Articles tagged with Soils
New research reveals Artemisia tridentata seeds can form a persistent seed bank, enabling the species to regenerate post-fire. The study found that burying sagebrush seeds 3 cm below the soil surface increased their viability for up to 24 months.
Triclosan effectively preserves gasoline and fire starters in charred remains, enabling crime scene investigators to determine arson intent. This preservation method could help law enforcement officials catch criminals and reveal the true extent of arson problems.
Soil arsenic levels and cancer rates have been linked by researchers, highlighting the need for recorded monitoring of environmental sources. Ongoing exposure to arsenic in soil is thought to contribute to childhood cancers in the Goldfields region of Victoria.
Researchers found that molybdenum, not phosphorus, is the limiting nutrient for nitrogen-fixing bacteria in tropical forests. The discovery could have widespread implications for understanding how tropical forests respond to climate change and regulate the Earth's climate system.
Biologists at Bielefeld University have developed a new method to quantify the impact of non-native species on ecosystem functioning. The study found that invasive species like the Sydney Golden Wattle can fertilize surrounding soil with nitrogen, extending beyond their occupied area and affecting native plants.
Researchers at the University of Zurich have discovered a specialized transport protein required for plant-fungus symbiosis, enabling more efficient nutrient uptake and harvesting. This discovery could lead to improved crop yields and reduced parasite damage in low-nutrient soils.
A recent study reveals a direct link between the presence of invasive European earthworms and reduced numbers of ovenbirds in mixed sugar maple and basswood forests. The worm's consumption of leaf litter leads to a decline in nesting sites, increased predation, and a shift in plant species composition.
Researchers at the University of Nottingham have developed a revolutionary technique using X-ray Micro Computed Tomography (Micro-CT) to analyze plant roots with unprecedented accuracy. This breakthrough enables the identification of root architecture in three dimensions, paving the way for improved crop breeding and food security.
The National Science Foundation has awarded a $1.3 million grant to support research aimed at reducing fertilizer usage in maize production. The project, led by Ivan Baxter, will focus on identifying genes controlling the elemental composition of maize and their interaction with soil conditions.
Ray Arvidson's proposal aims to study crusted soils using the Curiosity rover, which can break through crusts and become mired in softer soils. The project has operational and scientific purposes, helping the rover navigate challenging terrain and investigate potentially habitable environments.
Research at Kansas State University is exploring the use of lignin, a plant-based material, to stabilize and strengthen unpaved roads. The study found that adding lignin to soil can improve road cohesion and reduce erosion, potentially reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact.
University of Oregon scientist Gregory J. Retallack finds evidence that transitional fossils between fish and amphibians lived in wooded floodplains, not deserts. The new theory suggests limbs and necks evolved to adapt to this habitat, allowing for feeding and navigating obstacles.
Researchers develop a new method to reduce erosion in areas ravaged by forest fires using an organic polymer. The treatment, tested on burnt soils in Israel, shows promise in reducing erosion by up to 50%.
Adding biochar to glacial soils reduces carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide emissions. Ethylene production is also stimulated by biochar, potentially influencing plant growth.
Research by University of Warwick finds that changes in soil temperature trigger sensitivity to plant hormones in seeds, altering dormancy depth. This regulation can help predict the impact of climate change on native flora and crop competition.
Researchers analyzed soils in Cedar Rapids for industrial pollutants like PCBs and chlordanes, finding levels similar to other urban/industrial sites globally. The study highlights the need for caution regarding contaminated soil as a source of exposure to persistent organic pollutants.
Researchers discovered 16 new species of Caenorhabditis, found in rotting fruit and vegetation, using molecular barcoding. The newly identified species will aid future research on genome evolution, reproductive modes, and development.
Researchers in Italy have compiled a comprehensive summary of the country's native conehead insect species, Protura. They identified 40 species, including six new records for the Italian fauna, shedding light on their ecological role in organic matter degradation and nutrient recycling.
Researchers are developing a new approach to predict water uptake by roots in soils using X-ray scanning and mathematical modelling. This will help understand how different wheat root architectures affect water movement and crop growth.
A recent study reveals a diverse range of microscopic animals in soils from tropical forests to tundra and boreal forests. The research found that each ecosystem has its unique set of soil animals, contradicting the long-held assumption that diversity decreases at higher latitudes.
