Articles tagged with Fertilizers
A detailed global map of critical phosphorus use and misuse has been produced, highlighting large imbalances in phosphorus application worldwide. The study reveals that both overuse and deficits occur in various regions, including sub-Saharan Africa and Europe.
Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a new farming method that significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions while increasing corn grain production. The method, called strip tillage, involves tilling fields in strips and applying fertilizer in bands, resulting in lower nitrous oxide emissions and higher yields.
Researchers found that high-nitrogen fertilizers can accelerate establishment of areca palm and Chinese hibiscus, but also induce magnesium deficiency. A balanced approach with moderate nitrogen levels is recommended for optimal plant quality.
A Michigan State University study suggests that rotating corn with shrubby legume mixtures, such as pigeonpea, can increase nutrient-enriched grain productivity. This approach has the potential to enhance food and environmental security in Africa by reducing reliance on starchy cereals and expensive fertilizers.
A new study reveals that human activities are overloading ecosystems with nitrogen, leading to ecological damage and pollution. Sustainable practices such as crop rotations, optimized fertilizer use, and traditional breeding techniques can help reduce this damage.
A recent study reveals that tile drainage in the Mississippi Basin is a significant source of nitrate pollution, particularly in the highly productive cornbelt region. Farmers are not blamed for this issue, as they are using the same amount of nitrogen since 1993 and achieving higher yields.
The Farming Systems Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator helps farmers maximize their potential economic returns in greenhouse gas markets. By changing farming practices, users can reduce greenhouse gas losses and gain an economic advantage.
Dr. Seong Park's research found that manure provides higher economic returns than chemical fertilizers due to its multiple essential crop nutrients and lower costs. The study showed that swine effluent was the most cost-effective option, with breakeven prices lower than anhydrous ammonia.
Agricultural Research Service study finds chicken litter has a value of about $78 a ton, compared to traditional synthetic fertilizers, resulting in 12% higher cotton yields and increased farmer profits. The research also shows farmers can further increase profits by using less fertilizer.
A study by US Department of Agriculture researchers found that only 20-35% of nitrogen fed to dairy cows is converted into milk, with 16-77% necessary for grass and other pasture plants. The research provides tools to improve nitrogen use efficiency, promoting better practices for farmers and reducing environmental impact.
A growing body of evidence suggests that global phosphorus reserves are declining, threatening food security. The Arizona State University Sustainable P Initiative aims to develop solutions through technological innovation, conservation strategies, and recycling measures.
Researchers at Stanford University have discovered a new biological process in legumes that enables them to fix nitrogen from the air, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers. This breakthrough has the potential to make agriculture more sustainable and aid efforts to mitigate climate change.
Researchers found that organic fertilizer had a neutral or negative effect on plant growth, while mineral fertilizer showed mixed results. Dune grass performed well with the addition of fertilizer, but beach pea was negatively impacted. ATVs continue to be a major obstacle to revegetation efforts in the area.
Researchers in the Baltimore Ecosystem Study found that urban grasslands retain a significant amount of nitrogen, with losses typically less than 40% of applied fertilizer. This surprising result suggests that these ecosystems have considerable capacity for nutrient retention, contrary to concerns about environmental impacts.
A Purdue University study found that planting more corn for biofuels would lead to higher levels of nitrogen, fungicides, and phosphorus in nearby water sources. Continuous-corn rotations result in greater sediment losses, allowing these pollutants to enter the water.
Researchers found that urine-based fertilizer alone can produce four times more tomatoes than non-fertilized plants, while combining with wood ash reduces acidity in acidic soils. This innovative approach provides a low-cost and chemical-free method for increasing crop yields.
A University of Michigan study found that banning phosphorus-containing lawn fertilizers led to a significant decrease in phosphorus levels in the Huron River. Phosphorus levels dropped by an average of 28% after Ann Arbor adopted the ban, suggesting that ordinances can be effective in reducing pollution.
A Stanford University study reveals dramatic differences in fertilizer use between China and sub-Saharan Africa, with excessive use in China causing environmental harm while inadequate inputs in Africa lead to soil depletion. The report warns against a 'one-size-fits-all' approach to managing global food production.
The Nile Delta fishery has grown significantly due to the influx of nutrients from fertilizers and sewage discharges, with 60-100% of production supported by these sources. This unexpected expansion raises questions about the value of anthropogenic nutrient inputs to ecosystems.
