Steve
@steveharing.bsky.social
Independent agronomist 🌾🌱 Undisciplined scientist 🔬🧩 Apple grower 🍎🚜 Nature lover 🌎🌄
VirginiaAg.com
VirginiaAg.com
Enjoyed some (unseasonable) warmth this afternoon, following an exceptionally cold start to December
December 18, 2025 at 12:16 AM
Enjoyed some (unseasonable) warmth this afternoon, following an exceptionally cold start to December
"Reliance on plastic is an unfortunate reality of modern farming. One September 2025 study estimated that US farmers account for 2.7% of the country’s plastic use, going through nearly 1.6 million tons every year" ambrook.com/offrange/sus...
The Farmers Trying to Ditch Plastic - Offrange
Solving agriculture’s plastic problem isn’t easy — particularly for organic farmers — but some growers are finding ways to be less wasteful.
ambrook.com
December 17, 2025 at 4:58 PM
"Reliance on plastic is an unfortunate reality of modern farming. One September 2025 study estimated that US farmers account for 2.7% of the country’s plastic use, going through nearly 1.6 million tons every year" ambrook.com/offrange/sus...
Reposted by Steve
🌱From NeoBiota: Common garden tests show invasive grasses do not consistently grow faster or reproduce more in new ranges, challenging simple trait based explanations of invasion success. (Jennifer L. Funk)
▶️ neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1628...
#PlantScience
▶️ neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1628...
#PlantScience
Invasive grasses do not always exhibit superior and faster plant life-history traits in the introduced range than in the native range
Many invasive plants are larger, and produce more seeds in populations from the introduced range compared to those from their native range. Annual invasive plants might also benefit in their introduce...
neobiota.pensoft.net
December 16, 2025 at 7:03 PM
🌱From NeoBiota: Common garden tests show invasive grasses do not consistently grow faster or reproduce more in new ranges, challenging simple trait based explanations of invasion success. (Jennifer L. Funk)
▶️ neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1628...
#PlantScience
▶️ neobiota.pensoft.net/article/1628...
#PlantScience
Reposted by Steve
The entire glyphosate (Roundup herbicide) saga is an appalling example of politicized science and motivated reasoning. Now key anti-Roundup papers AND key pro-Roundup papers have been retracted. Worse, I'd be willing to take odds that partisans of both sides will be completely unbothered by this.
December 3, 2025 at 4:25 PM
The entire glyphosate (Roundup herbicide) saga is an appalling example of politicized science and motivated reasoning. Now key anti-Roundup papers AND key pro-Roundup papers have been retracted. Worse, I'd be willing to take odds that partisans of both sides will be completely unbothered by this.
pretty interesting to see a retraction after 2+ decades and 1000+ citations. Journal pulled it b/c of ethical concerns (undisclosed contributions from the manufacturer), apparently not b/c of new data or research - though they do cite relevant unpublished studies that were available but not included
Boy, retraction is the thing these days. After years of critique, a foundational 25-year old paper on the safety of glyphosate herbicide has been pulled. www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti... 1/2
December 3, 2025 at 4:51 PM
pretty interesting to see a retraction after 2+ decades and 1000+ citations. Journal pulled it b/c of ethical concerns (undisclosed contributions from the manufacturer), apparently not b/c of new data or research - though they do cite relevant unpublished studies that were available but not included
"Although it is generally accepted that some components of crop residues degrade more easily, it is not always possible to establish significant relationships between these components and decomposition or nutrient release rates." doi.org/10.1002/agj2...
Carbon and nitrogen release from cover crop roots is poorly predicted by their chemical composition
Decomposition and N release from summer cover crop roots were evaluated over 2 years in a field experiment.
Most of the N release from the roots occurred within the first 21 days of decomposition.
C.....
doi.org
December 3, 2025 at 3:35 PM
"Although it is generally accepted that some components of crop residues degrade more easily, it is not always possible to establish significant relationships between these components and decomposition or nutrient release rates." doi.org/10.1002/agj2...
