Articles tagged with Soils
A new phosphorus index aims to reduce agricultural runoff pollution by focusing on field characteristics and best management practices. The updated approach addresses limitations of previous indices, providing a more practical tool for farmers and policymakers.
A new study finds that long-term exposure to soil minerals from walking barefoot in volcanic soils is the cause of a debilitating and disfiguring skin condition in western Uganda. The researchers found that people had been suffering silently for decades before symptoms became apparent.
Researchers explored three organic methods to suppress weeds: using cover crops instead of disks, turning them under, or flatening with a crimper. While some found cover crops to be effective in reducing weeds, the team also noted that unexpected weather conditions and soil fertility issues impacted results.
Cornell University scientists discovered a high-definition system allowing electrons to travel through soil more efficiently than previously thought. Biochar amendments facilitate this process, promoting conductive networks and growth.
Researchers from the University of Delaware found that tree trunks in upland forests emit methane, while soils and coarse woody debris act as methane sinks. The study used state-of-the-art technology to measure fluxes of methane and carbon dioxide, revealing a previously unaccounted source of this potent greenhouse gas.
A 16-year Nebraska study found minimal negative impacts of grazing cattle on corn stubble on soil properties, except for slight compaction. Grazing may even have a slightly positive effect on soil microbial community structure due to the addition of nutrient-rich manure.
A Virginia Tech research team found that manure from cattle administered antibiotics drastically changes the soil's microbial community, leading to ecosystem dysfunction. The amount of antibiotic-resistant genes in soil near manure piles was 200 times greater than in unaffected areas.
Research by Tongchuan Li found that ants create aggregate mulches in agricultural fields, which can retain water and improve soil health. The type of ant studied, Camponotus japonicus, is widespread in China and helps increase air and organic matter in soil.
Researchers aim to quantify soil mass balance, production rates and lifespan in agricultural landscapes with unknown data. Soil erosion threatens food security, costing the US tens of billions annually.
A USGS study reveals that changes in temperature and precipitation patterns may cause desert surfaces to become lighter, altering energy exchange between the planet and its atmosphere. This could lead to increased albedo, slowing the earth's warming rate, but also resulting in soil erosion and decreased fertility.
Soil microbes may hold key to protecting sorghum crops from Striga, a parasitic plant that causes up to 50% yield loss in sub-Saharan Africa. Researchers will map potential micro-organisms present in African soils to develop sustainable solutions.
The Ecological Society of America recognizes Diana Harrison Wall, Kathleen Weathers, and Debra Peters with the Eminent Ecologist Award, Eugene P. Odum Award for Excellence in Ecology Education, and Distinguished Service Citation, respectively, for their outstanding contributions to ecology.
Researchers found that letting cover crops grow longer produces the best results in suppressing weeds while also retaining soil moisture. The optimal timing is crucial, as over-flattening can lead to unwanted seed production, while under-flattening may regrow the cover crop.
A new study maps and classifies the earthquake shaking potential across most of the Las Vegas metropolitan area, revealing that much of the ground is stiffer and potentially safer than previously thought. The site classifications could lead to reduced construction costs and improved safety measures for buildings.
A University of Central Florida professor is collaborating with NASA to study the extraction of metals from Martian soil using molten regolith electrolysis. This process could produce oxygen and molten metals vital for future human space exploration.
Researchers found that snap bean yields were not significantly affected by no-till cover crops, despite the benefits of weed suppression. The study suggests that timing and management techniques are crucial for successful integration of cover crops into vegetable production systems.
A European research team discovered that when restoring nature, initial soil communities lack strong links between organisms. However, with time, these connections strengthen, enabling a diverse plant community to thrive. Fungi are found to drive this process, storing and using nutrients more efficiently.
A new USGS study finds that most abandoned oil and gas pads on the Colorado Plateau are characterized by reduced vegetation cover, even after 9 years. The DART approach used in the study suggests that land stewardship and environmental gradients can impact pad recovery.
Researchers examine how native grass management can enhance soil health and agricultural productivity in the eastern US. They focus on optimizing fertility and cover crop strategies for nutrient-efficient species like switchgrass and big bluestem, which produce extensive root systems that support micro-invertebrate communities.
A recent study revealed that climate change is expected to disrupt the balance of nutrients in mountain ecosystems, potentially leading to changes in plant growth and biodiversity. The research found that decreasing elevation can serve as a surrogate indicator for climate warming, leading to increased nitrogen availability in soil.
