Articles tagged with Soils
The study focuses on reducing insects and pathogens that threaten crops, with manure serving as a potential solution. Researchers will investigate the most effective ways to apply manure to improve soil health and plant resistance to insect pests.
Researchers have made a surprising discovery that liquid smoke can enhance plant defense against pests and diseases, leading to new farming practices. The study found that sunflowers grown in soil treated with liquid smoke had larger, thicker, and greener leaves and appeared less prone to pests and disease.
The Chang'E-5 mission returned samples that revealed a previously unknown iron-rich and high-calcium surface of basalts, challenging previous assumptions about the lunar geology community. The samples were primarily composed of pyroxene, contradicting earlier studies that indicated a high abundance of olivine.
A research team at UFSCar developed a biodegradable slow-release fertilizer using modified nanocellulose, which releases nutrients slowly and in a controlled manner. The material is designed to reduce the release of non-biodegradable chemicals into the ecosystem.
Researchers at ETH Zurich develop a new method to track plastic biodegradation in soil, using stable carbon isotopes to demonstrate complete mass balances. The study finds that about two-thirds of the added polymer carbon is converted into CO2, while one-third remains in the soil, with some being incorporated into microbial biomass.
A new platform has been created using 214,000 microbiome samples to track antibiotic-resistant bacteria globally. The data can be used to tailor guidelines on combating resistance in different regions.
A study found that counties with more land enrolled in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Program have lower average concentrations of particulate air pollution. This is due to reduced nitrogen compounds and dust emissions from decreased agricultural activity and increased vegetative cover.
Soil ecological values are often overlooked in nature conservation management; the new study identifies global hotspots where they need to be prioritized. Temperate ecosystems show high local species richness, while biodiversity uniqueness peaks in arid and tropical ecosystems.
Researchers found chlorobenzenes in a corroded Roman bowl dated to the Late Iron Age, which may pose a threat to archaeological preservation due to pollution in soil. Soil polluted with chlorobenzenes can lead to increased corrosion and damage to ancient artifacts.
A Nagoya University research team found that soil nitrate in the riparian zone is the primary source of increased stream nitrate during rainstorms. The researchers' study may help reduce nitrogen pollution and improve water quality in downstream bodies of water.
A team of scientists and high school students collaborated to study Hong Kong's soil biodiversity, collecting 3,588 individual samples and identifying 150 species. The project also raised public awareness about the importance of citizen science in understanding local biodiversity.
The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture has received a $750,000 grant to study native warm-season perennial grasses for organic livestock feed production. Researchers aim to improve soil health and agronomic practices in the southeastern US by integrating warm-season grasses into tall fescue systems.
Using biofertilizer on 80% of their planted area, Brazilian soybean growers enjoy environmental and economic benefits by employing the microbiome instead of chemical fertilizers. The use of biofertilizer saves farmers huge amounts of money, with costs significantly lower than chemical fertilizer.
A new study finds that many major US cities lack clear guidelines for safe lead levels in urban soils, where food is grown. This can lead to exposure risks for consumers, particularly children. Researchers call for federal standards and better access to information to support safer urban agriculture practices.
Researchers discovered that ancient Maya cities in Mesoamerica were heavily polluted with mercury, contaminating the soil and water. The pollution was caused by the frequent use of mercury and cinnabar paints, powders, and other products, which leached into the environment and pose a potential health hazard today.
Researchers found that elevated CO2 levels stimulate tree growth, resulting in longer and more extensive root systems. This adaptation helps trees absorb nutrients from the soil, providing limited protection against climate change. The study provides insights into how forests respond to increased carbon dioxide levels.
Researchers found that bodies with lower BMI had decreased bacterial diversity, while those with higher BMI maintained constant diversity. The study suggests intrinsic factors like disease and medication load may impact microbial life in the surrounding soil.
A study by the University of Exeter and Greenpeace Research Laboratories reveals that synthetic nitrogen fertilisers contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. The researchers estimate that the supply chain for these fertilisers is responsible for emitting the equivalent of 1.13 gigatonnes of CO₂ in 2018.
Geologists mapped how historical coking and smelting led to toxic metal pollutants in Pittsburgh's soil, particularly in the eastern half of the city. The team found that concentrations of soil metals were higher in valleys influenced by rivers, with cadmium posing a lesser-known risk.
Oregon State University will collaborate with partners on a five-year project to enhance soil health and reduce the carbon footprint of the Pacific Northwest potato industry. The project aims to identify climate-smart practices that increase soil organic matter, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve water holding capacity.
