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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateOct 13, 2020
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.
SourceEcole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne·DateOct 12, 2020
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.
SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 7, 2020
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.
SourceRUDN University·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateOct 5, 2020
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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.
SourceBaylor University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateSep 25, 2020
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.
SourceRUDN University·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateSep 19, 2020
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.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 16, 2020
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.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateSep 16, 2020
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Apple iPhone 17 Pro delivers top performance and advanced cameras for field documentation, data collection, and secure research communications.
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.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalNature Reviews Earth & Environment·DateSep 15, 2020
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.
SourceLancaster University·JournalEnvironmental Research Letters·DateSep 14, 2020
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.
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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.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateAug 27, 2020
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.
SourceRUDN University·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateAug 26, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
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.
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.
SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateAug 24, 2020
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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.
SourceUniversity of Edinburgh·JournalNature·DateAug 12, 2020
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.
SourceSt. Petersburg State University·JournalEnvironmental Geochemistry and Health·DateAug 10, 2020
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.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateAug 5, 2020
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.
SourceGerman Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig·JournalNature Communications·DateAug 3, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Massachusetts Amherst·JournalNature Communications·DateJul 28, 2020
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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.
SourceCornell University·JournalNature Geoscience·DateJul 28, 2020
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.
SourceFlinders University·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateJul 20, 2020
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.
SourceDOE/Argonne National Laboratory·JournalGeoderma·DateJul 9, 2020
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.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalOpen Journal of Soil Science·DateJul 8, 2020
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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.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJul 8, 2020
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.
SourceColorado State University·JournalSustainability·DateJun 11, 2020
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.
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Researchers found that water rises up to 9 inches in the capillary fringe, controlling important functions like contaminant breakdown and carbon storage. The team also discovered that microbes behave differently depending on oxygen levels, requiring ideal conditions for decomposition.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateJun 3, 2020
A new soil moisture product has been developed for mainland China, utilizing a dual-pass data assimilation system that auto-calibrates model parameters. The product provides gridded soil moisture data with a spatial resolution of 0.25° over China, showing consistent patterns with precipitation and evaporation.
SourceScience China Press·JournalScience China Earth Sciences·DateMay 20, 2020
New research reveals how El Niño affects soil moisture content, controlling plant growth and food supply. The study identifies areas with severe decreases in soil moisture, such as the Amazon basin and maritime Southeast Asia, which may lead to large-scale plant die-offs.
SourceDOE/Los Alamos National Laboratory·JournalHydrology and Earth System Sciences·DateMay 11, 2020
Researchers developed a two-region soil-gas diffusivity model to characterize aggregated agricultural soils. The model accurately estimates gas diffusion and provides insights into greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 7, 2020
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Researchers studied desert soil pores and found they determine water distribution and control a key resource in arid environments. The study's findings suggest that soil texture affects pore formation and reforming after disturbance, highlighting the importance of understanding these soils.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMay 6, 2020
A new study suggests that increased rainfall in tropical regions will enhance soil respiration and decrease soil carbon stocks, leading to further intensification of global warming. This process could release significant amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere, exacerbating climate change.
SourceVirginia Institute of Marine Science·JournalNature·DateMay 6, 2020
Researchers at University of British Columbia discovered that soil silicates can help control bleeding after injury by triggering clotting. The presence of soil in wounds activates a blood protein called coagulation Factor XII, leading to the formation of a plug and limiting blood loss.
SourceUniversity of British Columbia·JournalBlood Advances·DateApr 27, 2020
New research finds that atrazine regulations have been successful in reducing overall concentration of atrazine in water. However, the rate of breakdown to less toxic compound DEA is influenced by soil microbes and climate. The study also shows that dry areas without tile drainage lead to faster breakdown of atrazine.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalJournal of Environmental Quality·DateApr 22, 2020
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Research reveals unsustainable levels of soil erosion in the UK, with 16% of arable land showing erosion above 'tolerable' levels. Soil management practices and legislation are under scrutiny for their impact on soil fertility and ecosystem services.
Researchers found that adding cable bacteria to rice soil reduces methane emissions by over 90%. Cable bacteria recycle sulfur compounds, maintaining a large amount of sulfate in the soil and reducing methane-producing microbes' activity.
SourceAarhus University·JournalNature Communications·DateApr 20, 2020
Soil microorganisms decompose organic nitrogen, releasing inorganic nitrogen for plant growth. The initial burst of microbial activity after CO2 flush is a key indicator of forthcoming soil nitrogen mineralization.
Researchers found that plant root hairs significantly reduce soil erosion by binding soil particles and increasing soil cohesion. The study suggests that root hairs may release materials that reinforce soil or enhance its properties, providing new insights into soil conservation.
