Soil has been described as the Cinderella of sustainability. It is, as a recent scientific study put it, the most important but least understood part of the earth's biosphere. Much of life on earth lies beneath our feet. Soil holds an astonishing diversity of animal life, from earthworms and insects to microorganisms and bacteria. Underground networks of plant roots and fungi interact in mutually beneficial ways, exchanging carbon for nutrients and water - a complex ecosystem, critical to maintaining healthy soil for plants to grow in.
The science of soil is complicated; there is much we don't understand. But we know enough to grasp that our survival depends on it, and exhaustion of the world's soils from intensive agriculture has got alarm bells ringing. According to the UN's Food & Agriculture Organisation (FAO), one third of the earth's soil is degraded and 90% of topsoil is at risk of degradation by 2050. Speaking at the World Living Soils Forum in 2022, Ronald Vargas of the FAO stressed the challenges of raising awareness: 'We stand on soil, but we don't see or value it."
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2023-Ausgabe von Decanter.
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Diese Geschichte stammt aus der June 2023-Ausgabe von Decanter.
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Wine wisdom
Our regular learning section helps you get more from your glass
Around ABRUZZO
A stunning, under-explored, year-round destination with an extraordinary natural setting, Abruzzo’s appeal lies in its rustic villages and a sunny-natured, hospitable local character
UMBRIA A wine lover's guide
In the heart of Italy lies an undulating landscape dotted with hilltop villages and draped with olive groves, where winemakers are breathing new life into long-neglected indigenous grape varieties
Lessons in LAMBRUSCO
Coming from the same region of northern Italy as some of the world’s most famous names in food, the wide range of Lambrusco wines provide ample scope for complementing meals both local and international, while refreshing the palate, too
Sustainable cocktails THE FUTURE?
In every industry, it's pretty much the hottest topic right now, but what does the S-word mean when it comes to cocktail-making? Leading experts give us their take and share eco-conscious recipes to replicate at home
VENTOUX AOC The rising star of the Rhône
The Southern Rhone appellation is emerging as a community-led force of innovation and sustainability.
Polkadraai Hills
This lesser-known corner of South Africa’s Stellenbosch region is starting to turn heads, thanks to its special soils and a close-knit community of talented young winemakers
BY FARR
The enigmatic Nick Farr, of Australia's celebrated By Farr winery, is famously reluctant to entertain the wine media or submit samples for tasting. So we jumped at an opportunity to visit the family estate in Geelong to taste some of the country's most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
Brunello di Montalcino 2019: 30 picks from a 5-star vintage
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess
Brunello di Montalcino 2019
It's a vintage to bring cheer to Tuscany lovers' hearts, and the first of what is being billed as a strong run of three to come. The successful 2019 Brunello wines offer richness, balance and immediate appeal while also managing to avoid excess