A team of scientists from RUDN University developed a new approach to automatic soil mapping using machine learning technologies. The method, which uses traditional rules for manual mapping, provides highly accurate results and easy-to-interpret maps, outperforming existing statistical models.
Researchers at Princeton University developed a platform to visualize hydrogels' hidden workings in soils, revealing that the amount of water stored is controlled by a balance between swelling force and soil pressure. This study provides guidelines for designing hydrogels that can optimally absorb water depending on soil conditions.
A study by scientists from Incheon National University reveals that microplastics in agricultural soil can affect soil quality, plant physiology, and even the environment. The researchers found that different shapes of MPs dominate various agricultural practices, highlighting the need for efficient management strategies to reduce the t...
Researchers investigated how high salt and nitrogen concentrations impact soil microbiome development in high tunnel systems. They found that these properties delayed the re-establishment of a diverse microbial community, with certain 'universal colonizers' surviving despite the stress.
Researchers studying soil conditions at US military installations along coasts aim to understand the effects of sea level rise and flooding. They will collect data through intensive monitoring and laboratory experiments to develop geospatial modeling tools.
Agricultural expert Angelia Seyfferth investigates how contaminants in soil affect rice plants, finding that adding rice husk residue can lower arsenic and cadmium levels. This discovery has potential to mitigate food contamination and protect global staple food populations.
Increased snow depth in northeastern China led to a continued warming trend in soil temperatures, contradicting observed surface air temperature cooling trends. This finding suggests the importance of snow cover in regulating soil temperatures and its implications for agriculture during periods of reduced global warming.
Researchers discovered that certain soil bacteria can break down large carbon-based molecules using enzymes, potentially leading to rapid release of CO2 from soil. This finding challenges current models of carbon storage in soil and highlights a key role for biology in climate change.
The Microbiology Society's report emphasizes the need for increased research into soil health and collaboration with farmers to design sustainable management practices. Soil degradation is a significant issue, with the UK facing a potential 30-40 year decline in soil fertility if current rates of degradation are not reversed.
Plant roots can sense compacted soils through ethylene hormone signals, hindering growth. Mutant roots insensitive to ethylene penetrate compacted soils more effectively.
Scientists have discovered a signal that causes roots to stop growing in hard soils, but after disabling it, roots can push through compacted soil. This discovery could help plants grow in damaged soils, reducing crop yields by up to 50%.
Researchers at the University of Illinois developed a modeling framework to estimate soil erosion in the Drummer Creek watershed. The study found that even partial changes in tilling practices can have significant results, with vulnerable areas seeing a near-70% reduction in soil loss and sediment yield.
New research suggests that phosphorous and calcium levels in Amazonian dark earth are orders of magnitude higher than in surrounding soil, correlating with 16 trace elements that indicate pre-settlement river flooding delivered nutrients. This finding challenges the long-held theory that controlled burning created these fertile sites.
A new study finds that soil moisture exerts a negative feedback on surface water availability in drylands, offsetting some of the expected decline. This means that as soil moisture decreases, it can reduce evapotranspiration and enhance surface warming, leading to more frequent droughts and floods.
A study by RUDN University scientists found that global warming increases methane and CO2 emissions in rice paddies through the priming effect. Temperature fluctuations amplify this process, with increased sensitivity at temperatures between 5-15°C.
Researchers developed a method to identify soil color and structure using ground-penetrating radar, allowing for classification of soils for construction, agriculture, or mining. The technique was tested in Kamennaya Steppe, where it matched actual soil colors 80% of the time.
A new study reveals the physical and chemical interactions that sequester carbon in soil, showing layers of carbon around organic interfaces and a crucial role for nitrogen. This breakthrough technique may help develop strategies for sequestering more carbon in soil, mitigating climate change.
A University of Oklahoma-led study found that lower nitrogen levels in soil stimulate the release of carbon dioxide from soils under high atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, contributing to climate change. Soil microorganisms play a crucial role in this process.
A study analyzing 40 years of topsoil data finds that approximately 11.73 million square kilometers of land were affected by salt accumulation between 1980 and 2018. The likelihood of reoccurring salt-affected soils decreased globally, but certain regions like Brazil and Peru experienced increased soil salinity.
