Rain falling on bare soil can form a hard crust that prevents further infiltration. But do these crusts worsen land degradation or help to prevent it?
soils
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Details of Gas Flow in Wetland Plant Roots Unearthed
Scientists track the flow of trace gases through wetland root systems to understand the role of plants in biogenic gas fluxes.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Conservation Farming Shown to Protect Carbon in Soil
A closer look at cultivated land informs actions to protect the vitality of our soil.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Satellites Track Chlorophyll Fluorescence to Monitor Drought
New satellite observations show connection between solar-induced chlorophyll fluorescence and soil moisture—a key mechanism behind drought onset.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Soil Texture Determines How Groundwater and Rain Impact Crops
Scientists model water table depth, soil texture, and weather conditions to identify how these variables interact to make or break corn yields.
Posted inNews
Assessing U.S. Fire Risks Using Soil Moisture Satellite Data
NASA satellite data and models provide information for mapping fire risks nationwide, giving agencies tools for fire response, say scientists at the AGU Fall Meeting.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Water Beneath the Surface of Mars, Bound Up in Sulfates
Researchers present maps of hydrogen and sulfur that hint at water locked in hydrous sulfates in Mars's southern hemispheric soil.
Posted inAGU News
Manzoni Receives 2014 Early Career Hydrologic Science Award
Stefano Manzoni received the 2014 Early Career Hydrologic Science Award at the 2014 American Geophysical Union Fall Meeting, held 15–19 December in San Francisco, Calif. The award is for significant early career contributions to hydrologic science.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Microbial Activity in Dry Soils
Researchers investigate how microbes respire in dry conditions.
Posted inResearch Spotlights
Comparing Models for Soil Erosion Due to Wind
Researchers investigate the impact of vegetation on erosion.