Scientists have stumbled upon a "wonder material" in the soil of the Moon which is known as graphene.&nbsp;

The researchers have found that there are few layers of graphene flakes present on the moon soil which occur naturally. Graphene refers to the organised and layered structure of carbon atoms.

A group of researchers - which included Professors Meng Zou and Wei Zhang, senior engineer Xiujuan Li from&nbsp;Jilin University, and Wencai Ren from the&nbsp;Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Metal Research - led the study.

<h2>How did scientists find graphene in lunar soil?</h2>

The scientists started studying a 2.9 x 1.6 mm, olive-shaped speck of lunar soil which was brought to Earth in 2020 by Chang’e 5 mission.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/moon-is-going-far-away-from-the-earth-will-it-disappear-soon-from-night-sky-746236">Moon is going far away from the Earth. Will it disappear soon from night sky?</a>

The researchers analysed the minuscule piece for only the hunt for Graphene.&nbsp;

It is known that Graphene is a unique substance which is filled with carbon atoms arranged in a thin and layered structure. Because of this, graphene has unique properties which makes it a super material in the field of electrics, optics and mechanics.

These properties and shapes of such graphene structures are formed because of their formation process, which paints a beautiful trail in the cosmos.&nbsp;

With the use of a specialised spectrometer, the scientists found a particular iron compound inside a carbon-rich section of the lunar sample. which stated that it is linked with the formation of graphene.

<h2>Why is graphene discovery on the Moon important?</h2>

The finding of graphene in lunar soil shows that the geological history&nbsp;of the Moon may have undergone a paradigm shift.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/moon-drifting-away-from-earth-approximately-38-centimeter-per-year-study-746720/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The properties of graphene, like exceptional conductivity and strength, are expected to have implications on the development of lunar technologies.

The researchers are now trying to understand how they can use this material for constructing lightweight and durable structures on the Moon and also design advanced electronics which can operate in extreme lunar conditions.

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists have stumbled upon a "wonder material" in the soil of the Moon which is known as graphene. The researchers have found that there are few layers of graphene flakes present on the moon soil which occur naturally.

Scientists have stumbled upon a "wonder material" in the soil of the Moon which is known as graphene. The researchers have found that there are few layers of graphene flakes present on the moon soil which occur naturally. Graphene refers to the organised and layered structure of carbon atoms. A group of researchers - which included Professors Meng Zou and Wei Zhang, senior engineer Xiujuan Li from Jilin University, and Wencai Ren from the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Metal Research - led the study. How did scientists find graphene in lunar soil? The scientists started studying a 2.9 x 1.6 mm, olive-shaped speck of lunar soil which was brought to Earth in 2020 by Chang’e 5 mission. Also Read: Moon is going far away from the Earth. Will it disappear soon from night sky? The researchers analysed the minuscule piece for only the hunt for Graphene. It is known that Graphene is a unique substance which is filled with carbon atoms arranged in a thin and layered structure. Because of this, graphene has unique properties which makes it a super material in the field of electrics, optics and mechanics. These properties and shapes of such graphene structures are formed because of their formation process, which paints a beautiful trail in the cosmos. With the use of a specialised spectrometer, the scientists found a particular iron compound inside a carbon-rich section of the lunar sample. which stated that it is linked with the formation of graphene. Why is graphene discovery on the Moon important? The finding of graphene in lunar soil shows that the geological history of the Moon may have undergone a paradigm shift. Watch: Moon Drifting Away From Earth Approximately 3.8 Centimeter Per Year - Study The properties of graphene, like exceptional conductivity and strength, are expected to have implications on the development of lunar technologies. The researchers are now trying to understand how they can use this material for constructing lightweight and durable structures on the Moon and also design advanced electronics which can operate in extreme lunar conditions. (With inputs from agencies)

Moon has graphene in its soil. Here's all about this 'wonder material'

A number of farmers in Africa are turning to specialist soil scientists in order to combat increasingly acidic soil which they blame on chemical fertilizers. With a decline in production due to poor soil, experts are advising a return to traditional agricultural practices to redress the balance.

