The agricultural sector faces economic and environmental pressures today to reduce the use of herbicides. Photo: Zeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedZeynel Cebeci Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Artificial vision allows to reduce the use of herbicides

,
Thanks to a sensing system, some farm machinery offers the opportunity to use less herbicide by detecting weeds and distributing treatments in a targeted manner
The crystal structure of graphene. Thanks to their many properties, nanomaterials can be used in a variety of applications. Photo: AlexanderAlUS Attribution - Share Alike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedAlexanderAlUS Attribution - Share Alike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Nanomaterials offer a solution for groundwater remediation

,
A group of Indian researchers used cellulose-coated nano-zerovalent iron particles to successfully clean up chromium-contaminated water
New instruments are being developed in Missouri to detect soil nutrients quickly, reliably and inexpensively. Photo: pxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deedpxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

US researchers test a sensor to assess nutrient loss

,
A research project at the University of Missouri describes the potential of a new instrument to detect the presence of phosphorous- and nitrogen-based nutrients in the soil. An innovation that would pave the way for a more sustainable use of fertilisers
About one third of the desert areas in China where a solar park had been built experienced vegetation recovery. Photo: Planet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPlanet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Are China’s solar parks a viable tool against desertification?

,
In China, the expansion of photovoltaic installations is reportedly helping to combat desertification. An interesting hypothesis given the scale of the problem. But the issue is still controversial
The sounds produced by invertebrates are an indicator of soil biodiversity. Photo: Gabriel González Free for personal and commercial use Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedGabriel González Free for personal and commercial use Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ecoacoustics: how soil sounds measure biodiversity

,
Australian research has highlighted the correlation between the complexity of noise produced by invertebrate communities and the level of soil biodiversity
The effectiveness of non-sulphur purple bacteria as fertilisers was tested in spinach cultivation. Photo: RIKEN press releaseRIKEN press release

Marine bacteria may serve as a natural soil fertiliser

,
A Japanese study tested the effectiveness of purple non-sulphur bacteria in providing nutrients to plants. Thanks to their enzymes, these microorganisms take nitrogen from the atmosphere and then incorporate it into proteins
Found in the foams of many products, PFAS are persistent substances in the soil and hard to eliminate. Photo: Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedMichigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Australian researchers tested a new method for PFAS decontamination

,
Researchers at the University of New South Wales in Sydney have developed an effective technique to break down the strong carbon-fluorine bonds that make PFAS hard to break do
A cereal field in Arkansas. The forecasting model developed by the US university is claimed to be able to halve the time required for the overall soil analysis. Photo: Jimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedJimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

In the USA, a predictive model shortens soil test timing

,
Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a predictive model of soil structure and organic matter content that halves the overall testing time
The researchers' hope is that by predicting drought in advance, farmers and ranchers can better plan for water management. Photo: jackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericjackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

NASA follows the light and anticipates flash droughts

,
Space Agency researchers have found a correlation between flash drought and the intensity of induced fluorescence. A phenomenon related to photosynthesis and observable from space
Scientists developed a system that can predict missing data by taking into account soil and air dynamics. Photo: Beyond My Ken CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalBeyond My Ken CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Artificial intelligence accurately measures soil evapotranspiration

,
Researchers at the University of Illinois have used artificial intelligence to predict missing data. Algorithm reduces margin of error compared to traditional measurements

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