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Industrial plastic granules on a beach on the Aquitaine coast. In France, 76 percent of soils surveyed are contaminated with microplastics. Photo: Maldeseine Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedMaldeseine Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Three quarters of soils in France contaminated with microplastics

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A study by the Agency for Ecological Transition reveals that 76 percent of soils examined contain microplastics between 0.3 and 5 millimeters in size. Polyethylene is the most prevalent polymer
According to the study, freshwater wetlands boast the highest carbon sequestration potential. Photo: Doug Beckers Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedAccording to the study, freshwater wetlands boast the highest carbon sequestration potential. Photo: Doug Beckers Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

A Tea Bag Tells the Story of Carbon Sequestration in Wetlands

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An unusual experiment sheds light on the impact of climate change on carbon capture in the Earth’s wetlands. In freshwater areas and tidal marshes lies the greatest sequestration potential 
Some soil microbes can help plants grow larger flowers thus attracting more bees. Photo: David Levinson Pexels Free to useDavid Levinson Pexels Free to use

Soil microbes help plants to attract bees

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According to a UC Berkeley study, mycorrhizal fungi impact flower characteristics and, consequently, the number and duration of visits by bees
Worldwide, land degradation is growing by 1 million square kilometers per year, explains the Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research. Drylands include three-quarters of Africa. Photo. Aaron Minnick | World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedAaron Minnick | World Resources Institute Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

“Land degradation is expanding by 1m km2 a year”

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Postdam researchers' snapshot: "transformative actions are needed to stop land degradation". Without reversing course “the Earth's ability to sustain human and environmental well-being is compromised”
Model of vitamin B12 made by Dorothy Hodgkin (Alan Turing exhibition). The study of corrinoids, a key family of nutrients of which B12 itself is a member, enables the unraveling of relationships between microbes and soil. Photo: Paul Hudson Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPaul Hudson Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

A vitamin can decode interactions between soil microbes

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Corrinoids, a category of nutrients to which vitamin B12 belongs, influence the functionality of soil microbiomes, two UC Berkeley studies have found
Specific knowledge of microbes is needed to predict the extent of soil change triggered by climate factor. Photo: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: CGIAR Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Here is how we can predict the impact of climate on soil microbes

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A British study found that opposing extreme weather events alter soil microbe communities according to distinct and predictable dynamics
In Michigan forests, the reduction of atmospheric nitrogen pollution increases microbial activity by reducing the amount of carbon stored. Photo: Ylevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedYlevental Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

The nitrogen paradox: pollution control can reduce soil carbon sequestration

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A study highlights a possible side effect of combating air pollution: the reduction of carbon storage in the soil
In acidic soils such as red clay soils, the use of rock dust for CO2 capture produces disappointing results. Photo: David Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedDavid Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Rock dust helps capture CO2 but not in acidic soils

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The dispersion of rock dust in the soil is generally an effective way of storing carbon. But in acidic soils, according to an Australian study, this mechanism does not work
Compost from organic waste can cover 21% of the nutrient demand in urban soils with a strong cut in environmental impact. Photo: Oh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedOh-Barcelona.com Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Compost can be an alternative to chemical fertilisers in urban agriculture

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Compost made from organic waste could replace 21% of industrial fertilisers used in urban agriculture, says a study by the University of Barcelona UAB
Amazonian floodplains contribute up to 29% of global wetland methane emissions. Photo: Marcelo Castro Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 DeedMarcelo Castro Attribution 3.0 Unported CC BY 3.0 Deed

Climate change may decrease methane sequestration in the Amazon by 70%

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A study reveals how methane uptake by forest soil in the Amazon decreases sharply under hot and dry conditions. While production of the same gas increases following heavy rains

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