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Worldwide, saline and sodic soils detected at a depth of one metre extend over 833 million hectares. Photo: Rheins ATTRIBUTION 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY 3.0 DeedRheins ATTRIBUTION 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY 3.0 Deed

Saline and alkaline soils can also contribute effectively to agriculture

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Although subject to fertility loss, saline soils represent an important agricultural reserve when treated with appropriate restoration techniques. A recent Chinese study examines them
Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process and can be used as fertilisers as they are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Photo: City of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedCity of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

US bio-fertilisers are useful but watch out for contamination

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Used as fertilisers, biosolids produced by wastewater treatment can be very beneficial for the soil. This is also why, according to a study, it is important to analyse their content to prevent contamination phenomena
Support for biochar is part of the Danish government's plan to mitigate CO2 emissions in the agricultural sector between now and 2030. Photo: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Lars Plougmann ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Denmark bets on biochar for sustainable agriculture

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Biochar in the spotlight: the Danish plan to cut agricultural emissions includes a huge EUR 1.35 billion investment. Chiaramonti (PoliTo): "This solution embraces economic competitiveness and will guarantee multiple benefits"
The effectiveness of non-sulphur purple bacteria as fertilisers was tested in spinach cultivation. Photo: RIKEN press releaseRIKEN press release

Marine bacteria may serve as a natural soil fertiliser

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A Japanese study tested the effectiveness of purple non-sulphur bacteria in providing nutrients to plants. Thanks to their enzymes, these microorganisms take nitrogen from the atmosphere and then incorporate it into proteins
Grafting mycorrhizal fungi boosts crop yields and is an alternative to chemical fertilisers. Photo: Rajarshi Rit ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY 4.0 DeedRajarshi Rit ATTRIBUTION 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY 4.0 Deed

In acidified soils, fungi are an alternative to chemical fertilisers

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According to Chinese research, the inoculation of mycorrhizal fungi results in a significant growth of the plant biomass of soybeans as well as the development of an optimal microbiome in the soil
Driven by climate and agricultural activities, the greatest soil loss in the United States has occurred mainly in the Central Great Plains, on slopes and in cultivated soils. Photo: Steven Martin ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedSteven Martin ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

How climate and human activities have eroded the US soil

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Climate and land-use change have promoted erosion in the United States over the past 70 years. The Central Great Plains has experienced the most significant loss
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

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It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

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