Articles tagged with Soil Science
Researchers found large quantities of plastic mulch fragments in strawberry fields, negatively impacting soil qualities and microbial respiration. The study's findings suggest that biodegradable or natural mulches could be alternatives to reduce long-term plastic pollution.
A specially designed garden, rain garden, can capture toxic tire chemicals associated with tires entering waterways by more than 90%. Researchers tested a Vancouver rain garden and found that it captured about 75% of the chemical, preventing it from entering salmon-bearing streams.
A study analyzed 50,000 scientific publications on climate change and found that media coverage often focuses on large-scale projections and threats, rather than solutions. This selective approach can lead to public disengagement and denial, emphasizing the need for a more transdisciplinary and solution-focused approach in media coverage.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that global warming is accelerating the decomposition of soil humus and affecting plant storage of carbon. The findings have significant implications for relying on soils as a natural carbon sink to tackle global warming.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
A study by University of Technology Sydney found that plants can remove 97% of toxic compounds, including cancer-causing pollutants, from indoor air in just eight hours. This breakthrough discovery highlights the critical role played by indoor plants and green walls in improving air quality.
A UH-led research team has developed a cost-effective method for removing harmful chemicals and heavy metals from coastal waters by utilizing native aquatic plants. The system, which includes floating aquatic plants and synthetic mats, can help restore ecological balance and keep communities healthy.
Researchers propose a 'state space' approach to reframe farming planning questions, enabling analytics and machine learning to explore optimal crop combinations and simulate different scenarios. This framework allows farmers to design diverse agricultural landscapes based on natural ecosystems, increasing crop yield and sustainability.
A UC Riverside-led study finds nearly half of domestic well water users in the Central Valley live in disadvantaged communities with high manganese contamination rates. The highest concentrations are found in private, untreated well water systems, posing health risks to fetuses and children.
Researchers from Drexel University found that microbes help break down biodegradable materials and release per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment. PFAS have been linked to serious health problems and accumulate in soil, crops, and groundwater.
A global comparison of soil transplantation projects reveals significant improvements in restoring vegetations with high conservation value. The treatment increased species count and diversity by an average of 40% compared to hay addition, particularly on loamy soils over larger areas.
Researchers propose alternative fertilizer production methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, but emphasize the need for careful environmental assessment. The global food supply depends on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, which require significant energy and lead to carbon pollution.
MU researchers, including Jay J. Thelen and Dong Xu, are exploring genetic modification to increase seed oil production in camelina and pennycress for biofuel use in the aviation industry. The team aims to create a sustainable 'green energy' source as an alternative to petroleum-based fossil fuels.
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
A novel genetic analysis by University of Ottawa researchers reveals that climate change could lead to an increased risk of viral spillover in the High Arctic. This increased risk may result in new viruses infecting previously uninfected hosts, potentially leading to emerging pandemics.
A team of scientists and high school students collaborated to study Hong Kong's soil biodiversity, collecting 3,588 individual samples and identifying 150 species. The project also raised public awareness about the importance of citizen science in understanding local biodiversity.
A recent study published in Nature Communications has revealed that PIF7 and auxin proteins accelerate plant growth when exposed to warm temperatures and canopy shade. This discovery will help scientists predict how plants respond to climate change and increase crop productivity, enabling the development of more resilient crops.
A special section in BioScience synthesizes insights from 40 years of long-term ecological research, highlighting the diversity of ecosystem responses to climate change. The study demonstrates that regional drivers, human activities, and interactions between climate drivers shape these responses.
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.
A new study suggests that sustainable irrigation can boost crop productivity to feed 1.4 billion more people, reducing environmental impacts and clearing natural land for agriculture. However, climate change may complicate this calculus, requiring additional research on water management strategies.