Research from UBC Okanagan suggests that wineries can revive lagging tourism by focusing on multi-sensory experiences, such as participation in agricultural activities and workshops. This approach helps create memorable and authentic experiences for visitors, setting wine destinations apart from one another.
A team of researchers identified the clubroot pathogen in Mexico, a crucial discovery for the country's broccoli production and global supply. The study used a detection methodology developed during Covid-19, allowing for accurate identification and potential future outbreaks.
Researchers found that soil microbiota facilitates the growth of invasive garden lupine and provides defense against herbivores. The plants grown with natural soil microbes produced compounds that deter snails, while those with reduced microbiota showed no such effect.
This study highlights the importance of selecting appropriate primers and databases according to the target taxonomic level when studying soil nematode biodiversity. The results show that different primers and databases can affect the annotation of nematode taxa, with finer taxonomic levels resulting in fewer shared taxa among databases.
A new study from North Carolina State University shows that soil temperature can be used to predict the spread of the corn earworm, an important pest affecting various crop species. The research reveals three geographic zones where the pest can overwinter, and models suggest that these zones will shift northward due to climate change.
A comprehensive study reveals that nitrogen-fixers are most diverse in arid regions of the US, contrary to expectations. Plants have evolved creative ways to acquire nitrogen, and their diversity increases in these environments due to adaptations such as thicker cuticles.
Researchers found that non-growing season nitrous oxide emissions in the Midwest can account for up to 60% of annual emissions. Environmental factors such as precipitation and temperature drive these emissions, with more intensive freezing causing increased emissions in the southeastern Midwest.
Researchers developed a wireless system called Contactless Moisture Estimation (CoMEt) that estimates soil moisture in agricultural fields at multiple depths using radio signals. CoMEt can assess soil moisture without requiring in-ground sensors, making it more cost-effective and convenient for farmers.
A recent study found that microplastics in agricultural soils can cause a decrease in germination rate and changes to seed production, which could have negative consequences for food production. The presence of microplastics also alters soil characteristics such as its structure and microbial communities.
Researchers analyzed four pesticides' effects on earthworms and springtails in Northern, Central, and Southern Europe. They found varying risks depending on soil compartment and pesticide characteristics. The study highlights the need to consider regional variability when regulating agricultural practices.
Research suggests that climate change may lead to the proliferation of pathogenic fungi in drying soils, which could pose a significant public health threat. The study's findings are being used to inform policymakers on the potential risks of global climate change on soil fungal communities in the US Southwest.
A new methodology predicts soil recovery after wildfires by analyzing the impact of microbes and nutrients on soil regeneration. The study found that including uncommon soil microbiota was critical to predicting water quality and terrestrial ecosystem recovery.
A University of Illinois study found tomatoes in Chicago backyard gardens have low levels of lead, making them relatively safe for consumption. However, improper soil handling and lack of washing can still pose health risks. Researchers recommend minimizing dust with heavy mulch and careful fruit washing to safely grow tomatoes.
Researchers found that domesticated maize recruits different microbes from soil than its wild ancestors, including those involved in nitrogen cycling. This shift may be driving the need for synthetic fertilizers, but understanding the ancestral microbiome could help breed crops more sustainably.
Researchers have identified a hormone signal that promotes root swelling, which actually hinders root growth in hard soils. By reducing this response, roots can penetrate harder soils more effectively, safeguarding agricultural yields worldwide.
Researchers discovered that pocket gophers cultivate and harvest roots for food, constituting a rudimentary form of farming. This behavior allows them to generate enough energy to maintain their extensive tunnel networks.
A team of WVU researchers has developed a biodegradable composite material using cotton fibers from recycled mattresses, with the goal of replacing single-use plastics. The new material will be created through 3D printing and can be used to produce various consumer products, such as beverage straws and disposable packaging.
Researchers identified peak emergence times for 15 problematic weed species in the Northeast, revealing that waiting till after June 1 can avoid common ragweed. Flexible crop rotations and weather-based predictions can help farmers plan ahead and control weeds more effectively.
A recent study reveals that PFAS significantly increase litter decomposition and alter soil pH, impacting nutrient cycles and ecosystem processes. The presence of PFAS also exerts detrimental effects on soil respiration, microbial populations, and water-stable aggregates.
Researchers found that wetter pre-growing seasons reduced soil nitrogen through leaching, but applying more fertilizer can mitigate this effect. The model also showed that cold pre-growing season temperatures limited early growth in ways that affected yield potential, making extra fertilizer less effective.
