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The conversion of natural lands to agricultural uses is a significant threat to soil biodiversity. Within agriculture, monoculture based systems are the most common which often result in low biodiversity because they impact the abundance, diversity, and composition of soil macrofauna (SMF). The objective of this paper was to analyze SMF abundance and diversity across different agroforestry practices (AFP) in the drylands of southern Ethiopia. The soil monolith and soil samples were collected from homegarden, cropland, woodlot, and trees on soil and water conservation based AFP using the standard Tropical Soil Biology and Fertility Institute manual, and the identification was done based on morphological characteristics and standard identification keys. The abundance, occurrence, and community composition of SMF were significantly different across the different AFPs (P < 0.05). In this study, 378 SMF belonging to 13 families, including unnamed were identified. The soil ecosystem of AFP was dominated by earthworms (relative abundance = 0.43), followed by termites (relative abundance = 0.12). The homegarden AFP type had a significantly higher number of SMF occurrence index of 46.03 (174), followed by woodlot, 26.72 (101) practices, and the lowest was recorded under cropland, 12.70 (48). The abundance, diversity, richness, and similarity of SMF were significantly related to soil total nitrogen and organic carbon. Phosphorus and pH were significantly related to the abundance and richness of SMF. The homegarden and woodlot AFP types were suitable for SMF biodiversity conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Widely used in agricultural fields, fipronil acts in the arthropods' nervous systems. Although advances have been noticed, little is known about the effects of the insecticide to non-target soil organisms, especially considering specific parameters from tropical environments. This is the first study considering ecologically relevant tropical conditions to assess the environmental risk of fipronil to the terrestrial ecosystem. The present study aimed to estimate fipronil's ecological risk to soil organisms through a tiered approach. At the screening level (TIER I) data were obtained from both the literature and laboratory experiments. For the intermediate level (TIER II), species sensitivity distributions (SSD) curves were generated based on ecotoxicological data from six species of soil invertebrates in two soil types. To estimate the risk, the Toxicity-Exposure Ratios (TER) were calculated at each tier considering the related toxicity data and the fipronil concentrations, which were measured and predicted in the field. Results showed that ecologically relevant concentrations of fipronil lead to a high risk for the edaphic community (above 100 times higher than the established safety value). The high risks were observed for both tiers, although at TIER II (SSD approach) it was at least 2.5 times higher than at TIER I. It was also discussed here that the pesticide mode of action is the factor most influencing toxicity; the estimated risk considering artificial soil was comparable to that with the natural soil; and estimating risk using only one species (as performed in the tropics) may underestimate the risk to the edaphic community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the first things we think of when we talk about antibiotics is curing infectious diseases. But did this great discovery only bring benefits to humanity? The answer is simple and direct: No. Over decades we have observed that the indiscriminate use, and sometimes incorrect, together with the lack of concern in the disposal of these compounds, has brought many risks to human health. This problem has already been discussed by public health experts, in the context of antimicrobial resistance, since there is an estimate that, in just over two decades, it will exceed 10 million deaths and cause economic losses in the order of 10 trillion dollars per year. Only more recently have studies directed efforts to investigate the effects of antibiotics in the context of One Health, incorporating environmental health into this context. When we look at the distribution and fate studies of antibiotics, it is clear that most studies are focused on the aquatic compartment. Soil, in turn, although it is a direct receptor of antibiotics, especially in veterinary and agricultural areas, has received less attention. This becomes even more complex when trying to assess the effects of antibiotics on organisms and edaphic communities that occupy key ecological niches for ecosystem services. Many questions are open about the ecotoxicological impact of antibiotics on non-target soil organisms and their ecological, economic and social consequences. This is certainly a question that scientists in the field of ecotoxicology must be concerned with answering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organisms are affected by the presence of predatory protists. However, it remains poorly understood how predatory protists can affect plant disease incidence and how fertilization regimes can affect these interactions. Here, we characterise the rhizosphere bacteria, fungi and protists over eleven growing seasons of tomato planting under three fertilization regimes, i.e conventional, organic and bioorganic, and with different bacterial wilt disease incidence levels. We find that predatory protists are negatively associated with disease incidence, especially two ciliophoran Colpoda OTUs, and that bioorganic fertilization enhances the abundance of predatory protists. In glasshouse experiments we find that the predatory protist Colpoda influences disease incidence by directly consuming pathogens and indirectly increasing the presence of pathogen-suppressive microorganisms in the soil. Together, we demonstrate that predatory protists reduce bacterial wilt disease incidence in tomato plants via direct and indirect reductions of pathogens. Our study provides insights on the role that predatory protists play in plant disease, which could be used to design more sustainable agricultural practices. Soil organisms are affected by the presence of predatory protists. Here, the authors predatory protists are negatively associated with bacteria wilt disease incidence in tomato plants and that fertilisation enhances the abundance of predatory protists [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Streptomyces, the largest genus in the Streptomycetaceae family and a prolific producer of antibacterial drugs, is a saprophytic soil organism that rarely causes invasive infections. Here we report a case of necrotic pneumonia caused by Streptomyces albireticuli in a 75-year-old man who presented with progressive chest tightness and dyspnea. Streptomyces albireticuli was isolated from his bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and identified through whole-genome sequencing (WGS) and phylogenetic analysis. The patient responded satisfactorily to clarithromycin therapy. The findings of this study may enhance our vigilance in identifying visceral infections caused by Streptomyces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing understanding is emerging of the roles of peptide hormones in local and long-distance signalling that coordinates plant growth and development as well as responses to the environment. C-TERMINALLY ENCODED PEPTIDE (CEP) signalling triggered by its interaction with CEP RECEPTOR 1 (CEPR1) is known to play roles in systemic nitrogen (N) demand signalling, legume nodulation, and root system architecture. Recent research provides further insight into how CEP signalling operates, which involves diverse downstream targets and interactions with other hormone pathways. Additionally, there is emerging evidence of CEP signalling playing roles in N allocation, root responses to carbon levels, the uptake of other soil nutrients such as phosphorus and sulfur, root responses to arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, plant immunity, and reproductive development. These findings suggest that CEP