Articles tagged with Organic Farming
Researchers are using AI to assess soil datasets and measurements, aiming to build an automated data-driven decision support system for European soils. The goal is to create an effective soil health certification system that can be used by farmers, landowners, and policy makers.
West Virginia University researchers, Ember Morrissey and Kinsey Reed, are working with private farms to diversify forage species and improve soil health. The project aims to increase economic gains for farmers while reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Researchers have launched five projects to investigate the impact of pollution on UK rivers, which fail to meet good ecological status due to pollutants like chemicals, microplastics, and pharmaceuticals. The projects aim to improve water quality, biodiversity, and resilience to climate change.
Research found that air pollution from diesel exhaust and ozone significantly reduces the reproductive success of parasitic wasps controlling aphids on oilseed rape plants. The pollutants alter plant chemistry, attracting a specific wasp species more successfully.
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
Researchers at the University of Illinois are investigating maize roots for organic and regenerative systems to optimize carbon storage, resource use efficiency, and productivity. They aim to develop corn varieties that provide ecosystem services even under changing weather scenarios.
A new study by Cornell University reveals that larger organic farms use fewer sustainable practices than smaller ones. Larger farms are more likely to use efficiency-boosting agroecological practices, but less likely to adopt environmentally friendly methods.
A recent study by Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University provides a method to help farmers and policymakers decide whether organic farming is beneficial for the environment. The researchers analyzed international studies to find a threshold where organic farming's biodiversity gain outweighs its land requirements.
A study by researchers at Göttingen University and the Centre for Ecological Research found that organic farming is more effective in promoting wild bee populations than conventional fields with flower strips. The findings suggest that considering both yield and area of land is crucial when evaluating agri-environmental measures.
A new project led by INRS will assess how living organisms respond to reduced pesticide use, focusing on soil and water health. The study aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of reducing pesticide use in sustainable farming.
A new study reveals that leafcutter ants employ complex strategies to maximize the growth of their fungal
Researchers will test inexpensive techniques to increase asymbiotic nitrogen fixation, aiming to reduce reliance on expensive certified organic fertilizers. The project aims to provide evidence for a cheap, effective, and sustainable form of nitrogen for organically managed crops.
A German study reveals that glyphosate and dozens of other pesticides are spreading through the air for miles into national parks and cities. The analysis was published in a peer-reviewed journal and shows that agricultural toxins like glyphosate are classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organisation.
Researchers have developed ultrathin sensors that can monitor plant health without harming them, providing a promising solution for sustainable farming. The sensors use bioimpedance measurements to detect physiological changes in plants, enabling farmers to optimize water, light, and nutrient supply.
A Russian team has created a groundbreaking vertical farm that can produce high-value crops like seed potatoes on an industrial scale. The innovative facility utilizes state-of-the-art technology, including dynamic LED lighting and automated irrigation systems, to achieve six harvests per year and increase productivity by tenfold.
An international research team proposes combining organic farming with gene editing to achieve greater sustainability in agriculture. The study suggests that this approach could lead to more robust plants with high yields, improved nutrition, and reduced environmental impact.
A recent study by Argonne National Laboratory quantified how farms can reduce emissions by changing their practices and adopting novel technologies. Sustainable farming professionals can implement lower carbon footprint practices, such as conservation tillage and cover crops, to improve farm efficiency and help the environment.
A study found that Conservation Agriculture can increase organic carbon in soil by up to three times the goal amount, making it a key tool for mitigating climate change. By adopting no-till farming and rotating crops, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve environmental sustainability.
Research by the University of Göttingen found that wild bees depend on landscape structure, with small fields and organic areas providing benefits for bumblebee colonies. Flower strips in conventional cereal fields also attract pollinators, highlighting the importance of agri-environmental schemes that consider landscape structure.
A study has tracked the shift from hunter-gatherer lifestyles to early farming in prehistoric Europe. Dairy products were found in 80% of pottery fragments from the Atlantic coast of Britain and Ireland.
