Latest news with #CornellAgriTech
Yahoo
21-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers discover unexpected benefit of new trend in lawn care: 'Can be a hotspot'
Researchers have made a surprising discovery about maintaining traditional lawns, showing that the less they're messed with, the better the food chain can become. reported on a new study from Cornell AgriTech that was published in Urban Forestry & Urban Greening showed less intense management of lawns, like mowing and adding pesticides and fertilizers, has resulted in a greater diversity of organisms in the soil, meaning a stronger food web and overall soil health. Cornell AgriTech tested the campus lawn in high-, medium-, and low-maintenance categories over the course of two years, measuring a variety of factors. Hayden Bock, a postdoctoral scholar, noted they found 87 different types of soil organisms, adding: "It's hard to find 87 species of animals, or even insects, above ground in such a small area, but below ground, there's a wealth of biodiversity that people may not be aware of. Turfgrasses can be a hotspot for biodiversity, even in highly urbanized landscapes." Traditional monoculture lawns can be an option to provide green space and environmental benefits, but they don't necessarily make up for the benefits provided by native plants and yards. As ScienceDirect noted with the study, they "did not observe changes to soil microbial biomass or carbon or nitrogen decomposition, all aspects of soil ecosystem functioning which are mediated by soil fauna." They also mentioned that "turf aesthetic assessments" decreased with lower maintenance. Native plants provide a low maintenance and, more often than not, aesthetically pleasing way to manage your lawn. They provide better water and soil retention as well as storing excess carbon, according to the American Society of Landscape Architects. Pollinators also thrive with native plants, as they provide food and shelter for bees, birds, and bats, and help spread pollen to plants, ensuring their growth cycles. The lower maintenance requirements are also a money saver, lowering water bills and fuel costs for lawnmowers. Some natural lawn options, like clover lawns, only need to be mowed twice a year. If you want to upgrade to a natural lawn, check out this guide here. If you were to switch from a grass lawn to a more natural option, which of these factors would be your primary motivation? Making it look better Saving money on water and maintenance Helping pollinators No way I ever get rid of my lawn Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Yahoo
15-03-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Farmers grapple with unpredictable harvests as seasons become erratic: 'This is kind of scary'
Warmer average temperatures in autumn and "false" springs are disrupting the signals grapevines need to blossom effectively, raising concerns for grape growers and winemakers in New York, per an article on from Cornell University. Rising global temperatures caused by the climate crisis are affecting grape yields, according to new research from Cornell AgriTech. "In New York, we are right at the coldest edge that grapevines can tolerate, so as things get warmer, it's great for the middle of winter, but it's not great for the spring and fall, because it messes with the signaling grapes need," said Jason Londo, associate professor in the School of Integrative Plant Science, Horticulture Section, at Cornell AgriTech in the article. The new research, published in the Journal of Experimental Botany, included the study of 31 grape varieties over a period of three years. Researchers wanted to know which external signals and genetic pathways inform grapevines that it's time to grow buds for the spring. They concluded that wild grape varieties that adapted to survival in the cold of Northern winters were most vulnerable to late frosts since they were quickest to develop buds in the spring. The team also found that commercial hybrids including these wild varieties were almost as vulnerable. "And this is kind of scary because for decades we've been breeding and planting grapes for deep midwinter hardiness, which brings along with it this trait of waking up early. But now our winters are getting warmer and more erratic, so those cultivars are more at risk for late frost damage," Londo said in the article. As the climate crisis worsens, rising global temperatures are affecting our food supply, impacting farms and those who depend on crop yields for their livelihood. Less product also leads to higher costs at grocery stores. The overheating of our planet affects other plant life as well, disrupting ecosystems and damaging entire food webs. Research can help inform new farming practices to adapt to our changing weather, and encourage reforms to reduce pollution. What is the biggest reason you don't grow food at home? Not enough time Not enough space It seems too hard I have a garden already Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. One key change farmers can make in the face of rising temperatures is planting a diverse variety of crops, Londo explained. While farmers adapt to current changes, other major efforts will be critical to reduce pollution. Countries working to decarbonize and major companies expanding their work to decrease pollution output could make a huge impact for the future. In our daily lives, we can each do our part by electrifying our homes and vehicles, reducing consumption, and recycling. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