SourceUniversity of Bristol·JournalCommunications Biology·DateApr 3, 2020
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Research investigated cover crop biomass production and soil properties in the eastern Great Plains. Early-planted cover crops had minimal effects on soil properties after 4 years, with low biomass production.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalAgronomy Journal·DateApr 2, 2020
Researchers have discovered that certain plant materials can help store more carbon in soils and reduce erosion. Using two-step experiments with biomass crops, they found that miscanthus and willow performed better than sorghum in storing long-term carbon, making sustainable farming on peatlands possible.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateApr 1, 2020
Soil microbes convert ammonium to nitrates using oxygen and diverse processes, making nutrients available to plants. The study highlights the importance of understanding microbial roles in the soil nitrogen cycle, which can inform efficient fertilizer use and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
SourceAmerican Society of Agronomy·JournalSoil Science Society of America Journal·DateMar 11, 2020
Researchers find freeze-drying method yields more accurate results for measuring soil N reactive gas fluxes and total emissions. This approach could lead to revised understanding of global nitrogen cycle mechanisms.
SourceInstitute of Atmospheric Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences·JournalAtmospheric and Oceanic Science Letters·DateMar 5, 2020
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Researchers found that cover crops can increase soil health in the Southern High Plains by retaining rainwater and reducing erosion. The study showed that biological activity improves soil structure and increases soil carbon storage, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions.
Researchers found high levels of biological activity in the gaps between oil palm fronds, providing microhabitats for soil creatures. This discovery may help preserve ecosystem functioning and offset damage caused by oil palm agriculture.
SourceUniversity of Göttingen·JournalFrontiers in Ecology and the Environment·DateMar 2, 2020
A new global analysis shows cover crops universally improve soil microbiome health, increasing microbial abundance, activity, and diversity. Factors such as climate, termination method, and tillage regime also impact the benefits of cover cropping on soil microbes.
SourceUniversity of Illinois College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences·JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry·DateFeb 27, 2020
Researchers at Cornell University have identified a new species of bacteria that can break down organic matter, including toxic chemicals released from burning coal, gas, and oil. The discovery could hold key to understanding the soil carbon cycle and predicting global climate change.
SourceCornell University·JournalINTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF SYSTEMATIC AND EVOLUTIONARY MICROBIOLOGY·DateFeb 20, 2020
The National Science Foundation has awarded $8 million in funding to seven research projects studying soil signals to advance sustainable agriculture, climate change and food production. Researchers will develop new methods to capture, communicate and analyze soil processes, including sensors and data tools.
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A new study reveals a never-before described natural process in soil that converts nitrogen gases into nitrates through the action of visible and ultraviolet radiation. This finding is crucial for understanding the nitrogen cycle in soil, which affects global sustainability, productivity, and air quality.
SourceUniversity of Seville·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateFeb 4, 2020
Soil pathogens like Pythium ultimum spread more easily under heat and drought stress, causing widespread crop failure. Soils from Scotland are less resistant to these pathogens than those from Hungary.
SourceUniversity of Bonn·JournalApplied Soil Ecology·DateFeb 3, 2020
Research by North Carolina State University's Rich McLaughlin team found that tilling and adding amendments to soil can greatly improve infiltration rates, reducing runoff and water pollution. Grasses and wildflowers also showed promise in improving infiltration, with wildflowers potentially providing additional benefits for pollinators.
A team of researchers discovered that soil can capture NOx gases from the atmosphere and transform them into nitrate through a process called
SourceUniversity of Córdoba·JournalThe Science of The Total Environment·DateJan 15, 2020
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Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation, USB-C) provide clear calls and strong noise reduction for interviews, conferences, and noisy field environments.
The Everglades Agricultural Area is experiencing significant soil subsidence due to climate change, threatening the region's ecosystem and agricultural economy. Researchers recommend practices such as crop rotation with rice and adding plant material back into the soil to mitigate decomposition and increase soil carbon.
The new optical nitrate sensor enables real-time measurement of nitrate levels in the range of tens to hundreds of parts per million, detecting rapidly changing concentrations. It optimizes fertilizer application, reduces water resources pollution, and economizes irrigation.
SourceAmerican Associates, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev·DateJan 14, 2020
A recent study published in the Journal of Ecology found that climate change is unlikely to force a northern migration of sugar maples due to soil composition constraints. The research, conducted by Alexis Carteron and colleagues, found that boreal forest soil negatively affects sugar maple survival rates and growth.
SourceUniversity of Montreal·JournalJournal of Ecology·DateJan 12, 2020
A collaboration between growers and scientists has identified practices increasing soil health in West Texas cotton production, including crop rotation, cover crops, and residue management. These regenerative practices improve soil resiliency to climate extremes.
SourceAmerican Phytopathological Society·DateJan 6, 2020
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Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 46mm) tracks health metrics and safety alerts during long observing sessions, fieldwork, and remote expeditions.
The study found that specific components of soil health, such as the abundance and activity of soil animals, affect crop productivity. Measurements of soil invertebrates can inform assessments of soil health. The researchers also discovered that optimizing biotic processes in soil can optimize crop production.