soil
Newsletter
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Extreme weather threatens global food security
Droughts and floods have rendered land in some of the world's poorest regions incapable of supporting crops, leading to "zero" harvests in these areas, according to the World Food Programme.
In short:
- The World Food Programme's Martin Frick warns that extreme weather has degraded land in parts of Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, leaving them dependent on aid.
- The Global Environment Facility predicts that 95% of the world's land could become degraded by 2050; currently, 40% is already unusable for farming.
- Soil degradation exacerbates climate change, as healthy soils are crucial for carbon absorption.
Key quote:
"There's too much carbon in the air and too little carbon in the soils."
— Martin Frick, director of the World Food Programme's global office
Why this matters:
Prolonged droughts lead to the drying out and erosion of topsoil, which is vital for growing crops. Without adequate moisture, the soil's structure breaks down, reducing its fertility and its ability to retain water. Floods, on the other hand, can wash away nutrient-rich topsoil, leaving behind less fertile ground and potentially depositing salts and contaminants that can inhibit plant growth.
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Growing food on Mars provides insights for Earth’s climate challenges
Research on Martian agriculture reveals that ancient farming techniques could help combat food scarcity on an increasingly arid Earth.
In short:
- Researchers found that intercropping, an ancient Maya farming technique, is effective in nutrient-poor Martian soil.
- The study suggests that intercropping can improve crop yields and combat the impacts of climate change on Earth.
- There are challenges in adapting space agriculture techniques to regions most in need due to existing power inequalities.
Key quote:
"Earth is beautiful, and it’s unique, and it’s rare, and it’s fragile. And it needs our help."
— Rebeca Gonçalves, astrobiologist
Why this matters:
As climate change degrades arable land, finding sustainable agricultural practices is crucial for global food security. Techniques developed for extraterrestrial farming could help restore Earth's depleted soils and ensure a reliable food supply.
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New York City's compost project ends due to budget cuts
Mayor Eric Adams' budget cuts have ended New York City's 30-year-old composting program, affecting community farms, gardens, and green jobs.
In short:
- The NYC Compost Project, which began in 1993, provided compost for community farms, gardens, and street trees.
- The budget cuts have forced most composting organizations to cease operations, with only three remaining open at reduced capacity.
- More than 115 green jobs are threatened, and important community connections and green education efforts are at risk.
Key quote:
"[Volunteering with Nurture BK] made me for the first time experience a community I’ve been living in for 15 years. And Eric Adams has come by and destroyed all that for me."
— Justin Realmuto, Nurture BK volunteer
Why this matters:
The composting program, established to divert organic waste from landfills, has played a pivotal role in enriching urban soil, supporting local agriculture, and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Community gardens and farms have particularly benefited from the nutrient-rich compost, which has fostered greener, more productive spaces in neighborhoods across the city.
Critics of the budget cuts argue that dismantling the composting program is a step backward in the fight against climate change and urban sustainability. They emphasize that the program's elimination undermines efforts to build a greener, more self-sufficient New York, highlighting the broader implications for community health and environmental justice.
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Wildfires affect soil and release more carbon and toxics, study finds
A recent study reveals wildfires alter soil composition, leading to increased carbon dioxide and toxic release.
In short:
- The study highlights how black carbon from wildfires does not sequester carbon dioxide as effectively as hoped, speeding up its conversion back to CO2.
- Research shows wildfires double the soil levels of harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, obstructing plant regrowth.
- Findings suggest wildfires convert metals into toxic forms, contaminating water supplies and hindering ecological recovery.
Key quote:
"Carbon that’s gone through forest fires and becomes black carbon can actually turn more readily into carbon dioxide by microbes than previously thought."
— Scott Fendorf, professor, Stanford University’s Doerr School of Sustainability
Why this matters:
When wildfires rage through an area, the intense heat incinerates vegetation and organic matter that are crucial for healthy soil. This loss not only depletes the soil of nutrients but also reduces its ability to store carbon, leading to increased levels of carbon dioxide—a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming—released back into the atmosphere. In addition, the structure of the soil changes, becoming more compact and less able to absorb water. This leads to greater runoff during rainfalls and can also cause harmful substances like heavy metals to be more easily washed into rivers and streams, affecting water quality and aquatic life.
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Newsletter
Maya immigrants embrace ancient farming techniques in Nebraska
In Nebraska's fields, Maya farmers from Latin America are revitalizing the landscape with traditional milpa farming practices, designed to enrich biodiversity and mitigate climate change impacts.
In short:
- The milpa farming method intercrops various plants to maintain soil integrity and enhance ecosystem health.
- Luis Marcos leads Nebraska's Maya community in implementing these sustainable practices as a way of cultural and environmental preservation.
- This initiative counters monoculture's drawbacks and aligns with global efforts to leverage nature-based solutions for climate change.
Why this matters:
Rooted in a Mesoamerican method of intercropping corn, beans, and squash, milpa encourages biodiversity and has become increasingly relevant as a sustainable model in the face of climate change. As the global community seeks effective strategies to manage climate change, embracing indigenous knowledge offers a viable path forward.
Related: Alexa White argues that the global food system is failing small-scale farmers — and suggests some ways we can fix this.
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Renowned soil ecologist Diana Wall passes away, leaving a lasting impact at CSU
Renowned environmental scientist Diana Wall, known for her pivotal contributions to soil ecology and sustainability, died on March 25, leaving behind a profound legacy at Colorado State University.
In short:
- Diana Wall, a highly respected scientist at Colorado State University, significantly advanced our understanding of soil biodiversity and its critical links to climate change.
- Her interdisciplinary research emphasized the vital role of nematodes in soil ecosystems and their resilience in extreme environments like Antarctica.
- Wall's dedication extended beyond research; she was a key figure in developing CSU’s School of Global Environmental Sustainability and a mentor to many in the scientific community.
Key quote:
"Diana was not only a brilliant ecologist, but also kind, and she treated people and the planet with utmost respect."
— CSU President Amy Parsons
Why this matters:
Diana Wall's work helped us understand the subtle yet crucial interplay between soil health and global climate patterns. Her legacy continues through ongoing research and the many scientists she inspired, emphasizing the lasting impact of committed researchers on both academia and global environmental policy.
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Credit: Rinku Jareda/Pixabay
Natural farming's rise in India amid climate change
In the face of worsening weather conditions, farmers in Andhra Pradesh, India, are turning to natural farming methods to bolster crop resilience.
Shawn Sebastian and Sibi Arasu report for The Associated Press.
In short:
- Natural farming in Andhra Pradesh uses organic materials as fertilizers and pesticides, enhancing soil water retention and crop robustness against extreme weather.
- The practice, buoyed by state support, contrasts with the prevalent use of chemical inputs, spotlighting the need for wider adoption and governmental backing.
- Despite challenges, success stories from the region, like Ratna Raju's farm surviving Cyclone Michaung unscathed, highlight the tangible benefits of shifting towards natural methods.
Key quote:
“I incurred huge losses. For the next planting season, I plan to use natural farming methods too.”
— Srikanth Kanapala, farmer
Why this matters:
In India, where agriculture is not just an economic activity but the backbone of rural life, the increasing unpredictability of weather patterns—ranging from delayed monsoons to unseasonal rains and extreme heatwaves—poses a severe threat to livelihoods and food security.
Industrial agriculture is a dead end. Agroecology is the only way to ensure that all people have access to sufficient, healthful food.
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