Eco farming

A new policy brief, produced as part of the LAMASUS project, highlights that strategic agricultural de-intensification in the EU could help reduce agricultural carbon emissions by nearly a third and considerably improve biodiversity recovery.

MORRISVILLE, N.Y. — Two years ago, Jennifer Gilbert Jenkins, associate professor of agricultural science at SUNY Morrisville, envisioned transforming an old apple orchard into a thriving food forest, a regenerative agricultural system that mirrors the structure of a natural forest. Her vision: a self-sustaining ecosystem filled with edible plants, supporting biodiversity and long-term sustainability. The idea quickly […] The post SUNY Morrisville’s Food Forest Takes Root appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Farming methods that support nature improve both biodiversity and crop yields, but more extensive measures may require increased government subsidies to become as profitable as conventional intensive agriculture. That is the finding of the first comprehensive on‐farm trials of their kind in the UK, which were led by the UK Center for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and Rothamsted Research.

A groundbreaking four-year investigation into agroecological farming has revealed that nature-friendly agricultural practices boost both biodiversity and crop yields, yet may require governmental subsidies to be economically viable compared to conventional intensive farming. Spearheaded by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) in collaboration with Rothamsted Research, this extensive study represents the first comprehensive […]

URBANA, Ill. — If you peek into a Turner Hall classroom at the end of the semester, you might see something unusual. “It’s when you plant one thing, then another, then–” “Crop rotation!” “Correct. Next. Um… you have lots of places to live. But they’re all broken up.” “Landscape mosaic?” “No, close, you want them […] The post Fifteen Years of Excellence in Agricultural Ecology Education appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

In modern agriculture, the relentless battle between crops and weeds is more than just a challenge—it is a critical factor that affects food security, sustainability, and ecological health worldwide. Weeds compete aggressively with crops for essential resources such as water, nutrients, and sunlight, leading to significant reductions in crop yield and quality. Additionally, some weeds […]

In recent decades, the intensification of agriculture has been a double-edged sword. While advances in farming techniques since the 1940s have dramatically increased crop yields and livestock production, the environmental cost has been profound. Intensive farming practices have led to significant biodiversity losses, jeopardizing the very ecosystem functions that sustain agricultural productivity over time. A […]

Setting aside at least 20% of agricultural landscapes for rewilding and adopting wildlife friendly practices on remaining farmland could reverse biodiversity declines while maintaining food production. That is according to scientists who have put forward a blueprint for integrating nature recovery and farming.

Madison Investments, an investment advisor, released its “Madison Sustainable Equity Strategy” first quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here.  In the first quarter, the S&P 500 had a total return of -4.3%, with a significant -5.6% drop in March. This decline was mainly due to the impact of tariffs, […]

In the expanding realm of agricultural science, a seismic shift is underway—one that positions microbes not as mere background players, but as central architects shaping the future of food systems and ecological balance. Emerging research reveals an intricate web where human, animal, and plant lives are inextricably linked through the bustling microbial networks that bridge […]

A recent study has introduced a novel data-driven model that distinguishes between human-induced and natural water consumption in croplands, providing valuable insights into the sustainability of arid lake ecosystems.

Farmers are seen as the true champions of the British countryside by Generation Z, beating environmental campaigners, politicians, and even ...

The Horizon 2020-funded SHOWCASE project has recently unveiled a significant advancement in promoting biodiversity integration within European agriculture through the publication of four in-depth practice abstracts on the EU CAP Network platform. This development marks an important stride in disseminating actionable knowledge designed to support farmers in incorporating biodiversity-friendly measures within their farming systems while […]

A recent study led by Prof. Li Yaoming from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography (XIEG) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has identified significant imbalances in farmland ecosystem services (FESs) across Central Asia, posing substantial challenges to achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the region. The study was published in Agricultural Water Management.

The intensification of existing farmland can sometimes be more harmful to local biodiversity than expanding the area covered by agricultural land, finds a new study.

The number of species does not increase evenly when going from local ecosystems to continental scales -- a phenomenon ecologists have recognized for decades. Now, an international team of scientists has developed a new theory to explain the three distinct phases typical of species distributions across scales. The theory may be crucial for estimating how many species are lost when habitats are destroyed.

