A new study by León Paumen has improved the accuracy of risk assessments for soil and sediment contamination. The research found that prolonged exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) can lead to unpredictable effects on life cycles, contradicting previous assumptions about gradual effects.
A team of researchers from Wuhan University found that adding chicken manure to contaminated soil can break down 75% of crude oil after two weeks. The study identified 12 microbial species capable of metabolizing crude oil components, paving the way for a more environmentally benign bioremediation approach.
A study found that tillage and nutrient management practices can affect soil carbon storage differently depending on the soil profile. When considering only the top 20 cm of soil, no-till treatments showed higher organic carbon stocks, but this effect was cancelled when accounting for deeper soil layers.
Researchers found that converting Conservation Reserve Program grasslands to bioenergy grain crops does not result in significant loss of sequestered soil organic carbon. No-till farming practices can conserve and even enhance soil carbon sequestration in these areas.
A study found that the pathogenic soil bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei is associated with land management changes such as livestock husbandry and residential gardening. The bacterium was more commonly found in areas with lower soil pH, irrigation, and presence of livestock animals.
Researchers have confirmed that prairies' best soils retain organic carbon and nitrogen pools relatively constant under modern production methods. Most of the early decline occurred in top 50cm soil layers, with evidence of carbon and nitrogen movement to deeper layers.
A team of Wisconsin researchers has discovered that birnessite, a common soil mineral, can penetrate and degrade the prion's armor. This finding may provide new methods for decontaminating soil and other environments where prions reside.
Researchers at Iowa State University used NCSS data to create a detailed Quaternary geologic map of the Des Moines Lobe, achieving strong agreement with existing maps. The map showcases finer detail and user-controllable scale, making it suitable for various disciplines.
A new calibration tool has been developed to help students and soil scientists accurately measure rupture resistance, a key factor in determining soil strength. The tool consists of four pressure calibration assemblies with varying pressures, allowing users to calibrate their thumb and forefinger for precise measurement.
Researchers found that applying municipal leaves to soil surface increased clean pumpkin fruit percentage by up to 25% compared to bare soil. This study provides a win-win solution for farmers and taxpayers, reducing leaf disposal costs while improving soil health.
Scientists at UW-Madison examine the role of soil patterns in dam restoration, discovering superimposed patterns that chronicle the basin's history. The researchers found fundamental differences in nutrient levels and physical structure between sediments deposited over the dam's lifetime and buried soils.
Researchers developed a new method using laser scanning technology to measure bulk density of soil clods and rock fragments. The results showed excellent agreement between the two methods, enabling a more thorough analysis of a soil's quality.
Researchers found that perennial grasses like switchgrass and Miscanthus increase soil organic carbon, reducing the need for land conversion and promoting a more sustainable biofuel production. This study suggests using perennial crops on existing agricultural lands can help offset carbon emissions from traditional row crops.
Research by scientists at the University of Toronto Scarborough reveals that global warming changes the molecular composition of soil organic matter. This shift in soil chemistry could significantly impact agriculture and the environment.
A team of scientists developed a model to measure soil quality and predict long-term changes in soil organic carbon and organic matter. The CQESTR model simulates the effects of various management practices on soil dynamics, providing insights for sustainable crop and soil management.
The number of students studying soil science as a major is declining across the United States, according to Mary Collins' article published in the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education. The decline affects not only students but also courses offered, quality of graduate students, and potential department mergers.
A new study by UC Irvine finds that fungi in dry spruce forests produce less carbon dioxide when soil is warmed, potentially slowing climate change. This discovery could influence global climate change predictions and policy.
A new study led by a University of Georgia researcher found that elevated levels of decomposition don't persist after warmer temperatures, contradicting current models. The study reveals that soil microbes decrease in abundance under warm conditions, reducing their respiration rates.
The Soil Science Society of America presented several awards to recognize outstanding contributions in precision agriculture and soil management. The Lloyd R. Frederick Soil Teaching Travel Award supports international teaching experiences for top soil science instructors, while the L.R. Ahuja Ag Systems Modeling Award honors early car...
The Soil Science Society of America has recognized 2008 SSSA Fellows, Thomas W. Bruulsema, Seth M. Dabney, Steve R. Evett, Yan Jin, Thomas C. Kaspar, Newell R. Kitchen, David A. Laird, and R. Richard Lowrance, for their professional achievements and meritorious service to the Society.
