soil_expert

🚀 Launching New Futures as We Bid Farewell!

Today is a bittersweet mix of farewells and applause, celebrating the outstanding accomplishments of our lab team. I’m incredibly proud to have journeyed with each of you. Here’s a spotlight on some of our stars:

🏆 .lassair and snagged sustainability awards! Holly, massive congrats on your MS, and all the best as you dive into environmental law!

🔍 and rocked their thesis proposals. Your future in research shines bright!

🌱 Brenton and Fran have completed their internships, infusing our projects with fresh ideas and boundless energy. Thanks for your commitment!

📊 shared updates on her impactful work at , applying our research in meaningful ways.

🔬 and Kathryn are doing pivotal work on microplastics and heavy metals in Lafayette Cemeteries, funded by a ULL mini-grant. Your findings will pave the way for important insights!

🧪 Special shoutout to .miller013, whose expert soil testing has been crucial for projects like MySoRe with Buffalo. Nick, your work is the backbone of our progress!

🌟 And a heartfelt thanks to .kelk, whose support for her lab mates and the touching card truly moved me.

Each note and every word from you all has deepened the bond we share. Though we’re parting ways, the doors to new opportunities are flung wide open. Keep pushing the boundaries and inspiring everyone around you!

NEW PAPER ALERT 🚨

I’m honored to be featured in an insightful CSA News article by Tess Joosse , which highlights the persistent challenge of lead contamination in urban soils.

Drawing from the groundbreaking research by Dr. Dan Richter from and including my own work, the piece illustrates the historical and ongoing impact of lead.

Dr. Richter notes, “Lead is ... one of the most insoluble of metals, so it sticks to soil particles... It’s kind of like frosting on a cake because it’s sticky.”

Interested in learning more on how this affects our communities and exploring solutions for cleaner, safer soils?

Comment “Lead” for the full read!

🚨 Lafayette’s dirt has secrets! 🌍 Join our May 1st webinar to reveal what’s beneath your feet with ’s groundbreaking study on heavy metals.

We’ve examined 1,292 topsoil samples from local parks, homes, and the campus using advanced pXRF technology.

Whether you’re a gardener or just intrigued by soil health, this webinar is for you.

Don’t just stand there—dig deeper!

🔗 Register now via
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/digging-deeper-soil-webinar-tickets-887143027677

Regenerative agriculture, is it the revolution we’ve been waiting for or just a piece in the puzzle of sustainable agriculture? 🌾🔥

Regenerative agriculture focuses on improving soil health, enhancing biodiversity, and restoring ecosystems. This approach not only increases farm productivity but helps combat climate change by capturing carbon in the soil.

However, while promising, it does face challenges such as scalability, initial costs, and the need for significant knowledge transfer to be truly effective.

Can it replace conventional agriculture? Possibly not entirely, but it offers a transformative step towards more sustainable practices that could work alongside conventional methods to ensure food security and environmental health.

🌿 What’s your take on regenerative agriculture? Can it really be the future of farming?

In 2018, as a PhD student navigating the rough terrain of academia, a cold email changed everything.

Ester, a beacon for young international scientists, opened a door I feared was closed to me in getting a travel award, leading to a transformative trip to the International Soils Congress in Brazil 🇧🇷.

That journey not only advanced my career but also sparked lifelong collaborations and an unexpected invitation from Sun Yat-Sen University in China.

🌟 Ester’s recent reminder at , “When you can’t grow upwards—grow laterally,” resonated deeply. It’s a call to expand, to build bridges, not just climb ladders. This is how we turn challenges into stepping stones.

📸 Here’s a glimpse from the booth, a portal to new opportunities. Ready to transform obstacles into opportunities? Swipe right and apply for scholarships!!!

Style in Bloom: Orchid Elegance Takes Center Stage at

Strolling through the New York Botanical Garden with in my last visit to NYC, I was captivated by the fusion of nature and fashion at the 21st annual Orchid Show.

This year’s theme, “Florals in Fashion,” truly resonated with me, as it showcased orchids not only as botanical wonders but as muses of haute couture.

