Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
Imperial scientists launched a miniature laboratory into Earth orbit to engineer microbes that can produce food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, and bioplastics in microgravity. This partnership aims to create environmentally friendly and affordable non-animal foods, reducing the cost of space travel.
Research explores how climate change affects elk populations, alpine plant communities and bee microbiomes. For example, a study found that food availability, not just overall quality, impacts elk pregnancy rates, while another study showed limited changes in mountain plant species over nearly two decades.
The World Cocoa Foundation and Alliance of Bioversity International assessed the accuracy of key maps for deforestation, tree planting, and greenhouse gas emissions monitoring. The study found that open access global maps are not accurate enough for cocoa analyses in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire.
Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.
Researchers discovered a Bt protein that kills pests via two different pathways, making it harder for resistance to evolve. This
Bumblebees closer to honeybee hives are more likely to attract voracious wax moths, resulting in lower reproductive output and weaker immune response. Conservationists and beekeepers should avoid placing apiaries in areas with high pollinator biodiversity or declining bumblebee populations.
A new report reveals that Indonesia's small farmers can increase productivity and market access through technology-driven innovations. The report outlines ten best practices for agritech startups and wider ecosystems to enable and shape the country's rural startup ecosystem.
A study published in Science Advances has revealed promising alternative pathways to overcome photorespiration, which can reduce crop productivity by up to 36%. The researchers identified mechanisms that could improve plant productivity while adapting to climate change and growing global food demands.
A new Sea Grant publication provides clarity to Great Lakes fish farmers navigating permits, policies, and regulations hindering their operations. The comprehensive report breaks down complex legal frameworks, offering practical insights for understanding state and regional requirements.
A professor is conducting a study to increase forest farming in Appalachia, with the goal of creating a sustainable economy for the region. The project aims to develop the workforce and formalize businesses to ensure efficient supply chains.
The reuse of human urine could significantly reduce the global demand for fertilizers in agriculture, lowering energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Researchers have developed a system to recover nitrogen from urine, which can be used as fertilizer for urban agriculture.
Crop mapping uses satellite imagery to create accurate crop type maps in various regions. The research team trained machines to recognize crops from satellite images, achieving high accuracy rates. However, models pre-trained on general image datasets performed better than those pre-trained on satellite images.
A team of UConn researchers found that biochar application improves soil microbial biomass carbon by approximately 21%, supporting the functioning of vital microorganisms. Biochar provides essential nutrients and a habitat for microbes, especially in nutrient-deficient soil or soil with suboptimal pH.
Researchers found that certain cover plants, such as rye and sunflower, can absorb excess nitrate and remove unwanted metals like cadmium. This method offers a natural, climate-neutral way to improve soil health and is suitable for phytoremediation in agriculture.
A team of researchers at MIT has developed a system that makes pesticides stick to plant leaves, reducing waste and costs for farmers. The new technology, which involves coating droplets with an oily material, improves the 'stickiness' of the droplets by up to a hundredfold.
A new study finds that pork can play a beneficial role in sustainable diets, performing similarly to poultry, seafood, eggs, and legumes across key sustainability indicators. Substituting pork in place of beef results in significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental impact.
Farmers in Kansas and Missouri avoid discussing climate change, even if they hold convincing views or skepticism, due to concerns about potential conflicts and damage to their livelihoods. Many rely on social media cues to gauge others' opinions before initiating conversations, rather than traditional news media.
European wolf populations have seen a remarkable 58% growth over the past decade, with at least 21,500 individuals now roaming the continent. This recovery is attributed to conservation efforts and policies supporting large carnivore populations.
A research team at Tokyo University of Science has identified two new tetranins in spider mite saliva that reduce reproduction and increase defense responses in plants. The findings have potential for organic farming techniques and more resilient crops, contributing to sustainable agriculture and enhanced food safety.
The TUdi project has developed nine multilingual leaflets to provide information and share findings on various topics related to sustainable agriculture. The leaflets offer guidance on managing soil health, assessing soil structure stability, detecting erosion, and managing nutrient loss through water movement.
An international team of scientists has unveiled the first chromosome-scale genome of a wild barley species, identifying critical genetic adaptations that enable efficient nutrient intake under alkaline stress. The study developed a new hexaploid crop, Tritordeum, which exhibits significant yield improvements in harsh conditions.
