Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process and can be used as fertilisers as they are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Photo: City of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedCity of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

US bio-fertilisers are useful but watch out for contamination

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Used as fertilisers, biosolids produced by wastewater treatment can be very beneficial for the soil. This is also why, according to a study, it is important to analyse their content to prevent contamination phenomena
Support for biochar is part of the Danish government's plan to mitigate CO2 emissions in the agricultural sector between now and 2030. Photo: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Denmark bets on biochar for sustainable agriculture

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Biochar in the spotlight: the Danish plan to cut agricultural emissions includes a huge EUR 1.35 billion investment. Chiaramonti (PoliTo): "This solution embraces economic competitiveness and will guarantee multiple benefits"
The allele frequency of organic barley plants changes over the years favouring their adaptability. Photo: Jamain ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJamain ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Organic farming affects plant genetics

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A study by the University of Bonn shows how conventionally and organically grown barley plants develop differently. The latter experience adaptations in their genetic material
In China, the addition of biochar to agricultural soils has generally increased the organic carbon content of soil aggregates. Photo: Flickr Chris Farmland crops Changan Town China ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedChris Farmland crops Changan Town China ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

Here is how biochar promotes the sequestration of organic carbon

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Biochar promotes the formation of soil aggregates and, with them, carbon sequestration, a research explains. In some Chinese farmland, the presence of the substance has increased by 60 per cent
Some sunflower varieties have genetically adapted to increase the number of disease-fighting microbes in the soil. Photo: T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Plant genetics influences the presence of beneficial microbes in the soil

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A study from the University of Colorado shows a correlation between a number of genetic traits in sunflowers and a set of microbes capable of fighting plant diseases
Root decomposition promotes carbon release in the atmosphere. Photo: United States Department of Agriculture PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalRoot decompoUnited States Department of Agriculture PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal

Roots and A.I. offer carbon storage solutions

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According to Alliance of Bioversity International deeper roots boost carbon sequestration while artificial intelligence enables more accurate measurements of carbon storage
Microbes can protect sorghum from being attacked by parasitic plants. Photo: National Parks Gallery Public Domain DedicationNational Parks Gallery Public Domain Dedication

This is how soil microbes fight plant infections

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According to University of California Davis research, certain strains of soil microbes act on the roots of sorghum plants, protecting them from external threats
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have a high iron content and can be used to produce biological fertilizers. Photo: Josef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJosef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Cyanobacteria are amazing biofertilizers for soil

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According to a U.S. study, cyanobacteria or "blue-green algae" can be used to produce a biofertilizer suitable for iron-poor soils, thus turning into a valuable natural resource for farmers
A good irrigation strategy is crucial as the increasing frequency of extreme events favors floods and droughts. Photo: Global Water Forum CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

In northern China, spring irrigation mitigates effects of heat waves

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Combination of spring and summer irrigation "reduces the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events by 6.5 days and 1°C," according to a Chinese study
Researchers developed and tested a new restoration method in Shandong and Heilongjiang provinces in northern China. Photo: Jay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Researchers in China propose a new solution for saline-alkaline soils

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For more than a decade, a group of researchers in China has been developing a restoration method based on planting crop stems that prevent salt from rising to the surface, writes the South China Morning Post

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