Agriculture is the practice and science of cultivating land and raising crops, animals and fungi to sustain human life. Agriculture is practiced for a variety of purposes including raising animals and crops for food, textiles, fiber and biofuel. The terms "farming" and "agriculture" are closely related.
Agricultural practices first arose 10,000 years ago in the Fertile Crescent. At that time, humans began developing and implementing irrigation, domestication, crop rotation and fertilization. During the Middle Ages, Muslims greatly expanded upon these practices by developing farming machines, writing farming manuals, and bringing crops to Europe. With the advent of steam power and pragmatic farming techniques, the Industrial Revolution expanded the size, scope, technology and productivity of farms. This paved the way for major strides in agricultural advancement in the 19th and 20th centuries.
About 2 million people now farm or ranch in the U.S., working on average 200 days per year. As time has passed since the Green Revolution of the mid- to late 1900s, sustainable farming practices have been emphasized and implemented more and more. (Photo: Shutterstock)
Scientists warn the world is about to reach 'peak meat'
December 13, 2019, 1:44 p.m. by Christian Cotroneo
We're eating ourselves out of house and home.
There's a new apple in town
December 2, 2019, 8:25 a.m. by Mary Jo DiLonardo
After 20 years in development, the Cosmic Crisp just hit stores.
Lost Apple Project hunts for vintage varieties
November 27, 2019, 8:36 a.m. by Lindsey Reynolds
Amateur botanists seek to bring back heritage fruits in Northwest U.S.
Solar panels pair surprisingly well with tomatoes, peppers and pollinators
September 30, 2019, 4:10 p.m. by Russell McLendon
In 'agrivoltaics,' crops and solar panels not only share land and sunlight, but also make each other more efficient.
A beekeeper solves his thieving bear problem by making them taste testers
August 29, 2019, 3:49 p.m. by Christian Cotroneo
It turns out they have very expensive taste.
Southwest may see 'megadrought' this century
July 25, 2019, 12:57 p.m. by Russell McLendon
'This will be worse than anything seen during the last 2,000 years,' researchers say.
Scientists start the clock on human impact
May 28, 2019, 10:58 a.m. by Bryan Nelson
The Anthropocene Era now has an official beginning.
Tomatoes tasted much better 100 years ago. Can their flavor be restored?
May 14, 2019, 11:22 a.m. by Bryan Nelson
Researchers continue to analyze the genes that control tomato flavor — and they are finding missing links.
Basil gets tastier with 24-hour light
April 10, 2019, 2:52 p.m. by Robin Shreeves
MIT scientists are creating 'climate recipes' for the herb.
Apple trees are mysteriously dying all across America and nobody knows why
March 29, 2019, 9:18 a.m. by Bryan Nelson
In some regions, as many as 80 percent of trees could be in danger.
Why the Amazon rainforest could be devastated by the U.S.-China trade war
March 27, 2019, 6:24 p.m. by Bryan Nelson
Beijing turns to Brazil to make up for its shortfall in soya beans.
Just in time for Valentine's Day, a Tinder-style app ... for cows
February 12, 2019, 4:43 p.m. by Christian Cotroneo
Swipe right if you enjoy long walks in the pasture.
-
New variety of 'golden rice' will soon be grown in Bangladesh
-
Is a vegetarian diet safe for my dog?
-
Hermit crabs are dying by the millions after swapping their shells for plastic
-
How important is breakfast to weight loss?
-
Squirrels rely on birds to let them know when it's safe to go out
-
The story behind spider Christmas ornaments
-
17 memorable quotes from 'Elf'
Buddy the Elf always knows what to say to spread holiday cheer.
-
5 ways to cat-proof your Christmas tree
Keep your kitty — and your holiday decorations — safe with these tips for cat-proofing your tree.
-
9 yummy winter drinks
These drinks will make you feel cozy, whether it’s a party or just an ordinary day.
-
Which holiday foods are safe for pets?
You know dogs and cats will be eyeing that holiday table.
-
It's time to revive the Society for the Prevention of Useless Giving
Here's how to embrace your inner Spug all year long.