A trio of researchers argue that Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) studies often overlook vital factors, such as biodiversity and pesticide impacts, when comparing organic and intensive agriculture. They found that LCA rarely accounts for these effects, leading to wrong conclusions about the merits of organic farming.
A study screened 13 sweet pepper varieties for organic farming conditions, identifying top performers like Aristotle X3R and Gridiron for fancy and early yield. The results showed that organic bell peppers are a viable option, offering higher prices due to their popularity and economic importance.
A global meta-analysis of organic farming systems reveals a significant increase in biodiversity and profitability relative to conventional agriculture. The study found that larger field sizes around organic sites are associated with higher biodiversity, but lower crop yields and profit margins compared to conventional sites.
A PSU professor is conducting a four-year research project to understand how households in Nepal recover from natural disasters, with a focus on the long-term impacts of the 2015 earthquake. The study aims to identify key factors driving recovery and social transformations in communities affected by disasters.
Research conducted by the CNRS found that organic farming boosts honeybee colonies with 37% more brood, 20% more adult bees, and 53% greater honey production. This may be due to a wider diversity of pollen resources or lower pesticide mortality.
A new study concludes that EU's restrictive regulation of GMO crops cannot be justified, even considering risks to the environment. The researchers argue that GMO crops can be consistent with organic farming principles and should not be treated differently from conventional products.
A 3-year study by Lund University found organic farming stabilizes pollinator diversity in crop fields by providing more stable flower resources. This effect is seen even in conventional farms with reduced pesticide use.
A new study suggests that high-yield farming systems can produce fewer pollutants, cause less soil loss, and consume less water than previously believed. However, the authors caution that if higher yields are used solely for profit or lower prices, they will only accelerate the extinction crisis.
A global assessment by scientists reveals nearly one-third of world's farms use sustainable intensification practices, improving productivity and biodiversity. Less developed countries see the largest gains in productivity, while industrialized countries focus on minimizing harm to ecosystem services.
The Clif Bar & King Arthur Flour Endowed Chair in Organic Grain Breeding & Innovation is awarded to Stephen Jones, enabling continued organic grains research at WSU Bread Lab. The funding supports development of hardy, nutritionally-dense crop varieties adapted to organic farming practices.
Researchers analyzed cattle teeth and bones to uncover diverse farming strategies. The study reveals that Neolithic farmers implemented parallel strategies for grazing cattle, including keeping some close to settlements and others in distant pastures.
A 700-year-old West African soil technique converts nutrient-poor rainforest soil into fertile farmland, potentially offsetting CO2 emissions and preventing food shortages. Researchers discovered that this method creates 'African Dark Earths' containing 200-300% more organic carbon than other soils.
A review of 40 years of science shows organic farming can produce sufficient yields, protect the environment and be safer for farm workers. Organic production can also be more profitable for farmers and create less waste.
Archaeologists have discovered evidence of beeswax use dating back to the Neolithic period in Anatolia, with finds spanning from 7000 to 4900 BCE. The study reveals that beeswax was used for various purposes, including tools, rituals, cosmetics, and medicine.
A University of Oregon researcher found that large-scale organic farming operations are not reducing greenhouse gas emissions, despite being considered a sustainable alternative. The study suggests stricter adherence to sustainability-driven farm practices and increased governmental oversight are needed.
A comprehensive study by Washington State University scientists David Crowder and John Reganold reveals organic agriculture has significant profit margins compared to conventional farming. Despite lower yields, organic agriculture offers greater environmental benefits and can expand its share in sustainable food production.
Researchers Valerie Stull and Rachel Bergmans are introducing insect farming kits to sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to address the region's protein deficiency. The kits, developed in partnership with Tiny Farms, provide a sustainable and culturally appropriate way for rural women's cooperatives to produce mealworms as a source of protein.
A systematic overview of over 100 studies reveals organic agriculture yields are higher than previously estimated, with certain practices further shrinking the productivity gap. Organic farming can be a competitive alternative to industrial agriculture when it comes to food production.
A recent study found that organic farms support more plant and bee species than conventional farms, particularly in arable fields. However, adding structural elements like woods and hedges can increase habitats and promote biodiversity on farms.
