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Hidden threats to soil apparent from sewage sludge research

Envirotec Magazine

Recent research from The James Hutton Institute suggests that hidden threats from the agricultural use of contaminated sewage sludge could be contributing to already diminished poor soil health. The potential harmful effects of these unregulated contaminants on soils have been understudied in recent years. Around 87% of the 3.6

Soil 221
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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

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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COVID-19 drugs persist in wastewater, and may pose risk to aquatic organisms

Envirotec Magazine

This diverts the wastewater from Spring Creek and allows the soil to act as a natural filter for any chemical residuals that remain in the wastewater (image credit: Heather Preisendanz, Penn State). However, naproxen concentrations detected in effluent were at levels that could pose a low-to-medium risk to aquatic organisms.

Organic 279
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Gene mutation discovery could pave the way for using less fertilizer to grow crops

Envirotec Magazine

Researchers have discovered a biological mechanism that seemingly makes plant roots more welcoming to beneficial soil microbes. If we could use mutually beneficial relationships between plant roots and soil microbes to enhance nutrient uptake, then we could potentially reduce use of inorganic fertilisers.

Soil 130
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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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CIRIA appoints research lead for new guidance on sustainable management of surplus soils

Envirotec Magazine

CIRIA, the Construction Industry Research and Information Association has commissioned a new research project that aims to produce concise, up to date, interactive guidance on the whole surplus soil management process from ‘cradle to grave’, with Stantec appointed as the project research contractor.

Soil 147