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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

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Researchers at the University of Illinois have used artificial intelligence to predict missing data. Algorithm reduces margin of error compared to traditional measurements
Some sunflower varieties have genetically adapted to increase the number of disease-fighting microbes in the soil. Photo: T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Plant genetics influences the presence of beneficial microbes in the soil

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A study from the University of Colorado shows a correlation between a number of genetic traits in sunflowers and a set of microbes capable of fighting plant diseases
Root decomposition promotes carbon release in the atmosphere. Photo: United States Department of Agriculture PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalRoot decompoUnited States Department of Agriculture PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal

Roots and A.I. offer carbon storage solutions

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According to Alliance of Bioversity International deeper roots boost carbon sequestration while artificial intelligence enables more accurate measurements of carbon storage
Bees, both domestic and wild, play a crucial role in pollinating 70 percent of the Planet's plant species and contribute 35 percent of global food production. Photo: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalPhoto: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

A step forward in the fight of bees against mites

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Canadian study provides new details on the interaction between bees in their post larval stage and the Varroa destructor, a mite capable of destroying up to 40 percent of pollinator colonies each year
Microbes can protect sorghum from being attacked by parasitic plants. Photo: National Parks Gallery Public Domain DedicationNational Parks Gallery Public Domain Dedication

This is how soil microbes fight plant infections

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According to University of California Davis research, certain strains of soil microbes act on the roots of sorghum plants, protecting them from external threats
Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have a high iron content and can be used to produce biological fertilizers. Photo: Josef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJosef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Cyanobacteria are amazing biofertilizers for soil

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According to a U.S. study, cyanobacteria or "blue-green algae" can be used to produce a biofertilizer suitable for iron-poor soils, thus turning into a valuable natural resource for farmers
A good irrigation strategy is crucial as the increasing frequency of extreme events favors floods and droughts. Photo: Global Water Forum CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

In northern China, spring irrigation mitigates effects of heat waves

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Combination of spring and summer irrigation "reduces the frequency and intensity of extreme heat events by 6.5 days and 1°C," according to a Chinese study
Interaction with plant roots impacts soil health. Photo: Philip Halling CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericPhilip Halling CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Soil health is related to its interaction with roots

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In the UK, scientists and farmers are collaborating to monitor and evaluate soil-root interactions. Their goal is to increase productivity and improve soil health
Researchers developed and tested a new restoration method in Shandong and Heilongjiang provinces in northern China. Photo: Jay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Researchers in China propose a new solution for saline-alkaline soils

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For more than a decade, a group of researchers in China has been developing a restoration method based on planting crop stems that prevent salt from rising to the surface, writes the South China Morning Post
Potassium is an essential soil nutrient. Photo: International Potash Institute Switzerland CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericInternational Potash Institute Switzerland CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Potassium loss is a global threat: here are six actions to counter it

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Twenty percent of the world's farmland has severe potassium deficiency. A study from Europe proposes a mix of strategies to protect food security