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Maintaining proper sanitation protocols in greenhouses is crucial for preventing the spread of pathogens and pests. This includes removing organic material, cleaning surfaces with a pressure washer and detergent, and applying a disinfectant. Sanitizing agents such as bleach and quaternary ammonium can be used, but it's important to read the label for effectiveness on specific surfaces. Thorough sanitation can lead to better plant health, increased yield, and reduced pest problems in future crops. It's also important to sanitize equipment and tools, and to educate the team on the importance of sanitation to prevent shortcuts. [Extracted from the article]

The article presents the discussion on evolution of agriculture in Sully County, South Dakota. Topics include highlighting the historical dominance of wheat production and its recent decline due to crop rotation and shifting agricultural practices towards row crops like corn and soybeans; and influenced by climate cycles, seed genetics, and market dynamics, have reshapedrow farming traditions and economic strategies in the region.

The article discusses the technique of undersowing, which is a method used in various farming practices to maximize crop production and profits. Undersowing involves planting one crop into an established crop, and it can be done in intercropping situations or when inserting a green manure or cover crop into a rotation. Undersowing not only maximizes space but also improves weed control, decreases soil erosion, and increases water infiltration. The article also explores how undersowing can be applied in vegetable gardening and offers various field crop options for undersowing. Additionally, it discusses the concept of living mulches and provides management tips for successful undersowing. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the versatility of cotton as a key agricultural product in South Africa's agricultural value chain, providing both fibre for human use and feed for livestock. Topics include recent efforts, such as the strategic summit in Limpopo, aimed at uniting the industry to address challenges like declining planting areas, funding for farmers, and technological advancements needed to enhance yield and profitability in cotton farming.

The article discusses measures to manage soil fatigue in apple orchards, focusing on strategies along the value chain, including rootstock production, nurseries, and commercial fruit production. It highlights the challenges faced by fruit tree nurseries and apple growers in dealing with soil fatigue, even without fully understanding its causes. It explores strategies such as crop rotation, green cover crops like Tagetes, deep soil cultivation, and soil sterilization in response to the issue.

The lowering of the groundwater table caused by increased groundwater use in the dry, Barind region has prompted sustainability concerns. In this study, water-table (WT) scenarios were simulated by the MODFLOW model under different crop rotations in Barind, a dry region of Bangladesh, to examine the effects of crop rotations on groundwater level. The studied crop rotations and recharge conditions were: with existing cropping pattern; 100, 30 and 50% of present Boro rice is replaced by Aus rice; existing cropping pattern, but with reduced recharge to 90 and 80% of present recharge. A calibrated MODFLOW model was used to develop WT scenarios. According to the modeling results, the declination of WT will be lessened and the situation with regard to WT will therefore be improved with the gradual substitution of Boro by Aus and Rabi (30, 50 and 100%). The simulated WT scenario will be useful for policymakers to set policies about cropping patterns or groundwater withdrawal amounts targeting the area’s long-term sustainability of groundwater. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A recent study from Guizhou University in China has highlighted the importance of crop rotation and diversification (CRD) in sustainable agriculture. CRD practices, such as alternating crops or introducing diverse plant species, improve soil fertility, reduce pest populations, and enhance nutrient availability. These practices also promote more efficient water and nutrient use, reducing the reliance on synthetic fertilizers and minimizing the risk of pests and diseases. The study emphasizes the potential contributions of CRD towards climate change mitigation and adaptation, as well as the challenges and potential solutions for implementing these practices. Overall, the research underscores the significance of CRD methods as sustainable agricultural practices and provides valuable insights for researchers and farmers. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of sorghum in sustaining the Ogallala Aquifer and its profitability in crop rotations. Research has shown that including sorghum in rotations is beneficial when water application is limited to 10 inches or less, as it increases profit and reduces risk. However, sorghum becomes less profitable with higher water applications. The article also explores the challenges of developing consistent markets for sorghum and the need to find answers to increase acreage and create markets. Additionally, the article highlights a research project that demonstrated the efficiency of producers in reducing water usage while maintaining irrigation levels through the inclusion of sorghum in the crop mix. The author suggests that farmers will need to adapt to water regulations and reductions, but believes that they are capable of managing adversity and coming through successfully. [Extracted from the article]

