Biochar boosts tropical but not temperate crop yields.

Biochar boosts tropical but not temperate crop yields.Scientists believe that biochar, the partially burned remains of plants, has been used as fertilizer for at least 2,000 years in the Amazon Basin. Since initial studies published several years ago promoted biochar, farmers around the world have been using it as a soil additive to increase fertility and crop yields. But a new study casts doubt on biochar's efficacy, finding that using it only improves crop growth in the tropics, with no yield benefit at all in the temperate zone. A team of researchers from the United Kingdom, Portugal, The Netherlands, Canada and the U.S. gathered data from more than 1,000 experiments conducted around the world that measured the effect of biochar on crop yield. By using meta-analysis, an advanced statistical technique that analyzes many studies at the same time, they performed rigorous testing to determine whether the beneficial effect of adding biochar depends on geography. Biochar boosts tropical but not temperate crop yields.

Turning pollen into a low-cost fertilizer.

Turning pollen into a low-cost fertilizer. As the world population continues to balloon, agricultural experts puzzle over how farms will produce enough food to keep up with demand. One tactic involves boosting crop yields. Toward that end, scientists have developed a method to make a low-cost, biocompatible fertilizer with carbon dots derived from rapeseed pollen. The study found that applying the carbon dots to hydroponically cultivated lettuce promoted its growth by 50 percent. Turning pollen into a low-cost fertilizer.

Innovative farmers improve soils in shared rotations.

Innovative farmers improve soils in shared rotations. Three forward thinking arable and horticultural farmers, who each grow different crops in a shared rented land rotation, are pioneering a collaborative approach to improving the long-term health of their soils. Jepco, Lovedon Estates and Worth Farm introduced overwintering cover crops into their shared rotations to improve organic matter and soil health and to assess the impact on yields and quality of their cash crops – sugar beet, potatoes and lettuce. The collaboration is part of the AHDB GREATsoils programme and early anecdotal feedback indicates the farmer-led trial is already starting to reap rewards. Nick Sheppard, Jepco said: “We have found an increase of almost eight per cent in lettuce yield after overwintering cover crops, compared to bare soils. We also perceived a reduction in fuel use in soil cultivation and better water infiltration after heavy rain falls in the lettuce fields that had an overwintered cover crop, compared to fields which were ploughed or left as an over winter stubble." Innovative farmers improve soils in shared rotations.

Electric' nozzles have potential to improve accuracy of spray treatment.

Electric' nozzles have potential to improve accuracy of spray treatment. Spraying can become expensive, especially if you do not target the crop precisely. For this reason, a research group consisting of the Joint Lectureship Water Technology of NHL University and Van Hall Larenstein, Nairobi University (Kenya), Wetsus and Centre of Expertise Water Technology (CEW), has managed to predict accurately and to influence the characteristics of a spray haze that was created with a spray nozzle and an electrical current. With the acquired knowledge, various processes can be executed more exact and more efficiently. For example, the agricultural and horticultural sector can use the technique to apply crop protection products very precisely to crops. As a result, none or only a minimal amount of the products will end up in the environment.Electric' nozzles have potential to improve accuracy of spray treatment.

Research explores lavender as natural pesticide .

Research explores lavender as natural pesticide source. lavender has long been known for its strong scent and soothing oils, a UBC researcher is exploring the plant’s ability to create natural pesticides. Soheil Mahmoud, an associate professor of biology at UBC’s Okanagan campus, conducts research on organic compounds found in plants—specifically lavender. While lavender is known for its strong scent, and the plant’s oils are said to have a healing, or soothing benefit, Mahmoud says lavender has much more to offer.Research explores lavender as natural pesticide

Developing a tomato breed for indoor farming.

Developing a tomato breed for indoor farming. Dutch startup Green4Health has been granted a subsidy to develop a new tomato variety, tailored for cultivation in a climate cell without daylight. The breeding company focuses on the development of new tomato varieties that have specific characteristics which contribute to healthy aging.Developing a tomato breed for indoor farming. The breeding company is now receiving a subsidy for the development of a ‘plug-and-play’ production method for tomatoes in growth cells. "Tomato cultivation in growth cells (indoor, vertical farming) takes place fully automated under LED lighting with optimal growth conditions. High insulation of the growth space leads to minimal energy consumption and the production potential near the consumer reduces transport mileage. Production with this technique is also possible in dry or urban areas and therefore of importance to world food issues," as is explained by the providers of the subsidy.Developing a tomato breed for indoor farming.

‘Growing population, climate change threats to food security’.

‘Growing population, climate change threats to food security’.Growing population, climate change, scarcity of water and changing lifestyles continue to pose challenges to world food security, said CropLife Asia Executive Director Dr Siang Hee Tan on Friday. Sharing his assessment of present regulatory environment in Pakistan with journalist, the executive director said, “We need to promote sustainable means to grow food and embrace technological innovations that enable the same.” He emphasized on the importance of an independent, science-based, transparent and predictable regulatory regime that would enable farmers to fully reap its benefits.