Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
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A comprehensive study found that up to 82 percent of Berlin's vegetable demand could be met locally if all available land was used for urban gardening. Investing in water and human resources would be crucial for this production, with a total investment cost of 753 million euros required.
Researchers at the University of Reading are working on a £2 million project to increase UK-grown faba beans in bread, improving nutritional quality and sustainability. The 'Raising the Pulse' project aims to encourage farmers to switch wheat-producing land to faba bean for human consumption.
Researchers developed a novel strategy to engineer root nodule symbiosis in legumes and cereals using nanobodies. This approach, tested in barley and Lotus plants, initiates nodulation by bringing receptors together, revealing the core complex involved in symbiotic signaling.
Pulses are a nutritious and climate-friendly superfood that Europeans are not fully aware of or utilizing. A study by Katharina Henn reveals low consumption in Europe, with Denmark at the bottom and Spain leading the way. The solution lies in building European traditions around pulses rather than relying on meat-like substitutes.
University of Queensland researchers have found a way to more efficiently convert sugarcane into isobutanol, a chemical used in fuels, plastics, and food additives. The cell-free method produces at least 10 times the amount of isobutanol as traditional methods, offering higher yields and more control over the production process.
Researchers found that nitrified urine fertilizers, such as Aurin and CROP, can be used safely and productively in agriculture. The study tested these fertilizers on cabbage cultivation, with results showing yields comparable to conventional fertilizer products.
A study of 226 agricultural experiments found that intercropping resulted in higher protein levels and more productive systems than monocultures. The research revealed that intercropping requires 19% less land to produce the same amount of grain, making it a promising strategy for sustainable global food production.
A study by the University of Illinois Agroecosystem Sustainability Center provides new insights for quantifying cropland carbon budgets and soil carbon credits. Researchers found that high-accuracy SOC concentration measurements are needed to quantify a cropland carbon budget, but current publicly available soil datasets are sufficient...
Scientists at Aston University are developing processes to capture low-cost energy from rice straw, with the goal of powering Indonesia's households and reducing air pollution. The project aims to increase energy extraction from rice straw from 35% to 70%, providing a sustainable source of locally generated energy.
Researchers at ETH Zurich investigate carbon-neutral production of nitrogen fertiliser, finding a transition is possible and may increase food security. However, alternative methods have advantages and disadvantages, with the key to success likely being a combination of approaches.
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
The EU project SHOWCASE has issued its first policy brief providing concrete research-based recommendations on how to trigger an uptake of nature-positive farming systems that reinforce biodiversity. Policymakers can take five specific actions to support agricultural products from biodiversity-enhancing farming systems with subsidies.
Researchers found that red light is more efficient for growing plants while blue light is better suited for solar energy production. This breakthrough could guide global interest in agrivoltaics and identify potential applications for those systems.
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 at KAUST have discovered a key protein that acts as a master switch for plant immunity, suggesting a simpler way to develop more resilient crops. The protein, OXI1, triggers the production of immune-promoting molecules, but its overactivity can harm plants.
A new study reveals that the US Midwest has seen a significant increase in cover crop adoption, with 7.2% of cropland being planted with cover crops in 2021. This is attributed to government programs and funding initiatives, which have been shown to strongly correlate with the onset of cover crop assistance.
Researchers analyzed over 4,500 documents to understand fungal dispersal across spatial scales. They identified four scales of movement, from microscopic to landscape, and found that climate change affects where fungi reside. More data is needed to understand the biodiversity of fungi and their movement in ecosystems.
Researchers identified methane inhibitors and dietary changes that can decrease emissions with no negative effect on milk production. Increasing digestible forage intake or using the red macroalga Asparagopsis taxiformis may also be effective mitigation strategies.
The European Union's H2020 SHOWCASE project has launched an open access collection in the Research Ideas and Outcomes journal, providing a comprehensive overview of its work and development. The collection showcases the project's synergy between agriculture, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, highlighting its contributions to transp...
Researchers develop CRISPR-Cas systems associated with transposons to rewrite large chunks of DNA in organisms like E. coli. This expands the CRISPR toolbox for flexible genome editing and has significant implications for therapeutics, biotechnology, and agriculture.