A new model refines an existing computer model to understand water movement and storage in dry desert soils. The study improves knowledge of solar farm impacts on desert hydrology, useful for soil restoration and flood risk mitigation.
Researchers analyzed soil samples from burned and unburned areas in California parks, finding that the oak woodland fungal community was less affected by wildfires than those in evergreen forests. This aligns with the fact that oak woodlands depend on regular fire to thrive.
Recent consecutive years of record high temperatures and droughts are unprecedented in over 250 years, according to researchers. The combination of heatwaves and soil moisture loss accelerates more heatwaves, threatening the region's ecosystem.
A Cornell University project aims to develop worm-like, soil-swimming robots to sense and record soil properties, water, and root growth. The goal is to improve breeding efforts and soil management to increase food productivity and security.
A RUDN University study found that deforestation leads to massive transformations in soil bacterial communities, with some plantations showing higher diversity than forests. The key factors are soil acidity and resource availability.
Researchers at Uppsala University have discovered two previously unknown fungus species using a novel method based on DNA analysis of soil samples. These fungi are thought to play a key role in the ecosystem, but their exact function remains unclear.
Scientists have developed transparent soil substitutes that allow researchers to observe the complex interactions of soil microbes. Using these substitutes, researchers found that soil bacteria rely on fungi to survive dry periods, highlighting the crucial role of fungi in maintaining soil health.
A new type of soil created by engineers at the University of Texas at Austin can pull water from the air and distribute it to plants, potentially increasing crop yields in previously inhospitable areas. The hydrogel soil retained up to 40% of its initial water quantity, outperforming sandy soils in dry areas.
New research suggests that a 2°C warming would release 230 billion tonnes of carbon from the world's soil, more than four times China's total emissions over 100 years. This 'positive feedback' effect contributes to further climate change.
Engineers at the University of Bath have demonstrated the potential of soil microbial fuel cells (SMFCs) to purify water in field tests in North-East Brazil. SMFCs can generate energy from microorganisms naturally present in soil, which are able to transfer electrons outside their cells.
A RUDN University scientist discovered that adding organic fertilizers can help retain carbon in rice paddies, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The study found that soils with different types of fertilizers retained an average of 69% more carbon after fertilization, suggesting a potential solution to mitigate climate change.
Researchers establish relationship between soil nitrogen at different growth stages and corn yield, finding a tradeoff between productivity and environmental impact. Soil nitrogen explains majority of grain yield variation, with optimal levels resulting in 22% yield increase.
Scientists at EPFL's LMS have developed a geoelectrochemical system that enhances biocement production and improves soil stabilization for low-permeability clay soils. The method harnesses bacterial metabolism and electric current to produce calcite crystals that durably bond soil particles together.
Researchers used Moscow as an example and found that not only polluted downtown districts but also recreational parks and forest zones can be hazardous. Soil samples were analyzed for heavy metal pollution and their ability to bind down contaminants, revealing a significant risk in green suburbs.
The study found that urbanization leads to decreased soil acidity and increased carbon concentrations, with tree trunks shrinking by 40-60% in crowded areas. The school covered five climatic zones, combining teaching and research, fieldwork and expert consultations.
A new method for analyzing soil organic matter can help scientists predict how soils store carbon and how this affects climate change. The study analyzed data from over 40 soils across North America, revealing patterns in chemistry that hold true across climates.
A study published in Soil Biology and Biochemistry found that high soil moisture content can lead to increased carbon dioxide emissions due to accelerated mineralization processes. Protecting meadowlands from bogging may help reduce CO2 emissions and slow down global warming.
A recent study tested various cover crops to determine their effectiveness in protecting soil. While some cover crops had little impact, others showed promise in reducing erosion and nutrient loss. Researchers recommend choosing cover crops that can survive winter, grow well in spring, and hold onto soil for extended periods.
Researchers tested various cover crops to protect soil in Midwestern states like Illinois. While some cover crops showed promise, most failed to improve soil properties due to harsh winters and limited survival rates.
A study by University of Göttingen researchers reveals that reforestation can only partially restore degraded tropical soil properties. The team analyzed data from 130 studies and found that soil degradation persists even decades after deforestation, with deeper soil layers losing significant amounts of carbon.
A global study found that over 90% of conventionally farmed soils are thinning, with many having lifespans of less than a century. However, soils managed with conservation techniques tend to have longer lifespans, and certain practices like converting arable land to forest can help extend soil lifespan.
