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The excessive application of chemical fertilizers in rice fields exacerbates soil degradation and poses a threat to food security. Achieving an increase in rice production and minimizing environmental costs are inevitable requirements for achieving sustainable rice production. The synergistic utilization of rice straw (RS) and Chinese milk vetch (MV) is a sustainable measure to improve soil quality in Southern China. How this management strategy impacts agricultural productivity and soil carbon (C) sequestration under different fertilization conditions is unclear. Several treatments, including only chemical fertilizer (F), F + MV (FM), F + RS (FS), and F + MV + RS (FMS) under a standard rate of nitrogen (N100) and 40% reduced nitrogen (N60) levels were designed to explore changes in rice yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations, stocks, and soil labile organic C fractions (permanganate oxidizable C) during 2018–2020 in a double-rice-cropping system. The results show that the FMS treatment reduced soil bulk density to alleviate soil compaction and improved the soil carbon management index. The synergistic utilization of MV and RS replacing 40% of the chemical N fertilizer could still maintain the rice yield. Compared to the F treatment, the average annual grain yield was significantly increased by 9.82% and 5.84% in the FMS treatment; SOC concentration was increased by 16.05% and 19.98% on average (p < 0.05), and SOC stock was increased by 1.78 Mg C ha−1 and 2.37 Mg C ha−1 under the N60 and N100 levels, respectively. The random forest regression model and correlation analysis demonstrated that the inputs of chemical N, organic N and C, and appropriate C/N ratio promoted soil C accumulation. Furthermore, the structural equation model analysis exhibited that the C input affects the highly labile organic carbon (HLOC) and total labile organic carbon (LOC); the HLOC had a positive effect on SOC (p < 0.05). N input had a significant effect on LOC and yield. Our results suggest that the synergistic utilization of MV and RS plays an important role in ensuring stable grain production, improving soil C sequestration capacity, and maintaining soil environmental health in Southern China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The viticulture sector faces unprecedented challenges due to ongoing environmental changes. Climate change is causing widespread disruption to ecosystems and agricultural practices around the world. Wine-producing regions in particular are expected to face reduced precipitation. and increased evapotranspiration, resulting in decreased soil moisture levels. These conditions have adverse effects on vine phenology, growth and yield. Furthermore, vines suffer morphological, anatomical and physiological disturbances, resulting in compromised water relations, decreased photosynthetic activity, hormonal imbalances and disturbances in cellular defense signalling networks. Collectively, these factors lead to reduced grape vigour, productivity and quality, significantly impacting the composition, microbiology, chemistry and sensory characteristics of the wine. Furthermore, the increasing soil degradation and desertification, exacerbated by climate change, represents a serious threat to the sustainability of viticulture. Soil degradation factors include losses from surface runoff, depletion of organic matter, deterioration of soil structure, loss of biodiversity and contamination with toxic chemicals. Declining soil health can harm crop sustainability, affecting both the yield and composition of grapes, especially under nutrient deficient conditions. To face these challenges and strengthen viticultural resilience, holistic approaches are being adopted that consider environmental, social and economic dimensions to promote sustainability and competitiveness. Promising soil management strategies include practices such as cover crops and soil amendments. At the canopy level there is a focus on different adaptation strategies such as training systems, the use of plant growth regulators and physical barriers. Adopting a multi-faceted approach that includes sustainable soil management and adaptive canopy strategies is vital to sustaining and advancing the wine industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Monitoring temporal trends in soil properties under rice paddy ecosystems is key for efficient soil management interventions toward sustainable and climate-smart rice production. The objectives of this study were to thoroughly investigate the temporal variations of measured soil properties and evaluate the changes in carbon stocks and soil fertility over a 12-year period under intensively managed rice paddy fields. Methods: A total of 2110 sampling points in paddy rice fields under the same agronomic management were identified. Composite soil samples from the topsoil (0 – 15 cm depth) were collected from each sampling point in each sampling year (2007, 2011, 2015, and 2019) and comprehensively analysed. Results: After 12 years of intensive rice cultivation, soil organic matter significantly increased from 25 g kg−1 to 29.3 g kg−1, with an annual rate of change of 0.33 – 0.34 g kg−1. Within the 12-year period, available phosphorus significantly increased from 130.87 to 140.80 mg kg−1, with a rate of change of 0.83 – 0.95 mg kg−1 year−1. The C stocks increased in the subsequent years with a relative change ratio of 0.94 and 3.91% in 2015 and 2019, respectively. Conclusion: In a span of 12 years, intensive rice cultivation resulted in an increase in soil fertility. Among the identified soil factors, soil pH, organic carbon, exchangeable calcium, and