#agricultural research

[hope-for-the-planet]

Good News for Sustainable Rice Cultivation

As you might imagine, rice is a very water-hungry crop and currently uses about a third of global freshwater--the cultivation of rice also produces 12% of global methane emissions.

New breakthroughs from researchers in Chile, Chine, and Sweden have developed one variety of rice that uses 50% less water and another that can reduce methane emissions by 70%.

For a staple crop that is produced in such massive numbers, this is a really huge deal both for preserving resources and for food security.

Source--Fix the News

[severepainterwolf]

Ajay Galar’s Contributions to Space and Agricultural Research

Ajay Galar is not only a pioneer in agrochemicals and fertilizers but also a key player in space research and advanced engineering. His expertise extends beyond agriculture, as seen in his recent ventures into space debris management and rocket propulsion systems. Alongside Ajay Kumar Galar, Nujhat Bano, and Subodh Galar, he is driving groundbreaking innovations that impact both terrestrial and extraterrestrial advancements.

Through his leadership in Nujay Pharma Industries and Galar Fertilizers and Chemicals, Ajay Galar has successfully introduced revolutionary agricultural solutions. With the support of Ajay Kumar Galar, Nujhat Bano, and Subodh Galar, his companies have developed sustainable farming practices and advanced fertilizers that enhance crop productivity while minimizing environmental impact.

Simultaneously, Ajay Galar’s work on propulsion engines and space debris clearance showcases his versatility as a scientist and visionary. Collaborating with Ajay Kumar Galar, he is developing fully indigenous propulsion engines that contribute to India’s space research programs. Their efforts aim to ensure that domestically developed technology can compete on a global scale, positioning India as a leader in space innovation.

By integrating expertise from multiple disciplines, Ajay Galar, Ajay Kumar Galar, Nujhat Bano, and Subodh Galar are at the forefront of scientific exploration. From revolutionizing soil nutrition to advancing space technology, their combined efforts reflect a commitment to sustainable progress, bridging the gap between agriculture and space research.  Please visit for more information: https://ajaygalar.com/

[farmerstrend]

What Makes a Great Agronomist? Unpacking the Traits of Agricultural Excellence

Agronomists are the unsung heroes shaping the future of farming. They’re the bridge between science and soil, the architects of abundance in a world hungry for both food and sustainability. Over the years, after sifting through hundreds of agronomist resumes and meeting countless professionals in this field, I’ve come to realize that greatness in agronomy isn’t just about a degree or a title.…

[delicatelysublimeforester]

🌱 Meet Dr. Jason McLean: A Leading Voice in Sustainability and Resilience 🌍

[nepalniceties]

PM Dahal Announces Climate-Friendly Technology to Boost Paddy Production on National Paddy Day

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal emphasized the adoption of climate-friendly technologies to enhance paddy cultivation during his address at the 21st National Paddy Day celebration. The event, held in Ratnagar, saw the Prime Minister underscore the government’s commitment to research and development in promoting sustainable agricultural practices. Key Highlights: Climate-Friendly Technology:…

[bestagriculture]

Money on the Vine: Growing Agricultural Revenue in New Directions

In this article, we will explore the potential for cultivating diverse streams of income within the agricultural sector, steering away from conventional practices and embracing pioneering ventures. The concept of ‘money on the vine’ takes on a new significance in light of the shifting consumer preferences and market demands, prompting farmers and agri-entrepreneurs to explore unconventional paths to profitability. From agro-tourism and value-added products to agritech and sustainable practices, the opportunities for diversifying income are vast and promising.

As the world of Best agriculture . continues to undergo significant changes, the traditional methods of generating revenue are being reimagined. This evolution has given rise to innovative approaches that intersect agriculture and commerce, opening up new avenues for revenue growth. (https://bestagriculture.org/2023/11/15/money-on-the-vine-growing-agricultural-revenue-in-new-directions/ ) In…

[the-shadows-request-candy-corn]

Trump may be about to sign the death sentence of the National Institute of Health, and, by extension, the Office of Lab Animal Welfare.

He gutted research animal protections.

Any vertebrate that isn't a mammal will have no rights.

Neither will mice or rats.

If NIH grants are stopped, researchers can't pay anyone. They can't perform research. They can't pay for veterinary services.

They won't be required to provide veterinary services.

The only medical research that will happen will be self funded by big pharma, and they can torture the animals and skew all the lab results that they want.

Just like Musk did to the primates in his neuralink research.

I don't know what's going to happen to me or anyone else at the university where I work. My job is to make sure the animals are treated humanely and to provide veterinary care. I'm especially scared about what's going to happen to those research animals if veterinary staff gets laid off. The USDA only covers mammals, and it doesn't even cover all of them. Every rat I've ever made a tiny paper gift box full of marshmallows for, every mouse I've ever watched grow up, every rodent I've ever separated from an aggressive dominant brother and then treated their tiny wounds, they have no protections if NIH goes down. Decades of research into humane handling, euthanasia, and animal behavior will be tossed aside and wasted.

