'Miracle Rice' yields decreasing due to environmental changes.

The rice variety known as Miracle rice or IR8 has seen a 15 percent drop in yield since the 1960's. Tests have indicated that its is changes in the environment that have caused this significant decrease, and not the genetic composition. Dr Shaobing Pang carried out the tests on IR8 and stated that the findings demonstrate the need for on going “maintenance” in an ever-changing environment. Read more...

Good Irrigation a way to save water and fertilizer without affecting yield or quality

A project using sensors and decision-supported software, can help to reduce water consumption and fertilizer use without affecting yield and quality. The project known as European FLOW-AID co-ordinated by Wageningen UR Greenhouse Horticulture has shown some interesting results. Read more...