Articles tagged with Soils
A Purdue University scientist discovered genetic evidence of how some plants adapt to live in unfavorable conditions. He found that the Arabidopsis thaliana plants with high sodium levels had a weak form of the gene HTK1, which regulates sodium intake distribution to leaves.
Male Schizococa ocreata wolf spiders adjust their signaling modes based on environment to increase mating chances. In natural habitats, vibrations on leaf litter were found to be significantly more effective than other substrates, leading to successful mating over 85% of the time.
Researchers found that approximately 44% of fields demonstrate rapid atrazine degradation activity due to recent use, soil pH, and organic matter content. Growers can predict enhanced degradation with multiple atrazine applications and high soil pH above 6.3.
A study by North Carolina State University aims to evaluate the role of legume cover crops in sucking carbon out of the air and sequestering it in the soil. The research will also examine different methods of killing cover crops before planting cash crops and their effect on soil carbon levels.
Researchers found elevated manganese levels in 20 of 21 soil samples from a ridge at Shale Hills Critical Zone Observatory, with 53% attributed to atmospheric deposition from industrial sources. The excess manganese can be toxic to trees and other vegetation, highlighting the legacy of past iron furnaces.
A Greek trade emporium on Egyptian soil thrived under the protection of powerful Eastern empires. The Greeks who inhabited Naukrtis formed a unique culture despite being from warring city-states, emerging with a national Greek identity. This arrangement enabled the exchange of art and culture between Greece and Egypt.
A study published in American Journal of Botany found that cacti like Ariocarpus fissuratus use root contraction to move deeper into the soil and escape high temperatures. While this method helped protect plants growing in rocky soils, it was not enough to prevent death in sandy soils
Researchers at NC State University have developed a sensor that allows engineers to assess scour potential of soils without excavation. The 'in situ scour evaluation probe' (ISEP) measures scour rates and behavior, helping authorities prepare for and minimize impact of natural events.
Researchers used a computer model to simulate the effects of 100 years of farming on claypan soils in Missouri, finding a significant increase in herbicide runoff and decline in crop yields. The study provides insights for farmers, policymakers, and conservation agents to make informed decisions about best practices.
Researchers found that 81% of urban vegetable gardens in Boston had lead levels above the EPA limit, rising to an average of 336 micrograms per gram in just four years.
Researchers created a technique using computer models that can analyze tiny samples of soil to predict its behavior in relation to foundations. This technology could be applied to build structures on the moon or remote locations where traditional testing is impractical.
Researchers from USDA's Agricultural Research Service found that subsurface injection of liquid manure can reduce ammonia emissions from dairy farms by 65% compared to surface broadcasting or shallow incorporation. This method limits manure nitrogen losses from volatilization, improving air quality and soil health.
Researchers found that fertilizing soils with biosolids introduces triclosan into the environment, with levels averaging 15.5 milligrams per kilogram in treated biosolids. Biological degradation of triclosans resulted in significant loss after 7-9 months, with up to 96% removal after 16 months.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) are presenting various scholarships and fellowships to students pursuing careers in agronomy and plant sciences. The scholarships include the Hank Beachell Future Leader Scholarship, United Soybean Board Fellowship...
A study comparing 31 commercial strawberry farms found that organic farms produced more flavorful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil healthier and more genetically diverse. The research team analyzed multiple sampling times on over two dozen fields, finding significant advantages of organic farming systems.
A study published in PLoS ONE found that organic strawberry farms produced more flavorful and nutritious berries while leaving the soil healthier and more genetically diverse. The researchers also discovered that organic soils excelled in various key chemical and biological properties, including carbon sequestration and microbial biomass.
A new technique developed by NIST scientists can detect biochemical changes in a decomposing cadaver, making it easier to find hidden graves. The device uses an alumina-coated column with a motorized pipette to pull in air samples, detecting trace amounts of ninhydrin-reactive nitrogen.
New eco-friendly cremation methods use low-heat processes and break down corpses into soil, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A corpse composting method turns bodies into natural soil without a sealed casket, providing environmentally friendly burial options
A five-year study found that one-time tillage did not negatively impact grain yield or soil structure in no-till crops. However, it may help manage perennial weeds and reduce phosphorus stratification. The researchers concluded that tilling should only be done to address specific problems, as it increases erosion risk.
