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The results of the study open up new prospects in the fight against the most dangerous bacteria for plants, such as Ralstonia solanacearum, which affects over 200 plant species, including key crops such as tomatoes and potatoes. Photo: Lance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedLance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

AI helps plants track down mutant bacteria

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A group of Californian researchers has used artificial intelligence to design improved versions of a receptor, expanding its ability to recognize threatening bacteria. This has updated the plants' defense system.
Nearly 30 billion tons of carbon have been stored for millennia in the Congo peatlands. Photo: Ricky Martin/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedPhoto: Ricky Martin/CIFOR Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Congo peatlands are over 40,000 years old, researchers find

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An international study reveals Congo peatlands are much older than expected. The discover provide new insights to the studies on the global carbon cycle
The Observatory launched by FAO aims to measure, monitor, and protect soil biodiversity on a global scale. Photo: Pixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication licensePixabay, published prior to July 2017 under the Creative Commons CC0 1.0 Universal Public Domain Dedication license

FAO Launches the Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory

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The UN agency unveils new project to expand monitoring capacity and provide a scientific foundation for biodiversity protection and sustainable soil use
Understanding how rice maintains productivity with the support of the microbiome under conditions of nutritional deficiency can help develop new strategies in precision agriculture. Photo: IRRI Photos Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: IRRI Photos Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

Root bacteria help reduce the environmental impact of rice cultivation

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A Japanese study has identified some bacteria in rice roots that are responsible for nitrogen fixation and can spread in soil without fertilizers or pesticides. This helps the plant adapt and grow
Scientists have not yet fully understood how roots develop in the soil depth. Image: Konstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 DeedKonstantinos Kourtidis Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-NC-SA 3.0 Deed

Plant roots could store more carbon than previously expected at greater depths

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An American study reveals the existence of a second layer of roots developed by several plant species—often overlooked—that enables additional carbon sequestration
The impact and frequency of extreme heat will increase in Southeast Asia, South America, and equatorial Africa. Photo: Nina R, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0 Deed)Nina R, Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0 Deed)

Extreme heat waves are becoming longer and more frequent

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A study on abnormal heat phenomena, involving researchers from the United States and Chile, reveals an acceleration of the trend on a global scale. Tropical regions are the most affected
Mycorrhizal fungi help plants access soil nutrients while receiving sugars in return. Image: Rajarshi Rit, USIC department - University of Burdwan Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 DeedRajarshi Rit, USIC department - University of Burdwan Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 Deed

A public database collects information on soil fungi

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After years of study, a group of U.S. researchers has mapped the spore traits of 344 species of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Gaining relevant information to assess their distribution and resilience to stresses
Drones can photograph the health of crops providing crucial information to farmers. Photo: Nikola Tomašić Pexels free to usePhoto: Nikola Tomašić Pexels free to use

Drones are the new allies of hemp farmers in the US

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Processing of images captured by drones, a study from the University of Florida states, makes it possible to assess the health and growth status of plants by providing guidance on the optimal fertilizer dose
Peat soils in Ireland are more widespread than previously thought as they cover 30% of the land area compared with previously estimated 24%. Photo: SoilScience.info Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedSoilScience.info Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ireland has mapped its peat soils (through AI and gamma rays)

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By combining AI machine learning with radiometric data, researchers at the University of Galway managed to identify not previously detected peat soils
Grasslands are home to a wide variety of plant species and provide numerous ecosystem services, such as carbon sequestration, support for pollinators and grazing for livestock. But they are also some of thh most threatened ecosystems due to human activities, including land use change and intensive agricultural practices. Photo: Cortez Rohr/USFWS Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedCortez Rohr/USFWS Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

Study reveals how much nitrogen grasslands can tolerate

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According to researchers, applying more than 80 kg of nitrogen per hectare in a year would make grasslands “functionally poor, highly unstable and vulnerable to extreme weather events”

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