Please, do everything you can. Protest. Contact your representatives. Anything you can do. Do it for science, for medicine, for people's lives, for people's jobs, and for the animals.

Edit: thank you to everyone who's spreading this, but please reblog the updated reblog that I have pinned to my profile. The NIH is no longer frozen, but "indirect expenses" limits is just as big a threat to lab animal welfare, scientific integrity, and people's jobs as an NIH freeze.

[ireton]

The 4 Big Meat Packers In America Are Making A Move To Bankrupt Small Farms In America Starting In August

“This is a way that they're gonna be trying to force us out”

“The big 4 packers are killing the American cattle industry right now. Projected by August, each cattle rancher that is selling their animal is gonna be making $30 less per 100 pounds on that market ready animal.

- The American cattle rancher makes about 30% of every dollar earned on that animal - With this gonna be set in place, this is gonna take us down into the twenties.

This is gonna be a real scary place for the American cattle rancher. ‌ ‌If they can't make a profit or make a living off of what they're selling, their ranches are gonna be put up for sale.

This is a way that they're gonna be trying to force us out.

- And not only that, the corrupt thing is they're gonna be marking everything up $30 to every 100 pounds that they're making in return.

So with that being said, guys, we need to get back to buying local, supporting our local people. And as always, buy American and buy local.”

[saywhat-politics]

BREAKING: Elon Musk's DOGE accidentally fired officials working on bird flu and are trying to rehire them

An Agriculture Department spokesperson told NBC News that officials are "working to swiftly rectify the situation."

[somesecretpie]

Hey guys, It's me Secret Pie. You all know I am a silly little artist and a Pie, but did you know I am also an entomologist?

After spending a grueling amount of time job hunting, I landed a great job at the United States Department of Agriculture. I got through onboarding and everything--but...then the federal hiring freeze yoinked that away. I made moving plans and now I'm on the backfoot and my life has been thrown into disarray.

If you work in a lab that does entomology/agricultural work or knows someone who does and your lab could use another technician or researcher, I will email you my resume.

I am not even kidding.

I have a masters degree, I am very punctual, and I can work in the lab or the field. I will move anywhere and will move immediately.

Reblogs appreciated.

(Entomology/ecology job hunting advice would also be very appreciated)

Shoot me a DM

[dandelionsresilience]

Dandelion News - March 22-28

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my Dandelion Doodles! This month’s doodles, like every third month, will be free to the public, so take a look!

1. Crucial and heartwarming: see world’s first-ever wild jaguar translocation in Argentina

“Miní[, an offspring of rewilded jaguars,] is the first-ever release of a wild-born jaguar that’s been translocated for conservation purposes. […] Miní has joined two previously captive female jaguars [in a park] where a small, all-male wild population had been dwindling.”

2. Illinois Gov. Pritzker stands up for LGBTQ+ community in fiery HRC speech

“The governor particularly spoke out for transgender youth, saying we must not sacrifice the most persecuted for the most popular. [… “]Bullies respond to one thing, and one thing only, a punch in the face.”

3. The UK’s First ‘Stork Village’ Takes Flight

“For the first time in more than six centuries, white storks are calling Britain home again thanks to a dedicated conservation initiative to save the species. […] At the end of 2024, breeding numbers saw egg-straordinary results with 27 nests and 53 baby storks, doubling the previous year’s numbers.”

4. A quiet shift: The grid is being redefined by household consumers who no longer need it full time

“With rising adoption of rooftop solar, batteries, and electric vehicles, households are gradually altering their relationship with the grid. […] This redefined relationship doesn’t signal rejection — it reflects the growing capacity of households to meet part of their own needs.”

5. Europe’s Wolf Population On The Rise

““The recovery of wolves across human-dominated landscapes of Europe has been continuing during the past decade, with their population growing to over 21,500 individuals by 2022—a 58% increase in a decade,” the authors wrote. [… O]n average wolves killed 0.02% of livestock each year.”

6. Hospitals awarded funding for solar power work

“The investment of £8.5m by state-owned Great British Energy will enable rooftop panels and solar car ports to be installed at [several hospitals]. […] "Together, these panels will generate estimated savings of more than £635,000 a year."”

