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Abstract Despite the significant biodiversity in the Cerrado, the process of occupation, subsequent economic cycles, and intensification of agriculture in a predatory manner have caused profound alterations in this biome. This study analyzed changes in land use and land cover in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul between 1985 and 2022 by mapping and also investigating the formation and dynamics of sand dunes in the Bauru sedimentary basin, focusing on the Pardo River watershed. MapBiomas Network data, collection 8, were used for land use and land cover analysis. Arenization foci cartography was conducted using brightness index 2 based on Sentinel-2 satellite images in Sentinel Application Platform software. The historical analysis of land use and cover in the Cerrado of Mato Grosso do Sul revealed a rapid transformation of the landscape, with a drastic reduction of native vegetation and an intensification of large-scale monocultures. Between 1985 and 2022, the Cerrado of Mato Grosso Sul lost 4.6 million hectares of native vegetation (forest formations, savannahs, grasslands, and wetlands), representing 24.54% of this territory. Recent changes in land use include pasture-soybean and pasture-eucalyptus. In the Pardo River watershed, arenization foci cover an area of 17,834.34 hectares, with varying dimensions ranging from less than 1 hectare to 376.41 hectares. The arenization process occurs in different slope compartments, such as the base, slope, and interfluves. The physical and chemical characteristics of Quartzipsamments, such as low organic carbon content in soil, are associated with high rates of surface exposure and weakened load-dependent structures, leading to degradation. Arenization occurs where natural vegetation has been suppressed and soil has been depleted by poorly managed production processes.

The quality of acidic soil is determined by organic C content produced from rice straw biochar in agriculture. In this context, liquid extract from Kappapychus alvarezii (K-sap) is used as a biochar enrichment agent. Therefore, this research aimed to (i) analyze the character of K-sap enriched rice straw biochar with different volumes, as well as (ii) evaluate the impact on soil water holding capacity, size class distribution, aggregate stability index, respiration rate, and acidic soil chemical characters. The treatment tested was the volume of K-sap kg-1 biochar, namely (i) without biochar, (ii) 0 mL, (iii) 500 mL, (iv) 1,000 mL, and (v) 1,500 mL. Each treatment was repeated three times and placed according to a randomized block design procedure. The area covered by K-sap, pore size, and amorphous degree increased while the pore volume of the biochar surface decreased. The addition of 1,000 mL of K-sap kg-1 biochar released a new peak number associated with the aliphatic and aromatic groups. The K-sap enriched biochar increased the proportion of soil aggregate size of 1-2 mm, water holding capacity, carbon storage, pH, total N, available P and K, exchangeable base cations as well as base saturation. Meanwhile, the concentration of Al3+ and H+ were decreased in the acidic soil solution. The results showed that the performance of rice straw biochar, K-sap volumes, soil chemical quality, water holding capacity, and ability to store carbon of the acidic soil was improved by adding K-sap volume.

Integrated crop–livestock production (ILP) is an interesting alternative for more sustainable soil use. However, more studies are needed to analyze the soil pore properties under ILP at the micrometer scale. Thus, this study proposes a detailed analysis of the soil pore architecture at the micrometer scale in three dimensions. For this purpose, samples of an Oxisol under ILP subjected to minimum tillage (MT) and no tillage (NT) with ryegrass as the cover crop (C) and silage (S) were studied. The micromorphological properties of the soil were analyzed via X-ray microtomography. The MT(C) system showed the highest values of porosity (c. 20.4%), connectivity (c. 32.8 × 103), volume (c. 26%), and the number of pores (c. 32%) in a rod-like shape. However, the MT(S), NT(C), and NT(S) systems showed greater tortuosity (c. 2.2, c. 2.0, and c. 2.1) and lower pore connectivity (c. 8.3 × 103, c. 6.9 × 103, and c. 6.2 × 103), especially in S use. Ellipsoidal and rod-shaped pores predominated over spheroidal and disc-shaped pores in all treatments. The results of this study show that the use of ryegrass as a cover crop improves the soil physical properties, especially in MT. For S use, the type of soil management (MT or NT) did not show any differences.

The study of soil physico-chemical properties is an important field related to the aspect of climate change and the storage of organic carbon in soil. This field of scientific research aims to identify the impact of land management practices on the physico-chemical parameters of soil composition. This study is based on laboratory analysis and various observations of various soil physicochemical parameters, such as pH-H2O, EC [electrical conductivity]; OM [organic matter]; SOC [% organic carbon]; SOC [SOC t/ha]; and BD [specific gravity g/cm3]. This study helps develop strategies to implement improved land management sustainably. The soil specific gravity (BD g/cm³) averages 1.38 g/cm³, with low variability (Std. Dev. = 0.03337), the coefficient of variation (CV) is 2.410378%, indicating a low variation about the mean, while the skewness is negative (-0.78464), while the kurtosis is positive (1.766186). Some of the differences (OM, SOC, SOC t/ha) have a high variability, while others have a lower variability (EC μS/cm, pH [1:2.5], BD g/cm³). This may indicate that some soil characteristics are more stable, while others have a higher degree of variability.

The concept of soil health recognizes soil as a living and dynamic natural system, a notion that aptly fits in the realm of biology. However, soil health tests and scoring tools are often dominated by indicators other than soil biology, such as soil fertility and chemistry. Biological indicators of soil health remain understudied and underrepresented in soil health assessments. To address this gap, here we evaluate soil attributes that reflect biological functions and vitality (including organic and total C, total N, mineralized C, extracellular enzyme activity, and phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis for microbial biomass and adaptation response ratio (ARR)). We assess if these biological indicators can be contextualized by soil classification and measure their responsiveness to agricultural management practices in Prairie region of Saskatchewan Canada. Despite the dynamic nature of biological indicators of soil health, we find that soil classification by great group constrains measurements and serves as a useful contextualizing factor to adjust scoring functions. Further, we find biological indicators of soil health (namely soil organic C, total N, and P and S enzyme activity) generally improve with more regenerative crop production practices such as cover cropping or organic management. Although other indicators such as CO2 mineralization, N and C cycling enzymes, PLFA and ARR showed fewer differences among crop production practices, all were greater under prairie grassland than cropland. In contextualizing soil health scores by soil classification and including biological indicators of soil health that embody soil pools, processes, and life, soil health assessments will not only better represent soil biology and appropriately contextualize soil health scores, but also move towards better targeting soil functioning and vitality.

IntroductionMapping soil organic carbon (SOC) with high precision is useful for controlling soil fertility and comprehending the global carbon cycle. Low-relief locations are characterized by minimal variability in traditional soil-forming elements, such as terrain and climatic conditions, which make it difficult to reflect the spatial variation of soil properties. In the meantime, vegetation cover makes it more difficult to obtain direct knowledge about agricultural soil. Crop growth and biomass are reflected by the normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), a significant indicator. Rather than using conventional soil-forming variables.MethodsIn this study, a novel model for predicting SOC was developed using Landsat-8 Operational Land Imager (OLI) band data (Blue (B), Green (G), Red (R), and Near Infrared (NIR), NDVI data as the supporting variables, and Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs). A total of 120 surface soil samples were collected at a depth of 25 cm in the northeastern Nile Delta near Damietta City. Of these, 80% (96 samples) were randomly selected for model training, while the remaining 24 samples were used for testing and validation. Additionally, Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) models were trained to estimate SOC levels using the Matern 5/2 kernel within the Regression Learner framework.Results and discussionThe results demonstrate that both the ANN with a multilayer feedforward network and the GPR model offer effective frameworks for SOC prediction. The ANN achieved an R2 value of 0.84, while the GPR model with the Matern 5/2 kernel achieved a higher R2 value of 0.89. These findings, supported by visual and statistical evaluations through cross-validation, confirm the reliability and accuracy of the models.ConclusionThe systematic application of GPR within the Regression Learner framework provides a robust tool for SOC prediction, contributing to sustainable soil management and agricultural practices.