Farmers decry soil degradation as a result of chemical fertilizers

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically. Researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden presented their findings in a study published in the journal PNAS.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Hydroponics’</h2>

This method of soilless cultivation is known as hydroponics which, according to the study, uses a root system that is stimulated electrically through a new cultivation substrate. Simply put, hydroponic cultivation means that plants grow without soil, needing only water, nutrients and something their roots can attach to – a substrate.&nbsp;

Hydroponic cultivation is a closed system which allows water recirculation so that each seedling gets exactly the nutrients it needs. Therefore, the method requires very little water and all nutrients remain in the system, which is not possible in traditional cultivation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/scientists-devise-way-to-convert-toxic-cigarette-butts-into-green-fuel-673690">Scientists devise way to convert toxic cigarette butts into green fuel</a>

“The world population is increasing, and we also have climate change. So it’s clear that we won’t be able to cover the food demands of the planet with only the already existing agricultural methods,” said Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, in a statement.&nbsp;

“But with hydroponics we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings,” she added.&nbsp;

<h2>The use of barley</h2>

While crops like lettuce, herbs and some vegetables are already being cultivated using hydroponics, the researchers for this study used grains as they are not typically grown using this method&nbsp;apart from their use as fodder.

The study showed that barley seedlings grown in the conductive “soil” grew up to 50 per cent more in 15 days.&nbsp;

Therefore, the researchers managed to prove that not only barley seedlings can be cultivated using hydroponics but also that they have a better growth rate thanks to electrical stimulation.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/monkeys-started-using-stone-tools-when-covid-stopped-tourist-inflow-study-673742">Monkeys started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study</a>

The eSoil is made of cellulose, as opposed to the typical use of mineral wool which is not only non-biodegradable but also produced with a very energy-intensive process. Notably, cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer.&nbsp;

The study also noted that while previous research has used high voltage to stimulate the roots, researchers’ eSoil has very low energy consumption and no high voltage danger.

Stavrinidou believes that the new study paves the way for new research areas to develop further hydroponic cultivation.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/ancient-humans-in-europe-would-chop-their-fingers-off-to-appease-deities-study-673096">Ancient humans in Europe would chop their fingers off to appease deities: Study&nbsp;</a>

She also acknowledged that while it may not solve the problem of food security, it can “definitely help particularly in areas with little arable land and with harsh environmental conditions.”&nbsp;

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically.

Scientists have recently developed an electrically conductive “soil” or eSoil, which they say led to 50 per cent more growth of barley seedlings in 15 days after their roots were stimulated electrically. Researchers from Linkoping University in Sweden presented their findings in a study published in the journal PNAS. ‘Hydroponics’ This method of soilless cultivation is known as hydroponics which, according to the study, uses a root system that is stimulated electrically through a new cultivation substrate. Simply put, hydroponic cultivation means that plants grow without soil, needing only water, nutrients and something their roots can attach to – a substrate. Hydroponic cultivation is a closed system which allows water recirculation so that each seedling gets exactly the nutrients it needs. Therefore, the method requires very little water and all nutrients remain in the system, which is not possible in traditional cultivation. ALSO READ | Scientists devise way to convert toxic cigarette butts into green fuel “The world population is increasing, and we also have climate change. So it’s clear that we won’t be able to cover the food demands of the planet with only the already existing agricultural methods,” said Eleni Stavrinidou, an associate professor at Linkoping University, in a statement. “But with hydroponics we can grow food also in urban environments in very controlled settings,” she added. The use of barley While crops like lettuce, herbs and some vegetables are already being cultivated using hydroponics, the researchers for this study used grains as they are not typically grown using this method apart from their use as fodder. The study showed that barley seedlings grown in the conductive “soil” grew up to 50 per cent more in 15 days. Therefore, the researchers managed to prove that not only barley seedlings can be cultivated using hydroponics but also that they have a better growth rate thanks to electrical stimulation. ALSO READ | Monkeys started using stone tools when Covid stopped tourist inflow: Study The eSoil is made of cellulose, as opposed to the typical use of mineral wool which is not only non-biodegradable but also produced with a very energy-intensive process. Notably, cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer. The study also noted that while previous research has used high voltage to stimulate the roots, researchers’ eSoil has very low energy consumption and no high voltage danger. Stavrinidou believes that the new study paves the way for new research areas to develop further hydroponic cultivation. ALSO READ | Ancient humans in Europe would chop their fingers off to appease deities: Study She also acknowledged that while it may not solve the problem of food security, it can “definitely help particularly in areas with little arable land and with harsh environmental conditions.”

Researchers develop ‘electronic soil’ that enhances crop growth by 50%

Back in 1879, scientist William Beal buried bottles with seeds in them to understand how long seeds can last. Recently, researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) dug up one of these bottles and found that some seeds were still growing.&nbsp;

Beal buried 20 bottles with over a thousand seeds each, and the goal was to help farmers deal with weeds. The bottles were buried in a way that water wouldn't collect in them. Originally, they planned to dig up a bottle every five years, but now they do it every 20 years.

