Experimental system uses microwaves to cook crop pests in soil

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

Airdropped spinning-seed-inspired sensors could monitor soil moisture

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

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?

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?

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 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

Sunflower waste extract shown to keep fruit from molding

Blueberries and other fruits are quite prone to fungi such as gray mold, whereas sunflowers are resistant to them. With that fact in mind, scientists have now used an extract from waste sunflower stems to keep such fruits from molding.Continue ReadingC… Continue reading Sunflower waste extract shown to keep fruit from molding

Hoppy ending: Dire times ahead for beer and its flavors, study warns

First wine, now beer. Each day we’re learning of new, devastating impacts of climate change, and what’s now brewing has researchers sounding the alarm on the future of European beer, thanks to a steady decline in the quality and quantity of the all-imp… Continue reading Hoppy ending: Dire times ahead for beer and its flavors, study warns