Cattle collagen production fuels a $4 billion-a-year industry and promotes deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon. Photo: Kate Evans/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Kate Evans/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Collagen industry drives deforestation in the Amazon

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A media investigation points the finger at livestock companies in the Amazon that supply the cosmetics industry fueling a $4 billion industry
Soils grazed by wild herbivores have greater carbon sequestration capacity than those pastured by livestock animals. Photo: Pixabay Content license Attribution not requiredPixabay Content license Attribution not required

Antibiotics and livestock farming reduce carbon sequestration in grasslands

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Livestock herbivores impact soil microbial fauna by reducing carbon uptake capacity, an Indian research says. Antibiotics' effect on soil is crucial
Il mercato dei crediti di carbonio può favorire l’afflusso di investimenti garantendo un sostegno decisivo ai coltivatori. Foto: Trevor Littlewood Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Trevor Littlewood Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

“Clear requirements are needed for carbon storage”

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A report released in the UK highlights the importance of minimum requirements in carbon sequestration activities. The study aims to bring clarity to the marketplace and ensure the element's long-term permanence in the soil
In one year, the Planet's soils absorbed 109 million tons of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Photo: P177 Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)P177 Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

A new project will monitor global nitrogen emissions from fertilizers

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The Global Research Alliance initiative aims to increase the availability of data on the impact of fertilizers on the Planet. And to better assess the effectiveness of mitigation practices
From 2009 to 2020, sales of pesticides in Germany decreased only slightly, from about 30,000 to 28,000 tons per year. Photo: Jakob Huber/Campact Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)Jakob Huber/Campact Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Germany, the reduction in the use of pesticides is still too slow

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The use of pesticides in Germany decreased by less than 10 percent between 2009 and 2020. The figure raises many concerns about the spread of integrated pest management, a technique designed to reduce the use of the most dangerous chemicals
In poor countries, phosphorus loss could impact yields of 70 percent of rice fields. Photo: Arian Zwegers Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Arian Zwegers Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

CO2 emissions reduce soil phosphorus and put rice crops at risk

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According to an international study, soil phosphorus is reduced due to prolonged exposure to high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. The resulting decline in paddy field yields is a threat to food security
Agricultural soil in the Canadian province of Saskatchewan. Photo: Diane Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Photo: Diane Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

In Canada, science and traditional practices help protect soil health

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A University of Saskatchewan project aims to create soil health workshops with Native communities and farmers. By encouraging input reduction and diversification of crops and landscapes
Peptides produced by bacteria can target plant pathogens without harming the soil's useful microbiome. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Dutch researchers bet on bacteria to reduce pesticide use

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Researchers at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands will study the potential of bacteria to fight plant pests without damaging the soil ecosystem. Crucial is the action of peptides, biodegradable proteins produced by the microorganisms
In Central Asia, agriculture and livestock are the sectors that contribute the most to GDP. Photo: Gennadiy Ratushenko / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Gennadiy Ratushenko / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Central Asia will keep on suffering from agricultural drought for a long time

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Chinese researchers believe that soil drought linked to climate change can no longer be offset by weather cycles. A challenge for the region's crops and economy
At current rates of extraction, phosphorus production is expected to reach its peak around 2050. Photo: Mick Crawley Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Mick Crawley Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Global agriculture must reduce its dependence on phosphorus

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Half of the available phosphorus in the soil comes from mineral fertilizers. Europe, Asia and North America show the highest concentrations. French researchers, "We need to accelerate the agroecological transition in rich countries by allocating the remaining resources to the global South"

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