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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
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