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New instruments are being developed in Missouri to detect soil nutrients quickly, reliably and inexpensively. Photo: pxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deedpxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

US researchers test a sensor to assess nutrient loss

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A research project at the University of Missouri describes the potential of a new instrument to detect the presence of phosphorous- and nitrogen-based nutrients in the soil. An innovation that would pave the way for a more sustainable use of fertilisers
By applying the most suitable forest restoration system in each location, 31.4 billion tonnes of CO2 could be sequestered globally. Photo: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPhoto: Neb Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Mixed forest regeneration optimises carbon sequestration

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An American study quantifies the efficiency of different forest regeneration methods. By applying the most cost-effective system for each location, around 10 billion tonnes more CO2 can be sequestered at the same cost
About one third of the desert areas in China where a solar park had been built experienced vegetation recovery. Photo: Planet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPlanet Labs Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Are China’s solar parks a viable tool against desertification?

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In China, the expansion of photovoltaic installations is reportedly helping to combat desertification. An interesting hypothesis given the scale of the problem. But the issue is still controversial
So far, the Arctic has managed to preserve its plant biodiversity. But things are changing. Photo: Billy Lindblom Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedBilly Lindblom Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Invasive plants threaten Arctic biodiversity

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Biodiversity at risk: Norwegian research provides a picture of the growing presence of invasive plants on Svalbard. "We need to prevent the phenomenon," scientists explain
Alain-Richard Donwahi is Chair of the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD). PHOTO: UNCCD Archive

“Desertification is the greatest environmental challenge of our time”

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The phenomenon involves 168 countries, over 3 billion people and 10% of the world's soils. Alain-Richard Donwahi, President of the UNCCD (UN Convention against desertification) explains the importance of the "forgotten COP"
The rate of permafrost erosion could even triple by the end of the century, thus impacting the climate. Photo: Brandt Meixell, USGS CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 DeedBrandt Meixell, USGS CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Permafrost erosion reduces carbon sequestration in the oceans

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A German study shows how permafrost erosion on the coast of the Arctic Ocean leads to an almost 15 per cent decrease in the seawater's ability to store CO2
The sounds produced by invertebrates are an indicator of soil biodiversity. Photo: Gabriel González Free for personal and commercial use Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedGabriel González Free for personal and commercial use Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Ecoacoustics: how soil sounds measure biodiversity

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Australian research has highlighted the correlation between the complexity of noise produced by invertebrate communities and the level of soil biodiversity
In the future, says the bacteria-based model, the area of grasslands characterised by alkaline soils will expand. Photo: Shizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedShizhao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Bacteria help predict soil acidity in grasslands

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A new Chinese model based on bacterial analysis allows to estimate changes in grasslands. By 2100, soil acidity will decrease especially in North-East Asia, Africa and Oceania
Carbon sequestered from miombo forests in Mozambique could exceed estimates by 2.2 times. Photo: Lichinga ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedLichinga ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Mozambique’s forests store more carbon than expected

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A new study revises estimates for miombo forests upwards. Carbon from these ecosystems in Mozambique could be 2.2 times higher than previously assumed
The accelerated loss of phosphorus from soils linked to climate change is a threat to agricultural production globally. Photo: Alandmanson ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedAlandmanson ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 4.0 INTERNATIONAL CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

Warmer climate accelerates global phosphorus loss

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A Chinese study reported an increase in atmospheric phosphorus flux in a global annual average temperature range of 20°C to 23°C. With potential consequences for agriculture

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    • Politecnico di Torino