Articles tagged with Farming
A global partnership has committed over $1 billion to scale up weather services for hundreds of millions of farmers across Asia, Latin America, and Africa. The initiative aims to provide high-quality, farmer-centered forecasts using AI-supported weather forecasting to build resilience and support adaptation to climate change.
A modelling study predicts up to 94% of Amazonian land may become inhospitable to the Brazil nut tree by 2100 due to climate change. The study, including four climate scenarios, examines the tree's potential future in the Amazon region.
Researchers found that widespread adoption of cement paths, disinfection stations, and production strategies can net significant benefits for each dollar invested. The disease could annihilate global banana production, but simple measures are already effective in slowing its spread.
A UTEP research team will investigate the impact of climate change on pecan orchards in the US and Mexico, focusing on drought, heat waves, and soil management. The study aims to develop insights for farmers and policymakers on improving water use efficiency and carbon sequestration.
A recent study published in the journal Microbiome found that lifestyle factors, such as diet and smoking habits, significantly impact the composition of beneficial bacteria in the mouth. The research team analyzed saliva samples from individuals representing different subsistence strategies in Nepal and discovered a correlation betwee...
A new study warns of potential water shortages in Brazil's agricultural frontier region, MATOPIBA, as climate change exacerbates overuse of water resources. The study predicts that crop irrigation demand may not meet local requirements by up to 40% by 2025-40.
The John Innes Centre, LMU Munich, and Leiden University have secured €8.3m in funding to study circadian rhythms in non-photosynthetic bacteria, which could have significant implications for human health and the environment. The project aims to understand the properties and ecology of biological clocks across a new kingdom of life.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have designed a system to improve soil health in hazelnut farms, reducing the impact of climate change. By partnering with 20 farms across the Willamette Valley, they aim to demonstrate the ecological and economic benefits of native wildflowers and basalt dust amendments.
A study on Spanish dehesas has developed a tool to model pastureland productivity and water stress, allowing for more efficient grazing management. During severe droughts, grass production can drop by up to 67%, with areas having limited slopes and moderate tree cover being the most productive.
A new University of Illinois study examines the adoption of robotic weeding technology to fight superweeds, finding that forward-looking management strategies are more effective than myopic approaches. The research suggests that farmers with a long-term perspective on weed resistance will benefit from early adoption of robots.
A new study presents a cutting-edge catalog of banana diversity, tracing the ancestral origins of various cultivars using innovative genomic techniques. The catalog reveals that some locally appreciated banana groups are not single clones, opening perspectives for diversification.
A recent review suggests that thermal imaging technology can help control temperatures before and after harvesting fruit and vegetables. This technology can gauge temperature without contact using infrared radiation and flag drastic temperature spikes, helping to extend shelf life and reduce food waste.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A new study finds that the gene for starch-digesting saliva may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes modern diet. This early duplication set the stage for significant variation in the amylase region, allowing humans to adapt to shifting diets with increasing starch consumption.
A new study published in Science reveals that the salivary amylase gene (AMY1) may have first duplicated more than 800,000 years ago, seeding genetic variation that shapes human digestion of starchy foods. This early duplication allowed for increased starch-digesting efficiency and may have played a role in human adaptation to new diets.
Researchers at LSU and Smithsonian Institution found that ants began farming fungi after an asteroid struck Earth 66 million years ago. This behavior is still exhibited by some ant species today.
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
Researchers at Rutgers University are developing an innovative method called electroponics, which uses electrospray to deliver water and agrichemicals to plants with minimal waste. This technology has the potential to increase food security and sustainability, particularly in water-scarce environments or space stations.
A new study has uncovered the hidden diversity of wild banana relatives in mainland Southeast Asia, showcasing their potential as future crop varieties. The research emphasizes the urgent need to preserve these genetic resources to ensure global food security.
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.
Researchers are developing soybeans that can handle extreme weather conditions, allowing farmers to maintain yields under pressure. By studying plant adaptation strategies, scientists aim to create more resilient soybean varieties.
A recent study by Rice University researchers found that indigenous farm workers experience more physical pain on the job than undocumented workers. The authors suggest that cumulative disadvantage, including language barriers and discrimination, may contribute to this disparity.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Scientists have developed a strategy for optimizing light intensity to minimize electricity costs while maintaining plant growth. The study found that varying light intensity can cut electricity costs by 12% without compromising plants' carbon fixation.
A new study has identified key factors to build food resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The proposed blueprint aims to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources.
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 explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
Researchers at Cornell University found that integrating AI into environmental control systems can reduce energy consumption in indoor agriculture by up to 25%. By optimizing lighting and climate regulation, AI helps create an energy-efficient solution for optimal plant growth, carbon dioxide levels, and ventilation requirements.
The study predicts light transmission, absorption, and power generation of different PV materials, enabling the selection of optimal materials for agrivoltaics. By carefully tuning the 'colour' of light transmitted through semi-transparent PVs, researchers can enhance crop growth while generating solar power.
Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh mapped nitrogen losses county by county, finding high spatial disconnects between where beef is eaten and where nitrogen impacts are felt. This disconnect results in people living far from the area where their beef was produced experiencing negative environmental effects.
