Using cover crops to prevent nitrogen leaching into waterways and reduce soil erosion; future research points to integration of legume cover crops with synthetic fertilizer.
Scientists use genetic fingerprints to protect maize farmers from mistaken or stolen seed identity by distinguishing strains of open pollinated varities from each other.
Scientists demonstrate the importance of tidal marshes in removing excess nutrients from estuaries and watersheds.
Study finds benefits of cover crops in preventing soil erosion in the winter and the following year when compared to rough tillage
A team of scientists estimated net global warming potential for three grazing management systems located in central North Dakota. The results indicate that grazinglands are strong sinks of soil organic carbon and minor sinks of methane, but small to moderate sources of nitrous oxide.
New book chapter highlights critical agricultural research areas receiving federal funding, including food, nutrition, and natural resource sciences.
Randomly choosing a facilitator, instead of creating a student “expert,” may increase overall group participation in discussions.
Developing a Dual-Purpose Corn that can be bred for both food and cellulosic ethanol.
Researchers investigate the use of fossil fuels in different cropping systems. Two-rotations of corn/soybean are compared to more diverse three and four-year rotations. Fossil energy is reduced with more diverse cropping systems and manure application, but labor costs increase.
Plant breeders look to genetic markers to protect their research investments and unique plant varieties.
In the Spring 2010 edition of Soil Survey Horizons, a publication of the Soil Science Society of America, a team of Chinese soil scientists lead by Zitong Gong give an historical perspective of the influence of early and modern American soil scientists in the development of China’s soil science discipline.
Scientists use a new version of the Root Zone Water Quality Model to estimate unsaturated zone nitrogen mass balances at four agricultural fields. The new version of the model can make predictions down to 30 meters, enabling estimation of water quality effects well beyond the root zone.
Researchers studied the impact of grass and grass/tree buffer strips on three herbicides commonly used in agriculture. The scientists studied the transport of the herbicides in both surface runoff and subsurface infiltration during two growing seasons.
American Society of Agronomy President participates in “Great Outdoors” policy event at White House Conference. He joins an exclusive list of leaders gathered to define conservation challenges and the best solutions to solve these issues.
Instructors at Colorado State University implement case studies into a course on World Agriculture Issues. The results demonstrate the benefits of case studios in improving higher order learning and motivating students.
A new review of scientific literature finds that removal of crop residue for biofuels can adversely impact soil and environmental quality. Conversely, dedicated energy crops can increase soil organic carbon concentration while providing biofuel feedstock.
Scientists investigate kernel development in a large-seeded sorghum line and its hybrid in comparison with normal-seeded lines and hybrids. They examine pre-fertilization floret and ovary development and analyzed post-fertilization kernel-filling characteristics. The goal is to determine what factors influence the development of large seeded sorghum, in order to develop higher grain-yielding varieties.
Two new articles in the March/April 2010 issue of the Soil Science Society of America Journal look back on the challenges, impact, and lessons the Soil Science Society of America learned from bringing an often misunderstood and underrepresented science to a museum that sees over six million visitors a year. “Dig it!” encourages non-traditional soil education techniques, increased public outreach, and new partnerships.
Scientists present a new methodology that offers a reliable measurement of the biodegradable organic matter content in organic solid materials, useful for researchers and industrial operators.
Can native or introduced grasses offer sustainable harvest for biofuels?
A new book takes a region by region look across the United States at the challenges remaining in soil and water conservation, and what we've learned over the past century.
Scientists developed two experiential learning exercises using existing repeat photographs of riparian areas in the state of Arizona that were presented in two different workshops
Scientists in Africa are working to develop maize hybrids that keep their genetic diversity and resistance to parasitic weeds.
A long-term study on the effect of sewage sludge on tropical soil.
Award recognizes his support of agriculture and conservation.
The award recognizes her support of agriculture and science.
Stormwater runoff is the main source of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon pollutants to the NY/NJ Harbor.
Award recognizes his support of agriculture, conservation.
Hawaiian educators transform a professional development course to strengthen the teaching of environmental and agricultural science.
What are the top research questions facing agriculture? Earlier this year, the American Society of Agronomy (ASA) sought out the opinions of its members and leadership to develop a Grand Challenge statement, key questions, and expected outcomes.
