Posts

Specific knowledge of microbes is needed to predict the extent of soil change triggered by climate factor. Photo: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Here is how we can predict the impact of climate on soil microbes

,
A British study found that opposing extreme weather events alter soil microbe communities according to distinct and predictable dynamics
Zinc foliar sprays can mitigate the negative effects of water deficit stress in pearl millet plants. Photo: Shanmugamp7 Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedShanmugamp7 Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

How zinc improves drought resistance of crops

,
An Indian study reveals the properties of zinc in mitigating the effects of water stress on plants. Foliar sprays offer an effective solution
Ultrasound allows the impact of drought on the plant to be assessed non-invasively and quickly. Photo: USDA photo by Cynthia Mendoza. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed Cynthia Mendoza Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ultrasound device measures the impact of drought on plants

,
A new device developed by a team of Lithuanian and Spanish researchers allows detection of the alteration produced by drought on certain key parameters of the plant's physiological state
Among weather events, in the Netherlands, drought reduced yield by 24% compared to the average, rain during sowing lowered it by 18%. Photo: Paul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPaul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Two Dutch studies reveal the impact of weather on crop yields

,
The reduction in crop yields following extreme weather events such as drought and heavy rain has been accurately quantified for the first time. Depending on the type of crop and the phenomenon, the decrease ranges between 13 and 36%.
Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but account for less than 20 per cent of those who own land. Photo: AMPLED, UNCCD Press OfficeAMPLED, UNCCD Press Office

Despite inequalities, women are forefront against drought

,
The UNCCD-FAO Report: "Women are most vulnerable to drought but are also at the forefront in developing solutions to the problem." They produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries, but represent less than 20 per cent of landowners
Researchers theorise that the severity of fires in Siberia could increase by as much as 350% by the end of the 21st century. Photo: Savin Igor Igorjevich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedSavin Igor Igorjevich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

A warmer Arctic fuels Siberian wildfires

,
Global warming, says a Chinese study, promotes wildfires which, in turn, reduce the frequency of rainfall leading to a vicious cycle
In California the rate of erosion after post-fire floods increased between 3.5 and 4.6 times. Photo: Tomwsulcer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedTomwsulcer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

In California, fires and subsequent floods accelerate erosion

,
According to a study by the US Geological Survey, erosion on California coasts is closely linked to extreme weather events enhanced by progressive climate change
In Brazil, 54% of native villages in the Amazon basin are subject to isolation during severe droughts. Photo: James Martins Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 DeedPhoto: James Martins Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Deed

Indigenous communities in the forest pay the price of drought

,
Drought leads to a prolonged lowering of river levels in the Amazon causing local communities to become isolated, a study by the Autonomous University of Barcelona has found. This problem affects more than 50% of indigenous villages
The researchers' hope is that by predicting drought in advance, farmers and ranchers can better plan for water management. Photo: jackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericjackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

NASA follows the light and anticipates flash droughts

,
Space Agency researchers have found a correlation between flash drought and the intensity of induced fluorescence. A phenomenon related to photosynthesis and observable from space
When they ecosystems do not have enough time to recover before another drought or fire they may suffer permanent damage. Photo: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 GenericPhoto: Russ Allison Loar CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Drought alters post-fire recovery in the U.S.

,
NASA satellite data reveal how drought has hampered recovery from wildfires in the western United States, resulting in the risk of creating permanent soil damage