Posts

A corn field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Extending and diversifying crop rotations may not promote carbon sequestration but still provide important soil benefits. Photo: P. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedP. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Crop diversification supports nitrogen sequestration (but not carbon)

,
Diversifying rotations does not promote carbon storage but increases nitrogen availability with positive impact on soil and climate, a Iowa University study has found
According to the study, freshwater wetlands boast the highest carbon sequestration potential. Photo: Doug Beckers Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedAccording to the study, freshwater wetlands boast the highest carbon sequestration potential. Photo: Doug Beckers Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

A Tea Bag Tells the Story of Carbon Sequestration in Wetlands

,
An unusual experiment sheds light on the impact of climate change on carbon capture in the Earth’s wetlands. In freshwater areas and tidal marshes lies the greatest sequestration potential 
Worldwide, land degradation is growing by 1 million square kilometers per year, explains the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Drylands include three-quarters of Africa. Photo. Aaron Minnick | World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedAaron Minnick | World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

“Land degradation is expanding by 1m km2 a year”

,
Postdam researchers' snapshot: "transformative actions are needed to stop land degradation". Without reversing course “the Earth's ability to sustain human and environmental well-being is compromised”
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

,
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

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