Articles tagged with Soils
Comprehensive exploration of living organisms, biological systems, and life processes across all scales from molecules to ecosystems. Encompasses cutting-edge research in biology, genetics, molecular biology, ecology, biochemistry, microbiology, botany, zoology, evolutionary biology, genomics, and biotechnology. Investigates cellular mechanisms, organism development, genetic inheritance, biodiversity conservation, metabolic processes, protein synthesis, DNA sequencing, CRISPR gene editing, stem cell research, and the fundamental principles governing all forms of life on Earth.
Comprehensive medical research, clinical studies, and healthcare sciences focused on disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Encompasses clinical medicine, public health, pharmacology, epidemiology, medical specialties, disease mechanisms, therapeutic interventions, healthcare innovation, precision medicine, telemedicine, medical devices, drug development, clinical trials, patient care, mental health, nutrition science, health policy, and the application of medical science to improve human health, wellbeing, and quality of life across diverse populations.
Comprehensive investigation of human society, behavior, relationships, and social structures through systematic research and analysis. Encompasses psychology, sociology, anthropology, economics, political science, linguistics, education, demography, communications, and social research methodologies. Examines human cognition, social interactions, cultural phenomena, economic systems, political institutions, language and communication, educational processes, population dynamics, and the complex social, cultural, economic, and political forces shaping human societies, communities, and civilizations throughout history and across the contemporary world.
Fundamental study of the non-living natural world, matter, energy, and physical phenomena governing the universe. Encompasses physics, chemistry, earth sciences, atmospheric sciences, oceanography, materials science, and the investigation of physical laws, chemical reactions, geological processes, climate systems, and planetary dynamics. Explores everything from subatomic particles and quantum mechanics to planetary systems and cosmic phenomena, including energy transformations, molecular interactions, elemental properties, weather patterns, tectonic activity, and the fundamental forces and principles underlying the physical nature of reality.
Practical application of scientific knowledge and engineering principles to solve real-world problems and develop innovative technologies. Encompasses all engineering disciplines, technology development, computer science, artificial intelligence, environmental sciences, agriculture, materials applications, energy systems, and industrial innovation. Bridges theoretical research with tangible solutions for infrastructure, manufacturing, computing, communications, transportation, construction, sustainable development, and emerging technologies that advance human capabilities, improve quality of life, and address societal challenges through scientific innovation and technological progress.
Study of the practice, culture, infrastructure, and social dimensions of science itself. Addresses how science is conducted, organized, communicated, and integrated into society. Encompasses research funding mechanisms, scientific publishing systems, peer review processes, academic ethics, science policy, research institutions, scientific collaboration networks, science education, career development, research programs, scientific methods, science communication, and the sociology of scientific discovery. Examines the human, institutional, and cultural aspects of scientific enterprise, knowledge production, and the translation of research into societal benefit.
Comprehensive study of the universe beyond Earth, encompassing celestial objects, cosmic phenomena, and space exploration. Includes astronomy, astrophysics, planetary science, cosmology, space physics, astrobiology, and space technology. Investigates stars, galaxies, planets, moons, asteroids, comets, black holes, nebulae, exoplanets, dark matter, dark energy, cosmic microwave background, stellar evolution, planetary formation, space weather, solar system dynamics, the search for extraterrestrial life, and humanity's efforts to explore, understand, and unlock the mysteries of the cosmos through observation, theory, and space missions.
Comprehensive examination of tools, techniques, methodologies, and approaches used across scientific disciplines to conduct research, collect data, and analyze results. Encompasses experimental procedures, analytical methods, measurement techniques, instrumentation, imaging technologies, spectroscopic methods, laboratory protocols, observational studies, statistical analysis, computational methods, data visualization, quality control, and methodological innovations. Addresses the practical techniques and theoretical frameworks enabling scientists to investigate phenomena, test hypotheses, gather evidence, ensure reproducibility, and generate reliable knowledge through systematic, rigorous investigation across all areas of scientific inquiry.
Study of abstract structures, patterns, quantities, relationships, and logical reasoning through pure and applied mathematical disciplines. Encompasses algebra, calculus, geometry, topology, number theory, analysis, discrete mathematics, mathematical logic, set theory, probability, statistics, and computational mathematics. Investigates mathematical structures, theorems, proofs, algorithms, functions, equations, and the rigorous logical frameworks underlying quantitative reasoning. Provides the foundational language and tools for all scientific fields, enabling precise description of natural phenomena, modeling of complex systems, and the development of technologies across physics, engineering, computer science, economics, and all quantitative sciences.
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.
This study analyzed buried and cultivated Neolithic paddy soils to understand the impact of agriculture on microbial diversity. The results showed that modern intensive rice cultivation led to a significant loss of functional diversity, with accelerated nutrient cycling and homogenization of soil ecological functions.
The SMAP satellite measures soil moisture by collecting signals related to ground characteristics, then estimating moisture levels using complex equations. On-ground measurements are being used to compare with satellite data and improve accuracy.
University of Delaware researchers found that incorporating rice husk into soil can decrease toxic arsenic levels in rice grain by 25 to 50 percent. This eco-friendly approach has implications for developing countries relying on rice as a staple food and aims to improve soil quality without negatively affecting yield.
Researchers investigated how hydraulic fracturing chemicals degrade in agricultural soil and found that co-contamination can slow down biodegradation. They tested three common chemicals and found varying degradation rates, highlighting the need for further studies to understand chemical interactions and their impact on human health.