A new study on sustainable food systems in California has found that strawberry growers are facing challenges due to limited land availability and the threat of climate change. The study examined crop rotation patterns in three main strawberry producing regions in California and found significant differences in rotation rates. The distance from the ocean and soil texture were found to be associated with crop rotation lengths. While there may be enough land in some regions to lengthen crop rotations, factors such as water quality, social networks, and financial considerations may limit growers' ability to do so. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the benefits of using cover crops after specialty crops. It highlights five reasons to follow specialty crops with cover crops, including avoiding bare soil, addressing yield-limiting factors, reducing soil compaction, expanding the window for cover crop seeding, and maximizing manure. The article emphasizes the importance of a comprehensive cover crop plan and provides suggestions for cover crop options. It also briefly mentions the use of biological products for nutrient uptake and provides points to consider when using them. Overall, the article provides valuable information for library patrons researching cover crops and specialty crops. [Extracted from the article]

Casey McCausland, a young farmer in central Illinois, has embraced regenerative practices and diversification to ensure the stability and future success of his farm. Despite not having a background in agriculture, McCausland partnered with his grandfather and now farms 1,300 acres, growing corn, soybeans, wheat, and cover crops. He is focused on soil health and is working towards certification with Regenified, a program that monitors soil quality. McCausland prioritizes financial stability and has diversified his income through custom farming and building relationships with local co-ops. He aims to do a better job farming what he already has rather than expanding his operation. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Indiana Prairie Farmer discusses the importance of harvesting solar energy all year long in order to benefit soil health and increase carbon capture. The author emphasizes the need to keep the soil covered and to have living plants performing photosynthesis in the field at all times. By doing so, root exudates are produced, soil carbon is built, and soil health is improved. The article also highlights the benefits of soil organic matter, such as improved soil structure and water retention. Overall, the article encourages farmers to focus on soil health and utilize cover crops to maximize the benefits of solar energy. [Extracted from the article]

This article from Country Homes & Interiors provides a list of top jobs to do in December for your garden. Suggestions include planting scented winter shrubs, winterproofing your garden, planning next year's crop rotation, attaching a Christmas wreath to your front door, and taking care of hellebores. The article also includes colorful photos of the suggested plants and decorations. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences in China conducted a 2-year field experiment to study the effects of different nitrogen (N) fertilizer strategies on wheat-summer corn rotation systems in yellow-brown soil areas. They found that optimized fertilization and a combination of controlled release with conventional urea increased the yield of wheat and corn for two consecutive years. These treatments also increased the content of organic matter, total nitrogen, and hydrolyzed nitrogen in the topsoil layer, while reducing the residual inorganic nitrogen below the plow layer. The researchers concluded that the combination of controlled release with conventional urea under 80% conventional fertilization conditions was the best fertilization measure for wheat-corn rotation in yellow-brown soil areas. [Extracted from the article]

The article explores the impact of crop rotation on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in agriculture, emphasizing the role of nitrogen-fixing legumes, diverse rotation systems, and livestock integration in reducing emissions. Topics include the comparison of different crop rotation systems in terms of emissions, the connection between nitrogen fertilizers and GHG emissions, and the economic and yield benefits of well-designed crop rotations.

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The article discusses how the New Zealand hemp forest becomes a medium to industrial market potential. It mentions their inspiration, how they get an idea, the timeline of their journey to convert barren land into hemp forest, and supports it with some scientific research on industrial hemp. It suggests the advantages of the plant including carbon absorption potential.

Preliminary findings showed less CH 4 is oxidised in the soil when nitrogen was applied as against soil receiving fym or that with neither fertiliser nor manure. Every year since then, researchers from the institute have sown winter wheat on all or some parts of the field to compare crop yields, when grown using inorganic fertilisers with those when grown using organic or farmyard manure (fym). The aim of the Broadbalk experiment is to test the effects of different organic and inorganic fertilisers on soil fertility and study the optimum nutrition requirements to improve crop yield. [Extracted from the article]

Researchers from the University of Santiago de Compostela have conducted a study on sustainable food and agriculture in Morocco. The study focuses on the environmental benefits of incorporating chickpea and lentils into crop rotation systems, as opposed to traditional wheat monoculture. The research found that crop rotations significantly reduce environmental impacts, particularly in terms of stratospheric ozone depletion and water scarcity. The study provides guidance for formulating crop rotation strategies in arid regions and suggests that future research should assess the effects of agriculture on ecosystem services. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the widespread protests by farmers across Europe, particularly in France, Germany, and Romania, who are demonstrating against the European Union's (EU) agricultural policies and the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on their livelihoods. Topics discussed include farmers' objections to EU sustainability policies, the disruption of trade routes due to the conflict, and calls for revisions to the Common Agricultural Policy and trade agreements with Ukraine.

