USDA’s Post

The world of science never sleeps! And Nouman Ahmad Noor is back with his weekly science piece to wake you up to the recent developments in the scientific world for each day of the past week! Learn about the impact of streaks, agriculture and space! So what are you waiting for? Read the article at: https://lnkd.in/d7KWt22r

Please check out this new ERL paper led by Abigail Birnbaum: "Characterizing the multisectoral impacts of future global hydrologic variability". In this work, we introduce a framework that integrates a global stochastic watershed model with the Global Change Analysis Model (GCAM) to characterize uncertainty in future water supply and how that uncertainty propagates across sectors (e.g., agriculture). https://lnkd.in/eiPnhJTg Co-authors: Ghazal Shabestanipour, Mengqi Zhao, Abigail Snyder, Jonathan Lamontagne.

Did you know that sweetpotatoes can be enjoyed year-round thanks to NC State researchers? 🍠 Michael Boyette, professor emeritus in the NC State Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering, made breakthroughs in storage techniques that turned what was initially a seasonal crop into a year-round staple. Through trial and error, Boyette developed the Negative Horizontal Ventilation technique that allows farmers to house large amounts of sweetpotatoes in long-term storage facilities. This method pulls air through pallet bins to keep temperature and humidity at optimal levels despite the changing seasons. Today, North Carolina produces 60% of the nation's sweetpotato supply, and more than 95% of the country utilizes the Negative Horizontal Ventilation technique. Learn more about how NC State helped modernize the sweetpotato industry: http://ncst.at/PuB150UcYOR

Guided by the cautionary tale of "Ananse and the Wisdom Pot," we embarked on a literature expedition to curate the diverse applications of system dynamics modelling in agriculture and food systems, while uncovering key nuggets of wisdom (insights and lessons) that can guide future research. https://lnkd.in/epBfyW_6

"The opening of the new testing lab in Jeffords Hall at #UVM is a game-changer for Vermont's soil research. Previously, testing had to be sent to out-of-state labs. Now, local testing will provide new insights into Vermont's soil conditions and strengthen collaboration between researchers and local farmers, driving sustainable soil management practices. 'Food systems sustainability starts with soil,' said Deb Neher, Plant and Soil Science Professor and a Co-Principal Investigator of SHREC. In addition to nutrient analysis, SHREC will measure biological and physical factors to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil health and bolster #climate change resilience within the regional food system. Once core metrics of soil chemistry, biology and physical properties are well established, the center will explore more advanced chemistry to measure contaminants of emerging concern. SHREC's research will prioritize #Vermont farmers' needs. 'Farmers have a certain baseline level and knowledge,' said Joshua Faulkner, Research Associate Professor in Extension and a Co-Principal Investigator of SHREC. 'But they're hungry to know more, especially about actionable information related to management.'" https://lnkd.in/eTna_KPx #soilscience #research #farmers #foodsystems

✨ Serendipity can lead to careers in agriculture for development with real impact. Prof Glenn Denning from Columbia | SIPA explains how it worked for him with a career from The University of Queensland to International Rice Research Institute, ICRAF, The Earth Institute, Columbia University and now building the next cadre of ag and development practitioners with CGIAR. 🎧 Listen here: https://buff.ly/3jqumKS

To tackle one of biggest global challenges, food security, IU is bringing together biologists, earth scientists, social scientists, economists and humanists who will work collaboratively with global academic and industry partners to highlight the important role insect farming can play in the biomanufacturing industry. Learn more about the efforts lead by School of Science at IU Indianapolis at https://bit.ly/48JJBYE.

Including the More-Than-Human World in Responsible Research and Innovation: Developing a Conceptual Framework A pioneering framework has been proposed to include the “more-than-human-world”, that is land, animals, soil, plants, and water, in Responsible Research and Innovation (RRI). The project led by Drs Catherine Price and Tom Bott saw the gathering of a diverse group of stakeholders at an in-person workshop at the University of Nottingham. The discussions were focused on the inclusion of multiple species and non-living beings in RRI frameworks. Findings from the workshop emphasised the significance of expanding the scope of RRI to embrace a varied ecological perspective. The full report can be accessed via the link below https://lnkd.in/eciRWA5J

Essential reading. Or skip to slide 5 for a snapshot + actions.

Psychedelic Science should listen up 🙌🏽