The new atlas, compiled by over 120 experts from 29 countries, reveals a vast and underappreciated natural resource – soil biodiversity. With nearly 200 pages of detailed information, the atlas aims to promote sustainability and encourage research efforts to tackle global challenges.
A new study published by the University of Bristol and industry partners has found that cage-free laying hens in the UK have experienced a reduction in feather loss and an improvement in overall welfare, with some farms reporting a 59% increase in changes to improve bird welfare.
Researchers found that earthworms create the surales landscapes by depositing casts and building towers of dry habitat, which eventually form mounds. The study suggests that these worms engineer the ecosystem, creating habitats used by plants and other earthworms.
Researchers discovered that surales, large mounds in tropical wetlands, are largely composed of earthworm casts. These mounds vary in size and form due to the repeated actions of individual earthworms, which deposit casts that eventually become mounds.
A trio of new age-dating methods developed at Duke University can determine the age of oil and gas wastewater spills and identify their origins based on radium isotope variations. The methods verify that radium's decay products, including thorium and lead isotopes, can be used to detect the age and source of spills.
A University of Illinois study reveals declining sulfur levels in agricultural areas, with negative balances in some watersheds and rivers. Farmers may need to apply sulfur fertilizer in the future, particularly on fields with less soil organic matter.
Scientists discovered that up to 60% of airborne particles after a rainstorm come from the soil, releasing organic matter into the atmosphere. This finding has significant implications for understanding the planet's climate and will be integrated into atmospheric models.
Researchers at Washington University in St. Louis have found a way to improve the growth of protein-rich bean crops by using zinc oxide nanoparticles, reducing the need for rock phosphorus fertilizer. The nanoparticles increase nutrient uptake and enzyme activity, leading to a lesser need for external phosphorus application.
A Duke University study found high levels of contaminants in brine-laden wastewater from fracking spills, exceeding federal drinking water guidelines. Soil samples contained higher levels of radioactivity downstream from spill sites, suggesting radium builds up in the environment.
The taste of wine is influenced by soil properties, particularly pH, which modify the wine's chemistry. Researchers found a correlation between specific soil characteristics and Pinot Noir vintages in the Willamette Valley.
A new study warns that intensive farming in tropical regions may require vast amounts of phosphorus fertilizer, which is a limited natural resource. The researchers estimate that if global demand for food continues to rise, the phosphorus tax imposed by these soils could double by 2050.
Intensifying tropical agriculture may sequester up to 1-4 million metric tons of phosphorus fertilizer annually, forcing farmers to pay a recurring 'P-tax'. Recycling phosphorus-rich livestock manure and rethinking high-meat diets could mitigate this issue.
Dr. Martinus van Genuchten has made significant contributions to soil physics and vadose zone hydrology, including developing theoretical equations that are now universally used worldwide. His leadership has also supported the careers of countless graduate students and junior scientists.
Research suggests that soils could store an extra 8 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases, helping to combat climate change. Adopting sustainable land use practices and technologies could enhance soil carbon storage, equivalent to four-fifths of annual fossil fuel emissions.
Researchers have found a link between lead contamination in Flint's soil and elevated blood levels in local children, particularly in low-income areas. The study suggests that soil lead is an additional factor contributing to the city's ongoing water crisis.
Researchers at the University of Delaware have developed a method to break down glyphosate, a common commercial herbicide, using manganese oxide minerals. The study found that the mineral can degrade glyphosate and AMPA, a major byproduct, within hours, providing a potential solution to environmental concerns about these compounds.
Researchers created a computer model to identify habitats of the endangered shrubby reed-mustard plant. The model uses satellite imagery, elevation data, and soil characteristics to predict habitat locations with accuracy.
Soil is an effective carbon sink, and adopting new farming practices like cover crops and no-till farming can enhance its organic matter, boosting carbon content. This approach has direct benefits to farmers, including reduced soil erosion and increased resilience to drought.
A study evaluated organic trailing blackberry production practices, recommending weed mat management to increase production and profits. Soil pH, organic matter content, and macronutrient concentrations were affected mainly by year and weed management strategy.
Researchers from eight European countries have mapped the abundance and diversity of earthworms across the continent, highlighting their crucial role in soil health. The study's findings emphasize the need for further data collection to validate the results and improve monitoring.
Researchers found that high CO2 concentrations in the soil change community dynamics, leading to less efficient food web processes. This study provides insights into the environmental risks of subterranean CO2 storage.
New research reveals a clear parallel between antibiotic resistance in medicine and similar genes detected in agricultural soils treated with animal manure. The study found that repeated use of antibiotics in agriculture can increase soil bacteria's capacity to acquire new resistance genes.
Recent studies on the Elaeocarpus joga tree from Guam have identified nitrogen and potassium as limiting factors for its growth in limestone soils. This knowledge is crucial for conserving large charismatic trees and restoring degraded landscapes to improve island ecosystem health.
The four empty lots in Chicago's South Side have poor-quality soils with high alkaline levels and excess chemicals, including lead and heavy metals. Soil testing is crucial to determine the extent of contamination and guide remediation efforts.
A University of Washington-led study finds that the benefits of locally produced vegetables in cities outweigh any risks from gardening in contaminated soils. Compost can dilute lead levels and make it less hazardous to eat, especially for root vegetables like carrots.