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Biochar and nitrification inhibitor help cut ammonia losses while sustaining crop yields

Combining biochar and dicyandiamide in organic fertilizer reduces cumulative ammonia losses by 27.1% compared to conventional urea fertilization, maintaining crop productivity despite reduced mineral nitrogen input. The treatment also supports economic returns through reduced nitrogen-related environmental and health costs.

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 13, 2026

No-tillage and microbial fertilizer work together to build carbon in nutrient-poor albic soils

A field study in northeastern China shows that combining no-tillage management with microbial organic fertilizer can significantly increase soil organic carbon across both surface and deeper soil layers. The treatment increased soil organic carbon by up to 93.2% and maintained larger macroaggregates, which can physically enclose organi...

SourceShenyang Agricultural University Collaborative Journals·JournalAgricultural Ecology and Environment·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 5, 2026

Scientists unearth mechanism that helps plants “feel full”

Scientists at NYU have identified a key regulator controlling nitrogen use in plants, which can be harnessed to develop 'gluttonous' plant varieties that absorb more nitrogen from the soil. This discovery could lead to reduced fertilizer application and lower greenhouse gas emissions.

SourceNew York University·JournalThe Plant Cell·DateJul 30, 2026

Rice grown on the Moon?

Researchers have developed a plasma technology that can produce nitrogen fertilizer suitable for cultivating rice seedlings under lunar conditions. The technology successfully neutralizes highly alkaline regolith and releases critical mineral nutrients, allowing plants to absorb them more readily.

SourceTohoku University·Journalnpj Microgravity·DateJun 29, 2026
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer

Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.

Nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer may help bamboo forest soils hold on to carbon under warming

Researchers found that nanozeolite-coupled biochar fertilizer reduced soil-derived carbon dioxide emissions by 11-18% compared to conventional phosphorus fertilizer. The biochar-based fertilizer also reduced the Q10 value, indicating a decrease in soil carbon decomposition under warming.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·JournalBiochar·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 16, 2026

Revealing hidden diversity of algae in farmland

A pilot study discovered over 100 different algae species in German farmland, with blue-green and green algae prevalent during summer, and yellow-green algae during spring and autumn. The research highlights the importance of soil algae in maintaining soil health and fertility.

SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Microbiology·TypeObservational study·DateMay 18, 2026

Study reveals soil, not fertilizer, is primary source of nitrogen gas loss in rice paddies

A new study led by Prof. YAN Xiaoyuan finds that most nitrogen gas emissions from rice paddies originate from soil organic nitrogen, rather than applied fertilizers. The researchers propose a novel mechanism to explain this phenomenon, suggesting that fertilizer activates soil nitrogen pools, indirectly driving larger nitrogen losses.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 27, 2026

Goose poop could fuel a circular agriculture strategy, Concordia research shows

A Concordia study reveals that black soldier flies can survive and thrive on goose feces, producing valuable biomass for composting and organic fertilizer. The insects' waste also serves as a nutritious fertilizer for duckweed, improving its growth rate and root system.

SourceConcordia University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2026
Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply

Rigol DP832 Triple-Output Bench Power Supply powers sensors, microcontrollers, and test circuits with programmable rails and stable outputs.

Animal and human waste could slash synthetic fertilizer use in US

A new study by Cornell University suggests that animal and human waste could meet 102% of nitrogen and 50% of phosphorus needs for US agriculture, reducing reliance on synthetic fertilizers. However, implementation challenges such as processing and transport need to be addressed to unlock this potential.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateApr 15, 2026

Nitrous oxide, a product of fertilizer use, may harm some soil bacteria

A study by MIT researchers found that nitrous oxide can hamper the growth of certain soil bacteria dependent on vitamin B12 for methionine biosynthesis. The findings suggest that N2O production in agricultural settings could influence microbial communities, potentially impacting crop health.

SourceMassachusetts Institute of Technology·JournalmBio·DateMar 4, 2026

Rice gene discovery could cut fertiliser use while protecting yields

Researchers have identified a master regulator in plants that balances root and shoot growth when nutrients are limited, leading to yield increases of up to 24% in rice plants. This breakthrough could ultimately improve global crop yields while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilisers.

SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalScience·DateFeb 26, 2026
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter

Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.

Plant hormone therapy could improve global food security

Researchers at Colorado State University have found a way to boost plant growth while maintaining its immune system through hormone treatment, showing promise for increasing food production. The approach involves genetically manipulating phytohormone interactions to restore cell division and increase disease resistance.

SourceColorado State University·JournalCurrent Biology·DateFeb 23, 2026

Researchers identify best strategies to cut air pollution and improve fertilizer quality during composting

Scientists have uncovered practical strategies that can significantly reduce harmful air pollution from composting while improving the quality of organic fertilizers. Biochar emerged as the most effective single solution, consistently reducing ammonia and nitrous oxide emissions while enhancing nitrogen retention.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 11, 2026

Bird poop powered the rise of the Chincha Kingdom, archaeologists find

A new study reveals that seabird guano was a driving force behind the Chincha Kingdom's sociopolitical expansion on Peru's coast. The nutrient-rich bird droppings boosted corn yields and supercharged agriculture, fueling the kingdom's economy, trade, population growth, and regional influence.

SourceUniversity of Sydney·JournalPLOS One·DateFeb 11, 2026
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach

Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.

Pros and cons of pesticides and fertilizers in real-world mandarin orange farms

A recent study by RIKEN researchers analyzed the effects of pesticides and fertilizers on mandarin oranges in real-world farms across Japan. The findings showed that reducing chemical pesticides led to more fruit diseases, while also enhancing soil microbial diversity and improving carbon content. This trade-off highlights the need for...

SourceRIKEN·JournalPlant Biotechnology·DateJan 30, 2026

Gamma rays quickly toughen nitrogen‑fixing bacteria

Researchers at QST discovered that controlled gamma-ray mutagenesis can create heat-tolerant nitrogen-fixing bacteria in weeks, shortening development timelines. The method produces robust, climate-ready microbial products for agriculture, food processing, pharmaceuticals, and biofuel production.

SourceThe National Institutes for Quantum Science and Technology·JournalMutation Research/Fundamental and Molecular Mechanisms of Mutagenesis·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 12, 2026

No-tillage with total green manure mulching increases maize yield

A three-year field experiment in China found that no-tillage with total green manure mulching significantly increased maize biomass, grain yield, and photosynthetic capacity by improving soil water content and temperature. This method also optimized root structure and canopy coverage of maize.

SourceKeAi Communications Co., Ltd.·JournalJournal of Integrative Agriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateNov 30, 2025

Depletion of Ukraine’s soils threatens long-term global food security

A study warns that Ukraine's soils are losing vital crop nutrients due to reduced fertilizer access and inefficient farming practices. To mitigate this, the authors recommend better farm management, efficient use of fertilizers, and introducing legumes into crop rotations.

SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalCommunications Earth & Environment·DateNov 4, 2025
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB

SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.

Extract fertilizer from air and water

Researchers have made significant progress in pulsed electrolysis, a method that uses excess nitrogen from air and water to produce valuable compounds like ammonia and urea. This energy-efficient process has the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable agriculture.

SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalAngewandte Chemie·TypeSurvey·DateOct 31, 2025

China's cropland acidification has ceased—but recovery is slow

A new study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that China's cropland soils have stabilized in pH levels since 2013, linked to agricultural policy reforms. However, recovery has been slow and uneven across different types of farmland, with paddy fields showing signs of improvement but dryland soils remaining acidic.

SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeObservational study·DateOct 27, 2025

Research shows Waterhemp resistance can evolve from preemergent PPO inhibitor use

Researchers at the University of Wisconsin–Madison discovered waterhemp populations can survive PPO-inhibiting herbicides applied preemergence. This finding highlights the need to diversify weed management programs and understand resistance development over time for effective, long-term strategies.

SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 23, 2025

Innovative biochar research to boost circular economy: Join live talk by Prof. Salah Jellali on October 29

Prof. Salah Jellali will present his pioneering work on nutrient-enriched biochar, a sustainable solution transforming agricultural residues into powerful eco-fertilizers. His innovation leverages wastewater and mineral waste streams to create high-performance soil enhancers improving crop yields while closing resource loops.