The study found that removing corn residue can lower N fertilizer requirements, but careful management is still necessary to balance erosion risks and retain adequate residue. Researchers suggest alternative tillage systems like strip-till continuous corn as a viable option in certain environments.
A recent study found that adding human hair waste cubes to commercial growth medium can increase plant yields relative to untreated controls. However, results showed lower yields compared to inorganic fertilizers, suggesting hair waste should not be used as a single source for fast-growing crops like lettuce.
Michigan State University has licensed technology that enables plants to use atmospheric nitrogen, resulting in significant growth and yield improvements of up to 90 percent. The microbial fertilizers are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and have been shown to increase plant resistance to disease.
A team of Princeton researchers found that molybdenum is crucial for controlling the biological conversion of nitrogen in tropical rainforests, supporting plant growth. The discovery has implications for global climate change policy, as it may limit the amount of carbon dioxide that tropical rainforests can absorb.
A new study by Professor Grace Brush highlights the negative impact of fertilizer use on water quality and fish populations in Chesapeake Bay. The imbalanced nitrogen cycle has led to eutrophication, reducing oxygen concentrations and affecting aquatic life.
Researchers found that using nitrogen fertilizer on rye cover crops increased biomass output and made more nitrogen available to cotton. The study's findings suggest improving soil quality and nutrient management can enhance agricultural productivity.
Researchers found that site-specific nitrogen and seed density management strategies did not consistently increase profit, but may benefit in certain situations with high maize to nitrogen fertilizer price ratios. Fertilizer nitrogen use efficiency was high across all site-years.
Researchers found that diversified, low-external-input farming systems can achieve high crop yields and profitability while reducing synthetic fertilizer and herbicide use. The study's results suggest that large reductions in agrichemical use are compatible with high crop yields and profits.
Researchers used nitrogen isotopic discrimination to identify non-organic sweet pepper plants grown with synthetic fertilizers. The study found that synthetic fertilizers significantly reduced nitrogen isotope ratios, with old leaves and fruits being more sensitive to the additions.
A $13 million AGRA grant establishes agro-dealer networks in Kenya, Malawi, and Tanzania to provide rural farmers with affordable farm supplies, training, and financing. This initiative aims to increase smallholder incomes by 30%, reduce travel distances, and decrease input prices.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have discovered that tropical maize can produce up to 25% sugar in its stalks, making it a promising alternative to corn for biofuel production. This could result in significant energy savings per acre and reduced nitrogen fertilizer costs.
A team of researchers led by Darrell Taulbee has created a new type of fertilizer that reduces the explosive potential of ammonium nitrate, a key ingredient in homemade bombs. By coating AN pellets with coal ash, they achieve a blast much less violent, without eliminating its initiating power.
A Cornell University research project has found that on-farm trials have shown farmers can successfully reduce fertilizer applications without impacting yield and quality. By monitoring soil nitrogen levels, corn growers can optimize their application rates, resulting in cost savings of up to $10-$12 per acre.
Researchers found that alternative soil fertility management and reduced tillage increased sorghum crop yield in eastern Uganda. Local farmers participated in on-farm trials to evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost alternatives, including mucuna fallow, cowpea rotation, and manure application.
Zimbabwean smallholder farmers in semi-arid regions face food shortages due to limited fertilizer use. Research by Bongani Ncube found that nitrogen availability is the key factor improving cereal yields. Crop rotation also showed promise, with leguminous crops doubling sorghum yields.
A Rutgers-Camden research team, led by Heike Bücking, aims to develop a better understanding of the nutrient exchange processes between fungi and agricultural environments. The project seeks to promote the use of mycorrhizal fungi as biofertilizers to reduce fertilizer pollution and improve agricultural sustainability.
The CATALIST Project will help maintain biodiversity, improve environmental management, and develop markets for agricultural inputs and crops in the Great Lakes region. Local people will be employed in labor-intensive public works to plant trees and build terraces and roads.
Drs. Heck and Dindo are restoring Robinson Island's seagrass beds by planting birdstakes for seabirds to use as resting areas, fertilizing the shoal grass beneath them. The project aims to bring the habitats back to their peak condition through a combination of educational signage, replanting sea oats, and fertilizer.
A new Stanford University study found that organic fertilizers produced less environmental harm than synthetic chemicals, reducing nitrogen pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming also promoted the growth of beneficial denitrifying bacteria, which converted excess nitrates into harmless gases.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have found that current nitrogen recommendations are faulty and balanced fertility is key to efficient crop use. Higher planting rates and crop residues impact soil nitrogen cycling and availability, requiring adjustments in nitrogen fertilization methods.
