Soil Care Network Newsletter
May 2022
by Michiel van de Pavert, in collaboration with Anna Krzywoszynska, Emma Lietz Bilecky, and Thirze Hermans
Soil Research
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In this article the authors discuss indicators and thresholds to design an operational methodology that could be used in the interdisciplinary context of the Living Labs and Lighthouse Farm as proposed by the European Union for soil health.
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Scientists have managed to grow plants from seed in the moon’s regolith. Although, the plants did show deficiencies, as can be read in the original article in nature.
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Soil & Microplastics
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Using industrial wastewater to irrigate agricultural lands has created a more circular economy. However, new research found that this sewage sludge fertiliser comes with a considerable amount of microplastics that thus enters the ecosystem. See here for a concise summary of the article.
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In related news, the NGO Toxics Link found higher concentrations of microplastics where farmers used thin plastic sheets as mulches.
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The Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL) is most concerned about the microplastic pollution from synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, as described in their recent publication: Sowing a Plastic Planet.
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Soil & Sadhguru
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Sadhguru continues his Save Soil 100 day campaign across 27 countries, now visiting Abu Dhabi to plant mangrove saplings and to talk with Mariam Al Mheiri, the Minister for Climate Change and Environment.
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Follow Sadhguru’s journey here. Or check out Sadhguru’s lively twitter feed.
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Sadhguru also gave a interview on the connection between soil and quality of life.
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Soil & Hope
A hopeful story from a Cuban farmer on regenerating soil.
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Another hopeful story about a community in Michigan taking care of their environment by planting 500 trees.
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Scotland has implemented a system through which farmers can receive subsidies for their efforts to enhance biodiversity and lower carbon emissions.
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