Commercial organic farms have better fruit and soil, lower environmental impact, study findsSide-by-side comparisons of organic and conventional strawberry farms and their fruit found the organic farms produced more flavorful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil healthier and more genetically diverse. The study is among the most comprehensive of its kind, analyzing 31 chemical and biological soil properties, soil DNA, and the taste, nutrition and quality of three strawberry varieties on more than two dozen commercial fields -- 13 conventional and 13 organic.
Is biochar the answer for agriculture? Long-term study digs up new information on biochar?s ability to reduce nitrous oxide emissions from soilsScientists have found that over several months, biochar applied to soil can significantly reduce emissions of nitrous oxide and leaching of nitrates.
Fungi's role in the cycle of life discoveredThe nitrogen cycle is the natural process that makes nitrogen available to all organisms on earth. Scientists have discovered that one of the world's most common and ecologically important groups of fungi plays an unsuspected role in this key natural cycle.
Manure provides higher returns than chemical fertilizers, economist saysNo significant differences in corn yield were found between organic and chemical sources of nutrients, but a new study suggests that manure generates higher economic returns than anhydrous ammonia.
Can one-time tillage improve no-till?Researchers test whether a one-time tillage of no-till could help manage certain perennial weeds, and reduce phosphorus stratification and runoff. They also wanted to determine if a one-time tillage, could improve soil structure and the distribution of soil nutrients.
Chicken litter has advantages over conventional fertilizersChicken litter is much more valuable as a fertilizer than previously thought, according to an agricultural study showing its newfound advantages over conventional fertilizers.
Organic pesticides not always 'greener' choice, study findsA new study reveals some organic pesticides can have a higher environmental impact than conventional pesticides. Researchers investigated the effectiveness and environmental impact of organic pesticides to those of conventional and novel reduced-risk synthetic products on soybean crops. The researchers found the organic pesticides required larger doses and were more harmful to pests that help protect the crop compared to the synthetic pesticides.
Saving the soil and maintaining corn yields: Early research says yes to bothResearchers are testing between-row cover grasses as part of research looking at ways to reduce soil runoff and keep vital nutrients in the soils while crop residue, called stover, is removed from farm fields to produce biofuels. Two years into a study, research is showing that yield can be maintained at high levels using environmentally friendly practices.
Absence of organic compounds on surface of Mars explained by new theoryThe ongoing search for evidence of past or present life on Mars includes efforts to identify organic compounds such as proteins in Martian soil, but their absence to date remains a mystery. A new theory to explain what happens to these carbon-based molecules is presented in a new article.
Put more nitrogen into milk, not manure: Managing nitrogen on dairy farmsThe more efficient dairy farmers are in managing nitrogen, the more milk their cows will produce and the less nitrogen will be wasted in manure and urine, according a study by agricultural scientists and cooperators.
How grazing lands influence greenhouse gasScientists estimated net global warming potential for three grazing management systems located in central North Dakota. The results indicate that grazing lands are strong sinks of soil organic carbon and minor sinks of methane, but small to moderate sources of nitrous oxide.
Organic solids in soil may speed up bacterial breathingThe "mineral-breathing" bacteria found in many oxygen-free environments may be "carbon-breathing" as well. Oxygen-free, or anaerobic, environments contain microbes sometimes described as "mineral-breathing" because they use iron oxides and other minerals in the same way we use oxygen. According to a new study, this bacterial respiration may be accelerated by solid organic compounds in the soil.
Wild birds opt for conventional food over organic, study showsThe nutritional benefits of organic food have been called into question by new research which shows wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to that which has been organically- grown. A three-year study by Newcastle University has found that wild birds are not swayed by the organic label, but instead prefer the more protein-rich, conventional food that will help them to survive the winter.
No-till farming improves soil stability, research findsA new study across the central Great Plains on the effects of more than 19 years of various tillage practices shows that no-till makes soil much more stable than plowed soil.
Organic farming shows limited benefit to wildlife, researchers in UK findOrganic farms may be seen as wildlife friendly, but the benefits to birds, bees and butterflies don't compensate for the lower yields produced, according to new research in the UK.
New atlas underlines significant role of northern soils in climate changeEuropean researchers have launched a soil atlas of the world's northernmost regions, where more than half the carbon present in Earth's soils is stored. Although there has been much focus on the melting of arctic ice as one of the indicators for climate change, 1700 billion tons of organic carbon are kept in the soils of the northern permafrost region and their thawing could lead to substantial release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and would further increase global warming.
