http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/organic/ Organic food, organic farming and organic gardening. Learn the ecological and health benefits of organic farming as well as some surprising recent research findings. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/organic/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm Weeds 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. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm Australian researchers have discovered that micro-organisms that help break down contaminants under the soil can actually get too hot for their own good. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163943.htm Just 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. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165056.htm Organic 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. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190936.htm Three 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. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804071358.htm Advances 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. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804071358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093959.htm Waste 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. Thu, 16 Jul 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090716093959.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132150.htm Scientists 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. Wed, 01 Jul 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090629132150.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602112257.htm Crop 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. Tue, 02 Jun 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090602112257.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521200017.htm 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? Sat, 23 May 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090521200017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519152601.htm Researchers 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. Fri, 22 May 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519152601.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122416.htm The 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. Fri, 15 May 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090511122416.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502084607.htm Dairy 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. Thu, 07 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502084607.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502083245.htm New 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. Mon, 04 May 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090502083245.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140204.htm Researchers 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. Thu, 16 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090408140204.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406132600.htm 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. Tue, 07 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/04/090406132600.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205445.htm Antibiotics 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. Thu, 02 Apr 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090329205445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312153328.htm A 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. Wed, 18 Mar 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090312153328.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303102729.htm It is an unlikely application, but researchers in China have discovered that chicken manure can be used to biodegrade crude oil in contaminated soil. Writing in the International Journal of Environment and Pollution the team explains how bacteria in chicken manure break down 50 percent more crude oil than soil lacking the guano. Mon, 09 Mar 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090303102729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302130037.htm Scientists in Germany are reporting development of a new, more effective method to determine whether milk marketed as "organic" is genuine or just ordinary milk mislabeled to hoodwink consumers. Wed, 04 Mar 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/03/090302130037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217104433.htm A recent study analyzed whether or not soils that were converted from perennial grasses to the production of bioenergy grain crops would experience loss of soil organic carbon. The researchers found the best method to keep this carbon sequestered is through no-till production. Thu, 26 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090217104433.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225132349.htm Recent research studied the impacts of tillage and nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on carbon storage, revealing that the effect of no-till on carbon sequestration can be variable depending on soil and climatic conditions and nutrient management practices. Wed, 25 Feb 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090225132349.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090131122554.htm Farmers in North and South Carolina already make every drop of water count by recycling livestock wastewater for irrigation. Now scientists have found ways to boost benefits from this practice even more. Mon, 09 Feb 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090131122554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204112235.htm Phosphorus can have a significant effect on water quality, entering these water sources in a variety of ways, particularly due to runoff from phosphorus enriched soil. A new study examined the characteristics of phosphorus in soils as a way to understand how it behaves in soils and how it is transported in runoff. Fri, 06 Feb 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/02/090204112235.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090115190458.htm A recent study has confirmed that although there was a large reduction of organic carbon and total nitrogen pools when prairies were first cultivated and drained, there has been no consistent pattern in these organic matter pools during the period of synthetic fertilizer use, that is, from 1957-2002. Mon, 19 Jan 2009 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/01/090115190458.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081229104654.htm The growing popularity of rural fall festivals, grade school farm tours, and "u-pick" pumpkin farms has resulted in an increase in consumer demand for pumpkins throughout the country. A critical challenge for pumpkin farmers promoting entertainment agriculture, or "agritourism," is maintaining fields that are weed-free, attractive, and safe for consumers. Wed, 14 Jan 2009 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081229104654.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081217190439.htm Former inhabitants of the Amazon Basin enriched their fields with charred organic materials-biochar-and transformed one of the earth's most infertile soils into one of the most productive. These early conservationists disappeared 500 years ago, but centuries later, their soil is still rich in organic matter and nutrients. Now, scientists, environmental groups and policymakers forging the next world climate agreement see biochar not only as an important tool for replenishing soils, but as a powerful tool for combating global warming. Sat, 20 Dec 2008 20:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081217190439.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184535.htm The push for alternative energy has created a large demand for corn stover, a popular feedstock used to produce cellulosic ethanol, but utilizing these materials, rather than using it as compost, means a loss of soil organic carbon. Researchers have studied the effectiveness of alternative carbon augmentation practices and have reported positive results. Mon, 08 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081203184535.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202133228.htm Converting forests or fields to biofuel crops can increase or decrease greenhouse gas emissions, depending on where -- and which -- biofuel crops are used, researchers report. Fri, 05 Dec 2008 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/12/081202133228.