available silicate were positively associated with soil fertility improvement. This study is crucial for the development of sustainable soil management interventions and climate-smart agricultural systems in intensively cultivated rice paddy ecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice farming in Madiun Regency implements three different management systems, that is organic, semi-organic, and conventional. The different implementation of these rice field management systems impacts soil fertility index and rice productivity. This purpose of this research was to know the effect of rice field management systems on soil fertility index and rice productivity in the Madiun Regency. The research uses an explorative descriptive qualitative method with a survey approach. Soil samples were taken using a random sampling method and 3 types of soil management systems (conventional, semi-organic and organic), and rice production samples were taken using an estimation method. The research results show that the soil fertility index ranges from 0.78 to 0.82, which is high. The highest soil fertility index is in the semi-organic management system and the lowest is in the organic management. The management system of semi-organic gave a response to the highest rice production of 6.89 tons/ha. Management system of semi-organic is a better management for increasing and maintaining soil fertility and crop production than conventional or organic. Farming activities results show that organic management systems increase the highest income, increasing 115.58% and 53.30% in semi-organic compared to conventional. The rice field management system has the effect of increasing the worm population density with the highest in the organic system, namely 4.19 individuals m-2. The Pontoscolex worm type dominates the three management systems. There is a correlation between organic matter content and earthworms [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Agricultural practice is considered as main factor affecting land degradation in several regions in Vietnam. However, there are limited studies relating to degraded soil properties and their soil fertility. This paper aimed to evaluate the degradation of agricultural soil under different land management practices. Methods: A total of 80 samples at 0-10 cm of agricultural soil were collected to analyze selected physicochemical properties. The group of degradation soil properties was classified based on their soil fertility using principal component analysis. Result: The results showed that physicochemical properties in agricultural soil along coastal regions were relatively lower than in hilly regions/secondary forests. High ratio of C:N in agricultural soil was because of degradation. The organic matter, nitrogen and phosphorous contents were low in the soil in lowland areas indicating a high level of degradation (1.43%, 0.09% and 0,04%, respectively). The samples classified into four groups (G1, G2, G3, G4) using principal component analysis indicated differences in soil properties due to degradation. Insufficient and excessive application of inorganic fertilizer could be a further reason affecting the status of soil properties. Overall, soil physicochemical properties indicated poor conditions for agriculture systems, thereby, careful soil management is the primary solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Family and small-scale farming systems are increasingly important in achieving food sovereignty and sustainability. This makes necessary to characterize them and develop systems to evaluate their sustainability, which allow the monitoring of the management of various resources with a participatory approach. In this work, the application of the MESMIS methodological framework is presented for the design of a system of indicators related to the management of soil resources in the Organoponic Garden of the farm El Guayabal, which respond to the premises of simplicity, sensitivity and easy application. The methodological scheme used in the construction of the system of indicators and the results obtained in its evaluation are presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ephemeral gully (EG) erosion is an important type of water erosion. Understanding the spatial distribution of EGs and other influencing factors at a regional scale is crucial for developing effective soil and water management strategies. Unfortunately, this area has not been sufficiently studied. The present study visually interpreted the EGs based on Google Earth images in 137 small watersheds uniformly distributed in the Loess Plateau, compared them with measured results, and analyzed the factors influencing EG formation and density using GeoDetector. The results showed that visually interpreting EGs from Google Earth images was suitable for EG regional studies. Out of the 137 small watersheds, 33.6% had EG occurrence with an average density of 3.41 km/km2. Rainfall (R) and slope gradient (S) were the primary factors influencing the formation of EGs, while the area proportion of sloping farmland (APSF) and soil erodibility (K) were the main factors affecting EG density. The interaction of dual factors had a greater influence compared to single factors, with the interaction between S and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) having the greatest impact on EG formation and the interaction between K and NDVI on EG density. Although natural forces significantly influence whether EGs can form in a specific area, human activities greatly affect the density of the gullies that develop. This underscores the importance of proper land management in controlling gully erosion. These findings could provide theoretical support for EG prediction models and a scientific basis for soil and water loss control strategies at the regional scale. