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”

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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

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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

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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
The shrub woolly willow is a species that is becoming increasingly common in the barren mountains of Sweden within the Arctic tundra. Photo: Anne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press releaseAnne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press release

In the Arctic tundra, boreal plants are becoming increasingly widespread due to climate change

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A Swedish study shows the dynamics of this phenomenon. The process doesn't necessarily happen where warming is greatest but, instead, where conditions are favorable for plant growth
Favored by climate change, phenomena such as heat waves, droughts, fires, storms, and the spread of plant diseases are increasing tree mortality globally. Photo: PickPik Royalty-Free photo

Global tree mortality is getting higher. But we don’t know by how much

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Climate change increases tree mortality rates, but figures are incomplete and a global estimate is hard to make. A group of researchers explains how to harmonize data
Riconvertita in una lunga passeggiata verde, la “High Line” di New York, ex storica ferrovia urbana sopraelevata è un esempio originale di ripristino del suolo urbano attraverso il de-sealing. Foto: Dansnguyen CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Freeing up soil is possible. Experts share regeneration experiences trough de-sealing

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Soil sealing is a global problem affecting large urban centers. But new tools, explains the FAO, can now guide sustainable planning
Through microbes, the quality of soils and ecosystems could influence our relational and emotional well-being. Photo: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How soil microbes influence our emotions

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When they come into contact with us, soil microbes can modulate key hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Australian researchers explain. This is how they influence our emotional states
Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses in the Amazon increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation. Photo: Neil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedNeil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Carbon balance in Amazon rainforest shows 370 million tons deficit in a decade

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Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation, according to new study. Emission intensity is higher in protected areas
Over four decades, the planet's soil has become greener overall. But it has also become drier. Photo: Jialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Greener but less wet: a Chinese study reveals the global soil paradox

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Research: in forty years, two-thirds of vegetated areas have become greener, but half of those also experienced considerable soil drying. Crucial factor: increased evapotranspiration