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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
The transit time of water through vegetation is a very understudied aspect of the Earth's hydrologic cycle. Photo: PxHere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxHere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

The Planet’s fastest water cycle runs through plants

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It takes only five days for a drop of water stored in a cultivated plant to complete its outward journey to the atmosphere, a study explains. Land use alters the speed of the process
Rapid degradation of organic soils is increasingly affecting the Montérégie, one of the main agricultural regions in Canada. Photo: Axel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedAxel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

In Canada, scientists are studying natural solutions against soil degradation

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Researchers at Laval University in Quebec are exploring new methods against soil deterioration in Montérégie, a key agricultural region in Canada. Under investigation are straw, shavings and polyphenols
A corn field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Extending and diversifying crop rotations may not promote carbon sequestration but still provide important soil benefits. Photo: P. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedP. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Crop diversification supports nitrogen sequestration (but not carbon)

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Diversifying rotations does not promote carbon storage but increases nitrogen availability with positive impact on soil and climate, a Iowa University study has found
Nitrogen management based on circular economy principles contributes to reducing emissions and maintaining food security. Photo: Sasin Tipchai CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedSasin Tipchai CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Efficient use of nitrogen is needed to protect environment and health, says FAO

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Nitrogen, the UN agency remarks, is an essential element but also a contaminant. Its intake to the soil is likely to quadruple by the end of the 21st century
In the agricultural region of the U.S. Corn Belt, rainfall plays a key role in production and irrigation. Photo: Don Graham Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedDon Graham Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Agriculture and irrigation affect rainfall in the U.S. Midwest

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According to a study, the interaction between groundwater resources, crops and irrigation impacts the rate of rainfall recycling with a direct effect on agricultural management and water availability
In California's Central Valley, nitrogen contamination poses a significant risk. Photo: DJ Fogbound Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedDJ Fogbound Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Climate change and extreme events promote nitrogen contamination

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In California, the interaction between drought and subsequent rainfall promotes the dispersion of nitrogen that can reach surface waters, explains a U.S. study
The agricultural sector faces economic and environmental pressures today to reduce the use of herbicides. Photo: Zeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedZeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Artificial vision allows to reduce the use of herbicides

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Thanks to a sensing system, some farm machinery offers the opportunity to use less herbicide by detecting weeds and distributing treatments in a targeted manner

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