The intensification of existing farmland can sometimes be more harmful to local biodiversity than expanding the area covered by agricultural land, finds a new study led by University College London (UCL) researchers.

A groundbreaking new study led by researchers at University College London (UCL) dissects the long-standing debate surrounding agricultural expansion and intensification, revealing that the ecological impact on biodiversity is far more intricate than previously believed. Contrary to the prevailing assumption that intensifying production on existing farmland is uniformly less harmful than converting natural habitats into […]

The number of species does not increase evenly when going from local ecosystems to continental scales—a phenomenon ecologists have recognized for decades. Now, an international team of scientists, including researchers from the German Center for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) and the Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (MLU), has developed a new theory to explain the three distinct phases typical of species distributions across scales.

Gregory Barber / MIT Technology Review: A look at efforts by Apple and others to become carbon neutral by investing in eucalyptus farms in Brazil's Cerrado region, amid skepticism from some ecologists  —  We were losing the light, and still about 20 kilometers from the main road, when the car shuddered and died at the edge of a strange forest.

LAWRENCE — In the intricate web of life on Earth, populations of animals and plants often rise and fall in remarkable synchrony, even when separated by vast geographical distances. This phenomenon, known as “spatial synchrony,” has intrigued ecologists for decades, as it reveals hidden connections in ecosystems that span continents and oceans. Recent groundbreaking research […]

Populations of animals and plants separated by even thousands of miles can rise and fall together driven by ecological factors, a phenomenon scientists call "spatial synchrony."

IRVING, TX – Agroforestry involves growing trees alongside crops or livestock to create a more diverse and resilient farm. It’s a practical, proven way to boost your land’s productivity while solving challenges like poor soil, water runoff and extreme weather. Mixing trees into your operation brings in more plant and animal life, which naturally improves […] The post What Role Does Agroforestry Play in Enhancing Biodiversity on Farms? appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

The Burren region of County Clare, Ireland, is famous for its distinctive limestone habitat, coastal landscape, rich wildlife and unusual archaeology. Several hundred farmers also manage livestock on this land.

The innovative reuse of human urine presents a groundbreaking opportunity to transform urban agriculture by creating sustainable fertilizers. Researchers from the Institute of Environmental Science and Technology at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (ICTA-UAB) have conducted an extensive study exploring the potential environmental benefits associated with nitrogen recovery from human waste. Their findings underscore the […]

BOSTON — Southern New England’s climate offers ideal conditions for producing bay scallops—a sustainable seafood option that also diversifies aquaculture enterprises. However, an important challenge in bay scallop farming is access to nursery systems that can efficiently raise scallops to maturity before transferring them to grow-out environments. With support from a Northeast SARE Farmer grant, […] The post Farmer-Led Innovation Improves Aquaculture Production and Ecosystems in New England appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

ANYONE WHO has heard of, or even better visited, Chanticleer Garden in Pennsylvania knows that it’s home to some of the country’s most exceptional examples of horticultural creativity and innovation. A multi-year biodiversity survey of the Chanticleer property has revealed that it’s also home to more than 1,000 species of insects, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and even fish, who apparently all agree that it’s quite the attractive and compelling space, a garden’s biodiversity and how it can inform us to fine-tune our plant choices and horticultural practices is our subject today. I spoke with Bill Thomas (below), Chanticleer’s executive director and head gardener, and Matthew Sarver, founder of Sarver Ecological, which conducted the just-published diversity survey at the renowned public garden in Wayne, Pa., from 2020 through 2024, to learn about what they’ve learned and what those insights are inspiring next in the gardens at Chanticleer. (Above, a

New research shows that farms are yet to realise the full potential of the opportunity presented by the biodiversity net gain (BNG) obligati...

As I wander around Cambridge University Botanic Garden, a tree called the Wollemi pine often catches my eye. It's one of our rarest trees, and a distinctive looking pine, with broad needles and bark that reminds you of Coco Pops.

Humanity can farm more food from the seas to help feed the planet while shrinking mariculture's negative impacts on biodiversity, according to new research.

Humanity can farm more food from the seas to help feed the planet while shrinking mariculture's negative impacts on biodiversity, according to new research led by the University of Michigan.

