According to approximations by scientists, global soil organic carbon sources are equal to three times the quantity of carbon present in the atmosphere. Calculations indicate that between 42 and 78 gigatons of carbon have been released from the world’s degraded natural and agricultural soils due to human activity in the pre- and post-industrial periods.
Land rehabilitation to ‘restore’ some of this lost carbon could make a significant contribution to counteracting fossil fuel emissions.
Conservation of soil health is also essential for agricultural sustainability and helps to increase the productivity of agricultural ecosystems.
Plant-connected microbial communities (microbiota) promote plant and root growth and augment crop resistance to numerous abiotic (environmental) and biotic pressures.
Connecting soil microbial diversity and ecosystem performance is crucial to understanding ecosystem reactions to a changing environment.
Soil microbial species play significant roles in biogeochemical cycling, plant growth and carbon sequestration or fixation. Soil contains millions of fungi, billions of bacteria, and vast numbers of other micro-organisms.
Soil microbes promote and accelerate nutrient cycling and protect plants from the destructive effects of abiotic and biotic pressures. The functions of the soil microbiome in cycling soil organic carbon, and the effect of climate change on the soil carbon cycle, are extremely important. Soil ecosystems are influenced by several factors that determine whether soil carbon is preserved or discharged to the atmosphere.
Denne historien er fra May 19, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra May 19, 2023-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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ARC names best dairy producers of the year
The Agricultural Research Council (ARC) recently announced the winners of the 2024 National Master Dairyman Awards at an event hosted by AgriExpo in Stellenbosch, Western Cape.
Lion breeders to give up bone stockpiles?
The Ministry of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment issued an official notice in mid-November in which it called on lion breeders to voluntarily hand over their lion bone stockpiles to the state as soon as possible.
Thousands of British farmers march on parliament against inheritance tax
Thousands of UK farmers gathered in London, England, on 19 November to demand the government repeal a proposed inheritance tax on agricultural land, which they argued threatened the future of family-run farms (see page 4), Al Jazeera reported.
Avocado frittata with sundried tomatoes, feta and olives
This wholesome, vibrant frittata is perfect for brunch or a light supper. Recipe and photo: The South African Avocado Growers' Association.
Feed, hay, and other costs are up, so it's time to get creative
Breeders and riding schools need to explore innovative ways to generate income in order to ensure their survival, says Dr Mac.
How to make polystyrene seedling trays last longer
While thinking about how to prolong the lifespan of polystyrene seedling trays that are exposed to harsh sunlight, Bill Kerr began to wonder if a coat of paint might offer a solution.
Living the 'culture' in agriculture
Creation Wines has won numerous awards, was ranked fourth in the World’s Best Vineyards in 2023, and more recently won the V d’Or award for the Best Brand Experience. The owners, Carolyn and Jean-Claude Martin, spoke to Glenneis Kriel about how their winery became a top tourism destination.
Time to take a deep breath on the slopes of the Magaliesberg
Around 100km from both Johannesburg and Pretoria in Gauteng and a tad over 40km from Rustenburg in North West, Farmer’s Weekly found a fine retreat on a working farm where couples may kindle their romance.
African penguins could be extinct by 2035 how to save them
Protecting the critically endangered African penguin is good for the environment, other animal species, and the economy, say Lorien Pichegru and Dr Alistair McInnes of Nelson Mandela University, Katrin Ludynia of the University of Cape Town, and Peter Barham of the University of Bristol in the UK.
An urgent need to confront Nassella in SA
South American grass species from the genus Nassella were unwittingly introduced to South Africa over 120 years ago and continue to invade montane veld. As Mike Burgess writes, research-based action is required.
