« In another forthcoming study, his team discovered that, when they played certain sounds to a type of fungus called Trichoderma, widely used in agriculture to protect crops against diseases and improve plant health and revegetation, it effectively stimulated organism growth. »
fchung on
Reference: Robinson, J. M., Taylor, A., Fickling, N., Sun, X., & Breed, M. F. (2024). Sounds of the underground reflect soil biodiversity dynamics across a grassy woodland restoration chronosequence. Journal of Applied Ecology, 61, 2047–2060. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14738
TheSleepingPoet on
TLDR summary
Researchers at Flinders University in Australia are utilizing ecoacoustics, the study of environmental sounds, to assess soil health by listening to the sounds produced by underground invertebrates. This approach captures subtle vibrations and movements of soil-dwelling organisms, revealing the soil condition.
In a study conducted in South Australia, scientists discovered that the soundscapes of healthy soils were more diverse and complex than those from degraded areas. Soil degradation, caused by unsustainable land use and climate change, reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services essential for agriculture.
The findings indicate that ecoacoustics could enhance soil health monitoring and support restoration efforts. Preliminary studies suggest that playing certain sounds may stimulate beneficial organisms. However, while this method shows promise, questions remain about its applicability across different ecosystems and soil types.
3 Comments
« In another forthcoming study, his team discovered that, when they played certain sounds to a type of fungus called Trichoderma, widely used in agriculture to protect crops against diseases and improve plant health and revegetation, it effectively stimulated organism growth. »
Reference: Robinson, J. M., Taylor, A., Fickling, N., Sun, X., & Breed, M. F. (2024). Sounds of the underground reflect soil biodiversity dynamics across a grassy woodland restoration chronosequence. Journal of Applied Ecology, 61, 2047–2060. https://doi.org/10.1111/1365-2664.14738
TLDR summary
Researchers at Flinders University in Australia are utilizing ecoacoustics, the study of environmental sounds, to assess soil health by listening to the sounds produced by underground invertebrates. This approach captures subtle vibrations and movements of soil-dwelling organisms, revealing the soil condition.
In a study conducted in South Australia, scientists discovered that the soundscapes of healthy soils were more diverse and complex than those from degraded areas. Soil degradation, caused by unsustainable land use and climate change, reduces biodiversity and disrupts ecosystem services essential for agriculture.
The findings indicate that ecoacoustics could enhance soil health monitoring and support restoration efforts. Preliminary studies suggest that playing certain sounds may stimulate beneficial organisms. However, while this method shows promise, questions remain about its applicability across different ecosystems and soil types.