The Vadose Zone Journal Transitions to Open Access
Soil Science Society of America (SSSA)The Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) will switch from the subscription format to a fully Open Access journal.
The Vadose Zone Journal (VZJ) will switch from the subscription format to a fully Open Access journal.
Thinking of going off-trail this summer? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) July 15 Soils Matter blog post explains how trails protect the environment—and how off-trail recreation can be damaging.
Forest fires can be frightening, destructive events. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) March 15 Soils Matter blog post explains the effects of forest fires on soil ecosystems—and how they bounce back.
Don’t forget winter snows when considering the water cycle! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) March 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how winter snowpack helps recharge groundwater.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
What is the first color that comes to mind when you envision soil? Is it brown, black, yellow, or red? How about white, gray, green, or blue? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) September 1 Soils Matter blog post explains that of these answers are correct depending on where you are from! It is true; soils come in an incredible range of colors.
The soils in which we grow food needs to be fed—and fed the right nutrients! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how soils change over time and use, and how precise soil nutrition can make a difference.
Cities face challenges with stormwater, because the asphalt and concrete don’t absorb the water like the soils found in rural areas. But, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) June 15 Soils Matter blog post explains that there are many things urban homeowners can do to help keep water out of stormwater systems. Homeowners can enhance soils’ natural ability to clean and capture water.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) June 1 Soils Matter blog post explains that biosolids are actually one of the most scientifically studied products for use in agriculture and home gardens. And they are being used to fix industrial sites – and used productively in home gardens as well!
In the basic water cycle, water falls on the land in some type of precipitation (rain or snow). It either is soaked into the ground or runs off into a body of water – storm water or natural. Eventually, it returns to the atmosphere. But the story about water movement in soil is complex. Soil scientists call this topic “soil hydrology.” The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) May 15 Soils Matter blog post explains how soil texture, soil structure, and gravity influence water movement.
How soil testing is done in the future may change to include microbial content
Research shows extraordinary commitment to science and soil physics and support of soil physicists
Pruning, watering and planting steps for long-term success
Taking time to make a proper hole and a little pruning can earn you healthier plants
Intentionally or unintentionally, many gardeners have left plants in their gardens over the winter. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 15 Soils Matter blog post explains this is actually a good thing… and something everyone should consider on a yearly basis.
Chicago’s history of industrialization and urbanization left its mark on the soil. Soil acts as a sponge, and can host contaminants for years. In Chicago, the waste from industrial manufacturing causes undesirable toxic organic chemicals, heavy metals, and other chemicals to linger in the soil. This can pose problems for the health of the humans and plants that inhabit the land years later. A non-profit youth development center hopes to repurpose lots into useful spaces for the community. However, the poor quality soils in the lots create challenges.
Chairwoman Stabenow recognized for her commitment to food, agriculture, and natural resources research
Study suggests earthworms could be established in drought-prone dryland soils to improve soil quality.
A new study from researchers at the USDA Agricultural Research Service provides information about runoff under different management practices and can help farmers choose the practice that is best for them.
Urban heat islands raise the temperature of residential lawns, and hotter temperatures lead to more carbon dioxide efflux as compared to agricultural corn fields.
The advantages of 3-D printing are now being put to the test in soil science laboratories.
Biological soil crust organisms found to play an active role in the development of soil structures and the allocation of water and nutrients.
A dilemma is smouldering-- even as wildfires top the current headlines. New research highlights the practice of aggressive fire suppression by using studies at Lake Tahoe as an active example.
Simple message ties the science of soil to everyday life, spreading education beyond the classroom.
Soil Science Society Members will share hands-on research and education with Legislators on Capitol Hill.
Process of urban soil being studied, Detroit offers natural laboratory setting.
Important program coordinates data from soil surveys of national parks, preserves, seashores, monuments and other designations. New logistical challenges will expand the soil science frontier.
Exciting move to an exclusive online delivery format for relaunched publication is consistent with the Soil Science of America's desire to serve a larger audience of readers.
Strategies to rebuild the soil are essential to ensure that agricultural lands impacted by the floods are productive again.
This year extensive flooding of America’s prime agricultural lands has resulted in millions of dollars in lost crops. In addition to direct economic losses, farmers face post-flooding cleanup costs associated with removing sediment and debris and repairing erosion in their fields. At the briefing, “Farming after the Flood: Management Strategies and Costs”, a corn and soybean producer and an extension educator will explore the personal, agricultural, and economic costs of extreme events such as flooding.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) will recognize the following individuals as 2011 SSSA Fellows at a special Awards Ceremony during their Annual Meeting on Oct. 16-19 in San Antonio, TX
The annual awards are presented for outstanding contributions to soil science through education, national and international service, and research.
Research on phosphate sorption of alpine soils is limited, but European researchers have provided new data regarding the impact alpine soils have on catchments of alpine lakes.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) celebrates its 75th Anniversary in 2011, and also the 75th anniversary of its peer-reviewed journal, the Soil Science Society of America Journal (SSSAJ).
A team of researchers America identified the most important questions that future generations will face when dealing with changes in soil structure. These questions will serve as a guide for direction of soil science research.
A study funded by the USDA – Agriculture Research Service has tested cattle grazing on degraded soil to determine if the activity would have any effect on restoring depleted nutrients.
Researchers at the University of Southern Maine collected soil samples from Mount Everest. The samples were then analyzed for trace element concentrations, including arsenic and cadmium.
The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) has established a set of Grand Challenges to help steer the direction of research to critical areas with the most need of exploration, examination, and development.
In a study funded by the Commonwealth Government of Australia, the soil retention of three types of selenium was tested. Since selenium deficiency is prevalent in Southeast Asia, researchers are studying the best biofortification for lowland rice production.
On Tuesday, Oct. 5, from 3:30 to 4:30 pm (EDT), a Wetlands Webinar discussing the value of wetlands in serving as a buffering system to the impacts of extreme events such as hurricanes, floods, fire, and oil spills will be presented.
The Soil Science Society of America with present awards at their 2010 Annual Meetings, Oct. 31 to Nov. 3, in Long Beach, CA.