Science News Roundup: Explainer-What to expect during the green comet's encounter with Earth; From ashes to fly larvae, new ideas aim to revive farm soil
The cosmic visitor will swing by our planet at a distance of about 26.4 million miles (42.5 million km). From ashes to fly larvae, new ideas aim to revive farm soil As extreme weather and human activity degrade the world's arable land, scientists and developers are looking at new and largely unproven methods to save soil for agriculture.
Following is a summary of current science news briefs.
Explainer-What to expect during the green comet's encounter with Earth
A green-hued comet that has been lurking in the night sky for months is expected to be the most visible to stargazers this week as it gradually passes Earth for the first time in about 50,000 years. The cosmic visitor will swing by our planet at a distance of about 26.4 million miles (42.5 million km).
From ashes to fly larvae, new ideas aim to revive farm soil
As extreme weather and human activity degrade the world's arable land, scientists and developers are looking at new and largely unproven methods to save soil for agriculture. One company is injecting liquid clay into California desert to trap moisture and help fruit to grow, while another in Malaysia boosts soil with droppings from fly larvae. In a Nova Scotia greenhouse, Canadian scientist Vicky Levesque is adding biochar - the burnt residue of plants and wood waste - to soil to help apples grow better.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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- Vicky Levesque
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