Thousand-year-old cedar trees on Yakushima Island, Japan, feature crown soils rich in biodiversity. Photo: KimonBerlin CC BY-SA 2.0 DEEDKimonBerlin CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED

In canopy soils there is an undiscovered biodiversity

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A Japanese study highlights the variety of invertebrate species found in canopy soils, the soils created through the transformation of organic matter on branches
When they ecosystems do not have enough time to recover before another drought or fire they may suffer permanent damage. Photo: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericPhoto: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Drought alters post-fire recovery in the U.S.

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NASA satellite data reveal how drought has hampered recovery from wildfires in the western United States, resulting in the risk of creating permanent soil damage
The study on microbes was based on an analysis of previous research conducted in the Caatinga forest in eastern Brazil. Photo: Cesar Coelho CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalCesar Coelho CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Return of microbes certifies soil restoration in Brazil

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A study highlights the recovery of microbial diversity in regenerated semi-arid areas in Brazil. Thus confirming the validity of soil regeneration techniques
Microbes may be a viable solution to managing desertification. Photo: Richard Allaway CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericPhoto: Richard Allaway CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Microbes are a key resource for slowing desertification

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Chinese investigation shows how microbes play a relevant role in countering desertification through their ability to manage essential soil nutrients
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
The survey on the effect of biodiversity in countering exotic species was arealized in Chapada dos Veados National Park, west-central Brazil. Photo: Eliane de Castro CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalEliane de Castro CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

When restoring ecosystems, biodiversity is the key

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Brazilian study highlights how the use of increased biodiversity of reintroduced species in restoration areas limits the colonization of invasive species
Japan's forests trap about 420 trillion airborne microplastics per year in their canopies. Photo: ajay_suresh CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericajay_suresh CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Forests keep us from breathing in microplastics

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Airborne microplastics latch onto tree leaves, explains a Japanese study. In this way, forests act as sinks thereby limiting their uptake by humans
To measure the effectiveness of biodiversity protection strategies, researchers analyzed the distribution of forest bird habitat in Colombia. Photo: Halfpaap CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericPhoto: Halfpaap CC BY-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

In biodiversity protection, choosing the right areas halves the costs

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This is supported by an Australian study: in protecting biodiversity it is better to target smaller but more at-risk areas. The goal is to achieve greater convenience and better results
Degradation of peatlands generates 5% of anthropogenic emissions. Photo: Pixabay, Pixabay LicencePixabay, Pixabay Licence

Drainage channels in peatlands produce significant emissions

In Southeast Asian peatlands, man-made channels to drain soil contribute to carbon leakage into the atmosphere, research says
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

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