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Prototype system sniffs out soil health with results in five minutes

Envirotec Magazine

An electronic nose to sniff out soil health that will deliver results to a farmer’s phone in five minutes is being developed by PES Technologies. The company says it is able to create an aroma fingerprint from gas released by microbes in the soil. Jim Bailey of PES Technology at the Agri-TechE REAP Conference 2023.

Soil 147
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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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UK soils could see step change in carbon sink potential, with proper investment

Envirotec Magazine

Investing in the ground beneath our feet could have wide-ranging benefits for the environment, animal and human health – as well as moving closer to Net Zero, according to new research. Soil acts as a carbon ‘sink’, locking in GHGs that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere.

Soil 245
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Livestock antibiotics and rising temperatures disrupt soil microbial communities

Envirotec Magazine

Lead author of the study Jane Lucas measures CO2 production from prairie soil samples in Moscow, Idaho (image credit: Dana Whitmore). Combined stressors could impair soils’ ability to cycle nutrients and trap carbon, says a group from the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies.

Soil 130
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Amnesty International: Dow’s failure to offer remedy for Bhopal disaster has created a “sacrifice zone”

Envirotec Magazine

This catastrophe remains immediate and urgent for people whose own health is ruined, or whose children were born with disabilities or who are being poisoned now through the contaminated local soil and water,” said Mark Dummett, Amnesty International’s Head of Business and Human Rights.

Soil 349
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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

Soil 100
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The rise of on-farm AD: Seven benefits of biogas

Envirotec Magazine

The AD process also produces an organic biofertiliser and soil conditioner, called digestate. Benefit #4: Crop rotation Biogas production can support new crops in the rotation, improving diversity and boosting crop health. Benefit #5: Soil health AD offers significant benefits in terms of soil health.

Soil 257