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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
From 1981 to 2021, thirst waves in the U.S. became 17 percent more intense and 23 percent more frequent. Photo: USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.USDA photo by Bob Nichols. Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed.

US agriculture pays the price of atmosphere “thirst”

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An American study introduces the concept of “thirst waves.” In the US they have been on the rise for at least four decades. The phenomenon occurs when evaporative demand is high and plants therefore need more water
Each year, northern (photo) and western rootworm cause huge losses to corn farmers in the United States. Photo: Eric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedEric Begin Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

Hibernation helps US corn pests cause billions in damage

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Researchers at the University of Kentucky have identified the genetic mechanisms that regulate the diapause process, a strategy that allows corn pests to resist winter
There are more than 1,500 square kilometers of unmanaged agricultural land in Hawaii still suitable for agroforestry under current climate conditions. Photo: Pixabay Public DomainPixabay Public Domain

Hawaii relies on agroforestry to meet their 2045 climate goals

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A group of researchers quantified the potential of agroforestry systems on islands. The suitable area is large. Sequestration reaches 125 tons per hectare. A value similar to that of native forests
In the U.S., turfgrass, including domestic lawns, covers more than 160 thousand square kilometers and host an important biodiversity. Photo: rawpixel free public domain CC0 imagerawpixel free public domain CC0 image

Less intensive management of lawns promotes soil biodiversity

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A study shows how less intensive management of lawns, especially of those surrounding homes, allows to support many below-ground species that contribute to the balance of the ecosystem
Scientists have discovered light receptors that help plants conserve energy as they grow. In this way, even when casually covered with soil, the seedling can elongate further until it emerges from the soil again. Photo: roc&rm Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deedroc&rm Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

With the help of light we can improve plant growth

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An American study provides new information on how plants detect light and grow. The finding could help make more resilient crops