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil is one of the largest reservoirs of microbial diversity in nature. Although soil management is vital for agricultural purposes, intensive practices can have a significant impact on fertility, microbial community, and resistome. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of an intensive soil management system on the chemical attributes, composition and structure of prevalent bacterial communities, and presence and abundance of antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs). The chemical characterization, bacterial diversity and relative abundance of ARGs were evaluated in soils from areas of intensive vegetable cultivation and forests. Results indicate that levels of nutrients and heavy metals were higher in soil samples from cultivated areas. Similarly, greater enrichment and diversity of bacterial genera was detected in agricultural areas. Of the 18 target ARGs evaluated, seven were detected in studied soils. The oprD gene exhibited the highest abundance among the studied genes and was the only one that showed a significantly different prevalence between areas. The oprD gene was identified only from soil of the cultivated areas. The blaSFO, erm(36), oprD and van genes, in addition to the pH, showed greater correlation with in soil of cultivated areas, which in turn exhibited higher contents of nutrients. Thus, in addition to changes in chemical attributes and in the microbial community of the soil, intensive agricultural cultivation systems cause a modification of its resistome, reinforcing the importance of the study of antimicrobial resistance in a One Health approach. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In arid and semi-arid regions of China, effective irrigation management and agronomic strategies are essential for enhancing the soil water environment and optimizing water productivity. A three-year (2020–2022) field experiment was conducted in the Ningxia Water Saving Agriculture Science and Technology Park, a semi-arid region in northwest China, to assess the impact of planting patterns, watermelon irrigation quotas and their interaction on soil moisture status, yield and quality. The experiment encompassed: (1) two planting patterns: Apple-watermelon agroforestry and watermelon sole-cropping; and (2) three irrigation quotas (W1: 105 mm, W2: 210 mm, and W3: 315 mm). As the years progress, there is a decreasing trend in the average soil water content (SWC) of the 0–100 cm soil layer within the agroforestry system. During the flowering and fruit setting stage and expansion stage in 2022, the soil water content (SWC) in the agroforestry planting pattern is significantly lower than that in the watermelon sole-cropping pattern. Within the agroforestry planting pattern, the W1 and W2 irrigation quotas increase the average fruit weight, soluble solids content, and sugar content but reduce watermelon yield. The interaction between the W3 irrigation quota and agroforestry planting pattern promotes leaf photosynthesis, and extends the watermelon fruit expansion stage and maturity stage to compensate for the decrease in yield. In summary, the agroforestry planting pattern improves the quality of watermelon fruit, increases soil water utilization, and reduces yield. For those seeking sustainable solutions to enhance land productivity and water use efficiency, apple-watermelon agroforestry emerges as a more promising alternative. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We evaluated the farmer's local knowledge and perceptions of sustainable cocoa agroforestry and sustainable soil carbon management in Ghana and Côte d'Ivoire using a social survey research methodology. We employed in-depth interviewing and focus group discussions to solicit information from identified key stakeholders in the cocoa supply chain focusing on the perception of sustainable cocoa agroforestry and soil carbon management. Our results revealed that about 83% and 50.5% of smallholder cocoa farmers from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana respectively practiced agroforestry on their farms. The respondents, however, had limited knowledge about the term agroforestry and were also not very much aware of soil carbon management. Also, about 53% and 22% of the respondents from Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana perceived agroforestry practice as better than practicing cocoa monoculture. The results further revealed that most of the cocoa farmers in these study areas had limited knowledge of the approaches or strategies to achieve sustainable cocoa agroforestry and soil carbon management on their farms. At the same time, the industry's stakeholders had different perceptions about the approaches or strategies to achieve these. Our results also revealed that educational level was the only socio-economic factor that influenced the farmer's awareness of agroforestry and soil organic carbon. This study thus suggests the need for appropriate training and education for smallholder cocoa farmers, and harmonization of the understanding among different stakeholder groups along the cocoa supply chain of common strategies to adopt to achieve sustainable cocoa production that addresses low productivity, biodiversity loss and carbon emission within the smallholder cocoa production system in West Africa. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Soil Sciences & Agricultural Engineering is the property of Egyptian National Agricultural Library (ENAL) 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.)

