Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
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Understanding plant-to-plant communication through VOCs can lead to innovative strategies for crop protection and yield improvement, potentially revolutionizing sustainable agriculture. This review explores the molecular pathways behind this complex biochemical strategy and its potential applications.
A new study reveals that increasing plant diversity in agriculture can significantly improve soil carbon retention by fostering stronger positive interactions between microbes. This practice not only promotes healthier ecosystems but also offers a viable solution for maintaining crop output while sequestering more carbon in soils.
Researchers found that the presence of a fungus increases the pH of the soil, promoting growth of beneficial bacteria. This interaction could lead to sustainable agricultural practices by harnessing microbial interactions to combat plant diseases.
A new study reveals strawberries as a powerful ally for heart health by supporting cardiometabolic health and managing cholesterol levels. Regular consumption of 1-4 cups of strawberries per day can lower LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, reducing inflammation and cardiovascular risk factors.
Plant roots use a silent molecular 'language' to direct fungi to attach, providing phosphates. Researchers discovered that strigolactone activates fungal genes associated with phosphate metabolism, leading to new strategies for cultivating hardier crops and combatting disease-causing fungi.
Induced resistance, a plant-based approach, prepares plants to fight pests and disease by activating their immune systems. This holistic strategy combines multiple methods for tailored protection, enhancing abilities beyond just one defense mechanism.
Brazilian researchers are transforming Agave sisalana into a sustainable bioenergy source for the semi-arid climate region, requiring less water and fertilizer than sugarcane. The team has developed genetically modified yeasts to metabolize inulin and biostimulants to accelerate agave growth.
Researchers found that Drosophila suzukii prefers hoppy blonde beers and tripels, while Drosophila melanogaster is attracted to brown and amber beers. This discovery could lead to the development of targeted traps for pest control in agriculture.
New research reveals indoor vertical gardens consume excessive energy, particularly from artificial lighting and ventilation systems. Improving design and energy management can significantly reduce consumption.
This study analyzed soil VOC levels and their correlation with soil physical properties, ionome, microbiome, metabolome, and rhizosphere chemicals. The results reveal that soil VOC profiles can be reliable indicators for evaluating soil health in agricultural environments.
A circular bioeconomy aims to reduce waste, transform industries, and regenerate natural systems for environmentally sustainable food and energy production. The concept needs a values-based economic lens with the right policies and incentives to persuade consumers and producers.
The UK is investing £170 million in new research and innovation projects to support clean living, tackle climate change, and boost economic growth. The projects will focus on land use transformation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental monitoring.
A recent study explores the feasibility of non-wood cellulose-based textiles, offering a promising direction for the industry. The research highlights the potential of agricultural residues and dedicated fiber crops as viable alternatives to wood-derived pulp.
A new study reveals that ant agriculture and fungus farming originated 66 million years ago, with colonies of ants beginning to cultivate fungi in the aftermath of the asteroid impact. This partnership has evolved over time, with some fungal crops becoming completely reliant on ants 27 million years ago.
New research reveals methane emissions from slurry stores on dairy farms may be up to five times greater than official statistics suggest. Capturing and converting methane into biogas could reduce emissions and save farmers over £400 million a year in fuel costs.
A team of researchers found that the use of microbial biofertilisers and algae-based biostimulants can significantly enhance both the yield and quality of organic tomatoes. The treatments improved processes like nutrient absorption and stress tolerance, supporting overall crop performance.
Researchers have devised a method to convert caragana waste into a potential ruminant feed by using a two-stage bioaugmentation process. The TBA process improves the nutritional value and safety of the waste, reducing lignin content and anti-nutritional factors.
Washington State University scientists developed a continuous reaction process to produce lignin-based jet fuel from agricultural waste, reducing carbon footprint and emissions. The new technology has the potential to replace fossil fuel-derived compounds and make sustainable fuels fully "drop-in" capable.