Large amounts of nitrogen stored beneath selected agricultural areasScientists used a new version of the Root Zone Water Quality Model to estimate unsaturated zone nitrogen mass balances at four agricultural fields. The new version of the model can make predictions down to 30 meters, enabling estimation of water quality effects well beyond the root zone.
Organic snackers underestimate calories, study showsResearchers show that "organic" labels on snack foods can lead people to underestimate the number of calories in their snacks by up to 40%.
Assessing antibiotic breakdown in manureAgricultural scientists are studying how oxytetracycline, an antibiotic that is administered to animals, breaks down in cattle manure.
Energy crops impact environmental quality, review findsA new review of scientific literature finds that removal of crop residue for biofuels can adversely impact soil and environmental quality. Conversely, dedicated energy crops can increase soil organic carbon concentration while providing biofuel feedstock.
Green food choice may not be so greenIf everyone became vegan and so ate only fruit and vegetables, then the reduction in greenhouse emissions for the whole of food consumption would be a mere 7%. The widespread adoption of vegetarianism would have even less impact, while organic food production actually leads to a net increase in greenhouse gas emissions. Those are the conclusions of a research paper published in the journal Progress in Industrial Ecology.
Plant buffers may limit spread of antibiotics in animal wasteBuffer strips of grasses and other plants can trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers, according to new research.
Solutions to climate change: Using trees and grasses to capture carbon and produce energyA unique research project in the UK is investigating how coppiced trees and grass crops can be used both to generate renewable energy and to trap carbon in the soil over the long term.
From the ancient Amazonian Indians: 'Biochar' as a modern weapon against global warmingScientists are reporting that "biochar" -- a material that the Amazonian Indians used to enhance soil fertility centuries ago -- has potential in the modern world to help slow global climate change. Mass production of biochar could capture and sock away carbon that otherwise would wind up in the atmosphere as carbon dioxide, the main greenhouse gas.
Protection of organic products taken to next levelReady-to-eat, organic processed pork products look similar to conventionally cured meats. The organic versions have become popular among consumers as processors work to meet the demand. Although the natural and organic processed meat products are manufactured to simulate traditionally cured meat products as closely as possible, they're not exactly alike.
Fertilizer use not always helpful in revegetation effortsRevegetation efforts in a subarctic Quebec community show that not all plants respond favorably to the use of fertilizers. Agricultural researchers used organic and mineral fertilizers on three different species of plants with mixed results. Vegetation in the community is damaged because of land development and the use of all terrain vehicles.
Vermicompost from pig manure grows healthy hibiscusVermicomposting, using earthworms to turn waste into nutrient-rich fertilizer, can be an economical, organic waste management practice. The resulting product, called vermicompost, or worm castings, can be an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional substrate additives for producing container-grown plants. Researchers experimented with pine bark amended with vermicompost derived from pig manure to produce healthy hibiscus. The study suggests that dolomitic lime, sulfated micronutrients, and phosphorous can be eliminated as substrate additives.
Future of organic ornamental plantsAcreage of organic nurseries and greenhouses in the US increased 83 percent since 2004. But supermarket sales of organic ornamental plants are not keeping up with this trend; organic herbs and flowers have been marketed primarily through the Internet, community agriculture groups, and local farmers markets. Organic and conventional growers consider insect and fertility to be the biggest challenges facing organic growers and these topics should be top priorities for future research on organic greenhouse production.
Sustainable farming may help maintain healthy climateSustainable farming, initially adopted to preserve soil quality for future generations, may also play a role in maintaining a healthy climate, according to researchers.
Organic Weed Control Options For Highbush Blueberry; Pine Needle Mulch Most EffectiveWeeds are a widespread problem for the blueberry industry, particularly in young plantings when bushes are not fully established and most susceptible to competition. Weed control is even more of a challenge for growers of organic products, including organic highbush blueberry. Researchers investigated using mulches of pine needles, manure--sawdust compost, and seafood waste compost for weed control. Results indicate pine needles were the most effective mulch in suppressing weed growth.
Hot Microbes Cause Groundwater Cleanup RethinkAustralian researchers have discovered that micro-organisms that help break down contaminants under the soil can actually get too hot for their own good.
Golf Course Putting Greens Show Their Age: Researchers Seek To Maintain Healthy Greens, Reduce Construction CostsJust like the rest of us, golf courses show their age -- especially on putting greens, which experience more foot traffic than anywhere else on golf courses. Putting greens, which comprise 1.6 percent of the total area on most courses, require more intensive management than any other part of the course. To keep putting greens in top form, turfgrass experts study ways to provide proper nutrients to the root zone, a critical area for maintaining healthy turf.
