Articles tagged with Farming
A new global study by the University of Copenhagen and University of Hohenheim finds that diversified agriculture improves food security, biodiversity, and well-being while having no negative effect on yields. Strategies such as livestock diversification and soil conservation yield positive outcomes.
A new survey reveals a significant knowledge gap about women and youth farming practices in Senegal, despite their crucial role in agriculture. The study highlights opportunities for training, access to efficient markets, and climate information services to improve agricultural skills and boost productivity.
Native wild bees are vital for pollination and have a significant impact on crop productivity. A recent study found that increasing wild pollinator habitat could provide additional nutrition for 30 million people annually and increase farmer income by up to $3 billion every year.
Island nations like New Zealand could reduce dependence on imported fuels by producing biofuel from locally grown crops like canola. This would ensure a supply for the country's bare minimum agricultural liquid fuel needs, even in the event of a major disruption.
Researchers at Hebrew University of Jerusalem introduced a non-invasive technique for evaluating chickpea water status, offering farmers a powerful tool to fine-tune irrigation schedules. The method amplifies both crop yields and water efficiency, resonating with global food security efforts.
A new study predicts that Australia's soil will become a net emitter of carbon dioxide, releasing more CO2 into the air than it absorbs. This could account for 8.3% of current emissions and worsen climate change unless farming methods are improved.
A study published in Nature Food reveals that optimized phosphorus use can extend its stock for up to 531 years, reducing the demand by 3,000 kt annually. Currently, around 30-40% of farm soils have over-applications, mainly due to European and North American countries.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that rose essential oil increases the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, key plant defense genes, in tomato plants. The study also showed that REO reduces leaf damage caused by pests and attracts beneficial predators to protect against herbivores.
Agricultural occupations have one of the highest rates of workplace injuries and fatalities in the U.S. Two studies from the University of Illinois found that vehicles and machinery are the leading causes of injuries, with men being twice as likely to be victims. Understanding the nature and source of injuries is crucial for developing...
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.
Climate change is causing rapid warming of Scotland's lochs, with potential costs of £16.5 million annually due to algal blooms and reduced water quality. Implementing efficient land management practices could reduce phosphorus pollution by 20% under a best-case scenario.
A recent study in Florida found that nearly all farm workers were dehydrated at the end of their shifts and more than half remained dehydrated the following morning. The researchers emphasized the need for stricter federal regulations and smaller interventions to address this issue.
A new study by Oxford Brookes University has found that shade-grown coffee increases biodiversity and provides a home to more plant and animal species. The research also highlights the benefits of preserving biodiversity for farmers, including improved natural pest control and soil quality.
A CABI-led study found that 55-89% of respondents answered correctly about antibiotic risks and safe use. Despite this, certain knowledge gaps remain, posing a significant threat to effective infection treatment.
A team of scientists at Pohang University of Science & Technology uncovered the molecular mechanism responsible for crossover interference during meiosis, a biological process that generates genetically diverse reproductive cells. The findings have significant implications for breeding and cultivating crops with specific desired traits.
A new study found that installing flower margins on apple orchards can reduce fruit damage by up to 50 meters from the floral habitat. The research team discovered that predatory insects like hoverflies and ladybirds prey on pests that deform and damage apples, resulting in healthier crops.
Researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology develop new methodology to accurately simulate soil behavior in rigid state, leveraging MSP method and Bingham fluid biviscosity model. The study highlights the impact of parameters on simulation accuracy and computational costs.
A new study reveals that even small incremental increases in tree cover on agricultural land in mountain regions can provide significant climate change mitigation benefits within a decade. Agroforestry practices can help conserve irrecoverable carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services in mountain systems.
A study found that weedy rice's promiscuity allows it to crossbreed with wild rice, enabling it to adapt and outcompete cultivated rice. This process, called adaptive introgression, has contributed to the evolution of Southeast Asian weedy rice.
Researchers found six pesticides and related compounds in kale from small farms in Maryland, but levels were much lower than a concern. The study provides insight into the safety of farm-raised greens and will help identify health risks associated with other fruits and vegetables.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.
A study suggests that promoting prosocial preferences in smallholder farming communities can minimize economic losses from extreme weather events. By diversifying risk transfer mechanisms and implementing formal insurance, communities can shield farmers from individual risks while protecting against collective-scale volatility.
A recent study from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers notable correlations between the Indian Ocean and precipitation in the Middle East, which may lead to seasonal prediction of Fall precipitation. The research highlights a discernible upward trend in crucial Indian Ocean climate indices over the last four decades, indicatin...
A study found that crop diversification in the Cerrado biome leads to increased numbers of native mammals and a decrease in invasive species such as wild boars. Diversified crops helped control invasive species that cause damage to farmers.
A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.
A Brazilian study developed a method using AI to identify crop-livestock integration areas from satellite images. The approach can benefit agriculture by optimizing land use, diversifying farming activities, and encouraging sustainable practices.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology have produced a comprehensive map of England's hedgerows, revealing over 390,000 km of field boundaries marked by these critical habitats. The new data will guide future habitat restoration efforts and support biodiversity conservation.
Smallholder farmers in four African countries experienced reduced crop losses and higher incomes after receiving pest alerts generated using earth observation data. The Pest Risk Information Service (PRISE) project demonstrated a positive impact on farmers' livelihoods, with benefits more pronounced for male-headed households.
A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.
Researchers at Penn State and University of Wisconsin-Madison found that women farmers approach their operations in ways that positively impact their communities. The study revealed a positive association between women farmers and local economic variables such as nonfarm entrepreneurship, life expectancy, and poverty rates.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
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.
A recent study found a significant decline in bioluminescent beetle diversity in the Brazilian savanna over the past three decades. The researchers recorded 51 species, mostly fireflies, click beetles, and glow worms, which have declined sharply due to agricultural expansion and artificial lighting.
