Articles tagged with Soils
A new study by Michigan State University quantifies soil and landscape features and spatial and temporal yield variations in response to climate variability. The research identifies areas within individual fields where yield is unstable, with over one-quarter of corn and soybean cropland in the Midwest experiencing this issue.
A new study examines the impact of warming and increased precipitation on seeds in the Tibetan Plateau's soil seed banks. The research finds that these changes can harm the seeds, affecting their ability to germinate, grow, and survive due to factors such as temperature, moisture levels, and pathogens.
A thick buildup of organic matter on the forest floor can complicate efforts to use prescribed fire as a forest management tool. Controlled burns require specific prescriptions to minimize duff smoldering and prevent mortality of large, older pines and potential ecological consequences below ground.
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.
Researchers have developed a new measuring method to detect sulphur-containing arsenic compounds in rice soils, which have not been accounted for in health assessments. The study identifies the need for further research on the formation and transport of these compounds to assess health risks.
Researchers at University of Arizona develop mathematical model to simulate PFAS migration through soil and groundwater. The majority of PFAS accumulate in the soil, where they migrate down slowly, posing a significant risk to human health.
Soil researchers found significant movement of sulfate into subsoils and improved water quality after implementing the Clean Air Act Amendment in 1990. However, soils still exhibit chemical imbalances, indicating a long-term recovery process.
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.
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.
Researchers discovered that most soil protists consume smaller organisms, while others thrive in tropical soils and are affected by annual precipitation. The study provides new insights into the ecological roles of these single-celled organisms in ecosystems worldwide.
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 recent study found that perovskite solar cells absorb lead from the environment, with lead from these cells being ten times more bioavailable than from other industrial sources. This could have significant implications for the safety of these materials.
A new computational model shows that regular crop rotations switching every other year may not be optimal for maximizing crop yield when threatened by plant pathogens. The analysis identified patterns of crop rotation that maintain soil quality and diminish pathogen load, suggesting a more sustainable approach to agriculture.
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.
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.
Researchers at Kazan University are developing advanced aerial drones with devices such as detectors and special cameras to enhance geological surveys. The goal is to analyze upper strata of rocks, evaluate hydrocarbon potential, and improve forest planning and soil analysis.
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.
Researchers are exploring how cover crops can enhance the sustainability of star fruit farms in Florida. By incorporating cover crops like sunn hemp and velvet bean into their practices, farmers can improve soil organic matter and reduce the need for synthetic inputs.
A new model predicts that deforestation and small-scale gold mining in the Peruvian Amazon increase mercury levels in local rivers, with effects lasting for decades. The research suggests that policies can be developed to mitigate these impacts and protect public health.
A new Illinois study found that fall-applied anhydrous ammonia may not meet corn's nitrogen needs. The study showed varying uptake efficiency depending on soil type and crop rotation, with richest soils being lower in nitrogen recovery.
Midwest farmers adopting reduced tillage increased corn and soybean yields by 3.3% and 0.74%, respectively, while improving soil health and lowering production costs.
Researchers at the University of Washington found that warmer temperatures can lead to higher concentrations of arsenic in rice grains. The study, presented at the American Geophysical Union's Fall Meeting, suggests that climate change could exacerbate the problem of arsenic-contaminated rice, posing a health risk to consumers.
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 at Colorado State University reveal that soil organic matter has two distinct components: particulate and mineral-associated organic matter, which differ in their origin, makeup, and persistence. Recognizing this diversity is essential for developing effective strategies to sequester carbon and promote soil health.
Soil nitrogen levels drive plant growth for food production and ecosystem health. The global field study provides a more detailed baseline of worldwide nitrogen levels, improving understanding of natural cycles and the effects of over-fertilization.
Researchers have developed coated seeds that can grow in salty soils by providing a protective coating and fertilizer-generating microbes. These seeds showed improved health and growth compared to untreated seeds in unproductive soil fields.
A bioarcheologist excavated a medieval Uzbek cemetery, discovering evidence of degenerative joint disease and healed fractures that suggest a heavy workload and level of care within the community. The dig site provides insight into how people adapted to harsh desert environments and interacted with other communities along trade routes.
No-till with cover crop systems have produced higher net returns than conventional till in Texas cotton systems. The practice also improves soil health, water storage, and long-term yield potential.
A new experimental approach captures how soil ecosystems respond to multiple drivers, revealing shifts in soil properties and microbial communities. The study's results could help identify dangerous factor combinations and tipping points for soil ecosystems in the future.
A recent study found that fumigants used to control nematodes in potato cropping systems have very minor effects on soil microbial communities. The research suggested that the average efficacy of these pesticides was estimated at 98% across all nematodes studied.
Researchers have discovered that PFASs from ski wax accumulate in soil, earthworms, and bank voles at a Nordic skiing area, indicating potential toxicity. The compounds were found to biomagnify in the food chain, with higher levels detected in top predators.
Climate change is projected to cause a dramatic decline in rice yields, potentially devastating global food supplies. The crop's sensitivity to soil arsenic, exacerbated by increased temperatures and irrigation with high-arsenic water, will lead to twice the normal amount of toxic arsenic in rice.
Researchers have found that fossil pollen can be preserved in floodplain soils, allowing scientists to reconstruct past climate dynamics and land use patterns. The study used soil properties such as organic matter concentration and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio to predict pollen abundance, providing a new tool for climate reconstruction.