Purdue researchers found that invasive earthworms enrich forest litter with lignin, a harder-to-decompose plant material, while those with low earthworm activity accumulate more easily degraded carbon. This shift affects soil organisms' ability to decompose remaining carbon.
Researchers found that no-till practices can lead to increased nitrous oxide emissions, offsetting the soil's carbon dioxide sink. In a study of two soil types, nitrous oxide emissions doubled under no-till conditions in the heavy clay soil.
Researchers conducted a high-resolution soil survey of Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico, collecting over 140 soil samples and creating interpolated maps. The study provided valuable insights into the park's soil characteristics, enabling more effective management of natural resources.
A new study found that wildfires lead to significant losses of carbon and nitrogen in forest soils, with over 10 tons per acre of carbon lost and between 450-620 pounds per acre of nitrogen lost. This can negatively impact soil productivity and contribute to global warming.
Estimating soil texture-by-feel is an important skill that impacts land-use decisions and various soil properties. The technique allows researchers to provide quick, reliable estimates of soil texture in the field.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an in-vitro method to test the digestion and absorption of arsenic-laden soil. This simulation can help determine the amount of arsenic that dissolves during digestion, allowing for more efficient assessment of contaminated sites.
Scientists measure radionuclides in soil to understand sediment sources in rivers, revealing that streambank erosion contributes significantly to sediment loads. The study's findings can inform efforts to rehabilitate streams and preserve aquatic populations.
Researchers found that using nitrogen fertilizer on rye cover crops increased biomass output and made more nitrogen available to cotton. The study's findings suggest improving soil quality and nutrient management can enhance agricultural productivity.
Researchers from Case Western Reserve University studied Chernobyl-derived radionuclides in Swedish and Polish soil, finding higher levels of plutonium in Swedish soil. The team's findings help shed light on public health ramifications and differentiate radioactive elements from one-time events like the Chernobyl disaster.
Researchers found that incorporating pecan chips into silty clay soil increased soil organic matter content and aggregate stability. The practice also improved soil tilth and aggregation, providing a sustainable solution for disposing of pruned wood.
The Dig It! exhibit showcases soil samples from each US state, including Texas's Houston Black soil, which is featured in the exhibition. The exhibit has attracted over 300,000 visitors since its opening and will travel to multiple locations across North America.
The new book, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis, offers clear guidance on improved soil management techniques. The soft-cover guide covers topics such as site evaluation, surveying techniques, and measuring soil pH, making it an essential resource for professionals in the field.
Tiny amounts of food soil can act as a reservoir for pathogenic bacteria in food processing factories. The study suggests that using more precise methods to detect food residue and micro-organisms on surfaces can lead to improved hygiene practices, including the use of targeted cleaning products.
Three studies demonstrate that soils in different regions respond similarly to management practices to increase soil carbon storage. Soil organic C increases with higher C input, but gains are often confined to labile fractions and larger aggregates.
Scientists investigated the effects of long-term biosolids application on dioxin accumulation in soil and uptake by plants. The study found that dioxins were not detected in corn grains but only trace levels were found in corn stover.
Swine waste fertilizer can be improved by altering phosphorus levels in the diet, resulting in slower phosphorus accumulation in soil. This approach reduces excess nutrients that can pollute the environment.
A study investigates the potential of a Simple Inverse Yield Model (SIYM) for estimating plant-available water capacity in fields. The results show that measured plant-available water capacity correlates with corn yield better in dry years, but SIYM estimates are weaker in claypan soils.
The book offers a holistic approach to understanding nitrogen management, emphasizing accountability and nitrogen budgeting. The authors' broad perspectives address the nitrogen cycle's impact on climate change and soil fertility.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that Mars had liquid water in its atmosphere during the Hesperian epoch, contrary to the dominant view. The analysis of Martian soil data reveals chemical signs of water moving downward through the dirt, indicating a climate with enough moisture for dew or rain.
A new study has provided genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution by using a systems toxicology approach to understand the impact of four soil contaminants on earthworm gene expression patterns. The research reveals subtle changes induced by toxic chemicals in earthworms, offering insights into monitoring and remediation of toxins.
A team of researchers has developed a range of sophisticated mathematical approaches to quantify soil variability across multiple scales. These methods include geostatistics, fractals, and multi-fractals, which can be applied to diverse data sets such as soil pore shapes, water content, and geochemical data.
