MRIDA, or soil in Hindi, is an application developed to estimate carbon sequestration potential. Photo: AS Rao, ICRISAT Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)AS Rao, ICRISAT Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

A new soil app from India can teach you climate-smart agriculture

Helping farmers and decision makers in developing climate-smart practices in soil management. That's the goal of MRIDA, the new app created in India to assess the carbon sequestration potential of different agricultural strategies
Scientists at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (photo) have developed a new method of analyzing soil microbes. Image: LLNL Public Domain-Merket 1.0LLNL Public Domain-Merket 1.0

A new research technique may unlock the secrets of soil microbes

A study from the US paves the way for more in-depth investigations into the role of soil microbes. By improving the stable isotope survey, researchers highlighted the "food web" of interactions stimulated by soil microorganisms
By sending electricity from solar energy panels to a set of buried electrodes, it is possible to stimulate the reaction of soil bacteria. Photo: Antalexion Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Antalexion Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Researchers believe microorganisms can help us store energy in the soil

By using the action of microorganisms, it is possible to store energy in the soil, British researchers say. This solution could reduce the overall impact of traditional batteries. But for large-scale application we will still have to wait for some time
With the use of a spectrometer, drones allow effective mapping of soils inaccessible by land. Photo: David Rodriguez Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)David Rodriguez Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Drones open a new frontier in soil mapping

Drones equipped with light spectrometers can map the ground and explore otherwise inaccessible areas, Dutch researchers have found. This application can also provide crucial data for soil protection and remediation
Some companies are developing virtual reality programs to raise awareness of deforestation. Photo: Vu Hoang Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Vu Hoang Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

It takes a little empathy to fight deforestation

Sustainability Times: deforestation is perceived by many as a distant and uninvolving issue. The solution? Building empathy through the digital experience provided by virtual reality
Centella asiatica is one of the tropical plants that have proven most effective in natural remediation practices for contaminated soils. Photo: Rejin Narayanan Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Rejin Narayanan Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Tropical plants provide a solution for heavy metal-contaminated soils

According to a study by NTU Singapore twelve plants proven effective in phytoremediation of soils contaminated with cadmium, arsenic, lead and chromium. The findings confirm the potential of nature-based -interventions
AI-based soil analysis enables more efficient and sustainable use of fertilizer. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPhoto: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Artificial intelligence can reduce fertilizer use, UK researchers say

Artificial intelligence allows to predict the trend of nitrogen levels in soil, avoiding fertilizer overuse and related environmental damage according to Imperial College London
Mushrooms are able to absorb and break down many toxic substances, thus restoring soil health. Photo: Raffael Herrmann cc0.photo public domainPhoto: Raffael Herrmann cc0.photo public domain

Oil-eating mushrooms bring contaminated soil back to life

U.S. researchers test the ability of mushrooms to absorb and break down soil contaminants. A strategy to restore land by reducing the weight of waste
Deforestation in a nutshell. Between 2002 and 2018, the Brazilian Amazon lost more than 20 million hectares of tropical forest. Photo: Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

FAO, NASA and Google join forces to beat deforestation through data power

FAO announces the launch of a Data Partnership to tackle deforestation. The initiative is based on geospatial information, which is being increasingly used in recent years to monitor soil and risk areas.
Assessing carbon concentration is crucial for Malawi farmers who need to maximize the fertility of their soils. Photo: USAID Free to use CC0USAID Free to use CC0

Low cost technology helps African farmers to measure carbon in soil

In Malawi, a $400 calibrated reflectometer has allowed to record the carbon concentration in soil. A key step for better managing agricultural land

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