Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)
Researchers have created a functional sponge that is capable of efficiently soaking up certain pollutants from water and then releasing them on demand
Industrial manufacturing and agriculture, in particular, experience mineral and fertiliser loss due to runoff, leaving valuable non-renewable resources as pollutants in bodies of water. Those resources include heavy metals like zinc and copper and also phosphate.
The innovation presents a reusable and low-cost solution for cleaning storm runoff while simultaneously recovering valuable metals like zinc and copper, as well as phosphate. Using surface iron oxide nanoparticles specialised for capturing specific contaminants, the sponge collects the minerals and then discharges them only when triggered by changes in pH. These findings were achieved by researchers at Northwestern University and published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science and Technology Water.
Doctoral student and first author on the paper, Kelly Matuszewski believes it is important to understand the interaction between these minerals and utilise them, rather than finding ways to discard them. Through her research she discovered that lowering water pH flushed out the captured copper and zinc from the sponge, while raising water pH loosened the phosphates.
In an attempt to commercialise the sponge-based technology, Vinayak Dravid, co-author and Northwestern professor of materials science and engineering has co-founded a startup with additional NSF support through the Small Business Innovation Research programme, which will further develop the material for real-life scenarios.
"The technology can be used as a universal sorbent or 'catch-all,' or it can be tailored to certain groups of contaminants like metals, plastics or nutrients," said Dravid. In their future research, the team plans to account for biofilms, clogging or water flow dynamics on the sponge's performance, while also testing the maximum mineral levels the sponge can absorb.
Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))
The continual development of AI technologies has opened up potential for their use in various farming systems, including greenhouses
As agriculture continues to be one of the top revenue generating sectors in Africa, the popularity of greenhouse systems has seen a significant increase in recent years. Various fruits, vegetables and high-value crops are now being grown in specially designed greenhouse systems throughout the year, irrespective of weather conditions in the region.
Greenhouses are a mode of controlled environment cultivation that aim to create micro-climates that are favourable for producing crops during any time of the year. One of the main advantages of greenhouse systems is their ability to regulate temperature, maintaining optimal conditions in both hot and cold climates. In addition, greenhouses offer protection against pests and diseases, owing to their transparent structures clad with flexible materials that provides excellent ventilation. Moreover, they also optimise the use of other humidification and energy saving technologies that facilitate climate management, thereby boosting overall yield and production.
Since these indoor growing environments mostly require manual operation, installing automation technologies help in maintaining the desired internal environment with reduced reliance on farm labour. Also known as IoT smart greenhouses, these automated systems utilise a wide range of technologies including sensors responsible for heat control that modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. Moreover, computer automation software is often used to adjust humidity and venting, while Co2 monitors are used to regulate gas levels in the atmosphere.
Other notable control systems include programmes that automatically dispense pesticides in calculated amounts; equipment control systems that handle the movement of installed lights and planting equipment; fertigation management systems that automatically dispense water through water systems and lastly, drip irrigation systems that use soil sensors to monitor moisture levels in the soil.
Moisture control is a key factor in ensuring the final feed is palatable, retains its nutrients, and is consistent. (Image source: Hydronix))
One of the big challenges in the animal feed industry is the number of different formulations that can be produced by a single plant
For each batch, it is essential to ensure that the quality of the product is correct so that the animals are fed a balanced nutritional diet optimised for their type and stage of development. For this reason, moisture sensors are often used in conjunction with a control system that manages the formulation parameters. Controlling and measuring the moisture enables the correct calibration for each of the different formulations.
Moisture control is a key factor in ensuring the final feed is palatable, retains its nutrients, and is consistent. Benefits of this include:
• Improved nutritional consistency
• Reduced spoilage and waste
• Improved shelf life
• Optimised pellet durability
• Increased plant efficiency
• Reduced process downtime
Effective moisture control of the entire process requires the installation of online moisture measurement sensors in several different positions:
1. Measurement between raw intake and storage silos allows unsuitable incoming materials to be managed.
2. Ensures raw materials are correctly proportioned, compensating for varying moisture levels in stored material.
3. Drying or Conditioning may be necessary in hot and/or wet climates to increase the moisture of materials for milling, as dry material increases breakage and dust.
