Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
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A new study predicts that Australia's soil will become a net emitter of carbon dioxide, releasing more CO2 into the air than it absorbs. This could account for 8.3% of current emissions and worsen climate change unless farming methods are improved.
Researchers have developed a simple and sustainable method for monitoring and degrading a mixture of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in water. The new approach uses excitation-emission matrix fluorescence spectroscopy and photochemical systems to achieve efficient degradation, outperforming traditional methods like chromatography.
Researchers from Tokyo University of Science found that rose essential oil increases the transcript levels of PIR1 and PIN2, key plant defense genes, in tomato plants. The study also showed that REO reduces leaf damage caused by pests and attracts beneficial predators to protect against herbivores.
The KAUST team developed an open-source platform to detect small DNA differences, revealing over 2 million previously overlooked genetic variants in rice and other crops. This tool will accelerate the discovery of genetic variations for developing crops with improved resilience and yield.
A team of researchers decoded the origins and spread of the bottle gourd, a staple in ancient civilizations for over 10,000 years. The study mapped the genetic blueprint of 197 varieties, revealing its domestication in Southern Africa around 12,000 years ago.
A recent study by the University of Cambridge found that farmed salmon production leads to a loss of essential nutrients. Consuming one-third of current food-grade wild feed fish directly could maximize nutrients from the sea. This approach could help address global nutrient deficiencies and improve both diets and ocean sustainability.
Climate change is causing rapid warming of Scotland's lochs, with potential costs of £16.5 million annually due to algal blooms and reduced water quality. Implementing efficient land management practices could reduce phosphorus pollution by 20% under a best-case scenario.
New research reveals spent coffee grounds can act as an efficient adsorbent of bentazone, a highly neurotoxic herbicide. Activated carbon from spent coffee grounds showed a 70% efficiency in bentazone removal and high sensitivity to pollutants.
Research finds pythons convert feed into weight gain efficiently compared to conventional livestock like chickens and cattle. Pythons outperform mainstream agricultural species in terms of food and protein conversion ratios.
A new method using multi-target regression and hyperspectral imaging enhances crop nutritional analysis, predicting multiple element concentrations with improved accuracy. The approach considers inter-element relationships, outperforming traditional single-target regression methods.
A recent study highlights the importance of considering lamb's nutritional value when comparing its carbon footprint. The research found that lambs finished on grass diets had a lower carbon footprint per unit of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids content, making them a more sustainable option.
The Global Hemp Innovation Center is working with 13 Native American Tribes and other partners to spur economic development through sustainable supply chains and education. The project aims to create jobs in the emergent biobased economy and explore industrial uses of hemp.
The GreenLab model simulates plant growth with accuracy, capturing nuanced effects of environmental factors on structure and yield. Its integration with cutting-edge technologies enables rapid phenotyping and yield prediction to support sustainable agricultural practices.
A study reveals that restoration strategies in the semi-arid region of Brazil have led to a return of native ecosystem services by improving soil microbial properties. The techniques, including removal of cattle and cultivation of cover crops, have resulted in higher biodiversity and crop yields.
Researchers from 16 countries will discuss sustainable urban and rural development, renewable energy, and climate-smart technologies at the symposium. The event aims to build a global network of food-energy-water (FEW)-converged research for net-zero transition.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have developed a new method to produce protein-rich, sustainable foods with improved texture. By inserting foreign genes into cyanobacteria, they can create fibrous strands resembling meat fibers, which could be used in plant-based products.
A new disinfection technology uses low-temperature plasma to sterilize nutrient solutions in hydroponic farming, reducing the need for chemical pesticides. This innovation promotes environmentally friendly crop cultivation and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
A new study reveals that even small incremental increases in tree cover on agricultural land in mountain regions can provide significant climate change mitigation benefits within a decade. Agroforestry practices can help conserve irrecoverable carbon, improve biodiversity, and enhance ecosystem services in mountain systems.
UConn researchers have developed a method to sustainably recover chitin, the second most abundant biological polymer on Earth, from seafood waste using natural chemicals. The process creates a viscous solution called ternary deep eutectic solvents (TDESs) that selectively extracts chitin, leaving behind unwanted components.
A new study found that potassium deficiency is a significant threat to global food security, affecting 20% of agricultural soils worldwide. The researchers recommend six policies and practices to mitigate the issue, including better management of soil potassium and intergovernmental coordination.
