Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
New research shows that changing the relationship between land use and food production is necessary to reverse biodiversity loss. The study suggests that transitioning towards healthier diets, reducing waste, and increasing productivity can help restore ecosystems.
The Global Biodiversity Outlook 5 report highlights six of the world's 20 biodiversity targets as partially achieved by 2020 deadline. The UN warns that eight transformative changes are urgently needed to ensure human wellbeing and save the planet, citing encouraging progress in some areas but degrading ecosystems and accelerating loss.
The University of Illinois will lead two of seven new national artificial intelligence institutes, one focusing on agricultural resilience and the other on molecular discovery. The institutes aim to advance AI research in computer vision, machine learning, and automation to address major agricultural challenges.
Researchers at KAUST propose vast greenhouse complexes using energy-efficient solar panels, air-cooling technologies, and salt-tolerant agriculture to grow food and crops. This concept aims to provide sustainable, local crop growth on a large scale in coastal desert regions.
The first commercially available intermediate wheatgrass (IWG) cultivar has been released, providing a sustainable crop option for agriculture. MN-Clearwater produces high grain yields of 696 kg ha-1, with minimal lodging and disease levels, making it suitable for the US Upper Midwest, southern Canada, and Northeast regions.
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.
The $496,000 USDA grant will help design new CEA training programs at Cornell University to address the industry's growing need for a skilled workforce. Participants will gain expertise in CEA infrastructure and advanced knowledge in environmental monitoring and marketing skills.
West Virginia University is spearheading a $10 million project to develop a perennial multi-feedstock production system for sustainable energy and products. The Mid-Atlantic Sustainable Biomass for Value-Added Products Consortium will leverage research, education, and extension strategies to increase biomass utilization in the region.
Researchers found that providing less popular farmers with new information and technologies leads to wider community adoption of sustainable farming practices. The study suggests that relying on prominent farmers may not be effective in spreading sustainable practices.
The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology has developed the free Environmental Planner tool (E-Planner) to help farmers make informed decisions on agri-environment options. The tool assesses suitability of unproductive land for four interventions, including pollinator habitats and woodland creation.
The use of cover crops is increasing globally due to their environmental benefits, such as reducing erosion and improving water quality. However, planting millions of acres of cover crops will require huge extensions of land to produce cover crop seed, posing a limitation to its widespread adoption.
Researchers have discovered that the symbiotic relationship between plants and rhizobia is more complex than previously thought, with plants actively trying to exploit the bacteria for nitrogen fixation. The study sheds light on how soya and clover harness bacterial nitrogen fixation, a process that could be applied to other crops.
Researchers found that a uniform grid-like pattern of crop sowing leads to higher yields (76% of trials) and fewer weeds (73% of trials). This approach can reduce herbicide use and fertiliser runoff, resulting in more sustainable agriculture.
Researchers propose a two-step process to develop a more sustainable land management system: designing a framework with digital agriculture technologies and implementing policies that support farmers. The study suggests targeted tax incentives and subsidies can help drive policy change and reduce environmental impacts.
Researchers at SMART and MIT developed nanosensors to study plant communication, providing insights for crop yields. The technology can be applied to all types of plants and offers valuable data on plant stress responses.
A study by NUS found that between 1996 and 2016, over 60% of Myanmar's mangroves were converted to agricultural use, posing a threat to the country's coastal ecosystem. The research highlights the urgent need for conservation measures to protect this critical habitat.
A joint Cuba/US research team discovered that Cuban fertilizer pollution is significantly lower than in the US's Mississippi River, with much lower phosphorus and nitrogen levels. The study suggests improved management strategies to reduce animal manure and sediment loads could further improve central Cuban river water quality.
Researchers at Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research (PIK) discovered a way to produce enough food for up to 10 billion people without compromising the Earth system. The study suggests that adopting more sustainable forms of agriculture can increase production in regions like Sub-Saharan Africa and improve climate resilience.
A team of WSU researchers created a more sustainable solution for winter road maintenance by using grape extract as a natural deicer. The solution melts ice faster and causes less damage to concrete and asphalt than traditional deicers.
A recent study published in Frontiers in Sustainable Food Systems reveals that chronic hunger affects nearly half of rural households in sub-Saharan Africa. The survey found that 39% experience severely unreliable access to food and 49% have inadequate diet diversity, putting them at risk for micronutrient deficiencies.