A recent study found that adding natural mycorrhizal fungi to synthetic fertilizers can significantly improve plant growth while reducing pesticide use and water consumption. Researchers at Texas A&M AgriLife Communications discovered this inexpensive additive makes better use of fertilizers, saving money and improving the environment.
A Texas A&M University researcher is studying a large dead zone in the Gulf of Mexico, where fertilizers are suspected to be a major cause. The Mississippi River is creating a perfect storm for these chemical runoff events due to its massive size and high nutrient levels.
An agricultural experiment from 1969 showed that nitrate fertilizer can persist in groundwater and streams for decades, influencing water quality. The study, conducted nearly 30 years later, confirmed this finding and highlights the need for long-term research on agricultural pollution.
Researchers found that tire chips can absorb nitrate, a main chemical in fertilizers, reducing pollution in groundwater. Turfgrass quality was not affected by the rubber layer, suggesting it can be used as a sustainable solution for golf courses.
A recent study by Colorado University-led researchers highlights the growing health risks associated with changes in the global nitrogen cycle. The excessive use of nitrogen fertilizers has led to increased crop production in poor nations but poses significant environmental and health concerns for humans worldwide.
Scientists emphasize the need for improved nitrogen management to address its impact on the environment, human health, and agriculture. Targeted research and educational programs can optimize fertilizer efficiency, reducing environmental damage and associated economic costs.
Scientists found that increasing nitrogen fertilizer levels in corn hybrids boosts Bt toxin production, potentially affecting pest management. The study suggests that early-season nitrogen applications may impact the effectiveness of Bt hybrids in reducing insect damage.
Researchers found liquid sewage sludge to be just as effective as traditional synthetic fertilizers in improving crop yields and nutrient content. The study also showed low levels of heavy metals in crops, groundwater, and soil, making it a promising environmentally safe alternative for waste disposal.
Scientists at North Carolina State University developed a remote sensing technique to accurately time nitrogen fertilizer applications in wheat, resulting in an 86% success rate across various environmental conditions. This technology allows growers to make informed decisions that balance profitability and environmental stewardship.
The IFDC's ISFM-based intensification technologies improve fertilizer use efficiency by integrating organic matter and crop residue recycling. The approach increases agricultural productivity, maintains natural resources, and yields 2-3 times higher than average, with significant returns on investment and labor.
Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi can increase nitrogen fixation in legumes, improving soil fertility for corn production. Legumes like lablab show promise as a solution to enhance soil fertility without fertilizers.
A study published in BMC Public Health found a link between sewage sludge use and Staphylococcus aureus infections, affecting 25% of surveyed residents. The US EPA was criticized for not considering the combined risks of pathogens and chemicals in treated fields.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified key factors affecting phosphorus runoff and developed management strategies to minimize its impact on lakes and streams. The team suggests adopting no-till soil conservation practices, injecting liquid manure and fertilizer into the soil just below the surface.
A new study suggests that increasing fertilizer efficiency could reduce nitrate levels in the Mississippi River by up to 33% while maintaining crop yields. The research found that a modest reduction in nitrogen fertilizer use could substantially reduce nitrate concentrations in the river.
A study has identified perchlorate in fertilizers, a chemical compound suspected of adverse health effects. The findings suggest that fertilizers could be a source for perchlorate accumulation in the food chain, posing risks to human health and ecosystems.
Researchers found a link between rainfall and nitrate leaching, with increased rainfall leading to higher nitrate levels in tile flow. The study recommends applying nitrogen fertilizer in the spring to prevent excessive nitrate loss.
Historic farm plots show that over-fertilizing can actually decrease crop yields and make production unstable. Long rotations and sustainable farming practices are more effective in increasing organic matter and nutrients to the soil.
Researchers at UF found that organic waste can improve roadside soil, allowing grass to grow and stabilize roadways. The compost adds nutrients and holds water, making conditions favorable for grass growth.
Researchers found that seed corn growers in Illinois using irrigated sandy soils can increase profits by cutting back on nitrogen fertilizer use. Excessive nitrogen application leads to organic nitrogen accumulation in soil microorganisms, hindering crop growth.
A recent University of Illinois study found that using starter fertilizer on no-till corn fields can increase yields by up to 14 bushels per acre. This technique provides early nutrient availability, which is particularly beneficial for no-till farming due to cool and wet soils during the initial growing season.