Even though the experiment is really old, some seeds from the latest bottle were still able to grow. This is amazing because it shows that very old seeds can still sprout and become plants. Plant biologist Frank Telewski said he was surprised that something so old could still grow.

"The biggest surprise to me is that the seeds germinated again,"&nbsp;says&nbsp;plant biologist Frank Telewski, from MSU. "It's amazing that something so old can still grow."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/in-major-breakthrough-scientists-discover-kill-switch-that-can-kill-cancer-658330">Also read |&nbsp;In major breakthrough, scientists discover ‘kill switch' that can kill cancer</a>

<h2>Genetic testing</h2>

Researchers at MSU used new technology to look at the genes of the plants grown from these old seeds. This is the first time they've done this, and it helped them confirm that these plants are the same as the ones Beal described.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/cat-parasite-could-be-responsible-for-fragility-in-older-adults-says-study-658305">Also read |&nbsp;Cat parasite could be responsible for fragility in some older adults, says study</a>

There are still four bottles left to be dug up, and they plan to keep doing this until the year 2100. The bottles are kept in a secret place so that no one else can open them. This helps make sure that the research is accurate and not changed by anyone, according to Science Alert.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
&nbsp;

Back in 1879, scientist William Beal buried bottles with seeds in them to understand how long seeds can last. Recently, researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) dug up one of these bottles and found that some seeds were still growing.

Back in 1879, scientist William Beal buried bottles with seeds in them to understand how long seeds can last. Recently, researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) dug up one of these bottles and found that some seeds were still growing. Beal buried 20 bottles with over a thousand seeds each, and the goal was to help farmers deal with weeds. The bottles were buried in a way that water wouldn't collect in them. Originally, they planned to dig up a bottle every five years, but now they do it every 20 years. Even though the experiment is really old, some seeds from the latest bottle were still able to grow. This is amazing because it shows that very old seeds can still sprout and become plants. Plant biologist Frank Telewski said he was surprised that something so old could still grow. "The biggest surprise to me is that the seeds germinated again," says plant biologist Frank Telewski, from MSU. "It's amazing that something so old can still grow." Also read | In major breakthrough, scientists discover ‘kill switch' that can kill cancer Genetic testing Researchers at MSU used new technology to look at the genes of the plants grown from these old seeds. This is the first time they've done this, and it helped them confirm that these plants are the same as the ones Beal described. Also read | Cat parasite could be responsible for fragility in some older adults, says study There are still four bottles left to be dug up, and they plan to keep doing this until the year 2100. The bottles are kept in a secret place so that no one else can open them. This helps make sure that the research is accurate and not changed by anyone, according to Science Alert. (With inputs from agencies)

Scientists dig out seeds buried in a bottle in 1879, and this is what they found

Not just Earth, the soil of Moon is also fertile enough to grow plants successfully, proved scientists through a study after achieving the feat for the first time in history. The research, which was funded by NASA, was published in ‘Communications Biology’ on Thursday. The discovery comes as a breakthrough to give the possibility of harvesting plants on the moon in the future, NASA said. &nbsp;

In a statement on Thursday, Rob Ferl, who is one of the authors of the study, said, "We wanted to do this experiment because, for years, we were asking this question: Would plants grow in lunar soil. The answer, it turns out, is yes." &nbsp;

To conduct the experiment, NASA provided the soil of Moon, which is also called lunar regolith, to the researchers at the University of Florida. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-super-long-blood-moon-is-gonna-grace-the-skies-soon-heres-how-you-can-see-it-478343" hreflang="en">A super-long blood moon is gonna grace the skies soon. Here's how you can see it</a>

The soil given for the experiment had come from Apollo 11, 12 and 17 missions to the Moon. &nbsp;

All the plants had germinated within 48 to 60 hours, as per the study. &nbsp;

Anna-Lisa Paul, another author of the study, said, "We were amazed. We did not predict that. That told us that the lunar soils didn't interrupt the hormones and signals involved in plant germination."&nbsp; &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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For the first time ever, scientists have grown plants in lunar soil. 
 
