Articles tagged with Farming
New University of Sheffield research reveals agrivoltaics can meet UK electricity demand four times over, boosting crop yields and conserving water. Regions identified for effective deployment include Cambridgeshire, Essex, Lincolnshire, and the broader East and South East of England.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that bridging structures, regional coordinators, and addressing stakeholder expectations are crucial for long-term success. The project promoted habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Researchers have unlocked the genetic secrets of Palmer amaranth, a weed species that makes farming harder and less profitable. The new genome analysis provides insights into the weeds' ability to detoxify common herbicides and reveals key gene families involved in non-target-site resistance.
Record-breaking temperatures and devastating floods ravaged Southern Appalachia in 2024, claiming lives and destroying homes. The region faced unpredictable conditions, including scorching heat and heartbreaking losses from flooding.
The Grubhub Community Fund has awarded the American Heart Association a $2 million grant to support food security, technology innovation, and economic resiliency in New York City and Chicago. The funds will be allocated to up to 12 organizations and entrepreneurs focused on improving health equity and expanding access to capital.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of animal feeding operations with high accuracy, filling a data gap crucial for managing their environmental impacts. The model uses predictors such as surface temperature and phosphorus levels to identify locations without relying on aerial images.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
Researchers at UC Davis found that acidifying milk to a pH of 4.1-4.2 with citric acid effectively deactivates the H5N1 virus, providing a cost-effective solution for dairy farms. The process takes only six hours and doesn't require refrigeration, increasing safety and reducing costs.
Charles Martinez, assistant professor at the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, has received the SAEA Emerging Scholar Award for his distinguished research and outreach work. He is recognized for his contributions to farm and financial management, experimental economics, and livestock market economics.
Farmers in African mountains report alarming changes in local weather patterns, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study highlights the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider environmental, social, and political dynamics of each region.
InsectNet uses machine learning to identify over 2,500 insect species at 96% accuracy, providing critical information for farmers and researchers. The app can be fine-tuned for specific regions, making it useful for agricultural challenges worldwide.
Researchers created a tool to target agroforestry where it provides the greatest environmental benefits while being economically viable, socially acceptable. The map identifies areas with high impacts on soil erosion, water quality, climate, and profitability for lands not suitable for other crops.
A study led by UC Davis reveals that vanilla farmers in Madagascar prioritize their crops over forest conservation, but innovative payment schemes can promote a balanced landscape. The game FallowMe helped farmers explore tradeoffs between livelihoods, food security, and biodiversity.
Farmers in African mountains reported increased temperatures, reduced fog, and changes in rainfall patterns, leading to lower crop yields, livestock production, and human health concerns.
Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.
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.
Sheep have been an integral part of human livelihoods for over 11,000 years, providing meat, milk, and clothing. Genetic analyses reveal that early farmers deliberately selected their flocks for desirable traits, such as coat colour, demonstrating a significant impact on animal biology.
Researchers found that cacao grafting increases crop yield by 45% after just two years, while preserving native arthropod diversity. This approach rejuvenates old cacao crops with minimal ecological impact.
Researchers from the University of Turku and Natural Resources Institute Finland found that combining accommodation and repelling fields can help mitigate crop damage and human-wildlife conflict. The study suggests using stakeholder knowledge and coordinated field design to prepare for goose damage and reduce costs.
Smallholder farmers in Western Kenya support native-tree restoration for improved crop yields, climate resilience, and food security. However, concerns about increasing tree diversity attracting wildlife and the need for locally designed solutions remain.
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.
Researchers developed a machine learning model using hyperspectral imaging to assess pre-harvest tomato quality, predicting key parameters like weight, firmness, and lycopene content. The approach enables real-time monitoring of fruit development, improving crop quality and reducing waste.
