Posts

The influence exerted on the population composition of microorganisms comes from the ability of earthworms to influence soil structure, pH, nutrient availability and organic matter. Photo: benketaro Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)benketaro Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Earthworms are changing Canadian forests

,
Invasive species of earthworm affect microbial composition by altering overall soil conditions, Canadian research explains. Influencing nutrient and carbon cycling
In many cities in the United States and Canada, municipal waste incinerators were largely shut down in the 1970s in the face of growing concerns about air pollution. Photo: Fraser, Clayton B. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Public DomainPhoto: Fraser, Clayton B. Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C. 20540 USA Public Domain

Waste incineration leaves a heavy legacy in soils

,
Where waste was once burned, higher concentrations of lead are detected in the soil, says research from Duke University. With obvious health consequences
When installing photovoltaic panels in the ground, leveling, excavation and burial operations can cause erosion. Photo: Mark Buckawicki CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPhoto: Mark Buckawicki CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Solar farms may encourage soil erosion in U.S.

,
Virginia Tech researchers will analyze erosion risk in the state's solar installations. In the U.S., the problem is real. But several solutions are available
Present in several products, including fire extinguisher foam, fluoride-based pollutants, so-called PFAS or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are extremely difficult to dispose of. Photo: Brett Clashman, U.S. Air Force Public domainPhoto: Brett Clashman, U.S. Air Force Public domain

Ball milling cleans soil of persistent fluoride

,
Researchers in New Zealand are testing a solution against fluoride pollution. The technique has made it possible to degrade per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at the molecular level with 99.9 percent efficacy
The application of cover crops under the vines allows the plants and soil protection by reducing the use of herbicides. Photo: ד "ר יהודה מלמד עין הוד Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)ד "ר יהודה מלמד עין הוד Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Cover crops are a sustainable solution for vines

,
In vineyards, competition from cover crops can be used to limit the exposure of vines to disease, a study by Penn State University says. In this way the use of herbicides is reduced
The figure emerges from an analysis released together with the proposed Soil Directive presented by the EU Commission in early July. Photo: Sébastien Bertrand Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Sébastien Bertrand Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

A sustainable soil pays off as enefits exceed costs by 1.7 times, EU says

,
The figure is included in the Impact Assessment accompanying the proposed EU Soil Directive. Between now and 2060, the sustainable management of the continent's land will generate a positive balance of EUR 320 billion
In the EU, says the European Environment Agency, the economic benefits from the restoration of continental ecosystems amount to approximately EUR 1,860 billion. Photo: Jacek Karczmarz Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Jacek Karczmarz Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Environment restoration in the EU is worth almost 2 trillion euro

,
This is reported in a briefing by the European Environment Agency, which also calculates the return on investment for terrestrial ecosystems: every euro spent guarantees an economic return of between 8 and 38 euros
According to a British research, the impact of the war could cost Ukraine crop damage for at least a century. Photo: Heulwolf Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Heulwolf Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Ukraine, soil damage already amounts to $15 billion

,
La FAO e il programma Alimentare Mondiale hanno lanciato un’iniziativa per sminare i terreni agricoli in Ucraina. Nel frattempo gli esperti lanciano l’allarme sulla contaminazione di guerra
By 2022, forest destruction in Ghana increased by 71%, the highest figure on the planet. Photo: Maite Knorr-Evans, World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Maite Knorr-Evans, World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Destruction of tropical forests increased by 10% in 2022

,
Despite formal commitments made in Glasgow in 2021, the loss of primary rainforests in the tropics is increasing, says Global Forest Watch. Brazil tops the list. The cases of Congo R.D., Ghana and Bolivia are also worrying
The 34 per cent decrease recorded between January and June this year in the Amazon comes after a 54 per cent increase from August to December 2022 under the previous government. Photo: Lubasi Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Photo: Lubasi Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

It’s the Lula effect? Amazon deforestation falls by 34% in six months

,
The numbers, which have not been verified by an independent authority, would mark a turnaround for the Amazon after a particularly bad 2022. Fines and bans are increasing. But fires are also on the rise, having never been so extensive since 2007

RECEIVE
OUR NEWSLETTER

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.

To receive updates about Re Soil Foundation activities, sign up to our newsletter.


    • Coldiretti
    • Novamont
    • Politecnico di Torino