Video Resources

Introductions to soil science

Introduction to soil classification

Filmed at Myerscough College, Lancashire, England, we introduce Soil Science to undergraduates at Lancaster.

Soil orders in the Canary Islands

This video introduces the world soil orders in the Canary Islands, as well as the process of their formation.

Mineral weathering

Introducing mineral weathering, our scientists discuss the significance of basaltic columns in revealing the history of soil.

The soil lifespan

STARS PhD student Dan Evans discusses his research into the lifespan of soil from formation processes through to erosion.

Five factors of soil formation

The STARS team introduces the five factors of soil formation: parent material, climate, topography, biology, and time.

Introductions to soil quality

Soil quality

In this video, Professors Phil Haygarth and Davey Jones discuss the key indicators of soil quality.

Soil decomposition

Professor Dave Chadwick and PhD student Leigh-Ann Kemp discuss the decomposition rates and how climate impacts upon key soil processes

In the Laurel Forest

The STARS team visit the Laurel Forest in Maderia, a classical Andisol site and subtropical rainforest.

STARS and the Soil Security Programme

The Soil Security Programme is designed to fill knowledge gaps within soil science linked to soil functioning, climate change and land use change, by adopting multi-disciplinary, multi-scale approaches. Here, Professor Chris Collins the Soil Security Programme Co-ordinator talks about the synergy between the SSP and STARS and how this strengthens STARS aims to produce the next generation of soil scientists.

The 2018 Russell Lecture by Professor Cheryl Palm

"Soils & Food Security: A Management Conundrum"

The 2018 Russell Lecture was delivered by Professor Cheryl Palm at the British Society of Soil Science Annual Conference at Lancaster University as part of the "Soils and Sustainability Development Goals".

Phosphorus and the soil

Phosphorus and soils

Phosphorus is a major limiting nutrient for plant growth, therefore making it a key player in global food production. Humans impact the natural phosphorus cycle by mining rock phosphates and applying them to land as fertilisers. However, upon application up to 90% of phosphorus fertiliser becomes unavailable to plants. Therefore, it is essential to employ efficient and sustainable management of phosphorus in soils. Here, STARS student Malika Mezeli explores the determination of phosphorus in soils and how this can be used to close the loop on the global phosphorus cycle.

Why is Phosphorus important?

Phosphorus is a key component of life on earth and a major player in soil dynamics and agricultural production. STARS Student Malika Mezeli asks attendees of the Organic Phosphorus Workshop 2016 why Phosphorus is important.

The key global issues associated with Phosphorus

The distribution of Phosphorus around the world is not balanced. There is a contrast between areas where Phosphorus is abundant and those where there is not enough. In areas where Phosphorus is abundant, issues around eutrophication and managing excess nutrients occur. Contrastingly, areas of Phosphorus depletion pose challenges to crop production and food security. STARS Student Malika Mezeli asks attendees of the Organic Phosphorus Workshop 2016 what they feel the global issues associated with Phosphorus are.

Understanding Phosphorus cycles

Understanding the organic and inorganic Phosphorus cycles is essential to sustainably managing Phosphorus and combatting a variety of global issues associated with uneven distribution. Attendees at the Organic Phosphorus Workshop 2016 give their insights as to how better understanding of Phosphorus cycles and dynamics can help combat global issues associated with Phosphorus.

Methodological challenges to studying Phosphorus

Advancement in soil phosphorus research requires an understanding of system dynamics including phosphorus turnover and phosphorus pools. However research faces many methodological challenges. In this short video attendees of the Organic Phosphorus Workshop 2016 share their insights into the methodological challenges of studying soil phosphorus.

Soils and the delivery of ecosystem services

The final frontier of hydrology – water and soil

Francis Parry Roberts presents his STARS PhD Research, taking a look at the often untold chapter in the story of the water droplet.

Life and soils

STARS PhD student, Paul George discusses life in soil. He explains how living organisms play crucial roles in maintaining soil health across the planet; providing plants and animals with the water, nutrients and habitat they need to survive. Greater understanding of these organisms and their interactions has the potential to promote sustainable and healthy agricultural systems.

Antibiotic resistance on the farm

STARS PhD Student Alex Williams presents an insight from his research on antibiotic resistance in soils.

Nitrous oxide in soils and the environment

STARS PhD student Harry Barrat shares his research into Nitrous oxide, and how soil moisture and management might affect emissions of this potent greenhouse gas from the soil to the atmosphere.