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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

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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
Lo studio ha confrontato i risultati ambientali e socioeconomici raggiunti nelle aree protette dell'Amazzonia brasiliana. Foto: Marek Krzystkiewicz ATTRIBUTION 2.0 GENERIC CC BY 2.0 Deed

Amazon, land protection initiatives have reduced deforestation by 83%

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In the first decade of the century, the Amazon experienced a sharp decline in deforestation, explains an international study. But the economic benefits for the indigenous people have been limited. This is why new initiatives are needed
Due to their carbon sequestration potential, forests are an essential resource in climate change mitigation. Photo: USDA Nicholas A Toneli Creative Commons; Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)USDA Nicholas A Toneli Creative Commons; Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Forests still offset half of global fossil emissions

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The world's forests, an American study notes, absorb between 3.5 and 4 billion tonnes of carbon each year. Equivalent to "nearly half of the carbon dioxide emissions from burning fossil fuels between 1990 and 2019."
Worldwide, saline and sodic soils detected at a depth of one metre extend over 833 million hectares. Photo: Rheins ATTRIBUTION 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY 3.0 DeedRheins ATTRIBUTION 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY 3.0 Deed

Saline and alkaline soils can also contribute effectively to agriculture

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Although subject to fertility loss, saline soils represent an important agricultural reserve when treated with appropriate restoration techniques. A recent Chinese study examines them
Practices to reduce the release of nitrogen oxides do not slow down the process of restoring the ozone layer in the stratosphere that has been running for years. Photo: NASA ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedNASA ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

Nitrogen emission cuts do not impact the ozone layer

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According to a study by the University of Sheffield, nitrogen oxide release reduction practices do not slow down the process of restoring the ozone layer in the stratosphere
Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process and can be used as fertilisers as they are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Photo: City of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedCity of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

US bio-fertilisers are useful but watch out for contamination

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Used as fertilisers, biosolids produced by wastewater treatment can be very beneficial for the soil. This is also why, according to a study, it is important to analyse their content to prevent contamination phenomena
Support for biochar is part of the Danish government's plan to mitigate CO2 emissions in the agricultural sector between now and 2030. Photo: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Denmark bets on biochar for sustainable agriculture

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Biochar in the spotlight: the Danish plan to cut agricultural emissions includes a huge EUR 1.35 billion investment. Chiaramonti (PoliTo): "This solution embraces economic competitiveness and will guarantee multiple benefits"
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

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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

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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
Grafting mycorrhizal fungi boosts crop yields and is an alternative to chemical fertilisers. Photo: Rajarshi Rit ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY 4.0 DeedRajarshi Rit ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY 4.0 Deed

In acidified soils, fungi are an alternative to chemical fertilisers

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According to Chinese research, the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi results in a significant growth of the plant biomass of soybeans as well as the development of an optimal microbiome in the soil

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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.

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