Articles tagged with Farming
Scientists have identified a natural gene variant in barley that enables plants to flower up to 18 days earlier, allowing for improved adaptation to climate change. This discovery could lead to the development of climate-resilient barley varieties with stable yields.
A new study found that Kenyan smallholder papaya farmers are willing to adopt biological control methods to combat the papaya mealybug. Farmers demonstrated high levels of awareness of the negative impacts of chemical pesticides, but lacked knowledge and support for biological control.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
A new study reveals that diverting streams and rivers for irrigation can significantly extend the time microplastics spend in river catchments. Researchers found a strong link between urbanisation and microplastic concentrations, with microplastic loads increasing downstream of more urbanised areas.
Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The study found that about one-third of all farming occurs in high conservation priority areas, with certain staples like beef and soybeans tending to be produced there. Changing sourcing practices can help reduce the impact on biodiversity, according to researchers.
Researchers at the University of Adelaide have discovered a failed antibiotic that can effectively kill two of Australia's most problematic weeds, annual ryegrass and wild radish, without harming bacterial or human cells. This finding could lead to faster development of new weed killers, saving farmers billions of dollars each year.
Carefully planned restoration of agricultural coffee landscapes can increase crop yield by promoting pollinators' habitat, leading to long-term conservation and economic benefits. Over a 40-year period, strategically allocating land to agriculture and forest can double profits for landholders while increasing forest cover by 20%.
Despite years of research, few salt-tolerant crops have been released commercially. KAUST researchers argue that increasing crop salinity tolerance is essential due to climate change impacts. New genetic tools and approaches like grafting or domesticating wild species can help develop more resilient crops.
Researchers found that farmers implementing sustainable land use systems like cocoa agroforestry contribute to reducing conflicts over land. In a survey of farmer households, participants felt that agroforestry systems increased spaces for community dialogue and decreased disputes over access to natural resources.
A study published in Nature Sustainability predicts the number of farms worldwide will drop from 616 million in 2020 to 272 million in 2100. This decline is linked to a doubling in farm size as people migrate to urban areas, threatening biodiversity and food supply.
Researchers tracked antimicrobial resistance in E. coli isolated from swine between 2013 and 2019, finding an increasing trend of resistance to ceftriaxone. The study highlights the need for surveillance systems to monitor microbes and develop mitigation strategies to address this growing concern.
Agricultural economist Charles Towe found that non-resident owners, mainly from NYC, are buying up farmland in Columbia County, leading to idle land and low-value farming practices. This trend has significant economic implications for the local community.
A devastating fungal disease, Fusarium wilt of banana (FWB), caused by Tropical Race 4 (TR4) is spreading in Mozambique, jeopardizing banana production. The Cavendish banana variety is highly susceptible to the disease, and lack of access to on-farm data hinders effective containment.
A new study has found that increasing woodland cover in UK uplands will not deter tourists from visiting. The research, conducted by Aarhus University, involved over 500 tourists and showed that most would still visit even with 75% or 100% forest cover. However, the majority preferred a view from the mountain top.
Experts warn that fungal disease in crops could lead to unprecedented challenges in food production, causing losses equivalent to enough food for millions of people. The increasing prevalence of fungal infections is due to rising temperatures and the development of resistance to antifungals.
A recent study found concerning levels of anxiety among female farmers in England and Wales, with factors including financial pressures, workload, and isolation contributing to moderate to severe anxiety. The research also highlights the need for greater support and social connections to improve mental health in this group.
A study found that establishing fallow land can increase the populations of farmland birds and improve biodiversity. The benefits depend on landscape complexity, particularly in regions with a moderate density of boundary lines between fields and woody structures.
A new study in Viruses journal reveals significant viral diversity in bats and pig farms in Viet Nam, highlighting the risks of CoV spillover. The research calls for increased surveillance and One Health action to prevent pandemic emergence.
Most smallholder farmers in Uganda surveyed believe they can reduce damage caused by the fall armyworm using various management and control options. They predominantly use chemical control methods, including regular weeding and handpicking, with some farmers also employing biological extracts to combat the pest.
