Should we have a common model plant-soil ecosystem?

Especially ecotoxicology, I think, could profit a lot from that.

https://open.substack.com/pub/matthiasrillig/p/a-common-model-plant-soil-ecosystem?r=1yu2t7&utm_campaign=post-expanded-share&utm_medium=web

#ecology #ecotoxicology #plant #soil #ecosystem

Low levels of C02 released from 'dead' soil, months and years after it was irradiated, may indicate that "the chemistry of life is not exclusive to life."

The idea that pre-existing, metabolism-like reactions of organic molecules were harnessed and accelerated by early life seems plausible. However, what is not explored in this article however, is that soil itself is at least partially a product of biological activity - rock weathering in the absence of life would produce something different. I can't help but wonder if that would make a difference.

https://www.quantamagazine.org/the-dirt-that-refused-to-die-20260601/

#geology #soil #geobiology

Microplastics contamination in our gardening! I tend to forget that some compost might be high in microplastics, and honestly I rarely consider the many detriments that would bring.
Ashley is a Canadian soil scientist who makes youtube videos mainly explaining how soil quality and health impacts gardening outcomes.
https://youtu.be/_pGI-dLM2cw?si=QecNVDLR8IH-6xcq&t=1356

#gardening #soil #science #microplastics #ecology

🌧️ Mud is more than a mess; its colors quietly trace water, iron, and time in the ground.

✍️ Explore how brown and black mud reflect hidden chemistry beneath our feet: https://www.theperpetuallycurious.org/mud-color/

Soft earth remembers more than footprints.

#mud #soil #geology #PlanetEarth #science #TPC8