A new study introduces Aloe vera as a natural scaffold for cultured meat production, enhancing the taste and texture of alternative proteins. The research also highlights a novel bioprocessing approach using Aloe vera scaffolds in a macrofluidic single-use bioreactor.
The study categorizes CROP-AP models into four key types, highlighting five major applications in agricultural productivity simulation. Future research priorities focus on strengthening model validation and simulating multi-scale interactions to support sustainable global food production.
The AGRI4POL project aims to transform agriculture into a positive force for biodiversity and crop pollination services. It will deliver an integrated analysis of the crop-farming system-pollinator interplay across biological organisation levels.
Researchers found that emotional social media posts increase short-term willingness to pay for sustainable chocolate, but this effect diminishes within two weeks. The study suggests that emotional content can be an effective way to promote sustainable consumption in the short term.
The International Workshop on Space Agriculture and Horticulture 2025 will take place from March 9-11, 2025, at Chiba University. Researchers and postgraduate students can register for free via a Google form, with a registration deadline of March 7, 2025.
A new study reveals that a rise in temperature by more than 1.5°C could lead to a marked decline in crop diversity, impacting global food security. Low-latitude regions are particularly vulnerable, with up to half of their crop production at risk.
A new study led by Colorado State University found that agricultural nitrogen fertilizer is the primary cause of seasonal carbon cycle swings. This discovery adds to scientific understanding of the carbon cycle and could help inform climate change mitigation strategies.
Researchers developed a first-of-its-kind nanosensor capable of detecting Fe(II) and Fe(III) in living plants with high spatial and temporal resolution. This innovation enables real-time non-destructive iron tracking, optimizing plant nutrient management and improving crop health.
Research by University of Missouri researchers uncovers microplastic pollution generated by polymer-coated fertilizers, threatening human and animal health. The study suggests biodegradable alternatives and effective stormwater management to mitigate the risks associated with PC-CRFs.
Researchers from University of Jyväskylä recommend addressing vulnerabilities in coastal communities, such as uncontrolled shrimp farming and pollution. They suggest supporting environmentally friendly livelihoods like freshwater harvesting and agroforestry to promote sustainable development in mangrove forest areas.
A study by the University of Göttingen found that bridging structures, regional coordinators, and addressing stakeholder expectations are crucial for long-term success. The project promoted habitat connectivity and biodiversity conservation in agricultural landscapes.
Researchers developed a liquid fertilizer replacing unsustainable chemical fertilizers with organic waste, producing up to 100% of nitrogen and 77% of phosphorus. The method also increases phosphorus solubility by adjusting pH levels.
A new model assesses mariculture's effects on marine species and forecasts its impacts by 2050 under different climate scenarios. Strategic planning can increase production of bivalve shellfish and finfish, but may harm certain iconic marine mammals.
A study of 17,972 wells in Brazil reveals that more than half of the country's rivers could suffer reduced flow due to groundwater seepage. The São Francisco River basin and MATOPIBA region are particularly critical areas, with intensive agricultural activity and climate change exacerbating the problem.
Researchers developed a machine learning model that predicts the presence of animal feeding operations with high accuracy, filling a data gap crucial for managing their environmental impacts. The model uses predictors such as surface temperature and phosphorus levels to identify locations without relying on aerial images.
The report highlights strategies to enhance climate resilience, sustainability, and innovation across the agrifood value chain. It emphasizes the need for targeted solutions, data-driven practices, and policy alignment to address climate-related challenges.
A comprehensive global study reveals pesticides are a major contributor to the biodiversity crisis, affecting over 800 species of plants, animals, fungi, and microbes. The research highlights the need for policies and practices to reduce pesticide use, including regenerative agriculture and Integrated Pest Management.
Researchers have discovered Random Antimicrobial Peptide Mixtures (RPMs) as a promising non-antibiotic antimicrobial agent for cultured meat production. RPMs successfully eliminate bacterial contamination without harming stem cell viability or contributing to antibiotic resistance.
The study highlights challenges in agricultural film mapping, including the diversity of film types and spectral properties, which lead to scarce maps despite efforts. To address this, research focuses on integrating multi-source data, expanding sample datasets, and constructing robust algorithms.
Researchers from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution have identified a new strain of kelp with natural adaptations to cope with heat, which could help sustainably farm food and feed. The study found that crossbreeding heat-tolerant gametophytes produced offspring with improved growth under heat stress.