signalling more broadly coordinates growth across the whole plant in response to diverse environmental cues. Moreover, CEP signalling and function appear to be conserved in angiosperms. We review recent advances in CEP biology with a focus on soil nutrient uptake, root system architecture and organogenesis, and roles in plant–microbe interactions. Furthermore, we address knowledge gaps and future directions in this research field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, organic farming has assumed greater significance and become a buzzword, gaining momentum and instant acceptance by producers and consumers simultaneously. Rising health complications due to the overuse of different agricultural chemicals and their consequent presence as residues above maximum permitted residue levels in food (MRLs) has bolstered the demand for a renewed emphasis on organic farming, particularly in vegetables due to the very short possible withholding period before their consumption after harvest. Vegetables are highly perishable in nature and indispensable in regular consumption. Even as the practice of organic farming is indeed very attractive in terms of nutritional and edible quality of vegetables, prevention of diseases in humans, maintenance of soil biology in diversity, population, activity levels, and preservation of soil health, it still raises queries as to whether the crops can be managed in the field without using any inorganic fertilizers or pesticides in a sustainable way over a longer period of time without affecting yields. As the challenge remains to feed the burgeoning population, it is important to ponder upon the current status, challenges, modalities, certification and prospects presented by organic cultivation of vegetable crops. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microplastics (MPs) enter the global soil ecosystem in significant quantities, and in agricultural lands, interact with soil amendments (e.g, fertilisers, pesticides, biochar), pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and acid rain) and soil fauna (e.g., earthworms and microbial biomass) which impacts carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling in soil in ways that are largely unexplored. Here, we analysed the difference in the responses of soil C and N contents, greenhouse gas emissions and soil enzyme activities in experiments where MPs alone or MPs in combination with other soil amendments or soil fauna had been explored, by conducting a global meta‐analysis of 2543 observational data extracted from 84 published studies. The results show that MPs alone are associated with significantly increased soil C storage and altered soil N pool composition, increased soil carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, reduced soil ammonia (NH3) emissions, increased activity of one of the five major enzymes related to C cycle, and increased activity of three of the four major enzymes related to N cycling in soil. Experiments that explored the combined effects of MPs combined with fertilisers on soil C and N contents and enzyme activities indicated greater effects than MPs alone. However, the effects of MPs combined with soil fauna, heavy metals, acid rain, glyphosate, and carbon nanotubes on soil C and N cycling differed from findings of studies that considered the effects of MPs alone. The results of this meta‐analysis provide a theoretical basis for further study of the effects of MPs on C and N cycling in fertilized agricultural soil, compound‐contaminated soil and acidified soil. We also show that, despite the global importance of MPs in soil, the number of studies of their effects on soil C and N cycling is relatively few, and further research on the mechanisms of interactions of MPs with multiple soil amendments in soil systems is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soils with appropriate water and air conditions improve microbiological activity, but agriculture frequently deteriorates soil's physical requirements and impairs microbes' survival. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between physical soil conditions and microbiological activity under different agricultural use and management systems in the warm tropical climate of Colombia. To evaluate physical soil conditions, bulk density (Bd), total porosity (Pt), macroporosity (MPt), water content, temperature, and mechanical penetration resistance (MPR) were measured on surface soil (0 to 10 cm) at three different use and management systems: irrigated rice (IR), pasture (P) and native forest with cacao (FC). The measured biological properties were the carbon of microbial biomass (C-MB) and the presence of bacteria and fungi. Soil organic carbon (SOC) was determined to calculate the microbiological quotient (MQ). The C-MB was significantly higher in FC (132.25) and P (148.11) but lower in IR (41.61). No significant differences were observed between the soil use system in the count of bacteria and fungi. The MQ (0.44) was higher in IR (0.22), revealing a significant effect of the soil use system on microbiological activity. Less anthropic intervention and permanent plant covers, such as FC and P, enhance microorganism's survival, evidenced by higher C-MB content, correlated with soil Bd and MPt. The abundance of bacteria and fungi in the soil is affected by the physical conditions, primarily by Pt and MPt. However, fungi survive better with less water content, existing a differentiated effect of the physical conditions of the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Agroforestry, whereby trees are associated with crops and/or livestock, is expected to mitigate nitrogen (N) losses from agriculture. However, little is known about how nitrification potential, an important process that drives N losses, is affected by agroforestry systems. This study aimed to investigate the effect of different silvopastoral agroforestry systems on soil nitrification potential. Methods: Nitrification potential was evaluated in two agroforestry systems (hedgerow and alley cropping) associated with temporary grasslands in Brittany, France. In each system, soil was sampled along a transect spanning from the center of the tree row into the grass alley. Soil nitrification potential was determined ex situ and was explained by univariate and multivariate analysis of variables describing vegetation, physicochemical soil properties, and soil organisms. Results: Nitrification potential differed between the two agroforestry systems and among the positions in relation to the trees. In the alley cropping system, nitrification potential was on average 1.5 times higher in the tree row than at 1.5 and 10 m into the grass alley, while in the hedgerow system, nitrification potential at 1.5 m into the grass alley was on average 40% lower than at 10 m into the grass alley. Nitrification potential was strongly correlated with soil pH, whereas no correlation was observed between nitrification potential and community size of soil nitrifiers. Conclusion: Our results point out the diverse effects of agroforestry systems on nitrification, a key soil process that is involved in the regulation of N losses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil health has become an emergent focus of contemporary agricultural research, yet little work has addressed how soil health data – and biological indicators in particular – are interpreted by farmers and potentially incorporated into their decision-making. To address this gap, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 Ohio farmers after sharing a soil health report that detailed physical, chemical, and biological indicators from at least two sampled fields from their farms. Research findings demonstrate that while farmers expressed strong interest in soil biological health indicators specifically, the data often raised more questions than answers for participants. Specifically, three main themes emerged in the interviews: 1) uncertainties in interpreting the soil health indicators, 2) questions regarding translation of soil health data into management, and 3) affirmation of existing management choices. The first two response themes point to a need for scientists to develop greater access and exposure to soil health data to facilitate interpretation. Furthermore, researchers and extension agents can play a critical role in guiding recommendations for potential application of soil health data in on-farm management. While research on soil health has widely expanded in recent years, this study highlights the need for greater attention to its translational science and the co-production of knowledge. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter (OM) amendments are often encouraged in sustainable agriculture programs but can create heterogeneous soil environments when applied to perennial crops such as peaches (Prunus persica (L.) Batsch). To better understand the responses of peach roots to non-uniform soil conditions, transcriptomic analysis was performed in a split-root study using uniform soil (the same soil type for all roots) or non-uniform soil (different soil types for each half of the root system) from either (1) autoclaved sand (S), (2) autoclaved sand with autoclaved compost (A), or (3) autoclaved sand with compost which included inherent biological soil life (B). Each uniform soil type (S, A, and B) was grouped and compared by uniform and non-uniform soil comparisons for a total of nine treatments. Comparisons revealed peach roots had differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and gene ontology terms between soil groups, with the S and B groups having a range of 106–411 DEGs and the A group having a range of 19–94 DEGs. Additionally, six modules were identified and correlated (p > 0.69) for six of the nine treatment combinations. This study broadly highlights the complexity of how OM and biological life in the rhizosphere interact with immediate and distant roots and sheds light on how non-homogenous soil conditions can influence peach root gene expression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High levels of 6:2 chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F‐53B), which is a substitute for perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), are detected in various environmental matrices, wildlife, and humans. Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate has received increased attention due to its potential risk to ecosystems. However, its toxicity in the soil organisms remains unclear. In the present study, a comparative investigation was conducted on the toxicities of 6:2 Chlorinated polyfluorinated ether sulfonate (F‐53B) and PFOS to the earthworm Eisenia. fetida. F‐53B was significantly more acutely toxic to earthworms than PFOS, with median lethal concentrations of 1.43 and 1.83 mmol/kg dry soil (~816 and 984 mg/kg dry soil), respectively. Although both F‐53B and PFOS, at 0.4 mmol/kg dry soil (=228 and 215 mg/kg dry soil) caused oxidative stress in earthworms, as evidenced by increased superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, and catalase activities as well as malondialdehyde level, the stress caused by F‐53B was higher than that caused by PFOS. In transcriptomic and metabolomic studies, negative effects of PFOS and F‐53B were observed on several metabolic processes in earthworms, including protein digestion and amino acid absorption, lipid metabolism, and the immune response. Compared with PFOS, F‐53B exhibited a weaker disruption of lipid metabolism, comparable potency for toxicity to the immune response, and a stronger potency in extracellular matrix destruction along with apoptosis and ferroptosis induction. Hence, our data suggest that F‐53B is more toxic than PFOS to earthworms. The findings provide some new insights into the potential toxicity of F‐53B to soil organisms. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:170–181. © 2023 SETAC [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nature conservation policy is mainly concerned with aboveground terrestrial species and soil biodiversity has been largely ignored, resulting in a lack of information about the conservation status of most soil organisms and about the effects that nature conservation policies have on soil systems. Forests in Northern Portugal are characterized by a remarkable diversity of ecosystems and provide habitat for an enormous diversity of living organisms. This study aims to investigate whether and to what extent protected areas and forest typology (native vs. exotic) affect soil nematode biodiversity and functions in forest ecosystems. We studied soil nematode communities, which have been widely used for their bioindicator value, to: (i) assess differences in soil biodiversity and functions between protected and non-protected areas, and between native and exotic forest types; and (ii) infer how protected areas deal with pressures and drivers of soil biodiversity and functions. We showed that current work done by nature conservation in Northern Portugal is producing some significant effects on the soil system, showing a larger Structure and Omnivore footprints and greater abundance of fungivorous and omnivorous nematodes in protected areas. Furthermore, native forest areas are better suited to ensure soil biodiversity and ecological functioning and should have a greater importance in nature conservation measures. Soil organic carbon, apparent density, soil moisture, and deciduous forest cover mainly influenced soil functional biodiversity with higher nematode trophic groups being positively associated with soil organic carbon and moisture and negatively associated with apparent density. Finally, conservation efforts targeted at the protection of native forests need to better consider effects on soil biodiversity and function, to provide an integrated protection of both aboveground and belowground components. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document, titled "Soil Fungi in Sustainable Agriculture," discusses the importance of soil fungi in promoting sustainable and productive agriculture. The document emphasizes the role of plant-beneficial microorganisms, including fungi, in improving soil fertility, enhancing plant growth, and mitigating various stress factors. It highlights the significance of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) in plant nutrition and health, particularly in challenging environmental conditions. The document also explores the potential of fungi in phosphorus solubilization, bioremediation of pesticides, and enhancing crop yields. Overall, the document suggests that fungi play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by improving plant nutrition, reducing the need for chemical inputs, and enhancing soil health. [Extracted from the article]

Intense soil cultivation and climate change have detrimental effects on soils. Solutions are needed to improve the biological quality and water holding capacity of agricultural soils. A greenhouse experiment was conducted to investigate the interactive effect of compost application and drought stress on a soil/plant system in order to determine the improvement of soil quality and plant growth and the alleviation of drought stress. Lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) was grown under greenhouse conditions in a sandy soil with sufficient mineral fertilizer application to test the effect of five compost types (three made from municipal garden and park wastes with differing nutrient contents, one from municipal household waste, and one from farm plant residues) applied at 30 Mg ha-1 dry weight, with which we compared soil quality and plant growth to soil without compost application. Treatment pots were irrigated or subjected to drought conditions during the last 14 days of lettuce growth. Assays of potential N mineralization during 28 days, dehydrogenase and ß-glucosidase activities, and a phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis were performed to assess effects on soil biological quality. Gas exchange, leaf relative water content, biomass, nitrogen accumulation, and root tip growth of lettuce were measured to investigate compost and drought stress effects on lettuce physiology. All composts improved indices