Nitrogen Fertilizer Suppresses Mineralization of Soil Organic Matter in Maize Agroecosystems
The possibility that N fertilizer increases soil organic matter (SOM) mineralization and, as a result, reduces SOM stocks has led to a great debate about the long-term sustainability of maize-based agroecosystems as well as the best method to estimate fertilizer N use efficiency (FNUE).
SOURCE: Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution
Yield stability analysis reveals sources of large-scale nitrogen loss from the US Midwest
Research from Michigan State University quantifies the importance of nitrogen loss from low-producing areas of individual fields. The study’s good news is that farmers can pinpoint exactly which spots in their fields produce stable yields as well as which areas are inconsistent. By concentrating on those, farmers can save money, reduce fertilizer loss, and lower greenhouse gas emissions.
SOURCE: Michigan State University
Opinion: Vegetable microbiomes: is there a connection among opportunistic infections, human health and our “gut feeling”?
A discussion of potential pathogens in vegetable microbiomes, the impact of farming and processing practices, and plant and human health issues.
SOURCE: Microbial Biotechnology
Microbiome characterization by high-throughput transfer RNA sequencing and modification analysis
Researchers have developed a new technique to directly analyze transfer RNA (tRNA), providing a clearer picture of microbial communities’ responses to various environmental changes, including the changing availability of nutrients.
SOURCE: Microbial Biotechnology
Pyrolysis biochar has negligible effects on soil greenhouse gas production, microbial communities, plant germination, and initial seedling growth
Biochar has been promoted as a soil amendment that enhances soil quality and agronomic productivity and reduces greenhouse gas production. However, these benefits are not always realized. A major hurdle to the beneficial use of biochar is our limited knowledge regarding the mechanisms directing its effects on soil systems.
SOURCE: Science Direct
Soil microaggregate and macroaggregate decay over time and soil carbon change as influenced by different tillage systems
Study reviews how the choice of tillage changes the soil physical condition and soil organic matter content, which is an essential factor in building soil aggregates. This research was conducted on a long-term tillage study, established in 2002 at the Iowa State University Agronomy Research Farm near Ames, Iowa.
SOURCE: Journal of Soil and Water Conservation, Iowa State University Extension
Organic No-Till systems in Eastern Canada: A Review
Review of cover crops and no till in organic field trials across Eastern Canada (1987-2016).
SOURCE: MDPI
Soil Health and Yield Stability: Summary of Literature Analysis
Analysis of scientific literature to summarize the impacts of soil health promoting practices on economic risk.
SOURCE: SHI
Comprehensive Strategy to Increase Adoption of Soil Health Management Systems
A flow chart detailing steps from research to implementation.
SOURCE: SHI
Changes in sorption and bioavailability of herbicides in soil amended with fresh and aged biochar
Knowledge of long-term pesticide behavior in biochar (BC) amended soil is still contradictory. In this work, we compared the sorption of three highly persistent and ionizable pesticides [two anionic (imazamox and picloram) and one weak base (terbuthylazine)] on both fresh and field-aged BC as well as on a soil amended with these biochars.
SOURCE: Science Direct