Articles tagged with Farming
New research reveals Bronze Age farmers in China prioritized cattle for their diets, utilizing byproducts like millet stalks for feed. This approach differs from other regions, where cows were raised closer to human settlements.
A new study reveals significant differences in forest recovery rates across Amazonian countries, with some experiencing little to no recovery even 20 years after deforestation. The research highlights the need for targeted interventions to protect and restore remaining forests.
A study published in Nature Plants found that mixed cultures of crops can produce higher yields than monocultures due to the biodiversity effect. This approach involves sowing multiple species or varieties alongside each other, resulting in increased plant productivity and effective natural pest control without pesticides.
Researchers found evidence of intensive land use for farming and fishing over 3,500 years ago in the Llanos de Mojos region of Bolivia. This discovery counters the often-held notion of a pristine Amazon before Europeans arrived and provides new insights into the history of culturally diverse but understudied cultures.
A new study led by CABI reveals that women play a crucial role in contract farming and the food value chain, but face significant barriers to participation. The research highlights the need for gender-inclusive approaches to promote equality and shared decision-making amongst men and women.
A study published in PLOS Biology suggests that mixed farming methods could eliminate agricultural greenhouse gas emissions in the US if established across high-quality cropland. The methods reduce synthetic fertilizer use and increase protein production while reducing beef consumption by 20%.
A new study found that people blame wild animal trade or government preparation for epidemic outbreaks instead of animal agriculture and global meat consumption. The research highlights the critical need to understand the causes and risks posed by animal agriculture in preventing future pandemics and zoonotic diseases.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed an AI-driven drone system to detect and track Sosnovsky's hogweed, a plant causing severe burns and ecosystem damage. The system uses real-time image segmentation on board drones to identify individual plants, increasing localization efficiency by multifold.
Researchers found differences in tool size, weight, and raw material dependent on sex, with women's tools linked to animal skin work and men's to hunting. This suggests that gendered roles played a crucial part in the transition to farming.
A new study by Stanford-led researchers finds that aquaculture has made significant strides toward sustainability, but more oversight is needed to ensure economically viable systems. The industry's impact on the environment and its ability to deliver on its promise are being reevaluated.
Research finds female-owned farms in the US are more common in areas closer to urban markets and engage in agritourism, offering greater childcare access. Average farm size, annual sales, and types of farm activities also correlate with female participation.
Research integrating genetics and archaeology reveals that diverse East Asians derive ancestry from a shared lineage that split over 40,000 years ago. This ancient lineage contributed to the development of modern languages, including Sino-Tibetan and Japonic families.
Researchers found that deforestation for large-scale commodity farms leads to decreased rainfall rates and higher surface temperatures compared to small-scale farms. Temperature increases range from 1.05 to 3.06 °C in deforested lands dominated by commodity farms.
The EU-funded SHOWCASE project aims to integrate biodiversity into farming practices through a 5-year research collaboration between farmers, scientists, and conservationists. The project will explore socio-economic incentives for farmers to adopt biodiversity-friendly practices, which are currently underutilized.
Researchers found that many small farmers lack internet and mobile network access due to high costs and limited coverage. The study highlights the need to expand coverage and make digital connectedness affordable for all, particularly in Africa.
Researchers identified 132 heat-tolerant sweetpotato varieties, 65.9% of which are traditional local varieties, demonstrating good heat tolerance and potential for selection as high-yield, heat-tolerant varieties.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has been chosen to coordinate a regional effort to address farmer and rancher stress in the South. The three-year project aims to provide stress management assistance for people in farming, ranching, and other agriculture-related occupations as well as their families.
The study found that paddy rice farming and grasses increased significantly between 2,700 and 2,000 years ago, indicating anthropogenic deforestation and expansion of rice agriculture in southern China and Southeast Asia. Over the past 3,000 years, coastal landscapes expanded coinciding with suitable land for growing rice.
A study reveals that ancient Peruvian farmers used floodwater from El Niño events for agriculture, benefiting from flushed-out salts and flexible irrigation systems. This ancient farming practice allowed for runoff harvesting and river water distribution, suggesting potential agricultural advantages during El Niño events.
A new study suggests that climate change may increase rice yields in Japan and other tropical areas due to longer growing seasons. Researchers found that combining a normal harvest time with a high cutting height can lead to higher yields in rice ratooning, a farming practice where the crop is cut and regrown.