Heavy metal pollution represents a global health issue. Different methods and technologies are adopted to mitigate the problem of heavy metal pollution. Phytoremediation has been gaining attention as an environmentally friendly method to remediate this problem. The purpose of this research is to explore the effectiveness of phytoremediation in agricultural settings to assess the effect of five soil management practices (chicken manure, sewage sludge, leaf compost, cow manure, and vermicompost) on Cd, Cu, Mo, Ni, Pb, and Zn accumulation in the mustard (leaves and pods) of three mustard Brassica juncea varieties (black mustard, yellow mustard, and mighty mustard). The accumulation in mustard was quantified using the Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The results showed that the bioaccumulation factor (BAF) of the three mustard varieties exceeded one (BAF > 1) for Cd and Mo. It indicates that mustard is a good accumulator of Cd and Mo, whereas BAF values for Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn were less than one (BAF < 1). The accumulated Cu, Mo, Ni, and Zn levels were below the allowable limit, whereas the Cd and Pb levels were beyond the limit. This result indicates that the investigated mustard varieties can be grown on heavy metal polluted sites for Cd and Mo phytoremediation purposes, but care is needed with regard to Cd and Mo toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Clarifying the effects of various land‐use and management practices on soil erosion and nutrient loss of sloping land can help optimize land use patterns and management strategies. This study assessed the effects of five long‐term land‐use and management practices on runoff, soil erosion, and nutrient losses. Field data from runoff plots established in 2006 in bare land (BL), natural vegetation restoration (NVR), no tillage (NT), reduced tillage (RT), and conventional tillage (CT) were used in two seasons of natural rainfall (from July to September in 2021 and 2022). The results indicated that the runoff depth (RD) was 84.1% and 43.2%–81.7% lower, the sediment yield (SY) was 99.9% and 96.9%–99.8% lower, the total nitrogen (TN) loss was 99.1% and 93.1%–98.6% lower, and the total phosphorous (TP) loss was 99.8% and 96.7%–99.7% lower in the NVR and three tillage practices, respectively than in the BL. The RD, SY, and nutrient losses were significantly lower in NT than in RT and CT. The TN loss in runoff contributed to 88.3% and 87.6% of the TN loss in the NVR and NT, respectively, whereas the TN loss in the sediment (TN‐SL) for BL accounted for 94.7% of the TN loss in BL. Meanwhile, most of the TP loss (56.1%–99.7%) was attributed to soil erosion rather than runoff in the five treatments. Furthermore, the effect of runoff and SY on nutrient losses differed significantly for the five land‐use and management practices. The effects of runoff and SY on the TP loss were negligible in the NVR and three tillage treatments. However, the effects on the TN loss were larger. Rainfall erosivity had the largest effect on runoff, SY, and nutrient loss in the five treatments. Our findings can help land managers to select sustainable measures to control soil and nutrient losses in sloped farmland in Northeast China. [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.)

Climate change has regulated cryosphere-fed rivers and altered interannual and seasonal sediment dynamics, with significant implications for terrestrial material cycles and downstream aquatic ecosystems. However, there has been a notable scarcity of research focusing on the patterns of water--sediment transport within these permafrost zones. Integrating 6 years (2017--2022) of in-situ observational data from FengHuoShan basin with the partial least squares-structural equation modelling (PLS-SEM) method, we analyse the driving factors, characteristics and seasonal patterns of the water--sediment transport process. We observed a gradual increase in both suspended sediment flux (SSF, Mt/yr) and runoff (Q, km3/yr) within the basin, with annual growth rates of 1.34%/yr and 0.75%/yr, respectively. It is worth noting that these growth rates exhibit seasonal variations, with the highest values observed in spring (SSF: 1.76%/yr, Q: 1.71%/yr). This indicates that the response to climate change is more pronounced in spring compared with summer and autumn. Through mathematical statistics and the PLS-SEM model, we found that temperature plays a predominant role in the dynamics of water--sediment in both spring and autumn, whereas rainfall exerts a more significant impact during the summer. Most suspended sediment concentration (SSC, kg/m³) peak events throughout the year are primarily driven by rainfall. Affected by the freeze--thaw cycle of permafrost, SSC and discharge (Q, m3/s) exhibit distinct seasonality. SSC and Q demonstrate a clockwise trend; both Q and SSC begin to increase from May and peak in August before declining. The insights gleaned from this study hold significant implications for water resource management and soil conservation strategies in the region, particularly in the face of ongoing climatic changes characterized by warming and increased humidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics along gradients of land intensification is critical to guide conservation goals towards improvements in soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) storage. In this study, we clarified (a) how the C and N concentrations within SOM fractions of distinct ecological relevance responded to soil management representing a cropland‐grassland gradient and (b) how these operationally defined fractions affected soil physicochemical and biological properties. We compared sites with annual row crop rotations with and without cover crops (i.e. cropland soils) with perennial grassland sites (i.e. reference soil) by sampling near‐surface soils from statewide on‐farm cover crop experiments replicated across four agro‐ecoregions in Midwest USA. Soil management had a significant main effect on C and N content in SOM fractions, but responses were site‐ and fraction‐specific. We found that C content of free particulate organic matter and water‐extractable organic matter (WEOM) of reference soils were 58%–76% and 