Grapes are considered one of the world leading fruit crops. They can be grown in various climatic conditions and are highly economically important. Excessive management practices, such as soil preparation, abuse of nitrogen fertilizers and tractors traffic in the vineyard, may reduce the soil fertility and biodiversity, besides altering the balance of ecosystems and the fluxes of greenhouse gases emitted by the soil. This article aimed to develop a systematic review of greenhouse gas emissions from viticulture, in order to present a global perspective on the subject. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) methodology was used, as well as the terms (“grape growing” OR “viticulture” OR “vineyard” OR “grape cultivation”) AND (“nitrous oxide” OR “carbon dioxide” OR “methane” OR “greenhouse gas”), which should appear in the article title, abstract or keywords. The analysis included 29 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. The results mainly showed the relationship between nitrogen and organic fertilizers and soil texture, in addition to the relation between soil preparation practices and soil carbon emissions, and the influence of the soil water content on greenhouse gas emissions. The association of local climate conditions, management practices and soil characteristics can explain the significant variability of the observed results. Understanding the spatiotemporal emission dynamics and the determining factors allows the development of measures for effective greenhouse gas emissions mitigation, thus reducing the impact of global warming.

Agroecology, as a holistic approach to sustainable food systems, is gaining momentum globally as a key approach to addressing current challenges in agricultural and food production. In sub-Saharan Africa, despite numerous efforts to address declining soil productivity, water scarcity, and increasing pest pressure through agroecological soil, water, and integrated pest management (IPM) practices, the adoption of such practices remains low. As part of the CGIAR Agroecology Initiative, we conducted a collaborative rapid innovation assessment of existing soil, water, and pest management practices in two Agroecological Living Landscapes (ALLs) in Makueni and Kiambu counties, Kenya. The assessment also included an evaluation of the performance of these practices and identified farmer preferences. Using a multi-stage approach, we applied stratified random sampling to identify 80 farmers for farm assessments and in-depth interviews. A total of 31 practices were identified, of which 26 were further evaluated. The evaluation revealed a heterogeneous set of socio-economic and biophysical contextual factors influencing practice performance. Respondents identified 19 strengths, and 13 challenges associated with the practices, highlighting opportunities for innovation to improve or adapt performance. Farmers also expressed preferences for future adoption of 31 practices, 77% of which were listed in one of the three focus areas, namely soil management, water management, or IPM. The other 33% were associated with multiple functions and were listed under two or three of the focus areas. The results of the collaborative assessment informed a broader co-design cycle that included participatory prioritization and selection of innovative practices, experimental design, and monitoring protocols. This collaborative and systematic approach was taken because innovative practices often fail to be adopted due to a lack of co-design and inclusion of local perspectives in innovation design, and a disconnect between science and practice. Our study highlights the importance of integrating stakeholder input and transdisciplinary technical expertise in the co-design and implementation of agroecological innovations. It also emphasizes the importance of using a structured methodology to understand farmers’ options, context, and preferences while co-designing locally relevant agroecological practices, which promotes holistic and inclusive adoption, successful implementation and long-term sustainability of agroecological practices.

This review was conducted to synthesize current knowledge, learn producer and Extension specialist perspectives, and identify gaps in understanding of the role of soil health in sustaining production in high tunnel (HT) systems. This synthesis includes findings from scholarly resources related to soil health in HTs, including research and Extension-based literature, perspectives from experienced HT producers and technical assistance providers, and the direct observations of a broad network of university research and Extension personnel working with HTs. Findings are intended to identify knowledge gaps and additional research and Extension resource needs of greatest priority to the HT producer community and technical assistance providers that support them at the time of publication. A review of 68 research articles and 58 Extension resources was conducted. Focus group interviews were conducted with small groups of experienced HT farmers in four regions of the eastern half of the United States, with in-depth farm case studies conducted in individual farmers in three of these regions. Growers across regions identified soil fertility management, soilborne diseases, soil compaction, and lack of consistency of soil analyses specific to HTs as the greatest soil-related challenges to HT production. Research and resources for technical assistance providers on mitigation strategies to remediate yield-limiting HT soil conditions, such as excessive soil salinity and high pathogen populations, were also lacking. As such, process-based research on techniques such as leaching, soil steaming, solarization, and anaerobic soil disinfestation in tunnels that consider short- and long-term costs, benefits, and effects on soil and plant productivity should be prioritized in the future when considering the impact of HT production on soil health. Interviews also indicated a need for networking opportunities for technical assistance providers across agencies (e.g., Natural Resources Conservation Service, Extension, nongovernmental organizations). Despite a high and increasing rate of adoption, there is currently a lack of information about maintaining HT systems. Given that HTs play a critical and growing economic role for specialty crop growers throughout the eastern United States, comprehensive intervention across the research–Extension spectrum to sustain productivity in HT systems is recommended.

This study addresses desertification in Kazakhstan's Akdala region, aiming to propose sustainable solutions by examining the effects of various plants on soil properties and nutrient dynamics. Desertification poses a threat to land productivity in arid areas, and this research aims to determine its impact on soil and identify plants for mitigation. Field experiments over three years in the Akdala region utilized crops such as rice, corn, soybean, sudan grass, and sorghum to assess their influence on key soil parameters. Results revealed diverse effects on soil bulk density, agronomically valuable aggregates, water-stable aggregates, labile and total organic carbon, easily hydrolyzable nitrogen, nitrate, available phosphorus, and exchangeable potassium. While no significant differences in bulk density were observed among crops, variations in surface and subsurface soil layers emphasized the importance of depth-specific considerations. Sorghum stood out as a particularly influential crop, significantly increasing labile and total organic carbon levels, highlighting its potential role in enhancing soil quality. The experiments were conducted on the fields of "Birlik" LLP in the Balkhash district of the Almaty region from 2015 to 2017. The chosen crops, each with distinct characteristics, provided a comprehensive understanding of their impact on soil dynamics. Advanced techniques for soil sampling and analyses ensured accurate measurements of various soil parameters. The study site's sharply continental climate, marked by temperature variations, snowy winters, and hot, dry summers, added complexity to the investigation due to its influence on plant growth and soil interactions. In conclusion, this comprehensive study offers valuable insights into the intricate relationships between different crops and soil parameters for combating desertification. The findings contribute significantly to the development of sustainable soil management practices, providing a foundation for identifying suitable crops for soil improvement in arid regions. By understanding how different plants impact soil properties, this research supports informed decision-making in agricultural practices, promoting the long-term sustainability of farming in regions vulnerable to desertification.

To avoid soil degradation, adapt to climate change and comply with the Sustainable Development goals 2030 (UN General Assembly), establishing the quality/fertility of the agricultural soils of the Mediterranean region and evaluate how these evolve with time is mandatory. This enables adequate management practices to be implemented. The Mediterranean calcareous region has received little attention in this sense, in spite its soil particularities. So, 24 different representative calcareous agricultural soils of the Mediterranean region, including the main management strategies of agricultural soils (rainfed and irrigated), were sampled from the island of Mallorca; and their physical, chemical and biological properties determined. The values obtained for most of the soil characteristics allowed to establish an initial approach to the reference values for the type of calcareous agricultural soils considered, and to clearly distinguish the effect of rainfed or irrigation management practices on soils properties and dynamics. Some enzyme activities were not stimulated by the irrigation conditions assayed or they were only in dry conditions, suggesting optimum enzyme activities could be obtained when alternating dry and humid soil conditions. Soil organic carbon, calcium carbonate and active lime revealed of significant importance in the collection of soils. Finally, the results obtained clearly indicate the heterogeneity of the region and its implications on the different soil characteristics. Therefore, this study could serve as a starting point to adequately establish the quality (fertility) for Mediterranean calcareous agricultural soils and their reference values by conducting further research in this region and including more type of soils.

