Articles tagged with Crop Production
Researchers at UC Davis found a 50% reduction in greenhouse gases to produce the same quantity and quality of milk between 1964 and 2014. The study also revealed significant reductions in water use and land requirements, saving an amount of land equal to the size of Connecticut.
A new study suggests that rotational fallowing farmland can reduce water use in the western US, particularly in the Colorado River basin. The researchers estimate that two-thirds of cattle feed irrigated from western US rivers ends up as beef products.
Climate change is projected to reduce the suitable area for growing most olive varieties in Andalusia, particularly Nevadillo, Manzanilla, Lechín, and Picudo, due to less rainfall and soil humidity loss. However, the Picual variety may see an increase in suitable areas in higher regions like Alpujarra.
A team of researchers used a computerized particle analyzer to count weed seeds with high accuracy. The technology can process 2,000-2,500 seeds in just three minutes, significantly reducing the time required for seed counting.
Researchers found that hormone implants increased weight gain and feed intake by 10% in Holstein steers, making them comparable to beef breeds. This technology can be a game-changer for dairy farmers struggling financially.
A study screened 13 sweet pepper varieties for organic farming conditions, identifying top performers like Aristotle X3R and Gridiron for fancy and early yield. The results showed that organic bell peppers are a viable option, offering higher prices due to their popularity and economic importance.
The white lupin genome has been fully sequenced, revealing its potential for high-protein seeds and efficient phosphate solubilization. The discovery could help increase lupin's role in future plant-based protein production and address phosphate depletion.
A new study suggests that a collapse of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) would lead to widespread cessation of arable farming in Britain, resulting in a substantial reduction in agricultural output. The AMOC brings heat from the tropics, making Britain warmer and wetter than it would otherwise be.
A study by Penn State researchers found that the growth of craft breweries in the US is linked to an unprecedented expansion of hop production across 29 states. The number of breweries more than quadrupled from 992 to over 4,000 between 2007 and 2017, resulting in a five-fold increase in hop farms and acreage.
The study found that specific components of soil health, such as the abundance and activity of soil animals, affect crop productivity. Measurements of soil invertebrates can inform assessments of soil health. The researchers also discovered that optimizing biotic processes in soil can optimize crop production.
A new study from the University of Delaware suggests that India can sustainably enhance its food supply and reduce environmental impacts by reducing reliance on rice and planting more nutritious crops like sorghum and finger millet. The traditional cereals have higher nutritional quality, use less water and energy, and emit fewer green...
Researchers found a 20-fold increase in simultaneous heatwaves in major crop-producing regions, posing risks to global food production and leading to potential harvest failures. This phenomenon can cause significant economic and societal impacts, particularly in interconnected world regions.
A new study from Columbia University suggests that planting less rice and more nutritious crops like finger millet, pearl millet, and sorghum can enhance India's food supply while reducing environmental impact. This diversification could increase protein by 1 to 5%, iron supply by 5 to 49% and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 2 to 13%.
Researchers explore controlled environment agriculture as a means to address urban food systems, offering advantages such as year-round crop production and reduced energy consumption. The study highlights the potential for controlled environments to increase food security and support local economies.
Diversifying crop production can increase protein by 1-5%, iron supply by 5-49%, climate resilience by 1-13% and reduce GHG emissions by 2-13%. Coarse cereals like millets and sorghum are recommended
Researchers at DTU Biosustain successfully produced 0.6g/L of ergothioneine in yeast broth, a promising antioxidant with neuroprotective effects. The production method could lead to cheaper and more accessible supplements, addressing high market prices due to chemical synthesis costs.
Recent research on turbocharged crops reveals that their productivity lies in sugar sensing mechanisms regulating photosynthesis. Unlike C3 plants, C4 crops are not sensitive to high levels of sugars, suggesting a more complex feedback mechanism.
Researchers discovered that chinampas, a raised field system on artificial islands, can provide fresh produce year-round with low irrigation needs. The system's high productivity and sustainability make it an attractive solution for modern megacities.
A new study found that using Napier grass as a nutrient-rich animal fodder can intensify small-scale dairy farming while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The research modelled the impact of three scenarios for feeding diets to dairy cows in Kenya, and found that only the Napier grass diet reduced overall emissions by 2.5%.
A comprehensive study by Colonel Divakaran Padma Kumar Pillay highlights the need for improved farmer wages and a greater use of technology to tackle food security issues in India. The current system requires constant improvements to ensure better food security for the country's millions.
