Articles tagged with Soils
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.
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.
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.
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.
Researchers found that applying municipal leaves to soil surface increased clean pumpkin fruit percentage by up to 25% compared to bare soil. This study provides a win-win solution for farmers and taxpayers, reducing leaf disposal costs while improving soil health.
Michigan State University has licensed technology that enables plants to use atmospheric nitrogen, resulting in significant growth and yield improvements of up to 90 percent. The microbial fertilizers are cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and have been shown to increase plant resistance to disease.
Research focuses on transport phenomena in heterogeneous media, exploring anomalous transport and its role in hydrogeology. The study highlights the importance of concentration tails in assessing radioactive waste disposal reliability.
Scientists at UW-Madison examine the role of soil patterns in dam restoration, discovering superimposed patterns that chronicle the basin's history. The researchers found fundamental differences in nutrient levels and physical structure between sediments deposited over the dam's lifetime and buried soils.
A team of scientists developed a model to measure soil quality and predict long-term changes in soil organic carbon and organic matter. The CQESTR model simulates the effects of various management practices on soil dynamics, providing insights for sustainable crop and soil management.
The number of students studying soil science as a major is declining across the United States, according to Mary Collins' article published in the Journal of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Education. The decline affects not only students but also courses offered, quality of graduate students, and potential department mergers.
A new study led by a University of Georgia researcher found that elevated levels of decomposition don't persist after warmer temperatures, contradicting current models. The study reveals that soil microbes decrease in abundance under warm conditions, reducing their respiration rates.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Crop Science Society of America (CSSA), and Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) presented various scholarships to students pursuing careers in agronomic sciences. The scholarships recognize academic excellence, leadership activities, and future plans related to the field.
Researchers conducted a high-resolution soil survey of Capulin Volcano National Monument in New Mexico, collecting over 140 soil samples and creating interpolated maps. The study provided valuable insights into the park's soil characteristics, enabling more effective management of natural resources.
Estimating soil texture-by-feel is an important skill that impacts land-use decisions and various soil properties. The technique allows researchers to provide quick, reliable estimates of soil texture in the field.
The sensors can be buried in a grid pattern and relay data to a central computer, providing real-time high-resolution data for farmers and researchers. This technology aims to maximize yields, minimize environmental impacts and provide more accurate crop growth predictions.
A study by Cardiff University scientists has revealed that common earthworms in the UK are composed of multiple distinct species, each with unique roles in food chains and soil ecology. The discovery, published in Molecular Ecology, sheds new light on the importance of earthworms in agriculture.
Researchers at Ohio State University have developed an in-vitro method to test the digestion and absorption of arsenic-laden soil. This simulation can help determine the amount of arsenic that dissolves during digestion, allowing for more efficient assessment of contaminated sites.
A new book from the American Society of Agronomy provides detailed information on the importance of sulfur in agriculture. The book examines the central role that sulfur plays as a nutrient affecting crop yield and quality, animal feed value and human diet.
Researchers have discovered a new type of atmospheric aerosol particle called iberulite, which forms in the troposphere from mineral small grains emitted from desert soils. The iberulites can provide valuable information on environmental and paleoclimatic markers, as well as change models of radioactive transference in the atmosphere.
Scientists measure radionuclides in soil to understand sediment sources in rivers, revealing that streambank erosion contributes significantly to sediment loads. The study's findings can inform efforts to rehabilitate streams and preserve aquatic populations.
Researchers found that using nitrogen fertilizer on rye cover crops increased biomass output and made more nitrogen available to cotton. The study's findings suggest improving soil quality and nutrient management can enhance agricultural productivity.
Researchers are studying the effects of lunar dust on the respiratory system and developing technologies to clean it from space suits. The powdery grey dirt is formed by micrometeorite impacts that can wreak havoc on equipment, but its unique properties also make it susceptible to magnets.
The new book, Soil Science: Step-by-Step Field Analysis, offers clear guidance on improved soil management techniques. The soft-cover guide covers topics such as site evaluation, surveying techniques, and measuring soil pH, making it an essential resource for professionals in the field.
