Rock weathering on cropland can sequester carbon 
TABLE Debates (2022): Enhanced rock weathering (ERW) on UK cropland, i.e. adding crushed rocks to soils, could sequester 6–30 MtCO2 yr−1 by 2050, providing up to 45% of the atmospheric carbon removal necessary to reach national net zero goals. ERW can also reduce nitrous oxide emissions from soils, reduce soil acidification (through formation of carbonate) and reduce fertiliser requirements (by increasing supply of phosphorus and potassium). The paper questions the need for energy-intensive milling of rocks into fine particles, finding that particles on sites with high weathering potential are weathered rapidly regardless of size.

Genetic variation in piglet mortality in outdoor organic production systems 
Thinh T. Chu, Roos M.Zaalberg, Henrik Bovbjerg, Just Jensen, Trine M.Villumsena (2022): We investigated the mortality of piglets in an outdoor organic pig population. Most preweaning piglet deaths occurred before 11 days of age. The mortality of piglets before 11 days was little affected by their own genotype. Breeding for reduced piglet mortality should focus on the genotypes of sows. Crossbreeding represents a viable tool for keeping the mortality of piglets low.

How a soil microbe could rev up artificial photosynthesis 
PhysOrg (2022): The carbon fixing champs are not plants, but soil bacteria. Some bacterial enzymes carry out a key step in carbon fixation 20 times faster than plant enzymes do, and figuring out how they do this could help scientists develop forms of artificial photosynthesis to convert the greenhouse gas into fuels, fertilizers, antibiotics and other products. 

Are no-till herbicide-free systems possible? A simulation study 
Nathalie Colbach and Stéphane Cordeau (2022): The simulations indicated that two CA pillars (diverse crop rotations, cover cropping) were essential to manage weeds while reducing (or eliminating) both tillage and herbicide use. More no-till cropping systems must be investigated to determine whether sustainable no-till herbicide-free systems are possible. 

Sheep scab: update and future considerations 
IBERS Aberystwyth University (2022): Sheep scab eradication is vital as the disease impacts the UK sheep sector via huge economic losses and as a significant welfare concern. Control would benefit from combined focus from regional groups of farmers alongside veterinary experts. New tests and vaccine options, as well as government-funded projects, should provide good opportunities to work towards again achieving national eradication