Researchers found that short-term cover crop use cannot reverse decades of soil microbial dynamics in response to unsustainable practices. Long-term fertilization disrupted nitrogen cycling communities, while cover crops enhanced biodiversity but had both positive and negative effects on soil microbes.
Researchers at the University of Arizona Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health will measure soil and dust ingestion levels in US children to protect them from harmful chemicals. The study, funded by the EPA, aims to establish new data benchmarks for child health guidelines.
This study reveals that topography and soil pH are key factors influencing the spatial distribution and activity density of termites in tropical forests. The researchers found that different feeding groups respond to environmental influences, such as plant biomass and litter mass, affecting their co-occurrence and ecological impact.
Researchers at Universities of Cologne and Bayreuth found that flooding frequency and topography determine the abundance of microplastics in an alluvial Rhine soil. The study, published in Science of the Total Environment, revealed that microplastics can accumulate in floodplains and be transported into deeper soil layers.
Researchers explored potential policies to reduce nitrogen loss while protecting farmers' bottom lines. The study found that a nitrogen leaching fee policy showed the best outcome, with estimated cost savings of $524 million per year.
Researchers from Tokyo Tech developed an alumina-supported iron-based catalyst that efficiently converts CO2 into formic acid with up to 90% selectivity. The new catalyst's excellent recyclability and low-cost nature make it a promising candidate for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels and providing energy via combustion.
Researchers have discovered that soil microbes use distinct metabolic pathways to metabolize carbon in different soils, challenging long-held assumptions in the field of soil ecology. The study suggests that these differences may be related to protection against oxygen stress in certain environments.
Researchers have discovered 'proto-peat', a thin layer of organic matter containing high levels of carbon, in the Arctic. This finding suggests new carbon sinks may be forming as the region warms up.
A new project led by INRS will assess how living organisms respond to reduced pesticide use, focusing on soil and water health. The study aims to provide a clear understanding of the benefits and limitations of reducing pesticide use in sustainable farming.
A new online portal developed by UKCEH enables forecasters to provide communities with more reliable warnings about large storms in the Sahel region. The portal uses state-of-the-art weather forecast models to predict storm behavior, taking into account factors such as land surface temperatures, soil moisture, and atmospheric humidity.
The UN Convention to Combat Desertification's Global Land Outlook 2 report warns that up to 40% of the planet's land is degraded, threatening half of humanity and roughly 1/2 of world GDP. The report offers hundreds of practical ways to restore land and ecosystem health.
Research reveals high rates of parasitic worm infections in ancient British populations, particularly during the Roman and Medieval periods. The study sheds light on the lives and habits of past populations, providing insights into public health measures.
A new study by Hiroshima University introduces a novel AI-based technique for estimating site amplification factors from microtremor data. The model demonstrated potential as a predictive tool for characterizing site amplification factors, but notes are needed for further optimization with a larger dataset.
Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania found a correlation between household income, building age, and proximity to former lead smelters with elevated blood-lead levels in children. The study highlights environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income and minority populations in Philadelphia.
A team of researchers from Nanyang Technological University and National Parks Board in Singapore has discovered that certain tropical plant species can absorb and remove toxic heavy metals and metalloids from contaminated soil. The study identified 12 plant species effective for phytoremediation, including Cow Grass, Brake Fern, and I...
Vertical farming enables crops to be grown in vertically stacked layers, conserving land and allowing for multiple harvests per year. This method can significantly reduce water requirements and chemical crop protection, while increasing yields through optimal growth conditions and technologies.
Scientists have identified a potential new antibiotic candidate from the rare soil microbe Lentzea flaviverrucosa. The discovery was made using genomics-based approaches and shows that this actinomycete produces two different bioactive molecules that are active against various types of cancer cells.
Researchers found that earthworms prefer soils with bioplastic particles and digest them differently than petroleum-derived plastics. The worms can break down bioplastics like polylactic acid into smaller fragments, which are then excreted slowly.
Researchers used machine learning to predict the most important factors underlying heavy metal pollution remediation in biochar-treated soils. Biochar nitrogen content and application rate were found to be the most crucial features in determining HM immobilization, with soil properties also playing a significant role.
Research found that invasive earthworms significantly reduce the number of insects, biomass, and species richness above ground in Canadian forests. The study suggests that changes in soil conditions caused by earthworms may also affect vegetation, but no significant alteration was detected.