New research on genetically modified crops reveals potential environmental impacts, including increased pesticide use, deforestation, and greenhouse gas emissions. The study highlights the need for further research to support sustainable agriculture practices.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
A new study has identified key factors to build food resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa, including diversifying suppliers, empowering local farmers, and promoting sustainable practices. The proposed blueprint aims to enhance self-sufficiency and reduce reliance on external sources.
Researchers have developed a biotechnology system that converts CO2 into protein and vitamin B9 using renewable energy. The system uses microbes to produce these essential nutrients, with the potential to address global challenges such as environmental conservation, food security, and public health.
Research explores changes in global precipitation patterns and how they relate to climate change. Bird nests are found to predict rainfall in rural India, while heat stress is increasing in the southeastern US, particularly at night. European 'bomb' storms may intensify due to warming climate.
Researchers have identified a surprising surge in thyroid and corticoid gene activity during the early larval stage of the Malabar grouper, which could help address disease management challenges in aquaculture. The study provides new insights into the complex hormone-driven processes underlying fish development and metamorphosis.
A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.
A researcher at UC Berkeley has discovered that fungi can transform indigestible plant material into digestible, nutritious food in about 36 hours. The Neurospora fungus is being used to create tasty morsels from food waste, including grain covered with orange Neurospora and moldy bread.
A pilot study found that partially substituting soil with recycled glass fragments speeds up plant development and reduces unwanted fungal growth. The researchers grew cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeño plants in pots containing different ratios of glass to soil.
Researchers identify two key factors driving consumer participation in community-supported agriculture: the socio-cultural environment and weighing of expected gains against losses. These factors shape individuals' knowledge, attitudes, and decisions, highlighting the importance of considering lifestyles and values when promoting CSA.
The Illinois researchers developed a new index called the Circularity Index (CI), which measures circularity on a scale from 0 to 1. It includes eight categories: take, make, distribute, use, dispose, recover, remake, and reuse. The CI can be used to evaluate strategies and impacts in bioeconomic systems.
A new IIASA study assesses the feasibility of recovering phosphorus from Swedish municipal wastewater as a sustainable source, providing alternative fertilizers. The researchers found that economic viability varies between individual plants and hub strategies, with collaborative approaches offering cost savings.
A new research project aims to create a highly effective and selective biological herbicide targeting Palmer amaranth. The researchers will use synthetic biology techniques to develop RNA molecules known as Ribozymes that can influence specific gene expression, eliminating the weed through a specific infection.
The study demonstrates how agrivoltaics systems can minimize the impact of dynamic shadows on corn yield, allowing for efficient energy production. Researchers developed a model to calculate light intensity and tracked the sun throughout the day, resulting in an 8% loss compared to traditional farming methods.
A new grant aims to evaluate the role of soilless substrates on pests and pathogen risks in hydroponic systems. The research will address both human and plant pathogens, providing strategies for safer hydroponic production.
Scientists have used CRISPR/Cas9 to edit the potato genome, resulting in plants with increased resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses. The edited potatoes have shown a notable increase in resistance to diseases and environmental stressors without compromising yield or tuber quality.
A study on wild tomato species reveals that a plant's vigor plays a significant role in its salt tolerance. The researchers found correlations between traits like transpiration rate, shoot mass, and ion accumulation with plant performance under salt stress.
The impacts of natural disasters on plant health can be devastating, with the potential for direct effects from disasters like pathogen or vector dispersal. Human-driven disasters also create conditions favorable to the spread of plant pathogens, leading to crop loss and disease spread.
Research found that 68% of wells in southwestern Europe have stable groundwater levels, while 20% show rising levels and 12% decline. Effective management approaches in semi-arid regions led to recovery of groundwater levels in areas such as La Mancha Oriental in Spain.
A new study reveals that Maasai women are gaining access to household decisions through livelihood diversification, education, and secure land tenure. This research contributes to the United Nation's Sustainable Development Goal of Gender Equality, highlighting the value of empowering decision-making for women in pastoralist communities.
