Farming
Articles tagged with Farming
Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?
Research shows soil temperature modulated millet agriculture in Neolithic East Asia
How higher temperatures can benefit (or devastate) bumble bee populations
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.
Dairy farms in California may transmit H5N1 virus through multiple sources
Researchers detected airborne virus, wastewater contamination, and asymptomatic cows on infected dairy farms, suggesting multiple modes of transmission. This finding highlights the need for mitigation strategies to reduce viral spread in herds and humans.
Nature loss brings catastrophic risks – new report
A new report highlights the catastrophic risks of nature loss on food systems, economies and societies. Chronic pressures like soil degradation and water scarcity are already reducing crop yields and increasing food prices.
English farmers increased their sustainability between 2010 and 2021
Researchers found significant decreases in greenhouse gas emissions, fertilizer overuse, and cattle populations among English farmers. The study's findings highlight the importance of regular assessments of farming's environmental impacts to inform policy and management.
Rethinking staple food crops at the intersection of human nutrition, climate, and sustainability
Biofortifying staple crops like rice, wheat, and maize can reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases and improve nutrition. Researchers have developed high-protein rice with elevated essential amino acids, which can also help manage blood sugar levels.
Illinois scientists sound the alarm on field inundation, work with farmers to find solutions
Field inundation causes widespread problems across the food system, including economic issues, biological changes, and human health impacts. Illinois scientists are working with farmers to develop a customizable toolbox of solutions suited to specific contexts.
How papayas benefit cocoa cultivation
A study found that leaf-cutter ants can provide ecological services to cocoa agroforests, reducing damage caused by the insects. By using simple methods like planting papayas as a 'distraction' and preserving surrounding forests, farmers can produce good cocoa while maintaining biodiversity
Research offers new way to stop global potato pathogen once linked to Ireland’s Great Famine
Scientists at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have discovered a new way to fight potato late blight, a plant disease that once triggered the Irish Potato Famine. The peptide CS5 specifically attacks Phytophthora infestans without harming other plants.
Waiting to enter primary school may improve educational outcomes in low-income countries, with health benefits into adulthood and the next generation
A new study found that children who start primary school at older ages completed more years of schooling, had greater wealth in adulthood, and fewer teen pregnancies. This delay allowed them to develop greater literacy and was associated with better health outcomes, including lower rates of HIV infection and child death.
After 9,000 years of cultivation, rice has reached its thermal limit
Global warming poses a significant threat to rice production, which has historically been heat-loving but is now facing its limits. Rice can tolerate temperatures below 82°F and 104°F, but rising temperatures will accelerate beyond these thresholds.
Drones, DNA, and weather: A phase-oriented hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease
Researchers developed a hybrid engine to predict sugar beet disease by combining drone images, weather data, and qPCR-based airborne spore monitoring. The system reduced prediction error by up to 39% and provided accurate forecasts of disease severity.
Watering smarter, not more
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.
Cow manure digesters really cut methane — unless they leak
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.
Unexpected potential bacterial symbiosis found in fungus that causes angular leaf spot
Researchers analyzed 48 isolates of P. griseola and found a potential symbiotic relationship between the fungus and endophytic bacterium Achromobacter xylosoxidans, influencing disease severity. The study sheds light on how the pathogen evolves and may point to new strategies for breeding disease-resistant crops.
Scientists identify new fusarium species behind wheat disease outbreak in Ethiopia
Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a destructive wheat disease that can reduce yields and contaminate grain with toxins. New research in Plant Disease identified several emerging fungal pathogens, including a previously undescribed species, responsible for the severe outbreak in Ethiopia.
The food commodities driving deforestation globally
A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.
Fiber-optic sensors reveal how farming destroys soil's natural structure
A new study uses fiber-optic sensors to monitor water movement through the soil, revealing that common farming practices can pool water near the surface, reducing its availability to plants. This can lead to crop drought stress and decreased yield.
Earthquake scientists reveal how overplowing weakens soil at experimental farm
Researchers found that tilling and compaction disrupt intricate capillary networks within the soil, causing it to pool rainwater and form a muddy crust. The study provides a clear explanation for why tillage changes the structure of soil in ways that affect water retention.
