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crop yields

11/13/2018 / By Janine Acero

Soils treated with organic fertilizer are healthier; produce stronger plants

Come to any local gardening center and you may see rows and rows of plant- and animal-based fertilizers that boast of faster growth, beautiful blooms, or abundant produce from your plants. But which type of fertilizer can actually deliver these promises? A study published in the journal Biological Agriculture & Horticulture assessed the effect of plant- and animal-based soil amendments […]

10/13/2018 / By David Williams

Use of compost and cover crops improves soil nutrients, helps mitigate the impact of extreme weather on vegetable crops

The benefits of using cover crops and compost in growing all sorts of plants have been known for a long time. However, the effects of adding them in specific configurations haven’t exactly been well-studied. In fact, certain long-term impacts of adding organic matter through cover crops (CC) and compost in the soil are poorly understood. […]

10/07/2018 / By Zoey Sky

Charcoal-enriched soil improves maize yield

Adding biochar to farm soil can help boost maize yield, according to research. The study, which was published in the European Journal of Agronomy, showed that the addition of biochar to Belgian farm soil was linked to a considerable increase in maize/corn (Zea mays) yield. The study authors explained that historical charcoal, or biochar, can boost maize yield […]

09/12/2018 / By Edsel Cook

Investigating the optimum soil and water characteristics to achieve the highest yield potential of “Spunta” potatoes

Saudi researchers sought to determine the texture and characteristics of soil that can improve the productivity of potato crops. They compiled a soil and water quality index (SWQI) that established the optimal soil and water characteristics for maximizing crop yield and quality. The research project was supported by the King Saud University. Its results came […]

09/08/2018 / By Ellaine Castillo

Comparing organic vs. conventional farming on plant yield and nutritional content

Researchers have found that the treatment of soil for organic farming increases its biochemical quality and makes it more sustainable in the long run. In this study, published in the Archives of Agronomy and Soil Science, organic and conventional means of farming were compared based on onion yield, biochemical quality, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial […]

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