A new report showcases perennial rice strains that can thrive in various climate conditions, offering labor and cost savings for farmers. The research emphasizes the need for large-scale localization of perennial rice to tailor it to local climates, with potential applications in Africa and other regions.
Researchers at Drexel University have conducted a lifecycle analysis of nitrogen reclamation from wastewater, showing that it's technically viable and could help reduce the environmental impact of fertilizer production. The study suggests air-stripping technology can be used to remove ammonia from wastewater, producing fertilizer chemi...
Researchers developed disease-resistant maize genotypes for smallholder farmers, increasing safe yields and reducing aflatoxin contamination. The findings offer a promising strategy to protect food security in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Stanford researchers found that dams could store over 50% of water needed for crop irrigation, but emphasize alternatives like small dams and recharged groundwater systems as more environmentally friendly options. The study aims to increase food security without depleting water stocks or harming nature.
A new study finds that seafood farming's growth rate has already peaked in 1996 and is now declining, requiring rebuilding of wild fish stocks to meet future demand. Without this approach, relying solely on aquaculture could lead to a global seafood shortage by 2030.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Scientists at NTU Singapore have successfully modified a plant protein to increase vegetable oil yield. By improving the binding affinity of WRI1, the team was able to enhance oil accumulation in seeds by 15-18% under laboratory conditions.
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.
Scientists from the University of Johannesburg identified ten times more volatile signal compounds from the bacteria, boosting plant growth and protection. Rhizobacteria can protect crops from abiotic and biotic stresses by producing valuable VOCs that trigger Induced Systemic Resistance (ISR) in plants.
A team of scientists has discovered that repurposing CO2 from building exhaust as a fertilizer can help plants on rooftop farms grow larger and healthier. Studies found that spinach grown next to the vents had four times the biomass of controls, while corn also showed significant growth advantages.
A recent study from the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT shows that tricot, a citizen science approach for on-farm experimentation, generates agricultural data via local organizations in Central America. The approach enables farmers to contribute their time and land, reducing trial costs and increasing applicability.
Marine aquaculture systems can provide a nutrient-rich alternative to terrestrial agriculture, reducing ecological impact and freshwater usage. Microalgae-based aquaculture offers high protein content and micronutrients without land or water requirements.
A new study sheds light on the leaf traits and productivity of C4 bioenergy crops, revealing distinct niches in the leaf economics spectrum. The research found that miscanthus and sorghum, two C4 plant species, have higher photosynthetic rates and nitrogen use efficiency than common C3 plants.
A 20-year study found that selectively bred rainbow trout need less feed to achieve the same growth, reducing environmental impact. The fish also achieved similar nutritional quality when fed a locally produced, soy-free feed.
New research from the University of East Anglia reveals that wild bees are actively foraging in the sunlit woodland canopy, particularly among Sycamore trees. A diverse community of wild bees was found to thrive in this habitat, with nectar and pollen-rich trees providing essential food sources.
A UMass Amherst researcher is developing an eco-friendly drift reduction agent using essential oils derived from food waste to reduce pesticide use, while also creating a potentially scalable process for plant-based seafood that mimics the texture of fish meat.
A new database quantifying cropland phosphorus budgets around the world helps identify nutrient management gaps in different regions. The study provides valuable insights into phosphorus management challenges and opportunities in various countries, shedding light on how to improve global phosphorus use efficiency.
A study found that counties with more land enrolled in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program have lower average concentrations of particulate air pollution. This is due to reduced nitrogen compounds and dust emissions from decreased agricultural activity and increased vegetative cover.
Researchers at the University of Exeter are developing a genetic tool to analyze lobster population genetics and connectivity, trialing aquaculture technology for sustainably farming lobsters in The Bahamas, and devising a policy for future sustainable exploitation.
New research from the University of Surrey finds that plant-based food sales increased by 57% during Veganuary, yet meat sales remained unchanged. The study suggests that retailers have a crucial role in promoting healthier, sustainable diets, but more needs to be done to reduce UK's reliance on meat.
A new study by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln suggests that Brazil can increase its soybean production by 36% by 2035 while reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 58% and eliminating deforestation. The strategy involves intensifying crop yields, growing a second crop on soybean fields, and raising more cattle on smaller pastures.
