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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
Peptides produced by bacteria can target plant pathogens without harming the soil's useful microbiome. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Dutch researchers bet on bacteria to reduce pesticide use

Researchers at the University of Wageningen in the Netherlands will study the potential of bacteria to fight plant pests without damaging the soil ecosystem. Crucial is the action of peptides, biodegradable proteins produced by the microorganisms
In Central Asia, agriculture and livestock are the sectors that contribute the most to GDP. Photo: Gennadiy Ratushenko / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Gennadiy Ratushenko / World Bank Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Central Asia will keep on suffering from agricultural drought for a long time

Chinese researchers believe that soil drought linked to climate change can no longer be offset by weather cycles. A challenge for the region's crops and economy
At current rates of extraction, phosphorus production is expected to reach its peak around 2050. Photo: Mick Crawley Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Mick Crawley Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Global agriculture must reduce its dependence on phosphorus

Half of the available phosphorus in the soil comes from mineral fertilizers. Europe, Asia and North America show the highest concentrations. French researchers, "We need to accelerate the agroecological transition in rich countries by allocating the remaining resources to the global South"
Fertilizers produced by processing human manure would be a viable and safe resource for crops, according to German research. Photo: Hafidz Alifuddin, Pexels Free to usePhoto: Hafidz Alifuddin, Pexels Free to use

Toilets may provide an alternative to chemical fertilizers

By recycling human manure it is possible to produce natural fertilizers that provide identical yields as chemical equivalents, a German research has found. No risk of drug contamination, the authors explain. But further studies are needed
Tra le forme di agricoltura mista, l’agropastorizia combina le coltivazioni e l’allevamento del bestiame. Foto: Michael Trolove Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

EU agriculture mixes strategies against climate and geopolitical shocks

Combining different crops and mixing agriculture with livestock and forest management makes it possible to better respond to climate challenges and current crises. From Horizon magazine, a review of two European projects
The spread of droughts is linked to rising temperatures. In 2022, the number of times negative monthly precipitation records were broken was the third highest since 1979. Photo: bluesbby from Mountain View, USA Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)bluesbby from Mountain View, USA Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

The water cycle has changed. And it favors floods and droughts

Extreme rainfall concentrated in short periods is becoming more frequent just like months characterized by exceptionally low rainfall, scientists from the Global Water Monitor Consortium explain. Growth in duration and severity of heat waves causes "flash droughts" especially in Europe and China
The focus of scientists' interest is chitin, a substance that makes up 75 percent of lobster exoskeleton and is also contained in fungal and bacterial pathogens. Photo: Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)Aileen Devlin | Virginia Sea Grant Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

US potatoes survive pests thanks to lobster shell

Ground shells from lobsters can feed communities of beneficial microbes, creating a line of defense against soil pests. Researchers from University of Maine researchers offer a potential circular solution to safeguard the state's major crop. Which would also avoid tons of waste
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
Soil organisms account for nearly a quarter of all living species and provide important ecosystem services. Photo: rawpixel CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedicationrawpixel CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Soil damage impacts underground wildlife longer

According to a British study, in soil subject to human impact the restoration is slower organisms living underground than in surface. New perspectives in research are needed to protect biodiversity

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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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