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The allele frequency of organic barley plants changes over the years favouring their adaptability. Photo: Jamain ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJamain ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Organic farming affects plant genetics

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A study by the University of Bonn shows how conventionally and organically grown barley plants develop differently. The latter experience adaptations in their genetic material
Mineral phosphate fertilisers show the presence of toxic metals, a phenomenon that is widespread worldwide. Photo: Antony Trivet, Pexels.com All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.Antony Trivet, Pexels.com All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.

Metals in fertilisers impact global soils

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According to a study by Duke University, uranium, cadmium and chromium make fertilisers from the USA and the Middle East particularly impactful on soil quality
A cereal field in Arkansas. The forecasting model developed by the US university is claimed to be able to halve the time required for the overall soil analysis. Photo: Jimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedJimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

In the USA, a predictive model shortens soil test timing

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Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a predictive model of soil structure and organic matter content that halves the overall testing time
Scientists developed a system that can predict missing data by taking into account soil and air dynamics. Photo: Beyond My Ken CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalBeyond My Ken CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Artificial intelligence accurately measures soil evapotranspiration

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Researchers at the University of Illinois have used artificial intelligence to predict missing data. Algorithm reduces margin of error compared to traditional measurements
Some sunflower varieties have genetically adapted to increase the number of disease-fighting microbes in the soil. Photo: T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International T. R. Shankar Raman CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Plant genetics influences the presence of beneficial microbes in the soil

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A study from the University of Colorado shows a correlation between a number of genetic traits in sunflowers and a set of microbes capable of fighting plant diseases
Bees, both domestic and wild, play a crucial role in pollinating 70 percent of the Planet's plant species and contribute 35 percent of global food production. Photo: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalPhoto: Rhododendrites CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

A step forward in the fight of bees against mites

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Canadian study provides new details on the interaction between bees in their post larval stage and the Varroa destructor, a mite capable of destroying up to 40 percent of pollinator colonies each year
Microbes can protect sorghum from being attacked by parasitic plants. Photo: National Parks Gallery Public Domain DedicationNational Parks Gallery Public Domain Dedication

This is how soil microbes fight plant infections

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According to University of California Davis research, certain strains of soil microbes act on the roots of sorghum plants, protecting them from external threats
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

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