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 Penn State study reveals that low-maintenance lawns harbor higher populations of beneficial arthropods, such as mites and collembolans, while high-maintenance lawns experience reduced diversity due to chemical applications and mowing.
A 17-year study published by Dartmouth College researchers confirms that lead in forests in the Northeast moves very slowly through the soil. The study found that lead applied to a mountain forest in Vermont had only moved down into the soil about seven centimeters, and will likely move even slower due to denser soil.
Researchers evaluating environmental impact of common nightcrawler on forest ecosystem in the Northeast. The invasive earthworm species is feeding on leaf litter and duff layers, affecting native plant seeds and animals.
Researchers have developed a numerical model for simulating the waveform in soil, improving field measurements of water content. The new method uses Time Domain Reflectometry and takes into account various factors such as soil types, bulk density, and probe parameters.
New guidelines published in Agronomy Journal provide a standardized approach to soil surveying and mapping, allowing farmers to make data-driven decisions. The technology is expected to revolutionize the agricultural industry within the next one to two decades.
Researchers use DNA analysis to identify previously unknown microbe kingdoms, expanding the estimated number of microbial species to about 30. The discovery has potential applications in agriculture and ecology, including understanding soil diversity and improving sewage treatment.
The System Assessment Capability (SAC) is an integrated system of computer models and databases that predicts the movement and fate of contaminants through the vadose zone, groundwater, and Columbia River. SAC assesses the impact of contaminants on human health, animals, and the environment, providing a comprehensive understanding of c...
Researchers found that surfactants can cause contaminants to move more rapidly through the vadose zone and reach the water table more quickly. This knowledge advances understanding of unsaturated flow processes and will aid in designing effective clean-up systems.
A new approach suggests using nitrification inhibitors to reduce nitrate leaching to groundwater. Researchers developed management zones based on soil properties and crop yield maps, showing increased yield in wet seasons without affecting grain yield or nitrate leaching in dry seasons.
The book, written by Dr. Georges Stoops, provides a system of analysis and description of soil and regolith materials seen in thin sections. It aims to standardize descriptions of features found in thin section analysis, facilitating communication among scientists using micromorphology.
A simple lab exercise introduces students to exploring catena soils, recognizing horizon changes, and associating auger holes with soil descriptions. The exercise helps students understand the impact of topography on soil properties and apply this knowledge to real-world scenarios.
A study by researchers at the University of Guelph and the University of Wisconsin found that rock climbing significantly reduces snail diversity and abundance on the Niagara Escarpment. The team analyzed soil samples from climbed and unclimbed sections of the cliffs, discovering a stark difference in species numbers and populations.
Research found that composted biosolids can lower lead bioavailability by 20-38% in contaminated garden soil, reducing the danger of poisoning. The study's findings suggest that using composted biosolids as a soil amendment could be a cost-effective alternative to removing and replacing contaminated soils.
Researchers found that variable rate technology (VRT) with GPS and zone soil sampling reduces lime need by 60% and improves soil pH variability. The study suggests a combination of these technologies provides reasonable and efficient management of soil acidity and lime application.
A study published in the Journal of Environmental Quality found that compost can reduce lead levels in contaminated soil by 20-38%. This approach has been implemented in pilot programs in Baltimore and East St. Louis, showing promising initial results.
UAF Institute of Arctic Biology researcher comments on a Science article about patterned ground, a process of self-organization in nonliving things. The research highlights the emergence of intricate patterns in Alaskan mountain ranges and North Slope, without predicting or natural selection.
Researchers developed a numerical model that explains the emergence of various patterns, including stone circles and labyrinths, through the interaction of two mechanisms: lateral sorting and squeezing. The relative strengths of these processes, along with factors like soil compressibility and stone size, determine the resulting pattern.
The new Methods of Soil Analysis Book, Methods 4, expands on previous editions with comprehensive techniques for carrying out soil physical measurements. It features advanced methods such as geostatistics, fractals, and fuzzy sets, providing a standard reference for soil physics technology.
The IFDC's ISFM-based intensification technologies improve fertilizer use efficiency by integrating organic matter and crop residue recycling. The approach increases agricultural productivity, maintains natural resources, and yields 2-3 times higher than average, with significant returns on investment and labor.
Research by Michael Gundale found that non-native earthworms can endager rare plants like the goblin fern, which relies on fungi for energy. The study discovered a link between earthworm presence and thinner forest floors, threatening the long-term survival of these unique plant species.