This <a href="https://twitter.com/UF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UF</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/NASASpaceSci?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NASASpaceSci</a> experiment using Apollo Moon samples could shape the future of sustainable astronaut missions to deep space. Dig into the story: <a href="https://t.co/ZtUvowKi8e">https://t.co/ZtUvowKi8e</a> <a href="https://t.co/PWGzev7lmN">pic.twitter.com/PWGzev7lmN</a>
— NASA (@NASA) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASA/status/1524785623378317313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2022</a></blockquote>
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With around a gram of lunar soil, the researchers potted the plants in plastic plates with thimble-sized wells. The soil was moistened with a nutrient solution and thale cress seeds were added. The trays were then put into terrarium boxes by the researchers. &nbsp;

Nutrient solution was added daily, NASA said. A control group had also used volcanic ash as soil. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’?

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/decoding-ufos-what-do-we-know-about-flying-saucers-476318/embed" width="560"></iframe>

By the sixth day, the plants began to grow differently in lunar soil than the control group. The plants in Moon soil grew slower and displayed "stunted roots, the researchers found. “Additionally, some had stunted leaves and sported reddish pigmentation," NASA said. &nbsp;

After tests were conducted on the completion of 20 days, the plants in lunar soil were found to be under stress, NASA said. &nbsp;

The research is key to understanding "how plants might overcome stressful conditions in food-scarce areas here on Earth," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said.&nbsp;

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Not just Earth, the soil of Moon is also fertile enough to grow plants successfully, proved scientists through a study after achieving the feat for the first time in history.

Not just Earth, the soil of Moon is also fertile enough to grow plants successfully, proved scientists through a study after achieving the feat for the first time in history. The research, which was funded by NASA, was published in ‘Communications Biology’ on Thursday. The discovery comes as a breakthrough to give the possibility of harvesting plants on the moon in the future, NASA said. In a statement on Thursday, Rob Ferl, who is one of the authors of the study, said, "We wanted to do this experiment because, for years, we were asking this question: Would plants grow in lunar soil. The answer, it turns out, is yes." To conduct the experiment, NASA provided the soil of Moon, which is also called lunar regolith, to the researchers at the University of Florida. Also Read: A super-long blood moon is gonna grace the skies soon. Here's how you can see it The soil given for the experiment had come from Apollo 11, 12 and 17 missions to the Moon. All the plants had germinated within 48 to 60 hours, as per the study. Anna-Lisa Paul, another author of the study, said, "We were amazed. We did not predict that. That told us that the lunar soils didn't interrupt the hormones and signals involved in plant germination." For the first time ever, scientists have grown plants in lunar soil. This @UF and @NASASpaceSci experiment using Apollo Moon samples could shape the future of sustainable astronaut missions to deep space. Dig into the story: https://t.co/ZtUvowKi8e pic.twitter.com/PWGzev7lmN — NASA (@NASA) May 12, 2022 × With around a gram of lunar soil, the researchers potted the plants in plastic plates with thimble-sized wells. The soil was moistened with a nutrient solution and thale cress seeds were added. The trays were then put into terrarium boxes by the researchers. Nutrient solution was added daily, NASA said. A control group had also used volcanic ash as soil. Watch | Decoding UFOs: What do we know about ‘flying saucers’? By the sixth day, the plants began to grow differently in lunar soil than the control group. The plants in Moon soil grew slower and displayed "stunted roots, the researchers found. “Additionally, some had stunted leaves and sported reddish pigmentation," NASA said. After tests were conducted on the completion of 20 days, the plants in lunar soil were found to be under stress, NASA said. The research is key to understanding "how plants might overcome stressful conditions in food-scarce areas here on Earth," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Astonishing discovery! Not just Earth, Moon’s soil fertile enough to grow plants successfully

By&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/alex-mcbratney-129" rel="author">Alex McBratney</a>&nbsp;&amp;&nbsp;<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrea-koch-221" rel="author">Andrea Koch</a>*

&nbsp;

Soils can help us solve two of the most pressing problems of the coming decades: climate change and food shortage.

There is more fresh water in the world&rsquo;s soils than in all its lakes and rivers. Soil contains more carbon than in all the vegetation and atmosphere above it. In a single handful of soil there are a billion organisms, 10 million species and more DNA than in a human body.

Most of us have lost our link to the soil. Urbanisation and advanced technology help us forget how much we need it.

We tend to believe technology can produce food, fibre and also renewable energy, without really thinking about where any of them come from. But technology has produced no alternative to the complexity and processing ability of soils and ecosystems.

Producing more food for an ever-burgeoning population has been hard on our soils. In the same way that we think and agonise about food security we should concern ourselves with soil security. In some sense it is even more fundamental.

Soil security is the maintenance or improvement of the world&rsquo;s soil resource so it can keep providing sufficient food and fibre. It provides fresh water, and contributes to energy sustainability and climate stability.

