Mar 01, 2021
The discovery of leaking barrels of DDT in ocean dumping shows the potential for ongoing harm

DDT is an insecticide commonly used to control mosquito-transmitted malaria in the 1900s, but was eventually banned across the globe because of extremely adverse side effects on human and...

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Feb 08, 2021
Long-term organic management reduces soil-borne diseases and increases crop production

A recent study published in the journal Biologia adds to the growing body of evidence showing organic farming improves microbial conditions in the soil that, in turn, increases disease control and...

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Feb 01, 2021
Mental models reveal farmers who use systems-based thinking use more conservation practices

Many farming practices promote conservation of important natural functions like planting vegetation to support pollinators and natural enemies to pests, and using cover crops to promote soil...

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Nov 23, 2020
Organic shade-grown cacao systems store more biomass and carbon than conventional shade-grown cacao

As the demand for chocolate has grown, so has the intensification of cacao production, which has significantly driven deforestation in tropical regions. Shade...

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Oct 26, 2020
Organically managed honey bees have healthier gene activity than conventional honey bees

Honey bee health is affected by a myriad of factors including the diversity and quality of food available to them, exposure to pesticides, and attacks by parasites and diseases. Genetic activity...

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Aug 24, 2020
Production of organic cotton is more profitable and less risky than GM cotton

Genetically modified cotton is widely grown throughout China, South Africa, India and the U.S. Science on the environmental, social and public health effects of GM cotton has mixed  results with...

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Aug 10, 2020
Soil under organic management supports beneficial bacteria reducing heavy metal accumulation

It is well known that synthetic fertilizers and pesticides used in conventional agriculture adversely impact beneficial biodiversity both above and below ground. The heavy metals in these...

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Aug 03, 2020
Thai rice farmers rank environmental concern top reason to farm organically

While many countries are implementing incentive programs to expand organic farming, it is important to understand why farmers are willing to adopt organic practices (...

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Jul 06, 2020
Plant extracts that naturally increase crop resistance to disease provide a promising alternative to harmful fungicides

Powdery mildew is a hard to control fungus that can devastate a wide range of crops from cucumbers and zucchini to almonds and berries. Typical management of this disease includes the use of...

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Jun 15, 2020
Guidance for reducing loss of reactive nitrogen in organic farming systems

A new review, led by The Organic Center and published in the journal Organic Agriculture, highlights the benefits that organic farming has in reducing global nitrogen pollution, and details ways...

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