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.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 22, 2022
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.
SourceNanyang Technological University·JournalACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering·DateSep 21, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceUniversity of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture·DateSep 21, 2022
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.
SourceHarvard John A. Paulson School of Engineering and Applied Sciences·JournalNature Food·DateSep 19, 2022
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.
SourceEnvironmental Working Group·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateSep 15, 2022
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.
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.
SourceChalmers University of Technology·JournalScience·TypeLiterature review·DateSep 8, 2022
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.
SourceUniversity of California - Davis·JournalThe Journal of Wildlife Management·DateSep 7, 2022
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.
SourceKing Abdullah University of Science & Technology (KAUST)·JournalPlant Biotechnology Journal·DateAug 31, 2022
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.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalClimate Services·TypeCase study·DateAug 30, 2022
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4)
Apple iPad Pro 11-inch (M4) runs demanding GIS, imaging, and annotation workflows on the go for surveys, briefings, and lab notebooks.
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.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalGlobal Food Security·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 26, 2022
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.
SourceCambridge University Press·JournalWeed Science·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 25, 2022
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.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalConservation Biology·TypeSystematic review·DateAug 25, 2022
A new study finds that urban agriculture can meet and sometimes exceed the yields of rural farms, with certain crops like cucumbers, potatoes, and lettuces producing two to four times higher yields in cities.
SourceAmerican Geophysical Union·JournalEarth s Future·DateAug 23, 2022
Home gardens in Central Asia serve as living genebanks, maintaining a rich diversity of fruit and nut tree species. However, the increasing popularity of foreign varieties poses a threat to local biodiversity, highlighting the need for integrated conservation efforts.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalPLOS ONE·TypeSurvey·DateAug 22, 2022
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.
Researchers identified critical success factors for mitigating challenges in the food cold chain, including stakeholder pressure and sustainable investment. The study provides a detailed theoretical framework for developing sustainable business strategies in China.
SourceChung Ang University·JournalBusiness Strategy and the Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 22, 2022
The study discovered that exposure to dinitrogen pentoxide gas can activate plant immunity and control plant diseases, depending on the type of pathogen. This novel approach utilizes reactive nitrogen species generated from plasma technology, which may contribute to the development of a sustainable agricultural system.
This study explores how Science and Technology Backyards empower smallholders through participatory technology innovation, building continuous trust and promoting sustainable green production. A collaborative tree-shaped diffusion mode enables the spread of technology innovations to different scales.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2022
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.
A study of 3,637 Indian farmers found that COVID-19 disrupted agricultural labor and supply chains, but didn't lead to a significant increase in sustainable farming practices. Despite this, many farmers expressed interest in learning more about sustainable methods.
SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Sustainability and Transformation·TypeSurvey·DateAug 18, 2022
New research reveals that food production is a major stressor on the planet, impacting biodiversity loss and climate change. The study identifies key interactions between Earth system processes, such as green water and nutrient runoff, which must be considered in designing and implementing sustainable agriculture policies.
SourceAustralian National University·JournalNature Sustainability·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 18, 2022
Researchers analyzed the impact of continental free trade and agricultural development on Africa's food security. They found that combining both approaches can improve trade balances, reduce hunger, and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceInternational Institute for Applied Systems Analysis·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateAug 18, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.
SourceStaffordshire University·JournalEnvironmental Science and Pollution Research·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022
A study by the University of Göttingen and Malagasy universities found that vanilla plantations on fallow land have similar yields to those in forests while increasing biodiversity. This sustainable approach helps smallholder farmers secure their income, highlighting a win-win opportunity for both economy and conservation.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 11, 2022
A Cornell University-led study confirms that heat-stressed dairy cows develop gut permeability, leading to reduced milk production. Feeding cows organic acids and pure botanicals can partially restore milk production and improve nitrogen efficiency.
SourceCornell University·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·DateAug 5, 2022
Researchers found that adjusting sowing dates for wheat in eastern India can increase production by 69% while maintaining rice productivity. The study provides new recommendations for rice sowing dates and cultivar types to accommodate earlier wheat planting.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Food·DateAug 3, 2022
A long-term research project found creating wildlife habitats significantly increased local bird and butterfly populations without damaging food production. The study assessed the effectiveness of agri-environmental measures in reducing biodiversity losses caused by intensive farming practices.