SourceBiochar Editorial Office, Shenyang Agricultural University·DateOct 22, 2025

Barley’s root defense: The secret to surviving acidic, aluminum-rich soils

A new study reveals the first detailed structure of HvAACT1, a barley root protein that enables plants to tolerate aluminum-rich acidic soils. This breakthrough provides the structural basis for citrate efflux in plants and has implications for designing crops that can withstand difficult conditions.

SourceOkayama University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeImaging analysis·DateSep 18, 2025
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)

DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.

Liquid gold: Prototype harvests valuable resource from urine

A newly developed system recovers a valuable fertilizer from urine using solar energy, providing essential sanitation and reducing the need for expensive imported fertilizers. The prototype shows promise for powering irrigation in resource-limited regions and could be scaled to help farmers around the world.

SourceStanford University·JournalNature Water·DateAug 19, 2025
Apple iPhone 17 Pro

Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.

Biologicals vs. biostimulants: Illinois study clarifies crop input confusion

A University of Illinois study investigates biologicals and biostimulants, live microbial inoculants and non-living chemicals applied to soil, seeds, and plants to improve growth. The researchers call for clarifying the terminology to properly regulate these products.

SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·DateJul 16, 2025

Uranium-based catalyst turns air nitrogen into ammonia

Scientists have developed a molecular uranium catalyst that can bind nitrogen gas in a 'side-on' way and convert it into ammonia. This breakthrough reveals a new catalytic pathway, bridging biological efficiency and industrial feasibility.

SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·JournalNature Chemistry·DateJul 16, 2025

Study reveals beneficial microbes that can sustain yields in unfertilized fields

Researchers at Nara Institute of Science and Technology have found beneficial microbes in rice roots that can support plant growth and reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers. The study reveals an increase in microbial diversity as plants mature, with nitrogen-fixing bacteria enriching the soil.

SourceNara Institute of Science and Technology·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2025
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.

New digital tool provides satellite monitoring of crop health across US

A new digital tool provides free satellite monitoring and analysis of vegetation and crop health across Kansas and the nation. The Sentinel GreenReport Plus combines satellite imagery with climate datasets to provide users with insights into vegetation greenness, changes in land cover over time, and climate abnormalities.

SourceUniversity of Kansas·DateMay 28, 2025

Research expands options for more sustainable soybean production

Scientists have discovered a new bacterial strain, Bacillus thuringiensis RZ2MS9, that can enhance the growth of soybeans and corn when combined with rhizobia. This partnership reduces fertilizer use, saving Brazilian growers an estimated USD 15 billion annually.

SourceFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo·JournalFEMS Microbiology Ecology·DateApr 17, 2025
Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor

Aranet4 Home CO2 Monitor tracks ventilation quality in labs, classrooms, and conference rooms with long battery life and clear e-ink readouts.

Peptide imitation is the sincerest form of plant flattery

Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.

SourceSalk Institute·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 14, 2025

Human urine, a valuable resource as fertilizer for sustainable urban agriculture

The reuse of human urine could significantly reduce the global demand for fertilizers in agriculture, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have developed a system to recover nitrogen from urine, which can be used as fertilizer for urban agriculture.

SourceUniversitat Autonoma de Barcelona·JournalResources Conservation and Recycling·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Nature’s viny vampire: Discovering what drives parasitic Cuscuta campestris

Researchers at Osaka Metropolitan University identified the CcMCA1 gene as a key player in the development of haustoria, structures that allow Cuscuta campestris to feed on host plants. Suppressing this gene expression can reduce the number of haustoria per centimeter, offering potential for controlling invasive plant species.

SourceOsaka Metropolitan University·JournalPlant and Cell Physiology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 27, 2025

Researchers demonstrate new technique for boosting plant growth with bacteria

Researchers demonstrate a new technique for encapsulating beneficial bacteria that can be stored and applied to plants to improve growth and protect against pests. The technique enables customized probiotics for plants, allowing farmers to use these bacteria in conjunction with agrochemicals.

SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAdvanced Functional Materials·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 17, 2025
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter

GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.

Agriculture is main cause of seasonal carbon ups and downs, study finds

A new study led by Colorado State University found that agricultural nitrogen fertilizer is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. This discovery adds to scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and could help inform climate change mitigation strategies.

SourceColorado State University·JournalNature Communications·DateMar 4, 2025
Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C)

Anker Laptop Power Bank 25,000mAh (Triple 100W USB-C) keeps Macs, tablets, and meters powered during extended observing runs and remote surveys.

Research reveals hidden risks from plastic-coated fertilizers in soil

Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.

SourceUniversity of Missouri-Columbia·JournalJournal of Hazardous Materials·DateFeb 26, 2025

Glass fertilizer beads could be a sustained nutrient delivery system

Researchers have developed glass fertilizer beads that control nutrient release, boosting plant productivity without harming soil quality. The beads were found to be efficient and sustainable alternatives to conventional fertilizers, with minimal ecotoxicity.

SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateFeb 21, 2025

High-yield rice breed emits up to 70% less methane

Scientists have identified chemical compounds released by rice roots that determine how much methane the plants emit. A new strain of rice was bred using traditional breeding methods, resulting in yields of 8.96 tons/hectare while emitting up to 70% less methane.

SourceCell Press·JournalMolecular Plant·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 3, 2025

We can make fertilizer more efficiently under the surface of the Earth

Researchers have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional fertilizer production by harnessing the Earth's natural heat and forces to cook up ammonia. The new recipe uses iron-rich rocks and nitrogen-laced water, producing about 1.8 kg of ammonia per ton of olivine, with no energy input or CO2 emission.

SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 21, 2025
Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station

Davis Instruments Vantage Pro2 Weather Station offers research-grade local weather data for networked stations, campuses, and community observatories.

War and climate crisis drive transformation of fertiliser industry

A team from the Research Institute for Sustainability finds that supply structure changes, geopolitical competition, and decarbonization drive fertiliser market shifts. To address these challenges, coordinated measures are needed, including promoting sustainable fertiliser management practices and reducing synthetic fertiliser use.

SourceResearch Institute for Sustainability (RIFS) – Helmholtz Centre Potsdam·JournalOne Earth·TypeSystematic review·DateJan 21, 2025

Could this fundamental discovery revolutionise fertiliser use in farming?

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.

SourceJohn Innes Centre·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025

Diversified cropping systems boost nitrogen supply but not soil carbon, study finds

A new study has found that diversified cropping systems can increase nitrogen supply in the soil, but do not lead to increased soil carbon levels. The study, published in Nature Sustainability, used stable carbon isotopes to analyze soil core emissions and found that decomposition rates were higher in longer rotations.

SourceIowa State University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeExperimental study·DateJan 15, 2025
GoPro HERO13 Black

GoPro HERO13 Black records stabilized 5.3K video for instrument deployments, field notes, and outreach, even in harsh weather and underwater conditions.

New device produces critical fertilizer ingredient from thin air, cutting carbon emissions

Researchers at Stanford University developed a prototype device that can produce ammonia from water vapor and nitrogen in the air using wind energy. The technology has the potential to eliminate the need for a century-old method of producing ammonia, which consumes 2% of global energy and contributes 1% of annual carbon dioxide emissions.

SourceStanford University·JournalScience Advances·DateDec 13, 2024

Recycling human, animal excreta reduces need for fertilizers

A global analysis suggests that recycling human and livestock excreta can contribute substantially to meeting the nutrient supply for all crops worldwide. Recycling these nutrients could reduce global net imports of mineral fertilizers by 41% for nitrogen, 3% for phosphorus, and 36% for potassium.

SourceCornell University·JournalNature Sustainability·DateDec 11, 2024

Tracking soil health managers in Uganda

A new long-term soil health survey in Uganda aims to understand the role of tenure security and plot decision-makers in soil health outcomes. The survey identifies differences in soil health between plots managed by women farmers and men farmers.

SourceInternational Food Policy Research Institute·DateDec 5, 2024