Farmers in African mountains report alarming changes in local weather patterns, leading to reduced crop yields and food insecurity. The study highlights the need for tailored adaptation strategies that consider environmental, social, and political dynamics of each region.
The study used a network of 30 sites to analyze air pollution in Delhi-NCR and found that crop residue burning in Punjab and Haryana has a lower contribution to PM2.5 levels than previously thought. The research suggests that the buildup of PM2.5 in Delhi-NCR is primarily of local origin.
Researchers found that sustainability certificates improve cocoa yield and income for small-scale producers, but have no effect on biodiversity in plantations. The study suggests that further biodiversity conservation measures are needed to achieve tangible environmental benefits.
The Reversing Egypt’s Diminishing Food Security project aims to empower rural communities to withstand climate change challenges by introducing green energy-powered irrigation systems and promoting high-quality seeds. The project will also focus on gender inclusion through women farmers' empowerment and training.
Researchers have identified a key protein responsible for nematode infection in soybeans, paving the way for the development of more resistant crops. By engineering 'decoy' proteins that trick nematodes into cleaving themselves, scientists aim to reduce reliance on chemical pesticides and lower agriculture's environmental impact.
Sockeye salmon raised through land-based aquaculture have reached their shipping stage, marking a significant leap toward the world's first business-based commercial farming of this species. The project's success is attributed to the combination of Okayama University of Science's expertise and NTT East Japan's ICT solutions.
Researchers at Okayama University have identified the Shoot-Silicon-Signal protein as a crucial regulator of silicon uptake and accumulation in rice and other grasses. The study highlights the importance of silicon in enhancing plant resilience and productivity, particularly under climate change conditions.
Researchers have uncovered how soybean varieties respond to different types of nematode infections, revealing new insights into plant defense mechanisms. The study found that resistant plants activate genes involved in immune responses, while susceptible plants fail to do so, making them vulnerable to attack.
Climate change may lead to increased production of legumes such as chickpeas and soybeans, while oranges and okra become more widely grown. This could support shifts towards a more balanced diet and lower carbon footprint, but also poses economic and environmental risks.
Researchers developed a machine learning model using hyperspectral imaging to assess pre-harvest tomato quality, predicting key parameters like weight, firmness, and lycopene content. The approach enables real-time monitoring of fruit development, improving crop quality and reducing waste.
A new study from UC Davis suggests that farmers can co-manage their areas for both agriculture and conservation by assessing the size of bird droppings. Smaller poops from smaller birds carry very low risk of foodborne pathogens, making it unnecessary to remove habitat or implement no-harvest buffers.
A team of Illinois researchers has been awarded $5 million to create a new variety of corn called NSave, which aims to reduce nitrogen fertilizer use while maintaining crop yield. The project's goal is to lower costs for farmers and reduce the country's reliance on foreign fertilizer imports.
A Politecnico study proposes a global model that optimizes agricultural and water resources, making the EAT-Lancet diet a sustainable possibility. The model suggests crop redistribution and trade flow improvements could reduce global cropland by 37-40% and irrigation water use by 78%.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology found that biochar significantly reduces DDT uptake by earthworms in contaminated soil, halving the toxin's presence. This method could enable farming on land deemed unusable due to environmental risks.
Researchers at John Innes Centre have discovered a biological mechanism that enhances partnerships between plant roots and soil microbes, increasing nutrient uptake. This finding holds great potential for advancing sustainable agriculture by reducing the need for inorganic fertilizers.
A University of Houston study found that different genotypes of hemp have unique microbial communities that impact CBD production and fiber quality. The research, published in Nature, highlights the potential for microbiome diversity to inform more sustainable farming practices.
Scientists develop novel approach using Cry14 protein to combat soybean cyst nematode (SCN), a major soybean pest. The research demonstrates that Cry14 reduces SCN population in soybean roots, leading to higher yields and potential resistance against native traits.
Researchers emphasize global importance of tree crops for achieving UN Sustainable Development Goals, while promoting biodiversity conservation and mitigating climate change. Tree crops provide stable habitats, prevent soil erosion, and contribute to greenhouse gas reduction.
A new study has identified five species of root-lesion nematodes in maize fields across New Zealand, revealing significant diversity and regional distribution patterns. The discovery highlights the need for targeted pest management strategies to protect crop yields and maintain agricultural productivity.