Combined mechanisms of transport have important applications—transport of nutrients across cell membranes in plants and animals, the aeration of agricultural soils, performance of chemical reactors, the design of membranes for desalting brackish water, and the design of clay membranes for retaining dangerous chemicals. In a recent article in Vadose Zone Journal, scientists show that the developers of popular models of diffusion have made invalid assumptions.
A 2-year field study in Mississippi evaluated the effect of nitrogen, growth stage (bud formation and flowering), and harvest time (first in mid-July, second beginning of October) on peppermint yields, oil content, and composition.
Scientists have known for a long time that plants grow differently when they are spaced closer together than farther apart. Scientists at the University of Wisconsin-Madison conducted field experiments to determine the effects of early-season light quality on corn productivity.
The Agronomy, Crop Science and Soil Science Societies are accepting applications for several scholarships and fellowships for undergraduate and graduate students studying in these or related fields.
Scientists analyze the literature to establish relationships between pollutant removal efficacy and key buffer design features.
The American Society of Agronomy announces the publishing of "Perspectives in Science Education" by Martin Druger. A professor emeritus at Syracuse University, Druger spent 55 years teaching science, primarily introductory Biology. His new book includes over 20 essays on his reflections on the mission of teaching science.
A pilot program for employment in sustainable agriculture, Sustainable Agriculture Scholars (SAS) Program, is used to expand on routine undergraduate lab work. The program includes hands on and experiential learning opporunties, designed to increase excitement, interest and understand of careers in sustainable agriculture.
Presence of non-native turfgrasses in restored prairies likely due to previous site cultivations rather than post-restoration invasions as reported in Crop Science.
A team of UK scientists has developed a technique for monitoring the condition of peatlands by capturing images from Earth and space to measure spatial patterning. This method could help monitor peatland damage. This research appears in January-February 2010 Journal of Environmental Quality.
Crop genetics play key role in understanding the impact of environmental stress.
This study analyzed the impact of experiential learning on students through a study of an agroecology course. Via a mixed-methods analysis, researchers determined that the course measurably impacted participating students. The research results are published in the latest issue of the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education.
A collaborative project by soil science and earth science teachers explored the development and dissemination of soil e-lessons. By harnessing technology, the instructors created learning tools that could reach beyond their classroom walls to teach other students and public audiences about soils as well.
Scientists at the University of California, Riverside, have investigated carbon and nitrogen accumulation in soils formed on debris flows in a coniferous forest in southern California. Soil formation was studied using a space-for-time substitution, in which debris flows of various ages were used to approximate soil formation over time.
A recent study concluded that 50 million U.S. acres of cropland and pasture could be used for the production of perennial grasses, such as switchgrass, for biofuel feedstock. Economically viable production of a perennial grass monoculture from which substantial quantities of biomass are removed annually is expected to require nitrogen fertilizer.
A Congressional educational briefing and wine tasting Nov. 19 in Washington, DC, will shed light on how the balance of vineyard management and site selection blend together to provide distinctive grapes which can allow for unique wine characteristics.
Agricultural soils accumulate trace metals from waste and fungicide application. Regulations for soil concentrations of these potentially plant-toxic elements consider the individual elements, but not their interactions. This study evaluates whether the copper-zinc interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity response in crops.
The world's greatest wines are the result of synergy among grape variety, human input, and terroir -- a term defined as the vineyard site, soil, and climate. Experts will discuss terroir with an emphasis on soil science on Nov. 4 in Pittsburgh, PA at the Annual Meeting of the ASA, CSSA, and SSSA.
The new book, “Organic Farming: The Ecological System,” combines farmer experience with the latest scientific research to better understand the role of organics in modern agriculture.
A lecture on Nov. 3 in Pittsburgh will highlight the role of phosphorus in wetlands, including the Gulf of Mexico’s hypoxia zone/dead zone in the Mississippi River basin. In addition to an overview of current research, suggestions for realistic management techniques that balance wetland ecosystems and landscape functions will also be discussed.
A distinguished group of international experts in agricultural research, science policy, and soil science will present daily lectures under the common theme of sustainability during the 2009 ASA-CSSA-SSSA Annual Meetings, Nov. 1-5 in Pittsburgh, PA.
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