A Brazilian study found that removing sugarcane straw could double fertilizer requirements by 2050 due to interrupted nutrient cycling. The researchers suggest leaving a substantial proportion of the straw on the ground to maintain soil health and productivity.
A new report found that climatic variables are the most important predictors of earthworm biodiversity at global scales. Earthworm communities were typically greatest in mid-latitudes, highlighting their sensitivity to climate change.
A new project aims to use Inga trees to keep land fertile for the long term, reducing pressure on smallholders to abandon their land. The plan could help maintain tree cover in the Amazonian Arc of Deforestation by supporting sustainable agriculture and providing a premium income for milk produced from grazing cattle.
Researchers found that while potassium fertilization increases alfalfa yield, it also decreases forage quality. Understanding the tradeoffs between yield and quality is crucial for sustainable production and fertility management.
A four-year study in Colombia's maize-growing region shows that combining farmers' knowledge with data on weather and soils can increase yields substantially. Machine learning algorithms helped develop site-specific guidelines for crop management, reducing fertilizer costs and stabilizing yields.
Researchers from RUDN University found that the rate of organic carbon accumulation in wild, cultivated, and abandoned soils depends mainly on soil type and composition. The study revealed that phaeozems release carbon easily, while chernozems contain more decomposition-resistant compounds.
Researchers successfully grew ten crops in Mars and Moon soil simulant, including garden cress, tomato, and radish. The study found that nine out of ten crops produced edible parts, with the exception of spinach.
A new cost-effective technology, subsurface water retention technology (SWRT), has the potential to significantly improve harvests in sub-Saharan Africa's poor fields. SWRT increases water retention and organic material accumulation, making soils more fertile, resulting in higher maize yields and carbon sequestration.
Researchers emphasize the need to boost phosphorus use efficiency in farming systems due to its limited supply and environmental concerns. Strategies include breeding crops that utilize phosphorus more efficiently, designing crop rotations, and utilizing soil organic matter and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi.
Researchers developed a biochar technology to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from soils and prevent soil degradation. The innovative method uses chicken dung and agricultural waste to produce biochar, which slows down humus mineralization and stalls CO2 emission.
This special issue highlights von Humboldt's lasting legacy on mountain ecology and environment. Research focuses on species richness, biodiversity evolution, and soil microbial communities in response to climate change.
Researchers at Michigan State University have discovered that many core microbes on bioenergy plant leaves originate from the soil and remain consistent across seasons. The study suggests that these microbes play a crucial role in the plant's growth and health, and their phyllosphere microbiome can be targeted for cultivation.
A study published in Nature Communications reveals that microorganisms residing on plant leaves are connected to those living in the soil, forming a key part of the bioenergy community. The researchers identified hundreds of leaf microbiome members and compared them to thousands in the soil, using deep sequencing techniques.
Research by Anglia Ruskin University found microplastics can stunt earthworm growth and cause weight loss, impacting soil ecosystem health. Soil contamination with certain plastics leads to decreased pH and reduced plant growth.
A community-led approach to understanding and addressing soil pollution in Troy, New York and Tierra Amarilla, Chile. The project aims to raise awareness of the issue and develop strategies for protecting public health through do-it-yourself testing and community engagement.
Scientists have discovered a day-night rhythm in sulfonate metabolism, reflecting the activity of photosynthetic organisms in the open ocean. The study uses phytoplankton and ocean bacteria to track sulfur-based metabolism, providing insights into the global carbon cycle.
Researchers at UTA developed a system to track repairs and data on potentially problematic slopes, reducing repair time from four months to one to two weeks and costs by 20%. The project was recognized as one of AASHTO's top projects in 2019.
Climate simulations suggest that land-atmosphere feedbacks can increase atmospheric aridity, leading to high probabilities of concurrent soil drought and extreme aridity. The study also predicts more frequent and intense drought and aridity in the coming century with significant human and ecological implications.
A new study found that concurrent soil drought and atmospheric aridity are driven by land-atmosphere processes and feedback loops, leading to increased frequency and intensity of extreme events. The researchers warn that future intensification of these events would be disastrous for ecosystems and human lives.
A review of current land surface models highlights the need for more accurate infiltration predictions, which affect erosion control and water supply. The authors recommend increasing attention to soil structure, moisture, temperature, precipitation, terrain, and plants in these models.
Researchers found that 36% of squash bees are chronically exposed to lethal doses of clothianidin in soil, exceeding the acceptable threshold of 5%. This risk is applicable to many other wild bee species in Canada, highlighting the need for new approaches to protect pollinators and crops simultaneously.
Researchers have made a breakthrough in finding the ideal fertilizer rate and source to prevent root damage in canola crops. Using new imaging techniques, they developed dose-response curves for different nitrogen fertilizer sources, revealing that banding urea ammonium nitrate with low rates is the best option.
The UTIA senior design team developed a pilot technology to enhance stormwater infiltration in rain gardens by inducing fractures in compacted soil layers. This technique could save homeowners and property owners time and money by unclogging failed rain gardens.
A recent study found that termite activity in wetlands improves soil structure and nutrient content. Termites help turn dead trees into valuable organic matter, increasing crucial soil carbon content.
A team of researchers at Oregon State University has developed a new method for studying tsunami risk to coastal infrastructure. The technique uses a centrifuge to simulate the effects of tsunami waves on soil, allowing for more accurate modeling and potential engineering solutions.
A German university-led research project is investigating and testing biological methods for remediating soils contaminated with metal. The goal is to find the best combination of fungi and trees to convert heavy metals into biominerals or remove them from the soil.