Articles tagged with Soils
Research reveals that liming can unlock previously unavailable phosphorus in soils, but the relationship is complex and depends on soil history and enzyme activity. Increases in phosphorus availability are relatively small, highlighting the need for combined lime and added phosphorus to meet crop needs.
Researchers at ETH Zurich found that soil microorganisms degrade films composed of poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), a biodegradable polymer. This discovery demonstrates the true biodegradation of a plastic material in soils, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution.
Researchers have demonstrated direct evidence of biodegradation of polymers like PBAT in agricultural soil, tracking carbon into CO2 and microbial biomass. The study suggests polyesters as a practical alternative to alleviate detrimental plastic accumulation.
A new study reveals that ancient communities in the Amazon used intensive farming methods to expand crop production without depleting soil nutrients. This approach, known as polyculture agroforestry, has left a lasting impact on modern forest ecosystems.
A new quick soil test aims to determine nitrogen need by measuring protein presence. This method has the potential to reduce fertilizer waste and mitigate environmental problems associated with excessive nitrogen use.
Researchers from the University of Guelph found that climate warming-induced advances in treeline movement may be halted by unsuitable soils, hindering plant growth. This discovery is important for preserving individual species or entire ecosystems.
Researchers found that coating fertilizer with maleic-itaconic polymers (MIPs) slows down urease activity, improving nitrogen availability for plants. The study suggests farmers have a choice depending on their soil's acidity, offering a potential solution to increase crop yields and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers found the sandy soils in Chaco Canyon were suitable for agriculture, suggesting the ancestral Puebloans were self-sufficient. The most significant challenge was irrigation, where they demonstrated adroit farming skills and land management.
Researchers documented termites' behavior in a tiny, built-to-scale dream home, revealing key findings about their destructive nature. Termites require moisture to survive and quickly find structural weaknesses, causing damage to the foundation and walls.
A study analyzed soil horizons in 11 US cities, finding approximately 50% fewer soil horizons than pre-urban soils. The researchers attributed changes to local management processes such as soil removal, mixing, and fill additions, leading to potential effects on ecosystem functioning.
Researchers found radish cover crops significantly reduced soil nitrate content, but decomposed nitrogen was not returned to the soil. The study suggests radish can trap nitrogen without providing a fertilizer benefit to subsequent crops.
Scientists from Kyushu University and The University of Manchester identify caesium-rich micro-particles in Fukushima soils, which could pose long-term health risks to humans if inhaled. The new method allows for quick counting of particles and quantifying radioactivity associated with them.
Research by Michigan Technological University found that harvesting whole trees has no significant impact on plant diversity. In fact, removing only the logs led to increased diversity in understory plants. The study also revealed a negative effect of a logging technique on aspen regeneration.
A five-year experiment found that corn yield was highest in the plastic mulch plot, but soil organic carbon was highest in the straw mulch plots. Straw mulch increased soil's ability to store carbon, whereas plastic mulch increased microbial activity that used up organic carbon.
Researchers found that faba bean cover crops can add a significant amount of nitrogen to the soil, reducing the need for commercial fertilizer by up to half. The timing and management of faba bean residues also play a crucial role in maximizing the benefits of this practice.
Research reveals that green roof species arrive by hitching lifts on birds or riding air currents, underscoring the importance of adapting soil biology to these environments. The study recommends improving soil engineering to ensure long-term sustainability and encourages further research to connect green roofs to ground-level soils.
Researchers found that drained nitrogen-rich peatlands produce laughing gas, a major greenhouse gas. The study revealed that soil moisture, temperature, and cultivation play key roles in laughing gas emission from organic soils.
Researchers are studying microplastics in freshwater and terrestrial systems to understand their impacts on human health. Early evidence suggests that microplastics may travel via soil and atmospheric deposition, highlighting the need for a global approach to addressing microplastic pollution.
Research finds drained fertile peatlands and irrigated organic soils boost nitrous oxide emission significantly. Conservation of fens and swamps is crucial to reduce climate change impact.
Researchers found that individual tree species are limited by phosphorus but entire forest communities are not. Forests with low phosphorus soils actually show faster growth rates compared to those with high phosphorus levels. This discovery has significant implications for understanding forest growth and change in tropical regions.
