Articles tagged with Crop Production
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Research from the University of Sheffield found that starving algae of key nutrients like nitrogen can actually decrease overall oil yield. Increasing cell density also boosts productivity, contrary to previous expectations.
A new regulatory methodology is proposed to improve the evaluation of invasive potential in biofuel feedstocks. The current method has a significant gap in protection against natural areas invasions, leading to massive financial effects.
A recent study found that managed honey bees are less successful at pollinating crops than wild insects, highlighting the negative consequences of losing wild insect populations. The research emphasizes the need for integrated management practices to promote long-term agricultural production and enhance global crop yields.
Scientists report new estimates that downgrade additional land available for biofuel production by nearly 80%. The revised estimates suggest 140 million-2.6 billion acres of land can be cultivated for biofuels, compared to previous estimates of 800 million-3.5 billion acres.
Researchers at the University of Alberta have isolated natural compounds that can help keep bread fresh without changing its flavor. The compounds, known as hydroxy fatty acids, also show antifungal activity and have potential to replace or complement fungicides used in treating crop seeds.
The EU directive on GMOs must be amended to allow the production of plant-made pharmaceuticals, which could lead to cheaper vaccines, pharmaceuticals, and organic plastics. The new regulations should provide tight oversight to encourage investment while maintaining trust.
A University of Colorado Boulder-led study found significant declines in pinyon pine seed cone production due to regional warming and drought. The biggest declines were at higher elevation sites with more dramatic warming, which likely inhibits cone initiation and development.
A study found 149 unique antibiotic-resistant genes on Chinese commercial pig farms, with levels 192-28,000 times higher than controls. Daily exposure to antibiotics allows microbes carrying these genes to thrive, posing a potential global risk to human health.
A new study by Karl Zimmerer and colleagues found that small-scale farmers in Bolivia, Peru, and Mexico can successfully cultivate genetically diverse local crops alongside intensive agriculture. These farms often rely on remittances from migrant communities, which enables them to maintain agrobiodiversity maize.
Researchers found that mixing different cover crops can increase dry matter biomass by up to 25% while reducing weed suppression needs. This long-term study supports the use of legume-rye mixes for optimal results in commercial organic production systems.
Scientists at Michigan State University and other institutions have found that marginal lands can produce substantial amounts of cellulosic biomass, which could provide up to 215 gallons of ethanol per acre. This study provides an estimate of greenhouse gas benefits from using these lands for biofuel production.
Researchers estimate that using marginal lands for growing cellulosic biomass crops could provide up to 215 gallons of ethanol per acre, with substantial greenhouse gas mitigation. The study found that mixed species cellulosic biomass can be a prime real estate for meeting the nation's alternative energy production goals.
Researchers at University of Illinois mapped 4,648 urban agriculture sites in Chicago using Google Earth, finding that residential gardens and vacant lot gardens contribute substantially to food production. Backyard gardens, underappreciated and unsupported, also play a crucial role in food security, particularly in areas with limited ...
Researchers have discovered that ancient Petra was extensively farmed on terraces, with wheat, grapes, and olives being cultivated. The complex systems of dam construction and water management were crucial to the region's agricultural success.
A recent study discovered that small patches of native plants within fruit orchards can enhance pollinator services, increasing mango production. The presence of these patches has been shown to increase the number of visits from honeybees and wild pollinators, leading to improved crop yields.
The study found significant genetic differences between Asian and European wild boars, as well as a high degree of similarity in immunity genes between pigs and humans. This discovery could lead to better breeding strategies, improved pork production, and increased potential for the pig as a biomedical model.
Reducing nitrogen fertilizer use by 60% in over-fertilized areas could substantially decrease greenhouse gas emissions without affecting crop productivity. The study found that N2O emissions have become the dominant factor in China's warming effect, surpassing the cooling effects of CO2 uptake.
The study suggests that a thorough reassessment of land availability for bioenergy production is needed to account for environmental and socio-economic constraints. Policy recommendations aim to resolve conflicting land-use demands and promote sustainable development.
A team of researchers investigated whether 'surplus' land can be used to produce feedstock for bioenergy. They found that land-use conflicts between food and energy production are a pressing issue. The study suggests clarifying the definition of surplus land and taking environmental and socio-economic factors into account.
The USDA has announced a regional biofuels system in the Northeast, aimed at developing sustainable energy markets and creating jobs. The project, valued at $10 million, will focus on biomass supply chains for liquid transportation and aviation biofuels.
