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Soil bedding increases microbial and termite decomposition activity

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Various crops provide macronutrients, micronutrients

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Comparing techniques in organic farming that influence soil health

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Conservation tillage does not lower yield in modern cropping systems

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Study finds trace levels of medicines in drinking water from private wells

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Working together can benefit plants and microbes to secure their future

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Scientists call for more research into food grade corn breeding, production

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Research determines bioavailable nitrogen content of different biosolid products

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Research could bring new coffee varieties to market faster and improve yields.

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Crops like hazelnut, hops and mint add variety – and spice – to our lives

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Knowing how emissions are created can help reduce them

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Participants in research are motivated by learning, teaching opportunities

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Groundbreaking tools and techniques can develop climate resilient wheat

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Scientists recycle phosphorus by combining dairy and water treatment leftovers

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Having an odd number of chromosomes can produce sterile – and seedless fruit

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Improving cotton quality can have ramifications for $12B U.S. cotton trade industry

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In-soil placement of phosphorus can decrease phosphorus loss in snowmelt runoff

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Cover crop investments protect environment

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CRISPR technique brings hope for greater food security

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Native fungi combinations show promise against aflatoxin

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Research explores soil, fungi, phosphorus dynamics

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From fields of wheat to patio tomatoes, irrigation timing is key

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Irrigation water’s E. coli results can differ between labs, test types

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Twin Cities research moves urban ag forward

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Getting your seeds to a healthy start

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International Space Station’s ECOSTRESS gathers plant data

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Crop differences go beyond appearance and taste. Certain plants are more efficient in how they grow and reproduce. The Feb. 22 Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains how this difference in plant metabolism is important for future food security.

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What would be the purpose of a flower that doesn’t bear seeds? Research with crop wild relatives suggests the extra flowers make a small but significant contribution to yield.

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Often, energy pipelines pass through previously undisturbed areas. These areas need to be managed carefully to re-establish ecologically functioning systems. A new study shows teams can increase the chance of successful land reclamation by first collecting soil data at short intervals. More collections can also lead to significant cost savings.

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Crop breeders continue to improve familiar crops. The February 7th Sustainable, Secure Food blog describes crop breeders’ progress towards the future of barley, wheat, and potato varieties.

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Gypsum, a source of calcium and sulfur, can benefit crops and soils. When recovered from power plant smokestacks, it brings the additional benefits of recycling.

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Modern agriculture’s outputs can be measured both in dollars paid in the market and also in non-market costs, known as externalities. Soil, nutrients, groundwater, pollinators, wildlife diversity, and habitat (among other things) can be lost when crop yields are maximized. Now it appears that prairie strips have an extraordinary power to change this pattern.

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A new advanced line of rice, with higher yield, is ready for final field testing prior to release. On average, it has a protein content of 10.6%, a 53% increase from its original protein content. It also needs less heat, time, and usually less water to cook.

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Some farm fields this time of year look messier than others. The January 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains what drives a grower’s decision when it comes to managing their fields in the winter.

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Researchers found an efficient approach to managing nitrogen in agriculture and reducing its environmental impact. It's all about being green.

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A new study examines how the switch to conservation tillage has impacted a southwestern Ohio lake over the past decades. From 1994 to 2014, an unusually long timespan, the researchers measured concentrations of suspended sediment, nitrogen, and phosphorus in streams draining into Acton Lake.

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Researchers are studying peanut varieties to find a ‘water conservation’ trait. It would help the plant maintain a high yield during a drought.

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The 2011 Las Conchas mega-fire in New Mexico burned more than 150,000 acres and threatened the Los Alamos National Laboratory. Now, using data from the fire, researchers at Los Alamos have created an experimental model that will help us better understand the interactions of fire and water in the soil.

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Plant breeders need to know there’s good genetics in the crops they are developing. The Dec. 7th Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains how crop scientists improve crops using data gathered from both the field and the lab.

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While it’s an important part of our diets, new research shows that rice plants can be used in a different way, too: to clean runoff from farms before it gets into rivers, lakes, and streams.

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In the Loess Plateau region of northwestern China, potato is the main food crop. However, the area has a dry climate with uneven precipitation. Researchers are finding the best combination of tillage and mulching practices to increase yield.

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New research suggests that, over time, less phosphorus fertilizer may be necessary on agricultural fields.

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Thanksgiving wouldn’t be the same without cranberries. But how much do you know about these tart berries? The Nov. 7 Sustainable, Secure Food blog has loads of cranberry facts, ripe for your feasting table!

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In a newly published study, researchers dug into how fertilizing with manure affects soil quality, compared with inorganic fertilizer.

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A small beetle can cause big losses to bean crops. But a new study has narrowed down the genetic locations of several weevil resistance genes in the common bean.

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Does baseball have you seeing stripes, diamonds, and circles? The Oct. 22nd Sustainable, Secure Food blog explains the turf maintenance and mowing practices that make baseball infields and outfields a visual feast.

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Ground penetrating radar measures the amount of moisture in soil quickly and easily. Researchers' calculations from the data informs agricultural water use and climate models.

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Factors like how seeds are spaced when planting or soil moisture can affect the yield and nutritional value of crops. Scientists at the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society annual meeting will discuss these factors and more.

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Scientists develop edge-of-field practices so growers can keep the early planting offered by the tile drains while protecting nearby streams–and the Gulf of Mexico–from nitrate contamination.

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Sustainable intensification is an approach that aims to increase crop yields on existing agricultural land while minimizing the negative environmental pressures and impacts of agricultural systems. Scientists at the American Society of Agronomy and Crop Science Society annual meeting will present a special symposium, “Sustainable Intensification for Improved Food Production and Environmental Quality.”