Designers like Hillary Taymour of Collina Strada, Olivia Cheng of Dauphinette, and Kristen Alpaugh of FLWR PSTL illustrated that orchids are more than just flowers; they’re a statement of style and sustainability.

Tag 🏷️ a friend who brings the grace of orchids to their style!

Unforgettable 48 hours

My visit to that has left an indelible mark on my heart. 🍃

Being invited as the 2024 Willie Woltz Distinguished Lecturer by the Department of Crop and Soil Sciences was an honor beyond words.

This seminar series, a tribute to Dr. Willie Woltz’s legacy and the pivotal role of soil science, has always been a beacon of knowledge and innovation.

To stand where giants like Dr. Ole Wendroth, Dr. Rattan Lal, Dr. Veronica Acosta-Martinez, and Dr. Harold van Es have presented in previous years was both humbling and exhilarating.

Speaking at the stage, exchanging ideas, and engaging with the vibrant student community at was like stepping into a realm of shared dreams and ambitions.

The passion and curiosity of the students, their enthusiasm for collaboration, and their boundless dreams, infused me with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism for the future of soil science.

Feeling like a “science superstar 💫” for a moment, I was reminded that our struggles and achievements can indeed light the way for others.

Seeing young minds eager for guidance reinforced my belief: we’re on the right path. The future of soil science, and our planet, is in capable, determined hands.

To those students, thank you for your energy, your questions, and your dreams. You’ve refilled my spirit with hope and excitement for what lies ahead. .dell1nger .s

To universities out there seeking to inspire and engage your students with the wonders of soil science and beyond, I’m just a message away.

Let’s keep the dialogue, discovery, and dreams alive together. 🌍✨

Green Spaces not GDP: The Key to Happiness in Rich Countries

Interestingly, in the 30 richest countries, urban green spaces alone correlate with happiness, while in the next 30 wealth-ranked countries, GDP is the sole predictor of happiness (Oh-Hyun Kwon et al., 2021).

Picture rooftop gardens and green commutes as more than trends—they’re a shift towards a happier, greener urban life. This insight challenges us to think differently about wealth and well-being, suggesting that the true measure of a rich life might just be the greenery we surround ourselves with 🌿🏙️

Start with small changes—whether it’s adopting a plant, planting on your balcony, or volunteering at a local community garden.

Credit:
Oh-Hyun Kwon et al., 2021.
https://epjdatascience.springeropen.com/articles/10.1140/epjds/s13688-021-00278-7

Empowered by nature, united in grace. Celebrating the strength and elegance of women on March 8th.


#8марта

🎉✨ Big congrats are in order! 🌟🌍 Our brilliant grad students have done it again, winning the prestigious Sustainable Development Research Grant !

Let’s celebrate their amazing achievements:

🍃 Holly Heafner , diving deep into “Environmental Inequities and Lead Toxicity” in Lafayette, LA, is changing the way we see our planet and our responsibility to protect it. 🌏💡

🌱 Tyrell Lassair is revolutionizing urban spaces with “Urban Agriculture as a Strategy to Increase Food Access,” tackling food insecurity head-on. 🥕🏙️

📘 And adding to the list of my superstars, my dear friend, Katarina Brankovic .a.t.a.r.i.n.a.29, with her impactful research on “Shedding Light on the Experiences of the Disability Community at UL Lafayette,” is making strides in campus accessibility and inclusivity. ♿️🤝

Their dedication to sustainable development and creating a better world is nothing short of inspirational. 🌟 Your work lights the way forward.

Let’s support and cheer for them as they continue to make waves! 🎊👏

Looking to become a soil science professor? Look no further than . is hiring!!!!

Learn more here 👇

https://louisiana.csod.com/ux/ats/careersite/1/home/requisition/2759?c=louisiana

Thrilled to announce the 2024 NRCS Southern Regional Cooperative Soil Survey Conference “Our Soils, Our Heritage”, set to take place at the in collaboration with the Delta Urban Soils Lab , May 20–24, 2024

We invite soil experts and students to contribute and collaborate, with sessions on Coastal Prairie, Agriculture & Energy Development, Soil Science, Soil Health, and more. Whether you’re looking to present your findings in an oral presentation, showcase your research through a poster, or both, we welcome your abstracts.

