How media impacts digital technology adoption in U.S. and Brazilian agriculture
Digital technologies on the farm improve efficiency, productivity, and profits, but few farmers are taking full advantage of available tools. According to University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign researchers, communication channels play an important role in farmers’ decision-making process around technology adoption.
Hunt for herbicide solution in snap bean reveals master switch for stress resistance
Waterhemp is a nuisance for any crop producer, but in snap bean fields, the weed’s stem segments can break off during harvest, contaminating the crop with inedible look-alike “pods.” Vexingly, snap bean is harmed by many of the herbicides registered for waterhemp, leaving producers with few chemical solutions.
U. of I.’s Agronomy Days: Field days flourish in July and August
The Illinois farming community is invited to hear about the latest research-based tools and practices this summer at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign during the annual Agronomy Days
First of its kind study shines light on LGBTQ+ farmer mental health
LGBTQ+ people involved in farm work are over three times more likely to experience depression and suicidal intent and about two and a half times more likely to experience anxiety than the general population.
New soil moisture study opens door for future satellite remote sensing
A multi-institutional study led by scientists in the Agroecosystem Sustainability Center (ASC) at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign concluded that although soil moisture varies significantly both within a single field and from field to field due to varying soil properties and different management practices, soil moisture distribution relative to the field average remains consistent across time within each field.
Tanzania fertilizer use increased after intervention, but changes were not sustained, study shows
Smallholder farmers in Sub-Saharan Africa tend to use very small amounts of fertilizer, limiting their crop productivity. A 2016 intervention in Tanzania increased farmers’ fertilizer use and their crop yields.
Organic farmers’ beliefs about soil microbiome affect their practices, study shows
Organic farming can support soil microorganisms that promote plant defenses and reduce insect pests. But not all organic practices are equally beneficial for soil microbes, and it’s important to understand farmer motivations in order to encourage the adoption of microbiome-supportive efforts.
University of Illinois Agronomy Days series kicks off this month
Illinois growers have long relied on University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign crop scientists and Extension specialists to deliver research-backed recommendations that optimize productivity, profitability, and sustainability on the farm.