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Grasslands store one-third of the Earth's global carbon stock. Photo: Eric Van Lochem CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalPhoto: Eric Van Lochem CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Canada’s grasslands are getting hotter and drier

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A study by the University of Alberta has described for the first time the changes that have occurred in the country's grasslands over the past 120 years and the consequences for agriculture
Bacteria that can convert gaseous nitrogen to ammonia provide the nutrients plants need and regenerate the soil. Photo: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to usePhoto: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to use

‘Protected’ bacteria replace chemical fertilizers

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MIT scientists have developed a coating to protect and 'package' bacteria, making them transportable from the production lab to the field. Where they become an alternative to fertilizers
Soil conservation maximizes the potential of agriculture while limiting emissions. Photo: Matthias Ripp CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericPhoto: Matthias Ripp CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

“Soil care is crucial to ensure food security”, WEF says

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To meet growing food demand while capturing proper volumes of greenhouse gases, soil health must be a priority, says the World Economic Forum. Precision agriculture is essential
The presence of antibiotic-resistant genes in microbes is particularly high in soils subjected to cultivation or farming. 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

Analysis of soil microbes is a major tool against antibiotic resistance

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A study of soil microbes gets started in Ireland. The metagenomic survey, by the VistaMilk research center, aims to identify microorganisms that benefit the soil
Le colture di copertura permettono di limitare la perdita di carbonio negli oliveti mediterranei che presentano alti tassi di erosione. Foto: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

In olive groves, cover crops reduce carbon loss by 76%

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University of Córdoba study: use of these crops reduces soil carbon loss in Mediterranean olive groves by more than 75 percent
Nanoparticles allow pesticides to be applied directly where they are needed while reducing the amount used. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPhoto: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Nanoparticles are a sustainable weapon against soil pests

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According to the University of California, the use of plant-derived nanoparticles can reduce the amount of pesticides used and the chances of soil contamination
In the Corn Belt, where the majority of U.S. agricultural production is concentrated, climate change is set to impact agricultural yields. Photo: Steven Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Photo: Steven Martin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

This is how climate change will alter U.S. agriculture

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Climate change is set to impact agricultural yields in the U.S. Midwest, a study by the University of Connecticut says. "Data suggest a 12 percent decrease in corn yields by around 2050 and 40 percent by the end of the century"
In addition to economic benefits, the reduced use of nitrogen fertilizer also has environmental benefits. Photo: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lynn Betts public domainPhoto: U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Lynn Betts public domain

Deep soil testing reduces fertilizer spending

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A study from Texas quantified the average savings associated with reducing fertilizer use after soil testing. For a 1,000-acre U.S. farm, it exceeds $130,000 per year
In Guatemala, agroecology is considered a key resource to counter the negative effects of spreading monoculture. Photo: Lon&Queta Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Lon&Queta Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Agroecology schools offer support for farmers in Guatemala

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A crossroad between tradition and modern science, agroecology is spreading among farmers in Guatemala through a training program. This preserves ancient practices and protects soil health
According to the president of the UN Conference on Desertification, Alain-Richard Donwahi, the world may face a particularly severe food crisis sooner than expected. Photo: Racaille1950 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Photo: Racaille1950 Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

UN official: “A great climate-related food crisis is coming sooner than expected”

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This was stated by the president of the UN Conference on Desertification, Alain-Richard Donwahi. Climate change and poor agricultural practices impacting soil health are crucial factors