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Unlocking the soil microbiome

Envirotec Magazine

How are data science techniques helping us better understand the microbial universe of the soil? Over-reliance on nitrogen fertilizers is leading to the collapse of soil biodiversity. Yet, some predictions warn that there are only 60 harvests left in the world’s soil because it is so depleted by nitrogen fertilizers.

Soil 288
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Don’t bet the farm on forests and soils?

Envirotec Magazine

The study found, once the bulk of emissions have been reduced, countries plan to ‘cancel out’ the left-over difficult to decarbonise emissions, such as those from agriculture, by using forests and soils to remove carbon from the atmosphere. These mean forests and soils could lose their stored carbon back to the atmosphere.

Soil 246
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UK soils could see step change in carbon sink potential, with proper investment

Envirotec Magazine

Soil acts as a carbon ‘sink’, locking in GHGs that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Upgrading UK soils, particularly farmland and degraded peatlands, could radically improve their ability to store carbon. The potential of soil to sequester carbon is huge and should be fully maximised.”.

Soil 245
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Technology monitors biodiversity remotely on farmland

Envirotec Magazine

With biodiversity monitoring set to increase through the introduction of policies and schemes, it’s vital to assist ecologists with access to scalable remote technologies, says the group behind it. This, in turn, will reveal more about the diversity of bugs and seeds above ground, and the richness of life in the soil.

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Verge-cutting mower head “gives biodiversity a winning edge”

Envirotec Magazine

Green areas from which cut grass has been removed become increasingly nutrient-poor, which in the longer term leads to an uplift in biodiversity among plants and insects. Dead grass that’s simply left to rot can also build up the bank of soil over the years. The 4×4 vehicle pulls a Harsh drawbar trailer with grass collection box.

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If we lose biodiversity, we will not address climate change or hunger, warns report

Envirotec Magazine

If we continue to lose biodiversity, the world’s most vulnerable people will not be able to adapt to climate change nor sustainably produce food, according to a report released on 7 October by the UN’s International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). We know that large-scale agriculture threatens biodiversity.

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Wolds collaboration aims to improve water and soil quality in East Yorkshire AR

Envirotec Magazine

Soil scientist Neil Fuller launches the Sustainable Landscapes Wolds Programme with East Yorkshire farmers. A five-year collaboration is underway between Yorkshire Water and a group of innovative farmers, who are making a bid to improve water and soil quality on the Yorkshire Wolds. per cent to 6.0

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