📅 Mark your calendars!
* Abstract Submission Deadline: April 12, 2024
* Presenter Notification: April 26, 2024
* Final Presentation Submission: May 15, 2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to share your insights, network with fellow professionals, and advance the conversation in soil science and ecology. Stay tuned for more updates and make sure to register early!

🔗 Save and share this opportunity to visit the Cajun Country. Let me know if you have any questions 👇

Looking for a job in soil sciences?  NRCS has posted new positions for the Soil Conservationist and Natural Resources Specialist job series for those individuals who have graduated from college within the last 2 years with an applicable degree.
 
Soil Conservationist Recent Grad: https://lnkd.in/giVfyd3t - 5 positions open
 
Natural Resources Specialist Recent Grad: https://lnkd.in/gGjtSWTd - 6 positions open

You better rush to apply! The deadline is Feb 26!

Blown away by ! 🌟 The biggest game-changer? The sheer power of networking.

It is a place to meet potential clients, collaborators, investors, and brilliant minds. But for me it was a unique opportunity to share my research with professionals and, crucially, to learn about their needs. This insight is invaluable, guiding my future research directions.

Engaging with such a diverse group of passionate individuals has opened my eyes to endless possibilities. These connections are not just contacts; they’re doorways to exciting new ventures and collaborations in the green industry.

If you have not subscribed to magazine yet, I highly recommend you!

Join us LIVE at 1 PM CT today for an exclusive chat with the founder & managing director of Magazine Angelique Robb!

Dive into the world of landscape design as we discuss the upcoming SYNKD Live Event. A must-watch for urban planners, landscape designers, and architects.

Get insights, tips, and more. Don’t miss out! 🌿🏙️

From Soil to Solar: ’s Pioneering Path in Urban Ecology 🇩🇪

This week I delved into the fabric of urban ecosystems at the Technical University of Berlin, the cradle of urban ecology in Germany.

I Presented my research on the unseen dangers ☢️ of lead pollution in city gardens, an issue that Dr. Howard W. Mielke’s landmark studies have brought to light. His findings on soil contamination and its impact on children’s health in New Orleans laid the foundation for my current work in Lafayette.

Engaging with the students of Professor Thomas Nehls, I aimed to unravel the complexities of urban ecology and the importance of science communication.

We’re talking about a university that’s been at the forefront of ecological studies since the field’s inception, a place where innovative solutions are born.
nick, a doctoral candidate, showcased an ingenious union of nature and technology: raised garden beds and a solar-powered irrigation system. It’s a perfect example of the sustainable practices we’re pioneering to green our urban spaces, enhancing biodiversity and environmental health.

By the way, Germany and the US has special programs that pay for study abroad, in case you are interested!

🌳 Embrace eco-friendly living this winter 🥶! Insulate your home to save energy, switch to LED lights for longer nights, and start planning your spring garden. Small changes can lead to a greener future.

Visiting Legendary Laboratoire Sols et Environnement at Universite de Lorraine

This week, I have the pleasure of visiting the Laboratoire Sols et Environnement at the Université de Lorraine in Nancy, France 🇫🇷, where the legacy of Dr. Jean Louis Morel in urban soil research continues to thrive.

The lab is forefront of critical research on urban soils, including understanding and mitigating the effects of urbanization and anthropogenic activities on soils, particularly in areas affected by industrial, traffic, mining, and military (SUITMA) activities.

They specialize in developing diagnostic tools and ecological engineering methods, such as phytoremediation, to rehabilitate these highly impacted environments and create functional soils that can sustain ecosystem services.

Yesterday, I presented my own research findings on soil lead contamination and the various remediation techniques that can be employed to mitigate this pressing environmental issue.

A special thanks to Dr. Geoffroy Séré for the invite to collaborate with minds as fertile as the soils they protect. 🌿✨

Could the Secret to Our Ecological Future Lie in an Old Italian Villa’s?

