"Wisdom begins in wonder" – Socrates
Category: Ecology
Reeds
10/15/25
“What makes those grass-like plants in wetlands special?”
If you look at pictures of wetlands, you’ll probably see tall grass-like plants. But what are they and what makes them special? Well, these plants are called Reeds. Reeds play a vital role in soil stabilization, waste treatment, nutrient management, and habitat creation. Reeds are a critical part of wetland functioning.
Soil Compression Index
09/07/25
“How can we measure the compressibility of fine-grained soils to effective stress?”
When soil is drained of water and air, the particles will close together and consolidate, increasing effective stress. The Soil Compressive Index measures the ratio of the change in void ratio to the change in effective vertical stress. The equation solid compression index = change in void ratio/log_10(final effective vertical stress/initial effective vertical stress), or C_c = delta_e/(log_10(sigma_2’/sigma_1’)), governs the solid compression index.
Plant Wilting Point
08/21/25
“What’s the minimum amount of water in soil needed to keep plants alive?”
Plants require a specific amount of water in their root zone to survive. Otherwise, they’ll wither up and die. This quantity, defined by the Plant Withering Point, is affected by the soil type, plant species, and characteristics of the roots.
Mountain Headwaters
08/05/25
“Where do mountain rivers originate?”
Mountain rivers are mighty bodies of water that cascade down heights to end up in larger bodies of water or deserts. But where do these rivers form? Well, clouds will commonly release water over mountain peaks. Some of this water will move downwards as surface runoff and will collect together to form a river. The source of this river is called Mountain Headwaters, and is a fundamental part of the Earth’s function..
Prism Storage (Hydrograph)
08/04/25
“How can we visualize the steady-state water storage of a stream?”
Water streams have a defined path that holds water. When operating under steady-state conditions, these streams will have a uniform profile that we can calculate for water storage known as Prism Storage. Prism storage is a fundamental idea in parts of environmental engineering and can help model numerous real-world situations.
Why People Can Use Biochar to Prevent Algae Blooms
07/27/25
“How can people use indigenous biochar technology to prevent algae blooms in water?”
Nutrient runoff into water bodies can spawn algae blooms. Interventions that help soils retain nutrients and moisture create less nutrient runoff. Biochar, a charcoal substance first discovered by Indigenous Amazonians, helps soils retain nutrients and moisture. Therefore, people can apply biochar to surfaces to prevent algae blooms. This is Why People Can Use Biochar to Prevent Algae Blooms.
Landscape Grading
07/24/25
“How can we re-level the landscape to improve drainage and aesthetics?”
Landscapes vary in shape and size. Sometimes, their topography might make them more susceptible to creating flooding issues. One way to solve this is to re-level them through Landscape Grading. Landscape grading involves contouring the area to improve drainage and aesthetics. Landscape grading is another tool in the toolshed for landscape professionals all over the world.
Soil Compaction
07/22/25
“What happens to soil when its particles are pressed together?”
Soil is one of the foundations of terrestrial life on Earth. Soil’s porosity allows for water infiltration and drainage. But when soil particles are crushed together, they lose much of their porosity, leading to worse drainage, which can stifle plant growth and increase stormwater runoff/soil erosion. This Soil Compaction is a major problem for agricultural and stormwater management and requires amelioration to minimize damage.
Soil Erosion
07/20/25
“What processes uproot topsoil?”
Topsoil is the uppermost, highly biologically productive part of soil. Activities such as heavy wind, rainstorms, and construction can displace topsoil through Soil Erosion. Soil erosion is an important factor to look out for in stormwater pollution prevention plans.
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