A CU-Boulder team discovered how microbial life becomes established and flourishes in extreme environments, with three species of cyanobacteria colonizing soil within the first year. The diversity of bacteria increased significantly over four years, snatching gaseous forms of carbon and nitrogen from the atmosphere.
A study by Indiana University researchers suggests treating contaminated urban soils with water can prevent chronic lead poisoning in children. The study reveals that older cities like Indianapolis have a high lead burden resulting in a lead poisoning epidemic among their youngest citizens.
Researchers found that multiple measurement techniques are needed to accurately measure calcium content in serpentine soils. A combination of X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, and elemental analysis is necessary to identify and quantify calcium.
New research reveals that root systems can be observed using advanced imaging technologies like MRI, allowing for better understanding of water uptake patterns. Roots also play a significant role in soil carbon cycling and the global carbon balance.
Inwood Hill Park faces challenges preserving native species due to human impact and invasive species proliferation. A collaborative research approach can help understand plant losses and address causes, ensuring the survival of future plantings.
Three studies demonstrate that soils in different regions respond similarly to management practices to increase soil carbon storage. Soil organic C increases with higher C input, but gains are often confined to labile fractions and larger aggregates.
A new study by scientists from Brazil, France, and the US reveals that no-till management combined with winter cover crops is the most effective way to retain nutrients in tropical soils. The research found that this approach can maintain soil organic carbon stocks and mimic natural forested conditions.
A Montana State University microbiologist is studying how microbes living together interact to understand their potential use in energy production, climate change mitigation, and soil remediation. The research could lead to cheaper and more efficient methods for remediating contaminated sites.
Scientists investigated the effects of long-term biosolids application on dioxin accumulation in soil and uptake by plants. The study found that dioxins were not detected in corn grains but only trace levels were found in corn stover.
Research finds that dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) can reduce the need for hand-weeding by suppressing weeds in container-grown ornamentals. When applied to the soil surface, DDGS was found to be effective in controlling common chickweed and annual bluegrass without causing injury to plants.
The book offers a holistic approach to understanding nitrogen management, emphasizing accountability and nitrogen budgeting. The authors' broad perspectives address the nitrogen cycle's impact on climate change and soil fertility.
A new study by University of California, Berkeley researchers suggests that Mars had liquid water in its atmosphere during the Hesperian epoch, contrary to the dominant view. The analysis of Martian soil data reveals chemical signs of water moving downward through the dirt, indicating a climate with enough moisture for dew or rain.
A team of researchers led by UC Davis faculty member Benjamin Houlton has resolved a longstanding paradox in the plant world. They found that temperature and phosphorus abundance play key roles in determining the presence of nitrogen-fixing tree species in temperate and tropical forests.
A new study has provided genetic clues for dealing with soil pollution by using a systems toxicology approach to understand the impact of four soil contaminants on earthworm gene expression patterns. The research reveals subtle changes induced by toxic chemicals in earthworms, offering insights into monitoring and remediation of toxins.
A team of researchers has developed a range of sophisticated mathematical approaches to quantify soil variability across multiple scales. These methods include geostatistics, fractals, and multi-fractals, which can be applied to diverse data sets such as soil pore shapes, water content, and geochemical data.
The Mars rover Spirit has discovered Yellowstone-like hot spring deposits on Mars, suggesting a habitable environment where liquid water and energy were present. The silica deposits, formed by volcanic steam or hot water, may contain preserved traces of ancient Martian life.
A recent study found that no-till farming can increase soil organic carbon concentrations in the upper layers of some soils. However, the total soil organic carbon pool to a depth of 60 cm is often similar or even lower than plow tillage systems. The study highlights the importance of analyzing the entire soil profile for accurate conc...
Educators use candy to teach soil microbial diversity, resulting in increased student assessment scores and retained concepts. Students base characterizations on physical appearance of candies, exploring ways microorganisms can be defined.