#soil-health

#soil-health

A decade of farm-level data from Ethiopia's Gedeo Zone suggests coffee quality and yield are not dictated by a single factor such as altitude. Instead, the strongest quality signals may be traced back to multiple related factors affecting soil health, with results varying by micro-region. The study reinforces commonly held best practices in sustainable agricultural land management - such as the inclusion of shade - while rejecting the idea of a one-size-fits-all playbook for different growing areas.

"In a time marked by confusion, disruption and division, our industry needs a space to think differently and act collectively," said Karen Howard, CEO and executive director of Organic & Natural Health. "Our conference is about building real bridges between states and systems, nature and science, and ideals and action. By doing so we can protect industry integrity, empower consumers and shape a resilient future for natural health."

Used grounds are slightly acidic and dense. Sprinkled thickly, they can form a crust that repels water and suffocates roots. Instead, mix small amounts into compost (no more than 10%), or add to an outdoor compost heap where worms can break them down properly. Never dump fresh, wet grounds straight on to houseplants. The test I mixed a few tablespoons of dried coffee grounds into the soil

From a young age, Yushu Xia was keenly aware of the importance of environmental health-a passion sparked by her grandfather, a geology professor and author of popular science books who inspired her love for science and education. Today, Xia combines these interests as an assistant research professor at Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, which is part of the Columbia Climate School. Xia's niche: the intersection of soil and agricultural science with modeling and data science, all of which are essential in "truly understand[ing] how soils function," she says.

I'm six months pregnant and horribly overwhelmed, so I've enlisted the help of a local gardener to tackle the more pernicious intruders (such as green alkanet, which leaves my ankles feeling bitten whenever I hang out the washing, and some of the many robinia saplings that have appeared from the neighbour's great big, beautiful tree) while leaving the good stuff behind. Then, in the patches that open up, I'll be sowing green manure.

Barclays has launched a new market-leading lending facility designed to support UK farmers adopting regenerative and sustainable agricultural practices. The Farm Transition Finance (FTF) proposition offers eligible farmers a 0.3 per cent interest rate reduction on standard term loans, with flexible repayment structures designed to reflect the needs of individual businesses. The facility aims to make investment in nature-friendly changes more accessible by allowing farmers to use existing farm certifications, supply chain programmes and government grants as evidence of transition plans.

After scarifying, it's essential to clear debris to allow light and air to reach the soil for optimal lawn recovery.

The most effective way to remove mushrooms from your lawn is by manual removal using tools like a stiff brush or by hand with gloves.

Mushrooms contribute significantly to soil health by breaking down organic matter, improving soil structure, and supporting beneficial microbial communities.