"The researchers had two main assumptions: that the organic orchards would have greater soil diversity..., and that organic soils would be closer to samples taken from unfarmed native soils...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
Are organic apples better for the soil? Study challenges assumptions.
Researchers found only minor microbial differences between organic and conventional soils, suggesting that individual farming techniques, not labels, drive ecological outcomes.
www.anthropocenemagazine.org
December 1, 2025 at 8:08 PM
"The researchers had two main assumptions: that the organic orchards would have greater soil diversity..., and that organic soils would be closer to samples taken from unfarmed native soils...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
On both counts, these assumptions proved to be wrong. "
www.anthropocenemagazine.org/2025/11/orga...
"…despite two decades of conservation-tillage and no-tillage practices in highly productive continuous maize and maize-soybean cropping systems, there were no significant changes in soil organic carbon" doi.org/10.1002/agg2...
Soil organic carbon trends in US Midwest continuous maize and maize–soybean systems over 20 years
Both irrigated continuous maize (CM) and maize–soybean (MS) had no detectable change in soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks during 2001–2020. All three methods of SOC measurements diverge in estimating...
doi.org
December 1, 2025 at 4:03 PM
"…despite two decades of conservation-tillage and no-tillage practices in highly productive continuous maize and maize-soybean cropping systems, there were no significant changes in soil organic carbon" doi.org/10.1002/agg2...
Reposted by Steve
At least six Western conservation groups have abruptly lost their federal grant funding, threatening efforts to restore habitats, protect at-risk species, and support small farmers.
After Trump cuts, seeds sit in the warehouse - High Country News
Western groups lose federal grants for urgent restoration and conservation projects.
buff.ly
November 27, 2025 at 12:00 AM
At least six Western conservation groups have abruptly lost their federal grant funding, threatening efforts to restore habitats, protect at-risk species, and support small farmers.
A year ago (before I was on bsky), my photo essay about the late harvest season in California's Central Valley was published in Edge Effects edgeeffects.net/central-vall...
Capturing Precarity & Plenty in California’s Central Valley - Edge Effects
Steven Haring captures the instabilities of agriculture in Central Valley as human systems test the limits of natural systems.
edgeeffects.net
November 26, 2025 at 11:29 PM
A year ago (before I was on bsky), my photo essay about the late harvest season in California's Central Valley was published in Edge Effects edgeeffects.net/central-vall...
Reposted by Steve
Quite a metaphor. 👀
"The blaze [sent] panicked delegates racing to evacuate...rain from a torrential downpour leaked into the meeting spaces...There were complaints about food shortages, & the air-conditioning struggled to keep up with the high heat..."
"The blaze [sent] panicked delegates racing to evacuate...rain from a torrential downpour leaked into the meeting spaces...There were complaints about food shortages, & the air-conditioning struggled to keep up with the high heat..."
Fire Breaks Out at COP30 Climate Talks in Brazil
Delegates were evacuated from the conference venue, where thousands from nearly 200 countries had gathered.
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 7:36 PM
Quite a metaphor. 👀
"The blaze [sent] panicked delegates racing to evacuate...rain from a torrential downpour leaked into the meeting spaces...There were complaints about food shortages, & the air-conditioning struggled to keep up with the high heat..."
"The blaze [sent] panicked delegates racing to evacuate...rain from a torrential downpour leaked into the meeting spaces...There were complaints about food shortages, & the air-conditioning struggled to keep up with the high heat..."
Nice day to be in a barley field
November 19, 2025 at 5:52 PM
Nice day to be in a barley field
Reposted by Steve
🍇 From UC Davis: Study finds cabernet sauvignon still carries stable epigenetic marks from its parent varieties, revealing centuries-long molecular memory in clonally propagated vines. (Dario Cantù, Carole Meredith)
▶️ www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/ca...
#Viticulture #Genetics
▶️ www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/ca...
#Viticulture #Genetics
Cabernet Sauvignon’s Long Memory Revealed
UC Davis scientists find chemical "switches" that control gene expression in cabernet sauvignon remain stable across hundreds of years of clonal reproduction.
www.ucdavis.edu
November 18, 2025 at 7:14 PM
🍇 From UC Davis: Study finds cabernet sauvignon still carries stable epigenetic marks from its parent varieties, revealing centuries-long molecular memory in clonally propagated vines. (Dario Cantù, Carole Meredith)
▶️ www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/ca...
