Specific knowledge of microbes is needed to predict the extent of soil change triggered by climate factor. Photo: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Here is how we can predict the impact of climate on soil microbes

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A British study found that opposing extreme weather events alter soil microbe communities according to distinct and predictable dynamics
The study focused on the Yellow River delta where plant roots positively influence water movement Photo: NASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Public domainNASA Earth Observatory images by Lauren Dauphin, using Landsat data from the U.S. Geological Survey. Public domain

Plant roots are the key to wetland restoration

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In coastal areas, macropores favored by root growth increase tidal-driven water exchange by improving soil respiration
Some islands in the Maldives, in particular, have reportedly lost more than half of their mangrove cover since 2020. photo: ahuren Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deedahuren Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

The Indian Ocean swallows mangroves. From the Maldives a warning for the Planet

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According to British research, rising sea levels are accelerating the death of mangroves. A phenomenon that affects many coastal areas of the planet
In Michigan forests, the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen pollution increases microbial activity by reducing the amount of carbon stored. Photo: Ylevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedYlevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

The nitrogen paradox: pollution control can reduce soil carbon sequestration

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A study highlights a possible side effect of combating air pollution: the reduction of carbon storage in the soil
Worldwide, the natural regrowth of forests can affect a total area of about 215 million hectares in humid tropical regions. Photo: George Shepherd Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedGeorge Shepherd Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Forests restored by nature can sequester 23 billion tonnes of CO2

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The estimate, on a 30-year basis, is contained in a study involving American and Australian scientists: worldwide, spontaneous forest regeneration potentially affects more than 200 million hectares of land
Some models make it possible to predict the impact of climate on the future distribution of plant species in a given area. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredSome models make it possible to predict the impact of climate on the future distribution of plant species in a given area. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

How databases anticipate the impact of climate on ecosystems

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Despite incomplete data, some models can effectively predict the impact of climate on biodiversity and the spread of plant species in a natural area
In acidic soils such as red clay soils, the use of rock dust for CO2 capture produces disappointing results. Photo: David Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedDavid Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Rock dust helps capture CO2 but not in acidic soils

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The dispersion of rock dust in the soil is generally an effective way of storing carbon. But in acidic soils, according to an Australian study, this mechanism does not work
Desertification in the north-eastern Caatinga region of Brazil could reduce overall soil functionality by more than 50 per cent. Photo: A. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedA. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Desertification halves soil functionality in Brazil

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The calculation is contained in research conducted by two universities in the country, which analysed degraded areas in the north-east of Brazil. A confirmation of the impact of desertification on the soil's ability to sequester carbon
Compost from organic waste can cover 21% of the nutrient demand in urban soils with a strong cut in environmental impact. Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedOh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Compost can be an alternative to chemical fertilisers in urban agriculture

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Compost made from organic waste could replace 21% of industrial fertilisers used in urban agriculture, says a study by the University of Barcelona UAB
Amazonian floodplains contribute up to 29% of global wetland methane emissions. Photo: Marcelo Castro Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 DeedMarcelo Castro Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Deed

Climate change may decrease methane sequestration in the Amazon by 70%

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A study reveals how methane uptake by forest soil in the Amazon decreases sharply under hot and dry conditions. While production of the same gas increases following heavy rains