Stepping into a world where timeless beauty meets cutting-edge ecology at Italy’s Istituto di Ricerca sugli Ecosistemi Terrestri! 🍃 Wrapped in the elegance of an art-filled villa, I discovered labs buzzing with innovation. Thrilled to join forces with the brilliant Olga Gavrichkova and reconnect with visionary director Carlo Calfapietro. This isn’t just a research institute; it’s a celebration of science and history coming alive!

Meet my editor ✍️ Kenneth Teng

Last year Ken reached out to me via LinkedIn saying that he has been following my work and is wondering if I like to publish my work with springer!

We agreed to meet at the conference and I brought a printed copy of my urban soil guide that I have been trying to publish for years but could not find a publisher that would meet my requirements.

Because I show what I do and actively it share it on social media , the right publisher found me.

So , don’t be afraid social media and share your work even if it is in progress.

My guide is going to be released in early 2024❗️I am eagerly waiting for it, are you? 😌

🌿 Live Chat with Dr. Damon Abdi: Unearthing Sustainable Landscape Solutions 🌿
Join us for an enlightening live chat with Dr. Damon Abdi , Assistant Professor of Landscape Horticulture and a pioneering Sustainable Landscape Scientist. Dive into the roots of urban greening as we explore the fertile grounds of Sustainable Landscape Solutions and the best soil management practices tailored for urban environments.

📆 Date: Wednesday, November 8th
⏰ Time: 6 PM CT
📍 Location: Instagram Live

Whether you're a professional landscaper, a city planner, a gardening enthusiast, or simply someone passionate about creating sustainable spaces in the concrete jungle, this conversation is for you.

👉 Let's grow together towards a more sustainable and verdant future! 🌎💚

Questions you want us to answer? Drop them below 👇

Do you know that one ☝️ of the biggest threats of urbanization on soil is “soil sealing”?

🌱 Thrilled to be part of the “Symposium on the World’s Soil Resources: A Vision for the 2025 Report” to the United Nations , organized by Michael Castellano at the Conference this week.

📌 The 2025 North America report highlights sustainable soil management, spotlighting threats like Soil Biodiversity & Carbon Change, Soil Erosion, Nutrient Mismanagement, and Urbanization.

🔍 Had the privilege to delve into “Impacts of Soil Sealing and Urbanization on Soil Resources” alongside luminaries like Diana Wall, Sylvie Brouder, Henry Jansen & Issac Larsen. The rising concern of urbanization and its effect on our soil and environment is paramount.

🌐 Beyond presenting problems, this symposium was a think-tank for tangible solutions. Engaging with top-tier soil scientists and brainstorming for a secure soil future was profoundly inspiring.

🔔 Stay tuned for the report release. Follow and for more information soil resources.

Remember, our soils shape our future! 🌍

🌟 Exciting News! 🌟 I’m over the moon to announce that our project has been featured The Current newspaper! 📰

🌱 "How Safe is Your Yard? UL Lab Offers Free Soil Testing for Lead & Arsenic" 🌱 - A special piece by Alena Maschke.

Funded by the Louisiana Board of Regents, our initiative is dedicated to ensuring the safety of our community in Lafayette, Louisiana, by offering free soil testing for harmful elements like lead and arsenic. 🌿

Ensuring every yard - a place where children play, families gather, and plants grow - is safe and healthy is our top priority.

A massive shoutout to my incredible team at the Delta Urban Soils Lab UL Lafayette School of Geosciences for their unwavering commitment and hard work in bringing this project to life! 🙌 And a heartfelt thank you to The Current for spotlighting our initiative and helping us amplify this crucial message and, of course, the University of Louisiana at Lafayette for their support 🙏.

Let’s continue to build safer and healthier communities together - SEND US YOUR SOILS to the Delta Urban Soils Lab! 🏡💚

Unearth the Keys to Sustainable & Profitable Soil Management with Dr. Anna Paltseva

Are you passionate about creating vibrant and sustainable green spaces?

Discover the secrets🤫 of soil management in my new guide to sustainable turf, parks and healthy trees 🌳.

Through my comprehensive guide, you'll:

✅ gain the skills and knowledge to craft effective soil management plans,

✅ transform parks & yards into lush landscapes,

✅ reduce costs,

✅ exceed customer expectations and become an industry leader.

