Bacteria that can convert gaseous nitrogen to ammonia provide the nutrients plants need and regenerate the soil. Photo: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to usePhoto: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to use

‘Protected’ bacteria replace chemical fertilizers

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MIT scientists have developed a coating to protect and 'package' bacteria, making them transportable from the production lab to the field. Where they become an alternative to fertilizers
The presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in microbes is particularly high in soils subjected to cultivation or farming. 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

Analysis of soil microbes is a major tool against antibiotic resistance

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A study of soil microbes gets started in Ireland. The metagenomic survey, by the VistaMilk research center, aims to identify microorganisms that benefit the soil
Microplastics are a dangerous and widespread contributor to soil pollution. Photo: Oregon State University CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericOregon State University CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Tomography helps detect microplastics in soil

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A German research team has developed a new method for detecting microplastics. The technique employs neutron beams and X-rays to generate a complete image
Biological footprints of microbes in the soil show where diamond-containing minerals are buried. Photo: Alex Walls, images available for printing.Alex Walls, images available for printing.

Soil microbe analysis can replace drilling in the mining sector

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A Canadian study shows how microbes can be reliable indicators of the presence of diamonds underground. Analyzing their DNA can prevent high-impact exploration
The NISAR satellite will enable the collection of important data on forests using a radar system. Photo: NASA Public DomainPhoto: NASA Public Domain

A radar signal from space is going to show the state of the forests

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Starting in 2024, a new space project will remotely analyze Earth's forests and soil. The initiative involves NASA and the Indian space agency ISRO
By 2022 deforestation in the Amazon had affected 10,573 square kilometers. Photo: James Martins CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 UnportedJames Martins CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 Unported

Sensors and AI fight deforestation in the Amazon

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The University of the Amazon has developed a tool to detect potential threats to the forest in the field. It recognizes noises such as chainsaws and tractors: so it can warn of dangers in real time
Nanoparticles allow pesticides to be applied directly where they are needed while reducing the amount used. 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

Nanoparticles are a sustainable weapon against soil pests

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According to the University of California, the use of plant-derived nanoparticles can reduce the amount of pesticides used and the chances of soil contamination
The development of nanomaterials for soil represents just one of the possible uses of nanotechnology. Photo: Kevin Tong/UC Davis College of Engineering Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Kevin Tong/UC Davis College of Engineering Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Nanotechnology and nanomaterials are useful allies in soil protection

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The technological use of nanomaterials in soil stabilization, writes   AZoNano journal, occurs with reduced environmental impact compared to the impact generated by the use of traditional techniques
Overuse of pesticides in agriculture is a problem for human health. Photo: Zeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Zeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Pesticides do not escape nanosensors. From Sweden a low-cost solution

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Inexpensive nanosensors can detect pesticides in orange juice, explain researchers at Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm. Experimentation has shown their efficacy and the possibility of massive production
Thanks to artificial intelligence, deforestation can be prevented by detecting the presence of key variables. Photo: Bruno Kelly/Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Bruno Kelly/Amazônia Real from Manaus AM, Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Artificial intelligence challenges deforestation in Brazil

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The PrevisIA system uses artificial intelligence to rapidly analyze satellite imagery detecting critical variables that can promote deforestation. "Its predictive ability is fantastic," according to its creators

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