A study by Griffith University reveals high levels of microplastics in Australian biosolids, which can accumulate in soils and break down into smaller plastics. The research found that synthetic clothing fibres were the dominant type of microplastic, with highest concentrations during cold and wet seasons.
Korean scientists have successfully grown animal muscle and fat cells inside rice grains, resulting in a nutritious and flavorful hybrid food. The cell-cultured beef rice has been found to have 8% more protein and 7% more fat than regular rice, making it a potential alternative to traditional livestock-based protein sources.
A new study finds that red-colored agricultural nets are more effective at deterring onion thrips than traditional black or white nets. The use of red nets resulted in a 25-50% reduction in insecticide applications, making them a promising solution for sustainable agriculture.
Researchers developed an unmanned forestry machine that can safely pick up logs using computer vision, autonomous navigation, and manipulator control algorithms. The machine reduces labor costs while minimizing environmental impact, promoting sustainable forestry.
A breakthrough in DNA sequencing technology has identified the fungus genus Ceratobasidium as the culprit behind cassava witches' broom disease. This discovery will help plant pathologists in Laos and other Southeast Asian countries protect their crops, supporting millions of smallholder farmers who rely on cassava.
Researchers created an AI-enabled model to help mitigate global ammonia emissions from agriculture. By optimizing fertilizer management, the model can effectively reduce emissions by up to 38%, with Asia having the highest potential for reduction.
Groundbreaking research reveals key insights into plant-AM fungi interactions, including the roles of two proteins, CKL1 and CKL2, which control lipid flow essential for fungal survival. This symbiosis could lead to advances in agricultural sustainability and crop resilience.
A study by researchers at the University of Sydney and Stockholm University found that centralized social networks can lead to a culture of homogeneity, where innovative voices are crowded out and traditionalist practices prevail. This can have significant consequences for the environment and global food security.
Scientists at Ohio State University have developed efficient extraction methods for natural rubber-producing plants, including a dandelion species and a desert shrub. The new techniques improve latex yield and reduce environmental footprint, offering an alternative to the world's primary natural rubber supply in Southeast Asia.
A novel AI approach estimates nutritional value of harvested seed mixes, aiding farmers in crop yields and sustainable cultivation. The 'ESTI'METEIL' web component enables users to estimate seed composition and nutritional value from images.
A new Northwestern University-led fuel cell harvests energy from microbes in soil to power underground sensors, potentially offering a sustainable alternative to batteries. The technology outlasts similar technologies by 120% and can operate in both wet and dry conditions.
A study published on Nature Food highlights the potential of using by-products in animal diets to save land and water resources. The research suggests that substituting energy-intensive crops with agricultural by-products could reduce competition for natural resources and improve food security.
Research reveals that aquifer depletion can curb crop yields even when it appears saturated enough to continue meeting irrigation demands. As groundwater dwindles, agricultural losses escalate, especially for corn and soybean yields.
The UC Davis Integrative Center for Alternative Meat and Protein (iCAMP) aims to advance sustainable food innovation through research and partnerships. The center will focus on scaling up alternative protein production, improving consumer acceptance, and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers propose using waste materials like agricultural residues and old cotton textile waste to produce regenerative textiles. The study evaluates the potential of these waste sources for textile applications, identifying soybean, wheat, rice, sorghum, and sugarcane residues as suitable candidates.
Researchers developed an innovative method to manage construction-generated sludge by utilizing aeration curing, which reduces pH levels and requires less neutralizer. The technique has the potential to improve soil health and support sustainable development goals.
Agricultural productivity growth has significantly contracted; researchers need collaboration to tap into new technologies like wearable sensors, IoT-enabled devices, and AI. These cutting-edge tools can enhance monitoring of food safety, quality, and plant health.
Linköping University scientists create an electrically conductive substrate, eSoil, which enhances crop growth by up to 50% in just 15 days. This innovation enables efficient water and nutrient management, making it suitable for urban environments and areas with limited arable land.
A new study in the Journal of Dairy Science analyzes the life cycle of milk production in 47 small farms in Karnataka, India, identifying key emissions hotspots and potential sustainability improvements. The research highlights the importance of high-yielding animals and efficient feeding strategies to reduce carbon footprints.
A team of researchers has decoded the genetic diversity of nine species of wild North American grapes, revealing critical traits that could accelerate grape breeding efforts. The research identifies key genes responsible for important traits such as salt tolerance, drought resistance, and defense against Pierce's disease.
