We can't find the internet
Attempting to reconnect
Something went wrong!
Hang in there while we get back on track
Soil Science Challenges in a New Era: A Transdisciplinary Overview of Relevant Topics
AI summary Read the abstract
This transdisciplinary overview examines the major challenges facing soil science in the 2020s, with contributions from twenty experts across related disciplines. Among the key concerns identified are microplastics as emerging soil pollutants, alongside issues like soil erosion, contamination, food security, and climate change. The study emphasizes the need for new computational technologies and in situ measurements to better understand soil processes at multiple scales.
Transdisciplinary approaches that provide holistic views are essential to properly understand soil processes and the importance of soil to society and will be crucial in the future to integrate distinct disciplines into soil studies. A myriad of challenges faces soil science at the beginning of the 2020s. The main aim of this overview is to assess past achievements and current challenges regarding soil threats such as erosion and soil contamination related to different United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs) including (1) sustainable food production, (2) ensure healthy lives and reduce environmental risks (SDG3), (3) ensure water availability (SDG6), and (4) enhanced soil carbon sequestration because of climate change (SDG13). Twenty experts from different disciplines related to soil sciences offer perspectives on important research directions. Special attention must be paid to some concerns such as (1) effective soil conservation strategies; (2) new computational technologies, models, and in situ measurements that will bring new insights to in-soil process at spatiotemporal scales, their relationships, dynamics, and thresholds; (3) impacts of human activities, wildfires, and climate change on soil microorganisms and thereby on biogeochemical cycles and water relationships; (4) microplastics as a new potential pollutant; (5) the development of green technologies for soil rehabilitation; and (6) the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by simultaneous soil carbon sequestration and reduction in nitrous oxide emission. Manuscripts on topics such as these are particularly welcomed in Air, Soil and Water Research .
More Papers Like This
Sources, pollution, and ecological impacts of soil microplastics-A review
AI summary Read the abstract
A comprehensive review summarized the sources, distribution, and ecological impacts of microplastics in soil environments, synthesizing evidence on how plastics affect soil organisms, structure, and agricultural productivity. The review calls for urgent policy action to address soil microplastic contamination as a threat to food security.
A review of microplastics in soil: Occurrence, analytical methods, combined contamination and risks
AI summary Read the abstract
This review provides a comprehensive overview of microplastic pollution in soil ecosystems, covering sources, detection methods, and ecological impacts. Researchers found that soils are major reservoirs for microplastics, and the study highlights how combined contamination with other pollutants like heavy metals and pesticides may amplify risks to soil organisms and food safety.
Environmental fate and impacts of microplastics in soil ecosystems: Progress and perspective
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarized knowledge on microplastics in soil environments, covering occurrence across agricultural, industrial, and urban soils, transport pathways, and ecological risks to soil organisms and plant communities. The authors identify key data gaps and methodological challenges that currently limit understanding of microplastic fate and impact in terrestrial systems.
Research of New Pollutant Microplastics in Soil
AI summary Read the abstract
This review summarizes microplastic pollution in agricultural soils, covering sources, abundance, transport pathways, and interactions with heavy metals and organic pollutants. The authors highlight that soil microplastic contamination is a growing threat to food security and soil ecosystem health.
Soil pollution and remediation: emerging challenges and innovations
AI summary Read the abstract
This perspective reviews emerging challenges in soil pollution, including contamination from heavy metals, pesticides, PFAS, and microplastics, all worsened by urbanization and climate change. Researchers highlight innovative monitoring and remediation technologies, such as advanced sensors, bioremediation, and machine learning approaches for predicting contamination patterns. The study emphasizes the need for sustainable, integrated soil management strategies to protect environmental health.
Research digests by email
When a large batch of papers lands in the Atlas, we read through it and send a short write-up of what stood out.