Newly mated red fire ant queens select nest sites with lower pathogen risk based on chemical signals from actinobacteria. These bacteria produce compounds that inhibit the growth of ant-infecting fungi, allowing ants to survive and thrive in safer environments.
A study published in Geoderma journal reveals that iron minerals and bacteria are main agents of carbon dioxide emissions from soil. Iron facilitates formation of active oxygen forms that destroy plant waste and promote CO2 emissions.
Researchers found that char can rapidly restore soil carbon and sulfate concentrations, but did not affect physical properties or crop yields. The study suggests char as a potential strategy to enhance soil properties and crop yields in low-carbon soils.
Soil enzymes play a crucial role in chemical reactions, cellular metabolism, and organic matter decomposition. Heavy metals like lead and cadmium reduce enzyme activity by 3-3.5 times, particularly affecting carbon and sulfur cycles.
Research from Ghana reveals that lesser-used biochar application methods, such as spot and ring applications, significantly improve cowpea growth and yield. These methods are more effective than traditional broadcast and incorporation in promoting sustainable soil management.
Soil loss due to water runoff is projected to increase significantly by 2070, with potential losses of over 28 billion metric tons annually. Sustainable land cultivation practices can mitigate this threat and ensure food security for the world's population.
A study forecasts rates of water-induced soil erosion, finding increased erosion under all climatic conditions across countries. Conservation agriculture is necessary to mitigate future soil erosion and ensure food security, according to the authors.
Researchers found that tropical forest soils are highly sensitive to climate change, with a potential increase of 55% in soil carbon emissions if temperatures rise by four degrees Celsius. This could trigger further global warming and lead to the release of billions of tonnes of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
Researchers have discovered that wheat and couch grass can accumulate high concentrations of toxic metals from contaminated soils, removing them and making the soil safer. The plants' ability to phytoextract toxic metals makes them promising candidates for effective cleaning of soils using phytoremediation.
Researchers have created a novel method using smartphones to measure soil density, which is crucial for nutrient and carbon stock management. The new approach involves taking high-resolution photos of soil samples with a smartphone camera and analyzing them using photogrammetry software.
A new study found large gaps in soil macroecological studies and a lack of data for most diverse tropical regions. Researchers highlight the need for a globally standardized sampling system to overcome limitations and support policy and decision-making.
Researchers found that diverse microbial communities can improve soil's ability to sequester carbon, but drought stress neutralizes this effect. They discovered a limit to the stress resilience of high-diversity systems.
Scientists propose new soil carbon-persistence models to effectively draw down atmospheric carbon dioxide. The models focus on the interplay between time and space in soil carbon's changing molecular structure.
New research highlights the importance of soil biological health and organic farm inputs for crop production in Australia. The study found that native vegetation acts as a reservoir for beneficial actinobacteria, which can enrich adjoining agricultural soils.
Researchers at Argonne National Laboratory developed new global models to study the impact of environmental controllers on soil organic carbon, reducing uncertainty in predicting climate change impacts. The models improve the spatial representation of soil organic carbon in Earth system models.
A team of scientists investigated an unusual wetland soil in California, discovering its peculiar properties that misled initial classification. By analyzing color, water content, vegetation, and chemical composition, they applied a new method to accurately classify the soil as hydric, crucial for conservation.
Researchers analyzed medieval and modern case studies to identify restrictive soil and geologic conditions for tunneling. They found arid areas with low permanent water tables are most susceptible to successful tunneling, recommending monitoring for sound and vibrations to disrupt smugglers.
Researchers discovered that anaerobic soil disinfestation using diluted ethanol can make phosphorus more available to plants in Andosol-rich soils. The treatment increases the activity of an enzyme called alkaline phosphomonoesterase, making phosphorus more accessible.
Research highlights the importance of soil biodiversity in achieving sustainability goals, including nutrient cycling, food production, and pollution remediation. Soil health is crucial for regulating climate and supporting human well-being, with traditional agricultural practices already leveraging its benefits.
A joint project between TU Dresden and UNU-FLORES uses modeling to simulate observed changes in soil structure due to agricultural management, aiming to improve hydrological models. Field experiments showed that tillage had little effect on soil structure over time, while direct sowing improved water retention.