Researchers developed a novel method to reconstruct ancient climates using organic compounds in sediments and soils. By analyzing these compounds, scientists can gain insights into past environmental conditions and predict changes in regional moisture patterns.
Researchers found evidence of microbial life in the hyperarid Atacama Desert through metagenomics and DNA analysis. The discovery suggests that similar microbes may exist on Mars, adapting to dry conditions.
Researchers have discovered that specialized bacteria can live in the soil of the Atacama Desert, going dormant for decades without water before reactivating and reproducing when it rains. This finding suggests that life could be lurking on Mars, where similar conditions exist.
Researchers at Washington State University have developed a new method for soil pathogen analysis that is portable, fast and inexpensive. This breakthrough technology allows farmers to detect disease-causing pathogens in their soil quickly and make informed decisions about treatments or management changes before planting.
A Duke University-led study has found dangerous levels of mercury and methylmercury near artisanal gold mines in Senegal, contaminating soils, sediments, and rivers. Mercury poisoning can cause various health impacts, including tremors, muscle weakness, and birth defects.
A satellite-based earthquake early warning system called G-FAST performed well in a replay of three large earthquakes in Chile, providing accurate magnitude and epicenter estimates. The system's performance suggests it could provide early warnings for Chile's coastal communities.
Magnetic soil nanoparticles are primarily composed of magnetite, formed by soil wetting and drying cycles. This finding suggests that magnetic variations in Chinese Loess Plateau soils can be used as a benchmark for testing paleoclimate models.
Microplastics in soils and freshwaters can have damaging effects on ecosystems, triggering adverse reactions in organisms and potentially disrupting hormone systems. Humans also ingest microplastics through food, highlighting the need for reliable data on microplastic degradation and effects.
Researchers at Rice University have created a new type of gas sensor that can monitor microbes' health and activity in soil without disturbing them. The sensor uses genetically engineered microbes to report on their environment and activity, providing valuable data for bioengineers, geobiologists, and other researchers.
Research found that fertilized soils in the Central Valley contribute up to 40 percent of California's NOx emissions. The study suggests potential solutions through improved fertilizer management and soil conservation techniques.
A new UTSA study reveals that the 2015 Wimberley floods were exacerbated by flash flooding due to urbanization and heavy rain seasons. The researchers also found that recent years have seen record-breaking floods in Texas, prompting calls for improved storm preparations.
Researchers at Swansea University have discovered patterns in soil fractures that could speed up the decontamination of industrial brownfield sites. The technique uses fracturing to generate high-conductivity pathways for fluid exchange, reducing cleaning time and cost.
A team of researchers from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory has discovered how microorganisms adapt to survive in phosphorus-poor environments. By analyzing genes and proteins, they found an increase in phosphorus-acquiring enzymes and a large number of genes that break down complex organic compounds like phytate.
A global study reveals that only 2% of the world's bacteria species dominate soil populations, with implications for ecosystem health and climate change mitigation. The findings have important applications for agricultural soils and food productivity.
Researchers have discovered a way for plants to acquire phosphorus more efficiently by suppressing secondary root growth in favor of primary root growth. This trait allows plants to explore a greater volume of soil and acquire more phosphorus, making it beneficial for farmers growing in nutrient-poor soils.
Researchers found that even small temperature increases can lead to near-total crop failure due to invasive pests. Farmers lack resources to adapt to climate change, putting millions of people at risk of food insecurity.
Heavy rainfall in California, fueled by wildfires, caused deadly mudslides that killed at least 17 residents. NASA's LHASA model provided a landslide hazard assessment map, showing the potential for landslides.
A recent study from Linköping University reveals that the supply of fresh organic compounds increases chlorination in soils, potentially changing our view on chlorine's significance. The discovery highlights new ecological functions of chloride and its potential impact on risk models for radioactive waste.
A multinational team of experts is working together to address dietary deficiencies in essential nutrients. The GeoNutrition programme aims to map cropland, test the efficacy of micronutrient-enriched fertilisers, and assess public health policies.
A new study challenges the long-held assumption that soil animals contribute to the self-reinforcing effect of climate change by releasing more CO2. The research found that warming temperatures and drought actually lead to a decrease in feeding activity, contrary to expectations.
