Penn State Soil Characterization Lab
Soil is an integral part of ecosystem function. There are 29 million acres (11,735,884 hectares) of soil in Pennsylvania supporting: wetlands; forest lands; agricultural lands; urban lands; homes, businesses, and roads; our drinking and wastewater filtration. Without soil, these activities and functions would be much more difficult and in some cases even impossible, for soil is as precious to our lives as the very blood in our bodies.
Research in the Soil Characterization Laboratory focuses on people’s use of landscapes and the accompanying changes in soil function across the larger ecosystem the soil supports. Dr. Drohan’s research group addresses basic science questions, but also demonstrates how this new knowledge can be applied to improve land management and ecosystem stability.
Soil Characterization Lab News
April 24, 2025
Study Maps the Soil and Hydrological Legacy of Historic Irish Raised Beds
Geopedological survey reveals centuries-old cultivation systems still shaping soils and microhabitats in northwestern Ireland.
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October 28, 2024
Study Identifies Mid-Atlantic Region Hotspot for Infant Botulism, Links to Soil Types
A new study has found that a 17-county area in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States has a significantly higher incidence of infant botulism (IB) than the rest of the country, and the study also links this higher incidence to specific soil types. The research, published in Applied and Environmental Microbiology, highlights a concerning health disparity and points to potential environmental factors contributing to the disease.
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September 1, 2024
SOILS PhD Student's Research Highlights Cadmium Contamination in Cacao Farms and Proposes Management Strategies
PhD student Daniel Guarin from Penn State has published groundbreaking research addressing cadmium (Cd) contamination in cacao farms, a pressing issue for the global chocolate industry.
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August 28, 2024
Daniel Guarin Completes Dissertation integrating Bedrock, Geomorphology, and Human Impact on Soil Health
Daniel Guarín Estrada's PhD research provides a comprehensive look at how bedrock geology, landforms, and human activities shape soil properties and impact both forest and agricultural ecosystems. This research, encompassing studies in Pennsylvania, Peru, and Colombia, highlights the critical need to understand these complex interactions for sustainable land management.
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