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In the fields treated with three-year cropping cycle nitrogen leakage was reduced by 50 percent. Photo: Daniel Schwen Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

A more diversified rotation can halve nitrogen leakage in crops

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Nitrogen leakage can be cut in half by applying a three-year crop rotation while soil health also benefits, an American research has found
Each year, northern (photo) and western rootworm cause huge losses to corn farmers in the United States. Photo: Eric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedEric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Hibernation helps US corn pests cause billions in damage

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified the genetic mechanisms that regulate the diapause process, a strategy that allows corn pests to resist winter
The National Scientific Committee estimates that 1.4 percent of France's soil-more than 750 thousand hectares-is prone to desertification. Photo: iJuliAn Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedThe National Scientific Committee estimates that 1.4 percent of France's soil-more than 750 thousand hectares-is prone to desertification. Photo: iJuliAn Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

France is the latest victim of global desertification

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Late last year, France was added for the first time to the UN list of countries declared affected by land degradation and desertification. A phenomenon that impacts more than 3 billion people worldwide
The massive wildfires of 2023 in Quebec as seen by satellite. During that year, Canada recorded more than 18.4 million hectares of forest burned and about 232,000 people evacuated. Photo: Pierre Markuse modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2023 Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPierre Markuse modified Copernicus Sentinel data 2023 Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Wildfires in Canada are a serious and worsening problem

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Wildfires in the country are no longer just a seasonal phenomenon, according to an expert at the University of Ottawa. Drought amplifies the role of all crucial factors
Microplastics are a dangerous and widespread factor in soil pollution. Photo: Marco Verch CC-BY 2.0Marco Verch CC-BY 2.0

EU 2030 target at risk as microplastics dispersion grows in Europe

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According to the European Environment Agency, between 2016 and 2022, microplastic emissions increased by between 7.5 and 8.6 percent. The targeted 30 percent reduction by the end of the decade appears “unlikely”
PFAS are found in many products such as firefighting foams, paints, pesticides, coatings, and food packaging. Photo: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedDefense Visual Information Distribution Service Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

Cleaning up Europe from PFAS would cost 2 trillion over 20 years

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The estimate is included in an investigation coordinated by the French newspaper Le Monde into the spread of PFAS in the Continent. Producers' lobby under attack
More than 60 actions have currently been completed for the European Union's Soil Strategy 2030. Twenty-four are still in progress. Photo: Karsten Würth CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedKarsten Würth CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

New tracker details how EU Soil Strategy is progressing

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A new tool from the European Soil Data Center provides a comprehensive overview of progress made since 2021 to date on actions shaping the EU Soil Strategy
In tropical forests, says a study, the addition of nutrients would increase shoot biomass by 26% and growth rate by 14%. Photo: E.Morgan.Strong CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredE.Morgan.Strong CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Accumulation of nutrients threatens tropical forests

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According to a study, the inflow of nutrients would eventually provide a competitive advantage to some tree species resulting in a loss of biodiversity
In the past five years, the Brazilian Amazon has experienced about 1 million fires. Photo: Ibama from Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedIbama from Brasil Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Fires in Brazilian Amazon set a bleak record increasing 42% in one year

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This was claimed by the National Institute for Space Research. The Brazilian Amazon has experienced about 1 million fires in the past five years. Worst drought in 74 years played a crucial role
In California's Central Valley, nitrogen contamination poses a significant risk. Photo: DJ Fogbound Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedDJ Fogbound Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Climate change and extreme events promote nitrogen contamination

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In California, the interaction between drought and subsequent rainfall promotes the dispersion of nitrogen that can reach surface waters, explains a U.S. study