Researchers identified a new enzyme XccOpgD in Xanthomonas that enhances pathogenicity, leading to potential anti-bacterial pesticides. The discovery offers sustainable solutions to global agricultural challenges and promotes environmental stewardship.
A study published in Future Foods found that German consumers are willing to try and buy cheese produced through precision fermentation. Emphasizing high product quality and environmental benefits increases acceptance, while concerns about traditional agriculture reduce willingness to purchase.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed an eco-friendly method to precisely mix fluorine into olefins using natural enzymes and light, offering a more efficient strategy for creating high-value chemicals with potential applications in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, renewable fuels and more.
A research team at Iowa State University is studying how to efficiently turn harvested grass into lucrative renewable natural gas, creating wins for farmers, businesses, municipalities, and society. The analysis finds that renewable natural gas is the most economically practical focus, with a lower carbon footprint compared to traditio...
A new study reveals that the Sierra Nevadas are a significant source of groundwater for California's Central Valley aquifer, with some areas relying almost entirely on it. The research found that the groundwater is mixed in age, with some water being as young as 4 years old and others dating back over 40,000 years.
The IBMCP team has identified a new volatile compound, alpha-terpineol, that effectively protects plants from Pseudomonas syringae, a pathogenic bacterium causing severe crop damage. This natural strategy could serve as a protective barrier against bacteria and even protect plants from drought.
A research team led by Clemson University Professor Shahid Mukhtar aims to identify natural biological solutions through the microbiome to help soybeans survive extreme heat and drought. The study will focus on the cellular level, soil microbiomes, and plant responses to environmental stresses.
Researchers explore nanocarriers to enhance crop sustainability and resilience to climate change, addressing issues like rising food demand and soil degradation. The study's findings suggest potential for nano-enabled precision delivery in plants to transform agriculture.
Researchers have used CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to improve groundcherry's growth habit and fruit characteristics. This breakthrough could lead to increased crop yields and reduce the need for pesticides. The study also highlights the potential of groundcherry as a model species for studying plant biology.
Studies explore converting leftover wastewater from hydrothermal liquefaction into fertilizer for agricultural crops. Using a fungal treatment, researchers found significant increases in nitrate and ammonia concentrations, increasing nutrient availability. The method also removes toxic compounds, enabling circular economy applications.
A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.
Climate change is predicted to decrease strawberry yields by as much as 40% due to increased temperatures. Sustainable farming practices can help mitigate this effect, ensuring a stable food supply for everyone.
A new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
The US food system is dominated by industrial agriculture, which perpetuates global challenges like food insecurity and biodiversity loss. Agroecology offers a solution, prioritizing ecological and social sustainability without sacrificing one for the other.
A recent study finds semi-natural habitats play a crucial role in conserving pollinator diversity, outpacing the impact of pesticide use. The research suggests that prioritizing habitat conservation can be more effective than reducing pesticide application in rice fields.
Researchers propose two strategies to reduce energy loss and increase efficiency: adjusting irrigation schedules to daytime hours when solar energy is produced, and selling surplus energy. These approaches aim to create a sustainable irrigation model that combines environmental protection with economic profitability.
Researchers found that combining aquaponic wastewaters with hydrothermal liquefaction aqueous phase (HTL-AP) solutions up to 8% can support plant growth without inhibiting germination. This alternative nutrient source has the potential to increase circularity in food production systems and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers.
A new study reconstructs the global migration history of Phytophthora infestans, challenging the common theory of its Mexican origin. The research found that P. infestans likely originated in the South American Andes and then spread globally.
Researchers discovered zinc's crucial role in nitrogen fixation of legumes, optimizing crop efficiency and reducing synthetic fertilizer reliance. This finding could enhance nitrogen delivery, improve yields, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
A new genetic regulator, known as Fixation Under Nitrate (FUN), has been identified in legume plants that reduces their ability to convert atmospheric nitrogen into usable nutrients. Removing the FUN gene allows legumes to fix nitrogen regardless of soil nitrate levels.