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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
il Parco Nazionale di Doñana National Park in Spagna è una delle aree più colpite dagli effetti della siccità. FOTO: Ministero spagnolo per la Transizione ecologica e la Demografia (MITECO), 2022.

Drought, the Mediterranean in the hotspot in the world is small

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Un nuovo rapporto dell'UNCCD ha individuato gli impatti, ambientali, sociali ed economici della siccità nelle zone più colpite nel biennio 2023-2024. Tra loro, Spagna, Marocco e Turchia. "Una catastrofe globale che si estende su milioni di km quadrati e colpisce milioni di persone"
A seaweed culture at the Tjärnö Marine Laboratory in Bouslän. Photo: Chalmers University of Technology, Sophie Steinhagen press releaseChalmers University of Technology, Sophie Steinhagen press release

Seaweed can be a sustainable protein source

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By using circular strategies, it is possible to harness the potential of seaweed to produce protein food in a sustainable way. The findings of the Swedish project

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