A new software package called TraitTrainR offers a framework for replicating the evolutionary process many times over. It can perform flexible evolutionary experiments through probabilistic simulations on a computer, allowing researchers to generate thousands-to-millions of evolutionary replicates.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
A global assessment of dung production has revealed hotspots in central Africa, Australia, and Eurasia, indicating the presence of herbivores. The study also highlights the importance of accurate livestock density assessments for agriculture and food security.
Researchers at John Innes Centre have discovered a biological mechanism that enhances partnerships between plant roots and soil microbes, increasing nutrient uptake. This finding holds great potential for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers.
Scientists develop novel approach using Cry14 protein to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a major soybean pest. The research demonstrates that Cry14 reduces SCN population in soybean roots, leading to higher yields and potential resistance against native traits.
A new study has identified five species of root-lesion nematodes in maize fields across New Zealand, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns. The discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity.
A recent study found a 59% decrease in river antibiotic pollution due to improved manure recycling and reduced direct discharge. However, this reduction came with an unintended consequence: increased antibiotic leaching into groundwater by 15%, mainly from expanded manure use as fertilizer.
A study by North Carolina State University reveals the global spread of powdery mildew fungus in blueberries, with a cost range of $47 million to $530 million annually to the industry. The disease is caused by the Erysiphe vaccinii fungus and has been found on multiple continents since its introduction in 2012.
New research reveals alfalfa-almond intercropping reduces winter soil nitrate leaching and field water loss via evaporation. The practice can capture and convert nitrogen losses into revenues for almond farmers during the non-productive winter season.
The Arkansas Clean Plant Center is leading a global effort to remove over 120 'phantom agents' from pathogen regulatory lists. These outdated agents impede access to clean plant materials, hindering crop production and food security. The center's efforts aim to streamline global germplasm exchange using modern molecular techniques.
A new study found that intensive farming and shallow groundwater in the US Corn Belt increase precipitation recycling by almost 30%, providing a significant boost to rainfall during the growing season. The research, published in PNAS, used advanced computer modeling techniques to quantify the impact of these factors on regional climate.
The study found that climate policies would lead to a smaller increase in consumer food prices in wealthier countries, with prices rising by 1.25 times, compared to 2.45 times in lower-income countries. This means consumers in wealthier countries are shielded from fluctuations in farm prices.
A new study from the University of Göttingen reveals that the identity of pollinators, pollen, and crop varieties significantly impact fruit quality. The research emphasizes the need to consider these factors to improve crop nutrient composition and consumer health.
A new study suggests that better access to regional markets is more important than farmers growing a diverse range of crops on their own smallholdings. Markets increase the variety of foods available locally, benefiting the population as a whole.
Scientists have discovered a way to remove toxic compounds from potatoes, making them safer to eat and easier to store. By engineering plants to control when and where these compounds are produced, researchers envision crops that can be stored without risk of toxicity.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture's annual report highlights the challenges faced by Tennessee's farmers and foresters in 2024, including drought, agricultural land loss, and decreasing foreign market demand. The outlook for 2025 is clouded due to trade policy uncertainty, low crop prices, and high input costs.
The IHT Cooling Pads, developed by Purdue University and IHT Group, have earned recognition from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineers (ASABE) and Resource magazine as 2025 AE50 award winners. The mats utilize advanced water-based cooling technology to tackle heat stress in sows and boars.
A new study found that over half of weedy rice sampled in the southeastern US has become resistant to certain herbicides, including imidazolinone and a newer class of herbicides. The researchers also discovered that individual fields have distinct compositions of weedy rice strains, making management harder.
An international team of researchers warns that climate change could lead to widespread food shortages and famine if rapid changes are not made to develop climate-resilient crops. The group emphasizes the need for unprecedented collaboration between scientists, farmers, policymakers, and the public to address this crisis.
New studies reveal invasive winter annuals are sensitive to changing rainfall patterns, while heat waves impact Colorado potato beetle survival. In salt marshes, mesopredators like mud crabs take over grazing control from top predators, suggesting resilience to their loss.