31%–59% greater than those of the cropland soils in two of the four sites. Differences in N content of WEOM because of soil management were observed in two of the four sites. These reference soils had between 40% and 60% greater N than cropland soils. Additionally, the N content of aggregate occluded POM (o‐POM) of reference soils was three times greater than those of the cropland soils in one of the four sites. Broadly across bulk and SOM fractions, high declines in cropland C and N relative to reference soils were observed in non‐irrigated and strip‐till sites and coarse‐texture soils. Free and o‐POM C and N were strongly associated with aggregate stability, water infiltration and enzyme activity, whereas C and N contents of WEOM and MAOM were correlated with soil's ability to hold onto essential nutrients (e.g. calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium). Although the potential of cover crops to drive changes on ecologically meaningful SOM fractions is less pronounced in the short (3 year) term, the findings demonstrate the potential of continuous living cover as an approach to agroecosystem design to improve soil functions closely related to SOM characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the current global context of climate change and the increasing demand for sustainability, optimizing agricultural production is very important in order to meet the demands for food and to mitigate environmental impact. To achieve sustainable agricultural production, particularly in regions with tropical soil and climate conditions, is necessary to adopt conservation‐oriented techniques. This includes no‐tillage system, the use of soil‐cover crops, and the application of inoculants. The objective of this research was, at the end of the 22nd cropping season, to assess the influence of soil compaction in the production of green corn (Zea mays L.) in a long‐term field experiment. This study was conducted under different soil tillage systems in a Red‐Yellow Ultisol from the Coastal Tablelands of northeastern Brazil. Three soil tillage systems were applied: Conventional Tillage (CT), Minimum Tillage (MT), and No‐tillage (NT). These were combined with four previous crops: cowpea (Vigna unguiculata), crotalaria (Crotalaria juncacea), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), and millet (Pennisetum glaucum), as well as two levels of nitrogen fertilizer application: (1) 100% of the recommended N dose, and (2) 50% of the recommended N dose plus Azospirillum brasilense inoculant. The experimental design consisted of strip plots with subplots divided and randomized within each strip, with three replications. Soil compaction was assessed using parameters of soil density (SD) and soil mechanical resistance to penetration (MRP) in conjunction with moisture content (MC). The principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted that conservation‐oriented systems exhibited greater soil organic carbon (SOC) levels, leading to increased productivity of commercial green corn cobs. The synergistic effect of diversifying previous crops and adopting conservation tillage systems, especially in soils under long‐term tillage, resulted in heightened productivity of commercial green corn ears. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil organic carbon to clay ratio (SOC:clay) is a metric used in soil quality management. In Switzerland and the United Kingdom, for example, threshold values for SOC:clay ratios have been determined to indicate very good (>1:8) to degraded (<1:13) soil structures. A recent article in Soil Use and Management by Poeplau and Don, however, suggested that this metric is 'strongly biased and misleading', based on their observation that German sandy soils and heavy clay soils tend to show very high and very low SOC:clay ratios, respectively. An alternative metric was proposed based on the ratio of actual SOC to expected SOC level for a considered area. We offer a commentary on the proposal, arguing that because soil structure quality is overlooked by the approach, it fails to provide appropriate SOC levels for soil health and could lead to soils with highly depleted SOC being classified 'good'. The SOC:clay ratio, on the other hand, does address soil structure condition, providing a structure vulnerability index, a key function independent of local soil management conditions. When soils are found to have high structure vulnerability, as indicated by the SOC:clay ratio, the cropping practices at the site should be investigated and ways to increase the SOC content considered. Structure condition threshold values may only need to be reassessed if it is shown that the average structure quality observed is not in conformity with the present thresholds, which would be expected for some soils, such as Andosols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

According to climate change projections, global temperatures would increase by 2°C by 2070, and agriculture is expected to be among the most affected sectors, particularly intensive field crops like cereals. Therefore, researchers need to investigate the most cost‐effective agricultural strategies that can prevent production losses and ensure global food security. This study aimed to identify the limiting factors of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. subsp. Durum (Desf.) Husn.) yield production under Mediterranean conditions. Durum wheat yield data of over 5 years (2017–2022), from a 30‐year rainfed long‐term experiment conducted in the 'Pasquale Rosati' experimental farm of the Polytechnic University of Marche in Agugliano, Italy (43°32' N, 13°22′ E, 100 a.s.l.) on Calcaric Gleyic Cambisols with a silt‐clay texture, were analysed and compared with the recorded thermo‐pluviometric trend. The field trial included two soil managements (no tillage vs. conventional tillage) and three Nitrogen (N) fertilization levels (0, 90, and 180 kg N ha−1). The most important driver for durum wheat production was N fertilization. However, in the absence of N fertilization, no tillage showed a higher yield (+1.2 t ha−1) than conventional tillage due to the accumulation of organic matter in the soil. When wheat was fertilized with 90 kg N ha−1, no tillage resulted in 