Researchers analyzed over 26,000 farmer's market transactions to find that sales were better on Sundays, early in the morning, and during certain holiday months. The study provides insights into how farmers can increase their sales using point-of-sale data analysis.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science analyzes the life cycle of milk production in 47 small farms in Karnataka, India, identifying key emissions hotspots and potential sustainability improvements. The research highlights the importance of high-yielding animals and efficient feeding strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
Recent studies in JDS Communications have found that paired housing can build behavior skills, shape calf personalities, and set up animals for success in the herd. Early socialization has been shown to boost competitive skills, increase time drinking from a bottle, and make calves bolder towards novel objects and unfamiliar calves.
A study published in Nature Communications found that planting diverse crops reduces the number of microorganisms in the soil that eat plants, leading to higher yields. This is because specialized pathogens are suppressed in diverse communities, allowing for greater use of biomass.
Researchers at Oregon State University have sequenced the chia genome, identifying genes associated with improving nutrition and human health. The study found 29 genes involved in polyunsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis and 93 genes that aid gel-forming properties of chia seeds.
A recent study found that beef operations with lifelong grass-based diets may produce a 42% higher carbon footprint when considering soil carbon sequestration and carbon opportunity costs. This is in contrast to grain-finished operations, which have been previously shown to have a lower environmental impact. The study's findings emphas...
A new study reveals a genetic vulnerability to the herbicide tolpyralate in nearly 50 sweet and field corn lines, with sensitivity increased by adjuvants commonly co-applied with HPPD-inhibitors. The source of the sugary enhancer gene is among the most sensitive genotypes, suggesting widespread potential.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Precision Livestock Farming aims to empower graduate students and early-career researchers with machine learning, statistical tools, and database systems. The school will provide a platform for them to process vast amounts of data and develop a multidisciplinary approach to PLF.
A new study from the University of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences examines how Illinois corn and soybean producers make marketing decisions. The research found that farms with lower financial positions tend to store more grain, while bigger and older farms have lower storage costs.
Researchers investigated how urbanization affects interactions between plants and pollinators in a tropical city. They found that seasonal changes play a crucial role in shaping these interactions, leading to significant changes in plant-pollinator networks.
Decades of relying on glyphosate for weed control has led to the development of resistance in multiple weed species, compromising its efficacy. However, combining post-emergence and pre-emergence herbicides can provide consistent weed control, highlighting the need for diverse management programs.
The BioSPACE project aims to provide farmers, environmental agencies, and water-reliant industries with portable sensors to rapidly detect germs that threaten marine and freshwater life. The economic burden caused by waterborne diseases exceeds $3 billion in direct health care costs each year in the United States.
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen found that consumers rate vertically farmed greens similarly to organic ones. The study debunked consumer prejudices about vertically grown produce, showing that it can be just as healthy and natural.
A study by UNICAMP researchers found high concentrations of contaminants in the Piracicaba, Capivari and Jundiaí River Basin, including PFAS compounds, pesticides, and industrial chemicals. The study highlights the severity of pollution in the region, which supplies water for drinking, irrigation, and industry.
A new European study confirms pesticides harm bumblebees, contradicting current regulations. The research, published in Nature, shows that pesticide use reduces colony production and queen numbers, highlighting the need for more effective pollinator protection.
A University of Bonn study found that nearly half of the world is suitable for diversified farming for sustainable intensification. The study suggests that regions with developed infrastructure near urban centers are particularly promising for profitable diversified farming practices.
A study in Belize found that Indigenous farmers' slash-and-burn techniques increased forest plant diversity when used in intermediate-sized farm patches. This contradicts the standard view of slash-and-burn as a cause of deforestation, and highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers found preserved yew trees from 4,200 years ago that reveal a sudden sea level rise likely killed the vast woodland. The trees contain valuable information about natural variability and potential links between global climate events.
A global study reveals that farmworkers in major crop regions are facing increasing exposure to extreme heat and humidity, which can impair their ability to function. The most affected crops are rice and maize, with nearly half of the world's rice cropland already experiencing extreme conditions during the planting and harvest seasons.
Researchers have developed a fully-enclosed aquaculture system that can be completely controlled, eliminating water quality and food safety concerns. The system produces nutrient-rich protein-rich 'Naked Clams' that are faster-growing than mussels and oysters, with higher Vitamin B12 levels.
A new analysis by Aalto University reveals that industrial agriculture is highly sensitive to shocks in agricultural inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The study models the impacts of these shocks on crop yields and food availability globally, identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified a single major gene controlling waterhemp's resistance to S-metolachlor, a widely used soil-applied herbicide. This finding poses a significant challenge for farmers, as it increases the risk of spread and limits effective weed management options.
A UC Irvine-led team has developed a method to produce farm-free food by synthesizing dietary fats through chemical and biological processes. This approach could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and preserve natural ecosystems.
A new study finds that consumers are willing to pay more for pork with improved animal welfare, but not necessarily a lower carbon footprint. The majority of respondents prioritize animal welfare over climate considerations.
A model reveals that corn farming in the US Midwest incurs significant health and environmental costs, with air pollution being a major contributor. Implementing alternative management practices can increase profits beyond these costs, but retiring land may be necessary for some counties.
A study projects 2.7 million square kilometers of wilderness becoming newly suitable for agriculture over the next 40 years, threatening precious areas of biodiversity and cultural value. The research emphasizes the need to cut emissions and use farmland more efficiently to meet growing global demands.
Researchers predict that 76% of newly suitable land at high latitudes is currently wilderness, equivalent to 10% of the total wilderness in these areas. As global temperatures rise, wilderness areas may be significantly harmed by agricultural expansion.