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A cell hidden in the roots of common beans could pave the way for crops that are more drought-resistant and less reliant on fertilisers. Photo: H. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedH. Zell Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

In bean roots, researchers have identified a previously unknown resource for agriculture

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An American study has identified microscopic hair roots capable of absorbing nutrients and retaining water within the very first days of a plant’s life, thereby improving its chances of survival even in the driest soils
Bumblebees are pollinators that play a vital role in agriculture and natural ecosystems. Photo: pixnio Public Domain – Free Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Photospixnio Public Domain – Free Creative Commons Zero (CC0) Photos

Climate and pollinators: for bumblebees heat isn’t always their enemy

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American study finds that major agricultural pollinators can adapt better than expected to moderate temperature increases. But extreme heat waves may jeopardize entire colonies
Still largely unknown, soil microbiome include more than half of all existing species, including nematodes, plants, fungi, bacteria, archaea, and other microbial species. Photo: Carol M. Highsmith Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 DeedPhoto: Carol M. Highsmith Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International CC BY-SA 4.0 Deed

US soil microbiome under investigation by researchers

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A group of researchers led by Johns Hopkins University is exploring the US microbiome by collecting soil samples from urban and rural locations to identify genetic connections between the environment and microorganisms
Riconvertita in una lunga passeggiata verde, la “High Line” di New York, ex storica ferrovia urbana sopraelevata è un esempio originale di ripristino del suolo urbano attraverso il de-sealing. Foto: Dansnguyen CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

Freeing up soil is possible. Experts share regeneration experiences trough de-sealing

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Soil sealing is a global problem affecting large urban centers. But new tools, explains the FAO, can now guide sustainable planning
The results of the study open up new prospects in the fight against the most dangerous bacteria for plants, such as Ralstonia solanacearum, which affects over 200 plant species, including key crops such as tomatoes and potatoes. Photo: Lance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 DeedLance Cheung USDA Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

AI helps plants track down mutant bacteria

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A group of Californian researchers has used artificial intelligence to design improved versions of a receptor, expanding its ability to recognize threatening bacteria. This has updated the plants' defense system.
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
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
Drones can photograph the health of crops providing crucial information to farmers. Photo: Nikola Tomašić Pexels free to usePhoto: Nikola Tomašić Pexels free to use

Drones are the new allies of hemp farmers in the US

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Processing of images captured by drones, a study from the University of Florida states, makes it possible to assess the health and growth status of plants by providing guidance on the optimal fertilizer dose
Quella a solchi profondi è considerata tipicamente come la forma di erosione del suolo più intensa. Foto: USFWS Mountain-Prairie Marchio di pubblico dominio 1.0 Universal PDM 1.0 Deed

How AI will ensure better prediction of erosion

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L'Università dell’Illinois, ha testato un sistema di apprendimento automatico che combina diversi modelli predittivi dell'erosione. Con risultati migliori rispetto a quelli ottenuti dai singoli algoritmi
In U.S. Sierra Nevada forests (photo), the combination of deadwood harvesting and thinning significantly reduces the risks of severe wildfire by lowering carbon emissions. Photo: Don Graham Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 DeedPhoto: Don Graham Attribution - Share alike 2.0 Generic CC BY-SA 2.0 Deed

Ancestral practices reduce forest fire risk

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A study in the US unveils the potential of traditional methods of indigenous peoples: selective harvesting and thinning can prevent fires while reducing emissions