Researchers have developed new techniques for optimal soil moisture monitoring under drip irrigation systems, helping growers prevent over-irrigation and improve grape yields. By identifying the most suitable locations for soil sampling, vineyard managers can reduce water waste and enhance plant cold-hardiness.
A recent study found that no-till farming can increase soil organic carbon concentrations in the upper layers of some soils. However, the total soil organic carbon pool to a depth of 60 cm is often similar or even lower than plow tillage systems. The study highlights the importance of analyzing the entire soil profile for accurate conc...
A new study by Swedish researchers suggests that charcoal may not be as effective at sequestering carbon in soils as previously thought. The study found that adding charcoal to forest soil increased the growth of microorganisms, leading to significant losses of native soil organic matter and carbon.
Educators use candy to teach soil microbial diversity, resulting in increased student assessment scores and retained concepts. Students base characterizations on physical appearance of candies, exploring ways microorganisms can be defined.
A new study at Cornell University has created the first nanoscale image of soil, revealing an incredible variety of known compounds. The research sheds light on the chemical processes that cycle organic matter in soil, which is crucial for understanding climate change.
A NASA satellite mission led by MIT Professor Dara Entekhabi will provide global soil moisture data, essential for accurate weather forecasts and understanding the global carbon cycle. The Soil Moisture Active-Passive mission (SMAP) aims to create a new perspective on how water, energy, and carbon cycles work together.
The new monograph Methods of Soil Analysis. Part 5. Mineralogical Methods presents valuable methodologies for analyzing soil minerals, including atomic force microscopy and X-ray absorption spectroscopy. These methods have applications in soil classification, environmental remediation, and nutrient cycling.
Donald R. Nielsen, University of California-Davis professor, is recognized for his groundbreaking work in linking theory with field measurements and spatial variability of agricultural soils. He has guided 37 students through graduate degrees and authored over 300 scientific publications.
Charcoal-derived biochar improves soil fertility, increases crop biomass and enhances natural carbon sequestration abilities. This revolutionary farming technique holds promise as a carbon-negative strategy to combat hunger and global warming.
Scientists integrated remote sensing products with soil science data to quantify soil carbon changes over large regions. The study results in a spatially-explicit carbon accounting framework that can predict future land use and inform enhanced land management data sets.
A recent study at the University of Illinois found that increased carbon dioxide in the atmosphere leads to decreased soil organic matter, contradicting expectations. The researchers attribute this finding to increased moisture in the soil, which accelerates decomposition and reduces soil productivity.
Researchers found that smaller spatial resolutions are necessary for accurate modeling of soil water dynamics, especially at large scales. The critical limit for grid resolution can be estimated using soil water retention characteristics, and is typically on the order of decimeters or millimeters.
Scientists at the John Innes Centre have discovered how roots use a growth control mechanism to find their way through soil and overcome obstacles. By exploring the soil in a similar way to humans navigating in the dark, root hairs can sense and adapt to changes in their environment.
Researchers found that over one-third of tropical soil samples can generate severe limitations for landmine detection using metal detectors. The study provides a classification scheme for predicting detector performance and highlights the importance of considering soil development in de-mining missions.
A new global overview by Duke University soil scientist Daniel Richter emphasizes the need to address soil health due to increased cultivation, grazing, and logging. The study highlights the importance of long-term observation and analysis to understand how to sustain soils and minimize adverse effects on the environment.
The Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa announces a 5-year program to restore soil fertility, targeting 4.1 million farmers and 6.3 million hectares of land. The initiative aims to boost crop yields, raise farmer incomes, and protect natural resources.
A study suggests that geophagy, or deliberate soil ingestion, may enhance the pharmacological properties of plants eaten by chimpanzees. The research found that mixing soil with plant parts increased their anti-malarial activity. Geophagy has been observed in other animals and has implications for conservation and human health.
A recent study found that soil erosion in northern Mexico is accelerating due to overgrazing, leading to the loss of fertile land and vegetation. The research team used a rainfall index type hydrological model to simulate soil moisture levels and runoff rates, revealing that areas with low rainfall are most prone to sheet erosion.
Soil samples from a forest ecosystem with artificially elevated CO2 levels reveal distinct changes in the mix of microorganisms living beneath trembling aspen trees. These changes support increased plant growth and the ability to sequester excess carbon.