The fate of fentanyl
Scientists are beginning to study how fentanyl and its by-products enter and persist in the environment with early findings suggesting it does not easily break down in soil and can be detected in water, wastewater, and even transit systems. While current environmental levels are far below those that pose direct safety risks to humans, little is known about the drug’s metabolites, degradation products, and long-term impacts on ecosystems and food chains.
Learn about the latest research on this topic in the October issue of CSA News.
Fostering connections, cultivating resiliency
See what the DEI and Women in Science Committees have on tap for CANVAS 2025
The DEI and Women in Science Committees of ASA, CSSA, and SSSA have a great lineup of programming at CANVAS 2025 in Salt Lake City. Check out what's on tap.
Featured articles
Building relationships, one cup at a time
Join us for coffee with the presidents and CEO at CANVAS in Salt Lake City
Start your days at CANVAS with a warm cup of coffee, a welcoming atmosphere, and a chance to connect directly with Society leaders. “Coffee with the Presidents” is designed to foster conversation, build relationships, and create opportunities for you to share your voice while getting to know your peers and leadership in an informal setting.
The nitrogen value of cover crops
Listen to the latest podcast episode
Cover crops are known for their ability to provide economic and ecosystem services to farmers, including, for example, impacting soil nitrogen. But how much nitrogen, exactly, can cover crops add or remove and how do we find out? In this episode of the Field, Lab, Earth podcast, Dr. Guillermo Marcillo discusses his work collating research data to get to the bottom of cover crop nitrogen replacement values.
Recent articles
Recent articles
New edition of soil book for children now available
The book that helped thousands of children get excited about the living world of soil is back in a second edition. Order Soil! Get the Inside Scoop to find updated content, new “I Heart Soil” stories, and a section on urban soils. The cost is $18.
Written for children aged 9–12, this 36-page, full-color book explores how soil is part of our life—the food we eat, the air we breathe, the water we drink, the houses we live in, and more. Along the way, readers learn about different kinds of soil and meet the scientists who work with soil every day.
Celebrating Earth Science Week
SSSA participates in this year’s event Oct. 12–18, 2025
Earth Science Week, a public outreach campaign of the American Geosciences Institute (AGI), takes place this year on Oct. 12–18. As a member of AGI, SSSA is pleased to participate in the annual AGI Earth Science Week by providing materials for the teacher kits and a lesson plan in the calendar.
Rice straw and biochar reduce reliance on fertilizer
The photo above shows the distinct effects of two organic amendments—rice straw and biochar—applied at varying rates as a partial substitute for chemical fertilizer. Contrasts in canopy development demonstrate that both the type and the application rate of the amendment significantly influence rice growth patterns. Labels indicate one representative replication of a treatment from a randomized field trial. Photo courtesy of Ning An, Wei Han, and Xiaori Han (Shenyang Agricultural University).
Down to Earth
Our Down to Earth section key food, farming, and environmental 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!
