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In poor countries, phosphorus loss could impact yields of 70 percent of rice fields. Photo: Arian Zwegers Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Arian Zwegers Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

CO2 emissions reduce soil phosphorus and put rice crops at risk

According to an international study, soil phosphorus is reduced due to prolonged exposure to high levels of CO2 in the atmosphere. The resulting decline in paddy field yields is a threat to food security
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
European Parliament Press Archive

Green deal, new EU targets approved for carbon sequestration

The European Parliament approved the revision of the regulation relating to the LULUCF (Land use and forestry sector). By 2030, the sector will have to guarantee the absorption of 310 Mt of CO2, 15% more than today. Expected binding obligations for all EU Member States
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
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
In Bangladesh, most soils contain less than 1.5 percent organic matter. This is below the minimum required threshold of 2.5 percent. Photo: CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh, 2006 Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh, 2006 Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Land degradation and food crisis hit Bangladesh

Poor farming practices and dependence on fertilizer have damaged soils in Bangladesh. Nutrient deficiency remains a problem. Use of organic alternatives for soil grows
By consuming plant material, herbivores divert potential fuel from wildfires. Photo: World Wildlife CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationWorld Wildlife CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Herbivores are a surprising ally of climate and soil

Far from being destructive, herbivores contribute to climate change mitigation, according to a new research. Their ability to prevent wildfires and return carbon and seeds to the soil is crucial
Invertebrates, play key functions in soil balance. Photo: s shepherd Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) s shepherd Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Missing invertebrates: the UK has already lost a third of its earthworms

The biodiversity crisis is also affecting invertebrates. In the United Kingdom, says a study by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the abundance of earthworms in the soil declined by 33 to 41 percent. Poor agricultural practices are a crucial determinant
The Patrica plant in Lazio is an example of the potential of the circular bioeconomy: Novamont has transformed a historic Italian chemical hub into a highly renewable biopolyester production centre, obtained from materials of vegetable origin. PHOTO: NovamontNovamont

Circular bioeconomy, biobased industries need specific codes

Interview with Giulia Gregori, Strategic Planning and Corporate Communication manager of Novamont: "We will thus be able to enhance the contribution of biobased products to decarbonisation and soil protection"
MRIDA, or soil in Hindi, is an application developed to estimate carbon sequestration potential. Photo: AS Rao, ICRISAT Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)AS Rao, ICRISAT Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

A new soil app from India can teach you climate-smart agriculture

Helping farmers and decision makers in developing climate-smart practices in soil management. That's the goal of MRIDA, the new app created in India to assess the carbon sequestration potential of different agricultural strategies