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Among microbes in urban spaces, there is increasing similarity among bacteria, while fungi are more resistant to homogenization. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes react in different ways to urbanization

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An international study describes the impact on various microbial communities. Although with different responses, bacteria and fungi maintain their basic functions thus ensuring ecosystem services
The recovery of organic waste enables the creation of bioproducts of circular origin that help reduce waste while opening up new economic opportunities for many industries. Photo: Denise Nys, Pexels free to useDenise Nys, Pexels free to use

Researchers use circular strategies to turn waste into bioproducts

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The European Biorecer project, which is active in Greece, Italy, Spain and Sweden, aims to create new value chains through the creation of bioproducts based on the circular recovery of organic waste
In the U.S., turfgrass, including domestic lawns, covers more than 160 thousand square kilometers and host an important biodiversity. Photo: rawpixel free public domain CC0 imagerawpixel free public domain CC0 image

Less intensive management of lawns promotes soil biodiversity

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A study shows how less intensive management of lawns, especially of those surrounding homes, allows to support many below-ground species that contribute to the balance of the ecosystem
The agri-food sector also plays a key role in achieving climate neutrality in the EU by mid-century. Photo: GRID-Arendal Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedGRID-Arendal Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil health and living labs are the pillars of EU agriculture of the future

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The EU Commission released the Vision for Agriculture and Food 2040: Soil care, innovation and research are crucial to achieving climate neutrality by mid-century
Rapid degradation of organic soils is increasingly affecting the Montérégie, one of the main agricultural regions in Canada. Photo: Axel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedAxel Drainville Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

In Canada, scientists are studying natural solutions against soil degradation

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Researchers at Laval University in Quebec are exploring new methods against soil deterioration in Montérégie, a key agricultural region in Canada. Under investigation are straw, shavings and polyphenols
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
Soil plays a central role in achieving many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda. Photo: Rawpixel CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain DedicationPhoto: Rawpixel CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication

Soil and the 2030 Agenda: a webinar in Verona (also in streaming) on Feb. 17

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The event will be broadcast live on Youtube. Theme of the meeting: the role of soil in the path toward the UN Goals
A corn field in Cedar Falls, Iowa. Extending and diversifying crop rotations may not promote carbon sequestration but still provide important soil benefits. Photo: P. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedP. L. Tandon Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Crop diversification supports nitrogen sequestration (but not carbon)

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Diversifying rotations does not promote carbon storage but increases nitrogen availability with positive impact on soil and climate, a Iowa University study has found
Nitrogen management based on circular economy principles contributes to reducing emissions and maintaining food security. Photo: Sasin Tipchai CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedSasin Tipchai CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Efficient use of nitrogen is needed to protect environment and health, says FAO

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Nitrogen, the UN agency remarks, is an essential element but also a contaminant. Its intake to the soil is likely to quadruple by the end of the 21st century
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