Articles tagged with Crop Production
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Mechanical fruit thinning improves pecan yield and nut quality, leading to increased profit potential. The study found that thinned trees had a higher return crop value in the off-year, offsetting any loss in yield, resulting in overall increased profitability for 'Cape Fear' and 'Sumner' pecan varieties.
Researchers will develop a system for conducting climate-impact assessments for international market systems, focusing on the tart-cherry industry. The study aims to provide detailed information for industry stakeholders to plan for future investments.
The USDA's $320 million initiative aims to support programs in 12 states, enabling farmers to implement conservation practices that reduce nutrient runoff and improve wildlife habitat. The program underscores the agency's commitment to sustainable land stewardship and cleaner water.
IRRI must produce an additional 8ñ6 million tons of rice over the next twenty years to meet demand and keep prices affordable. The organization supports sustainable land acquisition practices, prioritizing benefits for poor rice farmers and consumers.
Salt-loving algae can be grown on marginal lands with brackish water, producing biofuels 10-30 times more than terrestrial crops. Their growth is non-seasonal, making them suitable for recycling atmospheric carbon dioxide.
Researchers have discovered that the juice of 'cull' watermelons can be efficiently fermented into ethanol, producing approximately 220 L/ha. This process also yields valuable nutrients like lycopene and L-citrulline.
A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology found that bioethanol production requires up to 861 billion gallons of water, with some regions consuming as much as 2,100 gallons per gallon of ethanol produced. This highlights the need for regional-specific considerations when implementing biofuel mandates.
The study found that winter chill in California will decline by up to 80% by the end of the century, making many tree crops unsuitable for growing. Growers may need to develop new tree cultivars and management strategies to mitigate the impact of reduced winter chill.
Research suggests that corn yield stability improves when rotated with alfalfa, red clover, and timothy; dairy manure applications can support continuous corn in high-yielding years but hinder it in low-yielding years. Synthetic fertilizers or phosphorus-based manure negatively impact continuous corn yields.
The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) is developing drought-tolerant rice to help farmers cope with water shortages affecting 15-20 million hectares of irrigated rice. Genetically modified rice may also play a role in boosting production and improving grain quality during postharvest
Agriculture is expected to see an increase in supply and demand, leading to higher real prices for grain and oilseeds. The rising trend of corn and soybean yields in major production areas, combined with new technologies and genetic improvements, will contribute to this growth.
Crop residues are crucial for sustaining soil organic matter, but extensive removal for ethanol production can impact soil productivity. Research suggests that straw removal rates should be limited to less than 66% and no more than 40% of aboveground residues removed.
A three-year NSF grant will help improve protein production in crops through research on Arabidopsis gene conversion. The study aims to understand how plants control protein synthesis and identify key steps and factors involved.
Researchers at North Carolina State University discovered that growing duckweed on hog wastewater produces starch for ethanol, outperforming corn by five to six times per acre. The process generates clean water and turns pollutants into a fuel production system.
The study found that organic and rotational grazing systems were more profitable than conventional monocropping, despite increased risk exposure. The results suggest that governmental policy should support crop rotations and organic farming practices.
Researchers have identified new alternative substrates to pine bark and peatmoss, finding that landscape annuals can thrive in ground pine tree and pine bark substrates. The study showed comparable foliage growth, flower density, and root proliferation for plants grown in both substrates.
The US shiitake market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for nutritious mushrooms. Shiitake are high in potassium, phosphorus, copper, and zinc, making them an attractive crop for environmentally friendly growers.
The national nursery survey report highlights distinct regional variations in nursery production practices and technology adoption. Regional differences were found in areas such as labor usage, integrated pest management, and computerization adoption.
A new enzyme developed by CSIRO Australia successfully removes over 90% of atrazine from contaminated water in a trial, providing a promising solution to reduce off-farm water contamination. The enzyme works against various triazine herbicides and is expected to benefit farmers worldwide.
A new study by Holly Gibbs at Stanford's Woods Institute for the Environment suggests that biofuel crops may contribute to climate change by burning tropical forests. The research found that agricultural subsidies and policies favoring biofuel crop production can lead to deforestation, releasing stored carbon into the atmosphere.
