The Source

These findings demonstrate that plasma-activated water reprograms the root–rhizosphere–nitrogen acquisition continuum to maximize nitrogen use efficiency, providing a mechanistic framework for improving nitrogen acquisition under controlled polyhouse conditions; field validation is required before broad agronomic application.

Plasma technology within the agri-tech sector is a sustainable, chemical-free tool with the potential to improve crop production, plant health and fertiliser systems. Already widely applied in sectors such as healthcare, manufacturing and electronics, plasma is now being investigated for its potential to deliver environmental and economic benefits across agriculture.

The most recent modern variety had the highest grain yield of all varieties but the lowest protein content. At low or medium initial availability of nitrogen, landraces were shown to yield similarly to modern organic varieties, give high and stable protein content, and in addition suppress weeds better and produce higher straw yields.

On-site diagnostics can be used alongside decision support systems and agronomic expertise by providing direct evidence of pathogen presence or absence. Used alongside existing decision support tools, or where DSS information is unavailable or insufficient, these diagnostics could support more informed, targeted and timely disease management decisions.

The trials found that risk was strongly influenced by stock condition and environment, and that natural treatments were generally effective at treating active strike.

A new study suggests that while some principles of conservation agriculture consistently reduce emissions, others can increase them depending on environmental conditions and managementdecisions.

Pea and bean growers are encouraged to sign up to the newly launched Pulse Performance Network (PPN) ahead of autumn drilling.

Two newly published studies from Trinity College Dublin scientists show fungicides can rapidly drive soil microbes to evolve multidrug resistance to clinically important drugs and, when combined with warmer temperatures, disrupt soil microbes in ways that negatively affect plant growth.

During National Rural Crime Action Week 2026, FCN’s Joint Helpline Coordinator Mark Thomas reflects on the impact of rural crime on farmers and farm businesses.

How we generate, store and use energy has always affected land. Now renewables are bringing energy back closer to home, and along with it, new opportunities for positive land use change.

The answer is rarely straightforward. Every farm, estate and rural business has different operational requirements, budgets and long-term objectives. What represents excellent value for one enterprise may be the wrong investment for another.

Taking hemp from niche to mainstream requires coordinated effort: farmers, processors, researchers, and government acting together. With the right support, hemp could emerge as a cornerstone of sustainable industry, reducing reliance on petrochemical products and living up to its promise as the ‘new oil’.