A study published in Nature suggests that soil environment, not molecular structure, determines the degradation rate of humus, a key factor in the global carbon cycle. The researchers propose new experiments and models to improve forecasting of soils' response to climate changes.
A team of scientists has challenged existing models on how soil organic matter decomposes, suggesting that factors beyond molecular structure influence its breakdown rate. The study's results have implications for climate change mitigation strategies and bioengineering efforts to sequester carbon in soils.
Research from Cardiff University reveals that invertebrates living on the woodland floor regulate fungal battles, ensuring less competitive species survive. This process maintains soil quality and fertility, supporting native trees and plants.
Using fabric ground covers in organic production allows farmers to control weeds, hold down costs, and maintain soil health. The study found that fabric covers limited water penetration and reduced soil levels of nitrogen and phosphorus.
Soil nitrogen can remove pollutants from the atmosphere by forming hydroxyl radicals, which oxidize and wash out pollutants. The amount of nitrous acid released depends on soil acidity and water content.
Researchers have cultured and identified a new type of fungus, Archaeorhizomycetes finlayi, found in soil for millions of years. The fungus, which is slow-growing and produces spores only in soil, may play a role in breaking down dead plants.
A study by Purdue University and the University of Arkansas evaluated 12 bermudagrass and zoysiagrass cultivars for divot resistance. The results show that some grasses are more resistant to divoting than others, which can help reduce maintenance inputs and costs.
Recent research investigates the effects of invasive velvetgrass on a native daisy, revealing direct competition as a key mechanism. The study found that removing invasive species can alter soil communities, leading to lingering negative impacts on native plants.
Researchers have developed a way to help growers reduce fumigant emissions by testing the permeability of dozens of films used to cover treated soil. They found that some films are better barriers to fumigant diffusion than others, but their effectiveness varies depending on the fumigant and weather conditions.
Researchers at USDA's Agricultural Research Service (ARS) have created a unique fingerprinting method to identify the source of soil, distinguishing between soils from rural roads and agricultural fields. This innovation has significant implications for managing wind erosion and promoting sustainable agriculture.
A new study reveals that measurable amounts of mercury emitted by coal-fired power plants are deposited in local soil, contaminating regional watersheds and affecting fish populations. The research found hot spots of mercury contamination tied to specific power plants, highlighting the need for better energy production choices.
A University at Buffalo study found that quantum dots degrade in soil, releasing toxic cadmium and selenium ions. The researchers suggest that modifying the chemistry of nanomaterials could prevent degradation and mitigate environmental impacts.
Researchers have identified a promising conservation tillage technique called undercutting, which can reduce PM10 emissions by 30-70% compared to conventional tillage. This method creates an aerodynamically rougher soil surface, promoting retention of crop residue and reducing wind erosion.
The study found that self-seeding winter cereal cover crops produced consistent growth using wheat cover crop and mechanical seed dispersal. This technique can lower costs and risks while extending ecological functions of cover crops beyond their normal termination dates.
A team of experts developed a high-tech, portable device to test soil for carcinogenic pollutants, providing fast and accurate results. The Safe Soil Tester can detect toxins in as little as 12 minutes, offering significant cost savings over traditional lab testing.
A new University of Minnesota project aims to refine successful farming techniques for corn and soybeans in anticipation of climate change. Scientists will investigate the benefits of precision zonal management, which enables crops to receive optimal nutrients while soil-building processes occur between rows.
A Lithuanian company, Biocentras, has developed a three-stage process that transforms contaminated soil into usable land for growing plants. The process uses biosurfactant and micro-organisms to break down oil pollutants, making it an efficient and natural solution.
A Lithuanian company developed a technique that has cleaned over 22,000 tons of soil using non-genetically-modified bacteria, transforming contaminated soil into usable land for plant growth. The natural process eliminates the need for chemicals or genetically-modified technologies.
Composted dairy manure solids significantly improve soil physical and chemical properties, reducing density and pH while increasing organic matter and nutrient concentrations. The treatment also enhances the establishment and growth of selected ornamental plants.
Researchers found that European alpine soils generally retain similar amounts of phosphate, ranging from 9-145 mmol kg-1, with aluminum oxide concentration being the key factor. Acidified soils retain more phosphate than non-acidified ones.
A new inquiry-based curriculum is helping high school students better understand soil science concepts through research and experiments. The program has shown that students who work on real-world projects tend to perform better than those who only focus on standardized testing.
