Eco farming

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.

Historian and ecologist Laura J. Martin rediscovers the female scientists who established ecological restoration in her book

Truth be told, cattle farmers are no fans of lupine. If a pregnant cow chows down on the plant, its toxins can cause the unborn calf to be born with crooked cow syndrome and be unable to walk. In most instances, farmers will spray the plant with herbicide and kill it. But on Mallonee Farms, […] The post A Win for Growers Who Protect Biodiversity on Agricultural Land appeared first on Modern Farmer.

It’s in your heart and liver, in the vegetables you eat, in the rogue cells that cause cancer. Those who live in temperate regions are surrounded by more of it than people who live in the tropics, and without it, humans wouldn’t exist. Credit: Dana Robinson It’s in your heart and liver, in the vegetables […]

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrates how the diversity and abundance of arthropods decrease when hedgerows and field margins covered by wild grass and flowers are removed.

A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrates how the diversity and abundance of arthropods decrease when hedgerows and field margins covered by wild grass and flowers are removed. Credit: Markus Raab A new study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology demonstrates how the diversity and abundance of arthropods decrease when hedgerows and field margins […]

A thriving, lush garden is any gardener or homeowner's dream, but using harsh chemical pesticides can come at the cost of damaging the surrounding ecosystem. Thankfully, there’s several sustainable ways in which you can decrease your pest population for a thriving, eco-friendly garden. […]

By Lee Seok-woo In recent years, the rapid decline of biodiversity worldwide due to deteriorating global environmental conditions, including climate change, has become a pressing concern. The need for urgent measures to conserve biodiversity has neve

For years I’ve heard the same refrain: You can’t have a good-looking garden that is also eco-friendly. It seems that many folks think native plants are too wild looking and…

Orsted, a company that has transformed itself from one of Europe’s most carbon-intensive power generators into a global leader in green energy, is now seeking to lead the charge against climate change in Asia. In anticipation of the H.eco Forum

From constant wildfires sweeping the country to dismal reports of the coral reef, it seems like all we ... Read More The post Roots of Resilience: Overcoming Eco-Anxiety in the Garden appeared first on Garden Therapy.

Check out these eco-friendly gift ideas ahead of Mother's Day. From a tote bag to an indoor herb garden and more, grab them now on Amazon and celebrate the special woman in your life.

LG Electronics said Tuesday it opened a garden where pollen-carrying insects such as bees and butterflies, the populations of which have decreased due to climate change, can live stably, at its North American headquarters in New Jersey on Monday. Mar

So far, biodiversity and agricultural productivity could not be reconciled because the socio-ecological system of agriculture is highly complex, and the interactions between humans and the environment are difficult to capture using conventional methods. A research team now shows a promising way to achieve both goals at the same time. They focus on further developing artificial intelligence in combination with collective human judgement: hybrid intelligence.

Permaculture offers sustainable landscaping techniques, and a way to approach and interact with landscapes in a growing environmental crisis.

A research team at the University of Hohenheim and Technical University of Munich has developed a new transdisciplinary approach to resolve the tradeoff between biodiversity and agricultural production.

The Maia Farms & Ecoation growing system for mycelium and fresh produce can make 700kg of food a year in a device the size of a wardrobe. The post To boldly go… fueled by mycoprotein & greens: Maia Farms and Ecoation win Canadian grand prize in Deep Space Food Challenge appeared first on AgFunderNews.

Thousands of small-scale farmers have launched a new petition today demanding the UK government to double its agriculture budget. The Lan...

A research team has investigated the effects of agricultural grassland use on communities of organisms. Their study, recently published in the journal Nature Communications, for the first time reveals that measures such as fertilization and mowing affect organisms at all levels of an ecosystem and across entire food chains, thereby accelerating the entire system.

Changing the color of commonly used agricultural nets lessens insect damage to Kujo Leek fields. Red nets are better at keeping away a common agricultural...

As wild fish and other marine species get scarcer from overfishing and demand for 'blue foods' grows around the world, farming of the ocean is growing rapidly. Fish, kelp, prawns, oysters and more are now widely farmed. The world now eats more farmed seafood than wild-caught.

Just beneath your feet, an ancient and silent alliance endures. This alliance between plants and arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi is one of the oldest biological partnerships on Earth.

Below the red-tile roofs of the Catalina Foothills, an affluent area on the north end of Tucson, Arizona, lies a blanket of desert green: spiky cacti, sword-shaped yucca leaves, and the spindly limbs of palo verde and mesquite trees. Head south into the city, and the vegetation thins. Trees are especially scarce on the south […] The post Hot? Hungry? Step Inside These Food Forests appeared first on Modern Farmer.

A study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), focused on an intensive grassland-sunflower system in southwest France in order to quantify the ecological, agronomic, and net economic benefits of biodiversity-friendly farming. Such insight is highly needed in the context of experts increasingly advocating for biodiversity-friendly farming, with very little known about its economic profitability for farmers.

Farmers and landowners are being advised of the tax complexities around entering into Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) schemes as launch date of ...

As the environmental and economic costs of industrial farming grow, so do opportunities to spur an ecological change.

Agriculture is the foundation of human civilization and a prime example of our impact on Earth. Almost 40% of our planet's ice-free land surface, most of which was previously forested, is now dedicated to agriculture. As our demand for food increases, so does agricultural deforestation, which is widely viewed as one of the greatest threats to global biodiversity.

An eco-friendly material that could replace current fungicides has been announced by British researchers following a successful on-farm tria...

Discover how Acknowledge is leading the cannabis revolution with eco-friendly, profitable hemp farming practices and living soil innovation. read more

Sprouting deep within the verdant pleats of Oʻahu’s Koʻolau Mountains, Heʻeia stream winds through Kakoʻo ʻOʻiwi, a non-profit organization centered on a six-acre taro farm, before emptying into the wide mouth of Kane‘ohe Bay.  In 2001, executive director Kanekoa Shultz, a marine biologist and seaweed expert, helped rebuild the adjacent Paepae o Heʻeia fishpond. Originally […] The post Meet the Taro Farmer Restoring an Ecosystem Through Native Hawaiian Practices appeared first on Modern Farmer.

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.

In Denmark, agriculture makes up almost 2/3 of our land and oftentimes one crop is grown in huge

The slash-and-burn agriculture practiced by many Indigenous societies across the world can actually have a positive impact on forests, according to a new study done in Belize.

Farmers Weekly Biodiversity is an increasingly hot topic within the agricultural sector. Lloyds Bank caught up with Stuart Holm, farmer and outreach manager at The Woodland Trust to discuss the opportunities to improve farm resilience and the approach he takes to biodiversity on his land. Research shows biodiversity on UK farms has fallen to around 30% of […] The post A practical approach to improving biodiversity and farm resilience appeared first on Farmers Weekly

Farmers Weekly If I were Keir Starmer, dreaming up new radical agricultural policies to put into my manifesto, I would – drum roll please – give every farmer free access to an ecologist. I’ve worked with some awesome ecologists this year, and their understanding of landscapes and what’s happening (or often, not happening) in terms of natural […] The post Molly Biddell: Every farmer needs an ecologist appeared first on Farmers Weekly