Biochars were produced at 350 °C and applied at varying rates (0, 52, 104, and 156 Mg ha−1 and incubation times up to 120 days. Both biochars and limestone significantly improved soil properties like pH, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), and nutrient availability. Limestone proved most effective, raising pH by 1.3 units on average and increasing EC and CEC, followed by Cadia purpurea- and Tarchonanthus camphoratus-based biochars. Biochars also increased pH, with Cadia purpurea showing the greatest effect (up to a 1.49 unit increase at the highest rate of application). These findings suggest biochar from these expansive plants holds promise for improving acidic soils. However, the optimal application rate, incubation times, and type of amendment (biochar or limestone) likely depend on specific soil characteristics and goals. Further research is needed to explore long-term effects, combined amendment approaches, and cost-effectiveness for long-term soil health, agricultural productivity, and environmental well-being.

AbstractUnderstanding the complex interplay between soil erosion, nutrient variability, land use and topography is crucial for sustainable agriculture. However, attempts to link these environmental factors with food security got less attention. This study examined the relationship between soil erosion, nutrient variation and the effects on food security in Gibe III dam area. Data were collected using structured questionnaire from 384 households, focus group discussion and Key informant interviews. A logit and food balance sheet models were employed for survey data analysis. Twenty-seven soil samples were taken from three land uses. Two-way Anova was used for statistical analysis of soil data. Results showed that 84% of the farmers perceived soil erosion. Food security had significantly associated with family size, extension services and slope at 5%. Food-secure and insecure households consumed 3102.922 and 1072.995 kcal on average, respectively. CEC was highest in grazing land (31 C mol kg−1) followed by forestland (26.4 C mol kg−1) and lowest in crop land (24.2 C mol kg−1). AP was highest (5.4 mg kg−1) in forest land followed by crop land (2.9 mg kg−1) while lowest (2 mg kg−1) in grazing land. The interaction effect of land use and slope on soil organic matter was significant [F(4, 18) = 93, p = .05], with partial eta squared of 0.95, total nitrogen [F(4, 18) = 47.4, p = .05] (partial eta squared = 0.91) and bulk density [F(4, 18)= 4.7, p = .05] (partial eta squared = 0.5). Sand varied in cropland (65.33%) followed by grazing land (62.67%) compared to forestland. Sustainable land use management should be implemented.

Soil water repellency (SWR) is caused by hydrophobic organic compounds and is exacerbated during warmer temperatures and dry periods. SWR can have various detrimental effects, including limited wetting capabilities, reduced soil infiltration and hydraulic conductivity, and decreased plant available water, ultimately affecting crop yield. Conventional on-farm practices and soil health management strategies are implemented to cultivate healthy, productive lands. However, these practices and strategies impact SWR differently. Considering these strategies and the current understanding of factors contributing to SWR and climate change predictions, there is a strong potential that SWR occurrence and severity will increase in the future, which will impact food security. Current climate change models used to predict crop yields do not account for climate change induced SWR or how management practices and strategies influence SWR. To address this issue, this article reviews the impact of conventional on-farm practices and soil health management strategies on SWR and crop productivity, particularly in the context of predicted increasing temperatures and extreme precipitation events due to climate change. Building a robust climate change predictive model for crop yield will require understanding sub-critical SWR and adapting modern biomarking spectral and chemometric analyses to determine the repellency potential of inputs (amendments and plants), not just the soil. Once determined, this information can be used to assist farmers in making management decisions that will increase agroecosystem and livelihood sustainability and subsequently reduce food insecurity.

ABSTRACT: Approximately 5% of the total emissions (0.11 Gt CO2 and GWP-AR5) originate in Rio Grande do Sul state (RS), a representative agricultural region in Southern Brazil. This study assessed SOCS (soil organic C stocks) in Latossolos of the Planalto of RS, with up-to-date data obtained from recent field campaigns and legacy data, and relate these SOC stocks to environmental variables. A literature search identified 195 documents with SOCS in layers 0-30 cm and 0-100 cm. The mean SOCS (0-30 cm) in the Latossolos was significantly higher (73.6 Mg ha-1) than the suggested IPCC default (55 Mg ha-1). The highest stocks (237 ± 39 Mg ha-1) were measured in uncultivated Latossolos Brunos in the 0-100 cm layer, especially at higher altitudes and lower mean annual temperature. The most frequently occurring soil Latossolo Vermelho distroférrico-LVdf (25% of the Planalto), also had high SOCS. Surprisingly Latossolos Vermelho Distrófico (LVd) also had high SOCS, in spite of the coarser texture. The estimated SOCS in Latosoolos of the Planalto is 419.9 Tg C, 36% larger than reported previous studies. We concluded that, despite significant land use changes, soils of this region maintain large SOCS which had been underestimated in previous studies.

Abstract Conservation soil management systems can promote beneficial changes in the edaphic fauna, which is important in improving and maintaining soil quality. Hence, this study aimed to evaluate the edaphic fauna in two areas with soils managed under no-till with and without terraces for four years. The edaphic fauna was evaluated by installing 32 pitfall trapsin each experimental plot. After seven days, the traps were removed, and the sampled individuals were classified at the level of major taxonomic groups. Collembola, Acari, Formicidae, Coleoptera, and Araneae were the most abundant in both study areas. The mean abundance of the order Coleoptera stood out in the no-till system with terraces in 2021, while the orders Collembola and Acari were more abundant without terraces in 2019 and 2021, and 2021 and 2022, respectively. There was a greater abundance of organisms for both areas in 2021, with significant equitability in the no-till system with terraces. Thus, the results showed that only some groups are positively affected by mechanical erosion control.

Heliconia psittacorum is a plant that stands out in tropical floriculture due to its inflorescence with bracts of different colors and its high ornamental value. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of nitrogen applied under different management methods on the development of heliconia plants (H. psittacorum). The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse, in the soil science area, from May to December 2018, at the Belém Campus of the Federal Rural University of Amazonia (UFRA). A completely randomized design was used, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, distributed over 5 replications. The factors were 4 doses of nitrogen fertilization (0, 20, 40 and 60 kg ha-1 of N) and 2 types of soil (conventional cultivation and forest). The variables used to analyze the treatments were: height, pseudostem diameter, fresh weight of the pseudostem, flower stem, leaves, rhizome and root. The results of the experiment were subjected to analysis of variance, compared using the Tukey test, where appropriate, and regression studies by adjusting the equations according to the doses of N used. There were significant differences in all the variables studied. The results of this study show that there is probably a certain shortage of the elements needed for plant nutrition and, with a greater supply of N, there is greater root development to make up for this deficiency.

This study aimed to analyze the N storage capacity of litterfall and its impact on C mineralization in beech forests. The research was conducted at 15 sample plots under European beech stands located in different ecological conditions on the territory of Serbia. More than half (53%) of the sample plots are characterized by low and very low litterfall N content (

Enset [Ensete ventricosum (welw.) cheesman] is a multi-purpose perennial crop that is an important keystone species for home garden agroforestry systems in Ethiopia and has great potential to increase resilience to climate change, sequester carbon and reduce net greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, it could be an important crop to be grown more widely in the future. Carbon sequestration is in part due to application of large amounts of organic matter to enset. However, availability of organic matter for use in enset-based farming systems is likely to be related to wealth status of farmers. Because evidence on the influence of wealth on soil carbon is limited, this study assessed influence of household wealth on soil organic carbon, nitrogen and carbon dioxide emissions from enset-based farming systems in southern Ethiopia. Farmlands managed by resource rich farmers had significantly higher organic carbon in 0–20 cm soil depth (4.6 % and 5.8 %) than those managed by resource-poor farmers (3.7 % and 4.3 %). Total nitrogen followed similar trends. Results suggest that wealth status influences soil properties by determining organic inputs, highlighting the importance of livestock. Resource-poor farmers who do not own livestock should therefore take measures to obtain inputs from other sources, such as compost or vermi-compost.