of soil biological quality significantly, except for fungal abundance, relative to soil without compost. The greatest increase was obtained from farm compost, which significantly increased potential nitrogen (N) mineralization and soil enzyme activities of ß-glucosidase and dehydrogenase by factors of 4, 2, and 43, respectively. Furthermore, soil with farm compost generally showed a higher abundance of soil microbial organisms compared with soil without compost, which could be related to its high cellulose and hemicellulose contents. The lowest abundance of microbial organisms was generally found in soil with garden and park waste compost with a medium nutrient content, which could be related to its low organic matter content. The beneficial effect of compost on soil biological quality did not lead to improved lettuce growth, which suggests that soil biological quality (ameliorated by compost application) is not important for a fast-growing crop, such as lettuce, that is sufficiently fertilized. Drought stress reduced aboveground lettuce biomass, root tip growth, and the abundance of most soil microbial groups significantly, but compost in soil did not alleviate these negative effects. In conclusion, the farm compost made from grass-clover, straw, and vegetable residues is superior to garden and park waste and household waste composts in terms of beneficial effects on soil biological quality. Compost clearly improved soil biological quality, but did not influence lettuce's response to drought stress. The knowledge gained in this study is useful for producing tailor-made compost with desired effects of improved soil biological quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natural and seminatural habitats of soil living organisms in cultivated landscapes can be subject to unintended exposure by active substances of plant protection products (PPPs) used in adjacent fields. Spray‐drift deposition and runoff are considered major exposure routes into such off‐field areas. In this work, we develop a model (xOffFieldSoil) and associated scenarios to estimate exposure of off‐field soil habitats. The modular model approach consists of components, each addressing a specific aspect of exposure processes, for example, PPP use, drift deposition, runoff generation and filtering, estimation of soil concentrations. The approach is spatiotemporally explicit and operates at scales ranging from local edge‐of‐field to large landscapes. The outcome can be aggregated and presented to the risk assessor in a way that addresses the dimensions and scales defined in specific protection goals (SPGs). The approach can be used to assess the effect of mitigation options, for example, field margins, in‐field buffers, or drift‐reducing technology. The presented provisional scenarios start with a schematic edge‐of‐field situation and extend to real‐world landscapes of up to 5 km × 5 km. A case study was conducted for two active substances of different environmental fate characteristics. Results are presented as a collection of percentiles over time and space, as contour plots, and as maps. The results show that exposure patterns of off‐field soil organisms are of a complex nature due to spatial and temporal variabilities combined with landscape structure and event‐based processes. Our concepts and analysis demonstrate that more realistic exposure data can be meaningfully consolidated to serve in standard‐tier risk assessments. The real‐world landscape‐scale scenarios indicate risk hot‐spots that support the identification of efficient risk mitigation. As a next step, the spatiotemporally explicit exposure data can be directly coupled to ecological effect models (e.g., for earthworms or collembola) to conduct risk assessments at biological entity levels as required by SPGs. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;20:263–278. © 2023 Applied Analysis Solutions LLC and WSC Scientific GmbH and Bayer AG and The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC) Key Points: We developed an open‐source spatiotemporally explicit modular landscape model (xOffFieldSoil) and associated scenarios to estimate exposure of off‐field soil habitats from pesticide spray‐drift deposition and runoff.Model outcomes can be aggregated as a collection of percentiles over time and space, as contour plots, and as maps that can be presented to the risk assessor in a way that addresses the dimensions and scales defined in specific protection goals.The results show that exposure patterns of off‐field soil organisms are of a complex nature due to spatial and temporal variabilities combined with landscape structure and event‐based processes.We demonstrate that more realistic exposure data can be meaningfully consolidated to serve in standard‐tier risk assessments and that real‐world landscape‐scale scenarios indicate risk hot‐spots that support the identification of efficient risk mitigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of selective herbicides is one of the best methods for weed management. However, the extensive use of herbicides can have adverse impacts on non-target organisms. The goals of this study were to assess the dissipation kinetics, leaching, and ecological risk assessment of S-metolachlor and benfluralin residues in silty loam soil planted with chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). The experimental setup included four different layers with four replications corresponding to an experimental randomized complete block design consisting of 16 plots. The application doses of S-metolachlor and benfluralin were 1350 and 1920 g a.i./ha, respectively, according to manufacturer recommendations. Soil samples were split into four depths, 0 to 20 cm (Layer A), 20 to 40 cm (Layer B), 40 to 60 cm (Layer C), and 60 to 80 cm (Layer D), to determine the dissipation kinetics and the leaching behavior of the herbicides. Gas chromatography coupled with the electron capture detector (GC-ECD) method was developed and validated for the determination of S-metolachlor and benfluralin residues in soil. The analytes were extracted from the soil with distilled water and ethyl acetate followed by solid-phase extraction (SPE). The limit of quantification (LOQ) of the method was 0.1 μg/g, and the recoveries of S-metolachlor and benfluralin were in the ranges 81% to 97% and 88% to 101%, respectively, with relative standard deviations (RSD) of less than 9.7%. The dissipation kinetics of S-metolachlor and benfluralin in soil (0–20 cm) followed first-order kinetics with half-lives of 21.66 and 30.13 days, respectively. The results for samples obtained from the 20–80 cm soil profile showed that both benfluralin and S-metolachlor presented high leaching, following preferential flow. Also, a soil ecological risk assessment was conducted in the top 0–20 cm soil profile, estimating the toxicity–exposure ratio (TER) for four soil organisms and the risk quotient (RQ). The mean herbicide levels found at the studied soil profile at 0 days (2 h) and 60 days of the experiment were used for risk assessment. In the first case, the mean pesticide concentration (MPC) gives a worst-case scenario (ws); in the second case, a dissipation scenario (ds) is given using the respective MPC. In all cases, both TER and RQ values showed that benfluralin corresponds to a higher risk than S-metolachlor for soil organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Environmental & Social Management Journal / Revista de Gestão Social e Ambiental is the property of Environmental & Social Management Journal and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Solid organic matter (OM) is a biogeochemically relevant constituent of soils and sediments. It also affects sediments' geophysical properties, but is often overlooked in hydro‐ and biogeophysical approaches for the characterization of the shallow subsurface. Here, we explore the potential of spectral induced polarization (SIP) to delineate OM‐rich zones in the subsurface and provide insights into the mechanisms that drive OM‐polarization using measurements on both field cores and artificial OM‐sand mixtures. Both, field samples