Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
A study reveals weaknesses in farm sustainability monitoring, finding that one in four cocoa farm entries showed manipulated data. Auditors were more likely to make changes when aware of the target value required for certification, highlighting the need for independent verification.
A comprehensive review of nanobiochar reveals its potential to address multiple agricultural challenges simultaneously, including nutrient retention, water holding capacity, and stress tolerance. The study highlights the need for careful risk assessment and regulatory frameworks to ensure safe deployment in sustainable farming systems.
A review examines how lignin, a natural aromatic polymer, can support fertilizers, crop protection, soil improvement, and biodegradable farm materials. Lignin's unique structure-property-performance relationships make it suitable for various agricultural applications.
New research highlights the importance of preserving traditional cattle breeds' unique genetic profiles for resilience against disease and environmental challenges. These populations carry irreplaceable traits that could help future generations of farmers respond to global challenges such as climate change.
A review of 30 years of biochar research reveals its potential to improve soil health, support crops, and mitigate climate change. Biochar can enhance soil pH, porosity, water availability, nutrient retention, root development, and microbial activity.
A recent study by MSU entomologists found that urban growers' use of pollinator management practices is driven more by access to educational resources and labor than demographics. The researchers surveyed 74 urban growers and found that hard-copy books, online materials, and conversations with fellow growers were the most commonly used...
Researchers at Tohoku University identified a new class of small molecules that improves drought tolerance in plants without causing unwanted side effects. The compounds, NS5806 and UA49, inhibit stomatal opening and enhance plant survivability during water scarcity.
Research team identifies best strategies for managing native cacao trees in Peru, resulting in 59% higher yields after three years. Grafting native 'Blanco de Piura' cacao varieties onto fully grown trees increases productivity levels comparable to commercial clones.
A UTEP researcher has developed a simple, low-dose leaf spray that can substantially reverse the damage caused by salty soil on tomato plants. The treatment pairs manganese oxide nanoparticles with chitosan and has been shown to increase shoot weight, root growth, and antioxidant enzyme activity in stressed plants.
A new study found that unwritten social rules in small societies play a crucial role in regulating land use and maintaining forest regeneration sustainably. The research suggests that these norms can reduce the total amount of land cleared and promote biodiversity when used in moderation.
A greenhouse study suggests that converting rice straw into biochar could provide greater environmental and food safety benefits than directly incorporating untreated straw. Biochar treatment reduced copper and lead accumulation, improved soil properties, and produced high grain biomass, while avoiding air pollution from open burning.
Researchers analyzed isotope data from over 100 individuals to find that some societies relied heavily on maize grown within diversified agricultural systems. These communities developed resilient polycultural food-production systems combining domesticated crops with wild plants and local ecological knowledge.
A new review suggests that China's carbon reduction commitments can influence the environmental performance of the global palm oil industry by promoting sustainable production, traceability, and climate-responsible technologies. This could help reduce palm oil's climate footprint while protecting livelihoods.
Living labs in agricultural, food and nutrition research facilitate stakeholder collaboration to identify problems and develop solutions. Long-term funding perspectives are essential for efficient and successful research.
A new study suggests that California's wine industry is under threat from climate change and wildfires, particularly in established regions like Napa and Sonoma. However, areas like Mendocino and Monterey are expected to become increasingly favorable for premium vintages due to their projected increasing climatic suitability and decrea...
Experts from the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture will present research-based recommendations on managing herbicide-resistant weeds. The event features presentations and practical control strategies for Palmer amaranth, goosegrass, and Italian ryegrass.
Researchers at Göttingen University found that virtual fences lead to a more even distribution of animals across the pasture and reduced movement near edges. Virtual fences also elicit similar behavior from cattle as conventional electric fences.
Researchers at Kyushu University developed a new food preservation solution using pumpkin peel, creating a nanomaterial that slows deterioration of fruit and reduce transport damage. The material showed good biocompatibility and was effective in suppressing microbial growth and preserving freshness.
A study has developed an integrated process to produce dissolving pulp from sugarcane bagasse using a carbonate-based oxygen-alkali pulping combined with enzymatic totally chlorine-free bleaching. The process resulted in high-quality pulp with improved properties, meeting industrial requirements.
