MayCSA News
The May issue of CSA News is online! Our cover story this month is on how creative practices and communication tools can help bridge the gaps among soil scientists, students, and the public.
To boldly go
Recycling deep space waste to grow food on other planets
Scientists are investigating how human waste can be treated and used to grow food on other planets, a crucial step for sustaining astronauts during long-term missions to the Moon and Mars.
Research shows that while human-derived nitrogen can support plant growth, it is less effective than commercial fertilizers and requires treatment to be safe and beneficial for crops like lettuce.
Developing efficient nutrient recycling systems in space could improve sustainability in agriculture on Earth by reducing fertilizer waste and greenhouse gas emissions while also supporting astronaut health and morale on deep-space missions.
Featured articles
Cowpea: A nutrient-rich pulse for extreme environments
Cowpea is a highly adaptable and nutritious legume known for its drought tolerance, nitrogen-fixing ability, and ecological benefits, making it valuable for sustainable agriculture. Its genetic diversity and early maturity enable it to thrive in diverse environments, including arid regions and U.S. farmlands, with growing interest in its revival due to food security concerns. Ongoing research is uncovering key physiological and genetic traits that enhance cowpea’s resilience to drought and heat stress, particularly during critical growth stages, to support breeding efforts for future climate challenges.
Drawing, writing, and painting with soils
How creative practices and communication tools can help bridge the gaps among soil scientists, students, and the public
Some researchers advocate using artistic practices—painting, writing, and multimedia—to visualize and communicate complex soil science concepts, such as the vadose zone, to broader audiences.
These creative approaches help connect people to invisible soil processes, fostering public understanding and appreciation.
Writing-to-learn exercises and art-based fieldwork to help students connect personally with soil science, increasing engagement, understanding, and motivation to learn.
Recent articles
Recent articles
Science explained
One of the great features of our new site is our "Science Explained" section where we bridge the gap between our sciences and society, explaining key concepts and research in language that is easy to understand by all, including those without formal scientific training. Visit us each week as we continue to add more sections and content.
We want to hear from you
Do you have an article you'd like to submit or feedback for the magazine team? Let us know!
