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Loss of urban biodiversity is a threat to human health
Loss of microbial biodiversity in degraded soils, which is particularly prevalent in cities, promotes the spread of bacterial pathogens and antibiotic resistance, says an international study. Restoring green spaces, by contrast, creates a biological barrier to their spread

Ants better than pesticides in protecting soil health and increasing agricultural yields
According to a research ants provide crucial services for crops such as decreasing pest activity and plant damage while leading to higher yields

Ukraine will have to deal with war damages to agriculture for a century (at least)
Ukraine farmland could suffer the same consequences as the soils of northern France, which are still contaminated with the munitions waste from World War I. A severe problem for the global food supply chain

UN experts ask Brazil not to approve ‘poison package’ on pesticides
UN asks Brazilian Senate to reject controversial rule which would undermine pesticide regulation. Substances pose serious risks to human health and the environment, experts say. During Bolsonaro's presidency, 1,500 pesticides have already been approved (562 in 2021)

Tropical plants provide a solution for heavy metal-contaminated soils
According to a study by NTU Singapore twelve plants proven effective in phytoremediation of soils contaminated with cadmium, arsenic, lead and chromium. The findings confirm the potential of nature-based -interventions

FAO is launching a photo contest dedicated to soil issues
Soil value is the focus of #Soils4Nutrition, the new photo contest launched by FAO. From war consequences to the micronutrient challenge, food security is increasingly in the spotlight. Submission closes on July 10

European organic farming keeps growing as market sets record high
Organic land in Europe covers more than 17 million hectares, with a 5.3% increase year on year. But the biggest surge comes from consumers: in the midst of the pandemic, sales mark the highest growth of the decade.

Soil health and Covid-19 immune response could be linked, scientists say
A Chinese-British research identifies a statistical correlation between the concentration of zinc, iron, copper and selenium in soil and the outcome of Covid-19 cases: the lower the concentration, the higher the fatality rate. The investigation suggests a link between the two events. But further studies will be needed

UN agrees to introduce a legally binding agreement on plastic in 2024
A new committee will work toward global regulation of plastic industry. By the end of 2024, countries will have to commit to implementing new manufacturing and design solutions based on circular economy principles

The hidden cost of U.S. meat? 107K tons of pesticides, says The Independent
Negli Stati Uniti l’industria dei mangimi continua a fare ampio uso di pesticidi nelle colture di soia e grano per l’alimentazione animale. Nel mirino, rileva il quotidiano britannico, l’atrazina e il glifosato. Sostanze pericolose per l’uomo, gli animali e il suolo