crops
Newsletter
Credit: PlazacCameraman/Big Stock Photo
Unlocking soil's carbon storage potential through fungi
By delving into the world of underground fungi, farmers like Timothy Robb are revolutionizing soil health, leading to robust crops and enhanced carbon sequestration.
In short:
- Farmers are leveraging fungal networks to enrich soil, improve plant health, and store carbon, moving away from chemical-dependent practices.
- This approach is part of a broader shift towards regenerative agriculture, emphasizing the importance of microbial diversity and soil ecosystem balance.
- Innovative farming methods, including the use of compost tea and wood chip mulch, promote fungal growth and carbon capture in soil.
Key quote:
" ... it’s a methodology of introducing the microorganisms that are absent from the soil—the chain of organisms that release different minerals from rocks, clay, or silt particles in the soil.”
— Timothy Robb, co-owner of Compostella Farm
Why this matters:
Understanding and applying the symbiotic relationships between fungi and plants can drastically improve agricultural sustainability and combat climate change. This shift toward nurturing soil microbiomes not only enhances crop resilience but also plays a significant role in carbon sequestration, offering a hopeful avenue for mitigating global warming.
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Credit: Yves Bernardi/Pixabay
California's biofuel incentives face scrutiny amid environmental concerns
In a pivotal moment for California's climate policy, the state reevaluates its lucrative incentives for biofuels, sparking a debate on the future of renewable energy and its impact on local communities.
In short:
- California postpones a decision to extend financial rewards for oil and gas companies producing biofuels, amid growing opposition.
- Critics argue these incentives support fossil fuel industries and contribute to pollution in surrounding areas.
- The debate underscores a broader conflict over whether to fund fossil fuel companies in the fight against climate change.
Key quote:
"This is a litmus test."
— Sasan Saadat, policy researcher at Earthjustice.
Why this matters:
Biofuels have emerged as a key player in the renewable energy arena, offering a promising pathway toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change. The environmental benefits of biofuels depend heavily on various factors, including the feedstock used, land-use changes, and the energy consumed during production. In some cases, the production of biofuels can lead to deforestation and loss of biodiversity if not managed responsibly.
Hilary Beaumont asks: Will California’s new oil and gas laws protect people from toxic pollution?
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Photo by Ran Berkovich on Unsplash
Climate change is threatening these Californian fruits and nuts
California's specialty crops of almonds, peaches and walnuts are under particular threat as crop-destroying insect populations increase due to warmer temperatures.
Newsletter
Photo by Tommy Krombacher on Unsplash
As climate change threatens Africa’s food supply, farmers innovate
Scientists, government officials and farmers are reviving neglected crops and boosting agricultural productivity in a race to cushion Africa from growing food shortages exacerbated by climate change.
Photo by Markus Spiske on Unsplash
What crops will we be growing in the future, as climate change alters the landscape?
Gardeners could face big challenges with climate change in years to come, including temperature extremes, droughts and flooding. But what sustainable foods will we be growing?
Big Stock Photo
With climate change, Illinois farmers seek federal investment
Crops across Illinois were affected by unprecedented drought at the beginning of the summer, and bad air quality from Canadian wildfires presented an unusual problem for those who rely mostly on outdoor work.
Big Stock Photo
With climate change, Illinois farmers seek federal investment
Crops across Illinois were affected by unprecedented drought at the beginning of the summer, and bad air quality from Canadian wildfires presented an unusual problem for those who rely mostly on outdoor work.
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