A study by the University of Córdoba analyzes scenarios to integrate clean energy into an Andalusian irrigation community's system, proposing a hybrid model that combines solar and hydropower. The result is a hybrid circular circuit providing autonomy, stability, and flexibility, while offering a cleaner and more efficient system.
Researchers have discovered a previously unknown mechanism by which microbes boost plants' ability to survive in salty conditions. Pseudomonad bacteria stimulate the production of lignin, a tough substance found in plant cell walls, helping plants withstand environmental stress.
New research reveals that many 'green' claims are difficult to verify, often masking the full truth. Consumers may pick up products thinking they're doing the right thing, but the label only refers to one part of the product's journey.
Researchers have developed a new three-dimensional photothermal structure that greatly improves solar evaporation efficiency, achieving a record rate of 38.14 kg m-2 h-1. The material's unique microstructure maximizes sunlight capture and reduces energy consumption by 45.7%.
Terraxy, a KAUST spinout, has secured $3 million in funding to scale its desert greening technology, which can deliver up to 70% improvement in plant growth and yield. The investment will support the establishment of a commercial facility in Al Zulfi and enable the deployment of its proprietary soil enhancer, Carbosoil.
A University of Göttingen study reveals that traditionally farmed landscapes can produce food while protecting nature and preserving cultural traditions. The research highlights four key strategies for adapting these systems to local environments and markets.
A Danish study reveals that financial compensation alone is insufficient to persuade landowners to restore low-lying soils as wetlands. The decision-making process is influenced by factors such as responsibility, professional pride, and attachment to the land, highlighting a mismatch between policy design and farmers' actual thoughts.
Researchers have developed a biopolymer that encapsulates the fungus Beauveria bassiana, increasing its viability from 69% to 85% after five months of storage. The biopolymer, made from carboxymethylcellulose and aluminum, provides a more sustainable alternative for releasing the bioinsecticide.
Researchers uncover how a previously uncharacterized transporter protein controls magnesium transport in rice, leading to improved grain development, nutritional quality, and cooked texture. The study reveals that magnesium transport is closely linked to crop productivity and sensory traits.
A new study identifies five central lock-ins that slow down the transformation of Europe's food system, including fragmented policy, hard-to-change dietary habits, market structures, environmental costs, and crises. The researchers offer recommendations in the form of principles to address these interconnected problems.
A study by University of Exeter experts found that unified and local efforts can support a thriving environment and improve community well-being. The researchers propose tech-driven, community-led action to rescue local environmental enforcement from funding cuts and jurisdictional confusion.
A new antifungal aqueous suspension has been developed by Universitat Jaume I and GEA Biotechnology to prevent fungal infections in crops and fruit. The formulation, based on biodegradable chitosan microcapsules, offers a sustainable alternative to conventional synthetic fungicides.
Scientists discovered a molecular switch that enables plants to form partnerships with soil fungi even when sufficient phosphate is available, offering a potential solution to reducing fertilizer use. The discovery could enable targeted manipulation of mycorrhization in crop plants using modern breeding methods.
New AI tools can accelerate soil science by speeding up early-stage work, improving predictions to support decisions on land-use, carbon, and climate adaptation. The system successfully mimicked key parts of the scientific process, with outputs beyond what's currently being used that strongly align with expert research.
A recent study found two cocoa cultivars with superior performance in resisting the witches' broom fungus, which decimated crops in southern Brazil. The research suggests that combining genetic improvement and nutritional management is the most sustainable strategy for cocoa production in the Amazon region.
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.
Researchers develop automated plasma-bubble technology that intensifies cold plasma-liquid interaction to transform industrial wastewater into a reusable fertigation medium. The technology fixes vital bioavailable nitrogen in wastewater, reducing organic loads and suspended particles while increasing plant growth rates.
A natural extract from Pseudozyma aphidis fungus boosts production and improves quality of crops like tomatoes and melons. The approach provides a sustainable alternative to traditional agricultural inputs, supporting global food security without environmental harm.
Soil animal communities exhibit greater trophic diversity in agricultural systems and tropical regions, driven by resource limitation and disturbance. This flexibility helps maintain soil functions but may reflect the loss of specialized species.
