The word “riparian” refers to the place where streams meet land. This important intersection controls a lot of processes – especially with regard to water quality. Human use of land near streams […]
What are riparian buffer strips?
Why is it important to have seed banks and seed access?
Species extinction due to natural and man-made influences is undeniable and a serious threat to our planet. Once they are gone, we have lost them forever. For plants, seed banks are a […]
Crops and livestock on the same farms, the same fields – why?
Integrated agricultural systems often have both crops and livestock on the same farm. And, yes, integrated crop-livestock systems can have many benefits! Years ago, it was tradition for farmers to grow a […]
What are denitrifying woodchip bioreactors, and how do they help the environment?
Woodchip bioreactors are sophisticated, engineered water treatment systems. Yet, they are simple woodchip-filled trenches, too. If that sounds complicated, it’s really not. These bioreactors clean water with no negative crop production impact. […]
Where do agricultural greenhouse gases come from, and what can be done to reduce them?
Modern agriculture developed over time to meet a pressing need: feeding the world’s growing population. Agronomists discovered new techniques to increase crop yields. Chemists found ways to harness nitrogen from the air, […]
How are plants bred to be biofortified? Why is it important?
The plants in our diet are critical to our health. Food crops provide us with nutrients important to human health, growth, and metabolism. Different vegetable crops contain many types of vitamins and […]
What fertilizers and pesticides commonly go on ag fields and why?
At least three times a day, most humans and many animals consume food produced by the agricultural sector. Our cotton and natural fiber clothing is almost all made through agriculture. Our fuels […]
What should I consider before using fertilizers and pesticides at home?
Walking through the aisles of any home improvement or garden store, there is a seemingly endless array of products for your lawn and garden. Before making your selection though, there are few […]
What are the general uses of pesticides?
For centuries, farmers – and their crops – were defenseless against diseases. Insect pests can ruin a crop in days. So can diseases like “rust” and “molds”. Weeds can outcompete crops and […]
How do scientists do traditional plant breeding?
The “science” of plant breeding has only existed for a little more than a century. But, humans have unofficially been selecting for the ‘cream of the crop’ for over 10,000 years. Farmers […]