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120229.htm The loss of soil organic matter due to poor land-management practice threatens farmlands, and while the use for crop residues as feedstock for biomass ethanol and bio-based products increases, these materials no longer contribute to the health of the soil. Scientist have now developed a method of measuring soil quality to assure an adequate amount of soil organic matter, called the CQESTR model. Sun, 30 Nov 2008 08:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081119120229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124130948.htm New research shows that we should be looking to the ground, not the sky, to see where climate change could have its most perilous impact on life on Earth. Scientists have shown that global warming actually changes the molecular structure of organic matter in soil. Fri, 28 Nov 2008 05:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081124130948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027152119.htm Earthworms can change the chemical nature of the carbon in North American forest litter and soils, potentially affecting the amount of carbon stored in forests. Scientists want to determine the earthworms' effect on forest chemistry by comparing carbon composition in forests that vary in earthworm activity. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081027152119.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081106065548.htm The loss of organic matter is a threat to soil quality. Agricultural soils as well as mountain soils are both at risk; and both function as carbon sinks, and, under the impact of climate warming, could become sources greenhouse gas emissions. Near-infrared spectroscopy is a very promising avenue able to quantify the build-up of carbon in the soils at a large scale. Thu, 06 Nov 2008 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/11/081106065548.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030194236.htm Excessive doses of organic residues in agricultural fields could be dangerous for plants, invertebrates and micro-organisms living in the soil. This is the finding of a new study that shows that the use of appropriate levels of fertilizers would prevent this toxic impact on the soil biota. Fri, 31 Oct 2008 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081030194236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013195322.htm Many agricultural products can be converted into feedstocks for alternative fuel. Now analysis from the Agricultural Research Service suggests that they can be used this way without reducing the nation's food supply, soil production capacity or environmental quality. Tue, 28 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081013195322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081016124041.htm A new study led by the Pacific Northwest Research Station represents the first direct evidence of the toll wildfire can take on forest soil layers. It draws on data from the 2002 Biscuit Fire, which scorched some 500,000 acres in southwest Oregon. Thu, 16 Oct 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081016124041.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010092332.htm Sales of organic products are booming: Consumers want their food to be untainted. To avoid the use of fungicides yet nevertheless protect plants from disease, researchers have developed a method that involves bombarding seeds with electrons to kill fungal spores and viruses. Mon, 13 Oct 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081010092332.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929123945.htm Researchers have shown that a plot of land on the campus of Auburn University that has been maintained by a century old practice of sustainable farming can produce similar cotton crops to those using other methods. This 110 year old continuous field experiment, called "the Old Rotation," utilizes traditional crop rotation methods and includes winter legumes to protect the soil from winter erosion. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929123945.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929104615.htm Pecan and other hickory woods are the third most popular hardwood group in the United States, behind only black walnut and black cherry. he pruned wood of pecan, a byproduct of forested trees, is usually burned as an economical means of disposal. Increasingly though, pruned pecan is being chipped and incorporated into the soil as an environmentally viable method of handling the waste. Although more expensive than burning, chipping and soil incorporation avoid burning controls recently imposed by many states and the Environmental Protection Agency. Wed, 01 Oct 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/09/080929104615.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110106.htm With the boom in consumption of organic foods creating a pressing need for natural insecticides and herbicides that can be used on crops certified as "organic," biopesticide pioneer Pam G. Marrone is reporting development of a new "green" pesticide obtained from an extract of the giant knotweed. The research will be reported in August at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Philadelphia. Mon, 25 Aug 2008 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080821110106.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807082954.htm New research in the Journal of the Science of Food and Agriculture shows there is no evidence to support the argument that organic food is better than food grown with the use of pesticides and chemicals. The study looked at the following crops – carrots, kale, mature peas, apples and potatoes – staple ingredients that can be found in most families’ shopping list. Sat, 09 Aug 2008 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/08/080807082954.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173125.htm As microbes in the soil break down fallen plant matter, a diet "balanced" in nutrients appears to help control soil fertility and the normal release of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Tue, 05 Aug 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080731173125.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728192942.htm Tropical soils often behave differently than temperate soils when being farmed. In tropical regions, soils lose nutrients quickly when cultivated. With food shortages looming and soil quality declining rapidly, new farming techniques are needed to make tropical and sub-tropical farming more productive and sustainable. New research from Agronomy Journal shows that no-till management combined with a winter cover crop is most effective in retaining nutrients in tropical soils. Tue, 29 Jul 2008 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080728192942.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720092205.htm Soils with native grasses such as switchgrass have higher levels of a key soil component called glomalin than soils planted to non-native grasses. Fri, 25 Jul 2008 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080720092205.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715190110.htm In the rush to develop renewable fuels from plants, converting crop residues into cellulosic ethanol would seem to be a slam dunk. However, that might not be such a good idea for farmers growing crops without irrigation in regions receiving less than 25 inches of precipitation annually, says a soil scientist. Sat, 19 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/07/080715190110.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629075404.htm Glomalin, the substance coating this microscopic fungus growing on a corn root, can keep carbon in the soil from decomposing for up to 100 years. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/06/080629075404.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528102904.htm Researchers investigated the impact of increasing crop rotation length and complexity on crop yields in organic agricultural systems over a ten year period. They found that longer, more complex rotations using corn, soybean, wheat, and hay offered up to 30 percent greater corn yield than a simple corn-soybean rotation. The additional crop variety and rotation time helps provide adequate nitrogen and decrease weed competition, thereby increasing production. Sun, 01 Jun 2008 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080528102904.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519102012.htm Rice grown in the United States may be safer than varieties from Asia and Europe, according to a new global study of the grain that feeds over half of humanity. The study evaluated levels of arsenic, which can be toxic at high levels, in rice worldwide. Wed, 21 May 2008 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080519102012.htm