soil health
Healthy soil may be easier to detect by sound than by sight
Ever thought about listening to the soil under your feet? New research reveals that the sounds of soil-dwelling critters can indicate the health of the land, offering a new way to monitor and restore ecosystems.
In short:
- Ecoacoustics, the study of environmental sounds, can be used to monitor soil health by detecting the presence and diversity of underground organisms.
- Researchers found that soils with richer soundscapes, indicating more biodiversity, are healthier and less degraded.
- Scientists are exploring whether playing recordings of healthy soil sounds can aid in the restoration of degraded lands.
Key quote:
“You can actually use sound to listen to the soil, and get an indication of soil health, based on the little critters moving around.”
— Jake Robinson, microbial ecologist at Flinders University
Why this matters:
This method is groundbreaking, not just for the science community but for anyone concerned about the environment. Healthy soils are the bedrock of agriculture, climate stability, and even human health. Read more: Growing veggies in the city this year? You may want to check your soil.
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Research highlights fungi's key role in carbon capture
The underground networks of plant roots and fungi are proving to be essential in sequestering carbon in the soil, according to recent studies.
In short:
- Kew Gardens' fungarium, the world's largest collection of fungi, showcases the biodiversity and ecological importance of fungi.
- Mycologist Laura Martinez-Suz's research reveals that fungi, particularly mycorrhizal types, are crucial for carbon storage in soils, influencing the effectiveness of reforestation efforts.
- Nitrogen pollution disrupts beneficial fungi, but reducing pollution levels can help restore these critical networks.
Key quote:
“Replacing the complete set of fungi with other fungi has implications for long-term carbon sequestration in soil and biodiversity.”
— Laura Martinez-Suz, mycologist
Why this matters:
Understanding and protecting fungal networks is useful for improving carbon capture and mitigating climate change impacts, putting a focus on the importance of reducing pollution and supporting biodiversity. Read more: How fungi could help clean up our biggest toxic messes.
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Indiana farm to become first in the nation to adopt new beef standard
Fischer Farms in Saint Anthony, Indiana, has seen a lot of operational changes since its inception during the Civil War. The farm, owned and operated by Joseph Fischer and family for six generations, decided in 2004 to switch from conventional beef production to a process requiring fewer antibiotics.
How Green River celebrates its melon farmers
Thousands turn out for Melon Days, but the future looks uncertain.
Are Halloween pumpkins a future superfood?
Pumpkins usually only appear over Halloween. But this drought-tolerant, stable and versatile crop is packed with nutrition. Could it be the superfood of the future?
This First Nation in Alberta is fighting climate change with rows and rows of trees
Siksika Nation will see shelterbelts planted throughout the community, which are rows of trees planted on the perimeter of properties, or along roads. Shelterbelts serve many purposes, including being a natural wind barrier, and capturing moisture in the soil.
Fungi could be helping old-growth trees survive climate change
In climate-addled places, mats of mycelium may make all the difference for the trees they live alongside.
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