Collaborate Disseminate
Chinese scientists have developed a cost-effective method of converting coal into protein, which they say could feed livestock much more efficiently than natural plants, while using a tiny fraction of the land.Continue ReadingCategory: ScienceTags: Agr… Continue reading Coal-to-protein livestock feed uses 1/1000th as much land as farming
The “microbiome” is the unique population of microorganisms found in and on every plant and animal. Scientists have now genetically altered that population in rice plants, making them more resistant to harmful bacteria. The technology could one day red… Continue reading Scientists alter rice plant microbiome for better resistance to pathogens
While hydroponic farms do allow a lot of crop plants to be grown in a relatively small space, they would certainly be a better alternative to traditional farms if those plants grew faster. That could soon be the case, thanks to the development of elect… Continue reading Electrically conductive eSoil boosts plant growth via zaps to the roots
Just like any other organisms, crop-destroying soil microbes die if they get too hot. With that fact in mind, scientists have developed a new system in which soil-heating microwaves are used to kill such pests. The technology could one day replace the … Continue reading Experimental system uses microwaves to cook crop pests in soil
Trees such as maples have “fruits” known as samaras, which consist of a seed joined to a papery wing. Scientists have now created artificial samaras, which could be used to quickly and easily monitor soil temperature from the air.Continue ReadingCatego… Continue reading Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture
Conventional chemical fertilizers aren’t among the most eco-friendly substances in the world, which is one reason why some farmers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative. A new coating technology could make such microbes more wi… Continue reading Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?
Conventional chemical fertilizers aren’t among the most eco-friendly substances in the world, which is one reason why some farmers are exploring the use of beneficial bacteria as an alternative. A new coating technology could make such microbes more wi… Continue reading Could “armored” bacteria replace chemical fertilizers?
It’s taken more than a decade, but the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map that spans the nation and the territory of Puerto Rico in such detail that gardeners can now zoom right into their local… Continue reading The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released
It’s taken more than a decade, but the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) has finally released an updated Plant Hardiness Zone Map that spans the nation and the territory of Puerto Rico in such detail that gardeners can now zoom right into their local… Continue reading The most accurate and detailed plant zone map ever has been released
The Gyr cattle farmed in Tanzania handle the African heat and arid conditions well, but they produce much less milk than less-tolerant Holstein or Jersey cows. Scientists have set about addressing that problem, by creating hybrid cattle that combine bo… Continue reading Heat-tolerant hybrid cows may be the Goldilocks of cattle