and artificial mixtures showed a linear relationship between the total organic carbon (TOC) content and charge storage (imaginary conductivity). The high cation exchange capacity of OM drives the increase in polarization and can help in delineating potentially microbially active OM‐rich zones in cores or field surveys. To avoid misinterpretation of SIP data in unconsolidated media, we strongly suggest quantifying TOC content in sediment samples to accompany the interpretation of field surveys. Plain Language Summary: Soils and sediments are mixtures of minerals, water, air and partly decomposed organic matter (OM) derived from plants and soil organisms. The field of geophysics measures the electrical, seismic, and magnetic properties of soils and sediments and relates them to the minerals to derive images of their composition. The contribution of the organic fraction is largely ignored. We performed experiments that show that the organic‐matter fraction can contribute significantly to the electrical signal of sediments. In fact, our data show that we can locate areas of high organic content in soils using the geophysical technique of spectral induced polarization. We performed measurement on sediment profiles from a natural aquifer and lab experiments on mixtures of peat and sand, to derive a relationship between organic content and the charge storage capacity of sediments. Our results show the potential of using geophysics to map out organic content in sediments, and caution the disregard for OM when deriving physical models of sediment using electrical measurements. Key Points: Organic matter (OM) with a high cation exchange capacity can dominate the imaginary conductivity response of sedimentsNeglecting OM may bias petro‐physical interpretations of spectral induced polarization measurements [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increasing use of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanoparticles (NPs) raises concerns regarding their accumulation in soil ecosystems, with limited studies on their impact on soil organisms. Study aim: To unravel the effects of MoS2 nanosheets (two-dimensional (2D) MoS2 NPs) and bulk MoS2 (156, 313, 625, 1250, 2500 mg/kg) on Enchytraeus crypticus and Folsomia candida. The organisms' survival and avoidance behavior remained unaffected by both forms, while reproduction and DNA integrity were impacted. For E. crypticus, the individual endpoint reproduction was more sensitive, increasing at lower concentrations of bulk MoS2 and decreasing at higher ones and at 625 mg/kg of 2D MoS2 NPs. For F. candida, the molecular endpoint DNA integrity was more impacted: 2500 mg/kg of bulk MoS2 induced DNA damage after 2 days, with all concentrations inducing damage by day 7. 2D MoS2 NPs induced DNA damage at 156 and 2500 mg/kg after 2 days, and at 1250 and 2500 mg/kg after 7 days. Despite affecting the same endpoints, bulk MoS2 induced more effects than 2D MoS2 NPs. Indeed, 2D MoS2 NPs only inhibited E. crypticus reproduction at 625 mg/kg and induced fewer (F. candida) or no effects (E. crypticus) on DNA integrity. This study highlights the different responses of terrestrial organisms to 2D MoS2 NPs versus bulk MoS2, reinforcing the importance of risk assessment when considering both forms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigating soil pipes and pipe collapses that lead to gully headcut formation, and considering the role of biological activities leads to a better understanding of soil erosion processes. Soil organisms and animal activities can both increase soil erosion by creating underground tunnels that may lead to the formation of soil pipes, and decrease it by reinforcing plant presence, soil porosity, and soil stability as a result of their mixing activities. The main aim of this study was to assess the role of plant and animal species on soil pipe formation in a semi-arid region affected severely by piping and gully erosion. The study was conducted in the Sarakhs Plain, in the Razavi Khorasan Province in Iran. Four study sites were selected: a slope with erosion (i.e., gully headcuts and pipe collapses), a slope without erosion, a location with dominant plant species (i.e., Artemisia annua, Camphorosma monspeliaca), and a location with dominant animal species [i.e., Formicidae (ants), termites, and Libycus Merio]. Four groups of methods were applied: bioecological tests (microbial respiration and biomass, ecological stoichiometry, and spatial point pattern analysis), geophysical test (ground penetration radar—GPR), geochemical–microscopic tests (scanning electron microscope—SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray—EDX, microanalysis TIN section, X-ray diffraction), and pedological analyses (doing soil profiles in the field and laboratory analyses of physical and chemical properties of soil samples taken in the field) to design models which can help to explain the formation of closed depressions, underground tunnels, and gully headcuts. The results showed that wherever the microbial respiration was increased, the greater the number of underground tunnels was formed. In the case of ecological stoichiometry, there was a significant difference between the slope without erosion and other test locations. The positive relationship between soil piping and biological activities was proved by bivariate pair correlation tests. The effects of soil organisms on piping were positively recognized using GPR. The results of EDX in the slope with erosion showed the presence of SiO2 and Al2O3, although there were small amounts of Na (Albite) and Ca (Wollastonite) in regions with dominant animal species, and K (MAD-10 Feldspar) in regions with dominant plant species. The TIN section made on the slope with erosion showed high silt content in comparison with the slope without erosion. The physical and chemical soil properties in four test groups, using the Duncan statistical test, showed the highest levels of significance in silt content, calcium carbonate, and bulk density. Finally, we have presented models of soil piping processes resulting from the action of living organisms. We confirmed a complex relationship between biological activity and soil pipe formation underlining the need for further interdisciplinary research on these relationships to better understand land degradation processes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biological crusts are a collection of mosses, lichens, algae, fungi and heterotrophic bacteria that live in different forms within a few millimeters above the soil surface. These crusts play an important role in the development, stability and improvement of the nutritional status of the surface soil. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the role of biocrust sequences on the soil characteristics in the Inche Barun region, Golestan province (Iran). In the study area, biological and physical crusts as well as the soil under their surface were sampled after identifying the sequences of biocrust (moss, lichen and cyanobacteria). Then, the physicochemical characteristics of soil under their surface (In the depths 0–2, 2–4, 4–8, 8–10, 10–25, and 25–50 cm) were measured. The results showed that the presence of biological crusts compared to physical crust in the surface parts (0 to 2 cm depth) improved the physicochemical properties of the soil. The content of nitrogen, soil organic carbon, phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, sodium, potassium and mean-weight diameter of soil in the soil under their surface increased from the first (physical crust) to the last sequence (moss biological crust). The values of these parameters decreased with increasing soil depth. Biological crusts improve soil stability and reduce soil erosion. They also serve as food sources for organisms residing in soils. Therefore, it can be concluded that the presence of biological crusts on the soil surface improves soil quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