Researchers at Jember University have published a new report on sustainable food and agriculture. The research focuses on the use of smart crop rotation to combat the fragility of plant systems caused by climate change. The study proposes the use of artificial intelligence technology, specifically the Simple Multi Attribute Rating Technique (SMART) method, to optimize the scheduling of crop rotation. The research concludes that the application of the SMART method has an accuracy rate of 90% in determining the ranking of plant replacements in crop rotation. [Extracted from the article]

A study conducted in Wisconsin examined the impact of crop rotation on greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from agricultural soils. The researchers compared three long-term systems: continuous corn, corn-soybean rotation, and corn-soybean-wheat rotation. They found that nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, the largest portion of GHG emissions from nitrogen fertilizer applications, were reduced with diversified corn-based crop rotations compared to continuous corn. The study suggests that two- and three-year corn-based rotations can effectively manage GHG emissions, particularly N2O emissions, and contribute to mitigating climate change in agriculture. [Extracted from the article]

A recent study conducted in the North China Plain has found that diversifying crop rotation can increase food production, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve soil health. The study, funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China and the Hebei Province Key Research and Development Program, demonstrated the benefits of incorporating cash crops and legumes into traditional cereal monoculture. The researchers found that diversified rotations increased yield by up to 38%, reduced NO emissions by 39%, and improved the system's greenhouse gas balance by 88%. Additionally, including legumes in crop rotations stimulated soil microbial activities, increased soil organic carbon stocks by 8%, and enhanced soil health. The adoption of diversified cropping systems in the North China Plain could potentially increase cereal production by 32% and farmer income by 20% while benefiting the environment. The study highlights the significance of crop diversification for long-term agricultural resilience and soil health. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the agricultural benefits and uses of lupins in crop-pasture rotations, highlighting their role in soil improvement, livestock feed production, and conservation agriculture. Topics covered include the different species of lupins, their growth requirements, optimal planting times, and their value as rotation crops, pasture crops, and silage crops.

The use of resistant cultivars against Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris (Xcc) is considered a critical management practice for black rot (BR) management in cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Although most studies that have evaluated resistance to BR were conducted in greenhouses without accounting for yield, there is a clear need to investigate cultivar performance under field conditions. The objectives of this study were to evaluate commercial cabbage cultivars for resistance to BR and determine yield and head quality under field conditions. Field experiments with eight cultivars (Acclaim, Bravo, Capture, Celebrate, Cheers, Melissa, Monterey, and TCA-549) were conducted in two cabbage growing seasons, Fall 2018 and Spring 2019. Fields were spray-inoculated with Xcc (3 × 105 cfu/mL) at 35 and 49 days after transplanting in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, respectively. Cabbage BR severitywas evaluated at weekly intervals starting from 7 days postinoculation (DPI) until harvest. Marketable and unmarketable yields and cabbage head quality were measured at harvest. Cabbage BR symptoms were detected in all tested cultivars for both growing seasons with initial symptoms observed as early as 28 and 21 DPI in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, respectively. Severity of cabbage BR at harvest was significantly greater in Fall 2018 compared with Spring 2019, whereas marketable yield was significantly higher in Spring 2019 (45,169 lb/acre) compared with Fall 2018 (26,370 lb/acre). In both growing seasons, 'TCA-549' had the lowest severity of BR and 'Melissa' had the highest severity of BR. Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC)was 175 and 13 for 'TCA-549' in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019, respectively. The AUDPC for 'Melissa' in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019 were 2376 and 905, respectively. Regardless of growing season, cabbage marketable yield was higher for 'Acclaim' (51,760 lb/acre) compared with all other cultivars; however, there was no significant difference between Acclaim and TCA-549 (42,934 lb/acre) for cabbage marketable yield. Cabbage marketable yieldwas the lowest for cultivarsMelissa (18,275 lb/acre) and Capture (24,236 lb/acre). Overall, there was a significant correlation between BR disease severity and cabbage marketable and unmarketable yields. Increasing the BR severity decreased cabbage marketability due to an increase in unmarketable yields. Continued development of cultivar resistance to BR is important for cabbage production in the southeastern United States, given the favorable conditions for disease development. The use of cultivars with low susceptibility, pathogen-free seeds, crop rotation, and proper spraying programs should be considered the best management practice for BR disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]