Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
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Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
A team of scientists from the University of Oxford proposes sustainable intensification as a policy to meet increasing food demands. The approach focuses on improving agricultural productivity while reducing environmental harm, but also acknowledges the need for broader policy changes, including dietary shifts and waste reduction.
The Cassava Brown Streak Disease has been identified as the most serious threat among various cassava viruses, with outbreaks reported in several countries including the Democratic Republic of Congo and Angola. The disease is caused by a highly infectious virus that can claim 100% of a farmer's harvest without their knowledge.
JoVE is launching a new environment section to publish cutting-edge methodologies and innovations in renewable energy, sustainable materials, and more. The section aims to promote environmentally conscientious practices and provide a platform for researchers to present greener technology.
The Vision for Change project aims to increase cocoa yields and improve farmer livelihoods through agroforestry practices, research on improved varieties, and market support. By leveraging private-public partnerships, Mars Inc. and ICRAF hope to scale up the initiative to millions of farmers across West Africa.
Michigan State University will use a $7.8 million grant to help eight African nations intensify sustainable farming methods and improve environmental quality. The project aims to promote effective government strategies, build capacity of national policy institutes, and support small farmers.
A team of researchers used advanced soil analysis to uncover evidence of ancient Maya maize production in lowland areas, but also found signs of erosion in steeper soils. This study demonstrates the power of modern soil science in understanding past civilizations' treatment of the land and its impact on food security.
A study found that local farmer's markets and community-supported agriculture programs primarily attract a higher-income, privileged consumer base. The research highlights the need for broader access to fresh foods through alternative payment plans and strategic efforts. Alternative payment models exist, but their adoption is limited.
The university's organic farm will be expanded from four acres to nearly 30 acres with the new investment, providing a leading platform for organic teaching and research. This $5 million donation by alumni and natural foods pioneers Chuck and Louanna Eggert will greatly enhance WSU's role in promoting sustainable agriculture nationwide.
The Commission on Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change proposes seven policy responses to address the global challenge of feeding a world confronted by climate change. The report highlights opportunities under the Rio+20 Earth Summit, UNFCCC, and G20 mandates, and calls for changes in policy, finance, agriculture, development aid...
Researchers call on scientists to provide clear data on how climate change impacts food security and suggest strategies for mitigation. They highlight the need for policy recommendations to encourage sustainable agricultural practices and prepare the global agriculture sector for climate change.
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.
Late blight, a devastating disease affecting potato and tomato production worldwide, will be studied using an integrated approach of research, education, and extension. The project aims to develop diagnostic tools, resistant plants, and improved management guidelines to reduce on-farm costs and fungicide use.
Attendees of ASU Sustainable Phosphorus Summit emphasize economic opportunities and new industry solutions to 'wicked' problem. Key findings include education, efficient use of P on farms, protection of water quality, and developing affordable fertilizers for farmers.
A $4.7 million grant from the USDA will strengthen K-12 education related to sustainable bioenergy production in northern Wisconsin. The POSOH project aims to connect researchers, educators, and students from diverse backgrounds to prepare rural youth for bioenergy- and sustainability-related careers.
Virginia Tech receives a $2.7 million grant to study integrated management of zoosporic pathogens and irrigation water quality for a more sustainable green industry. The project aims to develop biologically based control methods and best management practices to recycle irrigation water safely.
The World Agroforestry Centre calls for a radical transformation in agriculture to address climate change, food security, and sustainability. Evergreen Agriculture promotes sustainable crop yields, carbon storage, and income generation through fertilizer trees integrated into farming systems.
Dr. David Molden, winner of the CGIAR award for Outstanding Scientist of the Year, states that agriculture is both the cause and solution to many world water problems. The Comprehensive Assessment of Water Management in Agriculture highlights the potential to grow more food with limited water, particularly in areas of high poverty.
Researchers are using conservation agriculture techniques to increase food production, improve soil quality, and reduce climate change risks. The projects focus on implementing technologies such as cover crops, no-till production, and residue management to improve food security and sustainability in Haiti and other countries.
The American Society of Agronomy identifies key questions and expected outcomes for achieving global food security and sustainable agriculture. The 'grand challenge' involves doubling production on existing farmland with efficient systems that prioritize resource use, biodiversity, and ecosystem health.
Researchers developed a pilot program to integrate hands-on learning activities into routine lab work for undergraduate students. The program increased participants' interest in sustainable agriculture and found that farm visits were most important in making lab work meaningful.
The world's population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050, with a significant decline in crop yields due to rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns. To address this challenge, scientists are advocating for innovative agricultural systems that reduce land, energy, and water usage while minimizing pollution.
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.
A new study using satellite images found that nearly half of the world's farmed landscapes include significant tree cover, exceeding 10% in over 1 billion hectares. This reveals a vital role of trees in agricultural production globally, providing benefits such as carbon sequestration and nutrition for people.
The region may need to import over a quarter of its rice, wheat and maize if current irrigation management is not improved or innovated. A new study warns that Asia's vast irrigation systems must be revitalized to meet the growing food demand without further straining water resources.
