Articles tagged with Soil Erosion
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A study led by the University of Basel found that over 50% of global phosphorus loss in agriculture is due to soil erosion. The researchers mapped phosphorus content in soils and correlated it with local erosion rates, revealing the greatest losses in Africa and Eastern Europe.
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.
A new study published in Ecology Letters reveals that geological factors control the organization of ecosystems across tropical landscapes. Researchers used high-resolution airborne remote sensing datasets to analyze data from Mt. Kinabalu, finding complex interactions between geology, biogeochemistry, biodiversity, and biogeography.
Researchers analyzed sediment yield data from 14 rivers in the Middle Volga Region to assess erosion trends over 50 years. The study found a decrease in erosion activity and volumes of its products, as well as reduced unevenness in river water flow, prompting practical applications for land use planning and resource management.
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.
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.
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.
Integrating a cover crop with broiler litter in no-till dryland cotton systems increases plant residue, cotton yield, and infiltration while improving soil health indicators. This approach helps reduce fertilizer costs and protect the environment.
A new study finds significant increases in sediment flux in the Tuotuo River, a key headwater of the Yangtze River. The research attributes these changes to warming temperatures and enhanced precipitation and discharge capacity. The findings provide valuable insights for water and soil management on the Tibetan Plateau.
Researchers employed satellite imagery and statistical models to identify the socio-economic causes of soil erosion globally. They found that national borders reveal areas with unnaturally high erosion rates, highlighting the 'country effect' as a major driver of soil loss.
Researchers found increased soil erosion 4,000 years ago coinciding with deforestation and land-use changes. Human practices accelerated global sediment accumulation, affecting ecosystems and climate.
A study analyzing pollen samples and radiocarbon dates found that human land use changes drove global soil erosion rates, starting around 4,000 years ago. In 70% of studied watersheds, land cover change was the main driver of soil erosion.
Researchers found that dynamic contact angle is crucial in predicting splashing behavior, contradicting previous static droplet angle method. The study enables creation of splash-free coatings by pre-treating surfaces to increase wettability.
A new book examines historic examples of civility, such as those from the New Deal era, to provide insights for improving civil discourse. The author and co-editors argue that ordinary people can play a crucial role in shaping democratic discussion.
A new research project will investigate soil and ravine erosion on a vast territory of European Russia. The project aims to map the ravine network and provide data for university courses and national Big Data platforms.
Researchers found fire, forest disturbances, and soil erosion decreased in the 14th century, indicating a gradual decline in land-use intensity. The moat was covered with floating vegetation by the end of the 14th century, indicating it was no longer maintained.
Soil erosion has a profound impact on traditional farming landscapes in developing countries, but an interdisciplinary approach is necessary to address the issue. The study highlights the importance of engaging local communities in finding solutions and overcoming cultural and political barriers.
A new joint research project is studying changes in landscapes and soil conditions of South Africa to assess land degradation. The 'South African Land Degradation Monitor' will use Earth observation data to monitor developments over time.
A new paper by Yale researchers confirms that increasing soil organic carbon boosts yields until concentrations reach about 2 percent, after which returns diminish. Roughly two-thirds of agricultural soils dedicated to maize and wheat fall below this threshold, suggesting vast potential for policies promoting increased SOM.
A UMass Amherst geologist is using satellite photos and high-resolution images to estimate topsoil loss in the Midwest, a challenge that has uncertainties about its extent. The research aims to identify areas where farm practices can be changed to reverse soil loss, with potential economic benefits for farmers.
A 29-year study on cover crops and no-till cotton fields found that cover crops offer benefits in the long term, even if they reduce short-term profits. The research team analyzed data from a unique 29-year period to determine the economic impact of cover crops.
According to a new study, global soil loss has increased by 35.9 billion tonnes between 2001 and 2012, with moderate to high erosion impacting about 9.3% of Earth's land surface. Conservation agriculture can save over a billion tonnes of soil per year if implemented correctly.