'Global change' significantly alters organic matter and element cycling, but many of the underlying processes and consequences remain poorly understood. The interface of plants and soil plays a central role, coupling atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere and integrating biological and geochemical processes. The contributions to this special issue tackled questions on both biotic and abiotic interactions underlying responses of terrestrial biogeochemical cycling to a range of global changes, including increases in atmospheric CO2 concentrations, warming, drought and altered water regimes. In this this overview we provide insights into the empirical, conceptual, and modelling-based studies featured in this special issue. In the following, we synthesize key findings covering 1) responses of plants to elevated CO2, 2) the role of soil organisms in modulating responses to warming, 3) impacts of global change on soil organic carbon, nitrogen, and mineral nutrient availability and 4) the influence of altered water table-depth caused by global change on greenhouse gas emissions (Figure 1). We showcase studies conducted in regions from the arctic to the tropics and highlight the manifold impacts of global change on various ecosystem components controlling biogeochemical processes occurring at the plant-soil interface. This understanding is crucial for deciphering feedbacks of terrestrial ecosystems to the climate system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As trophic organisms, nematodes play an essential role in the soil environment: they mineralize nutrients into plant-available forms, are a food source for other soil organisms, and feed on pathogenic organisms and plant pests, therefore regulating populations of soil microorganisms. The plant-parasitic nematodes are important pests of crops. Nanoparticles (NP) are increasingly used in agriculture and other production sectors. They are present in the soil, not necessarily in trace amounts, and can affect various soil organisms, including nematodes. In this article, the effects of silver (Ag), gold (Au), and platinum (Pt) nanoparticles on the mortality and reproduction activity of selected nematode species from two trophic groups: entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora and Steinernema feltiae) and plant parasitic nematodes (PPN) (Xiphinema diversicaudatum, Ditylenchus dipsaci, Heterodera schachtii) were studied under laboratory conditions. All nanoparticles decreased the nematode population to an extent depending on the nematode species, nanoparticle type, and exposure time. AgNP had the greatest nematicidal effect, except for AuNP, which reduced the population of H. schachtii the most. The greatest sensitivity to AgNP was observed in X. diversicaudatum (100% mortality), D. dipsaci (90% mortality), and 37 to 13% mortality in other species. Effect of AuNP and PtNP on entomopathogenic nematodes was comparable to the control, not treated with nanoparticles. AuNP and PtNP similarly influenced nematode mortality. However, the effect of nanoparticles on new generations of entomopathogenic nematodes developing in host larvae Galleria mellonella was inconclusive. All nanoparticles decreased the number of larvae of S. feltiae and increased the number of H. bacteriophora migrating outside the cadavers compared to the control. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To understand soil biodiversity we need to know how soil communities are assembled. However, the relationship between soil community assembly and environmental factors, and the linkages between soil microbiota taxonomic groups and their body sizes, remain unexplored in tropical seasonal rainforests. Systematic and stratified random sampling was used to collect 243 soil and organism samples across a 20‐ha plot in a tropical seasonal rainforest in southwestern China. High‐throughput sequencing, variation analysis and principal coordinates of neighbourhood matrices were performed. Soil community composition, spatial distribution and assembly processes based on propagule size (including archaea, bacteria, fungi and nematodes) were investigated. The results showed that: (i) the community assembly of small soil microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) was mostly influenced by stochastic processes while that of larger soil organisms (nematodes) was more deterministic; (ii) the independent effects of habitat (including soil and topographic variables) and its interaction with plant attributes for community structure significantly decreased with increasing body size; and (iii) plant leaf phosphorus directly influenced the spatial distribution of soil‐available phosphorus, which indicates their indirect impact on the assembly of the soil communities. Our data suggest that the assembly of multitrophic soil communities can be explained to some extent by changes in above‐ground plant attributes. This highlights the importance of above‐ and below‐ground linkages in influencing multitrophic soil microbiota community assembly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Covering approximately 40% of land surfaces, grasslands provide critical ecosystem services that rely on soil organisms. However, the global determinants of soil biodiversity and functioning remain underexplored. In this study, we investigate the drivers of soil microbial and detritivore activity in grasslands across a wide range of climatic conditions on five continents. We apply standardized treatments of nutrient addition and herbivore reduction, allowing us to disentangle the regional and local drivers of soil organism activity. We use structural equation modeling to assess the direct and indirect effects of local and regional drivers on soil biological activities. Microbial and detritivore activities are positively correlated across global grasslands. These correlations are shaped more by global climatic factors than by local treatments, with annual precipitation and soil water content explaining the majority of the variation. Nutrient addition tends to reduce microbial activity by enhancing plant growth, while herbivore reduction typically increases microbial and detritivore activity through increased soil moisture. Our findings emphasize soil moisture as a key driver of soil biological activity, highlighting the potential impacts of climate change, altered grazing pressure, and eutrophication on nutrient cycling and decomposition within grassland ecosystems. A global grassland study reveals soil moisture, not local treatments, drives microbial and detritivore activity, highlighting the potential influence of climate change and human interventions on grassland ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Growing population, increasing industrial and agricultural activities have resulted in the exponential release of high concern emerging pollutants into the environment, categorized under endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The hydrophobic and lipophilic properties of these persisting EDCs comprising of pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, surfactants, several industrial chemicals result in generation of complexes with soil organic matter favoring their bioaccumulation via food chain. At each trophic level, these cause negative reproductive, developmental, and neurological impacts in both humans and animals even at low concentrations of ng/L to μg/L. In soil, these impose ecotoxicological effects on soil organisms, reduce microbial activity and change the soil's physio-chemical properties. The present review provides an insight about its chemical fate in the environment with respect to their physiochemical properties, mechanisms and corresponding impacts in ecosystems. To mitigate EDCs, various regulatory frameworks designed around the globe have also been highlighted. Due to the unambiguous identification of EDCs structures and their amounts, the focus of this review has been also directed on the development of various analytical methods for their precise determination. Further, this review highlights the various physical and chemical methods for their removal with main focus towards the use of eco-friendly cost–effective approaches as phytoremediation, microbial remediation using bacteria, algae, yeasts, fungi and enzymatic remediation using ligninolytic enzyme systems of white rot fungi (WRF), generating no or minimum secondary pollutants. The prospects of immobilized microbes and enzymes on suitable nano supports to enhance their sensitivity against negative environmental factors, have also been summarized. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants produce a range of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that mediate vital ecological interactions between herbivorous insects, their natural enemies, plants, and soil dwelling organisms including arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). The composition, quantity, and quality of the emitted VOCs can vary and is influenced by numerous factors such as plant species, variety (cultivar), plant developmental stage, root colonization by soil microbes, as well as the insect developmental stage, and level of specialization of the attacking herbivore. Understanding factors shaping VOC emissions is important and can be leveraged to enhance plant health and pest resistance. In this greenhouse study, we evaluated the influence of plant variety, mycorrhizal colonization, herbivory, and their interactions on the composition of emitted volatiles in tomato plants (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Four tomato varieties from two breeding histories (two heirlooms and two hybrids), were used. Tomato plants were inoculated with a commercial inoculum blend consisting of four species of AMF. Plants were also subjected to herbivory by Manduca sexta (Lepidoptera: Sphingidae L.) five weeks after transplanting. Headspace volatiles were collected from inoculated and non-inoculated plants with and without herbivores using solid phase-microextraction. Volatile profiles consisted of 21 different volatiles in detectable quantities. These included monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, and alkane hydrocarbons. We documented a strong plant variety effect on VOC emissions. AMF colonization and herbivory suppressed VOC emissions. Plant biomass was improved by colonization of AMF. Our results show that mycorrhization, herbivory and plant variety can alter tomato plant VOC emissions and further shape volatile-mediated insect and plant interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Inorganic fertilizers are widely used to provide crops with significant amounts of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P), but can exacerbate soil carbon (C) limitation and acidification. Crop residues with distinct ecological stoichiometry from inorganic fertilizers can help balance soil ecological stoichiometry and thus increase soil organic matter accumulation. The combined use of inorganic fertilizers and crop residues is expected to alleviate the metabolic limitations of organisms and enhance soil C, N, and P sequestration, hence increasing grain yields. However, the effects of this practice on soil C, N, and P stocks and grain yield remain unclear. In this study, we conducted a meta-analysis of 806 paired data to investigate the impact of crop residue return combined with inorganic fertilizer on soil and grain yield across different land uses (paddy, upland, paddy-upland rotation) and soil profiles (0–60 cm). Our findings indicate that crop residue return significantly enhances soil C (8–13%) stocks across all soil layers, particularly in the topsoil (0–20 cm). Soil N (9%) and P (5%) stocks also increase significantly in the topsoil. In uplands, crop residue return can mitigate soil acidification and increase grain yield (by 7%). Moreover, the soil C and N stocks increase depending on the initial soil pH, C and N levels, and C:N ratio. In contrast, the soil P stock increase depends on rainfall, while the grain yield increase is closely linked to the soil texture and fertilizer rate. Our study highlights that crop residue return can increase topsoil C, N, and P stocks, which can benefit crop growth and environmental mitigation efforts. Furthermore, this practice can increase C stocks in deeper soil horizons (below 20 cm), providing a long-term solution to mitigate climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Micro-eukaryotes are ubiquitous and play vital roles in diverse ecological systems, yet their diversity and functions are scarcely known. This may be due to the limitations of formerly used conventional culture-based methods. Metagenomics and metatranscriptomics are enabling to unravel the genomic, metabolic, and phylogenetic diversity of micro-eukaryotes inhabiting in different ecosystems in a more comprehensive manner. The in-depth study of structural and functional characteristics of micro-eukaryote community residing in soil is crucial for the complete understanding of this major ecosystem. This review provides a deep insight into the methodologies employed under these approaches to study soil micro-eukaryotic organisms. Furthermore, the review describes available computational tools, pipelines, and database sources and their manipulation for the analysis of sequence data of micro-eukaryotic origin. The challenges and limitations of these approaches are also discussed in detail. In addition, this review summarizes the key findings of metagenomic and metatranscriptomic studies on soil micro-eukaryotes. It also highlights the exploitation of these methods to study the structural as well as functional profiles of soil micro-eukaryotic community and to screen functional eukaryotic protein coding genes for biotechnological applications along with the future perspectives in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

White grubs, the immature forms of the well-known May–June beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), are the most wide spread and destructive insect pests of many agricultural crops worldwide. White grub management in Turkey relies heavily on soil application of synthetic insecticides, with negative side effects on soil organisms. In this study, a new-designed light trap (so-called ecosav-Mns1) was evaluated for mass-trapping of adult May–June beetles in a heavy infested apple orchard located in Isparta province (in southwestern part of Turkey) during the flight period from May to September in two successive years (2020 and 2021). The trap was tested at a density of 2 traps/decare in both years. The captured beetles were counted at weekly intervals during a four-month sampling period in both years, and the efficiency of the trap was evaluated on the basis of weekly mean numbers per trap in both years. The results indicated that very high numbers of beetles were captured in the traps especially in the first year of study (118.2 adults/trap/week in 2020). The newly designed light trap captured both males and females of both species; however, in both 2020 and 2021, more males were caught in the traps. The results also showed that mass-trapping of adult May–June beetles using newly designed light trap had a pronounced effect on their subsequent larval (white grub) populations. For instance, while mean number of larvae found in the soil around the root system was 9.8/tree in May in the first year of the study, it was 3.3/tree in the same month in the second year. All the results suggested that the new-designed light trap may help prevent the root damage caused by white grubs in horticultural areas by trapping adults of May–June beetles effectively. This study demonstrated that the new-designed light trap (ecosav-Mns1) may help prevent the root damage caused by white grubs in horticultural areas by trapping adults of May–June beetles effectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbicides are the most applied pesticides in the world. Despite numerous laboratory studies demonstrating the toxic effect of herbicides on non-target organisms, the effect of herbicides on soil organisms in the field remains complex to understand and is still controversial. In order to understand how changes in agricultural practices aiming to reduce herbicide use could impact soil biodiversity, we studied the effect of the frequency of herbicide application on soil biodiversity in a tropical