4. Measurement in the mixer allows the addition of water to ensure material is sent for conditioning and extrusion/pelleting.
5. The measurement at the input of a dryer can be used as a process variable for feed-forward control.
6. Measuring at the output of a dryer enables feedback control from the setpoint error.
7. Measuring at output of cooler prior to packing/storage allows control of cooler parameters and a final quality control check prior to storage.
The Hydro-Mix XT sensor is recommended to be installed in the mixer end wall to ensure the mix has the correct moisture, is mixed homogeneously, and is ready for the next process stage.
Animal feed comes in all shapes and sizes and has many different formulations. Moisture measurement is a vital element of the plant to ensure the efficiency of the process and provides precise process variables to the control system that can use stored calibration data for different formulations. Moisture measurement is also important for a quality controller to ensure the feed is palatable, retains its nutritional value and has a suitable shelf life.
Read the full story at https://hubs.li/Q03jRlZc0
The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Wamego-based company, Tritica Biosciences, along with three other partners have joined hands to work under Boston-based Ginkgo Bioworks, on a million-dollar project aimed at exploring the potential of the wheat crop in transforming drug development
The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. This powerful innovation introduces a new method of biomanufacturing that has broad applications across various sectors ranging from food to pharmaceuticals.
The ARPA-H project, known as Wheat-based High efficiency Enzyme and API Technology (WHEAT) is one of the first initiatives within ARPA-H’s Scalable Solutions Office, which aims to transform the health by improving the speed, scale and access to medical treatments.
The project aims to boost domestic manufacturing of critical medicines by producing them when and where they are needed. Many active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) are currently affected by fragile global supply chains, and reshoring biomanufacturing will help stabilise the supply of critical, life-saving drugs.
According to a news release from Ginkgo Bioworks, WHEAT’s innovations will include post-translational modifications to establish a foundation suitable for producing biologics.
“By harnessing the power of wheat based cell-free systems, we’re planting the future of medicine, helping to make production more efficient, flexible and localised,” said Dr Chris Miller, founder and CSO, Tritica Biosciences.
Value Line Steering system marks a significant step toward more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming practices. (Image source: Topcon Agriculture)
Global leader in precision farming technology, Topcon Agriculture has announced the launch of its Value Line Steering solution, aimed at increasing accessibility of precision farming for small and medium-sized farming operations
Advanced autosteering capabilities will now be available to a wider range of farmers and provide an affordable and easy-to-use solution compatible with a broad variety of tractors, including front-wheel-steer models and those compliant with ISOBUS-UT standards. Its simple design allows users unfamiliar with high-tech farming equipment to quickly adopt the system.
Moreover, the Value Line Steering solution enables older tractors to operate at sub-5 cm accuracy levels previously reserved for new, high-end machinery.
"With diesel, fertiliser, and chemical costs all rising, it's more important than ever to maximise efficiency," said Aaron Freeman, a fourth-generation farmer from Koolunga, South Australia. "The Value Line Steering system saves resources, reduces overlap, and boosts profitability."
Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories. (Image source:
Aiming to reduce GHG emissions in the rice industry, leading Asian retailer, DFI Retail Group has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand
DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods.
Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change.
In response, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques. These include:
"Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals," said group chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs officer, Erica Chan. "We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future."
The International Dealer Centre will again serve as the central meeting point for the international agricultural machinery trade at Agritechnica 2025. (Image source: Agritechnica)
This year's Agritechnica 2025 will bring in a range of new developments aimed at advancing steady digitalisation on farms
As the world’s leading trade fair for agricultural machinery, Agritechnica 2025 will take place from 9-15 November in Hanover, Germany, bringing together manufacturers, dealers, farmers, and industry experts from around the globe, fostering international exchange and networking. This year’s edition introduces new formats aimed at enhancing visibility and connections within the sector. Registered dealers can be listed on the official website and in the trade fair app, making them easily accessible to both customers and exhibitors.
