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The use of synthetic materials such as non-biodegradable plastic sheets is one of the major sources of contamination from microplastics in agricultural soils. Photo: Evelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedEvelyn Simak Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Microplastics and agricultural soils: a winter school in Rome

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You can register until November 16 for the winter school organized in Rome by Università Cattolica — a two-day event (November 20–21) focused on understanding the impact of microplastics and exploring ways to address the issue.
In wetlands, diversity improves both nitrogen retention and removal processes, but has a more pronounced effect on the latter. Photo: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: shankar s. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Plant biodiversity promotes nitrogen removal in wetlands

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Greater plant diversity is positively correlated with the process of transforming nitrites and nitrates into nitrogen gas released into the atmosphere, according to a Chinese study. This discovery could contribute to planning the restoration of wetlands
By distinguishing between stable and unstable forms of carbon accumulation, the microbial pump-based assessment system allows for a more reliable evaluation of sustainable soil management practices. Photo: Rain Photography Pexels free to useRain Photography Pexels free to use

Chinese researchers propose a new indicator to assess soil carbon stability

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Research conducted by the Beijing Academy of Sciences has defined a new framework for assessing the Microbial Carbon Pump in soil. It distinguishes between stable and non stable organic matter (that is more easily decomposed and released)
Climate change is contributing to the loss of species diversity in mountainous areas in Africa. Madagascar is among the most affected areas on the continent. Photo: Heinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedHeinonlein Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Climate change threatens mountain plant biodiversity in Africa

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Rising temperatures in Africa are driving plant species to spread at higher altitudes, a German study claims. But the process is too fast, and the risk of losing their habitat is growing as a result
The shrub woolly willow is a species that is becoming increasingly common in the barren mountains of Sweden within the Arctic tundra. Photo: Anne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press releaseAnne Bjorkman, University of Gothenburg press release

In the Arctic tundra, boreal plants are becoming increasingly widespread due to climate change

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A Swedish study shows the dynamics of this phenomenon. The process doesn't necessarily happen where warming is greatest but, instead, where conditions are favorable for plant growth
Favored by climate change, phenomena such as heat waves, droughts, fires, storms, and the spread of plant diseases are increasing tree mortality globally. Photo: PickPik Royalty-Free photo

Global tree mortality is getting higher. But we don’t know by how much

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Climate change increases tree mortality rates, but figures are incomplete and a global estimate is hard to make. A group of researchers explains how to harmonize data
Through microbes, the quality of soils and ecosystems could influence our relational and emotional well-being. Photo: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How soil microbes influence our emotions

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When they come into contact with us, soil microbes can modulate key hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Australian researchers explain. This is how they influence our emotional states
La Scuola invernale di chimica agraria si rivolge a dottorandi, ricercatori post-dottorato e ricercatori in fase iniziale. Immagine: ©Copyright 2025 Università di Bologna

Soil, climate, and resilience: Bologna hosts the Agricultural Chemistry Winter School

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The event, organized by organized by the Italian Society of Agricultural Chemistry (SICA) and the University of Bologna will take place in February. Researchers can submit their contributions by December 12. The discussion will focus on sustainable agronomic strategies for the soil-plant-microbiome system
Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses in the Amazon increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation. Photo: Neil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedNeil Palmer/CIAT Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Carbon balance in Amazon rainforest shows 370 million tons deficit in a decade

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Between 2010 and 2020, carbon losses increased due to deforestation and other underestimated phenomena such as fires and fragmentation, according to new study. Emission intensity is higher in protected areas

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