Why Do Rainstorms Have a Distinctive Scent?
The combination of moisture and particular chemicals is behind our ability to smell a rainstorm.
Soil
Dispatches: Re-Discovering Terra Preta in Amazonia
News and notes from Pacific Standard staff and contributors.
California's Farms Are an Even Larger Source of Air Pollution Than We Thought
A new study uncovers an underappreciated source of air pollution in the Golden State: fertilized soil.
Underground, Crustaceans May Help Fight Climate Change
Small, soil-dwelling animals may help ease climate change, a new study shows.
Our Planet's Destiny Lies in Its Pastures
Cattle aren't bovine planet-wreckers, they're our green buddies. But that counter-intuitive land management message has lots of haters.
Just Planting Trees Won't Stop March of Deserts
On the World Day to Combat Desertification and Drought, we look at two pioneering ways to stave off the loss of fertile land by challenging the conventional wisdom of merely planting more trees.
New Dirt on Climate Change
Researchers have drilled into the middle of America in hopes of understanding past eras when the Earth burped out huge amounts of greenhouse gases.
Holistic Management: Getting Carbon Back in the Soil
A smarter way of raising herd animals, known as holistic management, may be a catalyst to helping the soil reclaim its role as a global carbon sponge.
Celebrating Earth Day with "DIRT! The Movie"
"DIRT! The Movie" links hope for the future with the earth beneath our feet. The documentary makes its national debut on PBS as an Earth Day special.
Peak Phosphorus May Follow Peak Oil
In which phosphorus, a substance present in every living cell, is being used up and flushed away.
The Dirt on Climate Change
Could soil engineered specifically to maximize carbon storage dampen some effects of climate change? Very possibly.