Researchers found that the asteroid is similar to 'Ivuna-type carbonaceous chondrites,' which date back to the solar system's beginnings. The samples show signs of having been soaked in water, but the rock itself appears relatively dry, hinting at similar formation conditions between comets and asteroids.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
Researchers at the University of Kansas discovered that microalgae-produced diatoms played a crucial role in preserving ancient spider fossils at Aix-en-Provence. The unique chemical process, similar to industrial vulcanization, stabilized carbon-based exoskeletons and promoted sulfurization, resulting in exceptional fossil preservation.
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.
Researchers found evidence of declining nitrogen availability in various ecosystems, including grasslands and forests, due to multiple environmental changes. The decline is linked to increased atmospheric carbon dioxide levels and reduced plant growth, with implications for the global carbon cycle.
Cambridge University researchers are tackling major environmental challenges in the UK's 'vegetable garden', the Fens, through a £10 million project. The team is working with farmers, landowners, and conservation groups to develop whole system solutions for climate change, extinction, and pollution threats.
The UK has allocated £40 million to support four major research studies tackling key global environmental challenges. The projects will develop solutions for net zero cities, improve biodiversity, help rural communities adapt to climate change, and provide evidence for policy decisions.
The Congo Basin's tropical forest is a unique greenhouse gas emitter, with low nitrous oxide emissions but high methane releases, particularly in swamp forests. Soils play a crucial role in converting nitrous oxide to harmless nitrogen, affecting the forest's overall climate gas balance.
Researchers discovered unexpectedly high concentrations of artificial radionuclides in cryoconite samples from the Blaisen Glacier, linked to Chernobyl and nuclear testing. The presence of organic matter from lemming populations may contribute to higher radioactivity levels.
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.
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.
Researchers found that intense volcanic activity led to a surge in phosphorus levels, driving ocean oxygen levels down and triggering a severe mass extinction. The study suggests that natural weathering of volcanic material may have been responsible for the sudden cooling events.
Researchers led by NUS found that climate change is increasing fluvial sediment loads in the high mountains of Asia, with implications for hydropower, food, and environmental security. The study reveals that sediment fluxes could more than double by 2050 under an extreme climate change scenario.
A study has identified 20 consistent indicators to support sustainability on U.S. ranches, focusing on ecological, social, and economic aspects. The indicators aim to help ranchers track progress toward sustainability goals and communicate improvements to their operations.
A meta-analysis by the University of Basel found that no-till farming alone does not achieve desired results in sustainable agriculture. Retaining crop residues on fields after harvest prevails over no-till farming in promoting carbon storage, soil protection and increased yields.
A new study has shown how climate change impacts the ecosystems of large lakes by varying their water layers' mixing through seasons. Mixing controls heat, oxygen, nutrients, and pollutants between layers, shaping ecosystems' adaptations.
Researchers can leverage innovative technologies to analyze complex interactions within the plant root microbiome. By combining mesocosms with in-situ sensors and imaging tools, scientists can replicate experiments on spatial and temporal scales.
Professor Doug Hayes has been recognized for his contributions to biocatalysis and biodegradable agricultural plastics. He is a renowned expert in molecular understanding of chemical and biochemical processes at interfaces, particularly involving bioplastics and surfactant-water-oil systems.
A three-year study is investigating the agronomic, economic, and ecological outcomes of organic grain production in Tennessee. The research team will explore tillage and cover crop management for organic corn-soybean-wheat rotations to identify changes that can increase profitability and environmental sustainability.
A study reveals that protected areas worldwide are not reducing anthropogenic pressure on natural habitats, with chronic underfunding and local community disengagement identified as key factors. Satellite data analysis found increases in human encroachment in over 90% of global regions, particularly in the tropics.
The UTIA/Blühen Hemp Agronomic Research Program will provide much-needed research data to enhance the success of hemp farmers in Tennessee. The four-year program aims to support agronomic practices and improve crop yields.
Researchers at West Virginia University have discovered a fungus that infects cicadas, causing them to lose their limbs and engage in abnormal behavior. The fungus contains psychoactive compounds similar to those found in hallucinogenic mushrooms, but further research is needed to determine its potential benefits.
