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UrduMicrobes “breathing in rust” plays an important role in soils
Tag: Soil Science
We’ve Got the Dirt on Soil Protists
The diverse collection of microbes known as protists are understudied, but their impact on ecosystems and agriculture could be huge.
Benefits of wheat in corn-soybean crop rotations
Adding wheat can boost yields, increase economic return, and improve soil
Argonne team unravels mysteries of carbon release in permafrost soils
Argonne scientists are studying the release of carbon in thawing permafrost regions to help predict the impact of rising global temperatures on future greenhouse gas emissions.
Tracking Nitrate in Farm Fields
Nitrogen is essential for crops, but when it gets into the water supply, it spells big trouble. Scientists are trying to help farmers strike the right balance by measuring their fields.
Free K-12 resources developed for teaching soil science
Through a contribution agreement with USDA-NRCS, the Soil Science Society of America has developed materials to enhance the teaching of soils in both formal and informal classrooms.
Are there soil microbes under my fingernails?
Exposure to soil microorganisms, human health closely related
NOT ALL GOOD BACTERIA GET ALONG
Just as the beneficial bacteria living in yogurt and sauerkraut are good for your gut, tiny organisms living in the soil help plants and intense research is underway on natural “probiotic” soil treatments containing living microorganisms. Developers of these products have been including multiple species of beneficial bacteria in their formulations, aiming to boost crop growth and yield. But new research from the University of Delaware suggests these selections must be made very carefully, because not all good bacteria get along.
DONALD SPARKS HONORED BY EUROPEAN GEOSCIENCES UNION
The University of Delaware’s Donald Sparks, a global leader in environmental soil chemistry for more than 30 years, has won the 2021 Philippe Duchaufour Medal given by the European Geosciences Union.
Reflections on emergency remote teaching for lab courses
One year after COVID-19 rapidly transformed university learning, professors reflect on tools for resiliency.
What do ants and soils do for each other?
Soil aeration and water infiltration among benefits ants provide
Some food contamination starts in the soil
Rice husk residue can prevent uptake of harmful elements in rice
How do different root structures affect soil?
Root architecture, formation play key roles in modifying soil
Framework sheds light on nitrogen loss of producing common food items
Differences in nitrogen loss intensity between livestock and crops confirm the need for change.
Cattle grazing and soybean yields
Each corn harvest leaves behind leaves, husks and cobs. Research shows cattle can take advantage of this food resource without damaging field productivity.
Tepary beans – a versatile and sustainable native crop
This drought and heat tolerant crop can provide nutrition, even when grown in harsh environments.
Keeping California a powerhouse of almond production
Research shows nitrogen efficiency and productivity not a tradeoff
How can farmers grow crops in more coarse soils?
Growing crops in stony soils can be challenging, but feasible
Agronomic Science Foundation launches diversity initiative to advance underrepresented groups
As society grapples with deep concerns over racial inequities and other social justice issues, members of the Agronomic Science Foundation (ASF) have embarked on a mission to foster change from within.
$2M grant supports more sustainable path for organic farmers
Organic crop farmers in the Northeast and Upper Midwest are facing an increasing number of challenges related to climate change and invasive pests, but a $2 million grant from the USDA will help them find sustainable solutions.
“Hot, dry and salty” symposium to cover plant-microbe interactions in a changing world
As climate change influences our ecosystems, microbes may help crops and environmental management solutions succeed in stressful conditions
Upcoming symposium highlighting advances in nutrient stewardship
The 4 R’s Advances in Primary Research of Nutrient Stewardship
Allies in alley cropping: testing tree and grass combinations
Research shows willow trees may pair well with grass crops in alley cropping systems
Translating soil chemistry science to improve human health
Contaminated soils – and foods – influenced by soil factors
Best farming practices for soil health vary by region
Long-term, regional data is crucial to determine the best farming practices for soil health, crop production and nutritional quality
What is the impact of fire on desert soils of Nevada?
Prescribed burning allows team to study soil biochemistry in sagebrush ecosystems
Reducing cadmium levels in cacao
Researchers are working to help cacao farmers manage harmful cadmium levels in the soil.
Lectureship speakers for ASA-CSSA-SSSA meeting announced
Theme of the all-virtual meeting is Translating Visionary Science to Practice
How is San Antonio reducing its solid waste?
Composting services provide many benefits in urban areas
First look at a sustainable agricultural mulch
Sand particles coated in oil could help farmers hold more moisture in the soil
How are wetland plants and soils different from drier soils?
Wetlands are characterized by saturation levels, hydric soils, and hydrophytic plants
A climatic crystal ball: How changes in ancient soil microbes could predict the future of the Arctic
Microbial communities in Arctic permafrost changed drastically at the end of the ice age—and this shift could happen again due to modern climate change, according to a new study by University of Alberta scientists.
What is a dung beetle?
Dung beetles provide many important functions to ecosystems
Smartphones prove to be time-saving analytical tools
Scientists use a smartphone camera to easily measure soil density — a key metric for analyzing our soils
Why is testing for soil microbes important?
Various types of microbes are key ingredients to healthy soil
Argonne’s pivotal research discovers practices, technologies key to sustainable farming
Scientists study how sustainable farming practices could reduce emissions.
How much fluorine is too much fluorine?
Research investigates how fluorine levels affect beneficial soil microbes
Sustainable Agronomy Conference goes virtual
Third annual conference transitions to virtual format for the first time
Argonne soil carbon research reduces uncertainty in predicting climate change impacts
DOE and USDA researchers use new global models to study how environmental controllers affect soil organic carbon, changes in which can alter atmospheric carbon concentrations and affect climate. Predictions could benefit industry mitigation plans.
The story behind a uniquely dark, wetland soil
Areas where landslides are common make hydric soil identification tricky
How are oysters farmed – and what’s the effect on subaqueous soils?
Oyster aquaculture poses minor changes to soils and bottom-dwelling communities
Carbon Cycling in Wet Soils
Testing microbial activity in soil columns helps researchers understand how carbon is stored in soils that are periodically waterlogged.
Rutgers Expert Can Discuss Soil Compaction, Healthy Yards
New Brunswick, N.J. (June 23, 2020) – Rutgers University–New Brunswick Professor Steven Yergeau is available to discuss the causes of soil compaction and how to correct it to foster healthy yards. Soil compaction can impact lawns and gardens and cause…
Solving the mysteries of water and air underground
The mysterious capillary fringe has huge effects on the soil, and new research tells us how it works.
Using waste to grow wonders
Research uses biosolids and urban waste to create a sustainable topsoil mixture
Modeling Gas Diffusion in Aggregated Soils
Researchers develop soil-gas diffusivity model based on two agricultural soils
Soil pores hold the key to stability for desert soils
Study shows which desert soils better recover from disturbance
How are coastal farmers responding to salty soils?
Saltwater intrusion means farmers must adapt their management practices.
What happened to Alaska’s soils during the 2019 fires?
Protecting the permafrost after a record fire season
Do soils need a low-salt diet?
New findings suggest soils exposed to salt release more greenhouse gas