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Il taglio del 20% nell’impiego dei fertilizzanti chimici raccomandato dall’Unione Europea non sarebbe sufficiente per raggiungere l’obiettivo fissato dal Green Deal di dimezzare le perdite di nutrienti entro il 2030. Foto: Vladimir Srajber pexels free to use

Cutting fertilizer use will not be enough to meet EU nitrogen targets

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A study by the UFZ in Leipzig reveals that a 20% reduction in the use of nitrogen fertilizers will result in a relatively modest decrease in nutrient losses to soil. Regional agricultural systems are a decisive factor
In the Niger Delta, decades of uncontrolled oil extraction have severely compromised the soil. Photo: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Luka Tomac/Friends of the Earth International Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Soil microbes tell the story of oil contamination

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An international study has revealed how microbes can act as markers to distinguish between recent and ancient oil pollution. This overcomes the limitations of traditional chemical analysis
Frost-resistant vegetation such as mosses and lichens in Antarctica is vital for biogeochemical cycles, soil insulation, and the support of biodiversity. Photo: Rob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedRob Oo Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Hyperspectral images reveal the health status of vegetation in Antarctica

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An Australian study reveals the importance of aerial survey based on a more advanced technique to assess the health and density of vegetation in an area with limited spectral range such as Antarctica. The highest accuracy exceeds 99%
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
Drought impacts vegetation growth and rivers in Europe. Photo: Torsten Sachs (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu) Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported CC BY-ND 3.0 DeedTorsten Sachs (distributed via imaggeo.egu.eu) Attribution-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported CC BY-ND 3.0 Deed

Drought is once again a major threat to European agriculture

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Agricultural drought is affecting northwestern Europe, the Baltic and some eastern and southern regions of the Continent. In contrast, following heavy rains higher yields are expected in Italy, Greece and the Iberian Peninsula
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
A deciduous forest in Western Europe. According to the EU Environment Agency, from land use, land use change and forestry, the continent saves nearly 200 million tonnes of carbon each year. Photo: sharloch Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deedsharloch Attribution - Noncommercial - No Derivative Works 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Europe’s soil carbon sink declines (but the trend can be reversed)

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According to the EU Environment Agency, from land use, land use change and forestry, Europe saves almost 200 million tonnes of carbon each year. Compared to 330 recorded on average between 1991 and 2013

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