Loss of soil in US Corn Belt
The US Corn Belt has lost around 35% of its organic-rich A-horizon soil through agricultural erosion, leading to a 6% decline in crop yields and $2.8 billion annual economic losses.
Soils
Articles tagged with Soils
'See through soil' could help farmers deal with future droughts
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.
Rebuilding soil microbiomes in high-tunnel agricultural systems focus of study
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.
Ancient Amazonian farmers fortified valuable land they had spent years making fertile to protect it
Researchers discovered ancient Amazonian farmers built wooden palisades and earthworks to enclose valuable soils in Bolivia. This fortification demonstrates the importance of protecting investments in fertile land during social unrest.
Fingerprint for the formation of nitrous oxide emissions
Researchers led by Eliza Harris and Michael Bahn studied N2O emissions under environmental impacts, finding denitrification dominates production in dry soils. This process was previously thought to occur primarily in moist soils, leading to increased atmospheric emissions during drought.
How safe is the soil under our military bases?
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.
Some food contamination starts in the soil
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.
Newly discovered trait helps plants grow deeper roots in dry, compacted soils
Researchers at Penn State have discovered a new root trait that allows plants to grow deeper roots capable of penetrating hard soil layers. This trait, called multiseriate cortical sclerenchyma, is characterized by small cells with thick walls and lends rigidity to the roots.
Increasing snow depth prevented wintertime soils from cooling during the warming hiatus
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.
Soil health is as environmentally important as air and water quality, say microbiologists
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.
Integrated disease management saves olive trees from Verticillium wilt
Researchers at UCOLIVO Group reduce Verticillium wilt in commercial olive grove by integrating resistant crops and soil disinfestation practices, resulting in 3.1% Picual tree mortality vs 5.6% with traditional techniques. Frantoio trees show even greater resistance to the disease.
Large mammals make soil more fertile in tropical forests
A study by São Paulo State University reveals that large fruit-eating mammals like peccaries and tapirs increase soil nitrogen levels, making areas more fertile for plants. This boosts plant growth, supporting the ecosystem, particularly in tropical forests.
Plant roots sense compacted soil through gaseous hormone signals
Plant roots can sense compacted soils through ethylene hormone signals, hindering growth. Mutant roots insensitive to ethylene penetrate compacted soils more effectively.
Hard to crack research reveals how crop roots penetrate hard soils
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%.
Measuring the belowground world
Soil organisms perform crucial services like nutrient transformation and water purification. A new monitoring network aims to improve understanding and protection of soil biodiversity.
Lead poisoning of children
A new study by Stanford researchers and others finds that a relatively affordable remediation process can almost entirely remove lead from contaminated soil, but challenges persist due to ongoing sources of exposure. The study's results raise troubling questions about how to effectively eliminate the poison from children's bodies.
Cattle grazing and soybean yields
A recent study by Morgan Grabau found that cattle grazing on corn residue in the spring can increase soybean yields and minimize soil compaction. Contrary to initial concerns, the team discovered that even high-intensity grazing did not significantly affect subsequent crop growth.
Fires, flooding before settlement may have formed the Amazon's rare patches of fertility
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.
RUDN University scientist showed global warming effect on greenhouse gas emissions in paddy soils
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.
Scientists suggested a way to measure soil properties at any depth without digging
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.
Crops near Chernobyl still contaminated
A new study finds that crops grown near Chernobyl's exclusion zone continue to be contaminated with radioactive isotopes, including strontium 90 and caesium 137. The contamination poses significant health risks to humans and the environment, highlighting the need for ongoing monitoring and remediation efforts.
URI scientist tests new technology for removing, destroying 'forever chemicals'
A new technology that can quickly remove and destroy hazardous PFAS compounds from soil and groundwater has been developed by a team of scientists at the University of Rhode Island. The process, called XCT OxyZone, uses a combination of a sugar molecule and chemical oxidation to break down the compounds.
