Eastern Horn of Africa, enabling agencies to take effective actions and provide humanitarian assistance. These early warnings have helped prevent devastating famines and saved millions of people f...
Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
A new study published in Earth's Future predicts that adopting sustainable 'no-till' or 'low-till' practices can stop Midwest topsoil loss in its tracks, reducing erosion by 95% over the next 100 years. This could save billions of dollars and mitigate crop productivity losses due to soil erosion.
An international research team has found that tree islands in oil palm plantations can significantly increase biodiversity within five years. This method also does not affect the yield of the plants. The study was conducted on an industrial-scale plantation in Indonesia and showed promising results for ecological restoration.