Soil chemistry underpins our understanding of carbon dynamics by elucidating the physical and chemical processes that govern the retention, transformation, and eventual long‐term storage of organic ...

Last week, I discussed phosphorus speciation in relationship to inorganic phosphorus (mineral phosphorus). Calcium, magnesium, iron, and aluminum all tie up phosphorus in an inorganic form but iron ...

Farmers try to balance the big three nutrients for plant growth: nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, since they are known to ...

CORVALLIS – Adding organic matter is the best way to improve nearly all kinds of soils. If you’re unsure if your soil needs amendments, take note if it dries and cracks in summer, drains slowly or is ...

Researchers discovered that microbes respire three times as much CO2 from lignin carbons compared to cellulose carbons. When soil microbes eat plant matter, the digested food follows one of two ...

Severe wildfires can drive chemical changes in soil that affect ecosystem recovery and risks to human health. A new study finds broader surveillance and modeling of these changes could inform ...

US soil reveals uneven decomposition rates: new analysis shows carbon is released up to ten times faster in some areas.

Soil pH or soil reaction is an indication of the acidity or alkalinity of soil and is measured in pH units. Soil pH is defined as the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion concentration. The pH scale ...

Most of us don't think much about soil, let alone its health. But as Earth Day approaches, it's time to recommend some skin care for Mother Nature. Restoring soil fertility is one of humanity's best ...

I often mention adding compost to garden beds to increase the organic matter. I have recently been reminded about the importance of doing this continually and also checking lawn areas. Our soils are ...

Winter is actually one of the best times to test your soil pH. The cold slows down changes in the soil, so your results are ...