Researchers found that agricultural antimicrobial peptide use can generate broad cross-resistance to the human innate immune response. This has major implications for the design and use of therapeutic antimicrobial peptides.
A new study reveals that Indian farmers have adapted to climate change by changing management practices and using hardier crop varieties. However, the impact of climate change on crop yields varies across crops and regions, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others.
A new University of Illinois study suggests that widespread planting of cereal rye could significantly reduce nitrate levels in Illinois' tile drainage water. The research found that adopting winter cover crops, such as cereal rye, can help minimize nitrogen loss and improve water quality.
ASU researchers have developed a method to regenerate biocrusts on arid lands by harnessing the power of solar farms. The approach, dubbed 'crustivoltaics,' has shown promising results in doubling biocrust biomass and tripling biocrust cover under photovoltaic panels.
A study found that some of the world's largest slaughterhouses reduced cattle-driven deforestation in the Amazon by 15% through their zero-deforestation policies. If fully implemented, these policies could halve cattle-driven deforestation in Brazil by sparing over 24,000km2 of forest.
Research suggests that agritourism and direct farm sales complement each other in the same community, increasing revenue for farmers. The study identified hotspots of farms engaging in these activities in various regions, including the Northeast, West, and Great Lakes areas.
The Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences has been awarded a $9.9 million grant by the Bezos Earth Fund to develop low-cost virtual fencing technology that can benefit farmers, animals, and the environment. The project aims to improve existing virtual fencing technology and combine it with animal-monitoring system...
Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis suggest that ancient humans may have chosen certain wild plants for domestication based on their ability to be easily 'tamed'. Plants with high plasticity, or the capacity to respond to environmental changes, can produce more yields and easier-to-sprout seeds.
Purdue University has received two grants of $1 million each from the US Department of Agriculture's National Institute of Food and Agriculture to develop more resilient food systems. The grants will support research, education, and extension efforts aimed at enhancing sustainable agricultural systems in Eastern U.S. forests and Midwes...
A new pesticide exposure test has been developed to help protect the health and safety of agricultural workers, particularly those in the emerging cannabis industry. The test uses a bio solid-phase microextraction method that can detect ultra-trace levels of pesticide residues in human blood plasma.
Researchers found that weekly and Saturday slaughter capacity utilization interact with live cattle-to-box beef spread, but not in a way that packers control prices. The study suggests Saturday slaughter may be a strategy to increase processing when prices are rising.
Researchers found a 40% reduction in ammonia emissions and a two-thirds decrease in methane emissions by acidifying slurry with sulfuric acid. The method also improves fertilization and could be optimized to achieve even higher reductions.
Researchers found that seed systems are often disrupted by conflict, social inequality, and poor policies. Emerging initiatives like participatory plant breeding help farmers secure food supplies by developing crop varieties tailored to their needs.
Researchers teamed with Ethiopian farmers to develop new wheat varieties using genomic analysis. Farmers' knowledge played a crucial role in predicting crop yields and selecting optimal traits. The project aims to preserve agrobiodiversity and promote cultural heritage.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural Economics found that home gardens can increase annual home-produced food by nearly 90% and monthly per adult equivalent incomes by 37%. These interventions also reduced poverty rates and improved nutrition among rural farming communities in Odisha, India.
Researchers suggest that biochar produced from straw pyrolysis can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese staple crops. The addition of an integrated energy system also produces biogas and bio-oil, which can replace fossil fuels and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
The National Cooperative Dairy Herd Improvement Program has successfully collected herd production data for 100 years, providing crucial input for cattle breeding and genetics. The program's cooperative structure, data interoperability, and governance model make it a unique example of how data collection benefits producers.
A new study by Linköping University reveals that climate change alters natural greenhouse gas fluxes from streams and lakes, making landscape carbon sinks less effective. The researchers found that increased precipitation and temperature affect the amount of carbon washed into streams and lakes, leading to greater emissions.
A North Carolina State University study found that cover crop adoption can reduce crop insurance losses due to prevented planting in the US Midwest. Longer term use of cover crops also leads to larger reductions in prevented-planting risk, with a 1% increase translating to nearly $40 million in reduced indemnities.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that local enforcement of manure management regulations can effectively reduce nutrient concentrations in rivers and lakes. The study focuses on Wisconsin's unique approach, which allows counties to participate in enforcement without state approval.
