Articles tagged with Crop Production
Researchers discovered the 'off' switch for starch production in plants, which rapidly shuts down production at night to prevent energy waste. The discovery suggests that the seemingly wasteful approach holds a clever adaptation strategy to adjust metabolism in response to fluctuating light intensity.
The US Department of Agriculture has funded a three-year study to make organic rice production more economically viable for farmers. The research aims to address key challenges such as weed control, nitrogen supply, and stand establishment, which are major issues affecting organic rice farming.
Researchers discover cultural practices that can increase sweetpotato production in semiarid regions of the Pacific Northwest. The study found that varying soil water tension irrigation treatments led to improved yields and longer vine lengths.
A novel microalgae biomass technology has been developed by UniVerve Ltd., offering a scalable and cost-effective solution for the production of microalgae-biomass. The technology enables the extraction of high-quality oil, omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and other valuable biomaterials from the biomass.
A national nitrogen budget for Denmark shows significant reductions in nitrogen emissions from agriculture, but other sectors like energy production and transport remain major contributors. New initiatives, such as organic farming expansion and electric vehicles, aim to further reduce nitrogen losses.
Recent changes in the dairy industry have benefited dairy cow health and welfare, as well as consumers' expectations for improved animal health. The shift towards more sustainable production methods has led to increased adoption of new technologies, such as automated milking systems and data-driven management practices.
New research suggests offering financial incentives for farming industries to mitigate environmental impact has a positive effect on greenhouse gas reduction and increased biodiversity. However, the study finds that current agriculture funding models are 'perverse subsidies,' promoting negative actions in both the long and short term.
The shift to technified coffee production has worsened economic and ecological conditions for farmers in poor nations like Honduras, Colombia, and Vietnam, due to increased water usage and monoculture farming practices.
Researchers at Technical University of Munich discovered that brassinosteroids are necessary for the production of gibberellins, a hormone that regulates cell elongation and division in plants. This finding has important implications for crop breeding and plant growth.
Researchers at the University of Missouri found that meat food waste has a significant impact on the environment due to increased energy use in its production. The study suggests that consumers and institutions should be more conscious of not only the amount but also the types of food being wasted.
Researchers successfully synthesized thebaine and hydrocodone in yeast, offering a novel microbial-based production process for opioids. The breakthrough could significantly reduce production time and potentially create a new source of pain relief worldwide.
Researchers found that supplemental lighting with red and blue LEDs can increase anthocyanin synthesis and pigmentation of lettuce crops, leading to improved color and increased market value. This cost-effective practice allows growers to manipulate leaf color in 5-7 days without negatively affecting growth or morphology.
A team of Belgian researchers has discovered a yeast species that significantly improves chocolate fermentation, resulting in better and more consistent chocolate. The new method allows for the creation of specialty chocolates with unique flavors.
A University of Oregon researcher found that large-scale organic farming operations are not reducing greenhouse gas emissions, despite being considered a sustainable alternative. The study suggests stricter adherence to sustainability-driven farm practices and increased governmental oversight are needed.
A global study synthesizes data from 1980 to 2014 to better understand how drought affects different legume species and soil conditions. The results show that the magnitude of yield loss varies with legume species and phenological state during drought, while soil texture also plays a role.
A study by Utah State University found that high tunnels, low tunnels, and supplemental heating increase yields and raise income for strawberry growers. The most profitable method was a high tunnel system alone, which generated an estimated net income of $1943.57 per year.
Researchers explore using vegetable crops in bioenergy feedstock double-cropping systems, finding comparable yields and higher farm gate values than traditional pumpkin production. The study suggests potential for contributing to both food and fuel production goals.
Research highlights silicon's importance in rice production, enhancing resistance to pests, pathogens, and abiotic stresses. Recycling of rice straw is crucial for maintaining silicon availability, particularly in regions with low soil weathering.
Prickly lettuce has potential as a new cash crop providing raw material for rubber production, according to Washington State University scientists. They identified genetic markers linked to rubber production in the plant's genetic code, opening the way for breeding desired traits and developing a sustainable source of natural rubber.
Researchers found that liquid corn and fish fertilizers are good options for organic blackberry production, meeting plant nutrient needs except for calcium and boron. The fertilizers were effective in delivering nutrients through the drip system, but regular flushing was recommended to prevent emitter clogging.