Mitigating yield-scaled greenhouse gas emissions (YSE) is beneficial for enhancing crop yield, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and advancing climate-smart agronomic management practices. This study aims to evaluate the impact of different crop residue rates– 100% (R100), 50% (R50), and residue removal (R0) – on the YSE indicator within a maize-wheat cropping rotation under both conventional tillage (CT) and no-tillage (NT) systems in a semi-arid region. In the NT system, crop residues had a notable effect on the YSE indicator for wheat. Specifically, R0 exhibited a 39% and 20% decrease in YSE for wheat compared to R100 and R50, respectively. Interestingly, crop residue did not significantly influence YSE for maize under the NT system. On the other hand, in the CT system, YSE for maize in R0 was 33% and 25% lower than that in R100 and R50, respectively. Additionally, compared to R0, there were observed increases of 28% and 20% in YSE for wheat in R100 and R50 under the CT system, respectively. Our findings show that crop residue removal decreases YSE under both CT and NT systems. However, given that this practice degrades soil quality and results in lower yields, it is not considered a sustainable management practice compared to residue retention options. This research highlights the importance of evaluating GHG mitigation strategies by concurrently considering both emissions and crop production. Nevertheless, it is essential to conduct off-site assessments of GHG emissions from crop residue application and also engage in long-term studies to comprehend the full potential of crop residue management on YSE.

Here, we describe and assess a method for reusing specific food waste to make hydrogels, which can be employed to improve the efficacy of agrochemicals and water. It represents an approach for tackling current challenges, such as food waste, water management, and pesticide optimization. Depending on the formulation, the hydrogels were created by crosslinking pectin and starch with CaCl2 or sodium trimetaphosphate. FTIR and SEM were employed to investigate the methylation degree of the extracted pectin, as well as the surface morphology and interior structure of the hydrogels. The swelling behavior and water retention in sandy soil have been investigated. In addition to the hydrogels’ potential to control and reduce pesticide loss, the herbicide Picloram is a model compound. The results show that the hydrogels have important swelling, up to 300%, and a capacity to retain water, preserve, and increase the water content in sandy soil up to 12 days. Picloram experiments show that hydrogels can limit herbicide mobility for up to 30 days under controlled conditions. The conversion of food wastes to highly valuable materials is a promising approach to optimize the water consumption and the loss of agrochemicals regarding sustainable agriculture.

Hot water extractable organic carbon (HWOC), the labile carbon component, is often used to indicate soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics. Nevertheless, few studies have been carried out in arid climate areas which affects our full understanding of HWOC. Here, we investigated the change in HWOC in the topsoil of different ecosystems in the southern part of the Loess Plateau in the semiarid region of China and compared it with that in other regions. The HWOC concentrations of the study area (0-10 cm) were 0.27 ± 0.12 g C kg−1 and 0.19 ± 0.04 g C kg−1 in the natural and agricultural systems respectively, and the HWOC proportions were 1.38 ± 0.38% and 2.18 ± 0.22%. The HWOC concentration and proportion in the study area were much lower than the reported data in other areas, which may be affected by drought conditions. Irrigation could weaken the difference in HWOC between agricultural systems in different regions. Since HWOC is easily lost due to the impact of the arid climate, the soil carbon balance and carbon sequestration in arid and semiarid areas are relatively unstable, indicating that soil management should be improved in combination with water management.

Research into alternative vineyard practices is essential to maintain long-term viticulture sustainability. Organic mulching on the vine row improves vine cultivation properties, such as increasing soil water retention and nutrient availability. This study overviewed the effects of three organic mulches (spent mushroom compost (SMC), straw (STR), and grapevine pruning debris (GPD)) and two conventional soil practices (herbicide application (HERB) and tillage (TILL)) on grapevine physiology, agronomy, and grape quality parameters over three years. SMC mulch enhanced soil moisture and nutrient concentration. However, its mineral composition increased soil electrical conductivity (0.78 dS m⁻1) and induced grapevine water stress due to osmotic effects without significantly affecting yield plant development. Only minor differences in leaf physiological parameters were observed during the growing season. However, straw (STR) mulch reduced water stress and increased photosynthetic capacity, resulting in higher pruning weights. Organic mulches, particularly SMC and STR, increased grape pH, potassium, malic acid, and tartaric acid levels, while reducing yeast assimilable nitrogen. The effect of organic mulching on grapevine development depends mainly on soil and mulch properties, soil water availability, and environmental conditions. This research highlights the importance of previous soil and organic mulch analysis to detect vineyard requirements and select the most appropriate soil management treatment.

Abstract No-tillage (NT) is a conservation practice adopted by 60% of the Brazilian farmers. Due to unsuitable management, compaction problem reported in soils under NT has increased. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of different soil tillage and different winter cover crops in long-term on crops biomass and maize yield and on soil penetration resistance (PR), in two crop seasons. The long-term experiment is located at the UTFPR Dois Vizinhos experimental station, with a combination of five soil tillage: NT; NT chiseled up to 0.35 m deep (Jumbo), annually (NTCa) and triennially (NTCt); NT with minimum tillage chiseled up to 0.35 m deep (Terrus), annually (NTMTa) and triennially (NTMTt); and four winter cover crops: black oats, common vetch, forage radish, and a mixture of oats + vetch + radish (mix). Dry matter production of cover crops was higher in oats and the mix, and in NTMTa in both years (2021 and 2022). Soil chiseling reduces PR, however over time, an increase was observed. NT showed higher PR, especially in the 0.15-0.20 m soil layer, but it did not impact crop production. Maize yield was not influenced by cover crops or soil tillage. NT proved to be the most efficient soil management, as its performance in maize yield was similar to the others, indicating the way forward in the pursuit of a more sustainable agriculture.

Abstract in Brazil, the development of a strong technical foundation for soil and water conservation has made no-tillage (NT) the leading method for preparing land for temporary crops. Despite this, there's insufficient information regarding the extent to which farmers have adopted NT and conservation agriculture (CA) and the distribution and evolution of these practices within Paraná-a state at the forefront of NT and CA implementation. This study investigates the adoption rates of NT and CA among Paraná's farmers, focusing on temporary crops. It utilizes specialized data from the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics' agricultural censuses of 2006 and 2017. Adoption rates for NT and CA were determined by comparing their proportions in both the number of farming properties and the overall land area devoted to temporary crops across various microregions. Findings indicate a rise in the adoption of NT from 68.5% to 78.9% and CA from 14.6% to 27.7% over the 2006 to 2017 period. Moreover, adoption rates varied across the 39 microregions, with the highest rates in regions dominated by temporary crops, particularly soybeans, maize, and wheat. Conversely, the lowest adoption rates were found in microregions where permanent crops and pastures prevailed, and sugarcane, cassava, and rice were the primary temporary crops.

IntroductionAddressing the global demand for rice production necessitates innovative approaches to enhance upland rice yield in rainfed agroecosystems, considering the challenges posed by increasing population, limited land fertility, low productivity, and water availability.MethodsIn this study, our study investigated the impact of biochar and organic fertilizer on ten promising rice lines (G1 – G10) and two control (G11 – G12) cultivars under rainfed conditions. The experimental design used a split-plot design with four soil amendments as main plots, namely control, organic fertilizer, biochar, and biochar + organic fertilizer and 12 rice genotypes as subplot.ResultsThe absolute attainable yield gaps, differentiating organic and control (GAP1), biochar + organic and control (GAP2), and biochar and control (GAP3), ranged from 1.5 to 3.7 or increased of 91–580%, 0.8 to 3.5 (72–560%), and 0.6 to 2.58 tons/ha (58–472%), respectively. Notably, G2 + organic exhibited the highest positive absolute yield gap, ranging from 1.1 to 5.38 tons/ha, based on the yield gap matrix. Furthermore, genotype main effect plus genotype-environment interaction (GGE) biplot analysis identified G2 as the most promising rice line, displaying superior yield performance for cultivation in biochar and organic amended soils.DiscussionThese findings provide valuable insights for farmers, governments, and stakeholders, offering a roadmap to optimize rainfed areas for rice production, serving as practical guidance to enhance overall rice productivity in rainfed agroecosystems.