In the university sector, we can&rsquo;t simply follow our noses in research. We need to engage in and raise public debate in key areas that relate to our scholarship.

In February of this year, a summit of 18 of the world&rsquo;s leading soil and plant scientists congregated to discuss soil carbon.

They discovered a common sense of urgency and concern about the state of the world&rsquo;s soils, but also a consensus that we have the scientific knowledge and technology to achieve soil security.

Five things need to happen.

Building carbon in soils must become a priority. Not only does increased soil carbon draw down from the atmospheric legacy load, it will also underpin future food and fresh water supplies. This is crucial with a burgeoning global population.

Public policy must turn its attention to protecting and rebuilding soil. It is a vital asset.

Contrary to common wisdom that &ldquo;nature be left to its own devices&rdquo;, soil carbon will increase in closely managed systems. Farmers must be supported with good science and policy that acknowledges them as stewards of soil and managers of the vital ecosystem services that soil provides.

We need a rethink of agricultural research and development. We can no longer afford to focus on increasing productivity through agriculture without a focus on the substrate of production. Soil security must become a co-benefit of new agricultural developments and technology.

Finally, soil science must experience a revival in engagement and funding; more soil scientists and more soil science. We don&rsquo;t have enough global information about the composition and quality of our soils.

Without this information, land managers face serious challenges in planning food production, carbon sequestration and regeneration.

We know a lot about how soil works (and we can learn a lot more) but we often don&rsquo;t know where soil of a particular kind can be found. Solid soil information lets us model climate, water storage and crop production scenarios so we can develop sound public policy. Globalsoilmap (www.globalsoilmap.net) addresses that kind of problem.

Researchers worldwide are working on this digital map of the earth&rsquo;s soils using a suite of techniques largely developed in Australia. The project is capturing legacy soil data - including soil carbon - generated over a century of research and investigation and presenting it digitally: it&rsquo;s a kind of Google Maps for soil.

Leonardo da Vinci&rsquo;s 500 year old statement about knowing more about the cosmos than the soil under our feet remains true.

If we want to solve problems like climate change or food security, society needs to get behind the grand challenges of soil mapping and monitoring. It is with information like this that we can formulate and test the kind of radical ideas needed to grapple with such complex conundrums.

&nbsp;

*<a href="https://theconversation.com/profiles/andrea-koch-221" rel="author">Andrea Koc</a>h is Project Manager, Soil Carbon Initiative, United States Studies Centre , University of Sydney

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

This article was originally published in <a href="http://theconversation.com" nofollow="" rel="">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/soil-its-what-keeps-us-clothed-and-fed-146">original article</a>.

Urbanisation and advanced technology help us forget how much we need soil in solving two of the most pressing problems of the coming decades namely, climate change and food shortage.

By Alex McBratney & Andrea Koch* Soils can help us solve two of the most pressing problems of the coming decades: climate change and food shortage. There is more fresh water in the world’s soils than in all its lakes and rivers. Soil contains more carbon than in all the vegetation and atmosphere above it. In a single handful of soil there are a billion organisms, 10 million species and more DNA than in a human body. Most of us have lost our link to the soil. Urbanisation and advanced technology help us forget how much we need it. We tend to believe technology can produce food, fibre and also renewable energy, without really thinking about where any of them come from. But technology has produced no alternative to the complexity and processing ability of soils and ecosystems. Producing more food for an ever-burgeoning population has been hard on our soils. In the same way that we think and agonise about food security we should concern ourselves with soil security. In some sense it is even more fundamental. Soil security is the maintenance or improvement of the world’s soil resource so it can keep providing sufficient food and fibre. It provides fresh water, and contributes to energy sustainability and climate stability. In the university sector, we can’t simply follow our noses in research. We need to engage in and raise public debate in key areas that relate to our scholarship. In February of this year, a summit of 18 of the world’s leading soil and plant scientists congregated to discuss soil carbon. They discovered a common sense of urgency and concern about the state of the world’s soils, but also a consensus that we have the scientific knowledge and technology to achieve soil security. Five things need to happen. Building carbon in soils must become a priority. Not only does increased soil carbon draw down from the atmospheric legacy load, it will also underpin future food and fresh water supplies. This is crucial with a burgeoning global population. Public policy must turn its attention to protecting and rebuilding soil. It is a vital asset. Contrary to common wisdom that “nature be left to its own devices”, soil carbon will increase in closely managed systems. Farmers must be supported with good science and policy that acknowledges them as stewards of soil and managers of the vital ecosystem services that soil provides. We need a rethink of agricultural research and development. We can no longer afford to focus on increasing productivity through agriculture without a focus on the substrate of production. Soil security must become a co-benefit of new agricultural developments and technology. Finally, soil science must experience a revival in engagement and funding; more soil scientists and more soil science. We don’t have enough global information about the composition and quality of our soils. Without this information, land managers face serious challenges in planning food production, carbon sequestration and regeneration. We know a lot about how soil works (and we can learn a lot more) but we often don’t know where soil of a particular kind can be found. Solid soil information lets us model climate, water storage and crop production scenarios so we can develop sound public policy. Globalsoilmap (www.globalsoilmap.net) addresses that kind of problem. Researchers worldwide are working on this digital map of the earth’s soils using a suite of techniques largely developed in Australia. The project is capturing legacy soil data - including soil carbon - generated over a century of research and investigation and presenting it digitally: it’s a kind of Google Maps for soil. Leonardo da Vinci’s 500 year old statement about knowing more about the cosmos than the soil under our feet remains true. If we want to solve problems like climate change or food security, society needs to get behind the grand challenges of soil mapping and monitoring. It is with information like this that we can formulate and test the kind of radical ideas needed to grapple with such complex conundrums. *Andrea Koch is Project Manager, Soil Carbon Initiative, United States Studies Centre , University of Sydney This article was originally published in The Conversation. Read the original article.

