Articles tagged with Soils
New research found that bio-based fibres have a range of adverse effects on earthworms, animals critical to environmental health. The study highlights the importance of testing new materials before they are released on the market.
Researchers at the University of Oregon have designed a system to improve soil health in hazelnut farms, reducing the impact of climate change. By partnering with 20 farms across the Willamette Valley, they aim to demonstrate the ecological and economic benefits of native wildflowers and basalt dust amendments.
The John Innes Centre, LMU Munich, and Leiden University have secured €8.3m in funding to study circadian rhythms in non-photosynthetic bacteria, which could have significant implications for human health and the environment. The project aims to understand the properties and ecology of biological clocks across a new kingdom of life.
A new study by Rice University researchers found that invasive plants reshape soil microbial communities across the US, making them more uniform and disrupting ecological balance. The study highlights the critical belowground effects of invasive plants on soil health and biodiversity.
A machine learning model predicts soil behavior during earthquakes, identifying areas vulnerable to liquefaction and providing contour maps for safer construction sites. The study uses geological data to create detailed 3D maps of soil layers, improving prediction accuracy by 20%.
A KAUST-led global study found that livestock management and climate explain woody species coverage in arid environments. Managing grazing pressure and type of herbivore can allow for more sustainable production in these ecosystems.
Researchers found that the presence of a fungus increases the pH of the soil, promoting growth of beneficial bacteria. This interaction could lead to sustainable agricultural practices by harnessing microbial interactions to combat plant diseases.
A study found plastic mulch contaminates soil with up to 25 kg of macroplastic debris per hectare, affecting critical soil functions even under best management practices. Microplastics were also detected, with concentrations positively correlated with macroplastic levels.
A team of researchers has identified mangrove bacteria that can transform polyethylene terephthalate (PET) particles, which are a major contributor to ocean pollution. The discovery of novel enzymes and bacterial species with the ability to break down PET could potentially be used to develop new strategies for plastic waste cleanup.
Plant roots use a silent molecular 'language' to direct fungi to attach, providing phosphates. Researchers discovered that strigolactone activates fungal genes associated with phosphate metabolism, leading to new strategies for cultivating hardier crops and combatting disease-causing fungi.
Global soil compound drought-heatwave (SCDHW) events are increasing, with a notable escalation from 1980 to 2023, driven by global warming. The severity of SCDHWs is concentrated in summer and more intense in the northern hemisphere.
Research shows nanomaterials can blunt heavy metal contamination's effects while increasing crop yields and nutrient content. Nanonutrients reduce pollution's impact by 38%, enhancing soil fertility, leading to improved crops.
Brazilian researchers are transforming Agave sisalana into a sustainable bioenergy source for the semi-arid climate region, requiring less water and fertilizer than sugarcane. The team has developed genetically modified yeasts to metabolize inulin and biostimulants to accelerate agave growth.
Researchers found that extreme temperatures and humidity projected for the Amazon under climate change may increase methane-producing microorganisms in flooded areas and reduce methane uptake in upland forests by 70%. This could lead to a shift in the balance of greenhouse gas emissions, with significant global impacts.
The LANDFEED project aims to develop advanced nutrient recovery technologies and innovative coatings for bio-based fertilisers to improve nutrient release and efficiency. This will reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lessen environmental impact on water resources, and contribute to improved soil health and sustainable agriculture.
The Antarctic Peninsula has experienced a dramatic increase in vegetation cover over the last four decades, with satellite data showing an acceleration of 30% in recent years. This 'greening' trend is attributed to climate change and has significant implications for the region's ecosystem and environmental future.
A recent study found that climate factors play a more dominant role in determining wood density for tree species than soil characteristics, while both factors equally influence shrub species. The research provides new insights into vegetation responses to environmental factors, with implications for improving ecosystem predictions.
Two populations of the same wild species, Brassica fruticulosa, have evolved differently under similar environmental conditions, revealing distinct adaptation strategies to soil salinity. The study identifies two adaptive responses, one involving sodium restriction and the other through efficient osmotic adjustment mechanisms.
A new study reveals that bais, vast treeless clearings in the Congo Basin, are home to numerous endangered species, including Western lowland gorillas and African forest elephants. The researchers found over 2,000 distinct bais, covering less than 0.2% of the national park's landscape.
A new study finds that a nearby eroding river gorge is causing Mount Everest's peak to rise by 15-50 meters over the past 89,000 years. The research suggests that the loss of landmass due to erosion is causing the mountain to spring upwards by as much as 2 millimeters a year.
Researchers found that injecting dairy farm manure into a live cover crop in early spring reduces ammonia escape and nitrous oxide emissions, while maintaining soil nitrogen loss. This approach achieves multiple conservation goals, including reduced pollution and improved soil fertility.