A recently restored floodplain along a Mississippi tributary removed almost as much nitrogen as a natural floodplain, significantly reducing chemical pollutants in the river. The study's findings suggest that reconnecting rivers to their floodplains can help improve water quality and reduce the 'dead zone' in the Gulf of Mexico.
New studies reveal how soil biota affects plant diversity, with arbuscular mycorrhizas and ectomycorrhizas playing key roles in tree species recruitment and survival. The presence of certain fungi can increase or decrease local diversity, depending on the type of plant.
A new study found that diverse shrublands in South-Western Australia thrive due to beneficial root-associated organisms. The research suggests that these microorganisms equalize growth differences between plant species, allowing for long-term coexistence in highly competitive environments.
Researchers found that plants' choice of microbial teammates influences a suite of plant-soil interactions, driving high diversity in shrublands. The study revealed positive and negative feedbacks between plants and microbes, with nutrient-acquisition strategies playing a crucial role.
A recent study found that the viability of certain bacteria, nematodes, and plants declined over 12 months in stored soil, regardless of source or storage conditions. However, mortality was higher when exposed to sunlight, moisture, and desiccation than protection.
Researchers discovered that bags of potting soil on Guam's island are a breeding ground for invasive coconut rhinoceros beetles. The beetles spread through holes in plastic bags, which customers unknowingly bring home for their gardens.
A research team has discovered that soil microbial diversity is lower than previously estimated due to the presence of relic DNA. However, thousands of species of microbes still exist in one gram of soil, making it comparable to a 'poor man's rainforest'.
Researchers create a global map of soil pH, revealing an abrupt transition zone between acidic wet climates and alkaline dry climates. This discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as the ideal neutral range soils are found in areas like Iowa and Ukraine, which are intensively farmed.
The Earth's critical zone is a vital layer that supports life and human activities. Research in this area reveals the importance of time, depth, and coupling in understanding the zone's dynamics. This knowledge helps predict and mitigate negative effects, such as soil degradation and water quality issues.
A new study by University of Minnesota researcher Daniel Kaiser found that in-furrow starter fertilizer application has limited economic benefits for corn farmers in areas with cool spring temperatures. The practice, which aims to boost early-season growth, may not outweigh the costs of the fertilizer itself.
Researchers recommend combining dry-injection technology with modified traditional hollow-tine aerification programs for growing healthy ultradwarf bermudagrass putting greens. The optimal combination improves soil physical properties, such as bulk density and water infiltration.
Researchers at the University of Washington have developed transgenic grass species that can neutralize and eradicate RDX, a toxic compound used in explosives. These genetically modified grasses can remove all RDX from simulated soil within two weeks and retain none of the chemical in their leaves or stems.
A team of researchers from the University of Oregon has discovered microfossils in Australian rocks that suggest life in soils may have existed on Earth over 3,000 million years ago. The findings indicate that ancient ecosystems thrived in terrestrial environments, challenging traditional views of early life on Earth.
Researchers found that Arabidopsis halleri rockcress can accumulate high levels of toxic heavy metals like zinc and cadmium in its leaves. This adaptation may help clean soils contaminated with these pollutants through phytoremediation.
A study by Christine Cooper, Phil Withers, and Christofer Clemente found that individual echidnas aerate 200m3 of soil annually, playing a crucial role in maintaining Australia's environmental health. The team also discovered that echidna digging activities can mix organic material into the soil, which is essential for ecosystem balance.
A recent study found that an invasive tropical legume tree, Leucaena leucocephala, alters soil nitrogen dynamics in Guam ecosystems, reducing soil nitrogen levels. The research also revealed changes in microbiological processes that control soil chemistry transformations.
A new study reveals that household wastewater can release disease-causing pathogens into the air during irrigation, contaminating crops. On moderately windy days, up to 89% of these pathogens were released within half an hour of soil irrigation.
A UTA civil engineering professor has secured a $1.2 million contract with TxDOT to implement a system that improves sub-base repair of roads, reducing pavement cracking and improving maintenance. The team will also use recycled plastic pins for slope stabilization in around TxDOT's Dallas District.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have created the world's first global PyC database, revealing charcoal is a major component of soil worldwide. The study found PyC represents more than half of the organic matter identified, with agricultural land and high pH soils retaining it best.
