Soils

Does agriculture and climate affect feeding activities of soil animals?

No-till, new rules: Soil microbes thrive in conservation farming

Swansea spin-out Bionema Group receives second King’s Award for Enterprise

Bionema Group Ltd, a Swansea University spin-out, has received the second King's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development. The company develops biological pest control and sustainable agriculture technologies, providing environmentally sustainable alternatives to synthetic pesticides.

Study reveals soil, not fertilizer, is primary source of nitrogen gas loss in rice paddies

A new study led by Prof. YAN Xiaoyuan finds that most nitrogen gas emissions from rice paddies originate from soil organic nitrogen, rather than applied fertilizers. The researchers propose a novel mechanism to explain this phenomenon, suggesting that fertilizer activates soil nitrogen pools, indirectly driving larger nitrogen losses.

Climate change leads to significant loss of soil inorganic carbon

A study led by Chinese Academy of Sciences reveals climate change leads to unprecedented sensitivity of soil inorganic carbon pools. Climate-driven effects on SIC dynamics are quantified using a novel process-based model, showing significant losses of up to 307 Tg C in topsoil.

One in five assessed soil species at risk of extinction, data needed for thousands more - study

A new report warns that over 40% of soil-dependent species are at risk of extinction. The study highlights the importance of conserving these species for food security and mitigating global warming.

The forest for the trees: Why mass planting doesn't always lock away soil carbon

A 50-year study in Kerala, India found that expanding tree plantations can result in zero net carbon gains underground. The research highlights the importance of considering the type of plantation and historical soil profile when designing climate mitigation strategies.

Earthquake scientists reveal how overplowing weakens soil at experimental farm

Researchers found that tilling and compaction disrupt intricate capillary networks within the soil, causing it to pool rainwater and form a muddy crust. The study provides a clear explanation for why tillage changes the structure of soil in ways that affect water retention.

The ultimate dirt filter: 'Oxychar' offers a cheaper, smarter way to scrub toxic cadmium from farmland

Researchers develop oxychar, a highly efficient, budget-friendly alternative to traditional charred organic materials for toxic cadmium removal. The new material soaks up both agricultural ammonia and cadmium, promising a practical win for sustainable farming.

Soybeans recruit beneficial soil microbes to defend against major pest

Researchers discover that resistant soybean varieties actively recruit beneficial soil microorganisms to suppress the devastating soybean cyst nematode. These microbes can be transferred to soil to help defend susceptible soybeans, providing a promising new approach for sustainable crop protection.

Building on the far side: AI analysis suggests sturdier foundation for future lunar bases

Research team uses AI-driven approach to analyze Chang'e-6 samples, revealing higher shear strength and irregular shape of far-side lunar regolith. The findings suggest a more stable foundation for future lunar bases, but also pose new challenges for drilling and rover mobility systems.

Mountain soils in arid regions may emit more greenhouse gas as climate shifts, new study finds

Researchers found that managed cropland soils produced the highest nitrous oxide emissions due to irrigation and fertilization, while natural ecosystems emitted lower amounts but showed a clear response to elevation. Climate change could shift the balance of greenhouse gas emissions across ecosystems in arid mountain regions.

Applied Microbiology International launches new report on improving soil health in the UK

The report highlights the need for an agreed definition of healthy soil, scalable biological indicators, and collaborative transitions to sustainable land management practices. It emphasizes the importance of building trust and aligning diverse priorities among all soil stakeholders.

Soil pH shapes nitrogen competition between wheat and microbes, new study finds

A new study reveals that soil acidity influences how wheat competes with microorganisms for nitrogen. Wheat absorbed more nitrogen in calcareous soil, while microbial competition was stronger in acidic soils.

Genes from corn's wild ancestor change soil microbial community, improve sustainability

New research from the University of Illinois has found that corn's wild ancestor genes can inhibit nitrifying and denitrifying bacteria, reducing nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions. The study shows reductions in nitrification of up to 50% in field and greenhouse trials, with potential huge impacts on sustainable agriculture.

Pesticides significantly affect soil life and biodiversity

A Europe-wide study reveals that pesticides have substantial effects on beneficial soil organisms, including mycorrhizal fungi and nematodes. The contamination has a major impact on soil biodiversity, highlighting the need to adapt current pesticide assessments and regulations.

