A new study suggests that abandoned farmland is widespread in Europe and that not all land that has been abandoned is unsuitable for farming. Understanding how abandoned farmland is distributed may be important for making land management decisions – for instance, recultivation versus reversion to forest.

Adding compost, manure, and other forms of organic matter to farmland soil can boost earthworm numbers, crop yield, and the stability of soil, finds a recent analysis of long-term case studies. No-tillage and crop-rotation practices also have positive effects on soil, although no-tillage's benefits for earthworms are often absent on farms that use herbicides and other pesticides. The study also confirms that organic farming typically produces lower crop yields than conventional farming, but provides recommendations on how to reduce this ‘yield gap’, while highlighting positive aspects of organic agriculture.

Analysis of the operation of a novel, micro-scale anaerobic digester has shown that this technology could provide a useful means of processing food waste in urban areas. The study found that the digester, located in London and fed mainly with local food waste, avoided 3.9 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions, while providing biogas for cooking, heat and power. Anaerobic digestion on this scale could play a part in reducing the amount of food waste that goes to landfill1 and contribute to the circular economy.

Scientists have reviewed the potential for worldwide development of geothermal energy systems in old, unused mines. The technology is proven in many sites and could therefore help increase the share of renewable energy sources in the energy mix, offering sustainability and job creation, which may make mining operations more appealing to investors, communities and policymakers.

Curefit, which has come under fire from several of its staff that were laid off, is one of the many startups whose business has been directly impacted due to the virus outbreak

Bike share programmes appear to have successfully reduced private car use in Brisbane, Melbourne, Washington DC, Minnesota and London, suggests recent research. In London, however, high demand for vans to transport bicycles between docking stations may have increased overall motor vehicle use in the city.

Annual maps of forest cover in Indonesia reveal that, between 2000 and 2008, almost 10 per cent of forest cover on the islands was lost. Around one fifth of this loss occurred in regions where logging is restricted or prohibited. The new maps will help Indonesia meet the objectives of the UN REDD+ programme, which aims to reduce deforestation and forest degradation.

Global interest in urban agriculture is growing. However, the importance of local context is not reflected in current governance approaches, argues a new study which evaluated urban agriculture in Belgium and Poland. The authors say that considering city-specific factors can help urban agriculture achieve its full potential, and recommend a broader policymaking strategy that considers the benefits beyond food production.

Water policies at European and French national levels have led to a clear improvement in the water quality of the River Seine, a new study has found. A significant reduction in phosphate and ammonium pollution and increasing oxygen concentrations are evident. However, nitrate concentrations are still higher than the recommended level for good freshwater status, despite substantial reductions of surplus nitrogen in agricultural soils over the past few decades. The researchers recommend strengthening current agri-environmental management measures to help the river to return to a fully healthy status.

Xiaomi India Managing Director said that the company does not collect any user data that the user has not explicitly given permission or consent to. He added that in the browser's incognito mode, all user data is completely encrypted and anonymised. He also pointed out that all Mi Browser and Mi Cloud data of Indian users is stored locally in AWS servers in India.

“Create a separate user profile with minimal privileges for work-only use. Close all work-related windows, applications, files, and documents when not in use. Do not use work email addresses to sign up for unauthorised, free tools. Grant access to your employees to corporate network only though a company-approved VPN with multi-factor authentication,” the advisory states.

This would not impact people traveling on temporary visas like the H-1B or L1, which are typically used to bring high-skilled workers to the United States

Leaving land to return to its wild state could be beneficial for abandoned farmland, according to a new study. The researchers argue that 'rewilding' provides valuable ecosystem benefits and in certain cases could be a more achievable goal than maintaining traditional agriculture in areas of Europe where rural populations are declining.

Wet grasslands abandoned less than 40 years ago can be successfully restored within a decade, a recent analysis suggests. By examining the findings of a range of studies, it identified the causes and consequences of abandonment and the key factors in successful restoration.

The Aichi biodiversity targets, set by the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, are unlikely to be achieved by 2020, a new study suggests — despite some progress towards halting the global loss of biodiversity. The authors of the study call for policy responses to be strengthened if the ongoing loss of nature is to be stopped.

Rewilding, a process of passive management focused on restoring natural ecological processes and reducing human influence on landscapes, could be used to restore the increasing amounts of abandoned agricultural land in Europe to more biodiverse wilderness. A new study has designed a framework to measure potential for rewilding in areas across Europe, highlighting in particular the potential of Natura 2000 sites and suggesting specific aspects of wilderness that future policies could address.