Agricultural equipment dealers have limited ability to respond to external pressures such as deferred purchasing by farms, extreme weather events, and political uncertainty – though some are countering with attractive sales or financing offers. When it comes to digitalisation, which poses a direct and internal challenge for the trade, the situation looks different: Success increasingly depends on the expertise, technical know-how, and the quality of digital solutions and services offered by machinery dealers.
"Agricultural equipment dealers are expected to integrate digital technologies into their portfolios and provide tailored solutions to farmers. But this is often easier said than done. The technologies involved are complex and require extensive consultation, while rapid innovation cycles in systems, machines, and software demand constant upskilling," says Ralph Königs, Business segment dealer manager, Agritechnica.
The International Dealer Centre will again serve as the central meeting point for the international agricultural machinery trade at Agritechnica 2025. Trade visitors can access an exclusive lounge for dealers, business partners, customers, and employees. Daily 'Pop-up Talk Dealer' sessions will feature international speakers, followed by informal networking opportunities. An on-site information counter will also be available to address questions on training and professional development in the sector.
HSW ECO MATIC® 6ml _ 10ml (for injection, oral and pour-on application)
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
Krone and Lemken, through a joint project, have launched a design concept – Combined Powers – which is an autonomous ‘process unit’ consisting of a drive unit and various implements
After passing trials in cultivating, ploughing, sowing, mowing, tedding and raking last year, the concept will be integrated in the well-proven forage harvesting and tillage systems of the two companies.
Using a diesel-electric drive that generates up to 170kW (230hp), the drive unit is designed to meet the power input requirements of the implements used in the processes above. The drive power is transferred electrically to the wheels and the pto and from there to the implement which couples to a three-point linkage. The drive unit boasts multiple and extensive sensor systems which monitor the immediate surroundings and the implement attached, ensuring safe operation and optimum results as the primary objectives. Operators control and monitor the combination from a mobile device, transmitting jobs and job reports via a communication module and the agrirouter, the established data exchange hub.
The specialty of the process unit is that it is controlled by the implement and not vice versa. This detail was considered imperative for achieving optimum results. The implement and the drive unit act as one integrated smart system. Based on the long experience in the application of ISOBUS and TIM on Krone and Lemken machines, the drive unit and implement communicate and interact, sharing literally all types of data.
The Combined Powers design concept also brings further benefits, because it was also developed to counter the increasing shortage of skilled labour in agriculture. Also, it will free farmers from spending those long days in the field. Instead, they will become system operators who merely monitor the process unit which delivers a consistently accurate quality of work. Thanks to its enormous versatility, the unit is designed for year-round work and a long service life. Intensive trialling in all types of conditions and seeking feedback from farmers and contractors will continue this year.
Further information is available at www.combined-powers.com
Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories. (Image source:
Aiming to reduce GHG emissions in the rice industry, leading Asian retailer, DFI Retail Group has launched a low-carbon rice cultivation pilot programme in 2024 in Thailand
DFI seeks to promote the adoption of sustainable agriculture practices and enhance environmental awareness among its supply chains. This innovative programme successfully produced 110,000kg of certified low-carbon rice in 2024, achieving a minimum 30% reduction in GHG emissions on the rice fields compared to conventional cultivation methods.
Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories, accounting for approximately 6% of total Scope 3 emissions based on 2023 data. Traditional rice farming involves flooding fields for extended periods, which creates anaerobic conditions in the soil. This lack of oxygen allows microbes to release methane into the atmosphere, significantly impacting climate change.