Frontiers in Science Deep Dive webinar series: Trace levels of foodborne pathogens do not always translate to health risk, says study
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
Trace levels of food pathogen do not always translate to health risk, says study
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
What a releaf: Tomatoes, carrots and lettuce store pharmaceutical byproducts in their leaves
Research from Johns Hopkins University found that tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce accumulate pharmaceutical byproducts in their leaves, which may be a concern for consumers eating the fruit and roots of these vegetables
Salad packs a healthy punch to meet a growing Vitamin B12 need
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
Soybeans recruit beneficial soil microbes to defend against major pest
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Conservation agriculture, including no-dig, crop-rotation and mulching methods, reduces water runoff and soil loss and boosts crop yield by as much as 122%, in Ethiopian trial
A new study from Ethiopia reveals that conservation agriculture methods like no-dig, crop-rotation, and mulching can significantly reduce water runoff and soil loss. These eco-friendly techniques have been shown to increase crop yields by as much as 122%.
Applied Microbiology International launches new report on improving soil health in the UK
The report highlights the need for an agreed definition of healthy soil, scalable biological indicators, and collaborative transitions to sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and aligning diverse priorities among all soil stakeholders.
Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security
Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.
ACES marks 150 years of the Morrow Plots, our nation's oldest research field
The Morrow Plots, established in 1876, have been a hub for long-term agricultural research and outreach. The plots have directly impacted farming practices by proving methods like crop rotation and judicious fertilizer use boost crop yield and soil health.
Core issue: the environmental impacts of where your apples are grown
New research from Cranfield University analyzed the environmental impact of fresh apples sold in the UK, finding that imports from water-stressed regions like South Africa and Spain have significantly higher water scarcity impacts. The study suggests regional sourcing can help manage trade-offs across the supply chain.
Stronger scents and healthier crops: unlocking plants’ hidden potential through precision gene editing
Researchers used a virus-based CRISPR system to edit the gatekeeper enzyme HMGR in petunias and lettuce, unlocking natural metabolic control for enhanced aromatic compounds and health-promoting antioxidants. The result was more vigorous growth, stronger floral fragrance, and increased nutritional value.
Method to extract Baltic phosphorus may ease Europe's reliance on fertilizer imports
A new method to extract phosphorus from the Baltic Sea could reduce Europe's dependence on imported phosphate mining, revitalizing the ecosystem. Researchers at KTH Royal Institute of Technology have developed a two-step approach using microbes to loosen and bind phosphorus.
Growth industry: Data measures farms’ true sustainability
La Trobe University researchers developed a new way to measure and report farm environmental performance using Farm-scale Natural Capital Accounting. The method combines production data, remote sensing, ecological modeling, and on-ground assessments to deliver transparent and verifiable farm-scale accounts.
Hidden insect diversity in grass shoots threatened by mowing
Researchers identified 255 insect species in perennial grasses, but few in annual grasses, highlighting the importance of unmown refuges for biodiversity
New AI method advances prediction of Brazil’s national soybean yield
Researchers developed an AI-based system to generate high-resolution soybean yield maps across Brazil, leveraging knowledge from U.S.-based models through transfer learning. The approach achieved strong predictive performance without using municipal-level yield data, improving estimates for this key agricultural region.
Rapid response launched to tackle new yellow rust strains threatening UK wheat
A new strain of yellow rust pathogen has broken down a key resistance gene, leaving over 50% of the UK's wheat acreage vulnerable. Researchers are racing against time to find new resistance genes and breed them into modern wheat varieties.
More help for southeastern dairies
The University of Tennessee Center for Dairy Advancement and Sustainability has received an additional $3.45 million in funding for the Southeast Dairy Business Innovation Initiative, a nationwide network to facilitate regional efforts to support dairy businesses.
Inaugural ASU–Science Prize Recognizes Research that Serves Farmers from the Ground Up
Meha Jain's research uses satellite data and machine learning to understand how smallholder farms adapt to climate change, revealing nuanced patterns of groundwater use and environmental impact. Her work aims to inform sustainable production strategies for food security, with a focus on identifying effective interventions.
Restoring the web of life in farmland
The METAGROLAND project aims to improve environmental farming schemes by studying plant-pollinator interactions and land manager networks. Key findings include the development of practical guidance for agri-environmental schemes that align ecological processes with real-world management.
Sugar beet, oilseed rape, tomatoes and dandelions: four precision breeding projects win major funding to support UK agriculture
The John Innes Centre has been awarded £21.5m in funding to support four precision breeding projects, aiming to reduce emissions and strengthen crop resilience. These projects will help protect two major agricultural crops from diseases, enhance the nutritional content of tomatoes, and develop sustainable sources of rubber.
Poverty intervention program in Bangladesh may reinforce gender gaps, study shows
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that a poverty intervention program in Bangladesh may reinforce gender gaps. The program, BRAC-TUP, provides families with livestock assets, technical training, and life-skills coaching, but its impact on education for girls is limited.
