Articles tagged with Soils
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.
Researchers used the MACRO model to simulate the transport of three PPCPs and a strongly sorbing dye, finding that non-equilibrium sorption in macropores significantly impacted solute transport. The updated version of the model showed better fits to measured data, but limitations were found in accounting for all relevant processes.
The study clarifies the chemical nature of the ISNT and its relationship to microbial growth. It finds that the test mainly detects bacterial amino sugars, suggesting this form of soil nitrogen is key to its effectiveness in predicting corn yield response.
Researcher identifies wind erosion, salinization, and waterlogging as major land degradation indicators in Abu Dhabi Emirate. The study suggests conservation strategies and management options to combat desertification through better resource management.
A literature review reveals that landfill cover soils oxidize more methane than previously recommended guidelines suggest. The overall mean fraction oxidized was 36%, with a standard error of 6%, indicating that the actual oxidation rate is likely higher than current default values.
A recent study found that flood conditions can decrease soil aggregation stability by up to 20%, impacting crop production. The research suggests that reducing conditions contribute to the degradation of soil structure.
Researchers found that nitrous oxide production rates in small stream sediments are linked to nitrate availability. The study suggests that management efforts to reduce nitrous oxide production should focus on limiting nitrate transport to stream ecosystems.
Repeatedly, molecular microbiological techniques have found changes in soil bacterial communities after antibiotic use in intensive livestock production. Bacteria involved in the nitrogen cycle are particularly affected, with persistent changes even after antibiotics break down.
A new study measures global land degradation using remotely sensed imagery, revealing 24% of the world's productive land is degrading. The worst-hit areas are Africa south of the Equator, SE Asia and S China, with a quarter of the world's population depending on these degrading areas.
A study in the Catskill Mountains reveals that certain tree species retain more nitrogen in their soils, reducing leaching losses. The research found that sugar maple trees are particularly susceptible to nitrogen leaching, while forests dominated by red oak and hemlock retain more nitrogen.
A new study by León Paumen has improved the accuracy of risk assessments for soil and sediment contamination. The research found that prolonged exposure to Polycyclic Aromatic Compounds (PACs) can lead to unpredictable effects on life cycles, contradicting previous assumptions about gradual effects.
A team of researchers from Wuhan University found that adding chicken manure to contaminated soil can break down 75% of crude oil after two weeks. The study identified 12 microbial species capable of metabolizing crude oil components, paving the way for a more environmentally benign bioremediation approach.
Researchers found that two small robots weighing 330 pounds each can build a berm around a landing site in under six months to block the sandblasting effect. The hard-surface landing pad using indigenous materials could reduce this need, allowing for more efficient cargo transfer and reducing damage to the outpost.
Researchers found that digital images can effectively characterize canopy coverage and light interception in tomato crops using free software and commercial cameras. The study demonstrated practical advantages over traditional methods, including the ability to measure at any time of day and without bright sunlight.
A study published in the Journal of Natural Resources & Life Sciences Education found that workshops improved Iranian pastoralists' understanding of rangeland management techniques, leading to better land utilization. The results showed a significant impact on concepts like animal-rangeland equilibrium and grazing duration.
Researchers have discovered new findings on Mars, including evidence of ancient water on the planet. Floods in tropical regions can lead to substantial amounts of sediment staying near shore for months, potentially harming coral reefs. Additionally, scientists have studied ancient soils and rocks from New Mexico, revealing insights int...
Researchers used NMR spectroscopy to analyze phosphorus forms in treated and untreated soils. The study found orthophosphate as the dominant form, with significant differences between treated and untreated soils.
Researchers Jane Hill and Barbara Cade-Menun found that phytate concentration was high in manures but not retained in crop soils and sediments. The study concluded that phytate is most likely to be hydrolyzed in situ by microorganisms.
A study by Rachel Smallman and Neal J. Roese found that people with positive preferences sort items into finer, more specific categories compared to those with negative preferences. This suggests that our likes can shape how we categorize information, particularly in consumer psychology where this can influence brand perceptions.
A team of Wisconsin researchers has discovered that birnessite, a common soil mineral, can penetrate and degrade the prion's armor. This finding may provide new methods for decontaminating soil and other environments where prions reside.
Researchers at Iowa State University used NCSS data to create a detailed Quaternary geologic map of the Des Moines Lobe, achieving strong agreement with existing maps. The map showcases finer detail and user-controllable scale, making it suitable for various disciplines.
The study found that removing corn residue can lower N fertilizer requirements, but careful management is still necessary to balance erosion risks and retain adequate residue. Researchers suggest alternative tillage systems like strip-till continuous corn as a viable option in certain environments.
Research shows that organic soils continue to acidify, posing a threat to forest health in the northeastern US. Despite declines in acidic deposition, soil base cation pools are insufficient to neutralize acidic inputs, leading to continued chemical recovery delays and increased vulnerability to winter injury.
A new calibration tool has been developed to help students and soil scientists accurately measure rupture resistance, a key factor in determining soil strength. The tool consists of four pressure calibration assemblies with varying pressures, allowing users to calibrate their thumb and forefinger for precise measurement.