Can Dryland Farming Help Growers Endure Increasing Heatwaves and Drought?
Indigenous practitioners around the world have farmed with only rainwater for millennia. But it’s unclear whether conventional agriculture, which relies heavily on irrigation, will learn any of their lessons.
Facing Another Drought, California Proposes Buying Out Farmers’ Water Rights
Lawmakers are considering using part of the state’s $100-billion budget surplus to buy water rights back from farmers, putting money in their pockets while keeping water in rivers for endangered fish.
The Past, Present and Future of the West’s Water Woes
Western states are getting hotter and drier each year, with little to no water to support agricultural operations. How did we get here, and where do we go?
High Winds Are Rattling US Farmers This Spring
Farmers aren’t just battling water issues. They’re losing topsoil, moisture and crop residue, on top of other wind-related issues.
Can Biodigesters Save America’s Small Dairy Farms?
The sustainable technology presents an opportunity to turn cow manure and food waste into renewable energy and added income. But biodigesters are not always easy to operate, and they can be costly to replace.
Agriculture’s Water Challenge Is About to Get a Lot Worse
A new study estimates that water scarcity will worsen in more than 80 percent of croplands by 2050.
Methane Emissions From Belching Cows Seen From Space
Satellite technology traced the source to a feedlot in California. It’s the first time methane outputs have been measured in this manner.
Insect Populations Are Shrinking. Big Agriculture and Climate Change Are to Blame
A new study finds that the number of insects, including important pollinators, has declined by nearly 50 percent in certain areas.
What Can Be Done About the Phosphorus Crisis?
Global supplies of one of the main ingredients of fertilizer are running low, but researchers believe that restoring wildlife populations could help address the shortage.
