The memory of past land use is visible in the soil
Historical land use can shape soil for decades. A new study shows that grasslands once used as farmland still host different microbes, preserving a legacy of the past.
Spider silk with integrated color – new method developed at SLU
Scientists have developed a new type of artificial spider silk fibers that are colored, marking an important step toward eliminating the need for conventional dyeing processes.
The right flower supports life above and below ground
Not all flowers help equally. An SLU study shows the right species in flower strips can support pollinators, pest enemies, and soil life — while poor choices may do the opposite.
Most recently published projects
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Breeder co-pilot - optimizing plant breeding with AI
The goal of the project is to develop methods and tools that help plant breeders design more effective breeding programs by combining stochastic simulations and AI-driven analyses to more quickly develop climate-resilient crops and strengthen food security. -
Measuring forest photosynthesis and carbon uptake using solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence (SIF)
Forest carbon uptake is crucial for the climate. This project investigates how a faint light emitted by plants during photosynthesis (solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence, SIF) can be used to measure carbon uptake from satellites and improve estimates of how forests are affected by climate stress.
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Growing a broad set of crops does not threaten food security – quite the opposite
Crop rotations with a broad set of crops can produce more calories and nutrients than growing only cereals year after year. This result of an international study led by the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) challenges the common argument that diverse crop rotations produce less food. -
How the environment is affected by antimicrobial resistance in sewage
Medicines designed to treat infections can affect our surroundings even after use. In her thesis, Valentina Ugolini examines how these medicines disseminate from on-site sewage facilities into the environment and explores potential strategies to limit this spread. -
Researchers call for more product updates ahead of next Winter Olympics
For the first time in this year’s Winter Olympics, athletes compete using ski wax without PFAS. At the same time, researchers are calling for stricter EU rules on PFAS, warning that these chemicals are used in many products beyond ski wax.
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Assumptions and values influence research on agricultural sustainability
What assumptions, values and knowledge claims shape different scientific approaches to agricultural sustainability? Five researchers have delved into this question within SLU's Interdisciplinary Academy. -
How calves drink milk when mum is around
In modern dairy farming, the calf is commonly separated from the cow within a few hours of birth and is then fed milk or milk replacer with little opportunity for natural suckling. A new study from SLU examined two different systems where cow and calf have contact after birth. -
Earthworm’s burrowing and capacity to deliver ecosystem services threatened by soil compaction
Earthworms are important “ecosystem engineers” that contribute to a range of ecosystem services. But earthworms are sensitive to disturbances in their environment. A thesis has increased the knowledge on how soil compaction impacts earthworm burrowing activity.
Major environmental gains when food waste and by-products are utilised
Today’s food waste and by-products should be regarded as valuable resources. When used in new food products and fish feed, their climate impact can be reduced by up to 90 per cent – while significantly easing pressure on land, water and biodiversity.
Urban heat and climate resilience – strategies for healthier, cooler cities
As cities grow denser and warmer, urban heat islands pose serious risks to health, infrastructure, and ecosystems. This synthesis from SLU Urban Futures draws on interviews, research, and international reports to explore how urban planning can reduce heat stress.
Focusing on climate solutions
Our researchers uncover what needs to be known for climate action and the adaption to climate change. Explore SLU's research supporting the implementation of the global goal 12: Climate action.
Use our research infrastructures
Research infrastructures at SLU are also available for researchers at other universities or companies. Maybe we have solutions that suits your research?