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Determining total organic carbon and its stock and quantifying the chemical fractions of soil organic matter can be used as indicators of the quality of the soil management used in a cropping area. This study aimed to quantify soil organic matter's carbon stock and chemical fractions in different soil management systems used in the western Bahian Cerrado, Brazil, and compare them to a native Cerrado area. Ten microregions (Alto Horizonte, Anel da Soja, Bela Vista, Cascudeiro, Coaceral, Novo Paraná, Panambi, Placas, Roda Velha, Roda Velha de Baixo), three soil management systems [tillage system (TS), no-tillage systems (nTS), native Cerrado (NC)], and two soil layers (0–0.1 and 0.1–0.2 m) were studied. Soil bulk density (Sd), soil organic matter (SOM), total organic carbon (TOC), SOM quantification (qSOM), equivalent carbon stock (EqCs), humin (HF), humic acid (HAF) and fulvic acid (FAF) fractions from SOM were evaluated. The results indicated that Sd in all evaluated microregions was below the critical upper limit that would restrict plant root development. SOM, TOC, EqCs, and qSOM revealed increasing results following the TS, nTS, and NC order. The NC area presented the highest soil organic fraction contents (HF, HAF, and FAF). The microregions with better soil quality for all evaluated parameters were Coaceral and Cascudeiro; the lowest soil quality was observed in Alto Horizonte. The present study indicates that conservation agricultural management, such as the no-tillage system, improves the structure and composition of SOM parameters over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stone column installation is commonly employed to prevent liquefaction. Stone columns mitigate liquefaction by means of mainly three mechanisms which are drainage, stiffening and densification. A factor of safety against liquefaction $FS$ FS is used to quantify liquefaction potential. The aim of this study was to assess the efficiency of stone columns as a liquefaction remediation based on twenty four case studies. In these cases, SPT and CPT tests were recorded before and after stone columns installation. It was found that the installation of stone columns considerably increased soil density mainly in clean to slightly silty sand. The average rate of increase in the penetration resistance ${N_{1,60,cs}}$ N 1 , 60 , cs and ${q_{c1Ncs}}$ q c 1 Ncs were about 31.13% to 69.29% and 57.10% to 318.28%, respectively. Furthermore, the cyclic shear stress ratio of reinforced soil can be reduced by 13.5% to 77.5% due to the stiffening improvement of stone columns. Densification and stiffening mechanisms have been investigated through several approaches. Their individual and combined effects have been analysed. Comparative results indicate that considering the densification and stiffening effects in liquefaction analyses improved considerably the performance of stone columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The slope safety factor is a crucial indicator for assessing slope stability. However, the current methods for calculating safety factors are predominantly based on the search of limit equilibrium theory and the iteration of finite element methods, leading to overly intricate computational procedures. Considering classical mechanics theory and the definition of slope safety factors, there inevitably exists a certain functional relationship between various slope parameters and their safety factors. Thus, we propose an approach utilizing response surface surrogate functions to express this relationship.We studied two types of slopes: soil slopes and rock slopes. For soil slopes, assumed to be single-layer saturated clay, we considered five parameters: soil density, cohesion, friction angle, slope height, and slope angle. For rock slopes, we considered six parameters: rock density, uniaxial compressive strength of the rock, GSI, mi, slope height, and slope angle.we introduce a data sampling technique based on genetic algorithms to enhance the quality of training data. This approach reduces the uncertainty in fitting outcomes while minimizing the volume of sample data, while still meeting precision requirements and generalizability.To address the demands of this study, we establish a convolutional neural network to approximate the response surface. A comparison is made with response surfaces approximated using FCNN and polynomial methods, revealing superior performance of the convolutional neural network. Following training, the surrogate function derived enables rapid and accurate computation of the slope safety factor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to assess the dynamics of carbon and nitrogen in soil, forest floor, and aboveground biomass in 9.5 years-old planted stands of three Khaya spp. (K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, and K. senegalensis). The study was conducted at the Reserva Natural Vale (RNV), Brazil. The stands were planted at 5 × 5 m spacing, distributed over rectangular plots of 1250 m2. Soil bulk density at the evaluated depths, as well nitrogen contents, were similar among the species. However, K. ivorensis exhibited higher carbon concentration in the soil. In general, there were no differences in carbon and nitrogen content in soil between the three species; however, the values obtained are comparable to those of the reference area–Native Forest. The carbon stocks in the aboveground biomass for K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, and K. senegalensis averaged 37.97, 33.66 and 33.86 Mg ha−1, respectively (p ≤ 0.05). These values collectively represent about 28% of the total carbon stocks across the observed compartments. Notably, the nitrogen content within the aboveground biomass did not differ among these species. Therefore, African mahogany possesses a robust potential to store both carbon and nitrogen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The main objective of the current study was to use seven lots in Hartford, CT that are planned for community reuse to determine the optimal sampling density that allows for the detection of hotspots of lead pollution while limiting the labor of the sampling process. The sampling density was investigated using soil Pb measured by in situ X-ray Fluorescence as the indicator to evaluate soil health, with a new threshold of 200-mg/kg proposed by the USEPA in January of 2024. Even though this study takes place in an