Researchers created a new strategy to remove arsenic from soil by inserting genes from the common bacterium Escherichia coli into a member of the mustard family, Arabidopsis. This enables the plant to tolerate arsenic and transport it to its leaves in a form that is less biologically available.
Scientists use microgravity to study soil behavior and simulate earthquake effects, aiming to improve foundation design and mitigate soil liquefaction. The experiment will analyze the strength and stiffness of sand under different conditions, shedding light on the physics behind soil movement.
Researchers have discovered that indigenous inhabitants of the Amazon improved the soil, rather than degrading it. The ability to reproduce this super-fertile soil could enable intensive agriculture in hot regions, making a significant impact on food production.
Acid rain is harming wood thrush populations, with declines of up to 5% annually in regions with high acidity. The decline may be related to leaching of calcium from the soil, affecting food availability and breeding success.
Researchers have developed a new microscope technology to study the interaction between biomolecules and minerals. The study focuses on Azotobacter vinelandii, a bacterium that releases siderophores to acquire iron from minerals. The findings suggest that these molecules can also dissolve minerals and potentially remove toxic metals, l...
Researchers discovered that some trees use fungi to obtain calcium from an intermediate pool of apatite, previously unknown as a plant-available source. This finding has implications for forest management and understanding the effects of acid rain on forests.
Organic farming methods produced 20% smaller crop yields compared to conventional farming, but made up for it in ecological benefits. The study found that organic soils were more fertile, had a larger community of organisms, and decomposed more efficiently.
A study found that B. cereus spores are associated with high numbers of gold-containing soils, suggesting their potential use as a biogeochemical indicator. The method could help geologists locate gold deposits at low cost and efficiency.
A team of researchers from UC Davis has developed a simple model to predict the solubility of environmental contaminants in groundwater. The model uses hydrotalcites, layered compounds that can take up metals and other chemicals, to make predictions about contamination with chromium, carbon, iodine, and technetium isotopes.
A preliminary study at the University of Toronto found that green roofs were better at protecting roof membranes from extreme temperatures than conventional roofs. Green roofs also reduced storm water run-off and kept summer temperatures inside structures lower due to vegetation cooling effect.
Researchers have found that innovative soil fertility replenishment programs can increase crop yields by two- to four-fold, providing strong evidence for their effectiveness. The programs use natural resources available in Africa, such as trees and rocks, to replenish nutrients depleted from the soil.
Researchers at the University of Illinois have identified key factors affecting phosphorus runoff and developed management strategies to minimize its impact on lakes and streams. The team suggests adopting no-till soil conservation practices, injecting liquid manure and fertilizer into the soil just below the surface.
Researchers have created a novel method to measure soil fertility using Mason jars, which can detect chemical fractions that feed corn plants. The Illinois N Test uses a combination of heating and titration to determine nitrogen content in the soil.
The Global Litter Invertebrate Decomposition Experiment (GLIDE) aims to advance understanding of soil and litter fauna's distribution, diversity, and importance in ecosystem processes. The study will provide unprecedented data on the animals involved in litter decomposition across different biomes and latitudes.
The Mars Odyssey spacecraft has entered into orbit around Mars, providing a key communications link for the Mars Exploration Rover (MER) mission. The two Rovers will be able to upload data on mineral and element composition of rocks and soils to a state-of-the-art communications package.
Researchers found evidence that materials produced in the sun's atmosphere are ejected directly outward, forming the solar wind. This discovery contradicts a theory suggesting these materials circulate in the sun's interior before being ejected.
A new book documents dramatic recent changes in southeast's ancient soils formed over about 70 million years and how human use transformed them over the last two centuries. Soils were altered when primeval woodlands were turned into cotton fields, eventually regrowing as pine forests.
Research reveals that US nature reserves are unevenly distributed across ecological zones, leaving many plant and animal species unprotected. The study suggests that involving the private sector in conservation strategies can help preserve America's biodiversity.
Scientists use ion-trap secondary ion mass spectrometer (IT-SIMS) to detect chemical warfare agents like HD and VX at part-per-million levels. The technique offers increased specificity, speed, and minimal sample preparation, making it ideal for environmental restoration and national security applications.
A USC neuroscientist re-analyzed data from the Viking landers, finding a distinct biological rhythm in the soil that suggests the presence of life. The signal has a precise circadian rhythm of 24.66 hours, entrained to temperature fluctuations on Mars.