A new study from Cardiff University found that climate change is unlikely to increase landslide frequency in storm-affected areas, despite projected increases in rainstorms. The research challenges current theories and highlights the importance of soil accumulation on steep hillslopes in triggering landslides.
A meta-analysis of 62 studies found that no-till agriculture increases microbial biomass and enzymatic activity compared to tilled systems. Chisel plows associated with greater microbial biomass in conservation tillage systems.
A new study found that soil organic matter and water holding capacity have a significant impact on maize yield stability, offering farmers a potential tool to support novel crop varieties. Implementing practices like cover crops and composted manures can help buffer against the effects of climate instability
New research reveals that Asian jumping worms can strip forest floors and flood soil with nutrients at an alarming rate. This accelerated nutrient release may benefit plants initially, but also threatens to outcompete native species and contaminate groundwater sources.
The spread of European earthworms is altering the physical and chemical properties of North American soils, disrupting symbiotic relationships between plants and fungi. This has led to a decline in species diversity, with many native plants threatened by the invasion.
Researchers have received a grant to study ways of reducing fertilizer use in high-temperature agricultural regions. By modifying fertilization and irrigation practices, nitrogen losses to the atmosphere can be reduced by 50 percent.
Researchers found that shell middens and fire used by coastal First Nations people improved forest health through increased nutrients and soil drainage. This finding challenges the common perception of human impact on the environment.
A study has determined that anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) is an effective and sustainable method for controlling weeds and nematodes in fresh-market tomatoes. ASD was found to provide comparable or higher fruit quality and mineral content compared to traditional chemical soil fumigation methods.
A new study by Jane Willenbring and colleagues suggests that asbestos fibers can move through soil due to the presence of dissolved organic matter. This finding has significant implications for current remediation strategies aimed at capping asbestos-laden soils.
A new study calls for collaboration between modelers and soil scientists to improve understanding of soil carbon turnover and its potential impact on climate feedbacks. The researchers aim to increase confidence in climate projections by representing a range of ideas about how the world works in models.
Scientists have untangled the genetic material of Kansas soil, reconstructing portions of 129 microbial genomes. The study provides a leap forward in understanding the diversity and interactions of microbes in complex soil samples.
A study found that applying mulching materials after soil remediation and reseeding can restore perennial ryegrass in 6 weeks after diesel and hydraulic fluid spills. The combination of peat pellets, mulching, and remediation with humic amendment resulted in the best turfgrass green density.
Research by Cornell University reveals that planting cover crops beneath grapevines reduces nitrogen leaching, decreases dissolved organic carbon, and lowers neonicotinoid insecticide residues. This environmentally sustainable approach also saves vineyards money by minimizing herbicide use.
A team of UBC researchers has determined that vineyards in the Okanagan region have a negative impact on soil quality, with differences in bacterial and fungal communities found between vineyard and natural habitats. This study highlights the importance of preserving soil biodiversity for sustainable wine production.
Researchers discovered that serpentine-tolerant Arabidopsis arenosa plants have adapted to extreme conditions through natural selection and gene borrowing. This study provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of plant adaptation, which can be used to develop stress-resistant crop varieties.
Researchers compared bioplastics with biofabrics, finding that biofabrics increased soil moisture and suppressed weed emergence. Biofabrics also showed better durability and decomposition properties than bioplastics.
Scientists found that neutralizing acidic forest soils with calcium boosted tree growth, but also caused a significant increase in nitrogen export to nearby streams. This unexpected result sheds new light on watershed dynamics and highlights the complexity of mitigating acid rain.
A new study reveals that the type of soil used in agricultural models can significantly impact yield projections, particularly in regions with limited fertilizer or irrigation. This uncertainty highlights the need for improved soil observations to better adapt to climate change impacts on food production.
Researchers found over 1000 different species of Cercozoa, a group of bacteria-eating microorganisms, in four small soil samples. Climate change is expected to shift the number of these microorganisms, potentially impacting decomposition processes.
Adding torrefied biomass to poor soil from Botswana increased water retention and promoted plant growth. The treated soil showed higher levels of potassium, phosphorus, and sulfur, as well as thicker stems, longer roots, and heavier plants.
A 700-year-old West African soil technique converts nutrient-poor rainforest soil into fertile farmland, potentially offsetting CO2 emissions and preventing food shortages. Researchers discovered that this method creates 'African Dark Earths' containing 200-300% more organic carbon than other soils.