Phytophthora blight affects all cucurbits and peppers, causing up to 100% crop loss in parts of the state. Illinois-grown processing pumpkins account for nearly 95% of US supply, with a gross value exceeding $160 million per year.
Researchers discovered that plants integrate information about food location and competitors to develop unique root growth strategies. This complexity is a level of sophistication previously thought exclusive to animals.
Researchers found that improving soil structure was a significant variable contributing to positive potato yield. Supplementing traditional soil sampling with spectral measurement provided detailed insights into how the potato crop interacts with its environment.
Research using geoscientific observatories reveals high levels of manganese in certain soils linked to nearby industrial activities. The study contributes to understanding the impact of human activity on soil formation and fertility.
Scientists have developed a faster technique for testing soils around oil spills, allowing for on-site analysis of petroleum contaminants in moist soil samples. The new method uses visible near infrared light with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to rapidly evaluate soils for oil contamination.
A new model has estimated that large amounts of organic nitrogen are stored in the soil beneath fields in Nebraska and Maryland, where corn and soybean crops are grown. The study found that leaching accounted for most of the nitrogen lost from the soil, particularly in irrigated areas.
USDA ARS scientists collaborated with NRC experts to model radioactive material movement in the vadose zone. They found that gaps in fine-material layers significantly affect tracer transport in soils and shallow groundwater.
CSIRO researchers have developed a salt-tolerant durum wheat that yields 25% more grain than the parent variety in saline soils. This breakthrough will enable wheat farmers to achieve higher yields of durum wheat in salty areas.
A team of researchers from the University of Arizona revisited evidence pointing to a cataclysmic event that wiped out North American megafauna, including mammoths and Dire wolves. The study found no conclusive link between an extraterrestrial impact and the extinction of these species.
A study found that leaving logging debris behind suppresses the growth of invasive plant species like Scotch broom and blackberry, allowing native plants to thrive. This method saves costs but may increase fire risk, making it a more favorable approach for forest management.
Agricultural Research Service scientists discover that sugarcane can tolerate standing water for up to two weeks without adverse effects on yield or sugar content. This finding provides relief for growers under strict regulations to reduce phosphorus runoff into the Everglades.
Scientists found that prior herbicide use, rather than irrigation, is crucial to a herbicide's effectiveness and environmental impact. The study revealed that herbicides like atrazine degrade faster in fields with previous applications, leading to reduced weed control and deeper soil penetration.
The new guidebook covers geologic terrain from eastern Pennsylvania to northeastern West Virginia, highlighting diverse landscapes and tectonic evolution. It also offers opportunities for readers to explore the complex geology of the southeastern and northeastern United States.
A team of US engineers is traveling to Chile to document the effects of a massive 8.8 magnitude earthquake that struck on February 27. The team will focus on soil and geologic conditions, as well as the performance of engineered structures in the quake.
Researchers have found that shallow-rooted bean plants can thrive in poor soil conditions, improving crop production by 600% and decreasing erosion. Shallow-rooted soybeans are also being developed for low-phosphorus soils, while efforts are underway to improve nitrogen efficiency in corn.
Most household dust originates from outdoors, comprising dead skin, carpet fibers, and tracked-in soil, with potential contaminants like lead and arsenic.
Corn nematode populations are widespread in Illinois, with over 90% of fields sampled having lesion nematodes that can cause significant yield reductions. Experts recommend taking soil samples and using specific management strategies to mitigate the issue.
Research by scientists at the University of Missouri Center for Agroforestry suggests that buffer strips can trap and break down veterinary antibiotics in manure fertilizers. The finding aims to mitigate concerns about the use of veterinary antibiotics in livestock farming, which may lead to drug-resistant bacteria and ecosystem harm.
A QUT team is studying how iron from soil reaches water to potentially cause algal blooms. Researchers are investigating the role of bacteria and chemical reactions in making iron soluble.
A NASA scientist has added an experiment to the Sample Analysis at Mars (SAM) instrument, enhancing its ability to analyze large carbon molecules. The experiment aims to preserve information on how organic molecules formed, shedding light on the planet's carbon cycle.
Researchers discovered that invasive Phragmites produces more gallotannin, a precursor to toxic gallic acid, than its native cousin. This triggers the native plant's natural defense mechanism, releasing tannase that cleaves gallotannin into toxic gallic acid, ultimately harming the native plant.
