A new study has found that soil moisture content is the main factor controlling how far and at what concentration natural gas spreads from a leaked pipeline underground. The research team looked at over 300 soil samples and found that methane gas leaking from a pipeline does not spread as far when the soil moisture content increases.
SourceSouthern Methodist University·JournalElementa Science of the Anthropocene·TypeObservational study·DateOct 25, 2022
A 16-year-long study by Indian Institute of Science researchers found that large mammalian herbivores like yak and ibex stabilize soil carbon levels, which is crucial for offsetting climate change effects. The study showed that grazing animals reduce fluctuations in soil carbon, ensuring its persistence.
SourceIndian Institute of Science (IISc)·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 18, 2022
Soil ecological values are often overlooked in nature conservation management; the new study identifies global hotspots where they need to be prioritized. Temperate ecosystems show high local species richness, while biodiversity uniqueness peaks in arid and tropical ecosystems.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature·DateOct 12, 2022
Scientists have discovered a novel enzyme encoded by a soil virus that can break down chitin, a carbon-rich biopolymer found in insect exoskeletons and fungal cell walls. This finding has significant implications for understanding soil ecology and the role of microorganisms in nutrient cycling.
SourceDOE/SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory·JournalNature Communications·DateSep 20, 2022
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock
CalDigit TS4 Thunderbolt 4 Dock simplifies serious desks with 18 ports for high-speed storage, monitors, and instruments across Mac and PC setups.
Researchers found that lettuce takes up nanoplastics from soil and transfers them into the food chain, with particles detected in insects and fish. The study highlights potential health risks to herbivores and humans due to tiny plastic particles in soil.
SourceUniversity of Eastern Finland·JournalNano Today·DateSep 12, 2022
Researchers found that soil microbiota facilitates the growth of invasive garden lupine and provides defense against herbivores. The plants grown with natural soil microbes produced compounds that deter snails, while those with reduced microbiota showed no such effect.
SourceUniversity of Turku·JournalJournal of Ecology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 8, 2022
This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate primers and databases according to the target taxonomic level when studying soil nematode biodiversity. The results show that different primers and databases can affect the annotation of nematode taxa, with finer taxonomic levels resulting in fewer shared taxa among databases.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 7, 2022
Researchers found that soil urease and β-glucosidase increased vegetation diversity and biomass by promoting soil organic matter and nitrate nitrogen, facilitating ecological restoration. Microbes played a positive role in plant and soil substance cycling.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeCase study·DateAug 18, 2022
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro)
Apple MacBook Pro 14-inch (M4 Pro) powers local ML workloads, large datasets, and multi-display analysis for field and lab teams.
Researchers developed a wireless system called Contactless Moisture Estimation (CoMEt) that estimates soil moisture in agricultural fields at multiple depths using radio signals. CoMEt can assess soil moisture without requiring in-ground sensors, making it more cost-effective and convenient for farmers.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 17, 2022
Researchers provide a fresh analysis of grassland soil carbon sequestration, highlighting the importance of microbial transformations and necromass. They found that 80% of European grasslands have unmet potential for carbon storage, while high biodiversity promotes carbon storage.
SourceChinese Academy of Sciences Headquarters·JournalScience·DateAug 12, 2022
Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.
SourceUniversity of the Basque Country·JournalChemosphere·DateAug 10, 2022
A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.
SourceAmerican Society for Microbiology·JournalApplied and Environmental Microbiology·DateJul 25, 2022
A new study analyzing 30 years of data on four major U.S. crops reveals that soil water-holding capacity is a key factor in managing heat stress due to climate change. Farmers can improve soil health by adding organic matter or using mulch to reduce evaporation.
SourceEmory University·JournalFrontiers in Sustainable Food Systems·TypeComputational simulation/modeling·DateJul 12, 2022
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer
Creality K1 Max 3D Printer rapidly prototypes brackets, adapters, and fixtures for instruments and classroom demonstrations at large build volume.
A recent study reveals that PFAS significantly increase litter decomposition and alter soil pH, impacting nutrient cycles and ecosystem processes. The presence of PFAS also exerts detrimental effects on soil respiration, microbial populations, and water-stable aggregates.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 1, 2022
A review paper highlights the relationships between soil pollution and human health, with a particular focus on cardiovascular disease. Soil pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides, and plastics can damage cardiovascular health through inflammation and disrupting the body's natural clock.
SourceEuropean Society of Cardiology·JournalCardiovascular Research·DateJun 30, 2022
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalAgronomy·DateJun 6, 2022
Researchers at Universities of Cologne and Bayreuth found that flooding frequency and topography determine the abundance of microplastics in an alluvial Rhine soil. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, revealed that microplastics can accumulate in floodplains and be transported into deeper soil layers.