The planet's soils face unprecedented threats from erosion and human activity, which can lead to loss of food production, carbon storage, and biodiversity. International research efforts aim to develop mathematical models to predict soil changes and design solutions to mitigate these impacts.
A Baylor University geology researcher and scientists from Rice University tested a new soil additive called biochar on common earthworms. They found that wetting the biochar before applying it to the soil reduces harm to earthworms, allowing them to perform essential functions in the soil ecosystem.
A global analysis of invasive plant impacts found that 135 species cause a 40% reduction in native plant abundance and a 50% decrease in species diversity. This study highlights the context-dependent nature of invasions, with impacts varying by species traits, ecosystem type, and duration.
Researchers warn that seed mixtures could increase the risk of pest resistance and reduce choices for growers, highlighting concerns over integrated pest management. The use of biotechnology in seed mixtures may lead to increased pressure on the soil insecticide market as resistance develops.
Researchers have isolated a new species of ammonia oxidizing archaeon from soil, named Nitrososphaera viennensis. The discovery has significant implications for agriculture, as ammonia oxidation affects nitrogen availability for plants and groundwater nitrate levels.
A New Zealand study found that adding biochar to soil can decrease nitrous oxide emissions from grazing animals' urine by up to 70%. The incorporation of biochar also alters nitrogen transformations and reduces ammonia formation, leading to lower nitrate concentrations.
A comprehensive study of British soil biodiversity has been conducted, mapping bacterial distributions for the first time. The research found that acidic soils are dominated by few taxa, while bacterial diversity is strongly related to soil pH.
Researchers found widespread soil liquefaction in Japan, exceeding expectations, and raising concerns about its impact on vulnerable locations such as Portland, Ore. and the Pacific Northwest. The phenomenon can cause structures to shift or sink, significantly magnifying damage.
Researchers at Queen's University discovered that silver nanoparticles can be highly toxic to microbial communities in Arctic soil, compromising the ecosystem's ability to fix nitrogen. The study's findings highlight the need for further consideration of innovation's impact on the environment.
A Purdue University study suggests that drought-exposed leaves may negatively impact soil nutrients by accumulating high levels of tannins. These tannins can interfere with critical enzymes in soil, potentially slowing down decomposition and nutrient cycling.
Researchers used satellite imagery and an artificial neural network to classify and monitor irrigated crops, achieving high accuracy rates. The study aims to promote sustainable agricultural practices and reduce water waste in Mediterranean countries.
USDA scientists tracked E. coli's journey from soil to leafy greens, finding the pathogen's survival in roots is sporadic and not a significant food safety concern. The study suggests that E. coli is unlikely to become internalized through plant roots, reducing the risk of foodborne illness.
Studies by CSIRO and the University of Sydney found that ants and termites can increase wheat crop yields by up to 36% under low tillage conditions. The insects improve soil nitrogen and water infiltration, reducing runoff and evaporation. This breakthrough has significant implications for dryland agriculture in hot and dry climates.
Recent UC research on ancient Maya agroforestry and water-management systems at Tikal reveals that the forests were insufficient to meet the needs of Late Classic Maya populations, highlighting the importance of sustainable management techniques. The study also sheds light on how the ancient Maya built their water management systems, u...
Researchers explore why large, successful Maya communities were built near wetlands, finding that ancient environments and agricultural practices contributed to their success. The project sheds light on the Maya's 'edge farming' technique, which created fertile soils along the interface between uplands and swamps.
A new study found that biochar can significantly reduce nitrous oxide emissions from intensive grazing systems. The research, conducted in New Zealand, showed a 70% decrease in nitrous oxide fluxes when biochar was added to the soil. This effect was attributed to reduced ammonia formation and its adsorption onto biochar.
Researchers found that seedlings grow best with distant relatives in field soils but struggle with close relatives. This contradicts Darwin's idea that competition will be strongest between close relatives.
A new study by the U.S. Geological Survey and University of California, Los Angeles, found that climate change will lead to increased dust storm activity in the Southwest due to reduced perennial vegetation cover. However, biological soil crusts prevented wind erosion from occurring at most sites.
The article highlights the importance of soil in addressing societal and ecological pressures. Soil scientists recommend refocusing research on urgent issues, broadening their vision to entire ecosystems, and improving communication to protect the planet's fragile home.