25% yield more than conventional tillage (+1.2 t ha−1), but this occurred only when the increase in temperatures was constant from January until harvest (this happened in 3 of 5 years of monitoring). The non‐constant increase in temperature from January to wheat harvest may hamper crop phenological development and reduce the potential yield. The highest fertilization rate (180 Kg N ha−1) resulted in the highest wheat yields regardless of soil management and thermo‐pluviometric trends (5.78 t ha−1). After N fertilization and soil management, the minimum and maximum temperature in February and the maximum temperature in April were crucial for durum wheat production under Mediterranean condition. When there is non‐constant increase in temperature from January to wheat harvest no‐tillage should be preferred over conventional tillage because wheat yields did not reduce under no tillage. Thus, agricultural policies that support the switch from conventional tillage to no‐tillage management should be promoted to enable food security in Mediterranean environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil tillage is widely acknowledged to affect soil characteristics and agricultural productivity. This research investigates the short‐term effects of various tillage methods on soil physical properties and crop yields at a Central German field site with a dry climate (mean temperature 9.5°C; annual precipitation 470 mm). Three tillage approaches were evaluated: conventional plough tillage (25 cm depth), cultivator tillage (18 cm depth), and double‐layer plough tillage (15 and 30 cm depth). We assessed soil physical properties through standard laboratory analyses, compression tests, soil pore structure via X‐ray computed tomography (X‐ray CT) and crop yields over 3 years. The results indicate that cultivator tillage approach increased soil bulk density relative to conventional tillage, especially in the second year, though this effect diminished over time. Double‐layer plough tillage emerged as a viable short‐term alternative to conventional tillage, achieving comparable soil bulk density. Saturated hydraulic conductivity values were generally higher for soils under conventional tillage or double‐layer plough tillage than for cultivator tillage, highlighting their soil loosening effect. Classical soil analysis methods combined with X‐ray computed tomography provided valuable insights into tillage induced changes to soil structure. Cultivator tillage resulted in a distinct pore structure with reduced macroporosity and pore connectivity. Despite notable soil property variations, crop yields remained consistent across the tillage methods. Overall, double‐layer plough tillage presents a sustainable option, moderately improving soil physical properties while maintaining crop yields. This study highlights the need to assess the short‐term effects of tillage on soils and contributes to the broader dialogue on optimizing tillage strategies for effective soil management and crop production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The management adopted in the establishment and replanting of sugarcane fields, with conventional tillage followed by fallow, is one of the main causes of soil quality degradation. In this context, the soil quality index (SQI) is an important tool to guide the use of more sustainable practices and management. This study aimed to monitor the effect of different cover crops in association with different tillage systems on sugarcane yield based on key indicators and an SQI developed using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF). The experiment was carried out on a sugarcane expansion area located in the municipality of Ibitinga, São Paulo, Brazil. The following soil physical and chemical attributes were analyzed: soil bulk density, macroaggregates, available phosphorus and potassium. Soil carbon content was also analyzed and used to calculate the SQI. Productivity over the 4 years of sugarcane cultivation was also analyzed. The use of subsoilers for soil tillage proved efficient in managing compaction by providing lower soil bulk density values in the first years of cultivation (1.59 and 1.63 g cm−3); however, these effects occurred in the short term with a 10% increase in later years. The use of millet in association with subsoiling showed the best results for soil quality (0.59), reflected in the maintenance of yields at 100 Mg ha−1 over time. Thus, our study reinforces the importance of using soil conservation systems in sugarcane replanting areas to achieve production longevity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil management significantly affects soil structure. Tillage and grassland renovation may have destructive influences, while conversion of arable land to grassland can improve pore structure and related soil functions. In crop rotations including perennial grasses, soil structure is affected by these counteracting processes. This work aimed to quantify the impacts of different soil management practices on the structure of boreal clay soils. We studied intact topsoil samples taken from two locations by X‐ray computed microtomography, image‐based flow simulations and water retention measurements. At both locations, adjacent field areas with two contrasting soil management histories were compared. Both locations had at least a 30‐year‐old grassland site, which was compared to arable soils either under no‐till management with annual crop rotation or conventional tillage with crop rotation including perennial grasses. Both imaging and water retention measurements showed significant differences in the soil macropore structure between the long‐term grassland and arable no‐till soil such that macroporosity and hydraulic conductivity of the long‐term grassland were higher than those of soil under agricultural production. On the contrary, at the second study location, differences between long‐term grassland and cultivated fields were minor and the long‐term grassland exhibited lower macroporosity. Our results confirm that soil management affects the macropore structure of boreal clay soil and that no‐till annual cropping and periodically tilled crop rotation including perennial phases exert different effects on the soil structure as compared with long‐term grassland. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil compaction is a regarded as a major environmental and economical hazard, degrading soils across the world. Changes in soil properties due to compaction are known to lead to decrease in biomass and increase in greenhouse gas emissions, nutrient leaching and soil erosion. Quantifying adverse impacts of soil compaction and developing strategies for amelioration relies on an understanding of soil compaction extent and temporal variability. The main indicators of soil compaction (i.e., reduction of pore space, increase in bulk density and decrease in soil transport properties) are relatively easy to quantify in laboratory conditions but such traditional point‐based methods offer little information on soil compaction extent at the field scale. Recently, geophysical methods have been proposed to provide non‐invasive information about soil compaction. In this work, we developed an agrogeophysical modelling framework to help address the challenges of characterizing soil compaction across grazing paddocks using electromagnetic induction (EMI) data. By integrative modelling of grazing, soil compaction, soil processes and EMI resistivity anomalies, we demonstrate how spatial patterns of EMI observations can be linked to management leading to soil compaction and concurrent modifications of soil functions. The model was tested in a dairy farm in the midlands of Ireland that has been grazed for decades and shows clear signatures of grazing‐induced compaction. EMI data were collected in the summer of 2021 and autumn of 2022 under dry and wet soil moisture conditions, respectively. For both years, we observed decreases of apparent electrical resistivity at locations that with visible signatures of compaction such as decreased vegetation and water ponding (e.g., near the water troughs and gates). A machine learning algorithm was used to cluster EMI data with three unique cluster signatures assumed to be representative of heavy, moderately, and non‐compacted field zones. We conducted 1D process‐based simulations corresponding to non‐compacted and compacted soils. The modelled EMI signatures agree qualitatively and quantitatively with the measured EMI data, linking decreased electrical resistivities to zones that were visibly compacted. By providing a theoretical framework based on mechanistic modelling of soil management and compaction, our work may provide a strategy for utilizing EMI data for detection of soil degradation due to compaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Camellia oleifera, a key economic forestry species in southern China, struggles with low productivity due to suboptimal planting management. Recently, transforming old or unadopted varieties of C. oleifera plantations has been recognized as a means to enhance economic benefits and production. However, the impact of these transformations on soil properties and fungal communities has received little attention. In this study, we targeted pre-renewal old C. oleifera and post-renewal young C. oleifera, Pinus massoniana, and Cunninghamia lanceolata. Through field sampling and soil physicochemical property analysis, we developed a soil quality evaluation system that effectively analyzes fungal community structures and identifies key arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) species for soil health. We found that the soil quality evaluation system for this region comprises pH, TK, AK, NO3−, PO4− BG, ACP, F.simpson, AMF.shannon, and AMF.ace, which collectively indicated significant improvements in soil quality following transformation. Notably, the nutritional characteristics of the dominant fungal communities underwent marked changes, with an increase in pathogenic fungi in young C. oleifera and an expansion of ectomycorrhizal fungi in P. massoniana forests. The AMF communities in all four types of forest exhibited aggregation, and Scutellospora and Diversispora emerged as key species in the AMF community of C. oleifera. Additionally, Mortierella and Trichoderma were found to enhance plant resistance to pathogenic fungi. This study demonstrates that forestland transformation positively impacts soil quality and fungal community structure in C. oleifera, which provides valuable insights for future soil management in the region, both in terms of soil quality evaluation and fungal conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although soil enzyme activity can act as an effective indicator of soil nutrient status, there is some uncertainty about its accuracy within soil depth across different land uses. To assess the effects of different land uses on the interactions between soil enzyme activity and nutrient status within different soil horizons, in this study we examined soil total carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P) concentrations, pH, and the activities of five hydrolytic (i.e., amylase, invertase, cellulase, acid phosphatase, and urease) and three oxidative enzymes (i.e., catalase, dehydrogenase, and phenol oxidase) involved in C, N, and P acquisition and evaluated their interactions within the topsoil (0–10 cm), subsoil (10–20 cm), and deeper soil layer (20–30 cm) under various land uses (i.e., rice field, cultivated land, bamboo plantation, forest land, and barren land). We found that the levels of hydrolytic enzyme activities and nutrient concentrations were higher in the topsoil than the deeper layer. The hydrolytic enzyme activities were positive correlated with soil C, N, and P concentrations, while the activities of oxidative enzymes showed strong associations with soil pH. Furthermore, the results of fuzzy comprehensive evaluation models suggest that the overall enzyme activity can serve as an indicator of soil nutrient status in the topsoil and subsoil, but not in the deeper layer. The depth-specific nature of soil enzyme–nutrient relationships may be attributed to different land-use management practices. Our study highlights the complex interactions between soil nutrients, pH, and enzyme activities within soil profiles, and soil enzyme activity as an indicator of soil nutrient status is depth-dependent across the different land uses. The specific functional