Indoor Plants Found To Release Volatile Organic CompoundsPotted plants add aesthetic value to homes and offices, and have been shown to remove volatile organic compounds (VOCs) gases or vapors emitted by solids and liquids that may have adverse health effects. But take heed when considering adding some green to your environment; in addition to giving off oxygen and sucking out harmful VOCs, a new study shows that some indoor plants actually release volatile organic compounds into the environment.
Organic Apple Orchard Floor Maintenance: Mulching, Flaming And 'Swiss Sandwich' Techniques AnalyzedOrganic apple farming starts from the ground up. Maintaining a healthy orchard floor is the key to preventing weeds and keeping soil healthy. Researchers compared three methods of orchard floor maintenance; alfalfa hay mulch treatment, applied by hand in the spring and fall; a flame burning technique in which a propane burner was used to heat the weeds and the Swiss sandwich system, which leaves a strip of vegetation to grow in the tree row.
Orchids And Fungi -- Partners For LifeThree Thai orchids have been found to rely on a wide range of fungi to help them take carbon out of the soil instead of producing their own organic carbon.
Sustainable Agriculture: Perennial Plants Produce More; Landscape Diversity Creates Habitat For Pest EnemiesAdvances in ecology increasingly reveal that conventional agricultural practices have detrimental effects on the landscape ecology, creating problems for long-term sustainability of crops. Ecologists are exploring how our agricultural practices can take lessons from natural environments.
Waste From Textile Industry Transformed Into Rich Compost With Help Of Manure And EarthwormsWaste from the textiles industry could with the assistance of earthworms and some animal manure become a rich compost for agriculture, according to a report in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution.
Little-known Marine Decomposers Attract The Attention Of Genome SequencersScientists will sequence the genomes of four species of labyrinthulomycetes. These little-known marine species were selected for sequencing as the result of a proposal submitted to the competitive JGI Community Sequencing Program by a team of microbiologists.
Ethanol Production Could Jeopardize Soil ProductivityCrop residues possess a critical role in sustaining soil organic matter, and as it is increasingly being used for the production of cellulosic-based ethanol, this removal may impact the long-term productivity of soils.
Is Organic Overrated?Just a few short years ago, if you wanted to buy organic food, you had to make a special trip to an out-of-the-way grocery store. Today, organic products are, well, cropping up all over the place. Are they really worth the higher price or is it just another marketing maneuver?
Biofilms As River SentinelsResearchers in Lyon decided to use the reaction of a group of micro-organisms to the presence of toxic molecules in evaluating the ecological status of a river and thus develop bioindicators based not on species identification, but on their functions in the environment.
Soil Nitrogen Test Measures Microbial NitrogenThe Illinois Soil Nitrogen Test was recently studied to clarify the chemical nature of what the test measures and its relationship to microbial growth in soils, determining that the test does not estimate total soil nitrogen and is selective for certain forms of microbial nitrogen.
Organic Dairy Manure May Offer High Quality Fertilizer OptionDairy cows that produce USDA-certified organic milk also produce manure that may gradually replenish soil nutrients and potentially reduce the flow of agricultural pollutants to nearby water sources, according to new findings.
There?s Money In Managing Manure When It?s Done RightNew and expanding swine production facilities in North Carolina are required to use manure management systems that meet the strictest environmental performance standards in the nation. Fortunately, scientists have developed a system that exceeds state benchmarks for controlling pollutants from swine farms.
Impact Of Floods On SoilsResearchers have examined the effects of flooding on soil, and have discovered new ways in which short-term ponding conditions can affect soil aggregation and the chemistry of the soil-water system. These conditions can have a great impact on soil quality and agriculture in the region.
Can Organic Cropping Systems Be As Profitable As Conventional Systems?The rise in organic cropping has led agronomists to study whether or not it can be as profitable for farmers as monocropping systems, and they were able to conclude that governmental policy supporting mono-culture is outdated and should be shifted to promote organic farming practices.
Spreading Antibiotics In The Soil Affects Microbial EcosystemsAntibiotics used extensively in intensive livestock production may be having an adverse effect on agricultural soil ecosystems. Researchers describe how antibiotics passed from the animals in manure that was then spread on farmland. Although higher organisms, such as earthworms, would only be affected at unrealistic concentrations of antibiotics, changes in soil bacterial communities have been found repeatedly using molecular microbiological techniques.
Rock Rose Leaves And Olive And Date Pits Make Up New Anti-pesticide FormulaA Spanish-Moroccan research team has developed an ecological means of reducing pesticide-related water pollution by using natural organic waste materials, such as olive and date stones, and the leaves of plants such as the rock rose and radish. This new formula could help to reduce this problem that causes damage to health and the environment.
Local Chocolate, for Local Consumption

