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Through microbes, the quality of soils and ecosystems could influence our relational and emotional well-being. Photo: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: cryptovalence Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Deed

How soil microbes influence our emotions

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When they come into contact with us, soil microbes can modulate key hormones and neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin, Australian researchers explain. This is how they influence our emotional states
La Scuola invernale di chimica agraria si rivolge a dottorandi, ricercatori post-dottorato e ricercatori in fase iniziale. Immagine: ©Copyright 2025 Università di Bologna

Soil, climate, and resilience: Bologna hosts the Agricultural Chemistry Winter School

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The event, organized by organized by the Italian Society of Agricultural Chemistry (SICA) and the University of Bologna will take place in February. Researchers can submit their contributions by December 12. The discussion will focus on sustainable agronomic strategies for the soil-plant-microbiome system
Nei deserti l’impatto delle azioni antropiche ha interessato soprattutto il carbonio organico particolato nel terriccio e quello di origine microbica e vegetale nel sottosuolo. Foto: Circe Denyer CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Human activity causes carbon loss in deserts

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Some human-induced disturbances cause significant carbon loss in the soil of hyper-arid environments, a Chinese study claims. Among the most impactful activities even some practices considered “sustainable” such as seasonal harvesting and irrigation
Over four decades, the planet's soil has become greener overall. But it has also become drier. Photo: Jialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJialiang Gao Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

Greener but less wet: a Chinese study reveals the global soil paradox

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Research: in forty years, two-thirds of vegetated areas have become greener, but half of those also experienced considerable soil drying. Crucial factor: increased evapotranspiration
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

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It’s beneath our feet but we never think about its value. We tread on it, we mistreat it, but a healthy, fertile soil means life. It’s time to take care of the soil and each one of us can and must make a difference.

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