In response, DFI collaborated with agricultural experts, the Thai government, and researchers to develop a low-carbon rice cultivation programme. The pilot programme partnered with 30 local farmers to implement sustainable farming techniques. These include:
"Beyond value and quality, we are committed to sustainability. This programme exemplifies our dedication to pursuing sustainable goals," said group chief Legal, Governance and Corporate Affairs officer, Erica Chan. "We wish to influence the industry, our stakeholders across the value chain to take collective action towards a sustainable future."
The Minister emphasised the availability of suitable technology to produce high quality seeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The initiative aims to boost palm oil yield and disease resistance. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Thanks to WELTEC‘s customised design, biogas plants can also be operated in areas with high snowfall. (Image source: WELTEC)
Following the installation of several agricultural plants in recent years, WELTEC BIOPOWER has now reported an order for a 450 kW plant from the agricultural sector as well as a 250 kW biogas plant in Yamagata Prefecture, with an additional WELTEC BLUE WATER treatment, which is currently being implemented
Thanks to its many years of project experience in earthquake zones – in Japan and Greece – WELTEC BIOPOWER is able to adapt its technical solutions to seismically active areas in the shortest possible time using special structural engineering. Yamagata Prefecture has two digesters available to feed 80 tons of cattle manure per day. This is used to exclusively generate electricity and heat in the 250 kW plant.
WELTEC's scope of supply also includes two storage tanks, a pump container, a separation unit and the combined heat and power plant (CHP). In addition to the biogas project, a WELTEC BLUE WATER plant with a processing capacity of 50,000 tons of digestate (manure and wastewater from milk production) per year is currently being constructed. The treatment technology works by separating the digestate from the biogas plant in a multi-stage process into solid and liquid fertiliser and dischargeable water. The resulting solid phase offers a wide range of marketing options, which includes its use as fertiliser in the field or as bedding in stables. This enables the operator to make additional savings on transport costs by reducing the volume of the source material.
Output material distribution varies depending on the amount of dry matter present within the fermentation residue which comprises around 3% solid fertiliser, 29% nutrient concentrate and 68% water. Moreover, the sophisticated modular design of the industrial technology allows an ease in future expansion.
Everyday, operators of the plant fill it with 18 tons of cattle manure, along with food waste from nearby areas. The modular digester system from WELTEC makes it possible to individually adapt the diameter and height to meet customers‘ volume requirements or local building regulations, such as height restrictions. The fermentation residue from the 450 kW plant is processed in sewage treatment plants near the sites before being used as fertiliser. A further plant is currently being planned in Nagano Prefecture. The height of the digester is also adapted as a special solution to 5.03 m and equipped with a capacity of 450 kW. Another plant is currently being planned in Nagano Prefecture.
The WELTEC CONTROL software allows Japanese operators to get quick access to a number of important system parameters, with its intuitive user interface also simplifying feeding processes.
Plukon has worked on minimising false rejections and ensuring the highest levels of metal detection by implementing Mitus from Minebea Intec. (Image source: Minebea Intec)
Paragon commits to supply of high-quality Hubbard Premium PS day-old chicks to meet the growing demand for Premium birds in Bangladesh. (Image source: Hubbard))
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Gridtractor, Monarch Tractor, and Borg Warner have achieved a significant milestone by successfully demonstrating Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) capabilities utilising a Monarch MK-V tractor, a Borg Warner 60 kW DC fast charger, and Gridtractor’s cloud-based charge management system employing the Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP)
The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The LightWeeder is an agri-robot that can kill weeds using a unique concentrated light method. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)
Researchers have created a functional sponge that is capable of efficiently soaking up certain pollutants from water and then releasing them on demand
Industrial manufacturing and agriculture, in particular, experience mineral and fertiliser loss due to runoff, leaving valuable non-renewable resources as pollutants in bodies of water. Those resources include heavy metals like zinc and copper and also phosphate.
The innovation presents a reusable and low-cost solution for cleaning storm runoff while simultaneously recovering valuable metals like zinc and copper, as well as phosphate. Using surface iron oxide nanoparticles specialised for capturing specific contaminants, the sponge collects the minerals and then discharges them only when triggered by changes in pH. These findings were achieved by researchers at Northwestern University and published in the American Chemical Society's journal Environmental Science and Technology Water.
