Category Archives: crops

Drought situation in the US

Some parts of US (Texas, Arizona, etc.) have been under severe drought for quite some time.  See the latest drought monitor.  Researchers are now saying that the Southwest is currently undergoing aridification – modification to a desert landscape.  This has long-term repercussions to world’s economy.

Where have all the honeybees gone?

Guest Blog by Liz Kline and Ross Holland Since 2005 Bee Keepers around the United States have noticed a significant decline in their honey bee hive colony population. It’s a development that has raised great concerns because bees pollinate an estimated 1/3 of the crops that are our source of food. An estimated 40-60 percent […]

“The disappearing nutrient”

An interesting article in Nature says that we’re running out of phosphate across the world.  Phosphate is a very critical nutrient that’s required for plant growth and is usually mined in some parts of the world.  Apparently, there’s less than 50 years worth of high quality phosphate available that could be mined.  Running out could […]