The study found that plant and forestry waste, dedicated energy crops, and cellulosic ethanol could sustainably produce 90 billion gallons of ethanol by 2030. Cellulosic biofuels could compete with oil without incentives at $90 per barrel, assuming reduced costs.
Researchers at North Carolina State University and the USDA have identified alternative fumigants to methyl bromide (MeBr) for tomato production in North Carolina. The study found that while no single alternative can fully substitute MeBr, technically and economically feasible options exist for growers to adopt.
Concordia University will coordinate the Cellulosic Biofuels Network, a major national project focusing on sustainable ethanol production from cellulosic material. The project aims to assess crop production economics and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
A study published in Human Ecology highlights the problems linked to converting crops into biofuels, including inefficiency, economic costs, and environmental degradation. The research reveals a negative energy return for many biofuel sources, making them less productive than projected.
A study by University of Iowa researchers has documented MRSA in swine and swine workers in the US for the first time. The investigation found a high prevalence rate of MRSA among swine and swine handlers, suggesting transmission between animals and humans.
The tequila boom has led to a surge in demand, causing companies to plant their own agave, marginalizing independent farmers and workers. The study highlights the need for sustainable production practices to be incorporated into the legal framework of geographical indications.
A study by American Society for Horticultural Science evaluated direct-seeding short-day onions in southeastern Georgia. Direct seeding was found to be a cost-effective alternative to traditional hand-transplanting methods, which rely on a migrant labor force.
Researchers found that applying municipal leaves to soil surface increased clean pumpkin fruit percentage by up to 25% compared to bare soil. This study provides a win-win solution for farmers and taxpayers, reducing leaf disposal costs while improving soil health.
Researchers found that using two layers of cattail or rice straw mulch resulted in a 94-100% control of weeds and increased fruit yield. Natural mulches also reduced the need for synthetic herbicides, improving environmental benefits.
A new Purdue University study suggests that warming temperatures could lead to an increase in corn pests, resulting in decreased yields and increased costs for farmers. The research found that warmer weather could allow these insects to expand their territory and produce an extra generation of offspring each year.
Despite pollinator decline, global crop yields have consistently grown at 1.5% per year since 1961 due to agricultural improvements. However, research detected warning signs of growing demand for pollinators and declining yield growth in highly dependent crops.
The American Society of Agronomy has recognized five individuals with prestigious awards for their excellence in agronomic education, extension, and service. Lee Burras received the Agronomic Resident Education Award for his outstanding teaching skills, while William J. Cox was honored with the Agronomic Extension Education Award for h...
A group of internationally recognized scientists urges the U.S. to adopt sustainable standards and practices for cellulosic biofuel production to minimize environmental harm. The experts emphasize the need for incentives to promote environmentally friendly growing practices among farmers.
A new study in the American Journal of Agricultural Economics explores the effects of livestock facility pollution on infant health. The research found a strong positive relationship between livestock production and infant mortality, with an estimated 7.4% increase in infant deaths for every 100% increase in livestock production.
A group of international scientists agrees that biofuel production requires environmental standards to prevent harm. The experts recommend incentive programs and sustainable practices like no-till farming to reduce negative impacts on the environment.
Sustainable farming with shade trees improves resistance to climate-related stressors, particularly in marginal growing areas. Traditional agroforestry techniques can help protect farmers' livelihoods threatened by climate change.
A 110-year-old sustainable farming experiment demonstrates the effectiveness of winter legumes in producing non-irrigated cotton yields, comparable to those using nitrogen fertilizer. The study's findings have implications for long-term soil organic matter and crop yield management.
Research found that commercially available aquatic garden plants can be used in a production/remediation system to treat wastewater. The study concluded that these plants have the potential to generate revenue for producers and are an aesthetically viable alternative to traditional wetland plants.
Researchers at Dartmouth's Thayer School of Engineering have developed a thermophilic bacterium that can produce ethanol from cellulosic biomass without adding enzymes. This discovery brings the US closer to alternative fuel production and offers significant environmental benefits.
The International Rice Research Institute has received a $500,000 donation from 5 PRIME to support research on developing drought-tolerant rice varieties. This donation will strengthen IRRI's capabilities for efficient and cost-effective rice production.
Iowa State University is developing new technologies for producing and improving biofuels with support from Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) and ConocoPhillips. The projects focus on thermochemical technologies to convert biomass into bio-oil, catalysts for improving bio-oil production, and biorefinery studies.
