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Historical yield study involved ten corn and soybean fields in Michigan, Illinois and Indiana, in the agricultural region of the American Midwest.Photo: Dwight Burdette CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 UnportedDwight Burdette CC BY 3.0 DEED Attribution 3.0 Unported

Crop yield history reveals details of soil health

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A study by the University of Michigan reveals the link between agricultural yield and soil quality. Using a new metric, key information can be obtained to plan agricultural strategies while reducing environmental impact
Caribbean islands are particularly prone to flash drought. Photo: Connie Ma CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 GenericConnie Ma CC BY-SA 2.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generi

A new method for measuring flash drought in the Caribbean

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Drought is increasingly threatening Caribbean islands. If we want to measure, anticipate and mitigate its effects, a U.S. study notes, we need to rely on a new index
During flood events, cover crops reduce the release of nitrate and phosphorus from the soil. SSGT Paul Griffin Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic FilesPaul Griffin Release Status: Released to Public Combined Military Service Digital Photographic Files

Cover crops are a barrier against agriculture-based pollution

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According to a U.S. study, the application of cover crops on a share of cultivated land reduces the maximum concentration of ammonia and phosphorus by more than 30 percent. Whose accumulation is favored by floods
Irrigation absorbs 88 percent of all fresh water consumed on a global scale. Photo: USDA PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 UniversalUSDA PDM 1.0 DEED Public Domain Mark 1.0 Universal

Optimizing crop combinations can alleviate water shortages

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A study highlights how water scarcity can be solved in the U.S. six major river basins. Shifting to less water-intensive crops that still provide adequate incomes for farmers is crucial
Bacteria that can convert gaseous nitrogen to ammonia provide the nutrients plants need and regenerate the soil. Photo: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to usePhoto: Oleksandr, Pexels Free to use

‘Protected’ bacteria replace chemical fertilizers

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MIT scientists have developed a coating to protect and 'package' bacteria, making them transportable from the production lab to the field. Where they become an alternative to fertilizers
A spreader unloads crushed metabasalt rock on a fallowed corn field in the Central Valley. Photo: Amy Quinton/ UC Davis, for media useAmy Quinton/ UC Davis, for media use

Crushed volcanic rock helps soil capture carbon

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A new study highlights the effectiveness of rock dust in aiding the process. Even under severe drought conditions
There are still nearly 377 million acres of intact grasslands in the Great Plains of North America. Photo: Ammchale CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 InternationalAmmchale CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

Canada and U.S. have lost 130,000 km2 of grasslands in ten years

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According to WWF's latest study, in the past year, grasslands have ceded nearly 6,500 km2 of soil to conversion. With obvious consequences for carbon release
The NISAR satellite will enable the collection of important data on forests using a radar system. Photo: NASA Public DomainPhoto: NASA Public Domain

A radar signal from space is going to show the state of the forests

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Starting in 2024, a new space project will remotely analyze Earth's forests and soil. The initiative involves NASA and the Indian space agency ISRO
Rain causes a reset of the soil ecosystem, triggering the activity of bacteria and viruses. Photo: 2140261AishwaryaShinde CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International2140261AishwaryaShinde CC BY-SA 4.0 DEED Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

New insights into the relationship between viruses and soil bacteria

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According to UC Davis researchers, soil viruses appear to act "like lawnmowers, culling older cells and giving space for new growth"
Nanoparticles allow pesticides to be applied directly where they are needed while reducing the amount used. Photo: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution requiredPhoto: Pxhere CC0 Public Domain Free for personal and commercial use No attribution required

Nanoparticles are a sustainable weapon against soil pests

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According to the University of California, the use of plant-derived nanoparticles can reduce the amount of pesticides used and the chances of soil contamination

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