http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/soil_types/ Soil Research. Learn about soil types, soil erosion, how microbes can clean-up contaminated soil; how soil fungus may become more harmful; how soil-bound prions can stay infectious and more. en-us Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST Thu, 12 Nov 2009 04:05:01 EST 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/plants_animals/soil_types/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm Agricultural soils accumulate trace metals from waste and fungicide application. Regulations for soil concentrations of these potentially plant-toxic elements consider the individual elements, but not their interactions. A new study evaluates whether the copper-zinc interaction in soils is additive as defined by the toxicity response in soybeans. Tue, 10 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091110112438.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145308.htm As the climate gets warmer, arid soils lose nitrogen as gas, reports a new study. That could lead to deserts with even less plant life than they sustain today, say the researchers. Mon, 09 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091106145308.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030102151.htm Researchers in Spain have analyzed the presence of heavy metals in 12 species of mushroom collected from non-contaminated natural areas, and has found that the levels vary depending on the type of mushroom. The results of the study show that the largest quantities of lead and neodymium are found in chanterelles. Fri, 06 Nov 2009 02:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091030102151.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm Weeds are a widespread problem for the blueberry industry, particularly in young plantings when bushes are not fully established and most susceptible to competition. Weed control is even more of a challenge for growers of organic products, including organic highbush blueberry. Researchers investigated using mulches of pine needles, manure--sawdust compost, and seafood waste compost for weed control. Results indicate pine needles were the most effective mulch in suppressing weed growth. Wed, 04 Nov 2009 00:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091104122530.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085819.htm Moose eat plants; wolves kill moose. What difference does this classic predator-prey interaction make to biodiversity? A large and unexpected one, say wildlife biologists. Tue, 03 Nov 2009 11:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102085819.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111845.htm A rocket carrying the European Space Agency's Soil Moisture and Ocean Salinity satellite blasted off successfully today. SMOS is the first-ever satellite to attempt to measure ocean salinity from space. It will provide global maps of soil moisture over land and surface salinity over the ocean. Mon, 02 Nov 2009 23:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091102111845.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112609.htm Researchers have identified wheat and barley lines resistant to crown rot -- a disease that costs Australian wheat and barley farmers $79 million in lost yield every year. Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091028112609.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm Scientists have published the largest nematode phylogenetic tree up until now. It contains over 1,200 species and is entirely based on the analysis of DNA sequence data. Mon, 26 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029161526.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013132127.htm Urban grasslands are an extremely common, but poorly studied ecosystem type. Many receive high rates of fertilizer, creating concerns about nutrient runoff and greenhouse gas emissions. Recent research has been focused on long-term study plots to evaluate multiple ecological variables in different components of the urban landscape. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091013132127.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151437.htm Viruses of soil bacteria (phages) evolve to improve their ability to infect the bacterial hosts that surround them. This is shown in a new study. Phages appear to be better able to infect bacteria from the same small soil sample than bacteria from just a few centimeters away. Evolution can therefore restructure ecosystems on a very small scale. Tue, 20 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091029151437.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm Scientists are looking for cover crop perennials that provide the best balance in biofuel production between agronomic success and environmental sustainability. Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091002101613.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101331.htm An "optical soil dipstick" will help scientists, urban planners and farmers understand the changing health of the soil, as well as the soil's agricultural potential and other environmental concerns. Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001101331.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144729.htm In a new study, ecologists estimate that Arctic lands and oceans are responsible for up to 25 percent of the global net sink of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Under current predictions of global warming, this Arctic sink could be diminished or reversed, potentially accelerating predicted rates of climate change. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144729.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144734.htm Plants may not have eyes and ears, but they can recognize their siblings, and researchers have discovered how. The ID system lies in the roots and the chemical cues they secrete. The finding not only sheds light on the intriguing sensing system in plants, but also may have implications for agriculture and even home gardening. Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091014144734.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100825.htm On-farm water management could increase global crop production by about one fifth, a modeling study by German and Swedish researchers indicates. However, even intensive water management on present cropland will not be sufficient to accommodate the food demands of a growing population in a warming world, the scientists report. Wed, 14 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091012100825.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081625.htm With land degradation in dryland regions continuing to worsen, the UN Convention to Combat Desertification has agreed on scientist-recommended indicators for monitoring and assessing desertification that signatory countries must report on. Mon, 12 Oct 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091007081625.