The cold rush
What has India got to show after 20 years on the Antarctica research bandwagon? Lack of focus
Now an app to help farmers practice precision agriculture
By determining health of the crops using hyperspectral imaging of crop leaves, the app could help in rational use of fertilisers
Climate change can cause selenium deficiency in soil and humans
Deficiency of the micronutrient has been associated with a deadly heart ailment called Keshan disease
Sustainable soil management key to Africa's food security
The thrust is now on promotion of sustainable soil management as the approach for boosting healthy soils for a food-secure Africa
Creeping malady
The once-fertile state of Gujarat now faces a future plagued by extreme soil salinity and large-scale land degradation
Engulfed by the ravines
Once a throbbing rural business centre, Birahrua, in Morena district of Madhya Pradesh, is now haunted by devilish gullies
Dying fields
The Green Revolution and use of high-yielding varieties has led to depletion of vital micronutrients
Enhanced food security and soil biodiversity: A climate-positive approach
Conservation of soil biodiversity, soil organic carbon through sustainable farming practices should be deemed essential to improve agricultural …
Prey, predators and pollution
Bacteria can be used to clean soil effectively if they are protected from protozoans, their predator
Manipur landslide: Weak soil, incessant rain, anthropogenic pressure to blame, say experts
Seventy-nine people have been confirmed as victims while 47 bodies have been recovered from the accident site at Marangching village in …
Holistic approach makes agrarian systems more climate-resilient: Study
Initial watershed development interventions in the studied areas intensified agriculture, but led to declining groundwater tables and …
In pics: Sea ingress has left this Odisha coastal town a shell of its former self
The marching sea has taken a toll on Podampeta’s agriculture and fishing communities through rapid sea ingress and consequent cyclones. Now, …
Microplastics in soil threatens earthworms’ growth: Study
Earthworms exposed to plastic chemicals from bottles and carry bags lost on average 3.1% in weight, while those without added microplastics had a …
Speciality rice varieties of Kerala are storehouse of nutrition: study
Rice can be a vital source of nutrition if some of the nutritious varieties of rice traditionally grown can be popularised
Punjab, Haryana and west UP facing severe nitrogen pollution: Down To Earth expose
Nitrogen pollution can destroy soil health, contaminate water, lead to serious health problems, and trigger climate change
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 …
Finally, a decision on agriculture comes through at Bonn climate talks
Parties have been invited to submit adaptation assessment methods for improvement of soil health, soil carbon and soil quality
Disappearing Majuli, India’s first river island district
Floods in the Brahmaputra threaten to submerge this river island in Assam which is home to rich biodiversity and culture
Carving oases in drought-prone Kutch
The Shree Vivekananda Research and Training Institute has made a name for itself, helping villagers in Kutch district. Among its innumerable …
In search of an alternative
Drastic reduction in the cycle of shifting cultivation and soil erosion are forcing the Karbi tribe of Assam to explore sustainable agricultural …
Soiled future
At a time when agricultural topsoil continues to be eroded, researchers make efforts to put an end to the crisis
Food for soil
The 'green revolution' has boosted agricultural production and transformed semi-arid land, but its long-term effects on soil quality in India …
The dark side of colourful textiles
These bright, colourful clothes have a dark side as their colours cause severe negative impacts on the surrounding environment
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 …
The Yellow River has been known as ‘China’s sorrow’. Now we know who was responsible
Deforestation, erosion on the Loess Plateau caused the Chinese to construct levees to tame the river, in turn, worsening the risk of flooding