SourceUniversity of Cologne·JournalScience of The Total Environment·DateMay 18, 2022
Researchers at North Carolina State University found that soils in the Walnut Creek watershed can absorb over 99% of precipitation events, contradicting previous studies. The study suggests that urban planners address flooding problems by considering the amount and location of paved surfaces rather than soil composition.
SourceNorth Carolina State University·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 13, 2022
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach
Garmin GPSMAP 67i with inReach provides rugged GNSS navigation, satellite messaging, and SOS for backcountry geology and climate field teams.
Researchers at the University of Florida have grown plants in soil from the Moon, a major milestone in lunar exploration. The study found that plants can sprout and grow in lunar regolith, but also experience stress due to its unique chemical composition.
SourceUniversity of Florida·JournalCommunications Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 12, 2022
Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use distinct metabolic pathways to metabolize carbon in different soils, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of soil ecology. The study suggests that these differences may be related to protection against oxygen stress in certain environments.
SourceNorthern Arizona University·JournalPlant and Soil·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 10, 2022
Researchers have discovered that lunar soil can convert carbon dioxide into oxygen and fuels, paving the way for sustainable space exploration. The team proposes an 'extraterrestrial photosynthesis' strategy using lunar soil to electrolyze water and produce desired products.
SourceCell Press·JournalJoule·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 5, 2022
The study reveals that carbon storage in soil depends on the spatial distribution of pores, with a higher concentration of carbon found near pores. The researchers used X-ray CT to visualize pore systems and found that microbial activity decreases with increasing distance from the pores.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateApr 21, 2022
Researchers developed an estimation strategy to maximize accuracy while minimizing cost of soil carbon sampling, leveraging publicly available data. The new approach reduces the number of samples needed by up to 28% compared to random selection.
SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment·JournalGeoderma·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateMar 29, 2022
Apple iPhone 17 Pro
Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
A researcher has won an ERC grant to study the effect of land-use change on the interactions between plants and soil organisms. This project aims to improve habitat restoration by understanding how evolutionary changes in plant populations affect soil processes and their resilience to drought.
SourceEstonian Research Council·TypeMeta-analysis·DateMar 18, 2022
Researchers from Environmental Defense Fund and Woodwell Climate Research Center recommend a regional crediting framework to strengthen the integrity of the voluntary soil carbon market. Implementing this approach can help ensure measurable, reliable, long-term climate solutions.
SourceWoodwell Climate Research Center·JournalScience·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateMar 17, 2022
Researchers have developed a simple, biodegradable ground cover that keeps soil wet longer and increases crop yields. The wax-coated sand barrier decreased soil moisture loss by up to 50-80% and improved plant growth, including increased fruit and grain production.
SourceAmerican Chemical Society·JournalACS Agricultural Science & Technology·DateMar 16, 2022
Research found that cattle manure biochar addition can offset earthworms' contributions to greenhouse gas emissions in forest soils. The study showed that adding 10% biochar reduced CO2 and N2O emissions, improved soil pH, and increased denitrification rates.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Environmental Science & Engineering·TypeContent analysis·DateMar 16, 2022
Researchers found a tenfold reduction in methane emissions when thawed soil dried up, as conditions changed for microbial production and consumption. Vegetation changes also played a role, with plants like hare's-tail cottongrass decreasing emissions.
SourceUniversity of Gothenburg·JournalGlobal Change Biology·TypeExperimental study·DateMar 14, 2022
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount
Sky-Watcher EQ6-R Pro Equatorial Mount provides precise tracking capacity for deep-sky imaging rigs during long astrophotography sessions.
Researchers at Skoltech have developed a new method to monitor soil freezing, enabling the creation of safer and more stable structures in permafrost regions. The water potential method is fast, inexpensive, and applicable to various soil types, providing accurate estimates of freezing point and unfrozen water content.
SourceSkolkovo Institute of Science and Technology (Skoltech)·JournalCold Regions Science and Technology·DateMar 14, 2022
Soil microbiota plays a crucial role in restoring soil function and ecosystem services. Research suggests that leveraging these microorganisms can improve land restoration technologies and return resilience to the soil-plant ecosystem.
