Agricultural areas in 155 countries depend on forests in other countries for up to 40% of their annual rainfall. Photo: Peter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPeter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

“Forests and agriculture are not in competition,” FAO says amid COP30

, ,
At the Climate Conference, FAO promotes integration between sectors: “Food security depends on forests; conservation and restoration are crucial actions for increasing productivity.”
A wooded area in Koli National Park in the Finnish region of North Karelia. Here, as in many other regions of Europe, nature-based solutions reduce the risk of fires and make forests more resilient. Photo: Pentti Rautio Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedPentti Rautio Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Nature-based solutions are the key to preventing wildfires in Europe

,
“Nature-based solutions reduce the growing risk of wildfires and make forests more resilient to climate change,” says European Environment Agency. Agroforestry, land moisture restoration and soil regeneration are the three recommended strategies
Annalisa Corrado is shadow rapporteur for the Soil Directive for the S&D Group in the European Parliament. PHOTO: © Mathieu CUGNOT - European Union 2025© Mathieu CUGNOT - European Union 2025

Corrado (S&D): “Soil Law strikes a balance between ambition and practicality”

,
La relatrice ombra del gruppo S&D (Socialisti e Democratici) sulla nuova direttiva approvata dall’Europarlamento: “è una legge di partenza, che valorizza conoscenze ed esperienze virtuose dei territori”.
A study has proposed a framework for assessing European soil quality in a comprehensive manner by identifying quality indicators. Photo: Easy-Peasy.AI Free to useEasy-Peasy.AI Free to use

An integrated approach is needed for EU soil quality monitoring

,
A new study reviews different soil assessment schemes. The “binary” system is the most suitable for macro evaluation. But tools for local investigations are also needed
The use of synthetic materials such as non-biodegradable plastic sheets is one of the major sources of contamination from microplastics in agricultural soils. Photo: Evelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedEvelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Microplastics and agricultural soils: a winter school in Rome

, ,
You can register until November 16 for the winter school organized in Rome by Università Cattolica — a two-day event (November 20–21) focused on understanding the impact of microplastics and exploring ways to address the issue.
In wetlands, diversity improves both nitrogen retention and removal processes, but has a more pronounced effect on the latter. Photo: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Plant biodiversity promotes nitrogen removal in wetlands

,
Greater plant diversity is positively correlated with the process of transforming nitrites and nitrates into nitrogen gas released into the atmosphere, according to a Chinese study. This discovery could contribute to planning the restoration of wetlands
By distinguishing between stable and unstable forms of carbon accumulation, the microbial pump-based assessment system allows for a more reliable evaluation of sustainable soil management practices. Photo: Rain Photography Pexels free to useRain Photography Pexels free to use

Chinese researchers propose a new indicator to assess soil carbon stability

,
Research conducted by the Beijing Academy of Sciences has defined a new framework for assessing the Microbial Carbon Pump in soil. It distinguishes between stable and non stable organic matter (that is more easily decomposed and released)
Mazzola (EU Soil Ambassador): “Soil Law opens up many opportunities for raising awareness on soil and agriculture and supporting projects”Matteo Mazzola

“EU has fallen behind on regenerative agriculture. But Soil Law is a great opportunity”

, ,
Mission Soil ambassador Matteo Mazzola will speak at Ecomondo's States General for soil health: “We must support regeneration in opposition to agronomic simplification. On agroecology, Asia and America are doing more, but European rules can accelerate the spread of best practices”
Climate change is contributing to the loss of species diversity in mountainous areas in Africa. Madagascar is among the most affected areas on the continent. Photo: Heinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedHeinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Climate change threatens mountain plant biodiversity in Africa

,
Rising temperatures in Africa are driving plant species to spread at higher altitudes, a German study claims. But the process is too fast, and the risk of losing their habitat is growing as a result
European Parliament Vice President Martin Hojsík, rapporteur for the Soil Monitoring Law, rejoices at the announcement of the European Parliament's favorable vote on the new directive. SOURCE: European Parliament

The Soil Monitoring Law is here. Final approval at EU Parliament

,
After a two-year legislative process, the Soil Monitoring Law has been definitively approved by the European Parliament. Rapporteur Martin Hojsík said: "The directive is a help for farmers and foresters. It ensures healthy soil and bread on our tables." Member states now have three years to implement the rules at the national level