SourceUK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology·JournalJournal of Applied Ecology·TypeObservational study·DateAug 2, 2022
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter
Fluke 87V Industrial Digital Multimeter is a trusted meter for precise measurements during instrument integration, repairs, and field diagnostics.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science explores labor time-use on Irish pasture-based dairy farms during the busy spring and summer seasons. The research team found that milking was the most time-consuming task, accounting for 31% of farm labor input.
SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Dairy Science·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJul 25, 2022
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.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Plants·DateJul 25, 2022
Researchers found that farm management practices like crop diversification and native plant presence support wild bee conservation. Urban agriculture can benefit local bee populations if managed sustainably.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalEcological Applications·TypeObservational study·DateJul 15, 2022
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.
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.
SourceXi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University·JournalEcology Letters·TypeMeta-analysis·DateJul 12, 2022
A new study analyzing 30 years of data on four major U.S. crops reveals that soil water-holding capacity is a key factor in managing heat stress due to climate change. Farmers can improve soil health by adding organic matter or using mulch to reduce evaporation.
SourceEmory University·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022
Research at Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz reveals Photorhabdus luminescens can protect plants from fungal infection, colonizing the fungus's hyphae and breaking down its cell wall. This secondary cell form also promotes plant growth and offers new potential for biological crop protection.
SourceJohannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 6, 2022
Research from Washington University in St. Louis reveals that camelina, an ancient oilseed crop, may have been more important and widespread than previously thought, with origins in the Caucasus region near present-day Armenia. The study's findings support breeding programs to improve this crop for biofuels applications, highlighting i...
SourceWashington University in St. Louis·JournalAmerican Journal of Botany·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 5, 2022
Researchers discovered three gene mutations that, when combined, allow rice plants to retain more seeds, increasing crop yield. The study sheds light on the emergence of cultivated rice from wild rice plants and its potential applications in improving rice cultivation.
SourceKobe University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 4, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Recent advancements in non-destructive sensors enable real-time monitoring of plant health, allowing for prompt adjustment of environmental conditions to augment crop productivity. The sensors convert plant signals into digital signals, establishing direct communication between plants and growers.
SourceSingapore-MIT Alliance for Research and Technology (SMART)·JournalFrontiers in Plant Science·TypeLiterature review·DateJun 30, 2022
More than 300 EU experts propose changes to the future CAP to protect farmland biodiversity, including direct aids and spatial planning. The new policy should favor attaining environmental targets, encouraging practices that promote biodiversity.
SourceINRAE - National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and Environment·JournalConservation Letters·DateJun 30, 2022
A new design of sustainable cropping diversifications has been established to balance economic, food security, and environmental performances in the North China Plain. The study evaluated 30 crop rotations using PCA and HCA, and employed differential evolution and Pareto optimization models to optimize diversified cropping systems.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 29, 2022
Research funded by UKRI Global Challenges Research Fund reveals agroecological practices like agroforestry improve farmers' financial savings, land area, and household assets. Adopting such practices can also enhance food security and wellbeing for smallholder farmers in rural Tanzania.
SourceNewcastle University·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·TypeSurvey·DateJun 28, 2022
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
A study by the University of Córdoba finds that cognitive lock-ins create barriers to adopting sustainable farming practices among farmers. The research suggests that socio-technical settings and the focus on maximizing profit rather than environmental goals contribute to this phenomenon.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalSustainability Science·TypeObservational study·DateJun 27, 2022
Researchers found evidence of wild trees and plants growing near ancient Maya city Yaxnohcah, suggesting the civilization managed their environment prudently. The study suggests the ancient Maya cultivated pine trees for fuel, but also left much of the rainforest intact.
SourceUniversity of Cincinnati·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and Evolution·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 24, 2022
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
SourceCarnegie Institution for Science·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 13, 2022
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.
