Learning from lasagne
Porous layers of slurry, zapped with electricity, may revolutionise the treatment of contaminated clay soils
Back to basics
An air conditioning system that uses constant subterranean temperatures can become an ecofriendly alternative to conventional systems
Leaves from nitrogen-rich trees can be potential fertilisers
Banaras Hindu University scientists have shown that application of leaves from nitrogen-rich trees in soil can increase the soil fertility and …
Prey, predators and pollution
Bacteria can be used to clean soil effectively if they are protected from protozoans, their predator
Excess nitrogen fertilisers hamper germination, root growth in rice: study
Indian scientists have now identified rice varieties that are efficient in nitrogen use
New method developed to measure soil erosion
This method can help monitor the effects of soil erosion and effectiveness of soil conservation strategies
C V Raman Fellowships bring African and Indian researchers closer
Between 2010 and 2018, close to 500 African researchers availed the C V Raman International Fellowship to improve the quality of lives …
Healthy soil is the real key to feeding the world
Conventional wisdom says we need industrial agriculture to feed the world. Not so, says the writer. Practices that focus on creating healthy soil …
Dairy farm wastewater increases presence of antibiotic resistant genes in soil
A new study has found that using wastewater from dairy farms for soil irrigation significantly increased the presence of antibiotic …
Deficiency in micronutrients in soil linked to health of children and women
Districts with more soil zinc samples had significantly lower rates of underweight children and child stunting
Rising temperature causes soil to release more carbon dioxide
Rise of 1°C will result in the release of 30 petagrams of carbon, which is almost twice the amount emitted due to human activities annually
Scientists assess how continuous use of fertilisers affects soil bacteria
Application of Nitrogen Phosporus Potassium with farmyard manure increases the minerals' availability in the soil as compared to other treatments
New guar gum-based hydrogel can help save drought-hit crops
The guar gum-based hydrogel is biodegradable and adds organic content to the soil upon degradation
Scientists find energy source of bacteria responsible for arsenic contamination
Till now, it was known that some bacteria were breaking down compounds in the soil, causing arsenic to be released in the process. But no one …
Study zeroes in on target plant hormone to improve potassium deficiency in rice
Plants deficient in Potassium more susceptible to salt, drought, chilling and other stresses
New bacteria will help fight climate change, soil pollutants: Researchers
New bacteria is adept at breaking down organic matter, including cancer-causing chemicals, according to researchers
Microclimates unattended
Weather scientists must develop a better understanding of microclimates to protect agricultural ecosystems against climate change
The cold rush
What has India got to show after 20 years on the Antarctica research bandwagon? Lack of focus
Dying fields
The Green Revolution and use of high-yielding varieties has led to depletion of vital micronutrients
Economic Survey 2019-20: Agriculture growth stagnant in last 6 years
Document emphasises sustainable agricultural practices to support farmers and avert water crisis
Desertification in India: Soiled Dhule land is shallow, unfit for plantation
This Maharashtra district, one of India’s land degradation hotspots, struggles with soil erosion coupled with low forest cover, illegal …
India’s agrarian distress: Can we revive our fatigued soils
Intensive cultivation and improper nutrient replenishment have affected soil fertility. Stagnating or declining yields are the telltales
‘Deficiency in micronutrients in soil linked to health of children and women’
Districts with an increased proportion of soil zinc samples had significantly lower rates of child stunting and underweight
We have robbed the soil of its nutrients
P N TAKKAR former director of the Indian Institute of Soil Science, Bhopal, and currently principal scientist at the Indian Agricultural Research …
Potassium in our soil is running low, threatening global food security – new study proposes a way out
A proposal for a resolution on potassium at a future United Nations environment assembly holds the key to intergovernmental action