urban setting, where the new USEPA policy requires the use of a 100-mg/kg threshold for Pb due to the fact that there are other identifiable sources of the contaminant, only the 200-mg/kg threshold is discussed because it is evident from the analysis that compliance of a 100 mg/kg threshold in urban plots is highly unlikely (five out of seven sites would require complete site excavation prior to reuse). Using the inverse distance weighted geospatial interpolation of in situ pXRF determined lead measurements, grid sampling resolutions of 3-m, 4-m, 5-m, 6-m, 8-m, 10-m, and 12-m were compared. Ultimately, the case study finds that the largest grid resolution that can be implemented for soil screening to maintain hotspots of pollution to properly inform soil management decisions is a 6-m grid, or a density of approximately 1/36-m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Karst ecosystems, especially tropical karst forests, are crucial to the global carbon cycle. In mountainous and hilly areas, elevation-related changes in environment and vegetation often lead to shifts in the accumulation and decomposition of soil organic carbon (SOC). However, the elevational patterns and influencing variables of SOC and its fractions in tropical karst forest ecosystems remain largely unexplored. Here, we analyzed the elevational patterns of SOC and its fractions in the topsoil and subsoil in the tropical seasonal rainforests within typical peak-cluster depression region of Southwest China. Our results indicated that the SOC content was highest at 400 m asl, which was significantly higher than that at 200 m asl (p < 0.05). Overall, SOC content demonstrated an increasing trend with rising elevation. Additionally, SOC content was significantly higher in the topsoil compared to the subsoil (p < 0.05). The majority of SOC fractions exhibited an increase with elevation but decrease with soil depth. Notably, only water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) displayed a decrease with elevation. Meanwhile, recalcitrant organic carbon (ROC, 54.27%), particulate organic carbon (POC, 30.19%), and easily oxidizable organic carbon (EOC, 16.95%) were the main SOC fractions. Labile organic carbon (LOC) in the karst forest soil was predominantly composed of EOC and POC. Correlation analysis unveiled significant positive correlations between SOC and certain fractions with elevation, soil total nitrogen, and exchangeable magnesium. Conversely, significant negative correlations were observed with soil bulk density (SBD), soil total phosphorus, and litter phosphorus (Litter P). Redundancy analysis indicated that elevation, SBD, and Litter P were the main environmental variables influencing shifts in SOC and its fractions. Structural equation models showed that SOC was primarily directly impacted by soil properties but indirectly impacted by elevation. ROC was mainly associated with the direct effects of soil properties and litterfall, although elevation exerted a substantial impact through indirect pathways. Moreover, LOC was predominantly influenced by the direct impact of soil properties. Therefore, this study demonstrates that SOC and its fractions are strongly influenced by elevation in karst peak-cluster depression regions and have important implications for forest management and sustainable ecosystem development in these regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pipe-soil interaction force is a crucial load that ensures the on-bottom stability of submarine pipelines and acts as a vital input parameter for the design of controlled pipeline buckling. It is necessary to precise prediction of soil lateral resistance and sensitivity to environmental parameters. This study developed a numerical simulation technique based on the coupled Euler-Lagrange (CEL) method to systematically analyse the deformation of the pipeline and the soil-pipeline forces on the seabed foundation during service. To validate the numerical method for large lateral displacement of pipe-soil interaction, an experimental approach employing parameter variation was utilized to conduct sensitivity analysis on the environmental parameters. The key parameters affecting soil-pipeline interaction were determined through an analysis of relative variation factors. The research findings demonstrate a satisfactory agreement, with an amplitude difference range of within 15 %, between the numerical simulation technique using the CEL method and the experimental results. This method resolves the issue of non-convergence due to grid distortion under conditions of large displacement, thereby enhancing computational accuracy. Sensitivity analysis shows that the relative variation factors for soil friction angle, initial burial depth, and soil density exceed 50 %, which is notably higher than the elastic modulus, friction coefficient, and Poisson's ratio of the soil. The results of this study enable the prediction of lateral forces in pipe-soil interaction and identification of environmentally sensitive parameters. This study establishes a foundation for calculating pipeline buckling strength in complex environments and holds paramount importance for the design and construction of pipelines to ensure on-bottom stability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Timber harvesting on steep terrain is a challenge in terms of economic viability, safety, and environmental performance. Felling with chainsaws and use of yarders seems optimal in this environment. However, using mobile traction winches allows for the safe work of ground-based technologies even in these challenging conditions. Methods: Our study assessed the impact of winch-assisted cut-to-length harvesting on soil disturbance in young forest stands (up to 40 years old) across slopes of 14.9°-27.4° (27-52%). Utilizing 78 measurement points (i.e., 234 measurements), we analyzed soil samples from trail ruts, between ruts, and undisturbed areas for soil bulk density (g.cm-3) and soil moisture content (%), simultaneously measuring penetration resistance (MPa), penetration depth (cm) and rut depth (cm). Results: The results highlighted that areas without winch assistance experienced the most significant increases in soil bulk density (up to 22.35%) and penetration resistance (up to 26.8%), though these differences were not statistically significant. Linear mixed effects models did not confirm a significant effect (p > 0.05) of a traction winch on the soil bulk density (g cm-3) and penetration resistance (MPa) in the ruts of the forwarding trails. Mean forwarding trail profile depths ranged from 4.63 to 7.28cm, with the maximum depths between 10.86 and 17.25cm, showing deeper ruts in non-assisted areas. Moreover, the presence of the traction winch (p<0.05) significantly affected themaximal depth of the forwarding trail rut. Conclusion: The findings suggest that winch-assisted harvesting may mitigate soil disturbance (rut depths) on steep slopes, offering a sustainable option for utilizing ground-based machinery with reduced environmental impact. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe determination of the pullout capacity of anchors has been a key point of offshore and onshore applications, considering factors such as the shape, size, penetration velocities, and pull-out velocities of the anchors. Multi-plate expandable anchors can be considered as an alternative that exhibits higher capacity compared to single plate anchors. While previous studies have demonstrated the influence of penetration velocity, there is a lack of research investigating the pullout capacity of multi-plate expandable anchors. In the present study, experimental tests were conducted to investigate the effect of various pull-out velocities. Different soil relative densities and the distance between anchors were examined in the laboratory tests. The study also employed two analytical methods—constant control volume and movement control volume—to investigate the results of pull-out velocity. In addition, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was used to analyze the effect of particle shape on the results. In the experimental tests, the findings suggest that increasing the pull-out velocity from 10 to 30 mm/min improved the pullout capacity of anchors and the optimal distance between plate anchors was determined to be 1B. The DEM findings showed that the sharp-cornered shape had good agreement with experimental results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Different tillage methods can have varying effects on soil properties and crop quality. Therefore, field experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm of Landmark University, located in Omu‐Aran, Kwara State. The objectives were to investigate the impacts of various tillage methods on soil characteristics and the growth, yield, mineral and proximate content of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merr.). Based on these objectives, it was hypothesized that soil properties, growth, yield, mineral and proximate contents of soybean would react differently to different tillage methods. Consequently, experiments were conducted to validate this hypothesis. The treatments were four tillage methods: manual clearing (MC), ploughing (P), ploughing plus harrowing (P + H) and manual ridging (MR), replicated three times in a randomized complete block design. Data on the initial soil properties (bulk density, particle size, pH, organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg), along with the chemical properties of the soil on a per‐plot basis at the end of the experiment, were collected. Additionally, data on soil bulk density, porosity, moisture content and temperature were collected during the vegetative growth of the soybean. Soybean plant height and the number of branches were recorded at the midflowering stage, while grain yield and the number of pods were recorded at harvest. Soybean seeds were later analysed for their mineral and proximate contents using standard methods. P + H resulted in lower soil bulk density than other tillage methods and led to higher growth, yield, proximate and mineral contents of soybean. In MC, bulk density, soil moisture content, soil organic matter, N, P, K, Ca and Mg were significantly higher and temperature lower than in other tillage methods; yet, these advantages did not translate into increased yield and quality due to the higher bulk density. The growth, yield and quality of soybean were significantly influenced by soil bulk density rather than by soil chemical properties. Using the mean of the two sites, relative to MC, P and MR, P + H increased the grain yield of soybean by 41.3%, 24.4% and 13.7%, respectively. These findings underscore the importance of appropriate tillage practices for successful soybean cultivation in similar agroecological zones. For small‐scale operations, MR is suggested, while P + H is recommended for large‐scale soybean production in the studied area. Future studies could include additional variables, such as economic analysis, long‐term soil health impacts or the effects of tillage methods under varying climate conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Red oak is an important species within the North American landscape, with climate change projections indicating a potential northward shift in its distribution. However, understanding the factors influencing its regeneration success at the northern limit remains limited. Site conditions and seed provenance adaptability may play critical roles. To bridge this knowledge gap, we conducted a seed transfer study in two northern red oak stands in Quebec. We firstly investigated stand regeneration history through dendrochronological characterization. Then, we monitored the survival and growth of saplings for four red oak provenances across a south-to-north gradient in field and greenhouse settings, with varying soil nutrient levels due to fertilization, and with or without protection from large herbivores. Results indicated that stands have similar age structures with red oak establishment coinciding with the last major fire disturbance in the early 1920s. However, tree species composition and density differed, suggesting differences in fire disturbance regime or ecological succession status prior to fire. Site had the largest influence on red oak regeneration, with the highest tree density and soil water availability site exhibiting a 29% higher survival rate. Protection against large herbivores also significantly impacted red oak seedling performance, leading to a 16% higher survival rate. Germination, survival and growth also significantly differed between provenances. The local (northernmost) provenance exhibited the poorest overall performance with 28 to 42% lower germination, survival and growth rates, while the two southernmost provenances exhibited superior germination and sprout survival. An increase in soil nutrient availability was beneficial