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Model of vitamin B12 made by Dorothy Hodgkin (Alan Turing exhibition). The study of corrinoids, a key family of nutrients of which B12 itself is a member, enables the unraveling of relationships between microbes and soil. Photo: Paul Hudson Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPaul Hudson Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

A vitamin can decode interactions between soil microbes

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Corrinoids, a category of nutrients to which vitamin B12 belongs, influence the functionality of soil microbiomes, two UC Berkeley studies have found
Specific knowledge of microbes is needed to predict the extent of soil change triggered by climate factor. Photo: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Here is how we can predict the impact of climate on soil microbes

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A British study found that opposing extreme weather events alter soil microbe communities according to distinct and predictable dynamics
In Michigan forests, the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen pollution increases microbial activity by reducing the amount of carbon stored. Photo: Ylevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedYlevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

The nitrogen paradox: pollution control can reduce soil carbon sequestration

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A study highlights a possible side effect of combating air pollution: the reduction of carbon storage in the soil
Worldwide, the natural regrowth of forests can affect a total area of about 215 million hectares in humid tropical regions. Photo: George Shepherd Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedGeorge Shepherd Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Forests restored by nature can sequester 23 billion tonnes of CO2

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The estimate, on a 30-year basis, is contained in a study involving American and Australian scientists: worldwide, spontaneous forest regeneration potentially affects more than 200 million hectares of land
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
Desertification in the north-eastern Caatinga region of Brazil could reduce overall soil functionality by more than 50 per cent. Photo: A. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedA. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Desertification halves soil functionality in Brazil

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The calculation is contained in research conducted by two universities in the country, which analysed degraded areas in the north-east of Brazil. A confirmation of the impact of desertification on the soil's ability to sequester carbon
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
Earthworms play an essential role in keeping the soil healthy by eating and recycling organic matter. Photo: pfly Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deedpfly Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

New research will unveil the impact of climate change on soil earthworms

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A University of York study will assess how climate change-induced flooding affects the survival of earthworms, creatures essential for maintaining soil health
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

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