groups of enzymes and the gradients of resources and environmental conditions within the soil profile that is partly mediated by land use play crucial roles in shaping these relationships. Our results can also provide some new insights into sustainable soil management practices under the background of intense anthropogenic activities and global change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation threatens global food security and environmental sustainability, necessitating effective soil management strategies. This review comprehensively examines the impact of organic soil amendments on soil quality and productivity across various soil types and climatic conditions. A review of significant research related to organic amendments was performed using encompassed data from online search engines for studies published up until 31 December 2023. Despite their heterogeneity and use of varying methodologies, the data were narratively synthesized, providing a comprehensive understanding of amendment-induced changes in the chemical and physical properties of soil and the effectiveness of restoration on soil degradation. Organic amendments, including compost, vermicompost, biochar, and pomace, are pivotal in enhancing soil quality by increasing soil organic matter content, fostering aggregate formation, and improving soil structure in the short term. They positively influence water retention capacity, pH levels, nutrient availability, and carbon sequestration. In several studies, amendment-induced changes were absent, indicating that the effects of amendments vary depending on soil texture, application rates, and cropping systems, which emphasizes the need for tailored, sustainable soil management practices. This study concludes that organic amendments are a promising option for structure improvement and organic matter accumulation. It further suggests that an approach that integrates various methods is essential in order to meet desirable soil quality and retain agricultural productivity and offers valuable insights and recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and researchers. Organic amendments can improve soil ecosystem services and contribute to climate change adaptation. In the future, more attention should be directed to tillage management and soil amendment interaction, as well as their effectiveness over specific periods of time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil temperature plays a critical role in many soil functions, particularly in arid ecosystems, but is scarcely reported as potential indicator of climate change. Although studies have been conducted worldwide to investigate (both measurements and modeling) temperature changes in the soil profile in response to ambient temperature, no information on soil temperature is available in the state of Kuwait. Hydrological and many bio-geochemical processes are more sensitive to soil temperature than air temperature. In this study, we used observed soil temperature data (2007–2016) from three sites with three soil depth increments (5, 50, 100 cm) and compared to regional climate and regression models' output. The most salient finding of this study is the tight association between observed and simulated soil temperature at shallower soil depths from both the regional climate model (RegCM4) and linear regression model. The RegCM4 model poorly predicted (underestimated) soil temperature at deeper soil layers relative to shallower soil layers. Application of the linear scaling (LS) method has significantly improved the RegCM4 model performance with respect to measured soil temperature, which allows an accurate evaluation of the impact of climate change on the soil temperature under different soil management systems. These findings indicate that RegCM4 can be applied as a reliable predictor of soil temperature under arid ecosystems for which there is a gap in site data availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Soil Health Index serves as a valuable tool in assessing soil health, establishing a connection between soil properties and agricultural yield. It not only aids in comprehending the intricate relationship between soil features and management strategies but also facilitates the implementation of targeted and efficient soil improvement measures. As the field of soil health evaluation continues to advance, the Soil Health Index stands out as an essential component, contributing to the overall progress and sustainability of agriculture. The study was carried out to develop Soil Health Index in the Biswanath District of Assam. The District falls in the Sub-tropical climatic region, and enjoys monsoon type of climate. 200 numbers of soil samples were collected at random locations representing 4.5 to 5 km² area from a depth of 0-30 cm. Top of FormThe calculation of Soil Health Index, involved three steps: choosing the soil health indicators as minimum data set (MDS), converting the indicator values into scores and integrating the scores into an overall index. In the present study, the indicators were chosen on the basis of ecosystem goal, the scoring was done using authors opinion based, finally, indicator scores were combined using additive index. The District's average soil health index (SHI), was found to be 11.00. The contribution towards the SHI followed the order as root development capacity (48.29%)>nutrient storage capacity (42.49%) > water storage capacity (9.21%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 document discusses the importance of soil and water management practices in mitigating nutrient losses in agricultural watersheds. Nutrient losses from farmland can lead to a decrease in soil fertility, crop yield reduction, eutrophication, and damage to water ecosystems. The document highlights various practices that can be used to reduce nutrient loss, such as conservation tillage, cover crops, precision agriculture, and diversified cropping systems. The document also provides a summary of five research papers that explore topics related to nutrient transport, assessment methods, damages caused by nutrient loss, and specific practices for mitigating nutrient losses. [Extracted from the article]

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.