Irrigation in U.S. agriculture helps increase crop yields without expanding cultivated land, which prevents greenhouse gas emissions from converting natural areas. Efficient water use and the adoption of environmentally friendly technologies can further enhance the climate performance of the agricultural sector.
Scientists have used CRISPR technology to create wheat that encourages soil bacteria to naturally fix nitrogen. This breakthrough could reduce fertilizer costs, increase crop yields, and lessen environmental harm.
Scientists have proposed a new method to combat locusts: applying nitrogen fertilizers reduces pest populations while simultaneously increasing crop yields. This approach does not require emergency use of insecticides and remains effective even in the absence of an outbreak.