Latest news with #JournalofAppliedEcology
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Researchers make stunning discovery after studying wildlife living near wineries: 'Can be further enhanced'
Researchers make stunning discovery after studying wildlife living near wineries: 'Can be further enhanced' A team of researchers from the HUN-REN Center for Ecological Research and the University of Milan recently established a connection between vineyard ecosystems and local bird and bat species. The HUN-REN Center's mission is to support biodiversity research, and it is resolute in the understanding that a more informed public can make better environmental decisions. Published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, their study addressed one part of the ongoing problem of habitat reconfiguration — that is, when natural landscapes are repurposed into human-oriented mechanisms. In an agricultural context specifically, it's crucial that we maintain a balance between crop yields for human needs and ecological sustainability, a balance these researchers aimed to identify within vineyards. In addition to being land-replenishing pollinators, birds and bats serve as natural predators, keeping pests in check while supporting beneficial arthropod species. Per it's a predisposition that can serve to our benefit as well, when it comes to vineyards and other agricultural endeavors — and by monitoring and recording bird and bat activity against arthropod activity across various Hungarian vineyards, these researchers worked to prove just that. By demonstrating that predatory birds and bats regulate pest populations on behalf of farmers, the team is encouraging the protection of these species by vineyard management, hoping that humans can work with birds and bats rather than allowing vineyards to devolve into sites of human-animal conflict. The researchers called for the sustenance of these agricultural projects without the use of synthetic pesticides — after all, why turn to polluting and often harmful chemicals when the natural solution is just as effective, requires fewer resources, and brings about less contamination to the air and soil? Uncontrolled pesticide use not only leaks toxic contaminants into the soil to kill pests, but also leaves lingering traces in the affected plants and the atmosphere of the region, posing risks to human health. Exposure through the food we eat and the air we breathe leaves us vulnerable to a variety of health concerns, ranging from reproductive damage to cancers. Moreover, the ripple effects of pesticides have lowered biodiversity around the world, destablizing ecosystems. The HUN-REN Center seeks to make its ecological findings more mainstream, bridging the gap between the discipline of environmental research and the average individual. If more of us can become cognizant of the issues infiltrating every step of our daily lives — from the pollutants we consume to the wine we drink — we can prove better-equipped to encourage our environmental authorities to address them. HUN-REN, specifically, is involved closely with the European Union. Research author Péter Batáry summed it up for "Pest control services can be further enhanced through organic management, which avoids herbicides and synthetic insecticides, thereby facilitating the colonization of beneficial arthropods and strengthening pest predation pressure in vineyards." Do you worry about pesticides in your food? All the time Sometimes Not really I only eat organic 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 the daily Crossword
Yahoo
28-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Scientists develop bizarre new plan to control pesky winged pests: 'We need effective strategies ... to minimize the damage'
Barnacle geese may look harmless, but for farmers in Finland, these migratory birds have become a costly nuisance. Scientists have come up with an unusual but promising solution: designated feeding fields that lure geese away from crops while keeping them well fed elsewhere, according to A recent study published in the Journal of Applied Ecology and conducted by researchers from the University of Turku and the Natural Resources Institute Finland found that using a combination of "accommodation fields" — where geese are encouraged to feed — and "repelling fields" — where geese are actively deterred — could significantly reduce crop damage. This approach might make things a little easier for farmers dealing with geese while ensuring the birds have enough to eat. Should the government be able to control how we heat our homes? Definitely Only if it saves money I'm not sure No way Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. The barnacle goose population has grown a lot over the years thanks to conservation efforts, hunting bans, and changes in the climate. But with more geese around, farmers have been hit hard, losing crops and getting nearly €4 million ($4.3 million) a year from the Finnish government to cover the damage. Researchers tracking geese movements with GPS technology found that when given the option, the birds preferred to forage in designated accommodation fields, reducing their presence in repelling fields and farmlands that need protection. "We need effective strategies to proactively mitigate the conflict and methods to minimize the damage," said professor Jukka Forsman from the Natural Resources Institute Finland. The study suggests that teaming up with farmers to set up specific feeding areas could be a solution to handle the problem long term. Other places have tried similar ideas with good results. In the Netherlands, there are areas for geese to eat so they stay away from crops, and in the U.S., there are habitat-based plans to keep deer and elk from messing with farmland. These examples show that finding a balance between protecting wildlife and helping farmers can work out well for everyone. Setting up designated feeding areas based on research could help farmers save their crops while making room for wildlife. As scientists keep improving this idea, it could end up being a better way to handle these kinds of conflicts in more places. 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
23-02-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Researchers make astonishing discovery after examining bird droppings found on lettuce crops: 'We wanted to find out the true risk'
Bird poop on your lettuce might not be as risky as you think. Researchers at the University of California, Davis found that small bird droppings aren't much of a food safety risk for crops, pushing back against long-held fears that wildlife near farms could spread harmful pathogens such as E. coli, as reported on This is good news for farmers and anyone who loves leafy greens, showing that not all bird poop means trouble for your food. Since a major E. coli outbreak shook the leafy greens industry in 2006, growers have been under pressure to eliminate natural habitats near farms to keep wildlife away from crops. But the research, published in the Journal of Applied Ecology, suggests that not all bird droppings are created equal — and size matters more than species. "We wanted to find out the true risk of wild birds to food safety," said the study's lead author, Austin Spence. "If it's the size of a quarter, don't harvest near that. If it's a tiny white speck, it's very low risk and probably fine," Spence added. The study found that pathogens are much more likely to survive in the larger droppings of big birds such as turkeys, while tiny droppings from smaller birds such as sparrows and bluebirds dry out quickly and don't provide a hospitable environment for bacteria. This finding is a big deal for farmers, who often lose crops because of overly cautious food safety rules. Knowing that small bird droppings carry minimal risk means growers can cut down on unnecessary waste and feel more confident keeping wildlife-friendly practices on their farms. Researchers even estimate that farmers could harvest up to 10% more of their fields by skipping no-harvest zones around low-risk droppings. At the same time, farmers are finding easy, eco-friendly ways to protect their crops without relying on harsh chemicals. They can bring in helpful bugs to keep pests in check instead of using pesticides. They can also place orange peels to keep pests out of their gardens. Research from the University of California suggests that integrating more natural pest control methods can improve crop yields while reducing the environmental impact of farming. What's most encouraging is that farmers can prioritize food safety without giving up conservation efforts. "There have been no studies to date that suggest habitat removal improves food safety," said Daniel Karp, a professor at UC Davis. Do you worry about the quality of the air inside your home? Yes — often Yes — but only sometimes Only when it's bad outside No — I never do Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. In fact, the U.S. Department of Agriculture notes that conservation efforts on private lands not only support healthy ecosystems but also lead to more productive, sustainable farms. The findings show that protecting crops and supporting wildlife can work together. Even bird droppings can shift how we think about balancing food safety with sustainable farming. Sometimes, doing less is all it takes to get better results for our food and the environment. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