✅✅ Plus – enjoy an EXCLUSIVE video tutorial on testing for nutrients in soils and a FREE guide on strategies for heavy metals remediation in urban gardens!

Take your landscaping skills to the next level with this indispensable resource.

Click here to get your copy now! ➡️

Georgian Wine: What makes Georgian wine so special? Let's explore.

The story of Georgian wine is as ancient as time itself ⏳. Discoveries trace Georgian viticulture back to when South Caucasus folks found out that wild grape juice 🍇 turned into wine 🍷 when buried through winter ❄️.

From 6000 BC, they've been cultivating grapes and storing wine in unique clay vessels called 'kvevris' 🏺, some even buried for up to 50 years!

Georgia's diverse terroir, from alluvial soils 🌱 in the valleys to mineral-rich clay and limestone in the foothills, plays a pivotal role in grape cultivation.

Essential minerals and a well-draining structure let the vines thrive, giving the wines a deep flavor and complexity 🍾.

These kvevris, along with vessels like chapi, satskhao, and the iconic drinking horn 'kantsi' 🍻, showcase Georgia's rich wine-making heritage.

Gold cups to ornate pitchers, all bearing imprints of vines and grapes, tell tales of a wine-centric culture through millennia 🏺🍇.

Christianity further deepened Georgia's wine bond, with Saint Nino's cross made from vine wood 🌿.

The country's optimal climate, influenced by the Black Sea 🌊, and its mineral-rich soil make it a vinicultural paradise 🌄.

Unique methods, like the 'maglari', where grapevines grow up fruit tree trunks, highlight Georgia's innovative spirit 🌳.

So, when we sip on Georgian wine, it's not just a drink. It's a journey through time, culture, and science 🌌.

Cheers 🥂 to the new semester 📚

#ГрузинскоеВино

Exciting Changes Are Coming…

Stay tuned

Who Wants My Guide?

Go to AnnaPaltseva.com or click in my bio to get my guide on the best practices to minimize heavy metals exposure from your gardens.

Happy Graduation to with Master’s of Science in Environmental Resource Science

Bringing the Outdoors In: Oregon State Treasury's Natural Oasis

Step into the natural oasis of Oregon State Treasury's new building that is transforming the way employees work.

Commissioned to create a biophilic [from the Greek, 'philia' meaning 'love of'. It literally means a love of life or living things] design that reflects the lush 🌱 landscapes surrounding the state, a design team has successfully incorporated natural light and plants to create a space that reduces ⤵️ stress levels and connects people with nature 🌲

The benefits of biophilic design go beyond relaxation and healing - it can also positively impact employee retention and attract new talent ☝️

As companies strive to create more welcoming work environments, incorporating elements of biophilic design is becoming increasingly popular for boosting ↗️ creativity and productivity.

This article was published by magazine, showcasing their commitment to providing inspiring content about design, sustainability, and wellness. Through their platform, they feature innovative individuals and companies who are making a positive impact on our world, just like Oregon State Treasury's biophilic design project.

Follow to stay on trend in green industry!

4️⃣ year anniversary since my PhD dissertation defense!

My work has focused on developing sustainable solutions to remediate soil pollution, helping to improve the health and well-being of communities around the world.

I am guiding the next generation of scientists and encouraging diversity and inclusion in STEM, as well as working to raise awareness and promote positive change through public speaking and community outreach.

My journey has been quite exciting even though the pandemic had a little twist on it, of course. Nevertheless, since 2019 I was able to:
- Authored and co-authored 1️⃣7️⃣ articles
- Presented at 2️⃣5️⃣ conferences, symposia, and workshops for professional audiences
- Moved to Louisiana and established the Delta Urban Soils lab where I currently have 8️⃣ amazing undergraduate and graduate students
- Received South Louisiana Mid-Winter Fair Endowed Professorship in Renewable Resources
- Supervised 2️⃣0️⃣ students of various backgrounds
- Became Chair, Urban & Anthropogenic Soils Division at the Soil Science Society of America
- Received a contract to publish my first book
- And much more…

🤩What are your latest achievements? Share in the comments 👇 Let’s support each other!