The new grants will study the use and impacts of nitrogen, essential to life but also causing environmental problems such as climate change. The research aims to improve data-collection methods and quantify necessary reductions in nitrous oxide emissions to reduce agricultural pollution.
A Dutch researcher developed an early warning system to monitor food consumption and predict potential shortages in rural Uganda. The system highlights the most pressing issues in a given area at a certain moment in time.
A 110-year-old sustainable farming experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of winter legumes in producing non-irrigated cotton yields, comparable to those using nitrogen fertilizer. The study's findings have implications for long-term soil organic matter and crop yield management.
Scientists estimate that globally up to 4.7 million square kilometers of abandoned lands could be used for sustainable bioenergy production, with a potential yield of nearly half the land area of the United States. The researchers found that biomass from these lands could provide energy equivalent to about 41 exajoules, which would sat...
A panel of industry representatives emphasizes the importance of biotechnology in creating sustainable industries. Key findings include the potential for biomaterials and sustainable industrial processes to reduce reliance on petrochemicals and promote environmentally sound agricultural methods.
Researchers will explore strategies for closing energy and nutrient cycles in small family dairy farms. Initial studies suggest that intensive management of manure, changing bedding methods, and increasing on-site grain production can achieve energy independence and a closed nitrogen system.
A new study reveals that longer, more complex crop rotations increase organic corn yields by 30%, while also improving soybean yields. The results show that diverse crop systems can help address production challenges in organic grain crop production.
A survey of college students revealed mixed opinions on the benefits and drawbacks of biotechnology in sustainable agriculture, with some supporting genetically modified crops and others expressing concerns over environmental and social impacts. The study suggests that educators should provide neutral exposure to both sustainable agric...
A new £7M research initiative aims to improve crop yields and alleviate poverty in developing countries. The Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council is funding 12 projects to develop crops that can survive in harsh environmental conditions, reducing the impact of pests, diseases, and climate change.
The Gates Foundation has launched a $13 million program to support the careers of at least 360 African women in agricultural research. The initiative aims to address the 'leaky pipeline' of women in sub-Saharan Africa, with goals including increasing women's participation in research teams and leadership roles.
Researchers report that sustainable biomass production may be hindered by soil organic matter needs, suggesting a need for alternative crops and improved agricultural practices. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond just soil erosion when evaluating feedstock supply.
Researchers explore potential for enhanced nutrient cycling through coupling of agricultural and bioenergy systems to improve sustainability of biomass production. The study reports that up to 78% of nitrogen fertilizer could be recovered from an integrated biological and thermochemical process.
Researchers at Iowa State University have developed a process to turn manure and corn stalks into a bio-oil that can be used as boiler fuel and potentially transportation fuel. Preliminary tests show promising results, with every kilogram of dried mixture producing .2 to .5 kilograms of bio-oil.
A recent study by Esaïe Gandonou found that reducing distance to the market has slight positive effects on grain yields and soil conservation. This is largely due to the increased use of artificial fertilizers, which require soil conservation measures.
A study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that sustainable agriculture practices increased crop yields by an average of 79% across four countries, with harvests of some crops like maize, potatoes, and beans rising by 100%. The practices also reduced pesticide use and increased carbon sequestration.
A Canadian institute has defined sustainable agriculture as a key to ensuring economic viability for farmers. The paper recommends using immigration policies to bolster rural communities and suggests levying a small tax on food to support sustainability goals.
The PLMS system provides instant feedback on alternative grazing systems' impact on farm profit, milk production, and greenhouse gas emissions. A multidisciplinary team is developing the system to balance forage needs with livestock requirements.
Virginia Tech will lead two research projects worth $17 million each, focusing on integrated pest management and sustainable agriculture in developing nations. The projects aim to reduce pesticide use, increase farm income, and promote ecologically sound practices for improved food security.
The ICBG program supports 12 groups in identifying new drugs through screening of flora and fauna while protecting biodiversity. Projects include evaluation of traditional medicine practices, discovery of safe new agents and training for host-country scientific institutions.
The study highlights the environmental and human health problems associated with industrial agriculture, such as soil degradation, water pollution, and increased antibiotic resistance. Sustainable agriculture methods offer a viable alternative, including reducing meat consumption to alleviate pressure on natural resources.
The caiman harvesting program in Venezuela, which began in 1983, has harvested over a million spectacled caimans, generating $115 million in export value. However, the program's direct link to conservation is threatened by changes to funding allocations and market instability.
A 20-year protocol developed by Dr. Charles Peters is applied to dozens of projects, combining exploitation with preservation of biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Local indigenous people in Asia, Africa, and Central/South America are empowered to manage their forests sustainably.
A new RFF issues brief highlights the potential impacts of climate change on agriculture, with estimates suggesting a modest reduction in grain production in developing countries and improvements in industrialized nations. However, the author notes that regional changes are highly uncertain due to varying climate models.
The Cornell University scientists are leading an effort to develop agricultural systems that explicitly improve human health. The new approach, known as a 'food systems' approach, aims to increase the availability of micronutrients like iron in staple crops, reducing illnesses such as heart disease and cancer.