Tag

Soil

All articles tagged with #soil

environment1 month ago•17 min saved

Plastic micro-habitats in soil spark microbial battlegrounds, reshaping farm soil health

A scientific review finds microplastics in agricultural soils form plastisphere microhabitats that host dense microbial networks and virus-mediated gene exchange, potentially altering soil fertility and nutrient cycling. While researchers explore virus-assisted plastic degradation, long-term field data and biosafety considerations remain uncertain, underscoring the need for multidisciplinary study to understand and manage these tiny but influential ecosystems.

via Earth.com|

#environment #microbiome #microplastics

space-exploration1 month ago•56 min saved

Waste-to-Soil: Astronaut Waste Could Grow Crops on Mars

Researchers weathered lunar and Martian regolith with waste-derived effluent from NASA’s bio-regenerative life-support system (BLiSS), releasing nutrients like sulfur, calcium, and magnesium that could help convert in-situ materials into soil-like growth media for crops on the Moon or Mars—though real regolith lacks some nutrients and the approach still needs refinement.

via Space|

#bliss #mars #regolith

science1 year ago•3 min saved

Unraveling Why Worms Emerge During Rainfall

Earthworms often surface during rain, not to avoid drowning, as they can breathe through their skin in water, but possibly due to needing higher oxygen levels, mistaking rain vibrations for predators, or to move more easily on wet ground. Some species are more sensitive to low oxygen, prompting them to surface, while others may remain underground. Additionally, wet conditions may facilitate mating or migration. The phenomenon is also exploited in practices like 'worm charming,' where vibrations are used to lure worms to the surface.

via Livescience.com|

#behavior #earthworms #oxygen

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Scientists Concerned as Dormant Organisms Awaken After Millennia"

As global temperatures rise, previously dormant bacteria in Earth's soil are becoming active, potentially impacting carbon stocks and contributing to global warming. A new study by researchers at the University of Vienna reveals that the activation of dormant bacteria, rather than accelerated growth of existing microbes, is the primary mechanism behind the release of carbon into the atmosphere. The findings highlight the complex relationship between microbial activity, soil temperature, and the global carbon cycle, providing valuable insights for climate modeling and understanding the impact of warming temperatures on Earth's microbiome.

via The Debrief|

#climate-change #environment #global-warming

agriculture-and-environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Global Crop Yields at Risk Due to Potassium Depletion in Soil"

A study published in Nature Food reveals that potassium deficiency in agricultural soils poses a significant threat to global food security, with more potassium being removed from soils than added in many regions. This depletion can inhibit plant growth and reduce crop yields, affecting food supplies for millions of people. The researchers recommend policies and practices to address this issue, including global assessment of potassium stocks, monitoring and responding to price fluctuations, sustainable application practices, and intergovernmental cooperation to develop global policy coordination.

via Phys.org|

#agriculture #agriculture-and-environment #crop-yields

science2 years ago•102 min saved

"Conserved Microbial Network Unveils Clues for Forensic Science"

Researchers have discovered a universal network of microbes that respond to cadaver decomposition, despite variations in climate, location, and season. The study used multi-omic data to reveal that a conserved interdomain soil microbial decomposer network assembles in response to mammalian remains, with evidence of increased metabolic efficiencies to process lipid- and protein-rich compounds. Key members of the microbial decomposer network are associated with various mammalian carrion, suggesting that they are not human-specific. The findings have implications for forensic science, agriculture, sustainability, and the human death care industry.

via Nature.com|

#cadaver #decomposition #microbial-ecology

science2 years ago•4 min saved

"Uncovering the Ancient Amazonians' Mysterious 'Dark Earth' for Humanity's Salvation"

Ancient Amazonians are believed to have intentionally created extremely fertile soil known as terra preta, or 'Amazonian dark earth', by enriching it with food scraps, charcoal, and waste over hundreds to thousands of years. This discovery could change our understanding of the region's history and the potential of organic matter vital to human well-being. The unintentional carbon sequestration in this soil has scientists excited about its potential to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, and the study suggests that modern sustainable agriculture and climate change mitigation efforts could draw on traditional methods practiced by Indigenous Amazonians.

via Express|

#amazon-rainforest #ancient-amazonians #climate-change

environment2 years ago•3 min saved

"Farmland's Rock Solid Solution: Harnessing Rocks to Combat Global Warming"

Scientists from UC Davis and Cornell University have conducted a field study demonstrating that applying crushed volcanic rock to croplands can store carbon in soil, even in dry climates like California. This "enhanced rock weathering" technique could potentially capture up to 215 billion tons of CO2 over 75 years if implemented globally. The study found that the addition of crushed rock stored carbon dioxide in the soil, even during an extreme drought. This research suggests that drylands, which cover a significant portion of Earth's land surface and are expanding due to climate change, could play a crucial role in carbon storage efforts.

