Articles tagged with Crop Production
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.
A study by the University of Exeter reveals that crop pests are greatly underestimated in developing countries, posing a significant threat to global food security. With many nations underreporting pest loads, investment in pest observations is crucial to identifying and controlling losses.
The Algae Biomass Organization has published a new standard for measuring algae industry operations, establishing a common language for describing economic and environmental impact. The updated standards will help compare diverse algae technologies and their commercial production scale.
Researchers in sweet corn production emphasize the need for accurate measurement of crop responses to improve decision-making. The current approach often focuses on yield, whereas processor variables like recovery and case production are crucial for productivity.
A study published in Poultry Science reveals a significant reduction in environmental impact from US egg production, thanks to advancements in feed efficiency, hen housing and manure management. The industry has decreased greenhouse gas emissions, water usage and waste production, while increasing egg production and hen lifespan.
Research suggests that future global food security projections may be overly optimistic due to stagnant crop yields in intensively cropped areas. This could lead to increased marginal costs and decreased returns on investment in agricultural research and development.
A new study analyzed the diet and digestion of cows, chickens, and pigs to determine their impact on climate change. The research found that animal diets vary greatly depending on the region, with some animals requiring more food to produce a kilo of protein than others.
Heterotrimeric G proteins play significant roles in plant development, including fruit and seed size and production, defense against pests and pathogens, and response to abiotic stresses. Research by Sona Pandey and collaborators showed that elevated G protein quantities in Camelina sativa led to increased seed production and size.
A new study found that increasing cropping frequency could boost global food production by up to 44% on existing agricultural lands. Harvest gaps, the difference between actual and maximum potential harvest frequencies, are highest in Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
A study by Washington State University researchers compared high tunnel and open-field production systems for lettuce and tomato. High tunnel-grown tomatoes were three times more profitable than open-field production, while lettuce was less profitable due to higher labor costs.
Researchers evaluated the impact of different colored shade nets on plant growth, temperature and light conditions in a 12-month study. The results showed that all shade nets reduced photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) values compared to uncovered sites, with black nets reducing PAR most and red nets least.
Researchers found that a mixture of blue and red LEDs enhances lettuce growth rate, biomass accumulation, and antioxidant compound production. Red LED alone stimulates biomass but induces abnormal leaf shape and negative effects on antioxidants.
A new textbook sheds light on environmentally friendly technologies that can manage and recycle animal manure effectively and sustainably. The book highlights the need for robust interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals in environmental technology, industrial farm animal production, and agriculture to implement these solutions.
A study published in HortScience reveals that current nitrogen fertilization practices in California's strawberry production system are not efficient, leading to decreased water quality. The researchers suggest reducing fertilizer rates and implementing drip irrigation management to improve nitrogen use efficiency and reduce groundwate...
Scientists evaluated spinach nutrient uptake and water use to improve nitrogen fertilizer management, recommending soil NO3 testing at planting and midseason application. The study found that optimal fertilizer timing and rate can significantly reduce nitrate losses from production fields.
Research argues that aquaculture certification has significant limitations due to low market demand and focus on farm-level impacts. The study suggests integrating multiple governance approaches to promote sustainable aquaculture production.
A recent study by Kansas State University predicts that the High Plains Aquifer will deplete to 69% by 50 years if current irrigation trends continue. Reducing water use could extend the aquifer's lifetime and increase net agricultural production until 2110.
Researchers used GIS software to map Brazil's grain storage facilities and found significant undercapacity, particularly in the northern state of Mato Grosso. The study aims to determine optimal locations for additional storage, addressing postharvest losses and increasing production efficiency.
Ecologists Monica Turner and Jiangxiao Qiu mapped ecosystem services in the Yahara River watershed, finding complex interactions between provisioning, cultural, and regulating services. The study identifies areas with high levels of multiple services, suggesting a holistic approach to land management.
A team of researchers found that E. coli contamination on spinach farms is strongly influenced by factors such as time since last irrigation, workers' personal hygiene, and field use prior to planting produce. The study also identified the role of weather in producing contamination as a critical factor.
A new study finds that global crop yields are increasing at a slower rate than needed to meet projected demands in 2050. The top three countries producing rice and wheat have low yield growth rates, highlighting the need for targeted investments to increase production.
Current global crop yields are not increasing quickly enough to support estimated global needs in 2050, according to a University of Minnesota study. The analysis identifies focus areas for closing the gap, including targeting investments on arable lands and improving best management practices.
Researchers found that high amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur are needed for modern corn hybrids, with applications made during key growth stages to maximize crop growth. Adequate accounting for nutrients with high harvest index values is vital to maintaining long-term soil productivity.