As winters warm, nutrient pollution is putting water quality at risk in over 40 US states. The first-of-its-kind national study finds that previously frozen winter nutrient pollution is affecting 53% of the contiguous US and putting 50% of nitrogen and phosphorus pools at risk.
The University of Illinois has received a $30 million investment from USAID to develop soybean value chains across Sub-Saharan Africa. The project aims to remove last-mile obstacles to technology adoption, including seed, productivity-improvement, and credit issues.
A One Health approach is vital for sustainably feeding a growing population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050. The approach balances the health of people, animals, and ecosystems to optimize net benefits from plant protection.
A three-year project led by Vijay Joshi aims to overcome challenges in organic spinach production, including nutrient acquisition and abiotic stresses. The research will focus on developing varieties with improved nutritional profiles and exploring the role of beneficial microbes.
The African Plant Nutrition Institute, Fertilizer Canada, and OCP Africa have signed a MoU to collaborate on agriculture development programmes that target sub-Saharan rural farmers. The planned interventions will see an improvement in food-security and livelihoods for smallholder farmers through joint programming, shared learning, and...
A new analysis of nutrient omission trial data reveals that balanced fertilizer application can significantly improve maize and rice yields in sub-Saharan Africa. The study found that doubling current yields through balanced fertilization with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium can lead to more consistent results across regions.
Researchers from Nanyang Technological University in Singapore have developed a sustainable hydroponic substrate using keratin extracted from human hair. The substrate has been tested with microgreens, leafy vegetables, and seedlings of Arabidopsis and bok choy, showing promising results in terms of water retention and nutrient delivery.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $30 million grant to empower grassland farmers in climate-smart agriculture. The project aims to enhance operation resilience and optimize profitability while improving soil health and biodiversity.
Researchers found that models using soil moisture explain 30-120% more year-to-year variation in yield than those relying on rainfall, revealing a critical link between temperature and water supply for crops. Extreme heat is less damaging to crop yields than previously estimated, while drought and flooding sensitivity increases.
Oregon State University will collaborate with partners on a five-year project to enhance soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The project aims to identify climate-smart practices that increase soil organic matter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water holding capacity.
A new study by Environmental Working Group finds that communities of color in Ventura County are disproportionately exposed to pesticides, threatening their health and well-being. The study analyzed over 340,000 pesticide application records and found that farmworkers and their families face the greatest risk of pesticide exposure.
The study reveals that between 90 and 99 percent of all deforestation in the tropics is driven directly or indirectly by agriculture. The majority of deforestation results in land speculation or abandoned projects, rather than actively producing agricultural production.
The DREAM project aims to optimize indoor production by studying plant needs and providing cultivation protocols for better resource management. The researchers will develop new sensors to interrogate plants and algae under natural-like light, allowing for customized lighting tools that adapt energy supply to plant needs.
Research from the University of California - Davis recommends cleaning nest boxes in fall months to avoid disturbing American barn owl breeding pairs. Land managers can install nest box networks to attract barn owls and benefit agricultural operations by controlling pests.
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science & Technology have developed a method to produce crocins, a key ingredient in saffron, using a common garden plant. This breakthrough could lead to sustainable and efficient production of these compounds for pharmaceuticals, food coloring, and flavor additives.
A case study in Laos explores the application of climate services for agriculture, demonstrating improved agricultural planning and decision-making through ICT-based platforms like LaCSA. The project successfully co-created agromet services with local stakeholders, increasing capacities and promoting resilience to climate risks.
Researchers found that in almost two-thirds of cases, agricultural diversity had a positive effect on food security. However, the relationship was mixed or showed no effect in about one-third of cases. The study highlights the importance of preserving agrobiodiversity to ensure food systems can adapt to climate change and other stresses.
A global report reveals ladybird species are poorly understood due to human activities, and urgent conservation actions are needed. The research emphasizes the importance of protecting habitats, particularly those that provide overwintering sites for ladybirds.
A recent study found that a single high-performing cover crop can effectively suppress weeds, even surpassing the benefits of mixtures containing multiple species. The research demonstrated that monoculture cover crops, such as buckwheat and oat, outperformed average mixtures in terms of productivity and weed suppression.