Opinion: Key to food security lies in soil conservation

Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One drivers championship to 19 points after winning the German Grand Prix with ease today, with Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg only fourth. 
 
Rosberg surrendered his lead from pole to the Briton, who stormed away to claim his sixth win in seven races and strengthen his grip in the title chase. 
 
Second was Daniel Ricciardo, with Max Verstappen, his Red Bull teammate, third. 
 
Reigning world champion Hamilton took full advantage of a poor start by Rosberg, who also received a five second pit-stop penalty for an over-aggressive passing move, to deliver a flawless drive. 
 
&ldquo;Get in there, Lewis,&rdquo; said his team engineer over the radio. &ldquo;Great work, mate, a beautiful start and fantastically managed.&rdquo; 
 
The Briton responded: &ldquo;As always, thanks to you all, brilliant pit stops and now have a well-deserved summer break.&rdquo; 
 
For Rosberg, who was seeking to repeat his 2014 triumph, it ended up as a day of disappointment on home soil. 
 
The home fans at Hockenheim had another German to cheer as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished fifth ahead of his Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen and compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was seventh on home turf for Force India. 
 
Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, finished eighth ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India. 
 
&quot;What a race,&quot; Hamilton, who started second on the grid, told the crowd from the podium. &quot;Big thank you to the team, who did an amazing job. &quot;I didn&#39;t make any mistakes. Yesterday was not perfect, but you learn from those things.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

It ended up as a day of disappointment for Nico Rosberg, who was seeking to repeat his 2014 triumph on home soil

Lewis Hamilton extended his lead in the Formula One drivers championship to 19 points after winning the German Grand Prix with ease today, with Mercedes teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg only fourth. Rosberg surrendered his lead from pole to the Briton, who stormed away to claim his sixth win in seven races and strengthen his grip in the title chase. Second was Daniel Ricciardo, with Max Verstappen, his Red Bull teammate, third. Reigning world champion Hamilton took full advantage of a poor start by Rosberg, who also received a five second pit-stop penalty for an over-aggressive passing move, to deliver a flawless drive. “Get in there, Lewis,” said his team engineer over the radio. “Great work, mate, a beautiful start and fantastically managed.” The Briton responded: “As always, thanks to you all, brilliant pit stops and now have a well-deserved summer break.” For Rosberg, who was seeking to repeat his 2014 triumph, it ended up as a day of disappointment on home soil. The home fans at Hockenheim had another German to cheer as four-time champion Sebastian Vettel finished fifth ahead of his Ferrari teammate Kimi Raikkonen and compatriot Nico Hulkenberg, who was seventh on home turf for Force India. Briton Jenson Button, the 2009 world champion, finished eighth ahead of Finn Valtteri Bottas of Williams and Mexican Sergio Perez of Force India. "What a race," Hamilton, who started second on the grid, told the crowd from the podium. "Big thank you to the team, who did an amazing job. "I didn't make any mistakes. Yesterday was not perfect, but you learn from those things." (AFP)

Lewis Hamilton wins German Grand Prix

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