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Cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, have a high iron content and can be used to produce biological fertilizers. Photo: Josef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJosef Reischig CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Cyanobacteria are amazing biofertilizers for soil

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According to a U.S. study, cyanobacteria or "blue-green algae" can be used to produce a biofertilizer suitable for iron-poor soils, thus turning into a valuable natural resource for farmers
Interaction with plant roots impacts soil health. Photo: Philip Halling CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericPhilip Halling CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Soil health is related to its interaction with roots

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In the UK, scientists and farmers are collaborating to monitor and evaluate soil-root interactions. Their goal is to increase productivity and improve soil health
Researchers developed and tested a new restoration method in Shandong and Heilongjiang provinces in northern China. Photo: Jay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJay Fang CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Researchers in China propose a new solution for saline-alkaline soils

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For more than a decade, a group of researchers in China has been developing a restoration method based on planting crop stems that prevent salt from rising to the surface, writes the South China Morning Post
Potassium is an essential soil nutrient. Photo: International Potash Institute Switzerland CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericInternational Potash Institute Switzerland CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Potassium loss is a global threat: here are six actions to counter it

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Twenty percent of the world's farmland has severe potassium deficiency. A study from Europe proposes a mix of strategies to protect food security
Summer soil moisture increased in 57 percent of the continental United States between 2011 and 2020. Photo: Carl Wycoff CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericCarl Wycoff CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Soil moisture rises despite climate change

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Precipitation, not temperature, explains soil moisture trends, a Harvard University study has found. It is critical to improve forecasts of long-term changes in rainfall in response to climate change
Scientists have long studied the ability of legumes to fix nitrogen in the soil. Photo: pfeifferichard0 free to use Pixabay Content licensepfeifferichard0 free to use Pixabay Content license

Legumes can offer a solution for sustainable agriculture

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Crucial is the ability of legumes to fix nitrogen, an essential element for ensuring soil productivity. In Cambridge, a team of researchers is studying this dynamic to understand how to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers
Ants may be perfect candidates for providing useful insights into crop impacts. Photo: Poranimm Athithawatthee Pexels Free to UsePhoto: Poranimm Athithawatthee Pexels Free to Use

Ants offer new guidance on biodiversity in biofuel crops

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Effects on the communities of ants are one example of the consequences of energy policies and subsequent land use change, a study from U.S. has found
Nanopesticides were developed to ensure efficient distribution and lower environmental impact than traditional products. Photo: Aqua Mechanical CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericAqua Mechanical CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

“Further investigation is needed on nanopesticides,” Dutch researchers say

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According to four scientists at Leiden University, current assessments of nanopesticides do not take into account some problems related to their use
Historical yield study involved ten corn and soybean fields in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, in the agricultural region of the American Midwest.Photo: Dwight Burdette CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 UnportedDwight Burdette CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 Unported

Crop yield history reveals details of soil health

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A study by the University of Michigan reveals the link between agricultural yield and soil quality. Using a new metric, key information can be obtained to plan agricultural strategies while reducing environmental impact
Strategies such as extending the lifespan of infrastructure and recycling waste with subsequent transformation into inputs enable urban agriculture to largely reduce its climate impact. Credit: ©2015CIAT/GeorginaSmith CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic©2015CIAT/GeorginaSmith CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

Urban agriculture generates an excessive carbon footprint. Here’s how to avoid it

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Agriculture developed in urban spaces can have six times the climate impact of traditional agriculture, explains a University of Michigan study. Some tricks, however, make it possible to solve the problem