Posts

Distribution of seed carriers is done by drones. Photo: Pixabay Content License Attribution not requiredPixabay Content License Attribution not required

Can seed carriers help regenerate the soil?

,
Created by researchers at Carnegie Mellon University, seed delivery devices pave the way for soil regeneration. But some observers are skeptical
For years the number of insects has been steadily, worryingly decreasing. PHOTO: Pixabay

Insects in decline? “it’s a fault of soil consumption and pollution”

,
A Swiss-German study investigated the main factors behind the constant decline of insects and their biodiversity. Invasive species and intensive agriculture are also of concern. 40% of all species will be at risk of extinction in the coming decades.
Mosses cover 9.4 million km2 of land on the Planet, an area comparable to the territory of Canada or China. Photo: Krishna satya CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPhoto: Krishna satya CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Mosses are an amazing ally for soil health

,
The University of New South Wales study: mosses promote nutrient accumulation in the soil and carbon sequestration. In degraded areas, moreover, these plants accelerate the regeneration process
In Canadian forests, increased tree species diversity produces growth in soil carbon and nitrogen. Photo: Lawrence Hislop www.grida.no/resources/3116 Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Lawrence Hislop www.grida.no/resources/3116 Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Variety of trees promotes carbon and nitrogen sequestration

,
An increase in the number of tree species stimulates greater carbon and nitrogen sequestration, Canadian research explains. But biodiversity is in decline. Promoting it means mitigating climate change and reducing land degradation
Without living roots, the abundance of soil organisms decreased by 42 percent in rainforest and 30 percent in plantations. Photo: Anton Potapov, University of Göttingen, press releaseAnton Potapov, University of Göttingen, press release

Plant roots are crucial for soil animals

,
In tropical soils plant roots affect biodiversity no less than leaf litter, a German research explains. A significant finding for the development of sustainable solutions capable of balancing agriculture and land conservation
A corn field devastated by drought. Land degradation is estimated to cost the United States $67 billion a year. Photo: Bob Nichols, USDA Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Bob Nichols, USDA Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Researchers in the U.S. launch five-year soil health survey

,
Four U.S. universities are launching a massive soil analysis project. The initiative aims to counter land degradation which is estimated to cost $67 bn a year in America
Data from the Joint Research Centre snapshot the health of the continental soil showing numbers in line with past predictions. Photo: François Molle/IRD Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)François Molle/IRD Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

61% of European soil is unhealthy, JRC confirms

,
Joint Research Centre data snapshot the health of continental soils, showing numbers in line with past predictions. Organic carbon reduction, biodiversity loss and peatland deterioration are the most widespread problems
Fungi appear to accelerate plant growth in forests by promoting CO2 removal. Photo: Nicolas Raymond Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Nicolas Raymond Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Can soil fungi counteract climate change?

,
Fungi appear to accelerate plant growth by promoting CO2 removal. A Texas company wants to explore this potential in the market for emission credits
Urban biodiversity at risk. By mid-century, 70 percent of the world's population will live in cities. Photo: Loozrboy Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0) Loozrboy Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Loss of urban biodiversity is a threat to human health

,
Loss of microbial biodiversity in degraded soils, which is particularly prevalent in cities, promotes the spread of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance, says an international study. Restoring green spaces, by contrast, creates a biological barrier to their spread
Transplanted soil adds organic matter and other chemical and physical properties to degraded soil. Photo: NRCS by Aaron Roth. Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)NRCS by Aaron Roth. Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Soil transplanting allows regeneration of degraded lands

,
Transferring a healthy soil mass to a degraded area can ensure rapid restoration, explain researchers at the Netherlands Institute of Ecology. An important finding in the global scenario. But more studies are needed

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