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 recent study by USU ecologist Jessica Murray found that tree canopies store significant amounts of carbon, with the ability to store up to 4% of total soil carbon. Climate and tree size play a crucial role in canopy soil abundance, and its decline could lead to a significant decrease in carbon storage resources.
A recent study discovered the complex circadian clock mechanisms in soil bacteria Bacillus subtilis, regulating multiple genes and behaviors. The findings have significant implications for industrial applications, human health, and plant science.
Researchers in Peru found that the majority of cacao can meet EU cadmium limits, but areas like Piura face significant challenges due to high levels of cadmium in their soils. The study provides an interactive map predicting cadmium levels across the country.
Researchers found Amazon dark earth boosts tree growth by twice to five times normal height with 20% ADE and three to six times with 100% ADE. The soil also contains more nutrients, including phosphorus, and has a higher pH. Biotech applications aim to replicate these characteristics without requiring the finite resource.
A new study shows that saltwater intrusion has become a visible threat to farmers in the Delmarva region, with large salt patches appearing on cropland. The research highlights how this phenomenon can lead to significant economic losses and crop yield declines, particularly for corn and soybean farms.
Researchers found that soil microbes adapt to drought conditions over time and provide benefits to plants when grown together, even without plant signals. This challenges the long-held assumption of co-evolutionary dialogue between plants and microbes.
The Philadelphia soil project has yielded promising results for urban growers, revealing low contaminant levels and high nutrient content. The initiative aims to empower growers by providing site-specific assessments and soil testing guidance, enabling them to make informed decisions about their gardening sites.
Researchers found that competition between beneficial bacterial strains degrades the service they provide to plants, resulting in smaller benefits. The study used native California plant and eight compatible nitrogen-fixing bacterial strains to directly measure their ability to infect plants and provide benefits.
Research shows bat activity decreases when farms switch to organic agriculture, with a potential time-lag before benefits for the environment emerge. The findings suggest that organic farming can have detrimental effects during the transition period, highlighting the need for careful management.
Researchers at KAUST have isolated a desert microbial strain that enhances drought resilience in Arabidopsis and alfalfa, promoting water use efficiency without affecting crop yields. The microbes modify epigenetic status of drought stress genes and actively change plant root architecture.
A study published in Environmental Chemistry found that over a third of synthetic nitrogen fertilizer use is breaking UK government emissions thresholds. Uninhibited urea fertilizers are the worst offenders, emitting up to 77% of applied nitrogen into the air.
A recent study found that warming in Northern ecosystems leads to a massive loss of carbon in the soil, with up to 40% released into the atmosphere within years after warming. The research team also discovered that plant productivity becomes nitrogen limited under warming conditions, reducing the ecosystem's ability to store carbon.
A soil transplant experiment found that soils with a history of salinity and inundation are more resistant to changes in water properties and movement. The study suggests that disturbance legacies shape coastal forest soil responses to changing salinity and inundation, varying across landscapes.
Scientists monitored two wet seasons after the 2020 Bobcat Fire and found that significant portions of water flow came from absorbed ground water. The study contradicts the long-held theory that a waxy coating prevents soil absorption.
Researchers found that cultivating reed grass on undrained peat soil or wet meadows can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to traditional potato crop rotation. This approach also offers potential economic benefits and can help restore the original ecosystem with high biodiversity.
A new study suggests that while winter cover crops can reduce nitrogen pollution by up to 30%, their effectiveness will decrease under future climate scenarios. Illinois' corn yields are expected to suffer more than soybean yields, especially in southern regions, as warmer temperatures and changing rainfall patterns impact crop growth.
Researchers discovered that Streptomyces bacteria produce chemical substances called arginoketides, which trigger biofilm formation, algae aggregates, and fungal signalling. These findings shed light on microbial communication and its impact on soil ecosystems and plant diseases.
Soil microbes are releasing more CO2 into the atmosphere due to global warming, with a potential increase of 40% by 2100 in polar regions. The emissions vary across climate zones, with cold polar regions being more sensitive to changes in soil moisture.
The Carbon SMART project trains farmers to monitor carbon levels in soil and practice climate-smart conservation practices, increasing soil health. The team will primarily work with farmers from underserved communities, monitoring the success of various conservation methods.
Research in the Arctic tundra reveals that plant life determines soil bacteria diversity. Changes in vegetation due to climate change are expected to impact generalist and specialist bacteria populations. The study's findings provide insights into Arctic ecosystem functioning and predictions of future environmental changes.