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113341.htm Among the many surprises associated with the discovery of the oldest known, nearly complete skeleton of a hominid is the finding that this species took its first steps toward bipedalism not on the open, grassy savanna, as generations of scientists -- going back to Charles Darwin -- hypothesized, but in a wooded landscape. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091008113341.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081307.htm One of the unintended consequences of crop-based biofuels may be the loss of wildlife habitat, particularly the birds who call this country's grasslands home. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001081307.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155913.htm Ancient soil-inhabiting creatures decreased in body size by nearly half in response to a period of boosted carbon dioxide levels and higher temperatures, scientists have discovered. Wed, 07 Oct 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091006155913.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164056.htm US Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Research and Development has completed its review of a dioxin exposure study conducted by the University of Michigan in the Midland-Saginaw, Michigan area. EPA found the study was conducted well and provided useful, scientifically credible information. However, the study is of limited value to help EPA fully evaluate human exposure to levels of dioxin in the Tittabawassee River and Saginaw River and Bay. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001164056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091805.htm Scientists have removed approximately 90 per cent of Australia’s vegetation cover from satellite images of the continent to produce the most detailed available Digital Elevation Model (DEM) of its topography. Wed, 30 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/10/091001091805.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172528.htm More of the fertilizers and pesticides used to grow corn would find their way into nearby water sources if ethanol demands lead to planting more acres in corn, according to a new study. Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090928172528.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213002.htm Research suggests that the expansion of rosebay rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in Southern Appalachian mountain hollows may increase the likelihood of landslides during and after intense rain events. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090831213002.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm Australian researchers have discovered that micro-organisms that help break down contaminants under the soil can actually get too hot for their own good. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090918100006.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm Researchers are working to demonstrate that trees can be used to degrade or capture fuels that leak into soil and ground water. Through a process called phytoremediation -- literally a "green" technology -- plants and trees remove pollutants from the environment or render them harmless. Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090917170912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140926.htm Ecologists have discovered that timber plantations in Hawaii use more than twice the amount of water to grow as native forests use. Especially for island ecosystems, these findings suggest that land management decisions can place ecosystems -- and the people who depend on them -- at high risk for water shortages. Thu, 17 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090915140926.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163943.htm Just like the rest of us, golf courses show their age -- especially on putting greens, which experience more foot traffic than anywhere else on golf courses. Putting greens, which comprise 1.6 percent of the total area on most courses, require more intensive management than any other part of the course. To keep putting greens in top form, turfgrass experts study ways to provide proper nutrients to the root zone, a critical area for maintaining healthy turf. Mon, 14 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090903163943.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091631.htm Researchers in the UK have a new weapon in their arsenal of tools to push back the boundaries of science, engineering, veterinary medicine and archaeology. Sat, 12 Sep 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090910091631.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165253.htm Peat, or semi-decayed vegetation matter, has been used by commercial growers and amateur gardeners since the middle of the 20th century. Peat is added to potting soil to help retain moisture and provide additional nutrients. Concerns about the environmental impact of extracting peat from wetlands are mounting. Researchers evaluated five materials as partial peat substitutes. The results show these alternatives have potential. Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165253.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165259.htm Strawberries are America's fifth-favorite fruit, according to consumption rates. California and Florida grow more than 95% of the nation's strawberries; an additional 12,000 acres are planted in other states. Strawberries are increasingly grown on small-scale farms in direct-to-consumer markets, which are gaining popularity as part of the emerging "local food movement". But how do growing methods designed to ensure successful strawberry production in colder climates affect the environment? Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165259.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165056.htm Organic apple farming starts from the ground up. Maintaining a healthy orchard floor is the key to preventing weeds and keeping soil healthy. Researchers compared three methods of orchard floor maintenance; alfalfa hay mulch treatment, applied by hand in the spring and fall; a flame burning technique in which a propane burner was used to heat the weeds and the Swiss sandwich system, which leaves a strip of vegetation to grow in the tree row. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904165056.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071953.htm A team of scientists in Spain has analyzed 29 esparto fields from Guadalajara to Murcia and has concluded that perennial vegetation cover is an efficient early warning system against desertification in these ecosystems. The study has been published in the Ecology magazine. Fri, 04 Sep 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090904071953.