SourceAmerican Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)·JournalScience·DateMar 3, 2022
Researchers at University of Illinois develop new method to accurately estimate soil organic carbon using airborne and satellite hyperspectral sensing. The study leverages machine learning algorithms with a comprehensive soil spectral library, enabling large-scale monitoring of surface soil organic carbon.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalRemote Sensing of Environment·DateMar 1, 2022
Researchers found that soil solarization effectively controls Bradysia cellarum infestations without harming Chinese chive crops, while also increasing beneficial microorganisms. The study suggests soil solarization as a promising, pesticide-free method for controlling this soil insect.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalFrontiers of Agricultural Science and Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 21, 2022
This study demonstrates that soil bacterial communities on Zijin Mountain are significantly distinct along a small elevation gradient, with soil pH as the most important driver. The researchers found distinct distribution patterns between soil microbes and plants, suggesting that body size affects elevational diversity patterns.
SourceHigher Education Press·JournalSoil Ecology Letters·TypeCase study·DateFeb 18, 2022
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter
GQ GMC-500Plus Geiger Counter logs beta, gamma, and X-ray levels for environmental monitoring, training labs, and safety demonstrations.
Researchers at University of Copenhagen find that pharmaceutical residues in sewage sludge and cattle manure do not harm soil organisms, despite concerns over environmental risks. Organic fertilizers like sludge and manure provide better soil quality than conventional mineral fertilizers.
SourceUniversity of Copenhagen - Faculty of Science·JournalAgronomy for Sustainable Development·DateFeb 16, 2022
The Mediterranean region has the highest soil erosion rates in Europe, with severe salinisation problems and low levels of soil organic matter. The study recommends a coordinated network to investigate soil biodiversity and assess its trends to prevent future degradation.
SourceKTH, Royal Institute of Technology·JournalScience of The Total Environment·TypeLiterature review·DateFeb 16, 2022
Research by Penn State found that intensive soil tillage can significantly reduce the availability of ergothioneine in crops. Ergothioneine is an amino acid produced by certain fungi and bacteria, which has potent antioxidant properties and is linked to long-term human health.
A new study from the University of Illinois reveals that nearly all soil samples in Chicago contain high levels of lead, with some areas reaching up to 3,000 ppm. The findings highlight the need for further monitoring and mitigation efforts to address environmental justice concerns.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalGeoderma Regional·DateJan 25, 2022
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2)
DJI Air 3 (RC-N2) captures 4K mapping passes and environmental surveys with dual cameras, long flight time, and omnidirectional obstacle sensing.
Researchers at West Virginia University aim to develop more precise predictions about the role of individual soil microorganisms in the carbon cycle. They will use stable isotope probing to track carbon uptake and characterize the function of microbes in their natural communities.
A new study finds that controlled burning can stabilize or increase soil carbon, offering a method to maximize carbon storage. By manipulating fires, ecosystems can store huge amounts of carbon when the frequency and intensity are just right. This approach may help maintain natural ecosystem processes.
SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNature Geoscience·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 23, 2021
Researchers have discovered a novel mechanism of viral transport by bacterial shuttles traveling along fungal hyphae. This process allows bacteria to benefit from taking viruses on their conquest of new habitats. The study also highlights the potential influence of viruses on nutrient and carbon cycles in soil ecosystems.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalThe ISME Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 21, 2021
Researchers found that seed microorganisms have more staying power than soil microorganisms when colonizing plants. The study suggests that modifying the seed microbiome could lead to more sustainable agriculture and increased crop yields and quality.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·JournalPhytobiomes Journal·TypeExperimental study·DateDec 16, 2021
The project will appraise global initiatives and support improved evidence-based intervention design for SIS systems, identifying successful approaches and areas for innovation. It aims to understand how soils information informs national policies and strategic planning.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C)
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The study found that nitrogen fertilizer accelerated residue decomposition, producing more carbon dioxide and reducing the incorporation of residues into soil organic matter. This long-term problem can cause microbes to attack stable organic matter, leading to a decline in soil health.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalNitrogen·DateDec 15, 2021
The new technology measures ammonium levels in soil using machine learning and combines it with weather data to predict optimal fertilisation timing. This could lead to reduced overfertilisation, lower expenses for growers, and improved crop yields, particularly for nutrient-thirsty crops like wheat.
SourceImperial College London·JournalNature Food·DateDec 13, 2021
University of Adelaide scientists developed a new simple and inexpensive method to detect low concentrations of agricultural lime in soils. The Mid Infrared spectroscopy technique allows for accurate detection of very small amounts of lime, enabling farmers to manage their soils more effectively.
SourceUniversity of Adelaide·JournalGeoderma·DateDec 13, 2021
A $19 million research project will investigate the connection between grazing management decisions and soil health, aiming to improve soil resilience and productivity. The project, led by Noble Research Institute, will provide farmers and ranchers with tools to measure outcomes of soil health in grazing land environments.