A unique study reveals that EU agricultural subsidies flow to intensively farmed regions causing environmental damage, while poorer regions are underfunded. The Common Agricultural Policy's €54 billion annual budget is concentrated in the hands of only 20% of farmers.
Simulated vertical farming yields revealed a significant increase in grain production, with potential of 700-1940 t/ha per year, compared to the current world average annual yield. This innovative method also reduces land area, water consumption, and environmental pollution.
A study analyzing 35 years of US agriculture data reveals a steady shift towards consolidation, with production moving to larger farms that cover almost all crop and livestock commodities. Smaller farms are becoming unsustainable, while family businesses still dominate the industry.
A Cornell University team is investigating the effects of digital agriculture on small and mid-sized farms in rural America. The project aims to understand how new technologies like high-speed farm networks can improve productivity while minimizing environmental harm.
A global transition to agroecological production is crucial to reduce threats to biodiversity and support ecosystems. Agroecology can enhance biodiversity, promote connectivity between protected areas and increase species' ability to respond to environmental threats.
Aeroponic vertical farming offers a sustainable solution to grow high-value nutritious crops year-round, reducing environmental impact and increasing productivity. The study identifies seven key research areas to accelerate the growth of this branch of precision agriculture.
A study by Dr. Jiangen Zhou et al. found that fish farming significantly changes microbial communities and decreases nitrogen levels, offering a potential solution to reduce nitrate pollution in ponds.
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has developed the free Environmental Planner tool (E-Planner) to help farmers make informed decisions on agri-environment options. The tool assesses suitability of unproductive land for four interventions, including pollinator habitats and woodland creation.
Researchers analyzed DNA from 25 Stone Age individuals and found that those buried in typical Pitted Ware culture graves were genetically similar to earlier Scandinavian hunter-gatherers. The presence of Battle Axe culture influences in some graves suggested trade and cultural exchange between the groups, rather than genetic migration.
A team of researchers sequenced 55 ancient genomes from northern China, finding correlations between genetic changes and subsistence strategy shifts. The study reveals that the West Liao River region experienced significant genetic changes over time, while the Yellow River showed a general stability but received genetic contributions f...
A Rutgers-led study found that oyster aquaculture along the Delaware Bay does not significantly impact four shorebird species, including the federally threatened red knot. The research team discovered a small reduction in shorebird presence, but no detectable impact on foraging behavior.
A new study finds that intensive farming practices increase the likelihood of pathogens becoming a major public health risk. Campylobacter, a bacterium carried by cattle, is estimated to be present in 20% of cattle worldwide and can cause serious illness in humans.
Research reveals that livestock and poultry farming account for 78.08% of agricultural ammonia emissions in Jiangsu Province, with nitrogen fertilizer application contributing 21.92%. The study suggests focusing on controlling ammonia emissions from these sources to mitigate haze pollution.
A cross-sectional study of El Algar society in the Iberian Peninsula reveals similar diets but different management of livestock among communities, with a larger share of animal protein restricted to elite members. The analysis also shows a strong reliance on cereal farming and animal manure use.
Agriculture-Vision dataset enables farmers to analyze aerial images and gain actionable insights into crop performance. The dataset, developed by researchers at the University of Illinois Grainger College of Engineering and Intelinair, includes over 100,000 images from corn and soybean fields across the Midwest.
The AI-based smart farming system helps farmers select crops, develop rotation plans, monitor fields, and adapt resources in real-time. The system aims to provide accuracy of 2.5 sm for precise machines to keep plants secure in wheat production.
A new study models the potential for growing major food crops in newly suitable regions due to climate change. The researchers found that Earth's agricultural landmass could increase by one-third, including vast new farming prospects in Canada and Russia's north.
Climate-driven farming in 'frontiers' could pollute downstream water resources and decrease biodiversity, threatening 1.8 billion people and accelerating global warming.
A new study suggests that a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to widespread cessation of arable farming in Britain, resulting in a substantial reduction in agricultural output. The AMOC brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be.
Research at the University of Sydney found that cows give unique voice cues to express emotions and maintain herd contact. This knowledge can help farmers improve animal welfare by recognizing individual animals' needs.