Bionema Group Ltd, a Swansea University spin-out, has received the second King's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. The company develops biological pest control and sustainable agriculture technologies, providing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.
University of Missouri researchers developed an irrigation strategy that allows farmers to conserve water while maintaining crop quality. By tailoring water amounts based on plant growth stages, farmers can reduce water usage and costs.
A new study estimates that urban agriculture in European cities could produce up to 20 million tons of vegetables annually, representing roughly one-third of the region's current vegetable production. This could supply around 28% of Europe's vegetable demand for 190 million Europeans.
Process water from hydrothermal carbonization contains substantial amounts of nutrients and organic compounds, making it a nutrient-rich resource for crop production and environmental management. Diluting the liquid or using pre-treatment methods can reduce risks associated with its use.
Researchers have produced complete genome sequences for six peanut varieties, identifying two candidate genes linked to oil content and seed size. These findings provide a comprehensive blueprint for future peanut breeding and improvement strategies.
A study found that leaf-cutter ants can provide ecological services to cocoa agroforests, reducing damage caused by the insects. By using simple methods like planting papayas as a 'distraction' and preserving surrounding forests, farmers can produce good cocoa while maintaining biodiversity
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.
Natalie Bennett argues that the current food system is unsustainable, with half of global calories coming from just three crops. She proposes alternative approaches rooted in indigenous experience, such as permaculture and agroecological methods.
Using new genetic markers, fruit breeders can predict flower sex type and seedlessness in muscadines and other grapes with high accuracy. The approach will save time and resources in developing new grape varieties, including the major challenge of creating flavorful seedless muscadines on self-pollinating vines.
A new study reveals a innovative fertilizer technology that combines biochar, natural polymers, and green-synthesized iron nanoparticles to release nutrients only when plants need them. The results show significant improvements in soil health and reduced environmental impacts.
A new system can map soil moisture tree by tree, allowing growers to water specific trees if they're dry. Maintaining the right moisture level is crucial for plant health, as too little water can stress trees, while too much water can deprive roots of oxygen.
A new study reveals that microplastics and hydrochar can mobilize trapped phosphorus in rice paddies, triggering distinct microbial strategies. Hydrochar increased available phosphorus by 21.1%, while microplastics pushed it up by 14.2%.
A comprehensive study reveals that staple crops such as maize, rice, and cassava are responsible for about 11% of all agriculture-driven deforestation globally. In contrast, major export-oriented commodities like cocoa, coffee, and rubber cause less than 5% of deforestation.
The event aims to connect grain farmers with buyers from the region to discuss market opportunities for organic grain crops. Presenters will also showcase ongoing organic research in Arkansas.
A new study suggests that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability without significant public health benefits. The researchers propose using more flexible risk-based approaches to align food safety policies with sustainability goals.
A study by Frontiers in Science argues that ultra-sensitive food safety tests may drive food waste and unavailability, but not always translate to health risk. The researchers propose a more balanced approach that considers trade-offs between food safety, sustainability, and nutritional health.
The new framework groups stations with similar hydrological behavior, reducing computational cost while maintaining high predictive accuracy. This approach enables scalable, data-efficient AI systems for water level forecasting, supporting flood early-warning systems, optimized reservoir and irrigation management, and improved decision...
Research from Johns Hopkins University found that tomatoes, carrots, and lettuce accumulate pharmaceutical byproducts in their leaves, which may be a concern for consumers eating the fruit and roots of these vegetables
Researchers used aeroponic technology to grow pea shoots fortified with Vitamin B12, delivering the recommended daily allowance in a single serving. The fortified crop maintained shelf-life and persisted through cold storage, offering a commercially viable approach to dietary supplementation.
Perennial crops offer a promising solution to collective challenges, investing more energy into root systems, allowing for regeneration and persistence. This approach minimizes climate-warming emissions, producing diverse food sources while maintaining soil health and resilience.
Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.
Researchers at the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture have developed a hypoallergenic alternative cheese using rice proteins. The study analyzed various protein sources from brown rice, white rice, and bran, finding that they can provide qualities needed for plant-based cheesemaking.