Plastic mulch is increasingly used in agriculture due to its short-term benefits, while long-term risks of plastic accumulation in soil is a growing concern. An analytical methodology is presented to quantify plastic mulch usage based on location, timing, and crop type, at parcel and regional scales. Multispectral Sentinel-2 data identified plastic mulch use between 2017 and 2021 with an F1 score of 0.7. Historical patterns of mulch use and crop rotation were explored through sequence analysis, and enabled predictions and likelihood of occurrence of plastic mulch for the year 2022. Silage maize followed by asparagus and carrots are the most prevalent crops utilizing plastic mulch. Successive cropping of silage maize on the same parcel was detected on 70 % of parcels, surpassing 40 % of successive cropping for four continuous years. Successive asparagus crops on the same plot, often alternating with spinach and carrots, also occurs. Crop forecasting reached an accuracy of 0.76 when up to 10 potential crop predictions for each historical sequence were permitted. The prediction of the likelihood of plastic mulch improved with fewer permitted predicted crops (

ABSTRACT Shaded coffee systems may offer a series of benefits, however, studies on shaded cultivation of Conilon coffee crops are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties of two Conilon coffee intercropping systems from southeastern Brazil. Two commercial coffee crops – one shaded by macadamia trees and the other by green dwarf coconut trees – were evaluated according to three treatments: coffee plants in the inter-row of the tree species; coffee plants in the same row of the trees; and unshaded coffee. The experimental design was a completely randomized with four replicates. Coffee plants intercropped with macadamia trees, both intra- and inter-row, resulted in less soil compaction than unshaded systems. As for intercropping with green dwarf coconut trees, the unshaded system presented lower soil resistance to penetration. Differences in physical properties between treatments allow no inferences about intercropping systems influence on green coconut trees. Intercropped coffee improves soil chemical properties, resulting in greater soil fertility than unshaded systems, and showed greater soil organisms. These findings indicate that Conilon coffee-macadamia intercropped with tree species represents a promising alternative for sustainable soil management.

ABSTRACTConducting studies that focus on the alterations occurring in the soil microbiome within protection forests in the northeast plain is of utmost importance in evaluating the ecological rehabilitation of agricultural lands in the Mollisols region. Nevertheless, the presence of geographic factors contributes to substantial disparities in the microbiomes, and thus, addressing this aspect of influence becomes pivotal in ensuring the credibility of the collected data. Consequently, the objective is to compare the variations in soil physicochemical properties and microbial community structure within the understory of diverse shelterbelt species. In this study, we analyzed the understory soils of Juglans mandshurica (Jm), Fraxinus mandschurica (Fm), Acer mono (Am), and Betula platyphylla (Bp) from the same locality. We employed high-throughput sequencing technology and soil physicochemical data to investigate the impact of these different tree species on soil microbial communities, chemical properties, and enzyme activities in Mollisols areas. Significant variations in soil nutrients and enzyme activities were observed among tree species, with soil organic matter content ranging from 49.1 to 67.7 g/kg and cellulase content ranging from 5.3 to 524.0 μg/d/g. The impact of tree species on microbial diversities was found to be more pronounced in the bacterial community (Adnoism: R = 0.605) compared to the fungal community (Adnoism: R = 0.433). The linear discriminant analysis effect size (LEfSe) analysis revealed a total of 5 (Jm), 3 (Bp), and 6 (Am) bacterial biomarkers, as well as 2 (Jm), 6 (Fm), 4 (Bp), and 1 (Am) fungal biomarker at the genus level (LDA3). The presence of various tree species was observed to significantly alter the relative abundance of specific microbial community structures, specifically in Gammaproteobacteria, Ascomycota, and Basidiomycota. Furthermore, environmental factors, such as pH, total potassium, and available phosphorus were important factors influencing changes in bacterial communities. We propose that Fm be utilized as the primary tree species for establishing farmland protection forests in the northeastern region, owing to its superior impact on enhancing soil quality.IMPORTANCEThe focal point of this study lies in the implementation of a controlled experiment conducted under field conditions. In this experiment, we deliberately selected four shelterbelts within the same field, characterized by identical planting density, and planting year. This deliberate selection effectively mitigated the potential impact of extraneous factors on the three microbiomes, thereby enhancing the reliability and validity of our findings.

The growing technological advance in agriculture, verified through the introduction of machines, fertilizers, new cultivars, and expansion of agricultural frontiers, has provided, in general, an increase in the average yield of crops due to the rational management of the soil-climate-plant system. However, as the soil is managed without adopting conservationist practices, imbalances and instability occur, constituting serious problems such as desertification, salinization, soil erosion, etc. Thus, this study aimed to determine the soil loss tolerance by erosion in the western mesoregion of Maranhão. The methods used to determine tolerance used effective depth (h), textural ratio (r), textural ratio and clay content in the A horizon, organic matter, and permeability, where the equations for each method were: T= h. r. 1000-1 (Method I); T = h. ra. 1000-1 (Method II) and T = h. ra. m. P. 1000-1 (Method III). The highest soil loss tolerance values were identified in method I (1.95 t ha-1 yr-1), then method III (0.76 t ha-1 yr-1), and finally, method II (0.67 t ha-1 yr-1), observing soil loss tolerance values differed about the method used.

This study presents the combined findings of laboratory experiments conducted to assess the efficacy of various ameliorants on saline-sodic soils in the foothill plain of Ile Alatau in the Northern Tianshan region. The investigation focused on the influence of phosphogypsum, elemental sulfur, nano sulfur, and sulfuric acid on the ionic composition of the soil solution and their impact on the soil-absorbing complex. Different doses of these ameliorants were applied to saline-sodic soil samples, and their incubation period was observed. The analysis of the aqueous extract of the soil emphasized the presence of bicarbonate, carbonate, sulfate, calcium, and sodium ions. The results revealed that sulfuric acid was the most effective ameliorant, rapidly neutralizing extreme alkalinity, reducing bicarbonate and carbonate ion content, and increasing sulfate and sodium ion concentrations. Elemental sulfur ranked second in effectiveness, significantly decreasing bicarbonate and carbonate ions and increasing sulfate and sodium ions. Phosphogypsum exhibited the lowest effectiveness, causing reductions in bicarbonate and carbonate ions and modest increases in sulfate and calcium ions. The study demonstrated that the introduction of phosphogypsum led to an increase in calcium and sulfate ions in the soil solution, while elemental sulfur and sulfuric acid significantly increased the sulfate ion content. Sulfuric acid exhibited the highest efficacy among the ameliorants, completely neutralizing normal carbonates and reducing alkalinity in the soil solution. The formation of subsoil gypsum through the interaction of sulfuric acid with calcium carbonates facilitated the displacement of sodium from the soil-absorbing complex. These findings contribute to our understanding of the processes involved in the amelioration of saline-sodic soils and provide insights into effective soil management practices. They serve as a theoretical basis for developing strategies for the reclamation of such soils worldwide. The research highlights sulfuric acid as the most effective ameliorant for saline-sodic soils, resulting in a significant rearrangement of the soil's ionic composition. Further research and field studies are necessary to validate and refine these laboratory findings for practical applications in soil improvement methods.