A new scoring system assesses pig welfare through a range of measurements, including health problems and environmental interactions. The system enables comparison across different types of pig farming and informs decisions about farm sustainability.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a four-wheeled robot capable of sowing, pruning, and harvesting in dense vegetation, improving efficiency by 49% compared to manual control. The robot's advanced maneuvering system reduces damage to plants and increases farming productivity in various environments.
A recent study led by Boston University researchers found that payments designed to motivate eco-friendly behavior often don't reconcile the tension between agricultural production and the planet's health. However, including more women in decision-making boosted cooperation between farmers on environmental issues and increased output.
Millions of people living in river deltas face risk due to human activities such as damming and levee construction. Climate change is just one part of the story; local resource management can have a greater impact on delta sustainability.
Bald eagles in northwestern Washington state have become a boon to dairy farmers due to climate change, deterring pests and removing animal carcasses. The shift in salmon spawning schedule has reduced available carcasses on rivers, forcing eagles to seek alternative food sources from dairy farm by-products.
Researchers at UBC Okanagan found that Chinese farmers use online marketing to connect with consumers, an approach not widely adopted in BC. The study suggests that targeted education, research, and public investments can improve the resilience of agricultural climate adaptation in both countries.
A recent study reveals that climate change has led to an increase in Bald Eagle populations, which are now forming a relationship with dairy farmers in northwestern Washington State. In exchange for the eagles' services such as carcass removal and pest-deterrence, dairy farmers reap benefits from the eagles' presence.
Wheat yields decline by 4% due to extreme heat and drought, with regions like Russia and China experiencing greater losses. Maize yields also drop by 3%, with North America and Eastern Europe seeing more severe reductions.
A study in Brazil found that agricultural certification can encourage compliance with environmental laws, but doesn't necessarily reduce deforestation or increase natural regeneration. Certified coffee farms showed a general tendency for increased compliance, particularly in protected areas like the Atlantic Rainforest.
A team of researchers from Pusan National University evaluated the efficacy of calcite and phosphogypsum in reducing arsenate ions' availability for crops. Phosphogypsum was found to be more effective in immobilizing arsenic in soil due to a substitution mechanism involving sulfate and hydrogen arsenate ions.
Guinea grass, an invasive species in Texas, uses a combination of crowding and chemical toxins to suppress native plants. The researchers found that the toxicity of guinea grass increases dramatically when its shading effect is combined with its chemical warfare, making it harder for native plants to survive.
Researchers have developed a robotic system called AngleNet that measures leaf angles on corn plants, providing plant breeders with accurate data more quickly. The technology uses stereo vision and deep convolutional neural networks to capture images of leaves at different heights, enabling 3D modeling and precise measurements.
Research at Cornell University found that co-locating solar panels with commercial agriculture can improve power conversion efficiency and solar-panel longevity. Agrivoltaic systems offer increased passive cooling through taller panel heights, more reflective ground cover, and higher evapotranspiration rates.
A $5 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports a Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate program for small-scale farmers. The program aims to improve crop production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon removal.
A new study by Göttingen University reveals that mechanical weeding and reduced fertilizer usage significantly increase ecosystem multifunctionality and profit in industrial oil palm production. The researchers found no reduction in greenhouse gas emissions with these practices.
A warmer climate is causing bumblebee queens to emerge earlier, potentially disrupting the timing of plant-pollinator interactions. This can lead to reduced biodiversity and lower pollination rates, as some species may not have enough food during their flight period.
The University of Missouri will receive a $10 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to double cover crop seed production in the US by 2030. The project aims to educate farmers about new varieties of cover crops, examine their performance with root growth, and distribute them nationwide.
Researchers at Aarhus University have found an enzyme, C-P lyase, in E. coli bacteria that can degrade highly stable chemicals, including pesticides like RoundUp. The enzyme uses energy from ATP to open and close a 'nutcracker' mechanism that traps and breaks down troublesome chemicals.