A new vaccine created by Mizzou researchers protects cattle from bovine anaplasmosis, a devastating tick-borne disease causing hundreds of millions of dollars in economic losses. The vaccine has been proven to give immunized cattle protection for at least a month and is being discussed with industry partners for future distribution.
Researchers identify two key factors driving consumer participation in community-supported agriculture: the socio-cultural environment and weighing of expected gains against losses. These factors shape individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and decisions, highlighting the importance of considering lifestyles and values when promoting CSA.
Researchers warn that animals we eat could be the gateway for a pandemic in the form of antimicrobial resistance. The World Health Organization estimates up to 10 million deaths by 2050 from drug-resistant diseases.
Researchers propose a leaf-inspired luminescent solar concentrator (LSC) design to overcome scalability limitations. The innovative setup enhances photon collection and transfer, improving efficiency and reducing self-absorption issues.
A new research project aims to create a highly effective and selective biological herbicide targeting Palmer amaranth. The researchers will use synthetic biology techniques to develop RNA molecules known as Ribozymes that can influence specific gene expression, eliminating the weed through a specific infection.
Researchers have discovered that sunflowers wiggle to find patches of sunlight, forming a zig-zag pattern that maximizes access to light. This movement allows the plant to explore its surroundings and settle into configurations that provide maximum light exposure.
Rewilding efforts in Europe could help countries meet conservation goals with 70% of opportunities in colder climates. Passive and active strategies are proposed to create self-sustaining ecosystems.
New nutrition strategies could slash methane emissions from dairy cows by a staggering 60%, according to a Journal of Dairy Science review. Diet reformulation, using feed additives like seaweed and 3-NOP, may be key to achieving this goal.
Researchers developed a tricot approach to collaborate with farmers in testing new crop varieties, increasing collaboration and community engagement. The approach has been shown to be cost-effective, equitable, externally valid, and scalable, benefiting national programs and improving data value.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Researchers developed a machine learning-based system to analyze satellite data and provide farmers with information on pasture productivity and quality. The approach uses remote sensing and AI-driven processing to gather data on large areas, providing a scale-neutral solution for small- and large-scale farms.
A study found that farmers in both countries rely on interpersonal meetings, social media, and mass media for technology adoption, with social media playing a more significant role in Brazil. The researchers suggest that understanding the complex process of technology adoption can help tech companies reach potential customers.
Scientists argue that solar farms in the UK have great potential to restore degraded habitats and meet the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. However, unless policies change, potential biodiversity benefits could be squandered.
A new study by Penn State researcher Florence Becot found that 78% of farm families with children made changes to balance childcare needs with farm business responsibilities, reducing hours worked and shifting work schedules. This impacted the structure of labor on- and off-the-farm, influencing production systems, marketing channels, ...
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
A recent study published in Frontiers found that pesticide use is associated with increased cancer risk, particularly for Non-Hodgkins lymphoma, leukemia, and bladder cancer. The researchers discovered a strong correlation between pesticide exposure and cancer incidence, rivalling the effects of smoking.
Researchers from Insignum AgTech and Purdue University have developed a collaboration to detect tar spot disease in corn using drone imagery. The technology aims to enable farmers to identify early stages of the disease, allowing for timely treatment and reducing yield losses.
The 'Indigenous People of West Africa' project aims to examine the consequences of colonial era resettlements and promote indigenous governance. Climate change exacerbates agricultural problems and land use conflicts with semi-nomadic groups in West Africa.
Researchers found that well-draining soils and vegetation can manage runoff on solar farms, while engineered stormwater controls can mitigate unmitigated runoff. The study provides new insights into hydrological phenomena on solar farms, particularly on steep and complex landscapes.
Venkatesan Sundaresan has been awarded the 2024 Wolf Prize in Agriculture for his groundbreaking research on plant reproductive biology. His work enables the production of clonal seeds from hybrid plants, simplifying crop breeding and increasing yields.
Climate change is predicted to decrease strawberry yields by as much as 40% due to increased temperatures. Sustainable farming practices can help mitigate this effect, ensuring a stable food supply for everyone.
A new University of Georgia study reveals that one in five US farmers report binge drinking when they experience high levels of stress. The survey also found that farmers consume alcohol at similar rates as the general public, but those who reported feeling supported by community resources were less likely to drink excessively.
A recent study by the University of Exeter warns that intensive livestock farming may raise the risk of emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). The researchers highlight the need to consider social and economic factors in traditional assessments.
MSU researchers developed a new cotton quality module as part of the GOSSYM application, simulating plant growth and yield. The tool can predict crop growth, yield, and fiber quality, providing valuable insights for farmers to maximize income and resiliency in the face of climate change.
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 new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of early plant farming in east Africa, revealing a pattern of gradual introductions of different crops that originated from different parts of the continent. The study found domesticated cowpea, sorghum, and finger millet seeds dating back to around 2,300 years ago.
A new North Carolina State University study found a dearth of useful depictions of farmworkers in commercial stock photo libraries, highlighting the need for more relevant educational materials. The research suggests that these images can impact farmworker engagement with safety behaviors.
Researchers developed low-cost, real-time sensors that can monitor nitrate in soil, enabling farmers to make informed decisions on fertilizer usage. The sensors have been tested in various soil types and showed accurate results.