Rapid degradation of organic soils is increasingly affecting the Montérégie, one of the main agricultural regions in Canada. Photo: Axel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedAxel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

In Canada, scientists are studying natural solutions against soil degradation

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Researchers at Laval University in Quebec are exploring new methods against soil deterioration in Montérégie, a key agricultural region in Canada. Under investigation are straw, shavings and polyphenols
A corn field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Extending and diversifying crop rotations may not promote carbon sequestration but still provide important soil benefits. Photo: P. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedP. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Crop diversification supports nitrogen sequestration (but not carbon)

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Diversifying rotations does not promote carbon storage but increases nitrogen availability with positive impact on soil and climate, a Iowa University study has found
In the agricultural region of the U.S. Corn Belt, rainfall plays a key role in production and irrigation. Photo: Don Graham Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedDon Graham Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Agriculture and irrigation affect rainfall in the U.S. Midwest

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According to a study, the interaction between groundwater resources, crops and irrigation impacts the rate of rainfall recycling with a direct effect on agricultural management and water availability
Rice quality in China and Japan is likely to decline further in the future due to climate change. Photo: Park Misoo CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedPark Misoo CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Climate change reduces rice quality in China and Japan

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According to a Chinese study, the quality of rice has been deteriorating for decades, and the phenomenon is unlikely to slow down over this century
Zinc foliar sprays can mitigate the negative effects of water deficit stress in pearl millet plants. Photo: Shanmugamp7 Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedShanmugamp7 Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

How zinc improves drought resistance of crops

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An Indian study reveals the properties of zinc in mitigating the effects of water stress on plants. Foliar sprays offer an effective solution
In some areas of Canada, a pathogenic fungus has reduced canola crop yields by up to 50 per cent. Photo: Ayrcan Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedPhoto: Ayrcan Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

High soil pH stimulates the growth of a pathogenic canola fungus

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According to Canadian research, alkaline soils especially favour the growth of the fungus, which damages plant tissue by interfering with water and nutrient uptake
Microbial interactions-based solutions can revolutionise the way we deal with phytopathology management in rice crops. Photo: arjunreddy223344 (pixabay.com) needpix.com 2022 - Public domain pictures and photos with royalty free licenceMicrobial interactions-based solutions can revolutionise the way we deal with phytopathology management in rice crops. Photo: arjunreddy223344 (pixabay.com) needpix.com 2022 - Public domain pictures and photos with royalty free licence

A microbe offers a natural solution against rice pathogens

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Japanese researchers have identified a favourable bacterium that could be used as a biocontrol agent in rice crops as an alternative to chemical pesticides
Ultrasound allows the impact of drought on the plant to be assessed non-invasively and quickly. Photo: USDA photo by Cynthia Mendoza. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed Cynthia Mendoza Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ultrasound device measures the impact of drought on plants

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A new device developed by a team of Lithuanian and Spanish researchers allows detection of the alteration produced by drought on certain key parameters of the plant's physiological state
Among weather events, in the Netherlands, drought reduced yield by 24% compared to the average, rain during sowing lowered it by 18%. Photo: Paul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPaul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Two Dutch studies reveal the impact of weather on crop yields

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The reduction in crop yields following extreme weather events such as drought and heavy rain has been accurately quantified for the first time. Depending on the type of crop and the phenomenon, the decrease ranges between 13 and 36%.
According to the EEA, farmers can help protect biodiversity by regenerating ecosystems through good practices. Photo: Vladimir Srajber pexelsPhoto: Vladimir Srajber pexels

EU proposes three agricultural strategies for ecosystem restoration

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The European Environment Agency suggests approaches to protect ecosystems and biodiversity: sustainable soil and water management, reconstruction of agricultural landscapes, maintenance and restoration of semi-natural habitats

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