Land management practices that overlook soil limitations and potential have led to varying degrees of degradation. This study evaluates the carbon content in chemical and oxidisable soil fractions across different pasture recovery periods, comparing them to secondary forests. The management practices assessed include the following: secondary forest (SF), perennial pasture (PP), perennial pasture recovered five years ago (P5), and perennial pasture recovered eight years ago (P8), all on Plinthosols. We analysed carbon levels in oxidisable fractions and humic substances at depths of 0–0.10 m, 0.10–0.20 m, 0.20–0.30 m, and 0.30–0.40 m. The SF and P8 areas showed the highest organic matter content within the humic fractions, compared to the PP and P5 areas. Additionally, the P8 area demonstrated an increase in the labile and moderately recalcitrant fractions of organic matter, standing out among the different fractions evaluated. The multivariate principal component analysis indicated that P8 has the greatest impact on soil quality, followed by FS, P5, and PP. The pasture recovery over the past eight years has significantly improved soil carbon accumulation, highlighting the benefits of land restoration.

This review paper synthesizes the current understanding of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from field cropping systems. It examines the key factors influencing GHG emissions, including crop type, management practices, and soil conditions. The review highlights the variability in GHG emissions across different cropping systems. Conventional tillage systems generally emit higher levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) than no-till or reduced tillage systems. Crop rotation, cover cropping, and residue management can significantly reduce GHG emissions by improving soil carbon sequestration and reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirements. The paper also discusses the challenges and opportunities for mitigating GHG emissions in field cropping systems. Precision agriculture techniques, such as variable rate application of fertilizers and water, can optimize crop production while minimizing environmental impacts. Agroforestry systems, which integrate trees and crops, offer the potential for carbon sequestration and reducing N2O emissions. This review provides insights into the latest research on GHG emissions from field cropping systems and identifies areas for further study. It emphasizes the importance of adopting sustainable management practices to reduce GHG emissions and enhance the environmental sustainability of agricultural systems.

Soil management in orchards can have several economic and environmental implications. In this study, three different soil management systems were compared in a dry-farmed olive grove: conventional tillage (tillage), glyphosate-based herbicide (herbicide) and sheep grazing. The experiment lasted eleven years (2011–2022) and was carried out after a previous trial conducted on the same plot with the same treatments and duration (2001–2011). However, in the earlier trial, the herbicide and sheep grazing treatments switched positions in the plot, while the tillage treatment remained in its original place. The average total accumulated olive yields between 2011 and 2022 were 225.1, 230.9, and 245.0 kg tree−1 for the sheep grazing, tillage, and herbicide treatments, respectively. However, no significant differences were observed between the treatments. The levels of total organic carbon in the soil, measured in samples collected in the last year of the study, were 41.3, 33.7, and 37.3 g kg−1, respectively, for the same treatments. These findings indicated that the tillage treatment exhibited lower soil organic matter content and reduced bioavailability of some nutrients, which raises concerns about its sustainability. On the contrary, employing sheep grazing with an appropriate stocking rate, effectively controlling vegetation in the spring, ensured favourable soil properties and olive yields comparable to the other treatments. Moreover, the sheep grazing approach provides supplementary advantages to the farmer, including revenue from the sale of animal products and the opportunity to transition to organic farming systems, which better align with the preferences of contemporary societies.

An important source of greenhouse gases in Brazil is the nitrous oxide (N2O) emission from pasture, and microorganisms play an important role in nitrogen transformations in the soil. This study aimed to evaluate N2O emission and NH3 volatilization from bovine excreta in pasture in an integrated crop–livestock system (ICL) in the Brazilian Cerrado. Three treatments (urine, dung and control) were performed in two pastures (Area 1—three-year pasture of Urochloa ruziziensis and Area 2—one-year pasture of Urochloa brizantha cv. Piatã), with two application times of the excreta (dry and rainy season), during two successive years of application. Compared to the control, the excreta deposition on ICL increased soil N2O and NH3 fluxes. In the dry season, N2O fluxes were associated with higher ammonium (NH4+) availability. In the rainy season, these fluxes were related to NO3− availability and water-filled pore space (WFPS). In both areas, NH3 volatilization was higher after urine than dung application, especially in the dry season. The highest N2O emission factors were obtained for urine (0.32%), the rainy season (0.36%), and older pasture (Area 1: 0.24%). All these values were below the mean IPCC default values (0.77%). These results indicate that N2O emissions in pasture should be evaluated in regional conditions.

Building machine learning (ML) calibrations using near-infrared (NIR) soil spectroscopy direct in agricultural areas (online NIR), soil attributes can be fine-scale mapped in a faster and more cost-effective manner, guiding management decisions to ensure the maintenance of soil functions. However, a financially and environmentally unattractive density of 3–5 laboratory soil samples per ha is required to build these calibrations. Since no reports have evaluated if they are reusable or if a new calibration is required for each acquisition, this study’s objective was to acquire online NIR spectra in an agricultural field where ML models were previously built and validated, assessing their performance over time. Two spectral acquisitions were held over a fallow tropical field, separated by 21 days. Soil properties (clay, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, pH, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) were predicted using principal components regression models calibrated with day 1 spectra. Day 1 and day 21 predicted values and maps interpolated by ordinary kriging were compared. Spectra characteristics (morphology, features, and intensity) were evaluated. Predicted values from the two days were not correlated, as no causal relationship was found for the only Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) significative at 99% (p < 0.01) (calcium, with r = 0.22 in the comparison pairing the nearest neighbors from the two days). For clay, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity, despite their robust prediction on day 1, no significative r values were found, ranging from −0.14 to 0.32, when comparing day 1 with day 21. The maps of the two days presented no similar spatial distribution, hindering their use for management decisions. Soil moisture is a suggested source of variation, but the analysis indicated that it was not the only one, requiring further investigation of the effect of soil surface conditions and environmental variables. Although further investigations should be performed, the results presented suggest that online NIR spectra ML models require spatio-temporal local calibrations to perform properly.

The application of precision agriculture in cocoa and papaya cultivation in Brazil is still incipient. This study aimed to evaluate the spatial variability of the physical attributes of soil cultivated with a consortium of papaya and cocoa. The study was conducted in two sampling grids of 50 points, in two areas cultivated with papaya and cocoa with different planting times (three and eleven months). The soil attributes soil resistance to penetration (RP) and soil gravimetric moisture (UG) were determined at soil depths of 0–20, 20–40 and 40–60 cm. The data were submitted to an exploratory and descriptive analysis. Subsequently, a geostatistical analysis was performed to quantify spatial dependence and then interpolation of the data through kriging. The maps showed weak spatial variability for the UG and RP. In the two areas, it was observed that the depth of 0–20 cm had a lower RP (1.7 Mpa) and a higher UG (40 g g−1), and as the depth was higher, had a higher RP (4.4 Mpa) and a lower UG (38 g g−1). Area 1 presented higher RP values in depth, showing greater susceptibility to compaction. The area characterized by the consortium of papaya and cocoa presented more susceptible to compaction. The mechanical resistance of the soil to penetration was more critical in the 40–60 cm layer for the two consortia evaluated, evidencing areas with possible restriction to plant growth.

Urban areas are characterised by land use change processes. Urban and peri-urban soils degradation increase at the different land uses, and the characteristic of each land use affecting soil carbon stock and, consequently, the role of soil as a CO2 sink. The aim of this work was to assess the effect of land use and soil management practices in urban and peri-urban soils in Vilnius (Lithuania). Studied properties were: Sand, Clay, Silt, Stoniness, bulk density (BD), pH, electrical conductivity (EC) and soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS). Ten samples were collected at depths 0-10 cm in 8 different land uses and soil management practices in the urban and peri-urban areas of Vilnius. Forests – Quercus robur, Acer plantanoides, Pinus sylvestris and Picea abies, grasslands – semi-natural grasslands (SNG) and managed semi-natural-grasslands (MSNG), both dominated by Taraxacum officinale, artificial grasslands (AG), and urban. SOC (t/ha) resulted significantly higher in Pinus sylvestris and Art. Grass than in Quercus robur, Acer plantanoides, and urban land uses. Urban land use recorded lower values of SOC (t/ha) than the other land uses except for Acer plantanoides. Land uses with high human intervention decline soil quality and affect the role of soil as a climate regulator.