Root bacteria could help defeat fatal citrus disease
A $10 million project led by University of California - Riverside is investigating tiny underground microorganisms for a cure to fatal citrus disease. The research team will test whether soil amendments can suppress parasitic microorganisms and give trees more strength to combat diseases like HLB.
How much greenhouse gas emission comes from tropical deforestation and peatland loss?
Studies in Cameroon, Indonesia, and Peru found that forest conversion to agriculture and degradation slows carbon and nitrogen cycles, affecting greenhouse gas flows. Methane removals decreased by up to 47% and nitrous oxide emissions dropped by 52%, but results are equivocal for peatland degradation.
Applying compost to landfills could have environmental benefits
A new study from North Carolina State University found that using compost as daily cover at landfills can have significant environmental benefits, including reducing eutrophication and acidification. In contrast, using compost to amend soil can be more effective in reducing abiotic resource depletion potential.
Fractured bedrock in forests is overlooked source of natural CO2
A study led by the University of Texas at Austin found that bedrock fractures can produce up to 29% of daily average CO2 emitted by land, depending on the season. This source challenges climate change models and sheds light on a previously inaccessible part of the landscape.
'Rambo root' could help with climate action, peace building and environmental issues
Scientists highlight cassava as an overlooked solution to tackle environmental concerns. Cassava can revive degraded land, lower greenhouse gas emissions and promote peace in conflict-prone areas.
Ancient alliance
Researchers discovered that stressed oak trees have more diverse fungal communities than healthy ones, with mutually beneficial relationships providing a buffer against climate change. This symbiotic relationship maintains ecosystem balance and could help conserve tree health in California woodlands.
The pesticides in contact with plastics for mulch take longer to degrade
A recent study found that pesticides in contact with plastic mulch can lead to delayed degradation, contaminating the soil and potentially harming the ecosystem. The use of biodegradable plastics was shown to have a higher percentage of pesticide sorption, leading to concerns about soil contamination.
Grant to fund study of acoustics in turfgrass pest control
A Cornell University research team will use acoustic technology to monitor and manage soil-dwelling pests, preventing damage from predators. The project aims to provide turfgrass managers with greater knowledge and decision-making power about pest distributions and management strategies.
TPU scientists develop eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture
TPU scientists have developed an eco-friendly hydrogel for agriculture that retains moisture and fertilizers in soil, degrading into non-toxic products. The new formulation uses natural components like whey protein and alginic acid, reducing the need for freshwater conservation and minimizing fertilizer's harmful effects on the soil.
Electromagnetic imaging reveals freshwater cache off Hawai'ian coast
Researchers used marine controlled-source electromagnetic imaging to map a pattern of alternating ash/soil and basalt layers that trap fresh groundwater while forcing out seawater. This discovery suggests a novel mechanism for transporting freshwater offshore to the submarine flank of the island.
Worm-like, soil-swimming robots to explore crop underworld
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.
Experimenting in space to help prevent mudslides here on Earth
Researchers at UC San Diego are launching an experiment to the ISS to study mudslides in microgravity and develop technologies to prevent them. They hope to create a protective layer using Xanthan gum, a common food additive.
Soil carbon changes in transition areas suggest conservation for Amazon, scientists say
Researchers found that forest expansion into savannas has continued amid increasing moisture levels, but with recent deforestation impacting the trend. The study suggests conserving the Amazon-Cerrado transition may help mitigate climate change impacts.
UTEP leads collaborative abiotic CO2 project through $1.18 million NSF grant
The University of Texas at El Paso has received a $1.18 million grant from the National Science Foundation to study abiotic carbon dioxide (CO2) dynamics in dryland systems through irrigated pecan orchards. The project aims to understand the conditions that enhance CO2 production and develop methods to model and predict its impact.
First global soil biodiversity assessment
The report assesses soil biodiversity across the globe, highlighting its decline and impact on ecosystem services such as water cycle regulation and carbon sequestration. The study provides a comprehensive framework for managing soil health, which is crucial for maintaining agricultural productivity and mitigating climate change.
Invisible fungi revealed by their genetic material
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.
Transparent soil-like substances provide window on soil ecology
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.
