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Beetroot juice boosts stamina, new study shows

A new study published in Journal of Applied Physiology shows that drinking beetroot juice reduces oxygen uptake, allowing individuals to exercise for up to 16% longer. The study also found lower resting blood pressure in those who consumed beetroot juice compared to a placebo.

SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalJournal of Applied Physiology·DateAug 6, 2009

Streams natural filters, if not overloaded

Researchers found that streams can remove up to 90% of nitrate pollution through denitrification and algal uptake, with effectiveness greatest in healthy streams not overloaded by human activities. Streams play a crucial role in reducing eutrophication problems in lakes and coastal waters.

SourceVirginia Tech·JournalNature·DateMar 12, 2008

Is your drinking water safe?

A study of Lake Bloomington, a major source of drinking water for central Illinois residents, reveals high nitrate concentrations exceeding safe levels. The research aims to inform producers on nitrogen fertilizer management in sensitive watershed areas.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education·DateFeb 28, 2008

Alternative farming cleans up water

A study by University of Minnesota researchers found that alternative cropping systems reduced nitrate levels in surface and ground water by 41-62% compared to conventional farming practices. Increasing cropping system biodiversity can improve water quality.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateJul 19, 2007

New study confirms the ecological virtues of organic farming

A new Stanford University study found that organic fertilizers produced less environmental harm than synthetic chemicals, reducing nitrogen pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Organic farming also promoted the growth of beneficial denitrifying bacteria, which converted excess nitrates into harmless gases.

SourceStanford University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMar 6, 2006

Nitrates abundant in arid southwest

Researchers have discovered large reservoirs of nitrates in desert subsoils, challenging the concept that nitrogen is tightly retained in soil. This finding has implications for potential groundwater nitrate contamination following climate change or land-use alterations in natural deserts.

SourceU.S. Geological Survey·JournalScience·DateNov 6, 2003

Improving fertilizer efficiency

A new study by Kevin Bronson and colleagues found that in-season nitrogen monitoring can reduce fertilizer use without affecting crop yields. By adjusting nitrogen application rates based on soil moisture and plant growth, farmers can save money and minimize nitrate contamination of waterways.

SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateSep 22, 2003

New insight into sudden infant death syndrome

A study published in the European Journal of Clinical Investigation found an association between nitrate levels in groundwater and the incidence of SIDS. The researchers analyzed over 600 cases and discovered that deaths occurred more frequently during periods of high nitrate concentrations, particularly in areas with rapidly increasin...

SourceUppsala University·JournalEuropean Journal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 20, 2001

Fertilizers linked to amphibian deaths

A new study at Oregon State University found that low levels of nitrate and nitrite in water can kill some species of amphibians, especially during their larval stages. The study suggests that water quality criteria set by the EPA may not guarantee the survival of all protected and endangered amphibian species.

SourceOregon State University·JournalEnvironmental Toxicology and Chemistry·DateJan 4, 2000