A Cornell University study found that supplementing cows with rbST reduces the carbon hoofprint by easing energy, land, and nutritional inputs necessary for milk production. This results in significant reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource usage, and environmental degradation.
The study reveals social confrontation between GMO proponents and opponents, with difficulties in defining technical measures for coexistence. Organic farmers face uncertainties in measuring contamination levels and potential damages, leading to reduced cultivation areas.
Researchers evaluate V45 harvester's effectiveness on southern highbush and rabbiteye blueberries, reducing labor hours from up to 520 per acre. The study shows improved yields with winter-pruned plants and potential for mechanical harvesting while maintaining fruit quality.
Research suggests that average supermarket shoppers are willing to pay a premium price for locally produced foods, with a notable difference between farm market and retail grocery shoppers. Shoppers prioritize buying food from small farms over corporate operations and value freshness guarantees.
A new study by Newcastle University found that grazing cows on organic farms in the UK produce milk with significantly higher levels of nutritionally desirable fatty acids and antioxidants. The research also identified a direct link between the dairy cows' diets and the quality of their milk.
Researchers have developed new techniques for optimal soil moisture monitoring under drip irrigation systems, helping growers prevent over-irrigation and improve grape yields. By identifying the most suitable locations for soil sampling, vineyard managers can reduce water waste and enhance plant cold-hardiness.
A study by Drs. Sophia Kamenidou and Todd J. Cavins found that silicon supplementation improved horticultural traits in greenhouse-produced sunflowers, such as increased stem diameter and flower quality, but also caused growth abnormalities at high concentrations.
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have discovered a new source for biofuels in cyanobacteria, which can be grown on non-agricultural lands using salty water. The microbe produces cellulose and sugars that can be converted into ethanol, offering a potential alternative to traditional sources such as corn and sugarcane.
The University of Tennessee has received a $26 million grant from the US Department of Energy to develop biomass conversion technology. The grant will support research on converting biomass crops into fuels and other products, with the goal of creating a thriving, sustainable biobased economy in the state.
Scientists evaluate the impact of grain-based ethanol production on water quality in the US. The study recommends advanced conservation measures to minimize nutrient losses from corn production, but a viable cellulosic ethanol industry could provide water quality benefits.
A new study by the University of Minnesota and The Nature Conservancy found that turning native ecosystems into biofuel farms releases 17 to 420 times more carbon than the annual savings from replacing fossil fuels. This 'carbon debt' must be paid before biofuels can mitigate global warming.
Researchers compared three strawberry production systems to determine consumer preference, finding that cold-climate plasticulture and advanced matted row systems were most popular. Consumers were willing to pay more for fresh berries from their preferred system, with quality characteristics like firmness differing among the production...
A study by Chengyan Yue found that consumers prefer conventionally grown apples with minimal blemishes due to their better appearance. Organic apple producers must weigh the trade-off between cosmetic damage and production costs in their decisions.
A new crop simulation model can predict the timing, quality, and weight of sweet corn crops, addressing seasonal production limitations and perishability issues. The model has significant promise for improving sweet corn production, with potential applications for producers, technical consultants, and the agricultural industry.
The Council for Agricultural Science and Technology (CAST) has introduced two new commentaries on biofuel byproducts and ethanol production, highlighting the potential risks of invasive pests in dedicated feedstock crops. The commentaries aim to provide a process to quantify and minimize this risk.
The international rice research community is addressing the problems facing irrigated rice farmers, including land loss, water competition, labor shortages, and increased pest and disease issues. IRRI research has shown that farmers can increase production by up to 15% through better fertilization timing and reduced water usage.
The Great Plains' stability is threatened by demographic shifts, environmental degradation, and economic pressures. Despite increased crop productivity, the region faces challenges such as soil erosion, high nitrate runoff, and declining aquifers.
A new Illinois-based study has found that Miscanthus is more productive than switchgrass in terms of biomass production, with Miscanthus gaining 33% more carbon and having a greater leaf area. This research has implications for the development of sustainable bioenergy crops.
A new study finds that climate change and temperature fluctuations significantly correlate with warfare frequency in eastern China over the last millennium. The research reveals that cooling temperatures impact agriculture, leading to shortages of essential resources and potentially triggering armed conflicts.