Agriculture plays a crucial role in shaping our environment, but intensive farming practices often…

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the environment and food system sustainability. The Purdue University study appears in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. “At the global level, we see […] The post Impact of Agricultural Research Investments on Biodiversity, Land Use appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the environment and food system sustainability.

New, groundbreaking research shows how, at a local scale, agricultural research and development led to improved crop varieties that resulted in global benefits to the environment and food system sustainability. The Purdue University study appears in the latest issue of Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Amid growing concerns over environmental sustainability and the pressing need to reduce harmful emissions from traditional infrastructure materials, researchers at the University of Miami are pioneering an innovative approach to road construction that promises to revolutionize the asphalt industry. Led by Xianming Shi, chair of the civil and architectural engineering department, the project seeks to […]

African Perspectives on Agroecology is a new book with 33 contributions from academics, non-governmental organizations, farmer organizations and policy makers. It is free to download, and reviewers have described it as a "must read for all who care about the future of Africa and its people." The book outlines how agroecology, which brings ecological principles into farming practices and food systems, can solve food shortages and environmental damage caused by mass, commercial farming. We asked the book's editor and the South African Research Chair on Environmental and Social Dimensions of the Bio-economy, Rachel Wynberg, to set out why this book is so important.

Urbanization is rapidly transforming landscapes worldwide, becoming a key driver of global biodiversity loss. It often impacts biodiversity negatively by creating selective environments that limit species diversity in urban compared to natural habitats. Amidst this challenge, understanding and enhancing urban blue-green infrastructure is critical.

VÁCRÁTÓT, Hungary — Urbanisation is rapidly transforming landscapes worldwide, becoming a key driver of global biodiversity loss. It often impacts biodiversity negatively by creating selective environments that limit species diversity in urban compared to natural habitats. Amidst this challenge, understanding and enhancing urban blue-green infrastructure is critical. Garden ponds are small yet significant water features […] The post Garden Ponds: Hidden Gems of Urban Biodiversity Conservation appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Greenhouses and open farms that welcome visitors to purchase locally grown produce and meat have become increasingly important to food productivity. Not only are farmers looking for ways to monitor conditions to help improve greenhouse crop growth and yield, but keeping harvested food fresh in storage conditions is also a major concern.

An international team of environmentalists, zoologists and land use specialists has developed an extinction probability metric for land that is converted to agriculture. Their paper is published in the journal Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.

AMES, Iowa — The Iowa Learning Farms (ILF) conservation webinar taking place Jan. 22, at noon CST will feature Andrew Rust, freshwater restoration specialist, The Nature Conservancy. Rust works throughout Iowa facilitating efforts to restore wetlands in key watersheds across the state. His primary role involves engaging landowners and conservation practitioners to rehabilitate oxbow wetlands in areas of the highest impact, […] The post Iowa Learning Farms Webinar: Restoring Vital Oxbow Ecosystems appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Through careful project planning, permaculture practitioners can set clear goals, project scope, establish work structures, and timelines. The post Project Planning is a Key Component for Effective Permaculture appeared first on Cultivation Ag.

The 12 principles of permaculture provide a framework for designing and managing these systems in a way that mimics natural ecosystems.  The post What are the 12 principles of permaculture? appeared first on Cultivation Ag.

Resource management is a vital component of permaculture projects, focusing on efficient utilization of land, water, plants, and materials. The post Efficient Resource Management in Permaculture appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Budgeting and financial management play a vital role in the success of permaculture projects. It can optimize resource allocation. The post Budgeting and Financial Management in Permaculture appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Permaculture project management plays a vital role in realizing the goals of sustainable design systems and enhances final outcomes. The post What is Permaculture Project Management? appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) are crucial processes in permaculture projects that play a significant role in ensuring project success. The post Monitoring and Evaluation in Permaculture Projects appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Community engagement and education play a vital role in the success and sustainability of permaculture projects. The post Community Engagement and Education in Permaculture appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Observation holds a vital place in permaculture, serving as a fundamental principle and practice that underpins all design and decisions. The post Observation in Permaculture: Key to Design & Decision Making appeared first on CropForLife Agriculture.

Agricultural exports from 1995 to 2022 affected land use changes in the producing countries. Continue reading Agricultural trade is three times more harmful to biodiversity on Tech Explorist.

