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The application of cover crops under the vines allows the plants and soil protection by reducing the use of herbicides. Photo: ד "ר יהודה מלמד עין הוד Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)ד "ר יהודה מלמד עין הוד Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Cover crops are a sustainable solution for vines

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In vineyards, competition from cover crops can be used to limit the exposure of vines to disease, a study by Penn State University says. In this way the use of herbicides is reduced
The expansion of large-scale agriculture is making the plains of South America more vulnerable to flooding. Photo: Andy Abir Alan Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Andy Abir Alan Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Extensive farming increases flooding in South America

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According to an Anglo-Argentine study, the spread of large-scale agriculture over the last four decades has favoured the rise of water tables in the plains of South America. Substitution of native vegetation has been crucial factor
Secondo la FAO la domanda globale di pellicole in plastica per uso agricolo raggiungerà quota 9,5 milioni di tonnellate nel 2030 contro i 6,1 milioni del 2018. Foto: Florian Gerlach Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Polyethylene mulches leave behind ‘negative effects for decades’

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L’ampio utilizzo delle pellicole da pacciamatura nelle colture di fragole si traduce nella dispersione di micro e macro frammenti di plastica nel suolo. Un fenomeno, rivela uno studio californiano, i cui effetti possono manifestarsi per decenni
According to a British research, the impact of the war could cost Ukraine crop damage for at least a century. Photo: Heulwolf Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Heulwolf Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ukraine, soil damage already amounts to $15 billion

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La FAO e il programma Alimentare Mondiale hanno lanciato un’iniziativa per sminare i terreni agricoli in Ucraina. Nel frattempo gli esperti lanciano l’allarme sulla contaminazione di guerra
Extreme heatwaves in India put soil productivity at risk. Photo: mckaysavage Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)mckaysavage Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Climate change threatens India’s agriculture and development

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Extreme heat waves, made more and more frequent by climate change, continue in India. Soil productivity is at risk, as is the achievement of growth targets
Silicon protects canola from clubtroot, a disease that can reduce yields of this crop by 15 percent. Photo: Graham Richter Attribution-Share alike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Graham Richter Attribution-Share alike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Adding silicon to the soil protects canola from its pathogens

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According to a Canadian research, silicon, a widespread and cheap element, helps plants fight clubroot. But it also helps them withstand drought and extreme heat
The antibiotic resistance study focused on soils in the Waikato region that are rich in cadmium and zinc. Photo: Pixabay lylsharain Content License Free usePixabay lylsharain Content License Free use

Heavy metals in soil promote antibiotic resistance in bacteria

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Bacteria isolated in contaminated soils appear to be more antibiotic resistant, says a study from New Zealand. A phenomenon that is still unclear and worrisome because of the risks to human health
Biofortification appears to be very effective in microgreens, referred to by researchers as "mature miniature plants." Photo: Penn State. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)Penn State. Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0)

Microgreens biofortification is a tool to counter malnutrition

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The biofortification process does work with smaller vegetables. According to Penn State University researchers,  soaking seeds in a zinc-based solution provides excellent results
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances are typically found in fluorinated pesticides that contain one or more fluorine atoms in their molecular structure and are considered particularly effective in combating plant pests. Photo: Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (Michigan) Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (Michigan) Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-ND 2.0)

Worrying data in the U.S. on PFAS contamination in soil

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In New Hampshire, the presence of fluorine-based substances was detected in all soil samples taken by researchers. These products, known as PFASs and contained in pesticides, are typically difficult to dispose of
Drip irrigation is a practice of great importance for smart agricultural management. Photo: H. Gomez/CIMMYT Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)H. Gomez/CIMMYT Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Algorithms drive irrigation in smart agriculture

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In an attempt to make irrigation more efficient, Stanford University has developed a new and more accurate system for calculating evapotranspiration. Measurement is shortened by 100 times