agriculture Archives

Bacteria in plant leaves could one day eliminate the need for nitrogen fertilizers

Hidden Helpers: Bacteria in Leaves

November 16, 2022November 17, 2022 Science Connectedagriculture, bacteria, fertilizers, plants

New research shows that bacteria found inside plant leaves can transfer their nitrogen and might eliminate the need for nitrogen fertilizers.

Image showing wheat sprouts, the green one on the right pretreated with ethanol to help survive droughts and the withered one on the left untreated.

Botany Climate Change

Ethanol May Help Crops Survive Droughts

September 21, 2022September 20, 2022 Science Connectedagriculture, biochemistry, botany, climate change, drought

Droughts can wreak havoc on food supply and crop production, but a new study shows that ethanol can help crops survive.

Botany

Genetics Behind Lavender’s Popular Scent

May 16, 2022May 16, 2022 Science Connectedagriculture, evolution

The scent of lavender is loved by humans and insects alike, but what makes lavender scent so attractive? A group of scientists decided to find out.

Lake Erie Dead Zone: A lighthouse on frozen Lake Erie, photo by George Bannister

Climate Change Ecology Environment Marine and Freshwater Biology

Study Sheds Light on Lake Erie’s Dead Zone

March 15, 2021May 2, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture, climate change, fertilizers, pollution

A dead zone in Lake Erie gives clues to how phosphorus levels change in the water and what this means for future environmental conditions.

Climate Change Environment

Agricultural Emissions Could Upset Climate Goals

February 8, 2021February 10, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture, climate change, emissions, farming, Greenhouse Gases

Digging in the ground impacts the atmosphere. Changes in land use have driven emissions, which in turn have contributed to climate change.

queen bee, queen bees, bee colony, bee colonies, bee health

Botany Environment Zoology

Relaxed Queen Bees Have More Offspring

September 30, 2020December 13, 2022 Science Connectedagriculture, bees

Queen bees produce different proteins when they are stressed, and this new discovery could change how we monitor hive conditions.

Environment Health

Oil Field Water OK for Some CA Irrigation

July 20, 2020August 2, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture, oil, water conservation

Irrigation with water from oil fields may be safe for a California water district’s crops if the water is diluted and boron-tolerant crops are grown.

Botany Ecology Health

Wounding Leaves Produces Sweeter Organic Strawberries

February 12, 2020May 4, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture

Organic strawberry plants produce more phytochemicals to combat damage, resulting in stronger, sweeter fruits with more health benefits.

Ecology Science Debate Series Science Policy

Could Agriculture Save US Water Supply?

September 17, 2019August 2, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture, climate change, science policy, water, water shortage

Population growth and climate change are making water an even more scarce resource. Does agriculture have the power to reduce water shortages? By Mackenzie Myers This article is part of a series about key science policy issues. Please use these articles to become an informed voter, ask political candidates about the issues, and put every candidate on record about science. This time of year in California’s Central Valley, it’s easy to see where the Golden State gets its nickname. Golden sun shines on golden grasses of rolling golden hills, parched…

Biology Botany STEM Education

Curing Plant Blindness at Botanical Gardens and Farms

July 11, 2019May 3, 2021 Science Connectedagriculture, botanical garden, conservation, farming, plants

“Plant blindness,” the lack of awareness of plants and their importance, is addressed by botanical gardens and agricultural farms.