Researchers found that migratory birds prefer fields with cover crops like cereal rye, providing a safe area to escape predators and increasing insect abundance. This leads to improved bird habitat and increased fueling time for migrants.
Researchers at the University of York discovered that ancient Engaruka's irrigation systems and terraces were built to capture eroded sediments, benefiting farming practices for centuries. The study highlights the importance of this method of farming in sub-Saharan Africa and its potential applicability to modern day farming techniques.
A new global erosivity map shows significant variations in rainfall erosivity across different climatic regions, highlighting the need for soil degradation mitigation and restoration strategies. The map provides critical data for assessing soil erosion by water, flood risk, and natural hazard prevention.
Soil column thickness significantly influences the transition from hillslopes to channels. Climate plays a crucial role in triggering arroyos exclusively found in south-flowing catchments. These findings highlight the importance of soil development in shaping erosion instabilities.
Researchers aim to quantify soil mass balance, production rates and lifespan in agricultural landscapes with unknown data. Soil erosion threatens food security, costing the US tens of billions annually.
A new study found that increased levels of soluble phosphorus in rivers entering Lake Erie may be linked to conservation measures, despite their success in reducing soil erosion and nutrient losses. The research highlights the need for adaptive management approaches to tackle both soluble and particulate phosphorus losses from farmland.
A University of Missouri study found that switchgrass can improve soil quality and be grown on farms with lost fertile topsoil. The perennial plant enhances water permeability, leading to increased crop production in previously challenging areas.
The study will examine the degree of damage caused by agricultural land management practices to the local environment and explore ways to lessen such damage. It aims to identify means to mitigate the effects of soil erosion on economic, health, and societal perspectives.
A study from the University of California, Davis found that 'cleared' abandoned ski runs consistently recovered to blend in with surrounding forests, while 'graded' runs showed stunted recovery. The study highlights the need for active restoration of abandoned graded ski slopes to protect water quality.
The EU loses approximately 970 million tonnes of soil annually due to water erosion, equivalent to a one-metre-depth loss from Berlin-sized area. Soil erosion by water accounts for the greatest loss in Europe, with agricultural lands accounting for 68.3% of total losses.
A Dartmouth study reveals that strong winds blowing off the Greenland Ice Sheet are eroding soil and vegetation in the surrounding tundra, making it less productive for grazing animals. The study found that wind-driven soil erosion is more widespread near the ice sheet but restricted to steep south-facing slopes farther away.
A new study reveals that soil erosion during rainy seasons contributes substantially to global carbon emissions. Organic carbon losses from soils account for approximately one-sixth of annual fossil fuel-induced carbon emissions, with the highest rates found in semi-arid soils.
The world's soil resources are under threat from erosion, nutrient exhaustion, urbanization, and climate change, which could lead to disruptions in food production and geopolitical conflicts. Experts call for better management of Earth's soils to address this issue.
Researchers found that rates of hillslope erosion before European settlement were about an inch every 2500 years, while during peak land disturbance in the late 1800s and early 1900s, rates spiked to an inch every 25 years. This indicates a 100-fold increase in soil loss due to human activities.
A 12-year University of Illinois study shows that cover crops increase soil organic carbon stock without improving crop yields. The practice is found to sequester the most soil organic carbon in no-till systems with hairy vetch and cereal rye cover crops.
A team of researchers found that some studies have shown no-till systems without cover crops may not increase soil organic carbon stocks as claimed. The review suggests that different definitions and methods can lead to conflicting findings, and the accuracy of determining soil organic carbon sequestration depends on the method used.
Researchers found that high sodium concentrations in the soil lead to instability and increased erosion in Tuscany's Crete Senesi badlands. The presence of vegetation helps stabilize the ground, but agricultural use is eroding the landscape, threatening its disappearance in 35-40 years.
The study reveals approximately 400 years of intensive land use around Mahendraparvata, with significant changes in water management practices from the 12th century. Soil erosion and vegetation change indicate a marked environmental impact on the Phnom Kulen plateau.