to red oak in the greenhouse, but only marginally benefited survival and growth in the field, suggesting that this factor is of less importance than other factors (e.g., water and light availability) for red oak early regeneration. The findings of this study suggest that silvicultural efforts to favor red oak should focus on site and provenance selection, and that water availability is currently limiting red oak regeneration success at acorn and early seedling life stages (i.e., 1 year old seedlings) near its northern distribution limit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil caves collapse are typical geological hazards in karst areas. The disintegration of red clay is one of the important mechanisms leading to soil caves collapse. The pH of the soil pore solution has changed due to acid rains and the overuse of fertilizers. This study conducted disintegration tests to observe the disintegration rate of red clay in solutions with different pH values by a self-made disintegration apparatus. The inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) and Zeta potential analyzer were used to test the cations concentration in the solutions and the electric potential (ζ potential) of red clay, analyzing the effect of pH on the physicochemical properties and the disintegration rate of red clay, providing a scientific basis for evaluating and preventing soil caves collapse. The results show that the disintegration rate in solutions with different pH values follows the order of pH = 11 > pH = 9 > pH = 3 > pH = 5 > pH = 7. When pH < 7, the cations concentration and the cations charges density in the soil solutions increased as the pH decreases. The electric potential changed from negative to positive as the pH decreases, with the potential value first decreasing and then increasing. When pH > 7, the cations concentration, cations charges density in the soil solutions, and the electric potential increased with the pH increased. The ratio of charges density to electric potential increased under both acidic and alkaline conditions, the thickness of the clay diffusion layer decreased, short-range gravitational decayed and repulsion increased, ultimately leading to the disintegration of red clay. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil water infiltration, a hydrological process, can be significantly dominated by land use types (vegetation cover). There is also some impact on the formation and distribution of slope runoff, soil moisture regulation, water conservation, and soil conservation. This study aims to investigate the impact of slope economic forest development on soil water infiltration, in order to determine the main influencing factors on the soil water infiltration. Field surveys and visits were carried out as well. Four cultivation modes were selected from Jinzhai County, Anhui Province, including Castanea Mollissima forest, Castanea Mollissima with tea interplanting, Camellia Oleifera forest, and Camellia Oleifera with tea interplanting, with Miscellaneous Wood forest as the control. Indoor experiments were then combined with field investigations. A systematic analysis was implemented to explore the main influencing factors of soil water infiltration, including the soil bulk density (BD), porosity, soil mechanical composition, soil organic matter (SOM), soil aggregate structure, and soil water infiltration characteristics (Initial infiltration rate, steady infiltration rate, average infiltration rate) under different cultivation modes. Meanwhile, four models were selected to evaluate their applicability under different cultivation modes, including Philip, Kostiakov, Kostiakov-Lewis, and Horton. The results showed: 1) The soil water infiltration significantly decreased after the cultivation of slope economic forests into Castanea Mollissima forest, Castanea Mollissima with tea interplanting, Camellia Oleifera forest and Camellia Oleifera with tea interplanting. The average infiltration rate (AIR), initial infiltration rate (IIR), and stable infiltration rate (SIR) decreased by 46.14% to 64.88%, 39.60% to 58.97%, and 49.88% to 72.84%, respectively. The initial infiltration rate and stable infiltration rate were ranked in the descending order as follows: Miscellaneous Wood forest, Castanea Mollissima with tea interplanting, Camellia Oleifera with tea interplanting, Castanea Mollissima forest, Camellia Oleifera forest; There was no significant difference in the average infiltration rate between Castanea Mollissima with tea interplanting and Camellia Oleifera with tea interplanting (P>0.05). 2) Miscellaneous Wood forests shared the higher soil porosity, soil organic matter, clay content, mean weight diameter (MWD), and geometric mean diameter (GMD), indicating large aggregate content, higher soil stability, and lower bulk density and fractal dimension (D), compared with Castanea Mollissima forest, Castanea Mollissima with tea interplanting, Camellia Oleifera forest, and Camellia Oleifera with tea interplanting; 3) The initial, average, and stable infiltration rate were significantly negatively correlated with the soil bulk density, sand content, mechanical stable aggregate 1-2 mm, mechanical stable aggregate 0.5-1 mm, water stable aggregates 1-2 mm, and water stable aggregates 0.5-1 mm (P<0.05). There was a significant positive correlation with the soil organic matter, capillary porosity (CP), non-capillary porosity (NCP), total porosity (TP), powder particles, clay particles, mechanical stable aggregate>5 mm, 0.25-0.5 mm, MWD, GMD, D, water stable aggregates>5 mm, 2-5 mm, 0.25-0.5 mm, MWD, GMD, and D. The path analysis showed that the mechanical stable aggregate>5 mm, water stability aggregate MWD, and mechanical stable aggregate MWD were the main influencing factors on soil water infiltration, while the mechanical stable aggregate>5 mm was the main influencing factor. 3) The goodness of fit of the infiltration was ranked in descending order as follows: Kostiakov model > Philip model > Horton model > Kostiakov-Lewis model, according to the coefficient of determination R², RRMSE, CRM, and CE. The Kostiakov model was the most suitable to describe the actual situation of soil infiltration in the northern Dabie Mountains. The findings can also provide a strong reference for the cultivation modes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The percentage of slope classes on a land has an impact on changes in soil physics. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the physical properties of soil planted with tobacco on various slopes in Kenagarian Situjuah Batua, Situjuah Limo Nagari District, Lima Puluh Kota Regency. The method used in this study was a survey; samples were taken purposively based on slope classes at slopes 8−15%, 15–25%, and 25–45% at depths of 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm. From each slope 3 repetitions were taken. The results showed that there were changes in soil physics properties in each slope class with the dominant texture of sandy clay loam. Organic matter was classified as high to low (18.77– 3.63%), low soil buld density (0.66–0.34 g/cm3), and total pore space was classified as high (75.27–86.87%). The permeability of the soil was classified as very fast to somewhat slow (34.88–0.78 cm/h), and the aggregate stability index was somewhat steady to less steady (60.89–45.98%). It is recommended that tobacco farmers to make terrracing and cut the length of the slope so that it does not lose organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effectiveness of zeolite, both alone and in combination with mineral fertilizers, in improving the yield and quality of table beets (Beta vulgaris L.) grown in dark chestnut soils of southeast Kazakhstan. The research was conducted at the Kazakh Research Institute of Horticulture during the 2022-2023 growing seasons using a randomized complete block design with six treatments: control (no fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha, N45P45K45 (single dose of mineral fertilizers), N90P90K90 (double dose of mineral fertilizers), zeolite 2 t/ha + N45P45K45, and zeolite 2 t/ha + N90P90K90, replicated three times. The application of zeolite significantly improved soil physical properties, such as water permeability and soil density, enhancing root development and water retention. Nutrient availability, particularly nitrate nitrogen and mobile phosphorus, increased significantly in zeolite-treated plots. The combination of zeolite and mineral fertilizers resulted in the highest improvements, with nitrate nitrogen content reaching 40.5 mg/kg and mobile phosphorus 89.2 mg/kg. Moreover, zeolite reduced heavy metal concentrations, particularly cadmium, by 50% compared to the control. Table beet yield significantly increased with zeolite application, with the highest yield of 62.7 t/ha achieved with 2 t/ha zeolite combined with double dose N90P90K90 fertilizers, compared to 42.8 t/ha in the control. Marketable yield also improved, indicating better crop quality. Nutrient composition of the beets improved, with increased dry matter content (21.9%) and reduced nitrate content (240 mg/kg) in zeolite-treated variants. In conclusion, zeolite, especially when combined with mineral fertilizers, effectively enhances soil health, nutrient availability, and table beet yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the latest development and benchmark of a gravity installed anchor (GIA), the OMNI-Max anchor stands as a cutting-edge achievement and benchmark, finding increasingly widespread use within mooring systems due to its exceptional operational performance and adaptability. Notably, while investigations into the pullout capacity of OMNI-Max anchors have been conducted extensively in clay, the relevant studies are seldom observed in sand. Actually, the mechanical properties of sand are quite different from those of clay, and sand is also widely distributed in seabed soil. Full knowledge of OMNI-Max anchors not only in clay but also in sand is necessary to a wider application of the anchors. In the present work, the large deformation finite element (LDFE) method is adopted combined with the coupled Eulerian-Lagrangian (CEL) technique to study the end-bearing characteristics of the OMNI-Max anchor in sand seabeds. A bounding-surface plasticity model is taken as the constitutive model to capture the characteristics of sand. Through investigation and analysis, OMNI-Max anchors are closely related to the anchor embedment depth, the soil relative density, the anchor orientation, the loading angle and the bearing area, so the working conditions related to these five factors are designed and calculated. An explicit expression of the end-bearing capacity factor is finally derived to provide a simple and fast tool of evaluating the pullout capacity of the anchor in sand under multiple factors. Validation cases and orthogonal tests have confirmed the effectiveness and applicability of the explicit expression. Highlights: LDFE analyses with CEL technique and bounding-surface plasticity constitutive model An explicit expression of end-bearing capacity factor for OMNI-Max anchors in sand Effectiveness and applicability of the expression confirmed by various ways Pullout capacity property of OMNI-Max anchors in sand under multiple factors A simple and fast tool of evaluating the pullout capacity of OMNI-Max anchors in sand [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) is a globally significant crop, valued for its economic importance in sugar production. Saline‐sodic soil environments negatively impact sugar beet productivity. This study investigates the effects of using compost, glauconite enriched‐K and their combinations in mitigating the saline‐sodic soil environment, sugar beet productivity and extracted sugar quality. A two‐season field experiment in split‐plot design with the main plots is three doses of compost: control (C0), recommended (100%) dose (C1) and 150% recommended dose (C2). Each group divided into four subplots of glauconite treatments arranged according to the recommended dose of potassium (K) as follows: G0 (no glauconite), G1 (50% K), G2 (100% K, 480 Kg glauconite Fed−1) and G3 (150% K). The results showed that compost and glauconite mitigated adverse soil effects caused by salinity and sodicity. The C2G3 treatment reduced electrical conductivity (EC) and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), improved organic matter and enhanced soil bulk density, porosity and penetration resistance. This combination also increased soil nutrients (N, K, Fe, Mn, Zn and Cu). Regarding the sugar beet yield, C2G3 improved root yield, top yield, sugar yield and extracted sugar. The application of glauconite increased root diameter by 20% and root length by 23%, enhanced sugar quality with minimal sugar losses to molasses (2.43%), and reduced impurities of K, α‐amino N and Na. Principal component analysis showed positive