Research found that organic farms supported 34% more plant, insect, and animal species than conventional farms. This effect has remained stable over time and shows no signs of decreasing.
A recent study published in Nature concludes that crop yields from organic farming are generally lower than those from conventional agriculture. However, yields can be comparable under certain growing conditions and with best management practices.
A study found organic farming increases strawberry pollination success, possibly due to increased insect abundance and diversity. Benefits were observed within two to four years after adopting organic practices.
A new study suggests that separating natural habitats from high-yielding farmland could be an effective way to conserve wild species. The researchers found that farmlands with some retained natural vegetation had more bird and tree species than high-yielding monocultures, but produced less food energy.
A new study reveals that organic crop rotation can be more profitable and carry less risk than conventional corn and soybean production, even with reduced price premiums. The research, which analyzed 18 years of data from a University of Minnesota trial, found that organic production was consistently more lucrative over the long term.
A broad shift in federal policies is needed to develop farm practices that are economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable. Current policies focus on a few crops and farmers, while neglecting issues like global warming, biodiversity loss, and public health problems.
A study published in the International Journal of Water suggests that improving land management and farming practices in Australia could mitigate global climate change. Natural Sequence Farming, a technique developed by Peter Andrews and Duane Norris, mimics the once-efficient functions of the Australian landscape to improve soil healt...
At Newcastle University, a team led by Professor Selina Stead is investigating the potential of sea cucumbers as natural cleaners on fish farms, reducing waste's impact on ocean floors. The project aims to develop organic farming methods for both sea cucumber food and eco-friendly aquaculture.
The University of New Hampshire will lead a $700,000 study on greenhouse gas emissions at traditional and organic dairy farms. The three-year project aims to improve the competitiveness of organic livestock and crop producers by developing extension programs and decision-support tools.
Researchers found that organic farming increases beneficial predator populations, reducing insect pests and promoting larger potato plants. This biodiversity conservation may be the secret behind organic farmers' success in achieving high yields.
New research from the University of Leeds found that organic farming provides only a 12% increase in biodiversity compared to conventional farming, which produces higher yields. The study raises questions about how to balance food production with wildlife protection on agricultural land.
The book 'Organic Farming: The Ecological System' brings together farmer experience and scientific research to understand the role of organics in modern agriculture. It presents current research and development in organic farming, highlighting its potential to revitalize rural landscapes and communities.
Agricultural scientists at TUM created indicators and models to analyze, assess and optimize the sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The new indicator model describes farms as systems based on their material and energy flows, enabling accurate calculations of emissions, climate balance and biodiversity.
The study found that organic and rotational grazing systems were more profitable than conventional monocropping, despite increased risk exposure. The results suggest that governmental policy should support crop rotations and organic farming practices.
A new study by scientists from Brazil, France, and the US reveals that no-till management combined with winter cover crops is the most effective way to retain nutrients in tropical soils. The research found that this approach can maintain soil organic carbon stocks and mimic natural forested conditions.
No-till agriculture is more sustainable than conventional plow-based methods, which increase soil erosion. By preserving crop stubble and using disking, no-till farming builds soil fertility and stores carbon, offering a win-win solution for climate change.
Regenerative agriculture involves reduced inorganic fertilizer use, increased on-farm energy generation, and more human labor. This approach may also reduce overcropping and groundwater contamination.
The Organic Center symposium highlights the impact of organic farming in reducing pesticide risks and enhancing food quality. Key findings include the effectiveness of organic farming in dramatically reducing pesticide risks to children, while regulatory actions have had limited success in addressing dietary exposures.
A study by Cornell University professor David Pimentel found that organic farming systems produce the same crop yields as conventional farming, while using less energy and conserving more water. Organic farming also improves soil quality and reduces pollution.
No-till farming reduces carbon emissions by retaining humus in the soil, preventing erosion and promoting healthy crop production. By adopting no-till practices, farmers can sequester up to 300 million tons of soil carbon annually, potentially delaying the need for fossil fuels.
Researchers found that conservation tillage increases soil carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This method also produces more food with less land, addressing global food security challenges.