A study by UFZ researchers used satellite data and artificial intelligence to determine the land-use intensity of meadows and pastures in Germany. The results show that grassland was used less intensively in 2018 due to drought, with 64% not mowed compared to 36% in 2017.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJun 9, 2022
Researchers at Rutgers University have made a groundbreaking discovery about nitrogen-fixing bacteria in leaf cells, which can provide plants with essential nutrients. This breakthrough has the potential to transform crop cultivation methods, reducing the environmental impact of fertilizer use and preserving soil health.
SourceRutgers University·JournalBiology·DateJun 8, 2022
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy·DateJun 6, 2022
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.
A new study finds that climate change will make the U.S. Corn Belt unsuitable for cultivating corn by 2100, highlighting the need for significant agricultural adaptations, diversification and a shift towards more sustainable farming practices.
SourceEmory University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 24, 2022
The study found that intercropping with herbaceous crops, such as purslane and broad beans, increases nitrogen and organic carbon content in the soil, reducing erosion and run-off. Economically, intercropping can lead to increased production costs but also potential profits for farmers.
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgriculture·TypeCase study·DateMay 17, 2022
A new study suggests that a transformative shift in the global food system, focusing on efficiency and reducing animal products, could significantly decrease emissions. However, such changes might lead to increased food prices, affecting vulnerable populations.
SourcePotsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK)·JournalNature Food·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateMay 16, 2022
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.
SourceInstitut national de la recherche scientifique - INRS·DateMay 6, 2022
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope
Celestron NexStar 8SE Computerized Telescope combines portable Schmidt-Cassegrain optics with GoTo pointing for outreach nights and field campaigns.
The Mekong delta, Southeast Asia's most productive agricultural region and home to 17 million people, is at risk of disappearing by the end of the century due to subsidence. Sediment loss from upstream dams and poor water management exacerbates the issue, threatening food security and livelihoods.
SourceStanford Woods Institute for the Environment·JournalScience·DateMay 6, 2022
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
SourceUnited Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)·TypeLiterature review·DateApr 27, 2022
Researchers found that diverse landscape compositions with faba beans led to higher bumblebee densities, increased pollination success, and higher bean yields. Short-tongued bumblebees stole nectar more frequently from faba beans when there was a high proportion of faba beans in the landscape.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalBasic and Applied Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 25, 2022
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.
A study by the Diverfarming project found that long-term compost application improved soil bacterial community complexity and communication, increasing nitrogen fixing potential and reducing emissions. This highlights the importance of using compost in sustainable agriculture, which can reduce fertilizer and pesticide use and create mo...
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalAgronomy·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 21, 2022
A Stanford University team developed a solar-powered technology to improve the quality and quantity of dried agricultural produce, increasing incomes for smallholder farmers in India. The equipment boosted prices by 14-22% compared to traditional open-air sun drying methods.
SourceStanford University·JournalEnergy for Sustainable Development·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 18, 2022
Researchers at the University of Sheffield have identified a unique bacterial phosphatase, PafA, that can efficiently release phosphate from its organic forms. This discovery has potential to help reduce the consumption of phosphate chemical fertilisers and promote sustainable agriculture.
SourceUniversity of Sheffield·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 12, 2022
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.
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalThe Journal of Agricultural Science·DateApr 12, 2022
Researchers have made a breakthrough in controlling bacterial nitrogen fixation by cereals, enabling them to produce their own ammonia fertiliser. This development has the potential to reduce reliance on industrially produced ammonia-based fertilisers and mitigate environmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceUniversity of Oxford·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 11, 2022
A new breed of honey bees has been developed through selective breeding to resist the Varroa mite, a major threat to global honey bee populations. The 'Pol-line' bees showed a two-fold increase in colony survival compared to standard varieties, with significantly lower mite numbers and reduced viral transmission.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalScientific Reports·TypeObservational study·DateApr 7, 2022
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at NC State University developed a new textile crop cover called Plant Armor that can effectively protect plants from insect infestation. The design features a maze-like structure that forces insects to navigate through it, making it difficult for them to reach the plant.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalAgriculture·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 6, 2022
A new study assesses wastewater infrastructure in 129 countries to explore community-wide health indices using Wastewater-based Epidemiology (WBE). The technique detects factors influencing health, including disease biomarkers detectable in wastewater.
SourceArizona State University·JournalEnvironment International·TypeMeta-analysis·DateApr 6, 2022