Zoologists at UC Berkeley have discovered a new species of salamander in southeastern Mexico that was mistaken for another species due to identical appearance. DNA analysis revealed the two species evolved from different ancestors despite shared adaptations to burrowing.
Researchers have found a fern that can soak up deadly arsenic from soil with staggering efficiency. The brake fern, Pteris vittata, accumulates high levels of arsenic, making it a promising candidate for cleaning up contaminated soils. This discovery has great potential for remediating toxic waste sites around the world.
Scientists have discovered that ancient underground fractures in Ohio soil can contaminate water supplies quickly, posing a threat to the state's groundwater. Research suggests that these fractures allow contaminated water to bypass purification and travel through the soil, potentially endangering water sources.
Researchers suggest adopting conservation tillage, cover crops, and grazing management to reduce erosion and capture carbon in agricultural lands. By implementing these practices, farmers can create a net-positive carbon balance and help mitigate global warming.
In a two-year study, researchers at Northwestern University are using phytoremediation to reduce lead poisoning in Chicago's West Town community. They have planted different types of grasses and vegetation in 40 homes to test their effectiveness in removing lead from the soil.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory have devised a method to combine chemical treatment with bacteria to remove cadmium from contaminated soil, leaving insoluble cadmium sulfide in place. This technique could be less costly than traditional methods and has potential for treating other metals like arsenic and cobalt.
Scientists at Purdue University have developed a simple and quick method to assess environmental cleanup efforts using genetics. The technique detects genes that reveal the presence of an enzyme produced by pollution-busting bacteria, allowing for real-time monitoring of soil cleanup progress.
Researchers at Georgia Tech have developed a new method for detecting buried land mines by using sound waves to create tiny soil disturbances and precision radar to measure the resulting movement. This technique can differentiate between mines and other buried objects, reducing false alarms and increasing detection accuracy.
Researchers have found a way to convert oil to methane gas using specialized microorganisms living beneath the earth's surface. This breakthrough could lead to safer oil exploration and more efficient extraction methods.
Adding acetone to composting method dissolves chunks of carcinogenic substance, allowing microbes to break it down. Microbial populations thrive under modified conditions, degrading explosive in just one day.
Researchers investigate plant microbiome interactions to optimize nitrogen uptake, reducing fertilizer needs. Janine Sherrier's presentation at UD explores symbiotic relationships between legumes and soil bacteria.
Researchers at Cornell University developed new tests to measure the true bioavailability of aging toxins like DDT, which may overestimate the risk to living organisms. The new tests meet standards set by common earthworms and provide a more realistic reflection of potential harm.
A recent study by Janice Christian and Scott Wilson found that crested wheatgrass can precipitate a decline in soil quality and increase atmospheric carbon dioxide. The introduction of non-native species like crested wheatgrass may have far-reaching negative repercussions on ecosystems.
Researchers found that increasing humus content can increase quinoline's movement to groundwater, but mineral interactions play a key role. The study suggests that strongly bound pollutants may still be broken down by microorganisms.
Biologists have discovered three new hotspots of high biological diversity in New Zealand, Southeast Australia, and Tasmania. The study found that the terrestrial flatworm, a humble but diverse species with over 822 varieties, can act as a model for understanding the distribution of lower invertebrates.
A study by Ohio State University researchers reveals that humic acid can trap nitrogen-containing proteins in soil, reducing their availability to plants. The process may be responsible for declining rice yields in Southeast Asia despite increased fertilizer use.
Researchers from Idaho National Laboratory are developing tools to monitor water flow and contaminants in the vadose zone beneath the Savannah River Site. They planted soil monitoring equipment to measure water content, tritium concentration, and soil tension, providing valuable information about the vadose zone.
Researchers isolated a gene that enables plants to absorb iron from the soil. The finding has significant implications for addressing global malnutrition and food security. By understanding how plants process iron, scientists can develop more efficient ways to fortify crops with this essential nutrient.
Researchers at Brookhaven National Laboratory report a natural process that removes nearly all toxic metals and uranium from polluted soil, successfully cleaning incinerator ash. The patented process uses citric acid and sunlight to separate metal contaminants from radioactive elements, producing a concentrated and stable form.
Eucalyptus trees grown in soil amended with gypsum can thrive in the sticky black soils of the Tulare Lake basin, demonstrating a potential sustainable farming method for the San Joaquin Valley's west side. The sequential reuse system reduces evaporation pond land use by 70% and increases tree plus pond area by 1.9 times.