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In the Caatinga area of Brazil, three years after the elimination of grazing, there are no significant improvements for the soil. Photo: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPhoto: Otávio Nogueira Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Overgrazing halt not enough to restore soil in Brazil

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The study in the Caatinga region in Brazil: stopping grazing is not enough to restore soil health. Additional regenerative practices must be adopted to achieve results
From 1981 to 2021, thirst waves in the U.S. became 17 percent more intense and 23 percent more frequent. Photo: USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.

US agriculture pays the price of atmosphere “thirst”

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An American study introduces the concept of “thirst waves.” In the US they have been on the rise for at least four decades. The phenomenon occurs when evaporative demand is high and plants therefore need more water
Forest integrity is increasingly threatened by natural events exacerbated by climate change in addition to anthropogenic pressures. Photo: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedPhoto: Bobulix Flickr Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Crisis of forests may double climate mitigation costs

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This is the hypothesis of researchers at the Potsdam Institute. Current models overestimate the mitigation potential of forests. In this scenario, a delay in response could make the climate goals unattainable
Rocky outcrops are common in mountain ecosystems and exert a significant impact on ecosystem functions. Photo: Copyright Chris Gunns and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

How rock outcrops impact soil in the mountains

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A Chinese study describes and measures the effect of outcrops on the soil. These create specific localized “hotspots” where soil functions are enhanced. Rock size amplifies effect
Among microbes in urban spaces, there is increasing similarity among bacteria, while fungi are more resistant to homogenization. Photo: pxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredpxhere CC0 Public domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Soil microbes react in different ways to urbanization

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An international study describes the impact on various microbial communities. Although with different responses, bacteria and fungi maintain their basic functions thus ensuring ecosystem services
In Antanarivo, Madagascar, soil extraction has been accompanied by the spread of terrace farming and resilient crops according to a study. Photo: Visiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedVisiting Madagascar Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

From soil extraction new opportunities for agriculture

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The production of building materials through soil negatively impacts the landscape but also opens up new possibilities for the development of climate and flood resilient agriculture. A lesson from Madagascar
In the fields treated with three-year cropping cycle nitrogen leakage was reduced by 50 percent. Photo: Daniel Schwen Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

A more diversified rotation can halve nitrogen leakage in crops

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Nitrogen leakage can be cut in half by applying a three-year crop rotation while soil health also benefits, an American research has found
In Southeast Asian regions, agroforestry has led to a 1.08% average reduction in deforestation rate. Photo: pxhere Creative Commons CC0pxhere Creative Commons CC0

Agroforestry has reduced deforestation in Southeast Asia

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A study has measured the impact of agroforestry in the area: over 250 thousand hectares per year were saved with nearly 59 million tons of CO2 avoided
Microalgae can capture 10 to 50 times more CO2 than terrestrial plants. Photo: Andrei Savitsky Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 DeedAndrei Savitsky Attribution 4.0 International CC BY 4.0 Deed

A new circular alliance between wine and microalgae is created in Argentina

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A study highlights how CO2 recovered from the fermentation process can be used to stimulate the growth of microalgae. Benefiting the climate and the development of bioproducts
Each year, northern (photo) and western rootworm cause huge losses to corn farmers in the United States. Photo: Eric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedEric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Hibernation helps US corn pests cause billions in damage

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified the genetic mechanisms that regulate the diapause process, a strategy that allows corn pests to resist winter