Around the Chernobyl “Exclusion zone” (photo) extends the so-called “Compulsory relocation zone,” which has never been fully abandoned. Thousands of people live in the area but no official investment or land use is allowed. Photo: Jorge Franganillo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedJorge Franganillo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Low-contamination soils near Chernobyl could now be cultivated, study claims

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Research involving British and Ukrainian researchers hypothesizes the recovery of large areas of the Chernobyl area where cultivation has been officially banned for nearly 40 years
Citizen science can play a strategic role in soil monitoring. Photo: National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Public Domain DedicationNational Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Public Domain Dedication

Citizen science provides valuable help to soil monitoring

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Supported by Prepsoil's database, new research highlights the benefits of citizen science. The approach proves effective but common standards and validation technologies are needed
In the Caatinga area of Brazil, three years after the elimination of grazing, there are no significant improvements for the soil. Photo: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Overgrazing halt not enough to restore soil in Brazil

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The study in the Caatinga region in Brazil: stopping grazing is not enough to restore soil health. Additional regenerative practices must be adopted to achieve results
The Prepsoil project was launched in 2022 to “support the implementation of the Soil Mission by creating awareness and knowledge". Image: PREPSOILImage: PREPSOIL

Brussels to host Prepsoil project final event

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The final event of the three-year initiative will be held on May 26. Dedicated to policymakers, researchers and professionals, the meeting will host four sessions focusing on key issues related to EU Mission Soil implementation
Forest integrity is increasingly threatened by natural events exacerbated by climate change in addition to anthropogenic pressures. Photo: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedPhoto: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Crisis of forests may double climate mitigation costs

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This is the hypothesis of researchers at the Potsdam Institute. Current models overestimate the mitigation potential of forests. In this scenario, a delay in response could make the climate goals unattainable
Rocky outcrops are common in mountain ecosystems and exert a significant impact on ecosystem functions. Photo: Copyright Chris Gunns and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How rock outcrops impact soil in the mountains

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A Chinese study describes and measures the effect of outcrops on the soil. These create specific localized “hotspots” where soil functions are enhanced. Rock size amplifies effect
Three years after the Russian invasion, in addition to the inestimable human costs, the war in Ukraine continues to produce significant environmental damage. Photo: Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedMinistry of Defense of Ukraine, Taras Gren Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How war is contributing to environmental degradation in Ukraine

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EU Commission's snapshot: conflict in Ukraine has contributed to the devastation of the land by releasing toxic elements that can cause serious health consequences
Since they are particularly exposed to pollutants, hedgehogs provide an environmental footprint of an area's ecosystem. Photo: Charlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCharlie Marshall Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Many dangerous contaminants in urban green spaces, according to hedgehogs

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Analyzing the remains of hedgehogs, researchers at Lund University found a significant presence of contaminants such as phthalates and polychlorinated biphenyls (PBCs) as well as heavy metals and pesticides
Among microbes in urban spaces, there is increasing similarity among bacteria, while fungi are more resistant to homogenization. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes react in different ways to urbanization

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An international study describes the impact on various microbial communities. Although with different responses, bacteria and fungi maintain their basic functions thus ensuring ecosystem services
In Southeast Asian regions, agroforestry has led to a 1.08% average reduction in deforestation rate. Photo: pxhere Creative Commons CC0pxhere Creative Commons CC0

Agroforestry has reduced deforestation in Southeast Asia

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A study has measured the impact of agroforestry in the area: over 250 thousand hectares per year were saved with nearly 59 million tons of CO2 avoided

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