Posts

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

,
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
Every year sand and dust storms bring 250 Great Pyramids of Giza into the atmosphere ©UN Photo/Blagoje Grujic ©UN Photo/Blagoje Grujic

Growing sandstorms. 25% are human-related

,
UNCCD: The problem of sand and dust storms is exacerbated by poor land and water management, drought and climate change. Choosing the correct agricultural practices can stem them
Over the past 12,000 years, 2.7 billion tons of phosphorus have reportedly accumulated in lake sediments around the world. 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

The phosphorus problem started thousands of years ago

,
A Swiss study found that humans began altering the phosphorus cycle many millennia ago. Before industrialization and the spread of fertilizers accelerated the process
There are still nearly 377 million acres of intact grasslands in the Great Plains of North America. Photo: Ammchale CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalAmmchale CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Canada and U.S. have lost 130,000 km2 of grasslands in ten years

,
According to WWF's latest study, in the past year, grasslands have ceded nearly 6,500 km2 of soil to conversion. With obvious consequences for carbon release
Le colture di copertura permettono di limitare la perdita di carbonio negli oliveti mediterranei che presentano alti tassi di erosione. Foto: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

In olive groves, cover crops reduce carbon loss by 76%

,
University of Córdoba study: use of these crops reduces soil carbon loss in Mediterranean olive groves by more than 75 percent
Drought alert. Water shortages could increase significantly, particularly in the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe. Photo: Roberto AI CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericRoberto AI CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Europe will be facing drought more often

,
The Commission has made available a database and a continental atlas of drought risk. A study of past data reveals negative predictions: the phenomenon will occur more often in the future
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

,
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
In agricultural systems based on the contribution of rainfall, the ability of the soil to retain water is decisive in providing adequate yields: Photo: John Sutton CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericJohn Sutton CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

FAO: the future of agriculture is linked to the water-soil relationship

,
Managing soil water in an effective way is a key condition for developing agriculture capable of meeting global demand under the scenario of climate change, FAO notes
Pollen from several bee species show traces of pesticides. 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

Pesticides persist in bee pollen, study says

,
An Irish study shows that pollen from several bee species retains traces of toxic substances from neonicotinoids. And researchers are concerned
The 17 new research projects funded by the European Commission will serve to achieve some of the objectives of the EU Soil Mission.EU Commission

Mission Soil, the EU Commission allocates €90 million for 17 research projects

,
The approved projects will help to restore soil health, protecting biodiversity and food production. 314 research centers will be involved, coming from 32 countries. A further step to achieve the 2030 objectives of the Mission Soil

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