Articles tagged with Sustainable Agriculture
Researchers discovered a species of fungus that fosters a unique symbiotic relationship with oilseed rape plants, increasing flavonoid biosynthesis and enhancing plant defense against pests. This breakthrough offers promising potential for sustainable agriculture and minimizing ecological footprints.
Scientists at Nanyang Technological University have developed a sustainable method to produce lactic acid using discarded jackfruit seeds. The new process is cheaper and more efficient, reducing waste and environmental impact while addressing rising production costs.
A new study quantifies the climate benefits of enhanced weathering, applying ground-up silicate rock to Midwestern farm fields to capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide. The method reduced net carbon loss to the atmosphere by 42% in maize plots and more than doubled carbon storage in miscanthus plots.
Scientists have identified several bioactive compounds in aloe vera peels that deter insects from feasting on crops. These compounds could lead to the development of an environmentally friendly alternative for disposing of agricultural waste and creating additional revenue streams for aloe vera producers.
A research group at Kyoto University has successfully developed a self-fertile buckwheat variety and a new type of the crop with a sticky texture. This breakthrough could contribute to the efficient breeding of less-common orphan crops, addressing the world's growing food demands.
New research suggests that rising temperatures may offset the impact of increased precipitation on nitrogen runoff, which could lead to reduced aquatic pollution. The study found that warmer temperatures reduce evaporation, allowing more nitrogen to enter waterways, while also affecting microbial life in soil and sediment.
Anu, a startup company founded by Purdue University alumni, has received a $200,000 Indiana Manufacturing Readiness Grants award to mass manufacture its aeroponic seed pod consumables. The funding will enable the company to scale its sustainable platform for consumers, supplying growers with recurring seed pod subscriptions.
Researchers found that tolerant animals can replace sensitive species, maintaining ecosystem stability despite harmful practices. The study suggests protection for swamps and ponds on the edge of croplands to promote biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.
Researchers developed a new method to estimate soil organic carbon stocks in agricultural fields, reducing the number of samples needed by 30%. The approach uses doubly balanced sampling and accounts for auxiliary information available in elevation maps, satellite images, and previous surveys. By improving soil sampling efficiency, thi...
Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.
A study by researchers at Tufts University found that the majority of forced labor risks come from animal-based proteins, processed fruits and vegetables, and discretionary foods. The study aims to provide policymakers with information to create a just and sustainable food supply.
Researchers found that competition between beneficial bacterial strains degrades the service they provide to plants, resulting in smaller benefits. The study used native California plant and eight compatible nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains to directly measure their ability to infect plants and provide benefits.
Researchers developed a novel method combining satellite imagery and bioacoustic data to monitor bird species on cropfields, finding larger habitat areas and greater variety in texture are associated with more bird species overall. However, grassland birds relying solely on the habitat for their life cycle seem to benefit less.
A study published in Environmental Chemistry found that over a third of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is breaking UK government emissions thresholds. Uninhibited urea fertilizers are the worst offenders, emitting up to 77% of applied nitrogen into the air.
Scientists will use AI-powered monitoring stations to track species populations and assess the effectiveness of agri-environment schemes in improving biodiversity. The study aims to demonstrate how different farming systems and practices affect species populations, providing crucial evidence for sustainable land management policies.
Researchers found melatonin reduces chilling injury symptoms and membrane leakage in cold-stored fruits and vegetables, maintaining freshness. Melatonin is a safe alternative to hazardous chemical treatments without adverse effects on consumer health.
Researchers found significant relationships between the cows' genetic merit and their calves' performance. The genomic prediction tool allowed farmers to make informed decisions that enhance sustainable profitability.
Researchers have discovered that adding the tropical alga Asparagopsis taxiformis, also known as red sea plume, to cow feces significantly reduces methane production by 44%. The study suggests that this approach could be a promising natural method for reducing greenhouse gas emissions from manure.
Researchers at North Carolina State University used CRISPR gene-editing to breed poplar trees with reduced lignin levels, while improving their wood properties. This breakthrough could make fiber production for paper, diapers, and other products more sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective.
Approximately 70,000 tonnes of pesticides leach into aquifers each year, impacting ecosystems and freshwater resources. The study showed that about 80 percent of applied pesticides degrade into daughter molecules, persisting in the environment for a long time and posing significant harm to marine wildlife and coral reefs.