Self-watering soil could transform farming
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.
Carbon-releasing 'zombie fires' in peatlands could be dampened by new findings
Scientists have simulated how soil moisture affects peat fires, finding that drying soils sustain faster and larger smouldering fires. The research aims to help manage vegetation clearing in peatlands safely.
PFAS: these "forever chemicals" are highly toxic, under-studied, and largely unregulated
Researchers highlight PFAS' widespread presence in the environment, bioaccumulation risks, and difficulty in remediation. Health effects may include increased cancer rates, hormonal disruption, and immune responses.
Saving the climate from the ground up
Researchers from the University of Bonn and around the world propose a strategy to use soils to bind large quantities of carbon, reducing greenhouse gas emissions by a third. By increasing plant growth and crop yields through simple measures like mulching and fertilizing, farmers can effectively sequester carbon in the soil.
Illinois research links soil nitrogen levels to corn yield and nitrogen losses
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.
For when the chips are down -- preserving UK soil microbial biodiversity for agriculture
The UK Crop Microbiome Cryobank will preserve the microbiomes of six major food crops in the UK, including barley, oats, oil seed rape, potato, sugar beet, and wheat. This project aims to improve crop yield and reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Droughts are threatening global wetlands: new study
A new review highlights the severe impacts of drought on global wetland soils, leading to irreversible changes and decreased water quality. The study emphasizes the need for better understanding and protection of these critical ecosystems, which support biodiversity and carbon storage.
RUDN School of Soil Sciences covered 5 climatic zones from the Barents Sea to the Azov Sea
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.
Invasional meltdown in multi-species plant communities
A new experiment reveals that fungal endophytes, which live inside plants, play a key role in invasion success and invasional meltdown in multi-species communities. The study found that alien species share fewer soil microbes with each other than with native species, making them less negatively affected by each other.
New woodlands can help reduce flooding risk within 15 years
Native broadleaf trees planted in upland areas can absorb rainwater more efficiently, reducing peak river flow and flood risk. This nature-based solution is an effective and natural flood management tool that can be maximized with careful placement.
Scientists identify new species of crystal-encrusted truffle, thanks to bonobos
Researchers have discovered a new species of truffle, Hysterangium bonobo, which is prized by bonobos and has crystal-encrusted filaments. The find highlights the vast fungal diversity in the region and emphasizes the importance of indigenous knowledge in scientific discoveries.
Dust may have controlled ancient human civilization
A new study reveals that dust played a critical role in forming thick soils in the Levant region, enabling early human civilization to take root. The discovery challenges existing hypotheses on soil formation, suggesting that dust input was more important than erosion rates.
Char application restores soil carbon and productivity
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.
Unconventional farming methods could help smallholders fight back against climate change
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.
Cover crop mixtures must be 'farm-tuned' to provide maximum ecosystem services
Researchers found that the expression of species in a mixture can differ greatly across locations, highlighting the need for customized cover crop mixes. The study shows that low soil inorganic nitrogen favors legume species while a shorter growing season favors triticale.
Microbes living on air a global phenomenon
Researchers have discovered a global phenomenon where microbes thrive on air, expanding the possibilities for microbial life beyond Earth. This process, known as atmospheric chemosynthesis, was previously thought to be unique to Antarctica, but is now found in soils across the Arctic and Tibetan Plateau.
Warming threat to tropical forests risks release of carbon from soil
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.
Technology can help speed soil recovery after oil spills
A new method using Vis-NIR spectroscopy reduces the cost and time required to analyze soil samples, allowing for faster restoration of ecosystems. The technology enables scientists to estimate concentration levels in impacted soil quickly and easily.
Wheat and couch grass can extract toxic metals from contaminated soils
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.
Skoltech supercomputer helps scientists reveal most influential parameters for crop
Researchers used a Skoltech supercomputer to perform sensitivity analysis on soil parameters for crop yield prediction. They found that certain input factors, such as fertilizer usage, significantly impacted crop yields.
Smartphones prove to be time-saving analytical tools
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.