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Desertification in the north-eastern Caatinga region of Brazil could reduce overall soil functionality by more than 50 per cent. Photo: A. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedA. Duarte Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Desertification halves soil functionality in Brazil

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The calculation is contained in research conducted by two universities in the country, which analysed degraded areas in the north-east of Brazil. A confirmation of the impact of desertification on the soil's ability to sequester carbon
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
Earthworms play an essential role in keeping the soil healthy by eating and recycling organic matter. Photo: pfly Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deedpfly Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

New research will unveil the impact of climate change on soil earthworms

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A University of York study will assess how climate change-induced flooding affects the survival of earthworms, creatures essential for maintaining soil health
Women produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries but account for less than 20 per cent of those who own land. Photo: AMPLED, UNCCD Press OfficeAMPLED, UNCCD Press Office

Despite inequalities, women are forefront against drought

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The UNCCD-FAO Report: "Women are most vulnerable to drought but are also at the forefront in developing solutions to the problem." They produce up to 80 per cent of the food in developing countries, but represent less than 20 per cent of landowners
Even a small improvement in the ability of fields to retain carbon can be significant for the global agricultural sector. Photo: pixabay Free for use under the Pixabay Content LicensePhoto: pixabay Free for use under the Pixabay Content License

Biodiversity of crops promotes carbon sequestration

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In barley fields, the application of other crops promotes increased carbon sequestration by modulating the relationships between microbes, the University of Helsinki has found
A field study in China found a 9.3% increase in wheat yield in eight years thanks to regenerative agriculture. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Conservation agriculture is stronger than climate change

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Chinese study shows how conservation agriculture improves productivity under warming conditions by increasing carbon input and stimulating microbial growth
In fields surrounded by trees, the presence of hoverflies is more than 30 times higher than in cultivated areas surrounded by meadows. Photo: Jean and Fred Hort Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedIn fields surrounded by trees, the presence of hoverflies is more than 30 times hPhoto: Jean and Fred Hort Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Trees around cultivated fields increase crop yields

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According to a Canadian study, the presence of trees increases the number of insects that contribute to pollination and the fight against crop pathogens
Researchers theorise that the severity of fires in Siberia could increase by as much as 350% by the end of the 21st century. Photo: Savin Igor Igorjevich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedSavin Igor Igorjevich Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

A warmer Arctic fuels Siberian wildfires

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Global warming, says a Chinese study, promotes wildfires which, in turn, reduce the frequency of rainfall leading to a vicious cycle
Climate change and increasing pressure from human activities generate an increased release of metals from coasts to oceans. Pickpik Royalty-Free photo

Climate change enhances metal release in coastal areas

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Events such as rising sea levels, increasing temperatures and changes in precipitation affect metal sequestration conditions in underground estuaries, explains a Swedish study

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