Scientists at Brookhaven National Laboratory used a computational model to identify key metabolic pathways that favor the production of either oils or proteins in plants. The research focused on rapeseed and found 149 reactions responsive to changes in oil/protein tradeoff, highlighting potential targets for genetic manipulation.
A Clemson University researcher is working on a project to develop a model that can predict the risk of downy mildew infection in cucurbit crops. This model aims to help reduce the need for fungicides, lower production costs, and increase crop yields.
Researchers found that closing the yield gap on underperforming lands could boost production significantly, while also reducing the environmental impact of agriculture. The study suggests that more strategic use of fertilizer and water could lead to substantial gains in crop production and reduced adverse environmental impacts.
Researchers will survey producers and interview key stakeholders in 15 cities to examine trends in urban farming. Urban agriculture's diversity in production methods and its potential impact on community development and access to healthy food are also being studied.
The seafood industry frequently employs a combination of fishing and aquaculture techniques, making traditional categories insufficient for accounting for its growth potential and environmental impacts. Hybrid classification schemes can help improve the accuracy of data on seafood production and enhance sustainable supply management.
Researchers from the University of Southampton have devised a novel method for forming virtual power plants to provide renewable energy production in the UK. They designed a payment mechanism that incentivizes DERs to join CVPPs with large overall production, utilizing intelligent software agents and proper scoring rules to improve acc...
Biofuels' environmental benefits are overstated due to neglected GHG emissions and flawed Life Cycle Analysis models. The study highlights the omission of CO2 from vehicles using ethanol and biodiesel as a key contributor to this overestimation.
After the buyout, Kentucky tobacco farmers shifted production to more productive farms, increasing productivity by 44% and acreage by over double. Diversification into specialty tobaccos also contributed to their success.
The Tomato Genome Consortium has sequenced the genomes of domesticated tomatoes and its wild ancestor Solanum pimpinellifolium, revealing detailed insights into the plant's genetic makeup. The sequences provide a better understanding of how genetics and environmental factors interact to determine crop health and viability.
Iowa State University and Salk Institute researchers discovered the function of three plant proteins involved in regulating fatty acid accumulation and temperature stress mitigation in plants. The study's findings have major implications for sustainable food production, biorenewable chemicals, and fuels.
Three new rootstocks, Zentmyer, Steddom, and Uzi, have demonstrated superior tolerance to Phytophthora root rot (PRR), a devastating disease affecting avocado production globally. The rootstocks offer improved yields and salt tolerance, enabling growers to manage PRR effectively.
Harold H. Kung's analysis finds Investment Tax Credit to be more attractive for consumers and investors due to lower electricity prices and faster returns on investment. The study aimed to mitigate the high capital cost of wind power, benefiting both parties.
A class of compounds found in hops has been shown to reduce weight gain and improve gut permeability in obese and diabetic mice. The treatment also normalized insulin sensitivity markers, suggesting a novel mechanism for improving metabolic health.
University of Cincinnati researchers have developed predictive software to analyze two years' worth of operating data from a commercial wind turbine, identifying key components with high failure rates and average downtime. The study aims to establish real-world performance metrics for turbines, enabling optimal scheduling of maintenanc...
A team of Stanford engineers has developed a weather model to recommend the optimal placement of four interconnected offshore wind farms off the US East Coast. The grid would have a total maximum capacity of 2000 megawatts, with each farm delivering an individual maximum capacity of 500 megawatts.
Slugs are major crop pests in no-till field crops, with limited management options available. Integrated pest management options, including cultural, biological, and chemical controls, are suggested for common mid-Atlantic slug species.
The European research project ReUseWaste aims to develop technologies and systems to make agriculture more resource-efficient by extracting bio-energy from waste, increasing nutrient recycling, and conserving soil quality. The project focuses on Denmark's significant animal manure production, aiming to increase sustainability and drive...
The initiative aims to increase photosynthetic power, cold tolerance, and oil production in sugarcane and sorghum, making them suitable for biodiesel and jet fuel production. Sugarcane and sorghum can potentially replace traditional oil-producing plants like soybeans, offering significant energy security and economic viability.
A study found that a deadly staph 'superbug' has jumped from humans to food animals, becoming resistant to antibiotics due to routine use in farm animal production. The bacteria, MRSA CC398, thrives in crowded and unsanitary conditions.
A four-year Iowa State University study on cover crops between corn rows reveals higher yields and improved soil health. The study shows that planting living mulch, or ground cover, can maintain soil moisture, slow erosion, and sequester carbon.