agroecosystem. Our study was conducted on banana farms in Martinique, an island with a humid tropical climate belonging to the Caribbean biodiversity hotspot. Thirteen banana plots from five different farms were selected, ranging from plots receiving no herbicides to plots receiving 4–5 applications per year. Soil macro-arthropods were sampled using pitfall traps resulting in the collection of over 6,200 individuals. Of the 100 taxa that were differentiated, 75 could be identified to species level which allowed to assign each taxon to a trophic group and when possible to classify them according to whether they were introduced or native. Macro-arthropod mean species richness was 21% lower in plots with the highest frequency of herbicide application. However, no conclusive effect of herbicides on macro-arthropod abundance was demonstrated. Mean species richness for different trophic groups also decreased with herbicide applications with decreases of 22% for predators, 17% for omnivores, 55% for herbivores, and 55% for decomposers in plots with 4–5 herbicide applications per year compared to plots with no herbicide use. Species composition of macro-arthropod communities varied significantly with herbicide applications. More specifically, we found that native species represented a higher proportion of individuals captured in plots where no herbicides were used; suggesting that agroecological practices implemented at the field level to reduce the frequency of herbicide use potentially play a relevant role in soil biodiversity conservation. [Display omitted] [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organophosphorus pesticides (OPPs) are used in agriculture, which could be transformed by surface runoff, volatilization and migration into soil, then residual in lake water, atmosphere, soil and enrichment in organisms, and finally posed a risk to human health. Based on the data from published articles, the species and contents of OPPs in different water bodies of the world were compared, the mechanism of poisoning caused by OPPs was summarized, the advantages and disadvantages of five OPPs detection methods, such as chromatography, immunoassay, enzyme hydrolysis, enzyme inhibition and electrochemical, were summarized, and six common techniques for the removal of OPPs from water bodies are also described. The distribution of organophosphorus pesticides, detection techniques, relevant laws and regulations, and removal methods were systematically reviewed, which could provide reference for researchers and managers to quickly acquire basic knowledge in the field of OPPs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Octocrylene is recurrently released into the environment from different sources. However, studies on the action of this sunscreen on plants and soil animals are initial. We evaluated the potential of this compound, at concentrations 10, 100, and 1000 µg/L, to cause phytotoxicity and oxidative stress in plants exposed to the sunscreen for 5 days, as well as the mortality rate and oxidative stress in Eisenia fetida exposed to the sunscreen for 14 days. The concentrations did not affect germination and root growth in Cucumis sativus. In Taraxacum officinale, they did not allow root elongation, and in Lactuca sativa, Avenua fatua, Lycopersicum esculentum, and Daurus carota, they significantly reduced seed germination and root growth, proving to be phytotoxic. For DPPH and FC tests, in L. sativa, A. fatua, L. esculentum, and D. carota, an increase in phytochemicals was observed in the roots, which suggests an oxidative effect of octocrylene. The roots of these four species had their defense system impaired by the sunscreen, mainly due to the production of OH− radicals in the cells. There was no lipid peroxidation in the roots, showing that octocrylene acted on proteins, such as those linked to cell division. The sunscreen did not cause death in earthworms, but it increased the production of OH− in their cells at the evaluated concentrations. Furthermore, octocrylene at 100 and 1000 µg/L caused lipid peroxidation in the animals. Octocrylene demonstrates danger to soil organisms, as well as urgency in regulating its release into the environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glyphosate is the most widely used active ingredient (AI) in glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) worldwide and is also known to affect a variety of soil organisms. However, we know little about how the effects of glyphosate AIs differ from those of GBHs that also contain so-called inert co-formulants. We conducted a greenhouse experiment using the model cover crop white mustard (Sinapis alba) to investigate the effects of three GBHs (Roundup PowerFlex, Roundup LB Plus, and Touchdown Quattro) and their respective glyphosate AIs (glyphosate potassium, isopropylamine, and diammonium salt) on epedaphic springtails (Sminthurinus niger; Collembola) activity in soils with low (3.0%) or high (4.1%) organic matter content (SOM). Springtail activity was assessed using pitfall traps. Most GBHs and AIs reduced springtail activity compared to mechanical removal of mustard in the short-term and even up to 5 months after application. GBHs and AIs differed considerably in their effects on springtail activity, and effects were modified by SOM content. Our results highlight the need to (i) distinguish between the effects of glyphosate AIs and commercial GBH formulations, (ii) disclose all ingredients of GBHs, as co-formulants also affect non-target organisms, and (iii) include soil properties in ecotoxicological risk assessments for soil organisms to better characterize the situation in the field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The document provides a list of the 2023 Fellows of the Soil Science Society of America (SSSA). The Fellows are recognized for their expertise and contributions to the field of soil science. The list includes individuals from various institutions and backgrounds, with expertise in areas such as human impacts on soil, remote sensing of soil moisture, biogeochemical processes, soil morphology, soil chemistry, soil science education, and soil biology. These individuals have published extensively, presented their work at national and international conferences, and held leadership positions in professional societies. Their research has informed policy decisions and contributed to the economic and environmental sustainability of agriculture. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses recent legislative amendments in Brazil regarding pesticide registration. The new law now requires the inclusion of pesticide risk assessments, encompassing both human and environmental assessments, in the dossier submission process. This regulatory update brings Brazil closer to the regulatory frameworks of more established systems, such as those in Europe and the United States. The article highlights the challenges and efforts involved in implementing new environmental risk assessment guidelines for various ecological compartments. It emphasizes the need for collaboration between regulatory agencies, academia, and the agricultural sector to address knowledge gaps and develop a tiered approach to risk assessment that considers the local reality while protecting the environment and supporting Brazilian agriculture. [Extracted from the article]

This article discusses the role of soil mesofauna, which includes organisms such as arthropods, in sustainable ecosystem management plans. Soil fauna, including mesofauna, play a crucial role in maintaining soil quality and health, as well as providing ecosystem services such as organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, soil fauna are increasingly threatened by factors such as climate change and land-use change. Understanding the dynamics of soil communities and implementing well-informed management plans is essential for preserving soil arthropod biodiversity and mitigating the effects of climate change. Monitoring changes in soil arthropod populations can provide valuable information on the health of the soil ecosystem. [Extracted from the article]