Organic farmers can use a combination of cover crops and no-till methods to improve soil health, suppress weeds, and retain moisture.
Canola and camelina are cool-season crops that produce oilseeds. Soon they may find a home in California fields as a rotational crop with smart water use and high demand.
Snow is fun for sledding and skiing, but what is its role in soil protection? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 15 Soils Matter blog post explains the crucial role of snow for healthy soils.
Eating popcorn has long been synonymous with watching movies. But soon you might find yourself reaching for another popped snack option—popped sorghum.
Can grassy lawns affect carbon and nitrogen in the soil? Researchers found grass species and mowing habits can make a difference.
When do erosion and rebuilding of soil equate with outdoor beauty? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how the wind and water forces at Colorado’s Great Sand Dunes National Park work in a constant cycle of erosion and rebuilding.
Breeding new varieties of chickpeas with desirable traits – such as increased resistance to diseases and pests – is difficult. In a new study, researchers evaluated four combinations of breeding methods and tested whether they increased the success rate of crossing chickpeas.
The American Society of Agronomy (ASA), Soil Science Society of America (SSSA), and the Crop Science Society of America (CSSA) sent an open letter today to President Trump, asking that he “protect and defend the scientific integrity of federal scientists.”
Researchers found engineered floating wetlands show promise, similar to natural floating wetlands, for water treatment.
Researchers are reviving one of the Mississippi River's main filters: the floodplain. The result is a unique environment that removes nitrogen, a contributor to the Gulf of Mexico's dead zone.
In a new study, researchers used digital techniques to predict how one vital soil characteristic, soil organic carbon, may be altered by climate change.
The January 9, 2014 Freedom Industries’ storage facility leak in Charleston, WV released a little-known chemical into rivers, threatening human and the environmental health. How can we be better prepared?
Wintry weather can pack a slippery punch. While use of salt on roads and sidewalks can return surfaces to a safer status, too much salt can have long-term effects on soil. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) January 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how too much salt reduces soils’ ability to retain plant nutrients and water, and damage soil structure.
Researchers are uncovering the genome of cowpeas, also known as black-eyed peas, in response to challenging growing conditions and the need for food security.
Plants need the nutrients of soil to grow. The Earth’s creatures need homes to live. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) December 15th Soils Matter blog post explains how soil provides these and other services.
In a new study, researchers describe a fully-automated, portable, and energy-independent rainout shelter. This new design will allow researchers to more effectively field test crop varieties for their tolerances to water stress.
The critical zone extends from the top of the tallest tree down through the soil and into the water and rock beneath it. It stops at what’s called the weathering zone — or where soils first begin to develop. This zone allows crops to grow well and supports our buildings. It also allows for animals and microbes to live, and filters our water. A review of recent research is now available.
The wise person builds on a solid foundation. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) December 1st Soils Matter blog post explains what goes into deciding soil’s suitability for a construction project.
For many farmers, in-furrow starter application is a cheaper alternative to other starter fertilizers. New research suggests it does not provide an economic benefit in most situations, however.
Assessing soil physical quality can save time and money. It can help steer away from soils that wouldn’t help crops grow their best. Researchers have combined this information in a mathematical equation.
Middle school students can experience the richness of science with real-world applications. Agronomy - Grow With It!, a new book from the American Society of Agronomy (ASA), explains the science behind the food we eat.
By combining macadamia and coffee crops in a single field, researchers demonstrate a more weather-tolerant, productive, and profitable crop.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) November 15 Soils Matter blog post explains farming challenges the Pilgrims faced, and their survival thanks to help from the Wampanoag Native Americans.
Soil pollution rarely makes headlines, though it is a prevalent global issue. Spectroscopic technologies are a promising alternative to traditional analytical methods. They can reduce soil processing time from a week to mere minutes.
With winter on the way, many people are making sure best practices are in place for a weather-tight season. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) November 1st Soils Matter blog post explains why “home sweet home” is worth an inexpensive radon test for peace of mind through the winter months.
Cattle need a mixture of legume and grass for a healthy, balanced diet. To more accurately measure the composition of these forage mixtures, researchers have started using near infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS).
The Dairy Strong Alliance announced the formation of the “Dairy Strong Sustainability Alliance” in Wisconsin. The Alliance will foster environmental, economic, and social stewardship with voluntary, non-governmental certification.
Variety of topics available for media registration
In Canada, growing industrial hemp was legalized in 1998. Eighteen years later, producers still face many challenges.
Soil management and crop productivity closely tied
Florida may be famous for its beaches, but its soil is much more complex. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) October 15th Soils Matter blog post explains there’s more to this state than white sand.
Symposium summarizes USAID’s Feed the Future gains, goals
In a new study, researchers at the USDA-Agricultural Research Service have calculated how much chicken litter farmers need to apply to cotton crops to maximize profits.
Assessing multiple biophysical and socioeconomic outcomes
International Year of Pulses highlights role of sustainable crops, nutritious foods
The health of upriver streams, or headwaters, is vital to the function and biodiversity of downstream waters. By 1990, farm pollution in Northern Ireland had damaged over half of these small tributaries. Reforms started in 1990 have made progress.
Conference tour tells story of desert resilience
Soil is all around us and easy to ignore. However, locked inside is a dynamic ecosystem of amazing complexity. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) October 1st Soils Matter blog post explains how soil’s physical, chemical, and biological activities make soil more than dirt.
Agriculture and soil science fit with environmental health
Wastewater from oil drilling and hydraulic fracturing – or fracking – is often laden with salts and can spill, contaminating soils. In a recent study, researchers at North Dakota State University tested a method that extracted a large percentage of the salt present in soils contaminated by brine spills.
High value cropping systems to be discussed
Several solutions adaptable by agricultural systems to be discussed
New frontiers of soil and plant sciences may grow crops in space
Plant diversity in intercropping leads to more diversity below ground too. Researchers work to find the right combination for optimal crop and soil performance.
Although small in acreage planted, they have high nutritional and environmental value
Unleashing the creativity of farmers and agroecologists
Underneath our feet, soil’s complex system of tiny channels has huge implications for water. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) September 15th Soils Matter blog post explains how water’s movement through soil affects us all.
Farmers have been using a mix-and-match approach to practices for growing their organic veggies. Which combination of practices was best, however, was uncertain. Recent research sheds light on long-term effects of different combinations to productivity and soil.
Understanding root zone-soil interaction key to increasing sustainability
Separating evaporation measurements from transpiration could be a key to better management practices
RSS
Medicine keyboard_arrow_right
Sciencekeyboard_arrow_right
Life keyboard_arrow_right
Business keyboard_arrow_right
Journal News keyboard_arrow_right
By Location keyboard_arrow_right
Meetings, Grants, and Events keyboard_arrow_right