The use of pyrogenic charcoal (biochar) as a soil amendment in agriculture has ancient origins. It aims to improve soil fertility by changing the soil’s chemical and physical properties. Furthermore, today biochar is of interest for its long-term carbon fixation effect. Given the high potential of biochar for water and nutrient retention, its use in viticulture may potentially compromise grape and wine quality, since moderate water deficit and limited nitrogen availability are necessary pre-conditions for high quality grape production. The aim of this study was to identify the effects of biochar as a soil amendment on grape and wine quality. The study showed that the addition to soils of pure biochar and biochar enriched with compost did not negatively affect organoleptic properties of the wine. Furthermore, there were no significant differences between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in wines made from biochar-treated grapevines and those of the untreated control. Pure biochar and biochar moderately enriched with compost as soil amendments did not permanently change nitrogen availability in the soil, nor did they alter the vegetative growth or productivity of the vines. Therefore, the use of biochar in viticulture can be recommended to correct the pH of the soil and for long-term carbon sequestration, as no negative side effects are to be expected and the quality of the grapes and wines is not affected.

Aim of study: To examine the impact of solitary land leveling and its combination with cover cropping on the chemical and biological characteristics of paddy soil. Area of study: This research focused on paddy fields located in Guilan Province, situated in northern Iran. Specifically, two sites were chosen for investigation, where land leveling had been conducted 5 years and 2 years prior to this study, respectively. Furthermore, cover cropping was implemented during the second year after the latter area's land leveling. Material and methods: A total of 80 composite soil samples were collected, with 20 samples gathered from both leveled and unleveled plots at the designated study sites. Various soil chemical and biological properties such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon were quantified. Subsequently, a paired t-test was employed to analyze the impact of land leveling and the combined effects of land leveling with cover cropping on soil attributes. Main results: The study revealed that five years after land leveling, there was a significant decrease in organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon. In contrast, the area leveled and cover cropped for two years exhibited higher levels of these attributes compared to adjacent unleveled parcels. Research highlights: This study highlights the distinct effects that solitary land leveling and land leveling combined with sustainable practices like cover cropping have on soil attributes.

Few studies have studied soil erodibility in areas that have undergone conversion processes from native forest to agricultural areas, especially in agricultural frontier regions. The present study aimed to evaluate soil erodibility in areas under citrus (Citrus sinensis L. Osbeck) and forest, using multivariate statistics and geostatistics in areas under different uses in Southern Rondônia, Brazil. A 42 × 30 m grid with regular spacing between sample points of 6 × 6 m was established for the studied native forest and citrus areas at depths of 0.00-0.20 m. At each sampling point, samples with preserved sod structure were collected at the evaluated depth for determination of soil texture and organic carbon, totaling 288 samples in the two studied areas. In the results it was observed that the area cultivated with citrus and under forest presented a greater predisposition of the soil to suffer erosion interril (Kiwepp), the citrus area also presented a greater susceptibility of the soil to suffer erosion in furrows (Krwepp), on the other hand, this area showed high values of critical shear stress, a fact that signals the resistance of the soil to the beginning of the erosive process. On the other hand, the forest area showed a greater predisposition to suffer erosion (K-factor), a fact possibly linked to the high values of silt and sand, which favored the present erodibility conditions.

ABSTRACT Changes in soil management, for example by more vigorous crops, adoption of conservation tillage and optimization of fertilization, can increase soil organic carbon (SOC) and total nitrogen (TN) stocks. We hypothesized that corn - black oat rotation under no-tillage (NT) and adequate soil fertilization can increase these stocks, compared to conventional tillage (CT). This study compared these two tillage methods and organic with mineral fertilizers, regarding their effects on C and N cycling and SOC and TN stocks in a Rhodic Nitisol in southern Brazil. The study started in 2012, in a pasture area, which was converted into corn (Zea mays L.) - black oat (Avena strigosa Scherb.) rotation. The treatments were applied in a 2 × 5 factorial arrangement, consisting of two soil tillage methods (NT and CT) and five fertilizers (pig slurry (PS); biodigested PS (PS-B); composted PS (PS-C); mineral fertilizer; and a control). From 2019 onwards, treatment PS-B was replaced by injected PS (PS-I) and PS-C by poultry litter (PL). A randomized block design was used in a split-plot arrangement, where the plots corresponded to soil tillage and subplots to fertilization. In every year of the study, corn was fertilized with 140 kg N ha-1 and at least 115 kg P2O5 ha-1 and 77 kg K2O ha-1. Total SOC and TN stocks were determined in six soil layers (0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30, 0.30-0.40 and 0.40-0.60 m) whereas the soil particulate (POC and PN) and mineral-associated (MAOC and MAN) fractions were evaluated in the four upper layers (0.00-0.05, 0.05-0.10, 0.10-0.20, 0.20-0.30m) at the beginning of the study (2012) and after nine years (2021). The cumulative values under NT showed that SOC stocks nearly doubled, compared to those under CT. These increases occurred in the most labile POC and PN fractions. However, no difference in response to the different fertilizers was observed in these stocks. The studied factors indicated a marked effect of soil tillage on alterations in C and N stocks. No-tillage increases SOC and TN stocks, mainly in the most labile fractions (POC and PN) of Rhodic Nitisols in southern Brazil, under corn - black oat rotation.

ABSTRACT There is a need for greater knowledge about the medium- and long-term effects of prescribed fire management on soil in ecosystems prone to wildfires and more vulnerable to climate change. This study examined the short- and medium-term effects of prescribed fire on soil chemical properties and chemical fractions of soil organic matter (SOM) in two positions of the landscape in a high-elevation grassland environment. The ecosystem is located in the mountain peaks of southeastern Brazil associated with the Atlantic Forest biome. Prescribed fire was conducted in 2017 to reduce understory vegetation and thus prevent potential severe wildfires. Soil samples were collected at the layers of 0.00-0.10, 0.10-0.20, and 0.20-0.40 m, at eight composite sampling. The composite samples were collected on five different occasions: before the prescribed fire, and 10, 30, 90, and 240 days after the prescribed fire. Soil chemical properties, total organic carbon, labile C, and chemical fractionation of SOM were analyzed. All soil properties investigated were affected by the prescribed fire, with variations in landscape position, duration of effect, and soil layer. In the backslope area, the medium-term effect of fire was negative and induced soil degradation and induced soil degradation. In the footslope area, the system showed greater resilience to the effects of fire, as indicated by the recovery of the soil’s chemical properties. These results can help assess the suitability of controlled burning of vegetation for managing risks of fire in mountainous regions, such as high-elevation grasslands.

This review examines the current legal framework for managing soil resources in Uzbekistan, as well as potential areas for improvement. The six types of normative legal acts in Uzbekistan consist of legislative acts and subsequent laws. In order to combat soil degradation, increase soil fertility, and promote sustainable land use, the effectiveness of current soil governance practices in Uzbekistan is evaluated. In addition, it outlines the primary obstacles and opportunities for enhancing soil governance in Uzbekistan and suggests potential directions for enhancing the legal system and soil management procedures. The review identifies several flaws and limitations in the current legal framework for managing soil resources in Uzbekistan, including the absence of specific regulations for biologically based soil surveys, regulatory documents for quality control of soil laboratory activities, and the basis for the soil's capacity to store carbon and its connection to climate change. Also, there is an opportunity to boost NGOs contribution to soil governance. This review's findings can support sustainable soil management practices and have significant ramifications for other nations facing comparable soil governance issues.

