How plants reroute their roots to avoid salt

New research pins down what happens in plants as they change the direction of their growing roots to avoid salty soil.

Maria Hornbek-Copenhagen • futurity
Nov. 3, 2022 ~5 min

Climate change made 2022 summer droughts more likely

"The 2022 summer has shown how human-induced climate change is increasing the risks of agricultural and ecological droughts..."

ETH Zurich • futurity
Oct. 12, 2022 ~5 min


Soil temps predict where pest can survive and spread

Soil temperature indicates where the corn earworm can survive the winter. The finding could help farmers control the ravaging pests more effectively.

Mick Kulikowski-NC State • futurity
Sept. 9, 2022 ~6 min

Wireless tech monitors soil moisture in real time

A new wireless system that measures soil moisture in real time could both improve crop yield and reduce water consumption.

Matt Shipman-NC State • futurity
Aug. 19, 2022 ~7 min

Sandcastle engineering – a geotechnical engineer explains how water, air and sand create solid structures

From capillary forces to sand grain shape, the simple mix of sand and water hides the of complexity within.

Joseph Scalia, Associate Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Colorado State University • conversation
Aug. 19, 2022 ~8 min

Drought: five ways to stop heavy rains washing away parched soil

Storms and flash floods often follow a heatwave.

Dan Evans, 75th Anniversary Research Fellow, Soil and Agrifood Institute, Cranfield University • conversation
Aug. 16, 2022 ~7 min

Farmers can save water with wireless technologies, but there are challenges – like transmitting data through mud

The Agricultural Internet of Things is making farming more efficient. An information technology expert describes some of the challenges of working with sensors and antennas underground.

Abdul Salam, Assistant Professor of Computer and Information Technology, Purdue University • conversation
Aug. 11, 2022 ~8 min

Water-holding soil will be key to weathering heat

Soil's capacity for holding water will be key to determining how well farms in some parts of the US manage prolonged heat stress, research finds.

Carol Clark-Emory • futurity
July 13, 2022 ~6 min


Don’t Buy Fertilizer! It Is All Around You.

VOA Learning English • voa
July 4, 2022 ~6 min

Fertilizer prices are soaring – and that's an opportunity to promote more sustainable ways of growing crops

Farmers are contending with huge spikes in fertilizer prices. The Biden administration is paying US companies to boost synthetic fertilizer production, but there are other, more sustainable options.

Kathleen Merrigan, Executive Director, Swette Center for Sustainable Food Systems, Arizona State University • conversation
June 14, 2022 ~10 min

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