The new VOLT Center aims to understand the interactions between organisms, environment, and atmosphere regarding volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which influence global climate. Researchers will study the production, consumption, and effects of VOCs from various organisms, including bacteria, plankton, and plants.
A novel framework guides informed and effective soil management as carbon sinks, considering context-dependent environmental conditions. Management targeting 'labile' carbon is more effective in increasing carbon sequestration than focusing on 'stabilized' carbon.
A decade-long study reveals that warmer temperatures lead to significant loss of organic compounds in deep forest soils, affecting carbon sequestration. This finding has implications for natural carbon sinks and soil management practices.
A study by University of Zurich researchers found that global warming is accelerating the decomposition of soil humus and affecting plant storage of carbon. The findings have significant implications for relying on soils as a natural carbon sink to tackle global warming.
Chronic exposure to low levels of contaminant metals through household items, air, water, soil, and food increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. Monitoring environmental metal levels and testing for exposure are key steps to implement public health initiatives.
A recent study has found that microbes play a crucial role in storing carbon in the soil, with a four-fold greater importance than other processes. This breakthrough could lead to improved soil health and increased food security through targeted farm management practices.
A new study finds that mycorrhizal fungi store up to 36% of yearly global fossil fuel emissions' carbon, equivalent to roughly 13 gigatons. This vast underground network is essential to both storing carbon and global biodiversity.
Researchers found that plants allocate a significant amount of carbon to mycorrhizal fungi, equivalent to roughly one-third of carbon emitted yearly by fossil fuels. This discovery highlights the importance of understanding fungal networks in soil ecosystems and their role in mitigating climate change.
Research shows that corn takes up about 67% of its nitrogen naturally from soil, rather than fertilizer. However, applying different forms and timing of fertilizers can improve efficiency, with nitrate being the most efficient source. Banding placement was also found to be more efficient than broadcasting.
Scientists at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology are trialling crushed rock dust to remove large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The Enhanced Rock Weathering project has the potential to boost crop yield while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
An international research team has found that tree islands in oil palm plantations can significantly increase biodiversity within five years. This method also does not affect the yield of the plants. The study was conducted on an industrial-scale plantation in Indonesia and showed promising results for ecological restoration.
Research reveals that prescribed burns create favorable conditions for stinknet to spread, outcompeting native plants and reducing soil health. Targeted treatments after burns can help mitigate this issue.
Despite years of research, few salt-tolerant crops have been released commercially. KAUST researchers argue that increasing crop salinity tolerance is essential due to climate change impacts. New genetic tools and approaches like grafting or domesticating wild species can help develop more resilient crops.
A new study reveals that microorganisms can adapt to temperature changes and even benefit from them. The organisms differ in their sensitivity to temperature changes, with bacteria being more sensitive than fungi. This adaptation allows them to store carbon in soil, slowing down global warming.
A WVU researcher is creating mathematical models to predict how bioenergy crops enhance and store soil carbon, potentially spurring renewable energy from biological sources. The model considers factors like plant roots, microbes, and feedstocks to determine net carbon benefits or losses.
A large-scale study published in JAMA Neurology has demonstrated an association between trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure and the development of Parkinson's disease. Researchers compared health data from approximately 160,000 Navy and Marine veterans who served at Camp Lejeune or Camp Pendleton between 1975-1985, where TCE was used for ...
Researchers found that Fe-doped carbon nanofibers and Pt-doped carbon cloth cathodes yielded stable performances, with peak power densities of 25.5 mW m−2 and 30.4 mW m−2, respectively. Graphite felt cathodes demonstrated the best electrochemical performance but exhibited lower reproducibility and higher mass transport losses.
A non-native midge species is significantly increasing rates of plant decomposition, resulting in three to five-fold increases in soil nitrate levels on Signy Island. The midge, Eretmoptera murphyi, is altering soil ecosystems and potentially 'opening the door' for other species to become established.
Soil microbiology research increasingly relies on big data, with experiments moving from labs to fields. Discrepancies between lab and field studies impact policies due to inconsistent results. Bridging the gap requires interdisciplinary collaboration to improve upscaling of soil microbiology research.
New research reveals that ant mounds on Danish heathlands are crucial for biodiversity. The heat and nutrients from these structures create a unique environment that allows certain plant species to thrive. This finding highlights the importance of preserving ant mounds as part of efforts to mitigate the biodiversity crisis.