Researchers used satellite imagery from Google Earth to count fish farming cages in the Mediterranean, estimating a total of 225,736 tonnes of finfish production. The study suggests that both Greece and Turkey underreport their farmed fish production, but overall, Mediterranean countries are giving accurate counts.
A study by Purdue University researchers found that greenhouse bedding plant growers can increase profits by providing cuttings with sufficient light. The study showed that plants rooted faster and were of higher quality when exposed to more light.
Scientists at the University of Notre Dame have successfully engineered silkworms to produce fibers with the strength and elasticity of spider silk. This breakthrough could lead to the development of new materials for sutures, wound dressings, artificial limbs, and other textiles. The researchers used a transgenic engineering approach ...
Researchers are using mini wind turbines and advanced flow measurements to understand the impact of hilly terrain on wind turbine performance. Preliminary results show that turbines on hilly terrain experience higher wind loads and recover power potential more rapidly than those on flat ground.
Researchers found that tea seed powder can either increase or decrease plant growth depending on the application dose. The study suggests that using TSP at the correct dose could improve crop yields and quality in agriculture and horticulture operations.
Researchers found vermicompost amendments in organic substrates significantly enhanced tomato growth and yield. The addition of vermicompost resulted in lower incidence of defective fruit, further increasing the benefits for organic production.
A study published in PLOS ONE suggests that wind energy production can be compatible with wildlife conservation in Kansas. The researchers identified areas to avoid and quantified offset projects needed to make up for ecological effects, allowing for the potential development of up to 10 million hectares of land.
A US Department of Agriculture scientist identified a rare grass-like sedge as blue sedge, native to Asia and Australia, found growing near the gravesites of a royal Gypsy family in Mississippi. The plant's restricted distribution and invasive traits suggest it could cause problems in US lawn and turf systems.
Researchers sequenced Hemp (Cannabis sativa) genome, revealing the genetic changes that led to marijuana's psychoactive properties. The study suggests domestication and breeding of marijuana strains resulted in the loss of an enzyme competing with THCA production.
Biotech has added billions to farmers' incomes globally, with the four main crops of soybeans, corn, cotton, and canola experiencing significant increases. The study found that biotech benefits were particularly pronounced in developing countries, with GM insect-resistant cotton and herbicide-tolerant soybeans driving these gains.
Researchers analyzed gene expression profiles in pigeon crops and found genes involved in cell growth, antioxidant production, and immune response. The study reveals the mechanisms behind pigeon 'milk' production, which is essential for young pigeon squabs.
Researchers introduce the 'midway' strategy to produce sustainable ethanol from sugarcane, minimizing impacts on biodiversity. The approach involves biotechnology, genetically improved crops, and policies supporting sustainable land management.
A study published in Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Biochemistry found that pure maple syrup improved liver function tests in rats fed a diet with 20% pure maple syrup compared to a control group. The results suggest that maple syrup's polyphenolic antioxidants may help regulate glucose metabolism and reduce liver enzyme levels.
Researchers found that using flat bed systems increased yields by an average of 6 percent and improved water and nitrogen use efficiency. The study supported the USDA's commitment to enhancing sustainable agriculture, helping farmers increase yields, save water resources, and reduce nitrate leaching.
A new study reveals that organic crop rotation can be more profitable and carry less risk than conventional corn and soybean production, even with reduced price premiums. The research, which analyzed 18 years of data from a University of Minnesota trial, found that organic production was consistently more lucrative over the long term.
Wayne State start-up company NextCAT has received a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) award from the National Science Foundation. The $498,830 grant will support the commercialization of a biofuel catalyst technology that enables cost-effective biodiesel production using low-cost feedstocks.
A study by USDA-ARS scientist Arnold Bruns compared twin-row and single-row soybean plantings and found that the former yielded more pods per plant without affecting seed yield. Twin-row production resulted in increased yields on both soils, but only minor economic benefits of $75 per hectare. The study highlights the importance of con...
A team of researchers at DOE's BioEnergy Science Center has pinpointed the single gene controlling ethanol production capacity in a microorganism. This breakthrough discovery could lead to developing biomass crops that produce higher concentrations of ethanol at lower costs, addressing our reliance on imported oil.
Algae-based fuel produces high energy output with minimal land use, but its production is associated with significant environmental costs. The research suggests that algae-based biofuels may not be a silver bullet for replacing petroleum as a transportation energy source.
A Michigan State University study shows that converting Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land to corn and soybean production creates a significant carbon debt. Growing CRP grasses for cellulosic ethanol instead provides immediate energy and climate benefits, with no carbon debt.