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105146.htm Like most invasive plants introduced to the U.S. from Europe and other places, garlic mustard first found it easy to dominate the natives. A new study indicates that eventually, however, its primary weapon -- a fungus-killing toxin injected into the soil -- becomes less potent. Thu, 03 Sep 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/09/090901105146.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm Thread-like fungi that grow in soils at high elevations may play an important role in restoring whitebark and limber pine forests in Canada. Researchers are looking for ways to use fungi to help pine seedlings get a strong start. Tue, 01 Sep 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090717150250.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141344.htm Nitrous oxide has now become the largest ozone-depleting substance emitted through human activities, and is expected to remain the largest throughout the 21st century, scientists report in a new study. Fri, 28 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090827141344.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152814.htm NIST has issued three new certified reference materials for soil. Intended for use as controls in testing laboratories, the new Standard Reference Materials will aid in determining soil quality, detecting soil contamination, and monitoring cleanup efforts from accidental spills or atmospheric deposition. Wed, 26 Aug 2009 00:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090826152814.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161142.htm Impoverished fishermen along the coast of tropical African countries like Mozambique and Madagascar may have only a few more years to eke out a profit from one of their nations' biggest agricultural exports. Within a few decades, they may no longer have a livelihood at all. That's because swampy mangrove forests – essential breeding grounds for fish and shellfish in these countries – are being destroyed by worsening pollution, encroaching real estate development, and deforestation necessary to sustain large-scale commercial shrimp farming. Tue, 25 Aug 2009 14:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820161142.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190936.htm Three Thai orchids have been found to rely on a wide range of fungi to help them take carbon out of the soil instead of producing their own organic carbon. Sat, 22 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090813190936.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820175859.htm Researchers are challenging health standards that consider nitrates and nitrites in food to be harmful. New research suggests that although there are negative health effects associated with the use of nitrogen-based fertilizers and excessive nitrates in groundwater, nitrates and nitrites -- as they occur in plants -- may actually provide health benefits. Fri, 21 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090820175859.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817073502.htm Massive burning of forests for agriculture thousands of years ago may have increased atmospheric carbon dioxide enough to alter global climate and usher in a warming trend that continues today, according to a new study in the journal Quaternary Science Reviews. Tue, 18 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090817073502.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812035445.htm New research suggests that anthrax-causing bacteria conspire with viruses to extend each other's lifespan. The work reveals a previously unknown relationship between Bacillus anthracis and viruses and opens up new possibilities for the treatment and prevention of outbreaks. Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090812035445.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722083727.htm 21st century British woodlands are less distinctive than those of the early 20th century due to environmental change. Native woodland plants have re-organized over the last 70 years in response to increased soil fertility and loss of light related to increased canopy shading. Tue, 11 Aug 2009 02:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090722083727.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804071358.htm Advances in ecology increasingly reveal that conventional agricultural practices have detrimental effects on the landscape ecology, creating problems for long-term sustainability of crops. Ecologists are exploring how our agricultural practices can take lessons from natural environments. Thu, 06 Aug 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/08/090804071358.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611192134.htm It may not be the Yeti, but in a remote region of the Russian mountains a previously unknown and entirely unique form of plant root has been discovered. Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/06/090611192134.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729210821.htm In their most recent experiments with Geobacter, the sediment-loving microbe whose hairlike filaments help it to produce electric current from mud and wastewater, scientists supervised the evolution of a new strain that dramatically increases power output per cell and overall bulk power. It also works with a thinner biofilm than earlier strains, cutting the time to reach electricity-producing concentrations on the electrode. Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090729210821.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080554.htm Human impact on one of the world's most threatened bird species can be beneficial rather than destructive -- and could even save it from extinction -- according to counterintuitive new findings. This critically endangered species is largely dependent on local farming practices for their survival. Thu, 30 Jul 2009 23:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090727080554.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185452.htm Black cherry trees, native to the United States, are an invasive species in Europe and thrive in that part of the world. Experiments show why: A soil-borne pathogen keeps these trees in check in the United States, but is too weak to stop them from spreading in Europe. Tue, 28 Jul 2009 20:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090719185452.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm A promising biocontrol agent for garlic mustard, one of the most problematic invaders of temperate forests in North America, has been identified. Mon, 27 Jul 2009 05:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/07/090725115152.htm