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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
Nitrogen, contained particularly in fertilizers, produces variable effects on plants and soil microfauna. Photo: Michael Trolove Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Michael Trolove Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Excess nitrogen also impacts soil invertebrates and insects

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A Dutch meta-analysis of 126 studies conducted worldwide illustrates the consequences of nitrogen accumulation for soil microfauna. Effects vary across species. Climate factor
Carbon detection project takes place in Moosomin, in the southeastern area of the Canadian state of Saskatchewan. Photo: Jimmy Emerson Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Jimmy Emerson Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Canadian researchers start a soil carbon measurement project

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An annual project in the state of Saskatchewan will collect data on soil carbon occurrence. The goal is to assess soil effects and generate measurable and verifiable emission credits
The application of statistical models in combination with spectroscopy makes it possible to assess the concentration of different elements in the soil. Photo: Marco Verch Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Marco Verch Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Spectroscopy offers new opportunities for soil analysis

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A research from the University of Katowice opens new perspectives in the field of soil analysis. Through spectroscopy, researchers were able to determine the presence and concentration of key elements in soil
Biochar is especially useful in limiting the effects of soil salinization. A phenomenon which is prevalent in Bangladesh where about one-third of agricultural land is in coastal areas. Photo: CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Photo: CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Biochar provides relief for saline soils in Bangladesh

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Biochar promotes tomato crop yields in salt-affected soils, a research conducted in Bangladesh has found. Effects on carbon sequestration are also positive
The Gansu Province. Stretching from Central Asia to the northeast of the country, the desertification-prone region in China covers an area of more than 1.2 million km2. Photo: Robert Thomson Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)Robert Thomson Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0)

“China must change direction in its anti-desertification strategy”

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The actions promoted in China in the 21st century have reportedly produced limited benefits, a recent study finds. Among other things, Beijing's "Grain for Green" plan has decreased the incomes of farmers and herders. Other natural factors have mainly weighed on land regeneration
Flash droughts may be a prelude to a long-term water crisis. Photo: ©EU/ECHO/Anouk Delafortrie Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)©EU/ECHO/Anouk Delafortrie Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Flash droughts are becoming the new normal

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In six decades, flash droughts have increased in 74 percent of the Planet's regions, says a Chinese study. Climate change remains the main critical factor
Il mercato dei crediti di carbonio può favorire l’afflusso di investimenti garantendo un sostegno decisivo ai coltivatori. Foto: Trevor Littlewood Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Trevor Littlewood Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

“Clear requirements are needed for carbon storage”

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A report released in the UK highlights the importance of minimum requirements in carbon sequestration activities. The study aims to bring clarity to the marketplace and ensure the element's long-term permanence in the soil
In one year, the Planet's soils absorbed 109 million tons of synthetic nitrogen fertilizers. Photo: P177 Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)P177 Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

A new project will monitor global nitrogen emissions from fertilizers

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The Global Research Alliance initiative aims to increase the availability of data on the impact of fertilizers on the Planet. And to better assess the effectiveness of mitigation practices