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Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
In the Niger Delta, decades of uncontrolled oil extraction have severely compromised the soil. Photo: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil microbes tell the story of oil contamination

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An international study has revealed how microbes can act as markers to distinguish between recent and ancient oil pollution. This overcomes the limitations of traditional chemical analysis
Frost-resistant vegetation such as mosses and lichens in Antarctica is vital for biogeochemical cycles, soil insulation, and the support of biodiversity. Photo: Rob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedRob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Hyperspectral images reveal the health status of vegetation in Antarctica

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An Australian study reveals the importance of aerial survey based on a more advanced technique to assess the health and density of vegetation in an area with limited spectral range such as Antarctica. The highest accuracy exceeds 99%
The Observatory launched by FAO aims to measure, monitor, and protect soil biodiversity on a global scale. Photo: Pixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication licensePixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

FAO Launches the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory

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The UN agency unveils new project to expand monitoring capacity and provide a scientific foundation for biodiversity protection and sustainable soil use
Scientists have not yet fully understood how roots develop in the soil depth. Image: Konstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DeedKonstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Deed

Plant roots could store more carbon than previously expected at greater depths

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An American study reveals the existence of a second layer of roots developed by several plant species—often overlooked—that enables additional carbon sequestration
In the tropics, previously ignored trees result in an additional cover of nearly 400 million hectares, or 17% of the total Photo: Karina Carvalho CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed Karina Carvalho CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

The trees that weren’t there: a new map reveals previously unseen plants in the tropics

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New research reconsiders the presence of trees in tropical regions. Until now models excluded one in six plants. Thus ignoring the related ecological benefits
Mycorrhizal fungi help plants access soil nutrients while receiving sugars in return. Image: Rajarshi Rit, USIC department - University of Burdwan Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 DeedRajarshi Rit, USIC department - University of Burdwan Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 Deed

A public database collects information on soil fungi

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After years of study, a group of U.S. researchers has mapped the spore traits of 344 species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Gaining relevant information to assess their distribution and resilience to stresses
Grasslands are home to a wide variety of plant species and provide numerous ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, support for pollinators and grazing for livestock. But they are also some of thh most threatened ecosystems due to human activities, including land use change and intensive agricultural practices. Photo: Cortez Rohr/USFWS Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedCortez Rohr/USFWS Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

Study reveals how much nitrogen grasslands can tolerate

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According to researchers, applying more than 80 kg of nitrogen per hectare in a year would make grasslands “functionally poor, highly unstable and vulnerable to extreme weather events”
According to the authors, more than 50 percent of mangrove forests undergo significant changes due to El Niño and La Niña phenomena. Photo: Katia Schulz Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: Katia Schulz Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Climate oscillations are a constant threat to mangroves

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A study shows for the first time how temperature changes in the Pacific Ocean impact mangroves as they follow a specific pattern. In degraded areas, their ecosystem services are at risk
Mountain ash, the world's tallest flowering plant, which can reach nearly 100 meters in height, grows in the forests of Victoria. Photo: Rexness Attribution-Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedMountain ash, the world's tallest flowering plant, which can reach nearly 100 meters in height, grows in the forests of Victoria. Photo: Rexness Attribution-Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

In Australia’s logged forests natural regeneration is not enough

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In southwestern forests, 19% of cleared areas have not experienced natural regeneration. Poor management practices and climate change are determinants

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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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