Using transcriptomics, researchers have found that the responses of roots to soil stress are both genetic and physical. Photo: IRRI Photos Attribution - Noncommercial - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedIRRI Photos Attribution - Noncommercial - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How plant roots respond to soil stresses

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A research reveals how roots actively perceive the microenvironment and activate specific molecular responses. From the study, new prospects for more climate-resilient crops
From 1981 to 2021, thirst waves in the U.S. became 17 percent more intense and 23 percent more frequent. Photo: USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.

US agriculture pays the price of atmosphere “thirst”

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An American study introduces the concept of “thirst waves.” In the US they have been on the rise for at least four decades. The phenomenon occurs when evaporative demand is high and plants therefore need more water
An experiment in Wales revealed how bioplastic mulches do not negatively impact soil organic matter content and have minimal effects on the bacterial community. Photo: F. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE DeedF. Kesselring, FKuR Willich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Germany CC BY-SA 3.0 DE Deed

Biodegradable mulch sheets don’t reduce soil organic content

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According to a British study, the use of bioplastic biodegradable mulch sheets in agricultural soils increases yields and has no side effects in terms of carbon balance
In Antanarivo, Madagascar, soil extraction has been accompanied by the spread of terrace farming and resilient crops according to a study. Photo: Visiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedVisiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

From soil extraction new opportunities for agriculture

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The production of building materials through soil negatively impacts the landscape but also opens up new possibilities for the development of climate and flood resilient agriculture. A lesson from Madagascar
In the fields treated with three-year cropping cycle nitrogen leakage was reduced by 50 percent. Photo: Daniel Schwen Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

A more diversified rotation can halve nitrogen leakage in crops

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Nitrogen leakage can be cut in half by applying a three-year crop rotation while soil health also benefits, an American research has found
Each year, northern (photo) and western rootworm cause huge losses to corn farmers in the United States. Photo: Eric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedEric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Hibernation helps US corn pests cause billions in damage

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified the genetic mechanisms that regulate the diapause process, a strategy that allows corn pests to resist winter
Unlike traditional manure, frass is low in pathogens and rich in key elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and carbon. Photo: Forest & Kim Starr Attribution 3.0 United States CC BY 3.0 US DeedForest & Kim Starr Attribution 3.0 United States CC BY 3.0 US Deed

Insect waste can be a viable alternative to traditional fertilizers

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A study from U.S. has highlighted the soil benefits of applying frass, the mix of insect waste products that can be turned in a resource in a circular economy model
Tree crops such as olives, coffee, fruit trees, and cocoa currently cover more than 183 million hectares worldwide and contribute to the protection of global biodiversity. Photo: Maxence Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedMaxence Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Perennial woody crops help preserve biodiversity

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Some plants, such as coffee, cocoa and fruit trees support wide biodiversity. But science and agricultural policies, researchers write, tend to underestimate their potential
The agri-food sector also plays a key role in achieving climate neutrality in the EU by mid-century. Photo: GRID-Arendal Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedGRID-Arendal Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil health and living labs are the pillars of EU agriculture of the future

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The EU Commission released the Vision for Agriculture and Food 2040: Soil care, innovation and research are crucial to achieving climate neutrality by mid-century
Scientists have discovered light receptors that help plants conserve energy as they grow. In this way, even when casually covered with soil, the seedling can elongate further until it emerges from the soil again. Photo: roc&rm Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deedroc&rm Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

With the help of light we can improve plant growth

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An American study provides new information on how plants detect light and grow. The finding could help make more resilient crops

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