News tagged with cropping systems

Disease-causing strains of Fusarium prevalent in plumbing drains

A study examining the prevalence of the fungus Fusarium in bathroom sink drains suggests that plumbing systems may be a common source of human infections.

Biology / Cell & Microbiology

created Dec 21, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (6) | comments 3 | with audio podcast

Accelerating adoption of agricultural technology

Research shows that it takes about eight years from the time public research funds are invested in technology development to the time the technology is first implemented. In the agricultural sector it can ...

Biology / Ecology

created Dec 12, 2011 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Researchers identify key plant immune response in fight against bacteria

Researchers at the University of Missouri have found a key process in a plant's immune system response that may help future crops fight off dangerous diseases.

Biology / Biotechnology

created Dec 08, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0 | with audio podcast

The heart of the plant

Food prices are soaring at the same time as the Earth's population is nearing 9 billion. As a result the need for increased crop yields is extremely important. New research led by Carnegie's Wolf Frommer into the system by ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Dec 08, 2011 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 1 | with audio podcast

Designer roots to counter drought

Recent discoveries by a University of Queensland agricultural scientist provide the basis for custom designing plant roots. Her discovery is already being used by plant breeders to develop drought-resistant ...

Biology / Biotechnology

created Jul 12, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Seed mixtures and insurance pest management: Future norm in the Corn Belt?

As the use of biotechnology increases and more companies move forward with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's approval to begin full-scale commercialization of seed mixtures in transgenic insecticidal corn, many researchers ...

Biology / Ecology

created May 05, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 1

Alternatives eyed for methyl bromide

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) scientists trying to help Florida growers find a replacement for methyl bromide are studying an alternative soil treatment that uses molasses as one of its ingredients.

Space & Earth / Environment

created Mar 16, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Google backs climate-change weather insurance startup

Google on Monday was among investors pumping $42 million into a climate change inspired technology startup that calculates the chances of crops being ruined by weather.

Technology / Other

created Feb 28, 2011 | popularity 2.3 / 5 (3) | comments 2

Transitioning to organic farming

As the organic food trend continues to grow; more farmers are converting from conventional agriculture to organic production. One of the fastest growing markets in the U.S. is the production of organic milk. The growth of ...

Space & Earth / Environment

created Feb 22, 2011 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Growing sorghum for biofuel

Conversion of sorghum grass to ethanol has increased with the interest in renewable fuel sources. Researchers at Iowa State University examined 12 varieties of sorghum grass grown in single and double cropping systems. The ...

Space & Earth / Environment

created Nov 10, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Wheat researchers combine forces to battle major disease

Wheat streak mosaic virus is the most prevalent disease in the southwestern wheat producing region of the U.S., according to a Texas AgriLife Research scientist.

Biology / Biotechnology

created Sep 23, 2010 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Rice growers turn to computer for advice, predictions

Figuring out how a rice crop was faring used to be a head-scratching exercise with predictably unpredictable results.

Biology / Biotechnology

created Sep 21, 2010 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Biofuel study looks at cost to wildlife and environmental diversity

Whether we can grow bio-energy crops such as switchgrass and forage sorghum isn't the question, said a Texas AgriLife Research scientist.

Space & Earth / Environment

created Aug 04, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Straw residue helps keep nitrogen on the farm

Scientists are exploring ways to reduce non-point pollution from agriculture. A new study finds that using straw residue in conjunction with legume cover crops reduces leaching of nitrogen into waterways, ...

Space & Earth / Environment

created May 24, 2010 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 1

Reducing fossil energy use on the farm

Conventional agriculture production relies heavily on fossil fuels, particularly in its ability to provide energy at a low cost. However, the uncertain future of fossil fuel availability and prices point to ...

Space & Earth / Environment

created May 03, 2010 | popularity 4.2 / 5 (5) | comments 0