First known lichen in the fossil record helped structure terrestrial ecosystems

The study confirms that ancient lichens played a key role in forming the first soils and structuring terrestrial ecosystems. Researchers identified the presence of chitin, nitrogen compounds, and calcium microparticles compatible with modern lichen minerals.

Study finds food waste compost less effective than potting mix alone

Researchers compared seedling germination, growth and nutrient uptake in pure food waste substrate, commercial potting mix and blends with varying ratios. Mixtures with less than 50% food waste compost produced better results.

Researchers want to find out why quick clay is so unstable

Quick clay's instability is caused by salt ions washing out, making it prone to catastrophic landslides. Researchers aim to find more environmentally friendly stabilization methods using molecular dynamics simulations.

Exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and incident depression in the US Medicare population

A cohort study found associations between exposure to multiple fine particulate matter components and increased depression risk among US Medicare population members. The study highlights the importance of targeted regulation to protect vulnerable populations from harmful air pollution.

Wildfires reshape forest soils for decades

Research in Chile's national parks shows that wildfires significantly alter soil structure and nutrient cycles, affecting ecosystem resilience. Humid temperate forests recover faster than mediterranean woodlands due to fire-adapted trees and higher rainfall.

Paleontologists find first fossil bee nests made inside fossil bones

Researchers found thousands of hutia fossils in a Caribbean cave, including nests made from compacted soil and coated with a waxy substance. The discovery provides evidence of the presence of bees in the area thousands of years ago, challenging initial findings on wasp nests.

Southeast Asia’s greenhouse gas emissions demand urgent regional action

A new study reveals that Southeast Asia is a significant source of climate-warming gases, with deforestation and fossil fuel use leading the way. The region's natural carbon sinks are being overwhelmed, making it challenging for countries to reach climate neutrality without urgent regional action.

Soil bacteria and fungi emerge as a top predictor of childhood allergic disease

Research suggests soil microbial communities are a top predictor of childhood allergic disease rates, with certain assemblages appearing linked to better health outcomes. The study found that specific soil microbes promote health, while others negatively impact disease prevalence.

Food-waste nanocellulose turns desert sand into fertile sponge

Researchers have discovered a zero-cost solution to reverse desertification by using food waste nanocellulose extracted from pineapple peels. The material cuts water leakage by 90% and triples phosphate retention, offering a more sustainable alternative to expensive hydrogels.

SOLO project shares its 'Outlook 2025 Soil Health R&I Knowledge Gaps'

The SOLO project has identified key knowledge gaps for improving EU soil health by 2030. The study highlights the need for research and innovation to address these gaps, with a focus on bottlenecks and drivers of current approaches. The project aims to support the transition towards healthier soils by proposing novel approaches.

The road ahead: Why conserving the invisible 99% of life is fundamental to planetary health

A new paper outlines a global coalition dedicated to conserving microbial biodiversity, which accounts for 99% of life on Earth. The Microbial Conservation Specialist Group will develop Red List-compatible metrics, pilot restoration projects, and promote public awareness to ensure microbes are recognized as essential to planetary health.

Biogas slurry boosts biochar’s climate benefits by reshaping soil microbes

Researchers found that pairing biochar with biogas slurry reduces CO2 emissions and alters soil microbial communities, enhancing carbon sequestration. However, the combination also increases CH4 emissions, highlighting a tradeoff.

Global farmlands face hidden risks from “forever chemicals” PFAS

A new review study reveals that PFAS are entering farmland soils through waste recycling and wastewater reuse, raising concerns for food safety. The study found that biosolids are the primary source of PFAS in agricultural soils, with soybeans showing particularly high burdens.

Cyclic triaxial tests: Evaluation of liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils

Researchers developed a strain-controlled testing method for evaluating liquefaction resistance in chemically treated soils, reducing carbon-dioxide emissions by up to 60%. The new method yielded consistent results, improving urban resilience and reducing economic losses in earthquake-prone regions.

Biochar–starch combo helps lettuce fight back against antibiotic pollution

Researchers found that combining biochar with starch accelerates oxytetracycline degradation and reduces its transfer into lettuce, a widely consumed leafy vegetable. The study's results suggest a cost-effective and sustainable solution for reducing antibiotic residues in farmland.

