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Peatlands store one-third of the organic carbon in global soils. Photo: Brian Nelson CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericBrian Nelson CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

In peatlands, climate change supports the degradation of organic carbon

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An experiment shows that in peatlands all organic soil components decompose more rapidly when temperatures are higher
The effects of soil desiccation cracking promoted by drought are an example of the feedback loop between climate change and soil. Photo: Christopher Michel CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericChristopher Michel CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Soil releases more GHGs than expected as drought plays a crucial role

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A U.S. study hypothesizes the existence of an "amplifying cycle" involving drought, soil desiccation and CO2 emissions. A mechanism that climate models do not seem to take into account
EPA researchers are testing biochar on the grounds of the Salt Chuck Mine,a former mine located on Prince of Wales Island in southeast Alaska. Photo: Jsayre64 CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 UnportedJsayre64 CC BY-SA 3.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported

Alaska researchers use biochar to decontaminate soil from copper

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Researchers want to exploit biochar's ability to absorb heavy metals. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently at work on the soils of a former mine
Bacteria were detected in soils of the Franz Joseph Land archipelago in the Arctic Ocean. Photo: Wofratz CC BY-SA 2.5 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 GenericPhoto: Wofratz CC BY-SA 2.5 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.5 Generic

Cold-resistant bacteria can degrade oil in the Arctic

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The Russian study: some bacteria decompose biopolymers and hydrocarbons and convert phosphates into soluble forms. In this way they contribute to the decontamination of permafrost
Scientists have long studied the ability of legumes to fix nitrogen in the soil. Photo: pfeifferichard0 free to use Pixabay Content licensepfeifferichard0 free to use Pixabay Content license

Legumes can offer a solution for sustainable agriculture

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Crucial is the ability of legumes to fix nitrogen, an essential element for ensuring soil productivity. In Cambridge, a team of researchers is studying this dynamic to understand how to reduce the use of chemical fertilizers
The Ruki provides 20 percent of the dissolved carbon in the Congo River. Photo: International Rivers CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalInternational Rivers CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Analysis of a river in Congo reveals carbon dynamics

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As a tributary of the Congo River, the Ruki provides one-fifth of the dissolved carbon in the region's main waterway. A figure that suggests a lower sequestration capacity by the local forest, says a research
Biocrusts widely found on the Great Wall of China can slow the erosion process, thus contributing to the preservation of the structure. Photo: Peter Dowley CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 GenericPeter Dowley CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Biocrusts protect The Great Wall of China from erosion

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Typical of arid or semi-arid expanses, soil bio-crusts are an important and undervalued natural resource. An international study has highlighted their ability to counter erosion
Adding biosolids to conventional fertilizers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil quality, according to a Canadian study. Photo: Jeffrey Beall CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic Jeffrey Beall CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

New soil fertilizers can be made from pulp waste

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Adding biosolids to conventional fertilizers can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve soil quality, according to a Canadian study. A circular solution that is good for plants and the environment
Forest fragmentation is the process of dividing forested areas into smaller parts by cutting down trees Photo: Riccardo Pravettoni CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericRiccardo Pravettoni CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic

In the Amazon, forest fragmentation changes the shape of trees

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A study from the University of Helsinki highlights how trees in forests change their appearance to adapt to changing environmental conditions. Results are relevant on a global scale
Adding calcium to the soil changes the microbial community and the way it processes organic matter Photo: fdecomite CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericfdecomite CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

Calcium is the soil’s secret weapon against CO2 leakage

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Addition of calcium to soil promotes sequestration and increase in organic matter. A Canadian study provides new insights for maintaining and improving soil quality while mitigating climate change