A study by Ca' Foscari University and CNR found that autumn leaves in Italian woods can contaminate soil with high levels of hydrocarbons, up to four times the legal limit. The researchers identified natural sources of these hydrocarbons, including plant origin, but emphasized that even low concentrations may pose a toxicity risk.
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.
Dr. Anand Puppala's patented sensor system uses an integrated moisture sensor and time domain reflectometry probe to detect soil heave in high sulfate soils, allowing for early detection and potential cost savings.
Researchers sequenced the genomes of 24 South African individuals from different ethnolinguistic origins, revealing high levels of genetic diversity. The study found measurable genetic differences between Nguni and Sotho-Tswana speakers, as well as varying proportions of admixture in Coloured individuals.
Scientists at Lund University have developed new systems to study microorganisms in the ground using microchips, revealing complex ecosystems and interactions between microbes and their environment. The technology allows for real-time analysis of microbial processes, enabling researchers to better understand soil structures and functions.
Researchers have found microorganisms in Atacama Desert soils that can potentially be used to create new treatments for HIV and combat antibiotic resistance. The discovery highlights the vast untapped resource of 'dark matter' microbes in extreme environments.
Research by Stellenbosch University found that fynbos seeds can still be viable in soils where pines have grown for up to 30 years, enabling restoration. Clearing pine plantations within 40-50 years saves time and effort in rehabilitating sites.
Researchers at Ohio State University found a new methane-producing microbe that survives in oxygen-rich environments, contrary to previous assumptions. The discovery suggests the amount of methane released into the atmosphere may be more than initially thought.
A team of scientists analyzed data on over 1900 soils from 21 countries, discovering constant bacterial groups across different environments. These bacteria hold clues to making some soils more fertile. Informative families of bacteria indicate real differences among types of soil.
Researchers developed and grew modified Cavendish bananas resistant to Fusarium wilt tropical race 4 (TR4), a devastating soil-borne fungus. One line remained TR4-free for three years, while three others showed strong resistance.
A team from the Technical University of Munich found that complex agricultural techniques require professional training, but many Ghanaian pineapple farmers lack access to effective training. The researchers suggest increasing focus on intensive and sustainable training methods to improve yields and income for Ghana's small-scale farmers.
Researchers at Washington State University predict a 7-11% increase in landslide-prone areas on logged land by 2045. The study models clear-cut lands on the Olympic Peninsula and considers factors like soil moisture, land cover, and topography.
Research by Samuel Haruna found that cover crops and perennial biofuel crops can relieve soil compaction, reducing the impact of fluctuating temperatures. These crops slow down temperature changes and retain moisture, allowing soils to better regulate temperature fluctuations.
Researchers have developed a new technique, diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), to accurately measure soil carbon levels in coastal wetlands like mangrove forests. This method has higher accuracy and is non-toxic, fast, and inexpensive, making it suitable for large-scale monitoring.
A RUDN University researcher found that plant root secretions stimulate microbial activity, leading to faster decomposition of organic matter and increased nutrient availability for plants. This has significant implications for long-term carbon accumulation and soil fertility in paddy soils.
A recent study by Lancaster University found that logging in tropical forests can have negative impacts on biodiversity, even when done sustainably. The research looked at the impact of logging on forest dung beetles and found that low levels of logging led to a decline in species diversity and rates of soil removal.
Scientists at the University of Georgia developed an efficient living mulch system that benefits both corn production and soil health. By removing portions of clover after each harvest, farmers can reap cost savings from reduced herbicide and nitrogen fertilizer usage.
A combination of biosolids, zinc, and limestone effectively lowers cadmium levels in spinach to non-toxic levels. This innovative approach aims to protect local producers and consumers by growing safe and profitable crops.
A study has identified areas where nitrogen is removed from agricultural streams, revealing that buffer zones with fine soils and organic matter are effective at reducing nitrate levels. These findings suggest that conserving existing buffer zones and reconnecting streams to them can improve water quality.
Researchers found that tree species with drought tolerance traits and soil amendments like rice hulls and hydrogel improved seedling survival. The study provides a general approach to screen native tree species for restoration, offering hope for restoring tropical dry forests.