A group of scientists from the Science for Nature and People Partnership (SNAPP) urge policymakers to take action on soil carbon despite ongoing debates. They highlight the importance of rebuilding soil carbon for environmental and agricultural benefits, such as sustainable agriculture systems and water quality.
Researchers from SMART have discovered a new method called Molecular Probe Adsorption (MPA) that enables the exploration of nanoparticle surfaces without damaging them. This breakthrough technique is substantially faster and cheaper than existing chemical methods, allowing for universal characterization of nanoparticles with any geomet...
Research reveals that nodulation increases salicylic acid production in pea and Medicago truncatula plants, making them more resistant to powdery mildew. This discovery has significant implications for plant defense and nutrition.
A UK report outlines a vision for managing land and seas after Brexit, prioritizing environmental protection and employment opportunities. The report recommends an 'ecosystem-based' approach to agriculture and fishing policies, with a focus on sustainable practices and public goods.
The ASU/MCC project aims to develop an experiential learning course, fund master's-level students, and engage the community in addressing challenges at the urban-agriculture nexus. Students will conduct research on topics such as urban agriculture production systems and food safety.
Researchers studying Barilla Sustainable Farming in Italy found that partnering with different stakeholders can promote sustainability in agri-food supply chains. A two-level approach to implement crop diversification and sustainable management practices is suggested to achieve a more sustainable agricultural system throughout Europe.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen are working on a six-year collaborative project to develop more resilient crops using beneficial microorganisms. The goal is to create crops that can thrive in an environmentally friendly manner, reducing the need for pesticides and fertilizers.
A recent study published in Scientific Reports found a negative combination between neonicotinoid insecticides and the Varroa mite, weakening honeybee colonies. The researchers observed a synergistic effect on body mass and survival rates, particularly in winter bees, compromising colony survivorship.
Researchers at the University of Göttingen advocate coordinated approaches that combine nature conservation and agricultural production in sustainably managed landscapes. This approach enables the highest species diversity, promotes ecosystem services such as pollination and biological pest control, and benefits people.
A new study found that small-scale land use can significantly improve biodiversity and ecosystem services in agricultural landscapes, even with minimal non-crop habitat.
Researchers at Lund University have identified 32 key variables that are prioritized by all three groups: researchers, policymakers, and farmers. These variables focus on drivers related to policies, farm management choices, and environmental outcomes. The study highlights the need for alignment between research, policy, and practice t...
Leading researchers urge government intervention to phase out organophosphates, citing evidence of lower IQs and difficulties with learning in children exposed prenatally. The review calls for reduced exposures through monitoring, education, and alternative pest-control measures.
A new multi-campus initiative funded by NSF aims to explore the intersection of agriculture, food, and technology. Researchers will investigate novel solutions such as lab-grown meat and drones that monitor plant stress to address challenges in sustainable food production.
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.
A new study found that small farm size strongly affects the use and intensity of agricultural chemicals in China. The research suggests that addressing this issue is critical to sustainable development in Chinese agriculture. If left unaddressed, other less-developed countries may face similar health and environmental problems.
Researchers found that a shade-tree cover of approximately 30% has a predominantly positive effect on cocoa plants, maintaining maximum soil moisture and keeping pests and diseases in check. This amount of shade also increases animal and plant species, carbon sequestration, and cooling effects on temperature.
As the global population is expected to reach 10.5 billion by 2067, dairy farms will need to adopt sustainable technologies and practices to improve cow health and longevity, while also producing more value-added products.
A European project is developing circular economy solutions using agricultural and fisheries waste to improve soil quality and reduce CO2 emissions. The Horti-BlueC project replaces non-renewable resources with local waste, producing bio-energy, biochar, and biodegradable materials.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture's Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program provides training, education, and technical assistance to attract diverse groups into farming and ranching. The program aims to help farmers and ranchers establish successful enterprises and increase their chances of survival.
The USDA has awarded grants to promote sustainable forest and rangeland management through innovative projects addressing emerging issues in the Western Gulf region and beyond. These projects aim to empower landowners and managers with science-based decision-making tools and resources to achieve conservation and economic goals.