A study published in Current Biology found that pig-tailed macaques actively search for and hunt rats, a major pest of palm oil crops. By controlling rat populations, the macaques can reduce crop damage by up to 3%, leading to increased yield and sustainability.
A team of FSU researchers examined over 50 years of data from 1950 to 2016, finding consistent patterns in mariculture development globally. Countries with stable production farmed a greater diversity of species than those with fluctuating trends.
Scientists analyzed China's crop production and trade over 1986-2015, finding that imports can relieve nitrogen pollution but also expose China to market risks. The study proposes 'alternative' nitrogen and land concepts to mitigate environmental damage.
Researchers have found a way to accelerate the photosynthetic process by producing more of a protein that controls electron flow, potentially leading to increased crop production. The discovery is significant because C4 crops, such as maize and sorghum, play a crucial role in world agriculture.
Researchers aim to increase photosynthesis efficiency by introducing an algal structure into plants, potentially increasing crop productivity. The team plans to engineer Arabidopsis thaliana with a functional pyrenoid to enhance carbon fixation and growth.
A long-term study in California's Salinas Valley found that annual cover cropping significantly benefits soil health, while organic matter from compost has relatively small effects. The research suggests innovative strategies to increase cover cropping adoption, improving soil quality and sustainability.
Scientists from FAU's Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute are developing novel technologies to supply warm water marine fish seedstocks, addressing the US's struggling aquaculture industry. The partnership aims to increase domestic production, reduce waste, disease risks, and feed inefficiencies.
A Michigan State University team applied metacoupling to analyze socioeconomic and environmental interactions in global soybean trade. The results show that Chinese demand for foreign soybeans affects not only Brazil but also neighboring countries like Paraguay and Argentina.
The UTIA/Blühen Hemp Agronomic Research Program will provide much-needed research data to enhance the success of hemp farmers in Tennessee. The four-year program aims to support agronomic practices and improve crop yields.
A new study published in Science Advances found that El Niño-Southern Oscillation and other climate patterns significantly affect global corn, soybean, and wheat production. The research estimated that climate variability accounted for 18% of year-to-year changes in corn production.
A new Stanford study shows that wake-steering can improve the quantity and quality of power from wind farms, increasing overall power output by up to 47% in low wind speeds. Wake steering also reduces the variability of power production, making it easier for grid operators to manage supply and demand.
Researchers developed a wake steering technique that increases total power production while reducing variability in wind speeds, leading to improved efficiency for near-average wind conditions. The study used field experiments on an array of 6 turbines over 10 days at a wind farm in Alberta, Canada.
The study found that expansion poses a particularly serious threat to biodiversity in the tropics, while intensification primarily threatens biodiversity in Sub-Saharan Africa. Global agricultural production must increase to meet demand, but this comes at the cost of biodiversity.
A recent study investigated the desirability and practicality of producing snack peppers with low seed count. The findings revealed that true breeding pepper lines with reduced fruit seed count exhibited significantly reduced seed count, making them more suitable for specialty markets.
The study reveals that the main perceived production problem is insect management, followed by crop timing and disease management. The survey also highlighted common postharvest issues such as temperature management, hydration, and flower food management, with hydration and vase life being the top concerns.
A study suggests that increasing Ghanaian cocoa prices by up to 47% could potentially eliminate all forms of child labor from cocoa production. The model assumes that the price premium mitigates the negative financial effects for households, maintaining current living standards.
New research shows climate change has already affected production of key energy sources, with some regions and countries facing greater declines. The study found that climate change causes significant yield variation in the world's top 10 crops, with negative impacts mostly seen in Europe, Southern Africa, and Australia.
A new blueprint for animal genomics research prioritizes improvements in efficiency, livestock welfare and production to meet the demands of a growing global population. The research focuses on using genomic technology to predict how environmental variation and management practices affect production.
A new study warns that Colombia's rice production may shift to higher altitudes without climate action, with potential losses of 4.4 million hectares of arable land by the 2050s. The research highlights the need for complex decisions on land-use change and crop cultivation to ensure food security.
The use of chloropicrin as a preplant soil treatment measure has been found to suppress soilborne pathogenic fungi and some nematodes and insects. Additionally, it results in greater crop yield and health, with treated soil having a healthier root system, improved water use, and more efficient fertilizer use.
