The term "permafrost" refers to the type of perennially frozen (but not necessarily ice-covered) soil found in some cold regions. Photo: NPS Climate Change Response CC BY 2.0 DEED https://www.flickr.com/photos/npsclimatechange/27759123542Photo: NPS Climate Change Response CC BY 2.0 DEED

Superficial permafrost could (almost) disappear by 2100

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By the end of the century, near-surface permafrost may exist only in the highlands of eastern Siberia, the High Arctic and northern Greenland. As was the case 3 million years ago
The 17 new research projects funded by the European Commission will serve to achieve some of the objectives of the EU Soil Mission.EU Commission

Mission Soil, the EU Commission allocates €90 million for 17 research projects

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The approved projects will help to restore soil health, protecting biodiversity and food production. 314 research centers will be involved, coming from 32 countries. A further step to achieve the 2030 objectives of the Mission Soil
Characterized by semi-arid biomes, the Caatinga Forest in eastern Brazil is one of the richest areas in the world in terms of biodiversity. Photo: NiaziGamer CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalNiaziGamer CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Climate change puts 40 percent of biodiversity in eastern Brazil at risk

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In the Catinga forest rising temperatures threaten to destroy nearly half the biodiversity by 2060, a Brazilian study says. Ecosystem services are under threat
Earthworms help create healthy soils by promoting plant growth and contributing to the transformation of organic matter. Photo: USDA NRCS Montana public domainPhoto: USDA NRCS Montana public domain

Earthworms play a critical role in global food production

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According to a University of Colorado study, earthworms contribute about 6.5 percent of global grain production and 2.3 percent of legume production. Totaling more than 140 million tons per year
In the Corn Belt, where the majority of U.S. agricultural production is concentrated, climate change is set to impact agricultural yields. Photo: Steven Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Photo: Steven Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

This is how climate change will alter U.S. agriculture

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Climate change is set to impact agricultural yields in the U.S. Midwest, a study by the University of Connecticut says. "Data suggest a 12 percent decrease in corn yields by around 2050 and 40 percent by the end of the century"
The influence exerted on the population composition of microorganisms comes from the ability of earthworms to influence soil structure, pH, nutrient availability and organic matter. Photo: benketaro Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)benketaro Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Earthworms are changing Canadian forests

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Invasive species of earthworm affect microbial composition by altering overall soil conditions, Canadian research explains. Influencing nutrient and carbon cycling
In many cities in the United States and Canada, municipal waste incinerators were largely shut down in the 1970s in the face of growing concerns about air pollution. Photo: Fraser, Clayton B. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Public DomainPhoto: Fraser, Clayton B. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Public Domain

Waste incineration leaves a heavy legacy in soils

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Where waste was once burned, higher concentrations of lead are detected in the soil, says research from Duke University. With obvious health consequences
Fossil sources are used in the extraction and production of essential elements and substances such as hydrogen and ammonia that form the basis of nitrogen fertilizers Credit: © Natural England/Steve Marston Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Credit: © Natural England/Steve Marston Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

“There’s no Net Zero with nitrogen fertilizers”, Soil Association says

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According to the British association, fossil-based nitrogen fertilizers are an obstacle to achieving Net Zero. In contrast, "there is a need to support nature-friendly approaches"
Increasing urbanization results in the conversion of natural ecosystems into residential areas that incorporate green areas such as parks or lawns. Photo: Md. Nabial Haramian Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Md. Nabial Haramian Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Urbanization promotes increasing emissions from the soil

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As a result of urbanization, soil nitrous oxide emissions increase 153%, according to a new study. At the same time, the ability to absorb methane is reduced
Under drought conditions, microbes produce more atmospheric compounds than they consume. Photo: Flore de Preneuf / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Flore de Preneuf / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Here’s how drought stress alters soil function in the rainforest

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Drought progressively reduces the ability of soil to consume biogenic volatile organic compounds according to a German study. The emission intensifies after soil rewetting

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