This study aimed to ascertain the effect of land uses (cropland, orchard, grassland, and fallow) on soil OC pools in two depths (0–10 and 40–50 cm). Particulate organic matter (POM) (> 53 µm) and mineral associated OM (MOM) (< 53 µm) pools were physically separated from bulk soils and analyzed for OC and N analysis. For both depths, the soil from grassland showed considerably higher OC (0.96-1.47%) and N (0.084-0.095%) values than the other land uses. In surface depth, the lowest OC was found in cropland soil (0.83%) and in sub-surface, it was in fallow land soil (0.75%), whereas the orchard soil had moderate OC in both depths. Depth showed significant differences in OC distribution. Surface soils had higher OC than the sub-surface soils which can be explained by the continuous addition of organic residues (crop/leaf/dried grasses) on the top soil. The distribution of POM and MOM fractions among the soils of different land uses were different. Interestingly, cropland and orchard soils had higher MOM-OC (MOC) than POM-OC (POC) in comparison to the relatively less disturbed grassland and fallow land soils. The amount of OC and N in OM pools was significantly different among the land uses in both depths. In surface depth, cropland soil showed the lowest POC content whereas the orchard and fallow land soils showed relatively higher. The MOC content was highest in fallow land (2.73%), lowest in orchard (1.30%) and cropland had moderate amount. In sub-surface depth, amount of OC was higher than surface soils and the trend of OC distribution between POM and MOM was different. Grassland soil had the highest OC (2.89-3.10%) for both fractions, followed by cropland > orchard > fallow. These findings showed that in cropland disturbance in soil could aid in depleting OC only from the most labile POM pool keeping the OC almost intact in stable MOM pool. Less disturbance in native soil condition such as grassland does not always benefit in enhancing/maintaining OC, rather it depends on the quality and quantity of OM added in the soils from the vegetation cover. [Fundam Appl Agric 2023; 8(1.000): 483-489]

Residues mapping can provide essential information about soil chemical elements’ behaviors and contribute to possible interferences in coffee tree development. Thus, the research objective was to monitor plant residue burning effects by analyzing the chemical elements in ash, using soil analysis, and applying vegetative indices obtained by RPA images. The samples were submitted for conventional soil analysis and atomic emission spectrometry (pure ash). The RPA multispectral images were used to form thirty-one vegetative indices. Thus, at the soil and ash collection points, the index performance was evaluated for six months and divided into three collection times. Then, the data were statistically analyzed to evaluate which index best separated the plants in regions with ash and ash-free soil. The pure ash deposits revealed expressive presences of K, Ca, Mg, and Al in addition to pH elevation. In areas with ash, the high temperature at the burning time may have caused elemental chemical transformations in the Al composition, making this element unavailable in soil analysis. The vegetative indices showed a significant difference only in coffee four months after planting. Among the thirty-one evaluated indices, only twenty were satisfactory for ash analysis. The burning of plant residues promoted the neutralization of Al. In addition, ash deposits in the soil added some essential elements for plant development. Negatively, they raised the PH and made micronutrients unavailable. The best vegetative indices for ash monitoring were the Normalized Near Infrared Index (NNIRI) and Normalized Green Index (NGI). Prior ash mapping can contribute to localized application in macro, such as K and limestone, reusing the number of elements already deposited by burning vegetables.

The processes of occupation and exploitation in the Amazon have been increasing, and as a consequence, forest areas are being replaced by agroecosystems. As a consequence of this change, changes have been occurring in the soil attributes, and consequently, in the stability of aggregates in these environments. Thus, this work had two objectives: the first was to evaluate the impacts generated by the conversion of forests into agroecosystems on the soil attributes that are related to aggregates, in the southwestern region of the Amazon; the second objective was to evaluate the roles of pedophysical and pedochemical parameters on the stability of soil aggregates. The study was carried out on rural properties located in the southern part of Amazonas State, Brazil. Eight areas under different agroecosystems were selected: in the municipality of Canutama: (i) annatto, (ii) guarana, and (iii) cupuassu; in the municipality of Humaitá: (iv) cassava, (v) agroforestry, and (vi) sugarcane; and in the municipality of Manicoré: (vii) pasture and (viii) native forest. Unformed soil samples were collected from the 0.00–0.10 m layer and analyzed for aggregate stability, bulk density, soil organic carbon, and soil organic carbon stock. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analyses were performed. The largest soil aggregations occurred in the annatto, guarana, sugarcane, and pasture agroecosystems. We associate the greater aggregation capacity of soils with factors that are inherent to the cultivated species and soil properties. The first factor corresponds to the adaptability of the Amazonian and grass species and their ability to produce biomass. The second factor is related to the physical and chemical properties of Amazonian soils, largely influenced by the sand fraction, soil organic carbon, soil acidity, and availability of exchangeable Ca and Mg.

Coastal acid-sulfate soils are crucial for producing crops and thus, for food security. However, over time, these soil resources experience degradation, leading to higher agro-input, lower yields, and environmental hazards that finally threaten food security. The optimal use of this fragile resource is only attained by implementing vigorous integrated water–soil–crop management technologies amid the climate change impact. This study aimed to review the distribution, properties, use, and management of acid-sulfate soils in Kalimantan, Indonesia. Acid-sulfate soils cover about 3.5 Mha of the coastal area in Kalimantan and have high acidity, high-risk iron and aluminum toxicity, and low fertility, requiring precise water management, amelioration and fertilizer application, crop variety selection, and rice cultivation technologies. Lime, biochar, organic fertilizer, compost, ash, and fly ash are ameliorants that raise pH, reduce iron and aluminum toxicity, and improve crop yield. Rice cultivation has developed from traditional to modern but needs re-designing to fit local conditions. Depending on the soil nutrient status, rice cultivation requires 80–200 kg ha−1 of urea, 50–150 kg ha−1 of SP36, 50–150 kg ha−1 of KCl, and 125–400 kg ha−1 of NPK compound fertilizer, but is affected by CH4 and CO2 emissions. Good water management impacts the effective implementation of amelioration and fertilizer application technologies. The remaining challenges and future directions for water management, amelioration, fertilizer application, crop varieties, cultivation techniques, land use optimization, climate change adaptation and mitigation, technology adoption and implementation, and resource conservation are outlined. Acid-sulfate soils remain a resource capital that supports food security regionally and nationally in Indonesia.

Implementing a crop such as a soybean requires favorable sowing conditions so that uniform and healthy seedlings emerge. This study aimed to evaluate the yield of soybeans crop concerning the type of soil cover and sowing depth. The experiment was conducted at the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul - University Unit of Cassilândia. A Completely randomized design with four replications in a 3x5 factorial scheme was used. Three cropping systems (without soil cover, millet straw, and brachiaria straw) and five sowing depths (2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 cm) were evaluated. The emergence speed index, plant height, stem diameter, first pod insertion height, number of branches, number of pods per plant, number of grains per pod, and grain yield per plant were assessed. The highest yield per plant was obtained with millet straw and a sowing depth of 6 cm. It can be concluded that the sowing depth and type of straw influence the soybean grain yield.

Brazil has high soil loss rates due to its tropical and subtropical climate characteristics. In this sense, soil use and management practices may minimize such losses. In this study, experimental plots were monitored for eight years in southern Brazil during natural rainfall events. Treatments were as follows: I) bare soil under conventional tillage, II) barley-oat/ soybeans succession under conventional tillage, III) oat-lupine-vetch/ maize succession under conventional tillage, IV) barley-oat/ soybeans succession under no-tillage, and V) oat-lupine-vetch/ maize succession under no-tillage. Data on rainfall amount and erosivity indices (EI30, EI20, and EI10) were subjected to regression analyses, evaluating the effects of climatic variables on soil and water losses. We could also analyze crop species, conventional and no-tillage systems, and winter and summer seasons. The highest soil and water losses occurred in treatments under conventional tillage. In addition, soybeans treatments increased soil and water losses. Maize under no-tillage was the most efficient practice, as it had soil losses (3.4 times) and water losses (1.5 times) lower than soybeans under conventional tillage. Rainfall amounts and EI30 were better correlated with soil and water losses in conventional tillage treatments. However, EI10 could better explain the soil losses from the conservationist treatment.