Researchers and students are building a comprehensive picture of the microbial life beneath our feet.
soils
Alligators May Boost Carbon Storage in Coastal Wetlands
Research suggests that American alligators help coastal wetlands retain more carbon, linking predator recovery in the southeastern United States to ecosystem function and climate processes.
Insights for Making Quick Clay Landslides Less Quick
In a quick clay landslide, solid soil liquefies suddenly, sometimes washing over entire towns. New modeling examines what kinds of salts could help stabilize these clays.
As Some Soils Warm, Microbes Stockpile Essential Nutrients
A study in Iceland found that microbes are hoarding more nitrogen for themselves, altering nutrient cycling and leaving less for plants.
Los microplásticos tienen efectos muy variados en el suelo
Un nuevo estudio revela que una concentración de microplásticos de tan solo el 0,4 % altera el drenaje del suelo, lo que podría afectar al crecimiento de los cultivos y otras plantas.
Rethinking How to Measure Roots
Researchers present a new method for determining depth-dependent patterns of the root-soil interactions that drive ecosystem functions in the critical zone.
Blending Science and Indigenous Knowledge to Tell an Estuary’s Story
A new study of nutrient levels in soil cores supports oral Indigenous history, informing future estuary restoration efforts.
An Ecosystem Never Forgets
A new study in southwestern China shows how ecosystems may exhibit “hydrological memory,” which affects how they react to extreme climate events such as heat and drought.
How Ancient Indigenous Societies Made Today’s Amazon More Resilient
Portions of the forest managed by pre-Columbian populations hold higher biomass and are more able to withstand climate change.
How Can We Tell If Climate-Smart Agriculture Stores Carbon?
Quantitative data at real-world scales are needed to assess the effects of cover cropping and other practices on soil carbon storage. Large-scale medical studies provide a proven methodology.