Josef Zotter produces organic fair-trade chocolate in Austria and says he has no desire to see his business expand.
Organic Golf Course Is Exclusive, but a Weed or Two Sneak In

The Vineyard Golf Club, where President Obama is expected to play this month, is thought to be the only completely organic course in the United States.
Still Minding the Mill

Bob Moore, founder and chief executive of Bob?s Red Mill Natural Foods in Milwaukie, Ore.
More Pressure on Organic Claims for Health and Beauty Products

Whole Foods will stop selling health and beauty products that say ?organic? but aren?t certified.
At Rockaway Beach, a New Veggies and Fruit Stand

Veggie Island at Rockaway Taco, a vegetable and fruit market in Rockaway Beach, offers mainly local produce.
Farmers? Markets Seek Stability Through Loyalty

Memberships and discounts are offered in a state where farmers? markets may have reached a saturation point.
Natural Winemaking Stirs Debate

Natural wines and their adherents have been harshly criticized, but the taste, not the dogma, is the attraction.
U.S. Drops Inspector of Food in China
The U.S. has barred a leading inspector of organic food from China amid questions over its practices.
Organic Gin Just Like Farmers Make (but Legal)
Farmer?s Gin, a small-batch production from the people who make Crop Harvest Earth organic vodkas, is made of grains from organic farms.
An Urban Farming Pioneer Sows His Own Legacy

John Ameroso, who has helped New Yorkers raise food to feed themselves since 1976, is retiring.
New Alarm Bells About Chemicals and Cancer
The medical establishment has embraced the idea that untested chemicals can cause cancer. It?s time for Republicans and Democrats to address this issue.
Reclaiming Ireland?s Culinary Heritage, One Roast Lamb or Sponge Cake at a Time

Darina Allen?s Ballymaloe is a cookery school in County Cork whose influence is felt worldwide.
Giant Greenhouses Mean Flavorful Tomatoes All Year

It is endless summer at greenhouses like the ones owned by Backyard Farms in Maine, where tasty, colorful tomatoes are grown year-round.
Rice Dreams in Louisiana
Gumbo with brown rice? How one farmer decided to go against the grain.
U.S. Plans Spot Tests of Organic Products
The Department of Agriculture will begin enforcing rules on testing organically grown foods for pesticides, after an audit exposed gaps in the National Organic Program.