via SciTechDaily|

#carbon-capture #climate-change #drought-prone-regions

science2 years ago•5 min saved

The Circle of Life: Your Necrobiome's Role in Recycling

Trillions of microorganisms, known as the necrobiome, live in and around our bodies and continue to thrive after we die. These symbiotic bacteria play a crucial role in decomposing our bodies, recycling nutrients, and supporting new life. When our bodies break down, the cellular breakdown products become food for these bacteria, especially gut bacteria like Clostridia. As our bodies decompose, our microbes are flushed into the soil, where they encounter a diverse microbial community. Research suggests that our host-associated microbes are not only alive in the soil but also cooperate with native soil microbes to enhance decomposition rates and nitrogen cycling. This microbial recycling process is essential for fueling biodiversity and supporting ecosystems.

via Atlas Obscura|

#decomposition #microbes #necrobiome

science2 years ago•5 min saved

The Eternal Legacy of Your Necrobiome: How Your Microbes Sustain Life Beyond Death

Trillions of microorganisms that reside in the human body continue to live on and play a crucial role in recycling the body after death. These symbiotic bacteria, especially Clostridia, feed on the breakdown products of cells during decomposition and aid in the process of putrefaction. When the body is buried, these microbes are flushed into the soil, where they encounter a diverse microbial community. Recent research suggests that these host-associated microbes are not only alive in the soil but also cooperate with native soil microbes to enhance decomposition rates and nitrogen cycling. This microbial activity contributes to the recycling of nutrients from dead bodies, supporting new life in ecosystems.

via ScienceAlert|

#decomposition #ecosystem #microorganisms

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Uncovering the Surprising Impact of Arctic Soil Methane Consumption in Dry Climates

A study led by researchers from the University of Eastern Finland and the University of Montreal reveals that Arctic soil methane uptake may be larger than previously thought, with methane uptake increasing under dry conditions and with the availability of labile carbon substrates. The study, conducted at Trail Valley Creek in the Western Canadian Arctic, used high-resolution measurements to uncover diel and seasonal dynamics in methane uptake. The findings have implications for estimating the current Arctic methane budget and predicting the future response of Arctic soil methane uptake to a changing climate, particularly in relation to large-scale drying.

via Phys.org|

#arctic #climate-change #environment

environment2 years ago•4 min saved

"Microplastics in Soil: A Potential Pathway for Drug-Resistant Superbugs in Food"

Microplastics and nanoplastics, which are widely dispersed in agricultural soils, could contribute to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacteria in the food supply. These plastics act as vectors for transmitting pathogenic and antimicrobial-resistant bacteria into the food chain. Chemical substances and microorganisms stick to plastic, allowing bacteria to activate stress response genes that help them resist antibiotics. Bacteria on microplastics can also transfer genes through horizontal gene transfer, potentially increasing their virulence. While gene transfer in agricultural soil is currently hypothetical, ongoing laboratory studies aim to document this phenomenon. The presence of nanoplastics and antibiotic-resistant bacteria in plant tissues raises concerns about food safety. Researchers emphasize the need to understand the impacts of microplastics in soil and advocate for biodegradable plastic alternatives.

via Phys.org|

#agricultural-industry #antibiotic-resistance #environment

health2 years ago•3 min saved

Mysterious Leprosy Case in Florida Linked to Local Soil

A Florida man's unexplained case of leprosy has raised concerns that the rare bacterial infection may be endemic to central Florida and transmitted through the environment, possibly in the soil. The man, who had no established risk factors, spent a lot of time outdoors as a landscaper. Dermatologists suspect that contaminated soil, potentially seeded with leprosy-causing bacteria from armadillos, could be the source of transmission. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has not issued a travel advisory for leprosy in Florida, emphasizing that the disease is rare, not highly contagious, and can be effectively treated with antibiotics.

via Ars Technica|

#bacterial-infection #dermatologists #florida

environment2 years ago•5 min saved

Fungi's 'necromass' absorbs one-third of carbon emissions.

Mycorrhizal fungi, which live in partnership with plants, take up the equivalent of more than a third (36%) of the world's annual carbon emissions from fossil fuels—every year. These fungi transport essential nutrients and water to plants, and can even boost their resistance to pests and disease. By analysing almost 200 datasets, the researchers estimate the world's plants are transferring a staggering 3.58 billion tonnes of carbon per year to this underground network. Protecting these hidden fungal networks is crucial to safeguarding our plants' resilience and playing a key role in the carbon cycle.

via Phys.org|

#carbon-cycle #climate-change #environment

gardening2 years ago•3 min saved

"Expert Tips for Growing Blueberries at Home"

Growing blueberries in your yard requires acidic soil with a pH level of around 4 to 5. Blueberries need a certain number of chill hours, so it's important to buy the right kind for your climate. Plant them in full sun, space them 3 to 4 feet apart, and water them during dry spells. Fertilize them after a month in the ground and pick off buds the first two years to allow for more foliage and deeper roots. Prune blueberries annually to keep them healthy and producing.

via Yahoo Life|

#blueberries #fertilizer #gardening