A new study published in Nature Ecology & Evolution found that warmer temperatures and nitrogen fertilization can stabilize soil carbon levels, contradicting earlier predictions. Plant roots and growth add new carbon to the soil, counteracting the loss of carbon due to climate change.
Researchers aim to reduce PFAS contamination risk in agriculture by developing monitoring tools and strategies for remediation. The study focuses on comprehensively understanding PFAS uptake and bioaccumulation in plants, advancing strategies for PFAS remediation in biosolid/soil.
Researchers found that stored human urine had little impact on soil bacterial communities, increasing nitrifying and denitrifying groups compared to synthetic fertilizers. The study suggests that recycled urine could enhance agricultural sustainability, reduce wastewater pollution, and decrease reliance on synthetic fertilizers.
A new USDA-funded research grant supports the development of sustainable, biodegradable mulch films that can provide nutrients to crops while reducing plastic pollution. The project aims to create durable and effective films that can be used for years without harming the environment.
A team of researchers from Shibaura Institute of Technology developed a moving particle simulation-aided soil plasticity analysis for earth pressure balance shield tunnelling. The study found that earth pressure is a reliable indicator for analyzing soil plasticity and proposed a computer-aided analysis system that precisely reflects e...
Researchers found that regrowing tropical forests on pastureland can reduce soil carbon emissions by nearly two-fold, offering a quick win in the fight against climate change. This unexpected finding is attributed to warmer temperatures experienced by soils in pastureland, which may explain higher carbon dioxide emissions.
The study reveals significant spatial differences in diversity, structure, and function of microbial communities in the rhizosphere of Boehmeria nivea L. Volcanic soil plays a key role in forming microbial community diversity. Bacterial generalist species dominate, while fungi show greater ability to break down complex organic polymers.
A recent study from the University of Illinois provides new insights into the sources and processes affecting nitrogen load in tile drainage water. The research team found a large legacy pool of nitrate in the soil, resulting in a time lag between when nitrogen is added to the system and when it is exported as nitrate in tile drainage.
Researchers harvested climate-smart soybeans in a $5 million USDA project aiming to reduce GHG emissions while increasing crop production. The crop was grown using five climate-smart practices, including earlier planting and soil conservation.
Researchers developed a comprehensive roadmap to measure legacy phosphorus accumulation in soils. They identified key priorities and non-priorities, providing a unified vision for future phosphorus use. The study found that accumulated phosphorus is often located in the top 12 inches of soil and transforms into different forms than whe...
A recent study by the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology found that growing maize to produce biomethane on drained peat emits up to three times more carbon dioxide than using natural gas. The production of crops like maize for bioenergy has rapidly increased, leading to a significant expansion of cultivated areas on drained peatlands.
Researchers at the University of Delaware found that flooded rice fields contain higher amounts of arsenic and lower amounts of cadmium. The drier conditions lead to lower arsenic and higher cadmium levels. This study provides potential guidance for reducing toxic metals in foods typically eaten by infants and children.
Researchers analyzed water from over 100 wells in Denmark for trifluoroacetate, a persistent PFAS. Groundwater concentrations increased significantly since the 1960s, suggesting a link to changing atmospheric deposition and local pesticide application.
Researchers have identified specific materials that can effectively block harmful space radiation on Mars, including plastics, rubber, and synthetic fibers. The findings provide crucial insights for designing protective habitats and spacesuits, paving the way for safer long-duration Mars missions.
Researchers discovered that wheat and lettuce plants actively grab, transport, and utilize solid mineral particles from their roots to shoots. This study provides crucial insights into the direct uptake routes of plants in their soil environment, potentially altering how we manage crop nutrition and soil health.
A pilot study found that partially substituting soil with recycled glass fragments speeds up plant development and reduces unwanted fungal growth. The researchers grew cilantro, bell pepper, and jalapeño plants in pots containing different ratios of glass to soil.
A recent study by University of Washington researchers found that warmer, drier springs account for almost 70% of the discrepancy between predicted and actual streamflow in Colorado. The team's findings suggest that plants rely more on snowmelt during dry springs, leaving less water to flow into nearby streams.
Researchers have discovered that healthy soils produce unique sound profiles reflecting the diversity of tiny living organisms. This technology holds promise in addressing global needs for effective soil biodiversity monitoring methods to protect ecosystems.
New research shows glossy black-cockatoos feed on trees growing in acidic soils, contrary to expectations. Dr Gay Crowley's study found that soil type influences the birds' environment use., Many iconic Australian animals rely on soil fungi for nutrition, highlighting the need to conserve habitats on poor soils.