correlations between root yield and soil potassium, organic matter, cation exchange capacity and soil porosity, with negative correlations to bulk density, EC, pH and ESP. Two‐way analysis of main (ANOM) illustrated significant effects of compost and glauconite on soil–plant interactions. Multivariate analysis indicated that higher glauconite doses significantly enhanced root yield. The Gag run charts confirmed that compost (100%) and G3 levels explored more homogeneity reducing the ESP%, increasing sugar beet root yield, sugar yield and quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Landslides are one natural disaster in the mountains, causing damage to properties, destruction of infrastructure and loss of life. While landslide deformation and displacement are commonly observed through experimental investigation of the prototype models, this time-consuming approach might involve human errors and inaccurate constitutive models. This study aims to propose a numerical approach based on machine learning for substituting experimental investigation. In pursuit of this objective, the probability-weighted moments (PWMs) for generalised extreme value distribution (GEVD) were implemented to predict the deposit landslide deformation under uniformly increasing rainfall. The deposit landslide of the Dahua was selected as the case study. The accuracy and reliability of the proposed PWM are validated through the maximum likelihood method and the Jenkinson method. The PWM with GEVD is used to derive the progressive failure of the deposit landslide stability under the return period, the pore water pressure variation and the return period's effect. The results show that the proposed solution is suitable for predicting the responses of landslides. Moreover, the results demonstrate the importance of soil density; 30% of the deposited soil was moved when the soil density was 2 g/cm3 besides, and more than 90% were moved at the top of the slope for the soil density equal to 3 g/cm3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Enzyme induced carbonate precipitation (EICP) is a new bio-cementation technique that utilizes plant-sourced urease to catalyze urea degradation and reaction with calcium iron, resulting in the formation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) for soil improvement. EICP has considerable promise for novel and sustainable engineering applications such as soil strengthening, pollutant remediation, and other in situ field applications. In this study, the effect of EICP on the geotechnical characteristics of expansive soil is examined. A series of laboratory tests have been performed with an optimal concentration ratio of 0.75 mol/L. The outcomes of the compaction experiment indicated a slight increment in the dry density of the expansive soil from 15.78 to 16.71 kN/m3.Further, it diminished the optimal moisture content of the soil, decreasing it from 22.3 to 18.5%. The utilization of EICP improves the soil mechanical characteristics, reducing swelling pressure by 80% and increasing the UCS, cohesion, friction angle, unsoaked and soaked CBR by 66%, 44%, 49%, 441%, and 430%, approximately. Additionally, it leads to a significant decrease in soil permeability, approximately 63%. Moreover, SEM and XRD analysis confirmed the presence of CaCO3 content in the treated soil. The experimental findings indicated that the EICP method holds promise in enhancing expansive soil within engineering projects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to explore the effects of different economic forest planting modes on soil water physical properties and soil nutrients in central and southern Shandong, and to provide a basis for screening and planting management of soil and water conservation economic forest planting modes in this area. [Methods] Four kinds of economic forest planting modes in Menglianggu small watershed of Mengyin County, Linyi City, were selected as the research objects, including A. persica (TS). C. pinnati fida (SZ). M. pumila P. pseudocerasus (PY). and C. mollissima + 2. bungeunum (BH), with wasteland (CK) as the control. The water physical indexes such as soil bulk density, porosity and water storage capacity, and the nutrient indexes such as soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and available nutrients were measured and analyzed. The soil improvement effect was comprehensively evaluated hy Principal component analysis and fuzzy mathematics membership function method. [Results] (1) Economic forest planting could improve soil porosity and water storage performance. Compared with CK, the four economic forest. planting patterns could reduce soil bulk density by 7.3%~22.1%, increase capillary porosity by 14.2%~ 42.0%, and increase soil maximum water storage by 16.5%~43.8%. The soil water holding capacity decressed in the order, TS>PY BH>SZ>CK. In addition to PY. other economic forest planting patterns could effectively increase soil storage and storage precipitation, showing BH TS SZ>CK. The effect of economic forest planting on the storage precipitation and effective storage capacity of 0-20 cm soil layer was more obvious. Compared with 0-20 cm soil layer the porosity and maximum water storage capacity of 20 40 cm soil layer decreased, and the change range of TS was the smallest. (2) Economic forest planting could improve soil organic carbon and available nutrients. Compared with CK the four economic forest planting patterns could increase soil organic carbon by 6.9%~270.4%, which was expressed as TS>PY BHSZ CK: the contents of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in soil decreased in the oder, TSPY>BH>SZ> CK. The effect of economic forest planting on the nutrient content of 0-20 cm soil layer was more obvious. Compared with 0-20 cm soil layer the nutrient content of 2040 cm soil layer decreased. (3) The indicators reflecting the soil improvement effect of economic forest planting modes could be summarized into three categories. The first was soil capillary water holding characteristics and nutrient characteristics, the second was soil water storage characteristics and the third was soil non-capillary water holding. characteristics. [Conclusion] The cotoprehensive evaluation of soil improvement effect of different economic forest planting modes is, A. persica C. mollissima Z. bungeanum M. pumila + P. pseudocerasus>С. pinnatifida wasteland. Compared with grassland economic forest planting can significantly improve the physical