Research suggests that tropical forests are hardest hit by forest fragmentation, with sensitivity increasing six-fold at low versus high latitudes. This finding could allow for more effective conservation schemes, such as preserving larger areas of pristine forest.
A DNA study reveals that ancient Egyptians did not domesticate Sacred Ibises for ritual use, contrary to previous theories. The research suggests that the birds were short-term tamed in natural habitats or farmed seasonally.
A new study suggests that unchecked climate change will lead to a decline in arable farming in the east and south east of England by 2100. Crops may still be grown with irrigation, but this would require significant water transport or storage.
Researchers at NOAA's Northeast Fisheries Science Center have identified suitable locations off the US northeast coast for offshore blue mussel farms. The study suggests that Long Island, north of Cape Ann in Massachusetts, and off New Hampshire are promising sites due to favorable temperature and food availability conditions.
A team of FSU researchers examined over 50 years of data from 1950 to 2016, finding consistent patterns in mariculture development globally. Countries with stable production farmed a greater diversity of species than those with fluctuating trends.
A new study proposes that private property rights were a driving force behind the Neolithic Agricultural Revolution, rather than increased labor productivity. The research suggests that early farming communities adopted private property to facilitate broader applications and limit costly conflicts.
An interdisciplinary group of researchers will investigate antimicrobial use and resistance in Argentinian livestock farms, aiming to develop a complete picture of AMR levels and their environmental impact. The project will inform policy making and potential interventions to reduce antimicrobial use and AMR.
Researchers discovered large-scale polycultural agricultural systems for growing crops like avocado and maize in Maya wetlands. The findings suggest these fields were adaptations to major shifts in Maya civilization as food demand increased during the Late Classic period.
A research project from the University of Otago is developing a ryegrass variety that can be induced to flower for seed production under artificial conditions. This could lead to more productive and efficient farming, increasing productivity and reducing land use while minimizing environmental impact.
The adoption of ox-drawn plows led to a decoupling of wealth from labor, driving growing economic disparities between landowners and land-poor families. This transformation made land more valuable and labor less so, ultimately resulting in substantial wealth inequalities.
A University of Queensland-led study models future ethanol demand scenarios, forecasting potential expansion of sugarcane farming land in Brazil to 5 million hectares by 2030. The high demand scenario could lead to doubling current ethanol demand and necessitate additional 5 million hectares of land for sugarcane crops.
The study reveals that humans developed longer ventricles and larger chamber sizes due to endurance exercise, contrasting with great apes' shorter intense bursts of resistance. This suggests a trade-off between pressure and volume in the human heart's evolution.
The 'Green Grass' project aims to bring back grazing livestock into pastures, using innovative technologies like virtual fences and remote sensing systems. The goal is to reduce the workload of pasture farming, cover cows' nutrient needs with fresh grass, and maintain biodiversity.
A massive ancient DNA study has unveiled the complex history of Central and South Asian populations, revealing a shift away from farming ancestors and toward steppe pastoralists. The research also clarifies the origins of Indo-European languages in the region, challenging long-standing theories.
Researchers sequenced the first genome of an individual from the Harappan civilization, showing that modern people in India are likely descended from this ancient culture. The findings suggest that farming began in South Asia through local hunter-gatherers adopting farming, contradicting previous theories.
Researchers at SMART and MIT have developed a technology that significantly accelerates the genetic engineering of microbes used to manufacture chemicals for urban farming. The new technology enables faster, cheaper, and more accurate plasmid construction using standard reusable parts.
A new report highlights edible insects as a viable option for meeting growing global demand for food in a sustainable way. The benefits of increasing insect consumption have been explored, but technological and processing approaches are needed to overcome commercialization barriers.
Research shows that ant farming has remodelled plant physiology, leading to the evolution of ultra-absorptive plant structures. These structures actively target ant-derived nutrients, providing a key asset for epiphytes living in soilless canopies.
The ancient community of Çatalhöyük, settled around 9,000 years ago, faced problems similar to those of modern cities. The residents suffered from high infection rates due to poor hygiene and crowding, as well as environmental degradation and climate change.
Researchers propose lab-grown insect meat as a solution to environmental concerns, combining benefits of insect farming, GM livestock and plant-based meat substitutes. The technology requires fewer resources and less energy-intensive control, with potential for mass food production and scalable cost-effectiveness.