Doctoral student and first author on the paper, Kelly Matuszewski believes it is important to understand the interaction between these minerals and utilise them, rather than finding ways to discard them. Through her research she discovered that lowering water pH flushed out the captured copper and zinc from the sponge, while raising water pH loosened the phosphates.
In an attempt to commercialise the sponge-based technology, Vinayak Dravid, co-author and Northwestern professor of materials science and engineering has co-founded a startup with additional NSF support through the Small Business Innovation Research programme, which will further develop the material for real-life scenarios.
"The technology can be used as a universal sorbent or 'catch-all,' or it can be tailored to certain groups of contaminants like metals, plastics or nutrients," said Dravid. In their future research, the team plans to account for biofilms, clogging or water flow dynamics on the sponge's performance, while also testing the maximum mineral levels the sponge can absorb.
Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))
Moisture control is a key factor in ensuring the final feed is palatable, retains its nutrients, and is consistent. (Image source: Hydronix))
The platform is slated for launch later this year and focuses on both domestic and international markets. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
The new solutions aim to help growers maximise crop production and optimize their use of resources, thus minimising the impact on the environment. (Image source: Bayer)
IAT Inks MoU with Aspekpir Indonesia to Enhance Quality Analysis for the Local Palm Oil Industry. (Image source: IAT)
With ease of use being the main focus, this advancement ensures that smart lighting strategies are intuitive and accessible for growers at every level. (Image source: Heliospectra)
Water hyacinth infestations in rural ponds disrupt ecosystems, harm fisheries, and block canals. (Image source: ICRISAT)
Monarch MK-V tractor demonstrating V2G through Borg Warner DCFC and Gridtractor CMS. (Image source: Gridtractor)
Body AI Score is a camera-based system. (Image source: SCHAUER Agrotronic)
Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)
Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))
Moisture control is a key factor in ensuring the final feed is palatable, retains its nutrients, and is consistent. (Image source: Hydronix))
The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Value Line Steering system marks a significant step toward more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming practices. (Image source: Topcon Agriculture)
Rice constitutes one of DFI's top Scope 3 product categories. (Image source:
The Minister emphasised the availability of suitable technology to produce high quality seeds. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Illustration showing how the sponge nanocomposite material recovers phosphate and metals from water. (Image source: Kelly Matuszewski, Northwestern University)
Smart greenhouses utilise sensors responsible for heat control to modify in-house conditions based on the indoor climate. (Image source: Adobe Stock))
Moisture control is a key factor in ensuring the final feed is palatable, retains its nutrients, and is consistent. (Image source: Hydronix))
The project is designed to validate wheat germ cell-free protein synthesis as a rapid and affordable approach to drug development. (Image source: Adobe Stock)
Value Line Steering system marks a significant step toward more sustainable, efficient, and profitable farming practices. (Image source: Topcon Agriculture)
Telematics enhances efficiency and uptime for seed research. (Image source: ALMACO)
CNH and x-Farm, an Italy-based agri tech company, have partnered to develop a pilot project in Uzbekistan as part of the Drops of the Future initiative. (Image source: CNH)
The latest additions to Alfa Laval’s valve portfolio demonstrate their commitment to meeting the evolving needs of industries where safety, efficiency and reliability are paramount. (Image source: Alfa Laval)
GEA Direct Sprayer DS 25 delivering powerful cleaning performance with five kilograms of spray force and a full-cone jet reaching up to five metres. (Image source: GEA)
Agmatix BASF Partner to develop Soybean Cyst Nematode detection tool. (Image source: BASF)
Perstorp has long been dedicated to driving the transformation of the chemical industry with a clear ambition to become Finite Material Neutral. (Image source: Perstorp)
By controlling the moisture during the weighing up of the raw materials, it is possible to correctly control the protein content of the final pellet and guarantee superior product quality. (Image source: Hydronix)