The grant will support a Center for Excellence headed by Prof. Tal Svoray to study the erosion of fertile lands and develop decision-making mechanisms. The center aims to reduce land loss through physically based models and geographical information systems.
A recent study found that fertilizers with inorganic nitrogen and phosphorus increase soil organic carbon stocks, but do not enhance soil aggregate stability. Researchers tested continuous corn plots under conventional tillage and high water inputs for 50 years, revealing a mixed picture of fertilizer benefits.
A CU-led effort is transplanting biological soil crusts onto damaged military lands in the American West. The goal is to decrease erosion and increase water retention and soil fertility in these areas. The research team will evaluate the effectiveness of such soil inoculations and determine the optimal dosage for field test sites.
A new study reveals that wind erosion can carry away beneficial microbes from soil, reducing microbial diversity and depleting topsoil of essential bacteria. However, certain groups of microbes, such as Actinobacteria, remain in the parent soil despite erosive conditions.
Researchers develop a new method to reduce erosion in areas ravaged by forest fires using an organic polymer. The treatment, tested on burnt soils in Israel, shows promise in reducing erosion by up to 50%.
A new study published in HortScience finds that the Ridge-Furrow-Ridge Rainwater Harvesting (RFRRH) system with mulches increases soil water content, crop yield, and reduces labor costs. The system also manages weed control without irrigation.
A groundbreaking study compiled 1528 calculations of surface erosion rates from 80 study areas worldwide. The analysis found that bare rock outcrops had significantly lower erosion rates than surfaces covered with thin layers of soil, highlighting the global importance of soil formation as a geomorphic process.
Researchers at Iowa State University discovered that a perennial cover crop can be used on corn fields to achieve similar yields to traditional farming methods while also improving soil quality and reducing erosion. The study found that using Kentucky bluegrass as the perennial cover crop resulted in yields of over 200 bushels per acre.
A study by US Department of Agriculture scientists found that no-till production systems can significantly reduce soil erosion and enhance efforts to protect water quality. The research compared runoff, soil erosion, and crop yields in conventional and no-till winter wheat-fallow systems.
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and University of California, Los Angeles, found that climate change will lead to increased dust storm activity in the Southwest due to reduced perennial vegetation cover. However, biological soil crusts prevented wind erosion from occurring at most sites.
Researchers at NC State University have developed a sensor that allows engineers to assess scour potential of soils without excavation. The 'in situ scour evaluation probe' (ISEP) measures scour rates and behavior, helping authorities prepare for and minimize impact of natural events.
Research using geoscientific observatories reveals high levels of manganese in certain soils linked to nearby industrial activities. The study contributes to understanding the impact of human activity on soil formation and fertility.
A three-year study found that cover crops significantly reduced erosion and runoff in maize cropping systems, with a residual effect lasting up to two years. The research suggests that burying sufficient cover crop biomass into the soil can reduce erosion rates by 40-90% lower than rough tillage.
Researchers are using conservation agriculture techniques to increase food production, improve soil quality, and reduce climate change risks. The projects focus on implementing technologies such as cover crops, no-till production, and residue management to improve food security and sustainability in Haiti and other countries.
Researchers developed prediction models to identify eroded waterways from digital terrain information, enabling the placement of grassed waterways and reducing soil erosion. These models accurately identified potential locations of erosion-prone areas, corresponding well with actual field observations.
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.
Researchers have identified sustained spikes in turbulence as the primary condition initiating soil erosion on land and in water. The team developed a method to quantify the impact of turbulence on soil erosion, which can be applied to predict particle movement and pollution spread.
Winter cover crops can perpetuate themselves through self-seeding, eliminating planting costs and time constraints for farmers. This innovative management system also enhances weed suppression and improves soil quality.
Researchers report that sustainable biomass production may be hindered by soil organic matter needs, suggesting a need for alternative crops and improved agricultural practices. The study highlights the importance of considering multiple factors beyond just soil erosion when evaluating feedstock supply.