Researchers argue that palm oil's environmental impacts are case-specific, with some locations experiencing devastating deforestation while others benefit from sustainable development. The industry also provides income and employment opportunities for millions of people.
Adding solar farms in New York state could reduce summer electricity demand by up to 9.6 percent, but winter energy demand may lead to volatile swings in the power system due to low demand and high solar production
Researchers found that climate extremes account for 18%-43% of yield fluctuations in staple crops like maize and spring wheat. Temperature, rather than precipitation, plays a significant role in predicting crop yields.
For the first time since 1840, farmers in several Northeast states are reporting kiwifruit production operations, with two producers in New Hampshire self-reporting kiwifruit production. The increase in kiwiberry operations is attributed to growing consumer interest, an established valuation of local produce, and a unique culture of di...
Researchers discovered fossil evidence of early taro cultivation in southern Polynesia, suggesting a history of taro production on the islands. The study indicates that fire was used for clearing forest cover during early cultivation, followed by a decrease in fire and an increase in short-lived plants as production intensified.
A recent study published in Phytobiomes Journal found that corn's bacterial communities play a significant role in its health and performance. The research, led by Dr. Jason Wallace, monitored the active bacteria on the leaves of 300 diverse lines of corn and discovered little relationship between the bacteria and corn genes.
A new study estimates that air pollution from corn production causes 4,300 premature deaths in the US each year, resulting in a monetized cost of $39 billion. The health damages vary by region, with some areas experiencing greater damage than their market price.
Researchers identified over 200 heritage apple cultivars planted in Wyoming's homesteads and orchards from the late 19th century. These historic trees continue to produce fruit despite harsh conditions, suggesting they could be used for breeding programs to improve drought- and cold-tolerance.
Researchers found that LED lighting generally outperforms HPS lighting in greenhouse production, producing higher-quality flowers with potential economic benefits. The study suggests LED technology is capable of replacing HPS for supplemental lighting in cut gerbera production during darker periods.
The SCOPE project aims to harness plasma energy to transform the production of fertilisers, enabling tailored production for individual environmental conditions. Successful completion could lead to small-scale, flexible fertiliser plants that can produce up to 50,000 tonnes per year.
A new study suggests that road construction in the Serengeti could lead to increased poaching and land conversion, contradicting proponents' claims of economic growth. Local communities prefer traditional livelihood activities over new wage-earning opportunities.
Researchers project timing and location of precipitation changes relevant to agricultural crop production due to climate change. Precipitation patterns are expected to increase in high latitudes like North America and Europe by 2020s or have already emerged in regions such as the Mediterranean.
A new study from the Oxford Martin School suggests that lab-grown meat production may have detrimental long-term consequences on the climate if it relies on high-carbon energy. The researchers found that while reducing methane emissions is crucial, replacing it with carbon dioxide could lead to increased global temperatures.
The article reviews the challenges, needs, and opportunities of strawberry growers across the US, highlighting increasing use of protected culture strawberry production. Key findings also discuss pest control, labor availability, and consumer demand for year-round availability.
A new study by North Carolina State University found that aquaculture has expanded seafood production but does not contribute to fishery conservation. The research suggests that prioritizing socially sustainable seafood production and regulating industry practices are essential for advancing conservation goals.
UC Santa Barbara researchers estimate the Caribbean can produce over 34 million metric tons of seafood annually, exceeding current production by two orders of magnitude. The region's vast ocean space makes it an attractive location for offshore mariculture, with some areas showing promise for commercial farming.
Small farms in Cordoba's dehesas are showing more intense production and increasing livestock density, with beef cattle and Iberian swine being the most common combination. These family-owned farms are intensifying production despite traditional ideas of low productivity, and their study reveals key characteristics of these farms.
New research reveals that plants are highly sensitive to touch, with repeated touching retarding growth by up to 30%. The study found that a major genetic defense response is triggered within 30 minutes of being touched, altering 10% of the plant's genome.
A Cornell University-led study finds that Midwest agriculture is increasingly vulnerable to extreme weather events, with a clear escalation in climate sensitivity between the 1960s and '70s and more recent years. The region's reliance on rain-fed crops and specialization in crop production contribute to this vulnerability.
A large-scale expansion in bioenergy crop production could lead to a significant decline in vertebrate biodiversity, with potential losses of up to 36% of global habitats. The study argues that the benefits of bioenergy mitigation may be outweighed by its negative impacts on biodiversity.