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14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are classified as PFAS, a compound type that poses a danger to the environment and human health. Photo: CGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 DeedCGP Grey Attribution 2.0 Generic CC BY 2.0 Deed

Pesticides in the US are still full of PFAS

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The data of the first study on the presence of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances in US pesticides. According to two US organisations, 14% of all active ingredients in US pesticides are PFAS
New instruments are being developed in Missouri to detect soil nutrients quickly, reliably and inexpensively. Photo: pxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deedpxhere CC0 1.0 Universal CC0 1.0 Deed

US researchers test a sensor to assess nutrient loss

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A research project at the University of Missouri describes the potential of a new instrument to detect the presence of phosphorous- and nitrogen-based nutrients in the soil. An innovation that would pave the way for a more sustainable use of fertilisers
An estimated 29 million American households are still exposed to dangerous levels of lead. Photo: Joe Mabel ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 DeedJoe Mabel ATTRIBUTION-SHAREALIKE 3.0 UNPORTED CC BY-SA 3.0 Deed

American soils are still contaminated with lead

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For one in four households, the level of lead exposure exceeds the safety threshold set by the Environmental Protection Agency, an Indiana University study has found
Globally, scientists explained, wetlands are rich in biodiversity and provide various services including water supply for agricultural use and carbon storage. Photo: Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK 1.0 UNIVERSAL PDM 1.0 DeedPhoto: Kelly Fike/U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Northeast Region PUBLIC DOMAIN MARK 1.0 UNIVERSAL PDM 1.0 Deed

Here is how the climate will affect the wetlands in North America

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Wetlands, a study from the US explains, will experience substantial drying during the summer. Impacting habitat and biodiversity from Florida to Mississippi to southeastern Canada
Biosolids are a by-product of the wastewater treatment process and can be used as fertilisers as they are rich in nitrogen and phosphorus. Photo: City of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 DeedCity of Geneva ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC 2.0 Deed

US bio-fertilisers are useful but watch out for contamination

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Used as fertilisers, biosolids produced by wastewater treatment can be very beneficial for the soil. This is also why, according to a study, it is important to analyse their content to prevent contamination phenomena
Driven by climate and agricultural activities, the greatest soil loss in the United States has occurred mainly in the Central Great Plains, on slopes and in cultivated soils. Photo: Steven Martin ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedSteven Martin ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

How climate and human activities have eroded the US soil

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Climate and land-use change have promoted erosion in the United States over the past 70 years. The Central Great Plains has experienced the most significant loss
Mineral phosphate fertilisers show the presence of toxic metals, a phenomenon that is widespread worldwide. Photo: Antony Trivet, Pexels.com All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.Antony Trivet, Pexels.com All photos and videos on Pexels can be downloaded and used for free.

Metals in fertilisers impact global soils

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According to a study by Duke University, uranium, cadmium and chromium make fertilisers from the USA and the Middle East particularly impactful on soil quality
A cereal field in Arkansas. The forecasting model developed by the US university is claimed to be able to halve the time required for the overall soil analysis. Photo: Jimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DeedJimmy Emerson ATTRIBUTION-NONCOMMERCIAL-NODERIVS 2.0 GENERIC CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 Deed

In the USA, a predictive model shortens soil test timing

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Researchers at the University of Arkansas have developed a predictive model of soil structure and organic matter content that halves the overall testing time
The researchers' hope is that by predicting drought in advance, farmers and ranchers can better plan for water management. Photo: jackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Genericjackoscage CC BY 2.0 DEED Attribution 2.0 Generic

NASA follows the light and anticipates flash droughts

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Space Agency researchers have found a correlation between flash drought and the intensity of induced fluorescence. A phenomenon related to photosynthesis and observable from space
The frequency and impact of wildfires have increased in recent decades, changing the organic and inorganic composition of the soil © European Union (photo by Pavel Koubek) CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic© European Union (photo by Pavel Koubek) CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 DEED Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic

Soil, wildfires and recovery: how much do we know?

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A U.S. study reviews current knowledge about wildfires and the resilience of ecosystems. Some factors can promote regeneration. Others end up impeding it

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