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See how our current work and research is bringing new thinking and new solutions to some of today's biggest challenges.

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Discover Cals

Plants

Growing knowledge, cultivating solutions.

At Cornell CALS, our plant science research digs deep into complex agricultural and environmental challenges, sowing the seeds of a sustainable future.

Plant News

Close up of dissolved organic matter sourced from decomposition incubations in preparation for measurement with high-resolution mass spectrometry.

News

Soil molecular diversity spikes as microbes decompose plants

As soil microbes break down plant residues, they produce a diverse set of molecules, but this diversity starts to fall after the initial phase of decomposition (roughly 32 days). Understanding how soils retain or emit carbon dioxide during this...

  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Soil and Crop Sciences Section
  • Soil
A man standing in a crop field.

Field Note

Data takes the guesswork out of nutrient management: Grid soil sampling
Soil testing is a crucial part of efficient, effective crop production, allowing for farm decision-makers to consider different nutrient management strategies based on their soil test results. Cornell’s Nutrient Management Spear Program (NMSP)...
  • Statistics and Data Science
  • Agriculture
  • Field Crops
A crop field bordered with wildflowers.

News

Farmers, scientists partner to support biodiversity on New York dairy farms
The push for sustainability metrics for the dairy industry is ever growing. This includes metrics for air and water quality, water use, and most recently above-ground biodiversity. We sat down with members of the Nutrient Management Spear...
  • Animal Science
  • Agriculture
  • Biodiversity
Two researchers wearing safety goggles look at something on a computer

News

Ancient dirty dishes reveal decades of questionable findings

An interdisciplinary team of researchers determined that organic residues of plant oils are poorly preserved in calcareous soils from the Mediterranean, leading decades of archaeologists to likely misidentify olive oil in ceramic artifacts.

  • School of Integrative Plant Science
  • Soil
Jules Ginenthal, natural areas stewardship coordinator, plants a black ash sapling.

News

Cornell ash trees aim to beat back borer insects

Cornell Botanic Gardens is collaborating with conservation partners to propagate trees resistant to emerald ash borers.

  • Cornell Botanic Gardens
  • Plants

Want to study plants?

With a degree in plant science at Cornell CALS you'll produce sustainable solutions to food security, ecosystem health and biodiversity challenges.

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