Researchers at UC San Diego's Englekirk Structural Engineering Center conducted comprehensive shake tests on semi-gravity reinforced concrete cantilever walls. The project aims to improve the seismic design of California's thousands of miles of retaining walls, ensuring safer transportation systems.
Interactive e-lessons developed by soil science educators engage learners with active learning strategies, interactive Flash animations, and experiential activities. These lessons aim to help students and the public recognize the critical importance of soil in addressing various issues.
Microbiologist Louis Tisa received nearly $500,000 to explore the symbiotic relationship between bacteria Frankia and actinorhizal plant Casuarina. The USDA grant aims to enhance the performance of these trees, providing a sustainable solution to soil enrichment.
Researchers found that certain wild flax plants growing in poor soils can balance stress and reduce the risk of infection from a fungal pathogen. This suggests that stressful environments may be attractive to plants, providing a refuge from pathogens, but requiring adaptation to survive.
Researchers found that copper and zinc toxicity in soybeans is additive, with high copper inhibiting zinc adsorption and causing more extractable zinc. Soil texture also influenced the degree of toxicity, with coarse-textured soils being more susceptible.
A new Cornell study finds that rising temperatures cause nitrogen to escape from desert soils, leading to decreased plant life and soil fertility. The researchers warn that this could exacerbate air pollution and contribute to further desertification.
Wildlife biologists found that the carcasses of moose killed by wolves at Isle Royale National Park create nutrient-rich hotspots in forest fertility. This discovery highlights an unexpected connection between predator-prey interactions and biochemical processes on the landscape.
Researchers found significant differences in heavy metal accumulation depending on mushroom species, with Chanterelles having high levels of lead and neodymium. The study suggests that the type of substrate plays a crucial role in metal accumulation, highlighting the need for further research into edible mushrooms
Researchers at Southern Methodist University discovered that Ethiopia's climate 27 million years ago had warmer soil temperatures and higher rainfall. The study used oxygen and hydrogen isotopes in fossil soils found in the highlands of northwest Ethiopia, providing a previously unknown picture of the paleolandscape.
The HRS technology combines space sensors with ground and air measurements to provide advance warnings of natural disasters such as forest fires. It can also identify water contamination, pollution spills and monsoon strikes, offering valuable insights for property developers and authorities.
The Optical Soil Dipstick (OSD) measures soil health through a small hole in the surface of the earth, providing information on pollution, water needs and crop condition. The device could help solve the mystery of global warming's effects on farming and water resources.
Undergraduate students can learn problem-solving skills by analyzing subsidence and restoration of organic wetland soils. This approach emphasizes cross-disciplinary concepts, such as mass-volume relationships, to help students understand complex soil processes.
Case Western Reserve University researchers tested a key process for extracting oxygen from celestial soils on the 'vomit comet' ride, finding that sifters can work effectively in low gravity. The technology is essential for building a space outpost and has applications beyond lunar missions.
Brookhaven scientists have developed a cost-effective method to remove mercury contamination from soil and industrial waste using In Situ Mercury Stabilization (ISMS). The technology involves treating mercury-contaminated materials with sulfur-based reagents, reducing environmental impact and making remediation more affordable.
Researchers have developed a new analytical method to quantify environmental contaminant reactions in real-time, enabling predictions of risks and transport. This breakthrough advances understanding of geochemical processes and has significant applications in environmental science, particularly for contaminants like arsenic.
A team of scientists is exploring the role of microbes in rice plants, which can affect crop yields and plant performance. They plan to analyze microbial associations using transcriptomic and metabolic profiling techniques.
Researchers evaluated three growing methods, finding that advanced matted-row system and cold-climate plasticulture systems have less negative effects on natural resources than conventional matted row system. The AMR and CCP systems also showed lower pesticide levels and nutrient runoff compared to CMR.
Researchers studied golf course putting greens to understand nutrient and chemical changes that occur over time. The study found that organic matter accumulation in the root zone contributes to increased retention of nutrients, while replacing peat with soil in the root zone can reduce construction costs and aid in nutrient retention.
Researchers at Kansas State University investigate the impact of heat expansion on integral bridges, which lack expansion joints and have a continuous deck. The study reveals that soil compaction and temperature change range affect bridge performance, with some stresses induced by daily fluctuations.
Crop residues are crucial for sustaining soil organic matter, but extensive removal for ethanol production can impact soil productivity. Research suggests that straw removal rates should be limited to less than 66% and no more than 40% of aboveground residues removed.