Pros and cons of pesticides and fertilizers in real-world mandarin orange farms
A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...
Grant to expand self-cloning crop technology for Indian farmers
A $4.9 million Gates Foundation grant will support the development of self-cloning crops in India, improving agricultural productivity and accessibility for smallholder farmers. The project aims to expand synthetic apomixis technology into staple crops like pearl millet and Indian mustard.
Heatwaves could put millions of European cattle at risk by mid-century
The study maps where and how millions of animals may be affected by heat stress in Europe. Regional differences were found, with southern European countries such as Italy, Spain, Greece, and Romania likely to face significant impacts.
How is your corn growing? Aerial surveillance provides answers
A research team at UNH uses unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to monitor corn fields, providing insights into crop yields and disease risks. The study demonstrates the ability of UAV imagery to differentiate between corn varieties with high accuracy.
A wild potato that changed the story of agriculture in the American Southwest
Researchers analyzed stone tools from 14 archaeological sites and found starch granules from the Four Corners Potato, supporting early domestication. The study reveals that Indigenous people intentionally cultivated and transported the tuber across the Colorado Plateau.
Farmers’ voices in European protests
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.
CGIAR and partners launch Scaling Hub South Asia in Nepal with major commitments to strengthen water and agrifood security
The Scaling Hub South Asia is a multi-sector platform designed to accelerate proven agricultural, water, and energy innovations. It aims to strengthen regional food and water security for over 500 million people in South Asia.
Illinois researchers untangle drivers of nitrogen loss in the Upper Mississippi River Basin
Scientists differentiate between human-derived and hydrological contributions to riverine nitrogen pollution, finding that about half of the increase in nitrogen loss is due to human activity. The study suggests tailored solutions for different regions, focusing on reducing fertilizer inputs and managing precipitation.
Investment in farm productivity tools key to reducing greenhouse gas
A new study from Cornell University researchers found that improved farm productivity is the driving force behind reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Technological advances improving land efficiencies played a larger role in reducing emissions than labor efficiency improvements.
How climate change contributed to the demise of the Tang dynasty
A study found that hydroclimatic extremes and changes in agriculture led to the collapse of the Tang dynasty in 907 CE. The research analyzed tree ring data and concluded that increased droughts and floods took a toll on the empire's outer borders and agricultural systems.
A new, cleaner way to make this common fertilizer
Researchers have developed a new way to produce ammonia, a common fertilizer, that is cleaner and more efficient than traditional methods. The process uses calcium nitride and hydrogen atoms to create ammonia without emitting carbon dioxide, and can be scaled up for widespread use.
Polyester microfibers in soil negatively impact the development of cherry tomato plants in experiments, raising concerns over the potential effect of high levels of such contaminants
Experiments show that polyester microfibers in soil negatively affect cherry tomato plant growth throughout their lifecycle. The presence of these contaminants may have significant effects on plant development and ecosystem health.
Avocados may become easier to grow in India—but not if global emissions remain high
A new study suggests that avocado growing areas in India will moderately expand northward and to higher elevations under low to moderate global emissions. However, if global emissions continue to rise, suitable zones may fragment and destabilize by 2070. The researchers call for conservation and climate-resilient cultivation strategies.
Regenerative farmers view nature as a meaningful partner in professional decision-making
A new study from the University of Eastern Finland explores how regenerative farmers partner with nature in their decision-making processes. The study reveals that farmers prioritize ecosystem resilience and holistic well-being, acknowledging nature's agency and including it in deliberation and decision-making.
Ticking time bomb: Some farmers report as many as 70 tick encounters over a 6-month period
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.
Insects remain resilient natural pest control method, new Stirling research shows
A new University of Stirling study shows that using insects like parasitic wasps to control agricultural pests is safer and more environmentally friendly than using chemical pesticides. Despite some whiteflies developing genetic resistance, the study found that survivors have low reproductive success, limiting widespread resistance.
Researchers revive old pea varieties in huge seed collection: ‘An untapped gold mine for the future’
A new AI method has identified 51 old pea varieties with high starch and protein content, potentially suitable for producing plant-based foods. The study shows a close relationship between seed appearance and chemical composition, enabling partial prediction of properties based on images.
UAlbany researcher wins grant to study impact of PFAs ‘forever chemicals’ on edible crops, food quality
A UAlbany researcher will study how PFAS 'forever chemicals' accumulate in plants, affecting their nutritional quality and safety. The study aims to understand the dynamics of PFAS in soil-plant systems and develop regulatory standards to protect public health.