A Curtin University study uses eDNA metabarcoding to track insect interactions with avocado flowers, detecting five times more unique pest species than digital video recordings. This method could help improve yields and make agricultural operations more efficient by identifying beneficial pollinators and pests.
A new paper emphasizes the role of agrifood value chains in supporting climate-smart agriculture at the farm level, highlighting the potential of these chains to empower farmers to adopt climate-resilient practices. The authors propose policy measures to strengthen the vital role of AVCs in driving climate action.
A comprehensive study reveals that global crop yields have continued to grow at roughly the same rate since the 1960s, offsetting any slowdown in specific crops or regions. The findings highlight the need for sustainable food production and affordability to address future food security challenges.
A small cohort study found that children raised on farms or with pets tend to have a lower risk of developing allergies due to the diversity of their gut microbiome. The study analyzed fecal samples from children and discovered more anaerobic commensals, which may contribute to this reduced allergy risk.
A team of researchers developed a novel sensor that attaches directly to the underside of plant leaves to measure leaf color without blocking sunlight. The sensor can track changes in the same spot over time and provides fine-tuned readings for real-time monitoring.
Researchers used machine-vision technology to compare targeted sprays with traditional broadcast applications, saving an average of 28.4-62.4% on postemergence herbicides. This study demonstrates potential for lower herbicide costs and improved environmental stewardship in soybean farming.
A study has identified a gene called MdTCP11 that controls the growth of compact apple trees, also known as spur-type varieties. These trees exhibit increased fruit yield and require less pruning, making them ideal for modern orchards.
A new survey highlights the need to revive England's hedgerows to meet national restoration targets. While agri-environment schemes have improved hedge condition, overall length remains unchanged. Experts call for increased participation and better incentives among farmers and landowners to rejuvenate the network.
A new program supported by a four-year grant from the USDA will train Michigan youth in 'smart agriculture' using data science. The project aims to equip the workforce with knowledge in both smart farming tools and data science to address global food production challenges.
A new study by Iowa State University researchers finds that nearly half of soybean-related emissions come from the natural processes in soil, which can be mitigated through strategies like planting winter cover crops and adjusting planting schedules. These solutions have been found to reduce emissions by one-third while increasing yields.
A new analysis finds that sustainable rates of groundwater withdrawal were surpassed 20 years prior to declining groundwater levels being generally recognized. Limiting groundwater pumping rates by nearly half can stabilize groundwater conditions, eliminating drying up of non-irrigation wells and stabilizing environmental flows.
A study published in Journal of Dairy Science introduces a new 3D pose estimation system to monitor dairy cow comfort and well-being. The model detects posture transitions with 88% sensitivity, providing valuable insights into animal welfare.
A new study reveals that the San Joaquin Valley in California has been sinking at an average rate of nearly an inch per year between 2006 and 2022. The researchers estimate that the land sank by over 12 inches during the four-year gap in satellite data, highlighting the urgent need for mitigation strategies.
A 30-year database analysis shows variable weather reduces the effectiveness of post-emergence herbicides against major corn and soybean weeds. Air temperature, precipitation patterns, and dry/wet conditions all impact herbicide effectiveness, making weed control more difficult for farmers.
The new Institute for Food Product Innovation and Commercialization offers training and development support to agriculture producers with novel product ideas. The program aims to remove hurdles for farmer-entrepreneurs, providing expertise on food manufacturing, marketing, and entrepreneurship.
Researchers analyzed four diets: Indian, Mediterranean, EAT-Lancet, and average government-recommended guidelines. The Indian diet showed the greatest reduction in global environmental pressure (20.9%), while FBDGs led to a potential 35.2% increase.
The study highlights the vital role women play in farming families, taking care of non-farming tasks, managing household finances, and dealing with isolation. Many women also work on the farm, but often downplay their contributions, leading to feelings of resentment and sadness.