The São Paulo School of Advanced Science on Precision Livestock Farming aims to empower graduate students and early-career researchers with machine learning, statistical tools, and database systems. The school will provide a platform for them to process vast amounts of data and develop a multidisciplinary approach to PLF.
The marine aquarium trade is estimated to be worth $2.15 billion annually, with over 55 million organisms traded globally. The industry's significant economic value highlights the need for sustainable practices and conservation efforts to protect coral reefs.
Research finds national parks and protected areas in Thailand are more prone to forest fires when located far from indigenous communities. Collaborative work with local communities reduces forest fires and air pollution, highlighting the importance of indigenous practices.
The report highlights six key recommendations to change course, including coordinated action to trigger positive tipping points. Averting the crisis and doing so equitably must be the core goal of COP28 and ongoing global cooperation.
Researchers at NUS-SCELSE have discovered a plant hormone, methyl jasmonate, that communicates with beneficial microorganisms in the soil, boosting crop growth by 30%. This finding holds great promise for sustainable agriculture and could lead to the development of nature-based agrochemicals.
Researchers from Xi'an Jiaotong-Liverpool University developed a system to assess water quality challenges in Suzhou, China. The study found that the city's water capacity has increased since 2001 due to effective water management measures.
Researchers found that mycorrhizal fungi can significantly improve crop yields by up to 40% in fields with high levels of fungal pathogens. The inoculation was most effective when the soil had already been contaminated with pathogens, serving as a protective shield against further damage.
A recent study from the University of Copenhagen found that consumers rate vertically farmed greens similarly to organic ones. The study debunked consumer prejudices about vertically grown produce, showing that it can be just as healthy and natural.
A study published in Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture proposes a framework to characterise the unique properties of cacao beans in the Buenaventura region. The research highlights the benefits of establishing Denominations of Origin for cacao, including higher market prices, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices.
A University of Konstanz study found that consumers believe healthy meals are also sustainable, but actual environmental impact and healthiness don't necessarily align. The research suggests that better information on food sustainability is needed to inform consumer choices.
A University of Bonn study found that nearly half of the world is suitable for diversified farming for sustainable intensification. The study suggests that regions with developed infrastructure near urban centers are particularly promising for profitable diversified farming practices.
Researchers at the University of Copenhagen have found that quinoa's 'bladder cells' do not protect against salt and drought, but instead serve as a barrier against pests and diseases. The discovery could lead to more resilient quinoa varieties for global cultivation.
Researchers have developed a fully-enclosed aquaculture system that can be completely controlled, eliminating water quality and food safety concerns. The system produces nutrient-rich protein-rich 'Naked Clams' that are faster-growing than mussels and oysters, with higher Vitamin B12 levels.
A team of researchers has made a significant leap forward in molecular chemistry by modifying azaarenes, unique molecular puzzle pieces crucial to many everyday products. Using photoenzymatic systems, they have discovered novel chemical reactions that were previously thought to be out of reach.
A new hotspot map reveals where women working in agri-food systems face the highest climate risk, with central, east, and southern Africa, as well as west and south Asia, being among the most vulnerable regions. Women's exposure to climate hazards and systemic gender inequalities converge to increase their vulnerability.
A new analysis by Aalto University reveals that industrial agriculture is highly sensitive to shocks in agricultural inputs such as synthetic fertilizers and pesticides. The study models the impacts of these shocks on crop yields and food availability globally, identifying high-risk areas for the greatest yield losses.
A new study found that removing mangroves in New Zealand's estuaries actually increases mud build-up, as these coastal trees and shrubs trap sediment efficiently. This highlights the need for sustainable land use upstream to address the root cause of the issue, rather than focusing solely on mangrove removal.
Researchers developed a metal-organic coating that protects bacterial cells from damage without impeding their growth or function. The coated bacteria improved the germination rate of various seeds by 150 percent, making it possible to deploy microbes as fertilizers for large-scale agricultural use.
The MEDIET4ALL project aims to promote a healthy Mediterranean lifestyle by combining dietary recommendations with physical and social activities. The study shows that the Mediterranean diet is the world's most evidence-based eating pattern for health and longevity, while also being easy to follow.
A new study reveals that C4 crops are significantly less sensitive to ozone pollution than C3 crops, with potential implications for improving crop productivity and resilience. The research suggests that C4 bioenergy feedstocks can maintain performance in regions with high ozone levels.