A new study found that 13 of 23 protected areas in Ivory Coast had lost their entire primate populations due to illegal cocoa farming. The researchers also discovered that 20 of the areas had unauthorized villages with nearly 30,000 people, highlighting the scale of deforestation caused by cocoa production.
Scientists have discovered 30 new types of heat-beater beans that can thrive in drastic weather extremes, offering a climate-friendly option for farmers. The development of these heat-defying beans is a landmark result of urgent efforts to adapt crops to environmental stresses and could save the 'meat of the poor' from global warming.
New study finds that farms with lower carbon footprints and higher-producing cows are more profitable, offering a win-win solution for the dairy industry. By increasing milk production, decreasing herd replacement rates, or improving reproductive efficiency, farmers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions while maintaining profitability.
Researchers at Australian National University have made a breakthrough in boosting the sluggish activity of Rubisco, a crucial enzyme for plant growth. By introducing a modified version of RAF1, scientists successfully doubled Rubisco levels in leaves, leading to increased photosynthesis and plant growth.
Fistulifera solaris, a diatom microalga, is found to grow quickly and produce high levels of oils simultaneously. Its genome and transcriptome analyses provide insights into its characteristics, making it an excellent candidate for batch culture biofuel production.
Researchers at Indiana University have discovered a way to use nitrogen gas as a nitrogen source for bioethanol-producing bacteria, increasing ethanol yield and reducing costs. This breakthrough could make cellulosic ethanol more competitive with corn ethanol and gasoline, benefiting the industry and environment.
Researchers demonstrate a system that produces both biofuel and animal feed from one crop, eliminating land-use competition for food resources. The process, known as solid-state fermentation, yields high ethanol content while producing quality animal feed with zero waste.
A new study shows that Brazil's Soy Moratorium has been effective in reducing deforestation, but government policies alone are not enough. The moratorium helped drastically reduce soy expansion linked to forest clearing, whereas governmental policy alone only curbed a small portion of the issue.
A new review of published research found that differences between organic and conventional milk are not as clear-cut as previously thought. The main factor influencing milk composition is the diet of the cows, not the farming system.
A new UF/IFAS study reveals that warming temperatures could lead to a decline in wheat production, with crop losses estimated at one fourth of the annual global wheat trade. The research used computer models to predict the impact of temperature increases on wheat yield and found that warmer temperatures are already slowing yield gains.
A University of Illinois study found that levee breaches can cause permanent loss of agricultural productivity, with some fields losing up to 30% of their capacity. Implementing a soil conservation plan and updating survey maps could help restore land use after flooding.
A study found unheated high tunnels to be an effective method for finishing cold-tolerant annuals, reducing plant mortality and delays in days to flower. The use of high tunnels also led to improvements in measures of plant quality, such as shorter, more compact plants.
Researchers found that agricultural production, particularly corn, boosts the productivity of four leading food staples, significantly modifying the annual cycle of atmospheric CO2 in the Northern Hemisphere. This growth contributes up to a quarter of the total increase in seasonal carbon exchange, and possibly more.
A new model suggests that intensive agriculture is the primary reason for increased seasonal oscillations in carbon dioxide, with average annual increase of 0.3 percent. The 'Green Revolution' farming practices are boosting atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, leading to a stronger seasonal cycle.
Agricultural production contributes to a quarter of the increase in seasonal carbon cycle, with corn accounting for two-thirds of the crop contribution. The study highlights the impact of human activity on the planet and improves models of global climate.
Scientists have discovered a set of gene variations that can increase fruit production in tomatoes and potentially other flowering plants, including staple crops like soybeans. By fine-tuning the balance between florigen and anti-florigen, plant breeders can customize genetic variations to maximize yield gains.
A new five-year project aims to dramatically upscale banana breeding efforts in Uganda and Tanzania, developing high-yielding, disease-resistant hybrids with a 30% higher yield and 50% resistance. The effort is being funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to improve the region's $4.3 billion yearly banana crop.
A study by researchers at the University of York found that domestic fish supplies have fallen to their lowest point in over 70 years, with only one fifth of recommended consumption levels met. The report also highlights the environmental costs of aquaculture and calls for sustainable production methods.
Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology have created thermotolerant yeast that can grow at 40 degrees, allowing for more efficient bioethanol production. This breakthrough could reduce cooling costs and increase the use of residual waste as a raw material, resulting in cost savings and a reduced carbon footprint.