Traditional, high-nature-value (HNV) grasslands are at risk of being abandoned by farmers in the future — in turn, risking the wildlife they support, warns a new UK study. Farmers interviewed by the researchers had weak motivations to protect grasslands, as they felt that financial incentives for conservation are low and that traditional management practices are inconvenient. More dialogue between farmers and conservationists could be part of the solution, the study suggests.

Low emission zones (LEZs), which restrict access for high emission vehicles, have proven to be a successful way to improve air quality in line with EU regulations. An analysis of London’s LEZ has revealed discernible reductions in air pollution levels five years after implementation.

Particulate matter (PM) emissions from domestic wood burning in London are higher than the PM reductions achieved through London’s Low Emission Zone, finds a new study. The research suggests that increases in wood burning could risk undermining policies aimed at meeting EU PM₁₀ targets.

This week, Myke quizzes Grey about the devices he uses to get his work done, and Grey gets very disappointed about how Myke arranges his iPhone.

For some it was the realisation of the impossible dream, for others it was the sheer determination to return to the top. Meet 10 mums who are combining parenthood with a career as an elite athlete. Just don’t call them Super Mums.

ENVIRONMENT Secretary, George Eustice, says fast-food restaurants like KFC, McDonald's and Burger King can re-open for deliveries and take-aways, but stressed the need for safety and social distancing.

An exhibition examining themes of race opens in North London next month.

The post Aussie learning platform trains Indonesian miners appeared first on The Lead SA.

BRISTOL – In conjunction with the regularly scheduled fall transportation meeting for the Bristol District, the third and final meeting in the series to receive input on the I-81 Corridor Improvement Plan will be held on October 22 at the Southwest Virginia Higher Education Center located at One Partnership Circle in Abingdon.

Two of England’s most versatile pianists will herald the arrival of spring at a concert in Rickmansworth on Saturday, February 29.

As libraries close or cut hours, students without access to WiFi at home are turning to the local McDonalds to use their free WiFi to study and do research.

When we're hungry, our brains get more excited about high-calorie foods.

American Academy of Pediatrics warns heat from dishwasher can cause toxins to leach into food.

The fast-food company denies that pressure from chef Jamie Oliver had anything to do with its decision.

The new USDA label for "bioengineered food" doesn't answer basic questions that some shoppers will have about genetically modified foods.

USDA releases final rules for GMOs in our food, but they call them bioengineered foods instead. Here's what you need to know.

You know those baby registry lists you get in the mail when someone slips those retailers the news that you’re expecting? You’ll find everything from Exersa

Alicia Richman donated more than 11,000 ounces of breast milk between June 2011 and March 2012.

There are a number of things you can do that will not only boost your fertility but also help ensure that you're in tip-top condition.

Here's a small birthday tribute to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, the "great-souled" man who was born 148 years ago today. It's a poignant way to celebrate the man

It's dangerous to buy gas guzzlers just because oil is cheap right now. Most pundits predict eventual major hikes in this, our most volatile commodity.

Watch how carefully a large dam is deconstructed in this time-lapse video showing the removal of Oregon's Gold Ray dam.

Instead of food waste heading to the landfill, now it will be repurposed, donated, or turned into compost, animal feed, or clean energy.

A hydroponic agriculture venture named Growing Underground is based in an air raid shelter 100 feet beneath the streets of London.

Actress Joanna Lumley is behind an urban park/footbridge project in London that's, well, absolutely fabulous.

British Parliament is striving to reduce its carbon footprint through various efficiency measures, including potentially outfitting Big Ben with PV panels.

Although it may not exactly scream widespread appeal, a 99-inch-wide townhouse in London may have found itself a buyer.

Wildlife has slowly but surely returned to the formerly foul tideway. Is swimming in the Thames next?

In trendy Barnsbury, a quarter million pounds will get you a flat that's close to all the action and where the toilet is in the shower.

A new scheme gives London's iconic-yet-disused phone booths a 21st century makeover as solar-powered gadget charging stations.

With an estimated price tag of nearly a billion dollars, the 7-mile bike highway would help alleviate London's traffic and air pollution woes.

Growers show off their autumnal bounty at the annual London Harvest Festival Show.