Posts

In some areas of Canada, a pathogenic fungus has reduced canola crop yields by up to 50 per cent. Photo: Ayrcan Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedPhoto: Ayrcan Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

High soil pH stimulates the growth of a pathogenic canola fungus

,
According to Canadian research, alkaline soils especially favour the growth of the fungus, which damages plant tissue by interfering with water and nutrient uptake
Tra i bioprodotti, i teli pacciamanti sono tra quelli i cui vantaggi sono più tangibili: diversamente da quelli prodotti in plastica fossile, a fine coltura si possono incorporare nel terreno con una semplice trinciatura e non hanno costi di lavaggio, rimozione e smaltimento.

‘Biodegradable plastics do not impact ecosystems’

,
A study in US shows how bioplastics can degrade in an acceptable timeframe and without harming the environment as long as they are disposed of properly
Some models make it possible to predict the impact of climate on the future distribution of plant species in a given area. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredSome models make it possible to predict the impact of climate on the future distribution of plant species in a given area. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

How databases anticipate the impact of climate on ecosystems

,
Despite incomplete data, some models can effectively predict the impact of climate on biodiversity and the spread of plant species in a natural area
Among weather events, in the Netherlands, drought reduced yield by 24% compared to the average, rain during sowing lowered it by 18%. Photo: Paul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedPaul van de Velde Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Two Dutch studies reveal the impact of weather on crop yields

,
The reduction in crop yields following extreme weather events such as drought and heavy rain has been accurately quantified for the first time. Depending on the type of crop and the phenomenon, the decrease ranges between 13 and 36%.
In acidic soils such as red clay soils, the use of rock dust for CO2 capture produces disappointing results. Photo: David Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedDavid Lindbo of the Department of Soil Science at NC State University Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Rock dust helps capture CO2 but not in acidic soils

,
The dispersion of rock dust in the soil is generally an effective way of storing carbon. But in acidic soils, according to an Australian study, this mechanism does not work
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

,
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

, ,
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%

,
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

,
A University of York study will assess how climate change-induced flooding affects the survival of earthworms, creatures essential for maintaining soil health
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

,
Chinese study shows how conservation agriculture improves productivity under warming conditions by increasing carbon input and stimulating microbial growth