Posts

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

,
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
There are more than 1,500 square kilometers of unmanaged agricultural land in Hawaii still suitable for agroforestry under current climate conditions. Photo: Pixabay Public DomainPixabay Public Domain

Hawaii relies on agroforestry to meet their 2045 climate goals

,
A group of researchers quantified the potential of agroforestry systems on islands. The suitable area is large. Sequestration reaches 125 tons per hectare. A value similar to that of native forests
A seaweed culture at the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory in Bouslän. Photo: Chalmers University of Technology, Sophie Steinhagen press releaseChalmers University of Technology, Sophie Steinhagen press release

Seaweed can be a sustainable protein source

,
By using circular strategies, it is possible to harness the potential of seaweed to produce protein food in a sustainable way. The findings of the Swedish project
In the U.S., turfgrass, including domestic lawns, covers more than 160 thousand square kilometers and host an important biodiversity. Photo: rawpixel free public domain CC0 imagerawpixel free public domain CC0 image

Less intensive management of lawns promotes soil biodiversity

,
A study shows how less intensive management of lawns, especially of those surrounding homes, allows to support many below-ground species that contribute to the balance of the ecosystem
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

, ,
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

, ,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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