A University of Alberta study finds that maintaining tree diversity in Canada's forests can significantly increase carbon capture and improve soil fertility. This conservation strategy can help mitigate climate change by storing more carbon and nitrogen in the soil over decadal time scales.
A new University of Illinois study suggests that widespread planting of cereal rye could significantly reduce nitrate levels in Illinois' tile drainage water. The research found that adopting winter cover crops, such as cereal rye, can help minimize nitrogen loss and improve water quality.
Scientists warn that tropical forests' capacity to act as a carbon sink is declining due to persistent drought. The study found that soil nutrients play a significant role in carbon storage and release, contradicting previous models. Researchers are urging action to address emissions and increase carbon sequestration initiatives.
A study found that savanna species in Cerrado biome produce significantly more bark than forest species to protect against frequent fires. This adaptation enables them to survive and regenerate after burning, highlighting the importance of controlled fire management in these ecosystems.
Increased droughts are disrupting soil microbes' ability to capture carbon, threatening plant productivity and greenhouse gas levels. Research suggests that if drought-adapted microbes outcompete carbon-sequestering microbes, it could lead to carbon-depleted soils with severe implications.
A team of researchers has developed a highly sensitive imaging method to detect heavy metals like cadmium in cocoa beans. The study found that cadmium accumulates primarily in the outer shell of the bean and can be reduced through improved processing steps, which could minimize exposure.
Researchers found that even low levels of glyphosate herbicide residues harm endophytic microbes in garden strawberry, which promote plant nutrition, disease resistance, and stress tolerance.
Scientists have identified specific genetic variants in wheat and barley that enable plants to adapt to nitrogen deficiency by increasing root growth and improving nitrogen content. These findings offer promising opportunities for plant breeding to develop varieties with enhanced nitrogen use efficiency.
Researchers will use satellite data, airborne sensors, and supercomputers to evaluate the impact of tillage practices on corn and soybean yields, greenhouse gas emissions, and soil organic carbon in the Midwest region. The study aims to provide a holistic view of the effects of tillage across a large region.
A North Carolina State University study found that cover crop adoption can reduce crop insurance losses due to prevented planting in the US Midwest. Longer term use of cover crops also leads to larger reductions in prevented-planting risk, with a 1% increase translating to nearly $40 million in reduced indemnities.
A new study by Linköping University reveals that climate change alters natural greenhouse gas fluxes from streams and lakes, making landscape carbon sinks less effective. The researchers found that increased precipitation and temperature affect the amount of carbon washed into streams and lakes, leading to greater emissions.
A new study from the University of Illinois finds that local enforcement of manure management regulations can effectively reduce nutrient concentrations in rivers and lakes. The study focuses on Wisconsin's unique approach, which allows counties to participate in enforcement without state approval.
Researchers found that Greenlandic glacial rock flour can capture large amounts of CO2 through enhanced weathering, improving crop yields by up to 24% in Danish fields. The fine powder also acts as a natural fertilizer, providing a wider array of nutrients than commercial organic fertilizers.
The University of Arkansas engineering faculty will research ways to improve 3D printing of concrete and indigenous soils for horizontal construction projects. The project aims to develop printing instructions for mobile robots and explore biomimetic structures that can reduce material use while increasing strength.
Researchers developed StarCrete, a cosmic concrete made from Martian dust, potato starch, and salt, which is twice as strong as regular concrete. The material's compressive strength reaches 72 MPa, making it suitable for space construction.
Scientists discover human-associated microbes in soil samples from Mount Everest's South Col, highlighting the impact of tourism on high-altitude environments. The findings also shed light on the potential for life beyond Earth, particularly on Mars and other cold moons.
Researchers at IISc found that grazing by livestock leads to lower carbon storage in soil compared to wild herbivores due to antibiotic use. Re-wilding soils and quarantining animals could help offset the damage.
Guinea grass, an invasive species in Texas, uses a combination of crowding and chemical toxins to suppress native plants. The researchers found that the toxicity of guinea grass increases dramatically when its shading effect is combined with its chemical warfare, making it harder for native plants to survive.
Researchers from Pusan National University studied compound extreme weather events in northern East Asia and found that a lack of soil moisture led to increased evaporative stress, amplifying heatwaves and triggering compound droughts and heatwaves. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for societal safety.
A study reveals that plant roots are crucial for belowground life in the tropics, supporting decomposition and soil health. Removing living roots decreases animal abundance by 42% in rainforest plots and 30% in plantations.