Studies show that both temperature and glyphosate increase dicamba volatility, leading to increased off-target movement and damage to crops. Researchers recommend avoiding mixing glyphosate with low-volatile dicamba formulations, such as XtendiMax, to minimize the risk of injury to non-dicamba-tolerant plants.
A global team of researchers proposes a new approach to managing weeds by considering their impact on society as a whole. The team suggests that traditional methods focus too much on individual landowners and instead recommends a cross-boundary approach that prioritizes shared goals and collective interests.
Geographers from FAU investigate ancient dust deposits to draw conclusions about settlement structures, crops, landscape changes, and climate fluctuations. The study aims to understand the cultural growth and decline of the Southern Levant region between the Iron Age and Byzantine period.
Researchers have discovered a genetic trigger that can increase plant branching, leading to improved crop yields. The newly identified chemical, DL1, has shown promise in both flower and rice plants, paving the way for potential commercial applications in agriculture.
Barry Sims, associate director of UT AgResearch, received the Distinguished Service Award for his contributions to land grant research and administration. He oversees the system's 10 centers and coordinates faculty research at the centers.
Researchers aim to promote sustainable water for agriculture through stakeholder engagement, testing flexible models in Arizona, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. The project seeks to address complex web of social, economic, cultural, institutional, legal, and biophysical conditions influencing water resource management.
Researchers from Lomonosov Moscow State University discovered that ancient ground squirrels in the Indigirka river basin are closely related to present-day Beringian ground squirrels in Kamchatka. The study revealed that these animals have a complex migration history, with multiple colonization events in Eurasia.
A new study found that international collaboration in scientific research has grown dramatically, with more than doubling of cross-border studies between 1990 and 2015. The fields of soil science and virology saw the highest growth rates, with a 550% increase in collaborating partners in soil science.
Researchers developed an efficient process to rapidly discover new 'enediyne natural products' from soil microbes that could be further developed into extremely potent anticancer drugs. The study highlights microbial natural products as abundant sources of new drug leads, saving time and resources compared to traditional approaches.
Kaspari's research explores the role of sodium in accelerating animal activity and abundance across different ecosystems. He has discovered how chemical elements like phosphorus and nitrogen shape ecological phenomena, from bison herds to termite damage.
MIT scientists developed a technique to interpret Raman spectra, identifying samples with high hydrogen-to-carbon ratios that may preserve ancient microbial life. The new method enables the 2020 Mars rover to select ideal samples for further study, potentially revealing signs of past life on Mars.
A new study explores using colorants to maintain turf color throughout dormant periods. Colorants applied to zoysiagrass at various volumes showed an increase in persistence of green color, with the highest volume providing color for up to 167 days.
Scientists have discovered seven new land snail species in China, including two that are among the world's smallest, measuring less than 1 mm in height. These tiny creatures pose challenges for scientists studying biodiversity and evolution.
Researchers have discovered naturally occurring asbestos in Boulder City, Nevada, posing a risk to local residents. The fibrous minerals were found in areas not previously considered at risk, highlighting the need for further investigation into their occurrence and toxicity.
Researchers evaluated county-level energy and GHG intensity of grain corn, stover, and cob production in Ontario from 2006-2011. The study identified opportunities for efficiency improvements through field-drying corn hybrids, reduced tillage, and diminished nitrogen inputs to reduce GHG emissions.
Journalists Sybille Hildebrandt and Chelsea Wald have been awarded the EGU Science Journalism Fellowship for their projects on palaeontology and soil sciences. They will receive funding to pursue research trips to Canada and Scotland, respectively, in order to investigate key scientific questions.
The presentation highlights the importance of cataloging and conserving crop wild relatives worldwide. Researchers have identified critical taxa in need of protection and conducted inventories of CWRs in the US, revealing nearly 4,600 species, including endangered relatives of sunflower, bean, and sweet potato.
The Crop Science Society of America has selected 7 members for the 2012 class of Fellows, recognizing their professional achievements and meritorious service in crop science. The new fellows include experts from universities, government institutions, and private companies.