#Viticulture #Genetics
▶️ www.ucdavis.edu/food/news/ca...
#Viticulture #Genetics
"He is laser-focused on not just the idea of place, but also the practical implications of achieving it." www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/loca...
Local biodiversity proves the secret to new Viña Artesano wines
Viña Artesano has researched local flora to help its sustainably made wines become "the most Mendoza wines you can make".
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:52 AM
"He is laser-focused on not just the idea of place, but also the practical implications of achieving it." www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/loca...
A legendary randonneur www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/77-y...
77-year-old French cyclist survives three days in ravine with wine
A 77-year-old man from southern France has survived three days trapped in a ravine after a 40-metre fall, sustained only by the contents of his shopping bag, including bottles of wine.
www.thedrinksbusiness.com
November 18, 2025 at 1:48 AM
A legendary randonneur www.thedrinksbusiness.com/2025/11/77-y...
'Lavender oil repelled spotted lanternfly in early September on Vitis hybrid ‘Traminette’... We also observed SLF shift preference to V. hybrid ‘Traminette’ over V. vinifera ‘Syrah’ in late September, which may be attributed to cultivar preference or senescence timing...' doi.org/10.1093/jee/...
Potential for plant-derived semiochemicals to repel spotted lanternfly (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae) from cultivated grapevines
Abstract. Spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula White [Hemiptera: Fulgoridae]) is a large piercing-sucking insect, native to Asia and invasive in the Unit
doi.org
November 17, 2025 at 2:33 PM
'Lavender oil repelled spotted lanternfly in early September on Vitis hybrid ‘Traminette’... We also observed SLF shift preference to V. hybrid ‘Traminette’ over V. vinifera ‘Syrah’ in late September, which may be attributed to cultivar preference or senescence timing...' doi.org/10.1093/jee/...
"Pollinator-dependent crops benefited from diverse landscapes and greater temperature variability, whereas non-dependent crops showed more stable yields under simpler cropping systems and stable temperatures." doi.org/10.1111/1365...
Landscape and crop diversity contributes to greater yield stability
These findings underscore the importance of promoting crop diversity and maintaining heterogeneous agricultural landscapes, particularly in pollinator-dependent crops. Promoting diverse agricultural ....
doi.org
November 14, 2025 at 4:53 PM
"Pollinator-dependent crops benefited from diverse landscapes and greater temperature variability, whereas non-dependent crops showed more stable yields under simpler cropping systems and stable temperatures." doi.org/10.1111/1365...
"Soil health" is a term that has really started emerging in research over the last decade doi.org/10.1002/saj2...
Is soil health research meeting its potential? Analysis of studies in California and implications for ecosystem services
Soil health studies often overlook the physical dimension. Research on soil quality has been equally or more comprehensive than soil health. Biological indicators gained importance in soil health as...
doi.org
November 13, 2025 at 7:32 PM
"Soil health" is a term that has really started emerging in research over the last decade doi.org/10.1002/saj2...
Downwind Drift from Grape Airblast Spray Applications: Field Evaluation to Support Mechanistic Model Development
doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2025.25005 Air blast sprayers producing meaningful drift 500'+ downwind from application
doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2025.25005 Air blast sprayers producing meaningful drift 500'+ downwind from application
Downwind Drift from Grape Airblast Spray Applications: Field Evaluation to Support Mechanistic Model Development
Background and goals Pesticide drift and its potential for human and environmental exposure are of significant concern during vineyard airblast spray applications. This study aimed to quantify drift f...