properties of soil moisture and improve soil nutrient performance, but the soil improvement effect varies greatly with different planting modes. In the arid and barren mountainous areas of central and southern Shandong, the planting mode of A. persica has the best effect on soil improvement, followed by C. mollissimaZ. bungeunum and C. pinnatifidu is relatively poor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aim of this study is to explore the relationship between soil organic carbon content and soil physicochemical factors of different forest types in southeastern Guizhou Province, China. [Methods] The pure Pinus massoniana forest, pure Cunninghamia lanceolata forest, coniferous mixed forest, broad-leaved mixed forest, and coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest were selected in Tianzhu State owned Forest Farm. The standard plot survey method was used to set up sample plots for five types of forests. Five point sampling method was used to collect soil samples from 0-20 cm, 20-40 cm, and 40-60 cm layers of each forest, and soil organic total carbon, soil pH, soil moisture content, soil bulk density, and soil gravel content were measured for each forest type, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and other physical and chemical indicators. Person correlation analysis between soil organic carbon and soil physical and chemical properties were conducted. [Results (1) The total organic carbon content of soil pure Pinus massoniana fores ranged from 22.25 to 42.08 g/kg, pure Cunninghamia lanceolata forest ranged from 30.12 to 50.33 g/kg, coniferous mixed fores ranged from 22.93 to 48.17 g/kg, broad-leaved mixed forest ranged from 24.01 to 67.68 g/kg, and soil coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest ranged from 32.99 to 92.36 g/kg. Overall, coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest soil had the highest organic carbon content, and all forest types exhibited surface enrichment characteristics. (2) The pure Pinus massoniana forest was positively correlated with soil total nitrogen and hydrolyzed nitrogen, while the pure Chinese fir forest was negatively correlated with soil total nitrogen and hydrolyzed nitrogen. The mixed coniferous forest was negatively correlated with soil pH, soil moisture, total nitrogen, and total potassium content. The broad-leaved forest was positively correlated with soil pH and total potassium content, while the mixed coniferous and broad- leaved forest was positively correlated with soil moisture, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium content. (3) The organic carbon content of pure Pinus massoniana fores soil was mainly affected by the content of hydrolyzed nitrogen, pure Cunninghamia lanceolata forest and coniferous mixed fores were mainly affected by the content of total nitrogen, broad-leaved mixed forest was mainly affected by the soil pH, coniferous broad-leaved mixed forest was the main factor of soil moisture, total phosphorus, hydrolyzed nitrogen and total nitrogen, and the degree of influence is manifested by the order: water content > total phosphorus hydrolyzed nitrogen total nitrogen. [Conclusion] The content of soil organic carbon is significantly influenced by forest type and soil physicochemical properties, and constructing a mixed forest with needle and broad-leaved trees is more conducive to the accumulation of soil organic carbon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] This study aims to comprehend the spatial distribution patterns of arable soil nutrients in various geomorphic conditions of the Loess Plateau, to unveil the driving factors behind these changes, and to provide the critical insights for precision management in the regional agriculture and the construction of agricultural projects. [Methods] Based on the 2020 soil nutrient data from the Loess Plateau in Shaanxi, the Kriging interpolation method was employed to analyze the spatial patterns of soil nutrients across four different geomorphic types. The driving factors behind these nutrient spatial variations was explored by using the geodetector model. [Results] (1) In the Loess Plateau, spanning from the Great Wall's sandy lands, through the hilly and gully regions of northern Shaanxi, the loess table lands in northern of Weihe River, to the Guanzhong Plain, the average contents of soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) exhibited a gradual increasing trend. Specifically, the SOM content averaged 10.20, 10.08, 15.28, and 18.78 g/kg, respectively, across these regions. TN averaged 0.63, 0.66, 0.98, and 1.19 g/kg. AP level averaged 12.99, 13.10, 16.97, and 27.24 mg/kg, and AK averaged 117.72, 149.94, 217.27, and 252.83 mg/kg, respectively. This trend indicated a consistent increase from the sandy lands to the plains. (2) In the loess area of Shaanxi, the duration of sunshine had most significant factor influencing overall nutrient contents, followed by annual temperature and fertilizer use. The distribution of nutrients in the windy area was predominantly affected by soil bulk density, whereas in the hilly and gully areas, plateau areas, and plains, fertilizer use was the primary influencing factor. The interaction of various factors provided a more comprehensive explanatory of nutrient dynamics than individual factor alone. [Conclusion] To optimize soil health, it is advisable to increase nutrient input and enhance soil fertility retention in sandy areas and hilly and gully areas. In contrast, the focus should be on improving nutrient utilization efficiency for plateau and plain areas. Additionally, in the process of farmland, it is crucial to tailor human activities to suit the environmental characteristics and specific conditions of different geomorphic regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to determine the appropriate stand density, and to provide the reference for implementing effective restoration practices for improving soil quality of Robinia pseudoacacia plantation in the hilly and gully region of the Loess Plateau in China by analyzing the response of soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities to stand density changes and the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities. [Methods] R. pseudoacacia plantations of three stand density classes-low density (900 trees/hm²), medium density (1 200 trees/hm²), and high density (1 500 trees/hm²) density were sampled in the Xiannangou watershed of Ansai County in loess hilly-gully