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Experimental Salicornia plots at the International Center for Biosaline Agriculture. The global phenomenon of soil salinization has spurred research into natural strategies that can increase plant resilience. Photo: Charbel El Khouri - International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, CC BY-SA 4.0Photo: Charbel El Khouri - International Center for Biosaline Agriculture, CC BY-SA 4.0

Here is how soil bacteria can save crops from salinization

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An international study has identified soil bacteria that naturally boost plants' resistance to soil salinization stress. The discovery opens up new opportunities for an agriculture that relies less on fertilizers
Palm oil production in Brazil. Biodiversity loss linked to agriculture is concentrated in tropical areas, which account for almost 80 per cent of the total impact. Photo: Miguel Pinheiro/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedMiguel Pinheiro/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Palm, coconut and soybean oil account for 1.5 per cent of global biodiversity loss

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A new study reveals that these three oil crops alone are responsible for around 75% of the biodiversity loss linked to agricultural expansion. A consequence of growing demand for many everyday products
The initiatives, with Re Soil’s participation, provided an opportunity to highlight the importance of soil health. Photo: Nicola Vuolo, Re Soil FoundationPhoto: Nicola Vuolo, Re Soil Foundation

From Cumiana to Este: building soil awareness to secure a sustainable future

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Two events, hundreds of children and young people involved, and a shared goal: raising awareness of the value of soil. From school activities to European projects, Re Soil places education at the centre
According to the research, drought alters the relationship between roots and soil microorganisms, thereby changing plants’ adaptation strategies. Photo: Diego Delso Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedDiego Delso Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Beyond yields: how drought undermines the nutritional quality of crops

A Canadian study shows that canola, rice and tomatoes reduce iron uptake during drought, leading to a decline in crop nutrient content and potentially affecting global food security
The snow cover plays a vital role in winter crops, protecting them from frost and providing a valuable water supply. Photo: PickPik Royalty-Free photoPhoto: PickPik Royalty-Free photo

Snow drought is a growing risk for global agriculture

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Una ricerca del Politecnico di Hong Kong mostra come la carenza di neve colpisca quasi la metà dei terreni coltivati dell’emisfero nord, amplificando i rischi per la sicurezza alimentare mondiale
A cell hidden in the roots of common beans could pave the way for crops that are more drought-resistant and less reliant on fertilisers. Photo: H. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedH. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

In bean roots, researchers have identified a previously unknown resource for agriculture

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An American study has identified microscopic hair roots capable of absorbing nutrients and retaining water within the very first days of a plant’s life, thereby improving its chances of survival even in the driest soils
The LandISPortal platform currently contains over 250,000 field observations and more than 30,000 detailed descriptions of soil profiles, as well as hundreds of specialist publications and thematic maps. Photo: Siegfried Makedanz Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedSiegfried Makedanz Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

Half a century’s data on British soil now available to the public

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La Cranfield University apre il LandISPortal, un database online costruito con oltre 30 mila campioni di suolo e 250 mila osservazioni sul campo raccolte nell’arco di mezzo secolo
Three-quarters of the world’s food crops depend on bees and pollinators in general. Photo: Boris Smokrovic CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedBoris Smokrovic CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Bees and biodiversity: a revolutionary radar is changing the way pollinators are monitored

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The technique developed by Trinity College Dublin and the Technical University of Denmark can identify bees with 85% accuracy while monitoring their health and behaviour. A millimetre-wave radar system proved decisive
Bumblebees are pollinators that play a vital role in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Photo: pixnio Public Domain – Free Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Photospixnio Public Domain – Free Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Photos

Climate and pollinators: for bumblebees heat isn’t always their enemy

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American study finds that major agricultural pollinators can adapt better than expected to moderate temperature increases. But extreme heat waves may jeopardize entire colonies
Soybean cultivation, the third leading cause of tropical deforestation, can now be monitored with greater precision. Photo: Pixabay Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication licensePixabay Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

Tracking soybean to stop deforestation with chemistry and AI

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An innovative method combines chemical fingerprinting and machine learning to pinpoint the origin of soybeans with unprecedented accuracy. A practical tool to support the enforcement of stricter traceability rules