doi.org
November 6, 2025 at 4:04 PM
Downwind Drift from Grape Airblast Spray Applications: Field Evaluation to Support Mechanistic Model Development
doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2025.25005 Air blast sprayers producing meaningful drift 500'+ downwind from application
doi.org/10.5344/ajev.2025.25005 Air blast sprayers producing meaningful drift 500'+ downwind from application
Got some wildflower test plots planted in my home orchard ahead of this afternoon's rain
October 29, 2025 at 9:29 PM
Got some wildflower test plots planted in my home orchard ahead of this afternoon's rain
Got some Kernza and Salish blue in the ground for a small perennial wheat trial I'm running here in Central VA. Looking forward to seeing what comes up
October 24, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Got some Kernza and Salish blue in the ground for a small perennial wheat trial I'm running here in Central VA. Looking forward to seeing what comes up
Identifying deep leverage points to destabilize ‘lock-in’ and empower farmers in the Midwestern agrifood system
doi.org/10.1007/s104... "the objective of this is not the production itself; the objective is for people to thrive, beginning with the farmers, the people that do this."
doi.org/10.1007/s104... "the objective of this is not the production itself; the objective is for people to thrive, beginning with the farmers, the people that do this."
Identifying deep leverage points to destabilize ‘lock-in’ and empower farmers in the Midwestern agrifood system - Agriculture and Human Values
Agricultural systems in the Upper Midwest region of the US are highly productive by some measures. Yet at the same time, these systems do not adequately sustain farmers, rural communities, or land and...
doi.org
October 22, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Identifying deep leverage points to destabilize ‘lock-in’ and empower farmers in the Midwestern agrifood system
doi.org/10.1007/s104... "the objective of this is not the production itself; the objective is for people to thrive, beginning with the farmers, the people that do this."
doi.org/10.1007/s104... "the objective of this is not the production itself; the objective is for people to thrive, beginning with the farmers, the people that do this."
Reposted by Steve
UC Davis scientists developed wheat plants that stimulate the production of their own fertilizer by using the gene-editing tool CRISPR, opening the path toward less air and water pollution worldwide and lower costs for farmers: ucdav.is/471PBwz
#FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science
#FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science
Wheat That Makes Its Own Fertilizer
UC Davis scientists have developed wheat plants that produce their own fertilizer, opening the door for less air and water pollution and lower costs for farmers.
ucdav.is
October 21, 2025 at 10:28 PM
UC Davis scientists developed wheat plants that stimulate the production of their own fertilizer by using the gene-editing tool CRISPR, opening the path toward less air and water pollution worldwide and lower costs for farmers: ucdav.is/471PBwz
#FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science
#FromLabsToLives #SpeakUp4Science
Amino acids as fertilizer for agronomic crops: The next green revolution? doi.org/10.1002/agj2... "…results could point the way for the development of agronomic fertilizers produced by biosynthesis as opposed to the Haber–Bosch process and a positively charged N source that would resist leaching…"
Amino acids as fertilizer for agronomic crops: The next green revolution?
Amino acids could potentially replace inorganic fertilizers for agronomic crops. Corn (Zea mays L.) grows equally well with L-lysine as the N source as with ammonium nitrate. The positively charged ...
doi.org
October 21, 2025 at 9:10 PM
Amino acids as fertilizer for agronomic crops: The next green revolution? doi.org/10.1002/agj2... "…results could point the way for the development of agronomic fertilizers produced by biosynthesis as opposed to the Haber–Bosch process and a positively charged N source that would resist leaching…"
Reposted by Steve
Are you familiar with "microbials," the tiny biological products being sold to farmers with the promise of higher yields and greater plant health? It's a promising billion-dollar industry — without much oversight.
Researcher Brianna Almeida digs in:
ambrook.com/offrange/tec...
Researcher Brianna Almeida digs in:
ambrook.com/offrange/tec...
Should Farmers Use Microbial Biological Products? It Depends. - Offrange
Microbial products made for improving crop growth, also known as biologicals, are a billion-dollar industry, but the promises touted by these products might be too good to be true.
ambrook.com
October 19, 2025 at 5:15 PM
Are you familiar with "microbials," the tiny biological products being sold to farmers with the promise of higher yields and greater plant health? It's a promising billion-dollar industry — without much oversight.
Researcher Brianna Almeida digs in:
ambrook.com/offrange/tec...
Researcher Brianna Almeida digs in:
ambrook.com/offrange/tec...