soil

A young student in South Africa found a way to combat drought. Kiara Nirghin used orange peels and avocado skins to create a material that holds water in soil. This innovation earned her international recognition. Her project offers an affordable, eco-friendly solution for agriculture. The science behind using fruit waste for water retention is valid.

Mumbai's BMC is advancing its plan for a new 52-MLD reservoir at Malabar Hill, with soil investigations now underway. This crucial step aims to ensure structural integrity for the elevated tank, designed to replace an aging underground system. The project also includes a new garden atop the structure, intended to complement the iconic Hanging Gardens.

After debacles in home Tests against New Zealand and South Africa, India are set to move away from raging turners and return to traditional pitches with gradual wear and tear. Carefully selected venues and black/mixed soil surfaces are expected to shape India’s strategy. India will play Afghanistan in a one-off Test match from June 6.

The Orissa High Court has ordered the Deputy Director of Mines in Berhampur to address a complaint regarding illegal laterite soil and stone extraction on government land in Ganjam district. Villagers had reported significant losses to the exchequer and environmental damage from these activities.

Discarded almond peels hold surprising value. These golden skins are rich in nutrients and antioxidants. They can be added to morning smoothies for a fiber boost. Almond peels also make a natural body scrub. They improve garden soil and can be brewed into an antioxidant-rich tea. Furthermore, ground peels serve as a gluten-free fiber powder for baking.

Buxar's agriculture department is boosting farmer incomes and soil health by targeting 3,090 soil sample tests by 2026-27. Experts highlight indiscriminate fertilizer use harms soil and costs. soil health cards, detailing nutrient needs across 12 parameters, will guide farmers towards balanced fertilization, improved yields, and reduced expenses, fostering sustainable agriculture.

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan urged farmers to prioritize natural farming, aiming for 20% land adoption to reduce chemical fertilizer dependence and boost soil health. He announced strict action against spurious input traders and a new pesticide law to protect farmers. The minister also emphasized integrated farming and balanced fertilizer use for eastern India's agricultural transformation.

A groundbreaking study by Nagaland University emphasizes the potential of biochar, derived from agricultural waste, as an economical remedy for the pressing challenges of water scarcity and soil erosion in mountainous landscapes. This environmentally friendly solution acts as a sponge, enhancing soil moisture retention, improving crop productivity, and minimizing the need for synthetic fertilizers.

Song Yadong has openly spoken about his mission to become China’s first male UFC champion, a goal that sits alongside Zhang Weili’s success as part of a larger ambition for Chinese MMA. Headlining UFC Fight Night in Macau on May 30 against Deiveson Figueiredo represents both a homecoming and an audition.

Jyoti Tyagi's solo exhibition, "Stories the soil Remembers," opened at Shridharani Gallery, New Delhi, curated by Prayag Shukla. Inaugurated by Chetan Prakash Jain, the event was graced by artists Jatin Das and Pratibha Prahlad. Tyagi's evocative paintings explore the human connection to nature and the emotional landscape of modern life.

Actor Gul Panag has publicly countered YouTuber Dhruv Rathee's strong criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Norway visit. Panag argued that while dissent is vital, mocking the Prime Minister's office on foreign soil diminishes India's standing. The exchange has ignited a wider debate on accountability and respect for public office.

Cultivating fragrant curry leaves at home is achievable with proper care. Novices often falter due to overwatering or insufficient sunlight. This guide emphasizes the plant's need for warmth, porous soil, and at least six to eight hours of direct sun daily. Avoiding waterlogged conditions and consistent, light feeding are crucial for lush, healthy growth over decades.

A metal detectorist in Cumbria, England, stumbled upon a remarkable two-thousand-year-old Roman cavalry parade helmet. Initially mistaken for scrap metal, the intricately designed bronze artefact, featuring a youthful face mask and a gryphon sculpture, was used for spectacular military contests. Its discovery, however, lacked scientific documentation, leaving the historical context lost.