News - Agriculture - Canadian Light Source

New discovery may lead to better vaccines for pork producers

Researchers from University of Manitoba, Leiden University Medical Centre (Netherlands) gain new insights into porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), which costs Canadian pork industry estimated $130M annually.

Nature’s defense against changing climate

UBC researchers identify unique water storage system that protects balsam poplar trees from drought

Fighting food waste: Reducing grain spoilage in storage could help feed growing global population

Synchrotron light enables researcher to identify wheat varieties that best retain nutritional properties

Developing crave-worthy vegan meats: A golden age for agriculture in Canada?

Researchers from University of Guelph develop method for converting liquid oils to solid, plant-based fats with texture similar to meat.

Adding calcium to soils can help increase organic matter, trap more carbon

Researchers from Cornell University, Purdue University have identified a previously undiscovered mechanism triggered by calcium when it’s added to soil.

Turning mine waste into healthy soil

A team led by researchers at the University of Queensland has developed an innovative method to turn harmful tailings into healthy soil.

Understanding sensitive soils to improve quality of surrounding water

Researchers from the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences are investigating the impact of phosphorous on sensitive soils and local aquatic systems.

Transforming chicken manure into nutrient-rich fertilizer for crops

An international collaboration between researchers from Brazil and the United States has identified a process for turning poultry waste into a soil additive for agriculture.

Recycling phosphorus from wastewater to grow better crops

Scientists are helping close the loop on the sustainability cycle with research into nutrient-enhanced biochar.

Corn protein key to better texture in plant-based meat substitutes

Using the CLS, an Ontario research team has come up with a new method for creating meat substitutes with the same fibrous qualities as a steak or chicken breast

Taking the stress out of growing corn

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan are investigating how the first frost impacts corn varieties, in the hopes of finding new ways to maximize crop yields.

Inside cannabis flowers and chemistry

Researchers used the CLS to uncover how structures in cannabis flowers are connected to the plant's complex chemistry.

Finding more sustainable ways to cultivate rice crops

A team of researchers based in Europe used the Canadian Light Source to understand how to make fertilizer nutrients more available to rice plants.

How to store more carbon in soil during climate change

Using a synchrotron to study how soil can reduce greenhouse gases, retain more moisture during droughts, and hold more soil organic carbon for greater crop resilience.

Peeling onions to help crops withstand drought and disease

Researchers are using synchrotron light to literally peel back the onion on cell walls to help plants better withstand the stresses caused by climate change and disease.

Using light to develop vegan alternatives to meat and cheese

University of Guelph researchers are using the CLS to help develop sustainable, plant-based versions of popular foods.

An algorithm to improve processing of lentils

Infrared and microwave treatments for milled lentils are being optimized for the Saskatchewan market

Unlocking the secrets of healthier rice

Swinburne scientists are using the CLS to examine grains of black rice, helping identify and produce safer and more nutritious varieties

Canadian and Brazilian synchrotrons sign MOU to advance agricultural research

New agreement will strengthen ties, enhance agricultural research, and encourage new technology development.

Heating our homes with leftover canola

After years of meticulous research, Dr. Ajay Dalai’s exploration of canola meal pellets as an eco-friendly alternative to coal and natural gas for both heat and energy is poised to move into its next phases – scaled-up pellet production and commercialization.

Using agricultural waste to remove arsenic from drinking water

Over 200 million people in more than 70 countries, including some in Canada, are drinking water with a high concentration of arsenic.

Dairy discovery could improve dialysis design for kidney failure patients

Researchers with USask Engineering were able to view an industrial milk-filtering #membrane in a way not seen before using our BMIT beamline

Sweet results: Using science to make the best chocolate yet

Structure is key when it comes to creating the best quality of chocolate. An ideal internal structure will be smooth and result in glossy, melt-in-your-mouth decadence. However, this sweet bliss is not easy to achieve.

Finding the fertilizer sweet spot

Researchers used the CLS to find a way to increase crop yields while still protecting the environment.

Mosaic

Developing a deeper chemical understanding of potash processing.

Wax proves key to protecting crops from drought and frost

A team of researchers used the Canadian Light Source to show that cuticular wax—a waxy layer that covers exterior surfaces of plants, much like human skin—provides a barrier against low temperatures and dehydration.

Ground-breaking soil research could help increase crop yields and protect the environment

Researchers have published a study that offers recommendations for improving fertilizer use and increasing crop yields for farmers, building on previous studies they have completed as collaborators at the Canadian Light Source.

Battling bad bugs

University of Guelph scientists fight antibiotic resistance by using our synchrotron to study scab disease in potatoes.

Shining a light on the past

Using the Canadian Light Source, Trinity College Dublin researchers have studied long term phosphorus storage and release in environmental systems, information help guide water quality management.

Hummus for Cows?

The savory dish has gained popularity amongst a new fan base: herds of cows. University of Saskatchewan scientists use synchrotron light to identify the best chickpea crops for cattle feed.

Dust travelled thousands of miles to enrich Hawaiian soils

Researchers used the rich soils of Hawaii to study the critical movement of phosphorous, which can help crops become more successful and maintain the health of our ecosystems.

Protecting chickens from heart disease

The health and welfare of broiler chickens may improve thanks to University of Saskatchewan researcher Andrew Olkowski and colleagues.

Human waste could help combat global food insecurity

Cornell researchers used the CLS synchrotron to prove it is possible to create nitrogen-rich fertilizer from human waste. The discovery could help increase agriculture yields in developing countries.

Helping to protect California farms from drought

Researchers used the CLS to look at where carbon ends up in soil and are contributing to an effort to mitigate the effects of drought for California farmers.

Helping to grow more food in Africa

Scientists used the CLS synchrotron to help farmers in Nigeria and the Republic of Benin to grow vegetables less expensively and more sustainably.

Helping crops to withstand drought and climate change

The changing climate brings many environmental challenges for the agricultural sector. In order to mitigate risks to crop yields and food security, we need to better understand the impact of environmental stress on plants.

Cycling rice and shrimp farming in Vietnam important for food security

A German-Vietnamese research team has used the CLS to show that cycling rice and shrimp cultivation is a viable, reversible option for rice farmers affected by climate change in Vietnam's coastal Mekong Delta.

Baking the perfect loaf

Scientists from the University of Manitoba (UM) used the CLS to analyze the bubbles in dough and help create healthier bread.

Growing an international community for agricultural synchrotron research

Dr. Chithra Karunakaran's passion for agriculture has taken her around the world and helped her to grow an international agricultural imaging research community from Saskatoon.

Ancient farming practices can improve crop production and offset climate change

After analyses at the CLS, European researchers recommend 2000-year-old farming techniques that can improve modern soil health, produce more crops and absorb greenhouse gases.

Developing more nutritious crops to feed a growing world

Using synchrotron light to analyze new varieties of peas could be faster, more environmentally friendly, and help to nourish underfed populations around the world.

Scientists discover that charcoal traps ammonia pollution

Cornell University scientists have shown that charcoal can mop up large quantities of nitrogen from ammonia air pollution.

Canadian researchers unlock how seaweed is digested

Researchers have used the CLS to study the possibility that seaweed could make its way from the Canadian coast to the diet of Prairie cows.

Scientists discover why biochar fertilizers work so well

Researchers from Europe used the CLS learn why charcoal works so well in capturing and releasing nutrients into the soil. The findings could lead to the creation of an organic slow release fertilizer that would improve crop yields and agricultural practices.