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Exposure to a fungicide promotes antibiotic resistance and, when combined with higher temperatures, reduces soil microbial activity and affects barley growth. Photo: Blonder1984, CC BY-SA 3.0Blonder1984, CC BY-SA 3.0

Fungicides and warming: a double pressure on soil microbes

Two studies from Trinity College Dublin link exposure to a fungicide to antibiotic resistance and show how exposure to the fungicide and higher temperatures together affect soil microbial activity and barley growth
A field of common millet in the Odessa Oblast, Ukraine. The crop reached Central Europe in the early 16th century BC, making it possible to cultivate land previously considered unsuitable for agriculture. Photo: Yuriy Kvach/Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0Yuriy Kvach/Wikimedia Commons – CC BY-SA 4.0

Resilient agriculture, a lesson from the Bronze Age

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In the Bronze Age, millet helped agriculture cope with climatic and demographic pressures. A story of diversification that still resonates today
Planting trees on pastures is an effective strategy for protecting biodiversity, but not as much as preserving natural forests. Photo: Onderwijsgek Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedOnderwijsgek Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Planting trees in pastures increases biodiversity by 44 per cent

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In developing countries, livestock farming is a means of livelihood for one billion farmers, but the growing need for space for pastures is driving deforestation. A German study suggests how to reconcile economic development and biodiversity
According to the research, drought alters the relationship between roots and soil microorganisms, thereby changing plants’ adaptation strategies. Photo: Diego Delso Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedDiego Delso Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Beyond yields: how drought undermines the nutritional quality of crops

A Canadian study shows that canola, rice and tomatoes reduce iron uptake during drought, leading to a decline in crop nutrient content and potentially affecting global food security
A cell hidden in the roots of common beans could pave the way for crops that are more drought-resistant and less reliant on fertilisers. Photo: H. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedH. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

In bean roots, researchers have identified a previously unknown resource for agriculture

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An American study has identified microscopic hair roots capable of absorbing nutrients and retaining water within the very first days of a plant’s life, thereby improving its chances of survival even in the driest soils
Insect frass is a natural soil amendment that improves soil fertility and is attracting increasing interest in agriculture. Photo: Angal insect Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedAngal insect Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Insect frass improves soil health and protect crops

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An American study shows how insect frass can increase nutrient efficiency and reduce pest damage in crops, contributing to a more sustainable, circular agriculture
The importance of this technique lies in its applicability to cereal crops, which are fundamental to global food security. Photo: Pixabay Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication licensePixabay Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

Researchers have turned cereal plants into pollution sensors

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US researchers have developed a genetic circuit that activates upon the presence of contaminants in cereal crops by inducing grasses to produce a visible pigment
59% of global deforestation is caused by meat production and 33% by soy production, both occuring in the Amazon. Photo: Ben Lamb Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedBen Lamb Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Meat and soybean (plus coffee) are driving deforestation in the Amazon

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The latest WWF report identifies the main factors behind the ongoing phenomenon in the Amazon. Meat and soy top the list in terms of impact, ahead of cocoa, palm oil, and coffee
Agricultural areas in 155 countries depend on forests in other countries for up to 40% of their annual rainfall. Photo: Peter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPeter Prokosch Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

“Forests and agriculture are not in competition,” FAO says amid COP30

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At the Climate Conference, FAO promotes integration between sectors: “Food security depends on forests; conservation and restoration are crucial actions for increasing productivity.”
Understanding how rice maintains productivity with the support of the microbiome under conditions of nutritional deficiency can help develop new strategies in precision agriculture. Photo: IRRI Photos Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: IRRI Photos Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Root bacteria help reduce the environmental impact of rice cultivation

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A Japanese study has identified some bacteria in rice roots that are responsible for nitrogen fixation and can spread in soil without fertilizers or pesticides. This helps the plant adapt and grow

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