Articles tagged with Soils
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 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 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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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 $5 million grant from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports a Climate-Smart Sustainability Certificate program for small-scale farmers. The program aims to improve crop production while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and increasing carbon removal.
The University of Missouri will receive a $10 million grant from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture to double cover crop seed production in the US by 2030. The project aims to educate farmers about new varieties of cover crops, examine their performance with root growth, and distribute them nationwide.
Researchers have discovered that convection of saline water beneath the surface is responsible for the formation of hexagonal honeycomb patterns in salt deserts. The consistent size and shape of these patterns can be attributed to the unique combination of temperature, salinity, and groundwater flow.
Researchers calculated that terrestrial arthropod biomass is about 1 billion tons, with underground creatures responsible for soil fertilization and ecological balance. The study highlights the importance of arthropods in regulating vegetation and human health, emphasizing the need for monitoring their decline.
Scientists developed a sensitive nanostructured silver surface to detect arsenic in water, food and soil using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The new technique is more sensitive and easier to produce than existing methods, making it ideal for on-site field assays.
Scientists have created a non-destructive method to detect and differentiate gibberellins, a class of plant hormones crucial for growth. The new nanosensors can identify changes in GA levels across various plant species, enabling early interventions against salinity stress.
Researchers call for grassroots action to raise awareness about soil biodiversity's role in promoting human health and wellbeing. Cities' loss of biodiversity, pollution, and decline of green spaces reduce exposure to beneficial soil microbes, increasing allergies and illnesses like asthma.
A global comparison of soil transplantation projects reveals significant improvements in restoring vegetations with high conservation value. The treatment increased species count and diversity by an average of 40% compared to hay addition, particularly on loamy soils over larger areas.
A new webcast from the American Phytopathological Society provides insights into soil biophysical properties and nitrogen application rates in predicting cotton yield and quality. The study suggests including soil biophysical information in making N recommendations to maximize profits and reduce environmental impact.
Researchers discovered that certain microorganisms dominate burned soil after a wildfire, with some species increasing in abundance and others consuming charcoal. This finding could help revive megafire dead zones and provide insights into the human microbiome's response to stress.
A recent study published in The ISME Journal reveals that the majority of bacteria living in wild soil are slow growers, contrary to previous lab-based frameworks that suggested a dichotomy between fast and slow growing microbes. This finding highlights the importance of testing field-based ideas with data from nature.
A new study by the University of Göttingen found that alley-cropping agroforestry significantly improves ecosystem functions, including carbon sequestration, habitat creation, and soil protection. In contrast, open grassland systems did not show significant changes in ecosystem function after conversion to agroforestry.
New research reveals that nitrogen released by gas-powered machines causes dry soil to let go of carbon and release it back into the atmosphere. The study found that excess nitrogen acidifies soils, leading to a loss of carbon stored in association with calcium.
Researchers discovered a trade-off relationship between microbial CUE and specific extracellular enzyme activities under reduced oxygen, regardless of N and P levels. This relationship can advance understanding of microbially mediated C and nutrient cycling in anaerobic ecosystems.
Researchers are using AI to assess soil datasets and measurements, aiming to build an automated data-driven decision support system for European soils. The goal is to create an effective soil health certification system that can be used by farmers, landowners, and policy makers.
Researchers identified hundreds of microorganisms associated with plant roots and soil, showing potential for developing biological substitutes for phosphorus-based fertilizers. The discovery highlights the importance of microbial communities in supplying essential nutrients like nitrogen.
A new method for measuring bifacial solar panel performance has been developed by the University of Ottawa SUNLAB team. The study proposes a characterization method that considers external effects of ground cover like snow, grass, and soil, providing a way to accurately test panel performance indoors.
A recent study found that soil microbes are releasing less CO2 in the summer due to decreased food availability, threatening their viability. However, autumn leaves mitigate this effect, but fewer dead leaves lead to a reduction in microbial biomass during the summer.
A new framework identifies barriers and context-specific measures for plastic use and disposal, guiding policymakers in selecting effective intervention measures. The framework has been tested in Kyoto City, revealing potential desirable behavioral changes, critical barriers, and corresponding intervention measures.
Researchers found that nitrified urine fertilizers, such as Aurin and CROP, can be used safely and productively in agriculture. The study tested these fertilizers on cabbage cultivation, with results showing yields comparable to conventional fertilizer products.
A new study finds that tropical forests recovering from logging are a source of carbon due to soil and rotting wood releasing more carbon than new growth can absorb. The study highlights the need for sustainable logging practices to minimize collateral damage.
Researchers at University of California, Riverside, have developed a method to convert plastic waste into highly porous charcoal that captures carbon and improves soil water retention. The char can also act as a natural fertilizer, but further work is needed to substantiate its utility in agriculture.
A joint research team from China has discovered high concentrations of hydrogen and low deuterium/hydrogen ratios in lunar soil grain rims consistent with solar wind origin. This finding suggests that the bulk water content in Chang'e-5 lunar soils is around 46 ppm, which could be higher in polar regions.
New research collates 100 years of data, suggesting significant declines in UK earthworm abundance could have occurred due to changes in the countryside. The study highlights the importance of monitoring soil invertebrates and their impact on ecosystem health.
A WVU engineer has developed a technology that can treat urine on site rather than at a centralized wastewater treatment facility, allowing for the recovery of nitrogen as a valuable fertilizer. The approach enables quick treatment and promotes the reduction of nutrient discharge into lakes and rivers.
A quarter-mile segment of the Klamath Geo Trail was successfully resurfaced using volcanic ash from Mount Mazama, demonstrating its potential as a more sustainable and locally sourced pozzolan. The surface treatment improved firmness and stability, making it accessible to people with mobility devices.
Research in tropical forests reveals that nitrogen-fixing trees are vulnerable to herbivory by insects, limiting their growth and survival. This constraint could undermine reforestation efforts and the role of these trees in sequestering carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
Scientists have discovered a long-sought plant water loss-regulating sensor, composed of two proteins working together to regulate stomatal movements in response to changing CO2 concentrations. This finding has significant implications for trees, crops, and wildfires, as well as efficient plant water use and CO2 uptake.
The NSF is seeking proposals to utilize the ISS National Laboratory for fundamental research in fluid dynamics, thermal transport, and combustion. Researchers aim to advance knowledge that benefits life on Earth, particularly in predicting and preventing catastrophic mudslides after wildfires.
A new study by the University of East Anglia highlights the risks of relying on nature-based solutions, such as forests and soils, to achieve net-zero emissions. The research warns that these solutions may not be enough to offset the remaining difficult-to-decarbonize emissions if progress on reducing fossil fuel use stalls.