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Ultrasound allows the impact of drought on the plant to be assessed non-invasively and quickly. Photo: USDA photo by Cynthia Mendoza. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed Cynthia Mendoza Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ultrasound device measures the impact of drought on plants

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A new device developed by a team of Lithuanian and Spanish researchers allows detection of the alteration produced by drought on certain key parameters of the plant's physiological state
In acidic soils such as red clay soils, the use of rock dust for CO2 capture produces disappointing results. Photo: David Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedDavid Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Rock dust helps capture CO2 but not in acidic soils

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The dispersion of rock dust in the soil is generally an effective way of storing carbon. But in acidic soils, according to an Australian study, this mechanism does not work
According to the EEA, farmers can help protect biodiversity by regenerating ecosystems through good practices. Photo: Vladimir Srajber pexelsPhoto: Vladimir Srajber pexels

EU proposes three agricultural strategies for ecosystem restoration

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The European Environment Agency suggests approaches to protect ecosystems and biodiversity: sustainable soil and water management, reconstruction of agricultural landscapes, maintenance and restoration of semi-natural habitats
Compost from organic waste can cover 21% of the nutrient demand in urban soils with a strong cut in environmental impact. Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedOh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Compost can be an alternative to chemical fertilisers in urban agriculture

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Compost made from organic waste could replace 21% of industrial fertilisers used in urban agriculture, says a study by the University of Barcelona UAB
Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but account for less than 20 per cent of those who own land. Photo: AMPLED, UNCCD Press OfficeAMPLED, UNCCD Press Office

Despite inequalities, women are forefront against drought

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The UNCCD-FAO Report: "Women are most vulnerable to drought but are also at the forefront in developing solutions to the problem." They produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries, but represent less than 20 per cent of landowners
Even a small improvement in the ability of fields to retain carbon can be significant for the global agricultural sector. Photo: pixabay Free for use under the Pixabay Content LicensePhoto: pixabay Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

Biodiversity of crops promotes carbon sequestration

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In barley fields, the application of other crops promotes increased carbon sequestration by modulating the relationships between microbes, the University of Helsinki has found
A field study in China found a 9.3% increase in wheat yield in eight years thanks to regenerative agriculture. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Conservation agriculture is stronger than climate change

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Chinese study shows how conservation agriculture improves productivity under warming conditions by increasing carbon input and stimulating microbial growth
In fields surrounded by trees, the presence of hoverflies is more than 30 times higher than in cultivated areas surrounded by meadows. Photo: Jean and Fred Hort Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedIn fields surrounded by trees, the presence of hoverflies is more than 30 times hPhoto: Jean and Fred Hort Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Trees around cultivated fields increase crop yields

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According to a Canadian study, the presence of trees increases the number of insects that contribute to pollination and the fight against crop pathogens
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

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A group of Indian researchers used cellulose-coated nano-zerovalent iron particles to successfully clean up chromium-contaminated water
Degraded soil promotes ‘hidden hunger’ that occurs when food quality does not meet nutritional requirements Photo: USDA NRCS South Dakota Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedUSDA NRCS South Dakota Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

‘Stop land degradation or we will face health risks,’ say activists ahead of COP29

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Land degradation poses a global threat to human health, activists recall as the UN Climate Convention in Baku approaches. In the US, 95 per cent of land at risk