No farming background? No worries. That’s the attitude one young couple from NSW is taking in their unique business. After purchasing a mountainous, overgrazed and neglected 100-acre property in Putty, just a couple of hours outside Sydney, they are on a steep learning curve. And they’re pulling it off beautifully, producing cattle, pigs and chickens […] The post From Pigs in a Station Wagon to a Thriving Food Forest appeared first on AustralianFarmers.

Biodiversity loss due to agricultural trade three times higher than previously thought. Continue reading International agricultural trade has caused 90 percent biodiversity loss on Tech Explorist.

Exporting agricultural products from tropical regions to China, the U.S., the Middle East, and Europe is three times more harmful to biodiversity than previously assumed.

Grizzly bears are doing more than building fat reserves as they feast on huckleberries each summer in the Canadian Rocky Mountains—they're playing a vital role in plant ecology.

Establishing small patches of forests in oil palm plantations can restore biodiversity lost to deforestation, researchers say.

The potential benefits of developing an 'ecosystem' which farmers could trust to connect farm-level environmental data has been highlighted ...

This sustainable garden is bursting with natives that local wildlife love

Thoughtfully selecting what plants you grow in your garden is not the only way to help improve your local ecosystem. How you grow and the inclusion of other garden features…

Imagine a world where the variety of food sources we rely on is reduced to a mere handful of species. This is not a dystopian future. It’s the path we are on right now, and it’s happening silently in fields, farms, and forests across the globe. ...

Waste from mushroom farming is being transformed into sustainable, biodegradable materials for use in cosmetics, packaging, and oil remediation.

SHERIDAN, WY — Balancing the increasing conversation on sustainable agriculture, the significance of comprehending the environmental advantages of selected crops is growing. Several ecological benefits of kratom farming benefit the communities that largely grow the plant, and this post explores the merits. In this article, we present several ways that its farming can impact the […] The post 7 Ecological Benefits Of Kratom Farming That Indonesian People Must Know appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

Eco-friendly garden design saves you money, makes your garden special and helps wildlife. But ignore the hype - here are real expert tips. The post Eco-friendly garden design – what you need to know before you spend money appeared first on The Middle-Sized Garden.

ST. PAUL, Minn. — Imagine your backyard filled with cherry, plum and apple trees, squash, green beans, broccoli, tomatoes, peppers, rhubarb, raspberries, flowers and more. Now group them all together in one area – sort of like a big flower bed. There. You have created a Food Forest. It’s a sustainable diversity of edible and […] The post Grow a Food Forest in the Backyard Workshop September 28 appeared first on Morning Ag Clips.

HomeScienceVol. 385, No. 6712Moroccan cannabis farms threaten biodiversityBack To Vol. 385, No. 6712 Full accessLetter Share on Moroccan cannabis farms threaten biodiversityBrahim Chergui, Soumia Fahd, [...] , Xavier Santos, and Juli G. Pausas [email protected]+1 authors fewerAuthors Info & AffiliationsScience29 Aug 2024Vol 385, Issue 6712p. 941DOI: 10.1126/science.adq5140 PREVIOUS ARTICLEClimate…

A thoughtful use of materials and native plantings come together to help support wildlife, large and small

Food, feed, fiber, and bioenergy: The demand for agricultural raw materials is rising. How can additional cultivation areas be reconciled with nature conservation? Researchers have developed a land-use model that provides answers.

By 2030, global cultivation areas are expected to expand by 3.6%, increasing global agricultural production by 2%. This projection comes from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).

Ditch the vegetable garden and redesign your food garden as a forest! Food forests are a traditional but ... Read More The post Plant a Backyard Food Forest for an Abundant Source of Food appeared first on Garden Therapy.

You don't need to read the news or scroll through Instagram for long to stumble across the latest example of a rare and beautiful species that has gone extinct. Since AD1500, at least 705 vertebrate species and 571 plant species have died out.

Tami Gingrich shares tips for choosing different themes and creating beautiful gardens to support important pollinator populations in Ohio and beyond. The post Pollinator gardens support delicate, beautiful ecosystems appeared first on Farm and Dairy.

RPTU University of Kaiserslautern-Landau has shown for the first time, in a joint study with BOKU University, that permaculture brings about a significant improvement in biodiversity, soil quality and carbon storage.