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Invertebrates, play key functions in soil balance. Photo: s shepherd Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) s shepherd Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

Missing invertebrates: the UK has already lost a third of its earthworms

The biodiversity crisis is also affecting invertebrates. In the United Kingdom, says a study by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO), the abundance of earthworms in the soil declined by 33 to 41 percent. Poor agricultural practices are a crucial determinant
British forests are sequestering up to 8 tons of carbon per hectare per year. Photo: N Chadwick licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)N Chadwick licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

UK researchers investigate carbon sequestration capacity in forests

British forests can contribute significantly to climate mitigation. A project aims to define the potential of agroforestry and open the way to a new market
By sending electricity from solar energy panels to a set of buried electrodes, it is possible to stimulate the reaction of soil bacteria. Photo: Antalexion Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Antalexion Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Researchers believe microorganisms can help us store energy in the soil

By using the action of microorganisms, it is possible to store energy in the soil, British researchers say. This solution could reduce the overall impact of traditional batteries. But for large-scale application we will still have to wait for some time
Peatland restoration is part of a larger nature conservation program in Wales. Photo: Lesbardd Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)Lesbardd Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Wales wants to triple annual restoration of peatlands

The annual amount of peatlands to be restored in the British nation rises to 1,800 hectares. A move designed to counter climate change and protect biodiversity. Two emergencies that seem to be more and more evident across the U.K.
The application of agroecology principles in livestock farming may be a turning point for the sustainability of the UK food supply chain. Photo: Peter Standing Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Peter Standing Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Meat can be sustainable thanks to agroecology

According to the Soil Association in Edinburgh, the transition to agroecology in agriculture and livestock paves the way for a lower-impact production system. But extending the practice on a large scale requires a change in diet
Soil is a complex system, say three British researchers. Today, a unified method for assessing its health still doesn't exist. Photo: Soil Science Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Soil Science Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

British researchers propose a new theory of soil health

If we want to analyze soil health, we cannot rely on single indicators, says a new paper by Cranfield and Nottingham Universities. Instead, we need to focus on the relationships among the components of the system to get a complete picture. At the center of the new approach are four different dimensions
According to estimates, Britain's small farms could receive a total public/private benefit of £3.1 billion per year. Photo: Colin Smith Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)Colin Smith Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-SA 2.0)

Government incentives and carbon market may revive marginal farms in UK

Farms located in the most marginal areas of the UK are less productive but they also manage soils with the greatest potential for carbon storage. One trait that can attract public and private funds
Drought is having an unprecedented impact in Europe. Photo: CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredCC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Europe faces four unexpected effects of drought

The Continent is dealing with the worst drought in five centuries. Amid failing crops, struggling transportation and electricity generation shortages, the World Economic Forum photographs some unusual consequences of a phenomenon that threatens the future of soil and the Planet
Since the start of industrialization, England has lost 80% of its heathlands. Photo: Andrew Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Andrew Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

England reckons with its history as biodiversity declines

England is one of the world's poorest countries in terms of natural variety, UK Environment Agency says. To counteract the historical fallout from early industrialization, a new land management approach is needed
Already approved by the lower house, the new pesticide law is now being examined by the Brazilian Federal Senate. Photo: Agência Senado Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)Agência Senado Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0)

UN experts ask Brazil not to approve ‘poison package’ on pesticides

UN asks Brazilian Senate to reject controversial rule which would undermine pesticide regulation. Substances pose serious risks to human health and the environment, experts say. During Bolsonaro's presidency, 1,500 pesticides have already been approved (562 in 2021)

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