Researchers employed radiocarbon analysis to determine springtail diet, finding they rely on living plants for food. The study sheds light on the soil food web and its dynamics, with implications for terrestrial carbon cycling.
SourceForestry and Forest Products Research Institute·JournalBiology Letters·TypeCommentary/editorial·DateDec 6, 2021
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter
Kestrel 3000 Pocket Weather Meter measures wind, temperature, and humidity in real time for site assessments, aviation checks, and safety briefings.
Researchers at Cornell University developed a novel method to track microbes and understand their role in processing soil carbon. The study found that different types of bacteria have varying strategies for assimilating carbon, categorized into guilds based on their access to food.
SourceCornell University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateNov 22, 2021
Researchers found that warmer soil releases less carbon, but coarse-textured soils are more vulnerable to climate change. The study's findings highlight the importance of understanding soil types and their impact on carbon storage.
SourceUniversity of Exeter·JournalNature Communications·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateNov 18, 2021
A recent study published in ISME Communications reveals that microbial community composition is key to forming and persisting soil organic matter (SOM), which acts as a significant carbon sink. Different microbial communities shape SOM's properties, including its ability to withstand warming temperatures.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalISME Communications·DateNov 15, 2021
A new study found that heat and antibiotics alone and in combination degrade soil microbe efficiency, resilience, and ability to trap carbon. This could diminish soils' resilience to future stress and exacerbate climate change effects.
SourceCary Institute of Ecosystem Studies·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateNov 8, 2021
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars
Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 Binoculars deliver bright, sharp views for wildlife surveys, eclipse chases, and quick star-field scans at dark sites.
The University of Idaho's Deep Soil Ecotron facility will be a game-changer for understanding soil ecosystems, allowing researchers to conduct experiments at unprecedented depths. By studying deep soils, scientists can better understand how organisms respond to global environmental change and improve carbon sequestration.
The Deep Soil Ecotron will enable scientists to conduct experiments on columns of soil up to three meters deep, improving understanding of how deep soil organisms react to unprecedented conditions and sequester carbon. The facility will also be used to develop sensors to monitor deep soils in the field.
Soil ecologists found that biobased plastics like PBSA degrade efficiently in the soil, even under future climate conditions, but excessive amounts can disrupt microbial communities and agriculture. The degradation process is influenced by fungi and a diverse bacterial community.
SourceHelmholtz Centre for Environmental Research - UFZ·JournalEnvironmental Science & Technology·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 14, 2021
A new study at the University of Strathclyde investigates using fungi to strengthen soil and reduce rainwater infiltration, aiming to prevent landslips. The research, funded by £1.3 million from UKRI, explores fungal growth in different soil types to improve natural soils' engineering performance.
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition
Sky & Telescope Pocket Sky Atlas, 2nd Edition is a durable star atlas for planning sessions, identifying targets, and teaching celestial navigation.
Researchers at Washington State University have created a sensor that can measure the electric current produced by tiny microbes in soil, allowing for real-time assessments of soil health and potential. This breakthrough could provide farmers with valuable insights into soil productivity, enabling data-driven management strategies.
SourceWashington State University·JournalJournal of The Electrochemical Society·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 19, 2021
A recent study published in Biosystems Engineering explores the potential of smartphone cameras to assess soil organic matter and evaluate soil fertility. The technique uses advanced image analysis and machine learning to predict SOM values rapidly and with high correlation to traditional soil analysis.
SourceAfrican Plant Nutrition Institute·JournalBiosystems Engineering·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 18, 2021
Research by Wuletawu Abera and his team has shown that vegetation cover combined with earthworks like retaining walls or trenches can help increase the amount of carbon stored in the soil. The studies focused on the Ethiopian highlands, where land degradation has led to erosion and loss of soil organic matter.
SourceThe Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture·JournalJournal of Environmental Management·DateAug 13, 2021
The EU project TUdi aims to develop and disseminate soil healing strategies in three major agricultural systems across Europe, China, and New Zealand. By adopting healthy and productive agricultural ecosystems, the project hopes to achieve significant improvements in food security and reduce environmental degradation.
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB
SAMSUNG T9 Portable SSD 2TB transfers large imagery and model outputs quickly between field laptops, lab workstations, and secure archives.
A new study from the University of Illinois and The Ohio State University reveals that farmers care more about soil health than scientists and conservation professionals think. Farmers prioritize soil health at a higher level (8.5 out of 10) than academics and NRCS professionals expected (4.9 and 5.7, respectively).
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalJournal of Soil and Water Conservation·TypeSurvey·DateJul 27, 2021