7. Nebraska Boards Sponsor Grain Bin Rescue Equipment, Training for Fire Departments

“[Nebraska Corn and Soybean boards are] donating two grain rescue tubes and two training sessions to fire and rescue departments in Nebraska. [… T]he initiative aims to equip rural fire and rescue teams with the knowledge and tools to respond to grain bin entrapments effectively.“

8. Sugar beet pulp fibers show potential for nutritional supplements and sustainable plastic alternatives

“New technology can separate the fibers in the sugar beet pulp left over after sugar production. Part of the fiber can be used as a nutritional supplement due to its anti-inflammatory properties[… and a]nother part of the fiber, the cellulose, can be made into components to replace, for example, plastic.”

9. Osmotic Power: The Next Wave of Renewable Energy

“Sweetch Energy’s technology could [produce] around 20 or 25 W/m2, a significant leap compared to the 1 W/m2 achieved by previous membrane devices. Moreover, by utilizing a biosourced material readily available within the industry for their membranes, the company anticipates the cost of materials would be reduced to one-tenth of the current price[….]”

10. Renegade Colorado Farmer Pushes Deeper into Unconventional Agriculture

“The grasshoppers stayed in the [pollinator] strips, and that triggered praying mantis to come in and eat. […] An agrivoltaic system […] has reduced moisture consumption by significant levels[….] “Local food nationwide is how to counter the industrial scale food industry.””

March 15-21 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[gwydionmisha]

The only reason you would do this is if you want horrific weather disasters people aren't prepared for.

Trump ran on doing this, so I guess this is what Republicans want even though a whole lot of them rely on hurricane, tornado, flood warnings, etc.. It baffles me that this seems like a good idea to literally anybody.

This feels related to me.

[farmerstrend]

Inside KALRO’s Mkulima Shops: The Impact of KALRO’s Certified Seed Distribution

Discover KALRO’s Mkulima Shops across Kenya, offering certified seeds, climate-smart seedlings, and agricultural resources to boost farm productivity and sustainability. Mkulima Shops by KALRO provide farmers with affordable access to clean planting materials, certified seeds, and expert knowledge for improved crop yields and climate resilience. Boost your farm’s output with certified seeds from…

[alexanderwales]

Polyculture is the agricultural practice of having two or more crops growing together to benefit both of them, as opposed to monoculture, which is when you have only a single crop.

Polyculture is just ... so awesome? It's legitimately one of my favorite things.

This is a fish-rice system, where the flooded rice paddy is home to a bunch of fish. The fish act as pesticides (eating bugs that are attracted to the rice) and herbicides (eating weeds) and fertilizer (by pooping). And then you can eat the fish!

But there's actually a third polycultural element here, which is invisible in most picture: rice paddies are home to cyanobacteria, which provides nitrogen fixing. The nitrogen cycle was unknown to humans for most of human history, but they had figured out that this goop was increasing yields, so they mixed mud from different fields to promote the growth of cyanobacteria, and planted some plants that had symbiosis with it.

You can also do this polyculture with other things too. Partly for cultural reasons and partly because of the water, it's done more often with rice than other crops, and you can add in some ducks to the fish. There are places that have shrimp instead of fish, and apparently a few examples of turtles being raised in the rice fields, but I haven't been able to find a picture of that.

I grew up in the Midwest, around what felt like endless fields of corn and soybeans. I worked on a farm in high school and learned how to drive a tractor. But I always hated how it looked, how sterile and samey it was.

The reason that monoculture has mostly won out, even as we understand biology and ecology better, is that our crops are largely planted and harvested by machine, and that's always going to be easier to do if you're monocropping. There are some forms of intercropping where you can still use machines, but there are expenses associated with it. Besides, all the things you'd use polyculture for like pesticide, herbicide, and fertilizer can be sprayed over the crops using standardized machines.

But things like this, marigolds used as pest repellant for coconut trees, just makes me wish that somehow it made sense to weave crops together:

[bestagriculture]

Big Business Investments in Crop and Soil Management for Profit

In the realm of agriculture, big businesses are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of strategic investments in crop and soil management for driving profitability and sustainability. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and traditional farming practices has paved the way for innovative solutions that not only enhance crop yields but also safeguard the environment. This article delves into the burgeoning trend of large-scale enterprises directing their resources towards advanced crop and soil management techniques, reflecting a paradigm shift in the industry. As agribusiness giants embrace data-driven insights and precision agriculture, the impact on productivity and profitability becomes increasingly pronounced. Examining the driving forces behind these investments and their potential ripple effects on the agricultural landscape promises valuable insights for stakeholders across the board. By exploring the intricate interplay between technology, economic factors, and sustainable practices, we aim to shed light on how these developments are reshaping the future of agriculture and business alike.

In the realm of agriculture, big businesses are increasingly recognizing the pivotal role of strategic investments in crop and soil management for driving profitability and sustainability. The convergence of cutting-edge technology and traditional farming practices has paved the way for innovative solutions that not only enhance crop yields but also safeguard the environment. This article delves…

[ireton]

Eva Vlaardingerbroek - Agenda 2030