A team from the Technical University of Munich found that complex agricultural techniques require professional training, but many Ghanaian pineapple farmers lack access to effective training. The researchers suggest increasing focus on intensive and sustainable training methods to improve yields and income for Ghana's small-scale farmers.
The USDA has awarded grants to support the development of environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the US. Researchers will focus on creating disease-resistant vaccines for key species such as catfish and trout, as well as implementing more efficient and sustainable farming practices. The goal is to foster a globally...
A new method of carbon footprinting for pasture-based cattle production systems can identify 'green' cattle within a herd, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that existing methods underestimates the impacts of poorly performing animals, which produce disproportionately large amounts of methane.
Plants form a symbiotic relationship with fungi, gaining key nutrients while also becoming more resistant to diseases and drought. The fungal symbiosis increases the plant's levels of certain hormones, making it more tolerant to environmental stressors and ultimately contributing to sustainable agriculture.
Research by University of Kansas sociologist Ruth Stamper finds that local food systems in Kansas and Missouri help disparate groups build relationships, bridging moral orders and environmental ideologies. Through shared sustainable farming knowledge and education, farmers from diverse backgrounds find common ground.
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is providing up to $6 million in funding for sustainable energy research, focusing on perennial grasses and woody plants. This investment aims to develop more options for producing biofuels and biobased industrial products, creating jobs and rural prosperity.
The new Phytobiomes journal aims to bridge the gap between basic and applied research in sustainable crop production. The journal publishes high-quality research papers on phytobiomes, exploring interactions between plants and their environment.
Researchers aim to promote sustainable water for agriculture through stakeholder engagement, testing flexible models in Arizona, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The project seeks to address complex web of social, economic, cultural, institutional, legal, and biophysical conditions influencing water resource management.
Researchers propose five broad research priorities to understand relationships between beneficial microbes and plant health, aiming to improve agricultural productivity and sustainable practices. The 'core microbiome' and functional mechanisms of microbiome assembly and resilience will be studied to develop new tools for analyzing micr...
The USDA's National Institute of Food and Agriculture has announced $6.3 million in available funding for projects supporting resilient agriculture and forestry production systems. These investments will help producers, land managers, and decision-makers develop valuable tools to address climate-related challenges.
The USDA has allocated $150.2 million through the Agriculture and Food Research Initiative (AFRI) to support projects addressing key agricultural, food, and natural resource problems. The funding aims to develop innovative technologies and sustainable management strategies for livestock, crops, and critical underlying resources.
Research suggests that modifying diets by a few grams per day can significantly reduce groundwater use, cut greenhouses gases, and improve human health. Small and medium farms are essential to sustain global food supply, with estimates suggesting a 70% increase in food availability needed by 2050.
The National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) is awarding $320,000 to develop and deliver educational programs for at-risk youth. These programs aim to equip young people with skills necessary for leading productive and contributing lives, addressing early childhood needs and promoting holistic family well-being.
A new study has identified over 1,000 genes in maize that enable crops to adapt to different latitudes and elevations. The researchers also found a strong link between flowering time and other traits, which could help speed up breeding efforts for maize under global climate change.
A new doctoral training collaboration between Warwick and Waitrose aims to develop graduate students who can address the need for a more secure and sustainable food system. The programme will provide PhD students with industry training and expertise in agriculture and sustainable crop production.
The USDA has awarded four grants totaling $1.2 million to support environmentally and economically sustainable aquaculture in the US. Researchers will focus on improving disease prevention, comparing profitability of different business models, and developing disease-resistant clam germlines.
A recent Tansley Review found that cassava yields have stagnated since 1961, with potential for 25-100% improvements in yield, water, and fertilizer use efficiency. Researchers highlight the importance of improving photosynthesis to increase sustainable food productivity.
Researchers have uncovered the mechanism by which cryptochrome 2, a key photoreceptor, is switched on and off in plants. This desensitization mechanism allows plants to maintain homeostasis of their blue light responsiveness in fluctuating light environments.
A new analysis of federal funding for sustainable agriculture suggests significant improvements can be made with additional investments. Researchers found that only a small percentage of USDA-funded projects focused on sustainable agriculture, highlighting the need for increased public funding.
The USDA has announced $21 million available for bioeconomy research and development, focusing on sustainable bioenergy and biobased products. This funding supports regional systems in bioenergy production, education, and training for the next generation of scientists.