Researchers at Boyce Thompson Institute discovered a unique tomato mutation that unlocks the potential for enhanced fruit quality and stress resistance. The mutation, called 'adpressa', shows major transcriptional and metabolic adjustments, including increased levels of soluble sugars and enhanced growth.
Plant microbiomes have the potential to make agriculture more sustainable, but understanding their complex interactions is crucial. Researchers have developed models that use metabolic capabilities of bacteria to predict how these microbial communities compete or cooperate.
A recent study finds that most phosphorus stakeholders have significant doubts about the sustainability of existing systems, citing concerns over environmental impact. To advance phosphorus sustainability, stakeholders emphasize the need for new regulations, improved management practices, and innovative technologies.
Scientists at The Chinese University of Hong Kong have developed an edible, transparent, and biodegradable material for food packaging using bacterial cellulose. The material has high tensile strength, versatility, and can be produced through microbial fermentation, making it a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics.
Large-scale agriculture is escalating flooding in the Argentinean Pampas by disrupting groundwater reserves, increasing flood coverage, and making precipitation-sensitive lands more vulnerable. This transformation has resulted in floods doubling their coverage and becoming more sensitive to changes in precipitation.
A new computer model forecasts yield for four key crops in the southeastern US, drawing on climate, groundwater, and agricultural data. The tool helps farmers and water resource managers identify ways to maximize crop yields while efficiently utilizing water and energy.
A new University of Missouri study examines the impact of farming practices on crop resilience to climate change, focusing on water and carbon fluxes in three contrasting ecosystems. The research found that native prairie ecosystems are most resilient to extreme weather, while tilled cropping systems are more sensitive.
A recent study analyzed over 200 previous studies to assess the impact of irrigation on regional climates and environments. The researchers found that while irrigation supplies 40% of the world's food, it also has significant effects on regional climates and environments, with some areas being already unsustainable or verging on scarcity.
A team of researchers from QIBEBT has developed a method to produce high-quality lactic acid from lignocellulosic biomass, reducing the need for intermediate sterilization and nutrient supplementation. This breakthrough has significant implications for industrial-scale production of biodegradable materials.
The article discusses the challenges of reducing agricultural greenhouse gas emissions to zero, but found that technology can help farmers lower pollution by up to 45 percent. The study proposes using carbon-free energy sources, sustainably produced bioenergy, and techniques to capture emissions from these energy sources.
A new research project at University of Leicester will develop a digital 'twin' of the UK using artificial intelligence and big data to inform environmentally-friendly land use. The project aims to reduce emissions from cattle and sheep farming, which contribute around 10% of the UK's emissions.
Research suggests that seaweed farming could be a game-changer for addressing food insecurity globally. By reducing the need for land, freshwater, and chemical fertilizers, seaweed cultivation can lead to higher incomes for farmers in coastal regions of Africa and Southeast Asia. As demand for nutrient-rich seaweed products grows world...
A new hub for plant and microbial science will be built in Norwich, UK, with £317.7 million investment from the UKRI Infrastructure Fund. The facility aims to deliver sustainable food solutions, improve human health, and reduce climate change impact.
A team led by Dr. Alex Harkess is using genomics to unlock the full potential of industrial hemp for sustainable production of fiber, protein, and oil. The project aims to create non-GMO hemp seed bred for multiple markets, leveraging traditional breeding, modern genomics, and agronomic expertise.
The new digital decision support tool DAKIS was developed to help farmers transition to diversified and sustainable agricultural systems. It integrates large datasets, extracts critical analysis, and provides actionable crop management options.
Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.
A new study published in Earth's Future predicts that adopting sustainable 'no-till' or 'low-till' practices can stop Midwest topsoil loss in its tracks, reducing erosion by 95% over the next 100 years. This could save billions of dollars and mitigate crop productivity losses due to soil erosion.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
An international research team has found that tree islands in oil palm plantations can significantly increase biodiversity within five years. This method also does not affect the yield of the plants. The study was conducted on an industrial-scale plantation in Indonesia and showed promising results for ecological restoration.
A WVU researcher is creating mathematical models to predict how bioenergy crops enhance and store soil carbon, potentially spurring renewable energy from biological sources. The model considers factors like plant roots, microbes, and feedstocks to determine net carbon benefits or losses.
