Weatherwatch: Saharan dust drops microorganisms into European soil (opens in new tab)

Scientists are examining how ‘blood rain’ affects soil microbiome, with Portuguese vineyards a particular focusDust events, when thousands of tonnes of fine sand whipped up from the Sahara are dumped over Europe, are becoming more intense. These sometimes produce “blood rain” that leaves visible red streaks, and while generally harmless, the dust is not sterile but brings a freight of microorganisms.One big concern is how imported microbes may affect the soil microbiome and impact agricultura...