Absorption of microplastics can reduce the efficiency of photosynthesis in wild service trees by almost a third. Photo: Andrew Dunn Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Andrew Dunn Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Nanoplastics reduce photosynthesis capacity in trees

,
A Swiss study clarifies the dynamics of nanoplastic uptake in trees. While quantifying the impact of the phenomenon on the effectiveness of photosynthesis
14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are classified as PFAS, a compound type that poses a danger to the environment and human health. Photo: CGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Pesticides in the US are still full of PFAS

,
The data of the first study on the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in US pesticides. According to two US organisations, 14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are PFAS
By applying the most suitable forest restoration system in each location, 31.4 billion tonnes of CO2 could be sequestered globally. Photo: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPhoto: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Mixed forest regeneration optimises carbon sequestration

,
An American study quantifies the efficiency of different forest regeneration methods. By applying the most cost-effective system for each location, around 10 billion tonnes more CO2 can be sequestered at the same cost
So far, the Arctic has managed to preserve its plant biodiversity. But things are changing. Photo: Billy Lindblom Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedBilly Lindblom Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Invasive plants threaten Arctic biodiversity

,
Biodiversity at risk: Norwegian research provides a picture of the growing presence of invasive plants on Svalbard. "We need to prevent the phenomenon," scientists explain
Alain-Richard Donwahi is Chair of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). PHOTO: UNCCD Archive

“Desertification is the greatest environmental challenge of our time”

,
The phenomenon involves 168 countries, over 3 billion people and 10% of the world's soils. Alain-Richard Donwahi, President of the UNCCD (UN Convention against desertification) explains the importance of the "forgotten COP"
The rate of permafrost erosion could even triple by the end of the century, thus impacting the climate. Photo: Brandt Meixell, USGS CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedBrandt Meixell, USGS CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Permafrost erosion reduces carbon sequestration in the oceans

,
A German study shows how permafrost erosion on the coast of the Arctic Ocean leads to an almost 15 per cent decrease in the seawater's ability to store CO2
In the future, says the bacteria-based model, the area of grasslands characterised by alkaline soils will expand. Photo: Shizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedShizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Bacteria help predict soil acidity in grasslands

,
A new Chinese model based on bacterial analysis allows to estimate changes in grasslands. By 2100, soil acidity will decrease especially in North-East Asia, Africa and Oceania
In Brazil, 54% of native villages in the Amazon basin are subject to isolation during severe droughts. Photo: James Martins Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 DeedPhoto: James Martins Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Deed

Indigenous communities in the forest pay the price of drought

,
Drought leads to a prolonged lowering of river levels in the Amazon causing local communities to become isolated, a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona has found. This problem affects more than 50% of indigenous villages
In some Asian countries, the frequency of flash drought events has increased from 20% to 80%. Photo: Bioversity International/S.Landersz ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedBioversity International/S.Landersz ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Flash drought is becoming increasingly frequent in Asia

,
In some Asian countries, says research, the frequency of sudden drought events has increased from 20 to 80 per cent in just two decades. But the phenomenon is now global
Carbon sequestered from miombo forests in Mozambique could exceed estimates by 2.2 times. Photo: Lichinga ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedLichinga ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Mozambique’s forests store more carbon than expected

,
A new study revises estimates for miombo forests upwards. Carbon from these ecosystems in Mozambique could be 2.2 times higher than previously assumed

RECEIVE
OUR NEWSLETTER

It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

To receive updates about Re Soil Foundation activities, sign up to our newsletter.


    • Coldiretti
    • Novamont
    • Politecnico di Torino