Researchers found that farmers implementing sustainable land use systems like cocoa agroforestry contribute to reducing conflicts over land. In a survey of farmer households, participants felt that agroforestry systems increased spaces for community dialogue and decreased disputes over access to natural resources.
A €2.5million European research programme, FRIETS, is increasing the shelf-life of berries through high-precision agriculture and innovative processing methods while maintaining quality. The four-year project combines precision agriculture strategies with dehydration and edible coating methods to discover healthier food alternatives.
A new study by CABBI researchers has identified the types of microbes associated with engineered oilcane, revealing diverse microbial associations that could increase oil yields for sustainable bioenergy production. The findings suggest that plant-microbial interactions play a key role in determining the composition of the microbiome.
Researchers from the University of Copenhagen have made a breakthrough in removing rapeseed's bitter substances, paving the way for a new plant-based protein source. The team identified three proteins that transport glucosinolates into seeds, allowing them to prevent accumulation and produce healthier seeds.
Researchers at Ohio State University found that only 6% of countries provide for all citizens in an ecologically sustainable way. The study measured the ecological and social impact of water and carbon use, finding that while 67% operate safely and sustainably in water use, only 9% do in carbon sequestration. The US is among the majori...
A recent study in Heilongjiang Province, China found a significant positive correlation between farmers' adoption of organic fertilizer and biopesticides. The technical environment played a crucial role in promoting their adoption, with factors such as training, accessibility, and information exchange increasing the likelihood of adopt...
Lutz Grossman aims to create a protein-rich food source using hydrogenotrophic bacteria, which require no agricultural inputs. His goal is to produce a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, addressing global food security concerns.
A novel model, TGFS, simulates the response of fruit growth and quality to environmental factors and cultivation practices. The study found that reducing nitrogen and water input can increase tomato fresh weight by 27.8-36.4% while increasing soluble sugar concentration up to 10%. This provides a promising tool for optimizing N and wat...
A four-year field experiment in Estonia reveals that recycling phosphorus-rich lake sediments can sustain grass biomass yield and provide essential nutrients. However, the study also highlights potential environmental risks associated with sediment application methods.
Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.
Researchers from Washington University in St. Louis suggest that ancient humans may have chosen certain wild plants for domestication based on their ability to be easily 'tamed'. Plants with high plasticity, or the capacity to respond to environmental changes, can produce more yields and easier-to-sprout seeds.
Researchers teamed with Ethiopian farmers to develop new wheat varieties using genomic analysis. Farmers' knowledge played a crucial role in predicting crop yields and selecting optimal traits. The project aims to preserve agrobiodiversity and promote cultural heritage.
Researchers suggest that biochar produced from straw pyrolysis can significantly reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions from Chinese staple crops. The addition of an integrated energy system also produces biogas and bio-oil, which can replace fossil fuels and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A recent study published in the Journal of Agricultural Economics found that home gardens can increase annual home-produced food by nearly 90% and monthly per adult equivalent incomes by 37%. These interventions also reduced poverty rates and improved nutrition among rural farming communities in Odisha, India.
A new digital tool, IWM Tool, has been developed to help farmers design and implement integrated weed management strategies, reducing pesticide use by 50% by 2030. The tool provides a user-friendly approach to diversify weed management strategies, fitting specific needs.
A new scoring system assesses pig welfare through a range of measurements, including health problems and environmental interactions. The system enables comparison across different types of pig farming and informs decisions about farm sustainability.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microbes living on the leaves of perennial crops like miscanthus and switchgrass play a crucial role in plant resilience. The research identifies specific microbial functions that could be targeted for future management, promoting crop growth and reducing environmental impact.
Researchers at Waseda University developed a four-wheeled robot capable of sowing, pruning, and harvesting in dense vegetation, improving efficiency by 49% compared to manual control. The robot's advanced maneuvering system reduces damage to plants and increases farming productivity in various environments.
The DOE has committed $237.9 million to the Center for Advanced Bioenergy and Bioproducts Innovation (CABBI) for a five-year extension, continuing groundbreaking work toward U.S. energy independence. Researchers will develop fuels and products by integrating three highly interconnected priority areas.
Researchers have developed a microneedle-based drug delivery technique for plants, which can precisely deliver controlled amounts of agrochemicals to specific plant tissues. This method has the potential to improve crop quality and disease management while minimizing resource wastage and environmental contamination.