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Despite the phase out of lead, urban soils a leading source of lead exposure

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One soil scientist’s journey through a soil pit leaves mystery – for now

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Using plants to clean up soil

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Gathering soil samples is a challenge, but findings are important to seafood industry and more

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Rhizobia can differ between continents, countries, and even the same farm field!

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The varied shapes allow for healthy soil to have pores for air and water

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Crops like mustard, cabbages, can help heal infected soils

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Plants are not passive actors in the soil environment

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Prevent losses for garden and environmental health

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Understanding the role of compost

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Information to minimize risk from soil contaminants

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U.S., Japanese scientists team together for solutions

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Mar. 11 marks the 8th anniversary of Japan’s Tohuku earthquake. The tsunami that followed led to the meltdown of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, which spread radioactive materials throughout the area. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Mar. 1 blog explores the impact this has had on the farming village of Iitate, Japan.

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Soils all over the Earth’s surface are rigorously tested and managed. But what about soils that are down in the murky depths? Some scientists are working to get them the recognition and research they deserve.

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Soil is all around us, in cities and rural areas. But some soil becomes contaminated. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Feb. 15 Soils Matter blog summarizes common contaminants and the risks they carry.

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Some soils, like some humans, might need a low-salt diet. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Feb. 1 Soils Matter blog explains where salt in soil comes from and what can be done about it.

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Winter soil freezes, heaves, and moves! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Jan. 15 Soils Matter blog looks at the freeze-thaw cycle, how it changes soil on a microscopic level, and the reaction of Alaska’s unique permafrost soils.

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Chilling sub-zero temperatures. Astounding snowfalls. The weather outside is frightful. Yet under the snow and frost, life in soils carries on! Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, provides insights to soils in winter and the organisms that live there.

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Did you know soils could be “boutique?” The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Dec. 1 Soils Matter blog explains how this group of soils can challenge your assumptions.

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When trees are removed, it’s not just the view that changes in a former woods. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Nov. 15 Soils Matter blog explains the unintended consequences of tree removal by early colonists in Southeastern states, and how the land is recovering.

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Have you noticed wavy bands of soil along roads or paths? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Oct. 15 Soils Matter blog explains these horizontal soil waves and the unusual way they form.

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Parking lots, sidewalks, streets, and rooftops: cities are full of water-shedding surfaces. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) Oct. 1 Soils Matter blog explains why these surfaces are problematic, and how soil can be part of the answer.

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Swamps and other wetlands get a bad rap. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) September 15 Soils Matter blog explains why these natural features are important--and worth saving.

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After supporting a season of growth, your garden soil deserves a rest! Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, has tips for putting your garden to bed this fall.

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Grocery shopping is fraught with decisions. Is ‘soil-friendly eating’ part of yours? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) September 1st Soils Matter blog explains simple steps to consider in the grocery aisles.

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Using best practices, in the long-term, can reduce greenhouse gases and help the environment! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 15 Soils Matter blog explains how gardens and lawns can be used to store more carbon in soil.

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Heads’ up! Did you know that researchers have also found soils in the trees above our heads? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 1 Soils Matter blog explains how these unique soils form and the role they play in their ecosystems.

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If your summer has included travel, you may have noticed a difference in the soil beneath your feet. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) July 15 Soils Matter blog explains why different areas have such different soil.

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Carbon is a key element, weaving its way through the survival of all living things. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) July 1 Soils Matter blog explains how carbon gets into soil, and how climate change is making a difference.

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Iowa, known for its farms, also claims fame to a dramatic, rolling landscape known as loess hills. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) June 15 Soils Matter blog post explains what formed this feature, and why its soil requires special care.

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There are hundreds of thousands—if not millions—of organisms in just a handful of soil. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) June 1 Soils Matter blog explains the important role of soil microbes in freeing up soil nutrients for plants.

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Summertime is recreation time! While the wilds may call us, respect for ecosystems should guide us. Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, explains why we should protect life underfoot.

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More neighborhoods are incorporating native grasses to their landscapes—but it’s not as easy as one might think. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) May 15 Soils Matter blog outlines the necessary conditions to rehabilitate land back to native grasses.

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The concrete jungle is anything but natural. But there are ways to help it be a little greener. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) May 1 Soils Matter blog explains what green roofs are, and how they benefit urban life.

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Gardeners, are you eager for winter to lose its icy grip? There’s no time like the present to improve your garden knowledge! Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, provides insights to starting off the garden season.

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We think of forests as wild places that take care of themselves. But sometimes a little help is necessary. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) April 15 Soils Matter blog explains what forest soils do and why we need to give them a hand.

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Deep underground, changes to rock layers are impacting the Earth’s surface. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) April 1 Soils Matter blog explains how these deep layers inform our knowledge of surface soils.

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Spring can be a relief after a long winter, but it also brings some water challenges. Soils Matter, Soil Science Society of America’s science-based blog, provides revitalizing soil information through a soggy season.

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We all want assurance that the food we eat is safe. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) March 15 Soils Matter blog explains how regulations regarding manure use on agricultural fields keep our food safe and the soil healthy.

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With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner, thoughts turn to the Irish experience of the 1800s. This includes the devastating conditions in Ireland that led many to the U.S. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) March 1 Soils Matter blog post explains the agricultural lessons behind Irish Potato Famine.

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What can be made with unwanted materials, looks like charcoal, and provides multiple benefits to soil health? Biochar! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 15 Soils Matter blog explains what biochar is and how it helps improve—or decontaminate--soil.

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With garden season fast approaching, the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) has updated their Community Gardens website. There, gardeners can find out how to design and build community gardens.

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Microbes are in your gut, in your medicine…and in the soil! The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) February 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how the soil microbiome makes a big impact on plants’ productivity and health.

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Composting is a great way to reduce waste sent to landfills while benefiting garden soil. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) January 15 Soils Matter blog post explains the difference between traditional composting and vermicomposting—and how even apartment-dwellers can take part!

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Grazing animals, such as cattle and sheep, should eat their legumes and brassicas. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) January 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how a variety of forage grasses benefits these animals as well as the soil and environment.

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The Giant Sequoya? Nope. The African elephant? Not even close. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) December 1 Soils Matter blog post shares that the largest land organism is—a fungus!

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Did you know soil scientists are making your Thanksgiving dinner more sustainable? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) November 15 Soils Matter blog explains research to make cranberries, poultry litter, and sweet potatoes better for the environment.

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What can frozen soils teach us? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) September 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how Alaskan soils are increasing our understanding of soils, water movement, and climate change.

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Nature’s way of forming soil takes a great deal of patience. The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 15 Soils Matter blog post explains the complex process of soils forming and maturing.

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Are your plants waxing poetic? The Soil Science Society of America (SSSA) August 1 Soils Matter blog post explains how plants and soil communicate—even without the advantage of words.