Researchers found that nanomaterials improve plant performance and mitigate salinity stress at lower dosages. However, higher doses can be toxic and worsen salinity stress. The findings suggest considering nanomaterials as a future option for managing salinity stress.
Researchers at FAU will investigate how microbes respond to climate conditions and develop strategies to enhance soil health in drylands. The project aims to improve understanding of microbial resistance to climate change and discover solutions to reduce soil degradation.
A new study by MIT and University of Chicago scientists pin down the origins of the moon's tenuous atmosphere, finding that meteorite impacts are the primary process. Over billions of years, these constant impacts have kicked up lunar soil, vaporizing certain atoms and lofting particles into a thin atmosphere.
A new AI-powered predictive model can generate comprehensive soil liquefaction risk maps, enabling urban planners and engineers to visualize high-risk areas and make informed decisions. The model achieved high accuracy in predicting soil classifications and N-values, validating its effectiveness in enhancing urban resilience.
A recent study published in Environment International found that high levels of tellurium exposure are associated with increased blood pressure and a greater occurrence of hypertension. Tellurium, a contaminant transferred from mining and manufacturing activities, can be present in foods such as cereals and legumes.
A new study found that tree bark surfaces absorb methane gas from the atmosphere, making trees 10% more beneficial for climate than previously thought. This discovery adds a new layer of importance to tree planting and reducing deforestation as part of efforts to cut methane emissions.
Researchers warn of unprecedented arsenic release from wildfires, potentially releasing up to half of the arsenic emitted globally each year. Contaminated mining sites exacerbate wildfire risks, with wetlands being the most concerning due to their tendency to store contaminants.
A study published in Tropical Plants identified the optimal edaphic and climatic conditions for soursop growth, including warm tropical climates and well-drained soils. The findings aim to enhance soursop production, improving food security and agricultural diversification.
Researchers discovered a new mechanism by which iron oxide minerals recycle phosphorus from DNA and RNA molecules, transforming them into bioavailable inorganic forms. This finding uncovers a missing piece of Earth's puzzling phosphorus cycle, highlighting the importance of understanding natural phosphorus recycling mechanisms.
A new study by Salk scientists reveals a key gene that enhances plants' zinc tolerance, allowing them to thrive in toxic conditions. The discovery enables the development of crops more resilient to soil contamination, a major goal of Salk's Harnessing Plants Initiative.
A newly engineered hydrogel-infused soil system has been developed to capture water from the air and release nutrients, resulting in larger, healthier plants using less water and fertilizer. The technology has shown promising results in experiments, with a 138% increase in stem length compared to regular soil.
A new study by SMU-led researchers found that ground surface conditions significantly impact the speed and distance of leaking natural gas, with saturated surfaces allowing gas to migrate farthest. The study also highlights the importance of considering soil surface structures when evaluating pipeline leak safety risks.
A new study suggests that using special fertilizers and crushed basalt rocks can reduce agricultural nitrous oxide emissions without harming the ozone layer. The research found a 25% reduction in N2O emissions, aligning with efforts to reach net-zero emissions while supporting increased food production.
A new study finds similarities between Martian soils and those of Canada's Newfoundland, suggesting Mars may have had a frigid climate. The discovery provides clues about the planet's environmental history, particularly during its relatively abundant water period.
A research team finds that local community members are indispensable partners in enhancing community engagement in repairing damaged ecosystems. Local values and attitudes play a crucial role in promoting sustainable ecosystem management practices.
Researchers are developing solutions to reduce nitrogen fertilizer-related emissions and accelerate drought-resistant tea varieties. The trials will inform a new tea typology, enabling accurate carbon footprint calculation across the industry.
A study published in Frontiers in Fungal Biology reveals that microcolonial fungi and lichens on petroglyphs in the Negev desert can cause gradual erosion and damage. The researchers identified multiple species of these fungi and lichens, which are known to thrive in hot and cold deserts.
In a study published in PNAS, researchers found that microscopic fungi play a key role in enhancing soil carbon storage in newly formed landscapes created by shrinking Arctic glaciers. The team discovered diverse communities of microbes thriving in the barren soils, and pioneer fungi sequester carbon in the soil.
Researchers discovered zinc's crucial role in nitrogen fixation of legumes, optimizing crop efficiency and reducing synthetic fertilizer reliance. This finding could enhance nitrogen delivery, improve yields, and promote sustainable agricultural practices.
Researchers from UNIGE have measured the increase in soil erosion caused by global warming, with a four-fold increase observed in sediments from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. This study suggests that current warming could lead to similar effects, increasing flood risks and threatening populated areas.