A new study projects a significant loss of suitable agricultural land in Mediterranean regions and parts of Sub-Saharan Africa under climate change, while high latitudes experience an expansion of cropland. The simulation highlights the need for sustainable land management and adaptation measures to ensure food security.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests climate change may increase agricultural land availability in the North, but reduce it in tropical regions. This shift could lead to more frequent harvests in some areas and fewer in others, impacting global food production.
A new study from MIT warns that climate change and air pollution can combine to reduce crop yields, with effects varying by region. The study found that ozone pollution can cause significant damage to crops, particularly in the US where stricter regulations may mitigate its impact.
New research suggests that climate change increases the risk of a major slowdown in global crop yields over the next two decades. The odds of such an event are about 1 in 10 for corn and 1 in 20 for wheat, even with a warming climate.
A recent study suggests that crops grown on 'land-grabbed' areas in developing countries could feed an extra 100-550 million people worldwide. The improved infrastructure brought about by foreign investment could increase the productivity of subsistence farmlands, leading to a significant increase in global food production.
Reducing agricultural production in provinces like Inner Mongolia, Heilongjiang, and Hebei, and importing food from other regions, could conserve China's water resources. A new report suggests that restructuring these regions could reduce national water use while maintaining food security.
A new study by Brazilian researchers demonstrates that converting degraded pastureland to sugar cane biofuel crops can provide a nearly immediate carbon payback. The Cerrado region in Brazil has seen over half of its land cleared for agriculture, but using this land for sugar cane production could help slow climate change.
Researchers from Illinois and Kyoto University collaborate on a global effort to improve rice productivity through increased photosynthetic efficiency. The study aims to enhance drought tolerance in rice crops, which are critical for food security globally.
A new concept for counter-rotating wind turbines in tandem arrangements has been developed to improve power production performance. Experimental studies have shown that this configuration can increase energy utilization by up to 20%, particularly beneficial for onshore wind farms with smaller spacing between turbines.
Scientists suggest that every town could have a small-scale cultured meat factory, producing sustainable and cruelty-free meat alternatives. The production process involves taking stem cells from cell banks and using them to create minced meat cakes.
The project evaluated environmental technologies on livestock farms in the Atlantic Area, focusing on reducing emissions and improving waste management. Collective treatments in waste treatment and use have been found to be effective.
A new study examines three hoop house designs for growing lettuce and spinach during the winter season in the southwestern United States. The single-layer and double-layer designs appear to be the most appropriate technology for both locations, providing adequate protection and higher probabilities of producing positive returns.
A new modeling tool, GAMCAF, predicts a 40% increase in potato production across the ESR and identifies key factors affecting yields, such as soil quality and water management. The platform aims to optimize regional food production and improve food security for consumers, particularly in disadvantaged neighborhoods.
A new study evaluates the environmental impact of biocontainers in commercial greenhouse production, finding minor differences in global warming potential compared to traditional plastic containers. The researchers suggest that using more efficient lighting sources could have a greater impact on overall sustainability.
The report suggests that reducing global beef consumption, reducing food waste, and improving farm nutrient management can deliver big climate wins while maintaining food security. Implementing these strategies could cut over three gigatonnes of carbon dioxide per year.
The proportion of shade grown coffee in global production has decreased by nearly 20% since 1996, with traditional methods being replaced by more intensive styles. This shift is linked to lower land and labor costs, but also poses risks to the environment, communities, and individual farmers.
A study recommends management practices to address citrus greening disease by monitoring phloem production in affected trees. The researchers found that new phloem tissue supports growth for a limited time, making the weeks before and after spring flush critical for management.
A study by Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research found that global food trade can alleviate water scarcity in parts of India, Morocco, and Egypt through imports of agricultural goods. However, exports from countries like Turkey, Spain, Portugal, Afghanistan, and the US exacerbate local water stress.
The Northeast region of the US is vulnerable to changes in food production due to climate change, with population growth and dietary choices expected to impact regional self-reliance. The region can satisfy its residents' food needs through a diverse range of crops and livestock production.
A study published in HortTechnology found that controlling irrigation using moisture sensors can reduce production time and crop losses, increasing profitability substantially. The wireless sensor system also saves water, labor, energy, and fertilizer.
Researchers evaluated county-level energy and GHG intensity of grain corn, stover, and cob production in Ontario from 2006-2011. The study identified opportunities for efficiency improvements through field-drying corn hybrids, reduced tillage, and diminished nitrogen inputs to reduce GHG emissions.