Desert soils emit greenhouse gases in minutes — even without live microbes

A study by Ben-Gurion University reveals that desert soils can release powerful greenhouse gases within minutes of being wetted, even without microbial life. The team found that chemical reactions drive these emissions, especially for nitrogen-based gases.

Ash dieback is triple whammy for net zero plans

A study by UKCEH found that ash dieback results in significant greenhouse gas emissions due to soil carbon losses. The research estimated 5.8 million tonnes of CO2 emissions over five years, equivalent to half the amount removed by broadleaf woodlands annually.

Grasses are spendthrifts, forests are budgeters, in a nuanced account of plant water use

The study reveals that grasslands adopt more aggressive strategies than forests when facing water shortages, with plants in grasslands using water aggressively until it's gone. In contrast, forests adopt more conservative strategies, cutting back on water use early to avoid disaster.

High-elevation tropical forest soils in Colombian Andes are rich in carbon from past fires

Research found that high-elevation tropical forests in the Colombian Andes store significant amounts of pyrogenic carbon (PyC) due to past fires. The study analyzed soil samples from different elevations and land-use types, revealing PyC stocks nine to ten times higher in High Andean forests than in warmer regions.

Nitrogen may limit natural climate solutions

A global inventory reveals that natural areas have access to about a quarter less nitrogen than previously estimated, which could limit the removal of carbon from the atmosphere. This finding has implications for natural climate solutions, as nitrogen is essential to plant growth.

A nuanced model of soil moisture illuminates plant behavior and climate patterns

Researchers developed a nonlinear model that captures plants' dynamic response to water stress, revealing 'water spenders' and 'water savers.' The model improves climate predictions and informs water management, providing insights into plant adaptations and soil drydowns.

Research reveals Arctic region was permafrost-free when global temperatures were 4.5˚ C higher than today

Researchers found evidence that the Asian continent was free of permafrost when Earth's average temperature was 4.5˚C warmer than today. The study suggests that a 4.5˚C rise in global temperatures would release up to 130 billion tonnes of carbon currently frozen in the ground.

Corn after soy: New study quantifies rotation benefits and trade-offs

Researchers found that corn-soy rotation boosts corn yields and reduces nitrogen fertilizer needs, but with trade-offs in soil greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen leaching. The study's results suggest a complex interplay between crop yield, environmental impacts, and economic returns under various rotation scenarios.

Study finds early signs of widespread coastal marsh decline

Researchers developed a model to detect early signs of marsh decline using satellite observations, identifying vulnerable areas along Georgia's coast. The study found belowground biomass has declined across 72% of Georgia's coastal marsh since 2014.

Researchers unveil a groundbreaking clay-based solution to capture carbon dioxide and combat climate change

A team of researchers has discovered a novel method for capturing carbon dioxide using clay minerals, expanding the portfolio of absorbent materials for addressing climate change. The study, published in The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, found that certain types of clay can selectively absorb CO2 from the air at low humidity levels.

Empowering soil innovation: The PREPSOIL toolbox helps living labs grow

The PREPSOIL Toolbox provides structured guidance and practical tools to support soil health initiatives. The toolbox helps refine existing initiatives and identify areas for further improvement, ultimately enhancing results and alignment with EU mission goals.

PolyU research reveals rising soil nitrous acid emissions driven by climate change and fertilisation accelerate global ozone pollution

Global soil nitrous acid emissions have increased from 1980 to 2016, contributing to a 2.5% annual rise in the global surface ozone mixing ratio. This can lead to overexposure of vegetation to ozone, affecting ecosystem balance and food crop production.

New study unlocks how root cells sense and adapt to soil

A new study has discovered how root cells respond to their complex soil environment, revealing that they actively sense and mount precise molecular responses. The findings could help develop crops resistant to climate stress and improve soil resilience.

Will the vegetables of the future be fortified using tiny needles?

MIT researchers have developed a way to produce large amounts of silk microneedles to deliver agrochemicals and nutrients to plants, showing promising results in treating chlorosis and adding vitamin B12 to tomato plants. The technology has the potential to serve as a new kind of plant interface for real-time health monitoring and biof...

Plasma membrane-associated calcium signaling modulates zinc homeostasis in Arabidopsis

The study reveals that CBL-CIPK complex senses specific Ca2+ signals, phosphorylates ZIP12, and initiates its partial degradation to fine-tune the plant's response to Zn deficiency environments. This negative feedback mechanism effectively regulates zinc homeostasis and maintains efficient resource utilization.

