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Aberdare forest in Kenya. 67% of heterotrophic respiration of microbes is located in tropical soils. Photo: Wanjikucha Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Wanjikucha Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Soil microbes will release 40 percent more CO2 by 2100

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Climate change is increasing the respiration of soil microbes and related CO2 emissions. A phenomenon, says a Swiss study, set to accelerate between now and the end of the century
The Tibetan Plateau represents the largest area of Alpine permafrost and a large store of organic carbon. Photo: Rita Willaert Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Rita Willaert Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

In Tibetan permafrost 54% of the carbon comes from microbes

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A Chinese study quantifies for the first time the weight of major soil organic carbon components released due to rising temperatures
Biocrusts can regulate both the physical and biological environment of ecosystems. Photo: DainisGeo Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)DainisGeo Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Chinese study unravels the mysteries of biocrusts

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Researchers have shown how surface biocrusts protect subsoil microorganisms by increasing their diversity and stability which benefit the soil
"Terra preta" ('black soil' in English) is found although in small amounts in the Amazon and is part of the macro category of so-called black soils, known for their fertility. Photo: Holger Casselmann Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)Holger Casselmann Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-SA 3.0)

The secret to Amazon regeneration lies in black soil

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According to Brazilian research, the valuable black soil found in parts of the Amazon retains unique characteristics that promote the rapid recovery of deforested land
Carbon captured from the soil of forests, grasslands and pastures is equivalent to about 25% of global emissions Photo: Antonio Jordán (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu) Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)Antonio Jordán (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu) Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported (CC BY-NC-SA 3.0)

Subsoil carbon is particularly vulnerable to climate change

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International study shows how, at one meter depth, soil gives up more than one-third of its pyrogenic carbon after experiencing a 4°C temperature rise in less than five years
Biochar is especially useful in limiting the effects of soil salinization. A phenomenon which is prevalent in Bangladesh where about one-third of agricultural land is in coastal areas. Photo: CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)Photo: CBFM-Fem Com Bangladesh Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0)

Biochar provides relief for saline soils in Bangladesh

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Biochar promotes tomato crop yields in salt-affected soils, a research conducted in Bangladesh has found. Effects on carbon sequestration are also positive
NRM analyzes of thousands of soil samples taken from UK farmland have shown deficiencies in magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. PHOTO: Steven Weeks on Unsplash

UK, two thirds of soils show nutrient deficit

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An analysis by the independent laboratory NRM: as a result of the degradation, wheat crops show 10% less nitrogen and 25% less phosphorus. Thousands of soil samples extracted from UK farmland
In Canadian forests, increased tree species diversity produces growth in soil carbon and nitrogen. Photo: Lawrence Hislop www.grida.no/resources/3116 Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)Lawrence Hislop www.grida.no/resources/3116 Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0)

Variety of trees promotes carbon and nitrogen sequestration

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An increase in the number of tree species stimulates greater carbon and nitrogen sequestration, Canadian research explains. But biodiversity is in decline. Promoting it means mitigating climate change and reducing land degradation
In Australia la distruzione delle foreste e della vegetazione colpisce lo Stato più ricco di biodiversità minacciando la sopravvivenza delle specie a rischio. Foto: Jean Beaufort CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Queensland is the epicenter of deforestation in Australia

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In Australia, livestock expansion fuels record deforestation in the state of Queensland. The phenomenon complicates climate mitigation ambitions in the country
Soils grazed by wild herbivores have greater carbon sequestration capacity than those pastured by livestock animals. Photo: Pixabay Content license Attribution not requiredPixabay Content license Attribution not required

Antibiotics and livestock farming reduce carbon sequestration in grasslands

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Livestock herbivores impact soil microbial fauna by reducing carbon uptake capacity, an Indian research says. Antibiotics' effect on soil is crucial

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