Hotter temps trigger wetlands to emit more methane as microbes struggle to keep up

Scientists found that anaerobic microbes in wetlands can remove up to 70% of methane in oxygen-deprived soils, but their ability to do so is threatened by rising temperatures. When scientists simulated a hotter future, methane emissions spiked under hotter temperatures alone.

PREPSOIL launches assessment tool for soil living lab and lighthouse initiatives

PREPSOIL has launched an assessment tool to evaluate how well Living Labs and Lighthouses align with the EU's Soil Deal for Europe. The initiative invites registered LL and LH projects to participate in a more detailed assessment, potentially gaining access to 100+ Soil Living Labs' network.

PREPSOIL Final Event: Facilitating the deployment of the Mission Soil across European regions

The PREPSOIL Final Event will bring together key stakeholders to discuss the implementation of Mission Soil and the proposed Soil Monitoring Law at regional and local scales. The event aims to equip regions with tools for protecting and restoring soils through collaboration and knowledge-sharing.

Illinois leads most rigorous agricultural greenhouse gas emissions study to date

A new study from the University of Illinois has rigorously sampled nitrous oxide and carbon dioxide emissions from commercial corn and soybean fields under practical management scenarios over multiple years. The dataset reveals that nitrous oxide emissions are highly variable, with hot spots moving around the field, making it challengi...

Neolithic agricultural revolution linked to climate-driven wildfires and soil erosion - new study finds

A new study reveals that the Neolithic Revolution in the southern Levant was triggered by catastrophic wildfires and climate-driven soil erosion, forcing early communities to adopt agriculture. Fertile soils formed in valley basins after hillslope degradation became hotspots for settlement and farming.

A new approach to evaluating soil contamination: How oxidative potential improves plant risk evaluation

A novel approach uses oxidative potential to assess the impact of heavy metal-contaminated soils on plants, identifying key metabolic disruptions and biochemical changes. This method offers a faster and more reliable alternative to traditional methods, enabling quicker responses to soil pollution.

Growing wildflowers on disused urban land can damage bee health

Researchers found that common urban pollinator plants like white clover and bindweed accumulate toxic metals from contaminated soils, posing a risk to bee health. To mitigate this, scientists recommend testing soil for metals before planting wildflowers and choosing plant species suitable for the local conditions.

Peptide imitation is the sincerest form of plant flattery

Researchers identify CLE16 peptide as key molecule promoting symbiotic relationship between plants and beneficial soil fungi. Supplementing with this peptide or its fungal equivalent can enhance nutrient exchange and strengthen these traits in crops.

Nanoplastics in soil: how soil type and pH influence mobility

Researchers found that nanoplastics in soil exhibit varying behavior depending on soil type and pH levels, affecting their aggregation and adsorption onto soil particles. Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate plastic pollution.

Reducing cattle ranching is not enough to restore degraded soils in the Caatinga

A study in Brazil's Caatinga biome found that removing animals from degraded pastures did not restore soil health after three years. Green manure and strategic tree planting are recommended to accelerate ecological recovery. Soils show severe degradation, with carbon loss and decline in holistic soil health index.

Soil conditions significantly increase rainfall in world’s megastorm hotspots

A new study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology reveals that soil moisture levels can increase rainfall area and amount in megastorm hotspots globally by up to 30%. This contrast results from atmospheric changes, enabling communities to better adapt to climate change.

KTU researchers explore using soil for heat storage

KTU researchers have discovered an innovative solution to store excess heat underground, reducing heat loss and increasing energy efficiency. The ground-based heat accumulator stores heat in the soil, making it available when demand peaks, and can even reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Supporting the roads that support us

Texas A&M researchers conducted a forensic investigation of a collapsed embankment slope in Houston, revealing that clayey soils are highly problematic after 10-15 years of use. They recommend using stabilizing agents and perforated pipes to drain water quickly to prevent similar failures.

We know nanoplastics are a threat—this new tool can help us figure out just how bad they are

Researchers developed an ultra precise technique to count and analyze nanoplastics in water, soil, and plant tissues. The OM-SERS setup uses lasers, gold nanoparticles, and microfluidics to detect specific types of plastics and their concentrations.