region of northern Shaanxi Province, China. We analyzed the effects of stand density on soil physicochemical properties, enzyme activities, and determined the relationship between soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities by redundancy analysis. [Results] (1) Compared to low-and high-density plantations, medium density plantations significantly increased soil water content, soil organic carbon, soil total nitrogen, soil available phosphorus, and soil nitrate nitrogen. (2) With the increasing in stand density, the soil enzyme activities, including ẞ-glucosidase, cellulase, invertase, polyphenoloxidase, catalase. urease. leucine aminopeptidase, and N-acetyl-ẞ-glucosaminidase decreased first and then increased, and were the lowest at medium density plantations. (3) Pearson analysis showed that soil enzyme activities related to carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus cycle negatively were correlated with the content of the corresponding resource. (4) Results of redundancy analysis showed that soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus had significant effects on soil enzyme activities. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus explained 59.8% (p<0.01), 20.8% (p<0.01), and 9.5% (p<0.05) of the variation of soil enzyme activities, respectively. [Conclusion] Medium density (1 200 trees/hm²) can help to conserve soil nutrient and water of R. pseudoacacia plantation, and thus is a suitable stand density management strategy for R. pseudoacacia plantations to improve soil quality. Furthermore, managers should pay attention to the changes in soil organic carbon content to implement stand density controlling to improve soil enzyme activity and hence enhance soil nutrient availability and promote the improvement of R. pseudoacacia plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to explore the characteristics and disparities in shear strength of root-soil complexes in different forest stands, and to provide a theoretical basis for addressing local soil erosion issues more effectively. [Methods] This study focuses on Beichuan County, Sichuan Province. Direct shear tests were conducted on intact root-soil complexes of several typical forest stands in the area, measuring relevant indicators such as shear strength, soil properties, and root characteristics. Principal component analysis was utilized to analyze the influencing factors of shear strength. [Results] (1) There were significant differences in shear strength among root-soil composites of different forest stands. The shear strength of 30-year-old Magnolia liliiflora forest (XY) was the highest, followed by Spotted bamboo Phyllostachys bambusoides forest (BZ), while the shear strength of 5-year-old Cryptomeria forest was the lowest. (2) The plant root system significantly contributed to soil stabilization, with an increase in shear strength of root-soil composites ranging from 0.13 kPa to 0.99 kPa, with an average increase of 350.0%. Additionally, the peak displacement, softening segment length, and residual shear strength of root-soil composites were enhanced, with average increases of 75.0%, 66.7%, and 262.5%, respectively. The total energy consumption of root-soil composites varied among different forest types but generally correlated with their shear strength. (3) Comprehensive analysis through principal component analysis revealed that, apart from soil bulk density and the dry and wet weights of 5~8 mm roots, all other indicators were closely related to shear strength. [Conclusion] Plant roots play a significant role in soil stabilization. The notable differences in shear strength of root-soil complexes were observed among different forest stands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Objective] The aims of this study are to clarify the characteristics and influence of soil water content, soil porosity, soil nutrients and the flue-cured tobacco quality in the condition of different dosage of water retaining agent (Potassium polycalcium), to apply the important supply to relieve drought and enhance the quality of the tobacco. Methods] The random-groups design and the condition of different dosages of water retention agent were adopted to measure the indices of soil water content. soil nutrients and tobacco. quality. [Results] As the dosages of water retention agent increased the soil pH value changed from 7.4 το 7.7. total porosity, capillary porosity, soil saturated water content field capacity, capillary water content first increased then decreased. when the dosage of water retaining agent reached to 150 kg/hm, the value of soil bulk density reached to the lowest value. However, the values of total porosity, capillary porosity, soil saturated water content and capillary porosity reached to the highest values. The value of CEC showed fluctuated changes. With the increased of the dosages of water retention agent, the soil organic carbon, soil total potassium available potassium first increased then decreased. However, the total nitrogen, total phosphorus, alkali hydrolyzed nitrogen and available phosphorus showed the increasing trends. But the bulk density first decreased then increased. The chlorine and total nitrogen of the tobacco leaves showed the trends of the upper leaves < the middle leaves < the lower leaves, and as the concentrations of the water retention agent increased, the content of the chlorine of the tobacco leaves showed the fluctuating change. The potassium of middle and upper leaves of the tobacco leaves were higher than that of the lower leaves. And it increased as the concentrations of the water retention agent increased. The content of nicotine changed as the order: the upper leaves the middle leaves the lower leaves, and there existed the weak correlation between nicotine and the concentration of the water retention agents. The reducing sugar and total sugar showed the similar change trends. The ratio of potassium and chlorine changed as the order: the upper leaves > the middle leaves > the lower leaves, and showed the fluctuating change trends as the concentration of water retention agent increased. However, the ratio of nicotine and total nitrogen and the ratio of sugar and alkaline. showed the order: the upper leaves < the middle leaves < the lower leaves, and the two ratios increased as the concentration of water retention agents increased. Meanwhile, there existed the significant positive correlation between the soil total nitrogen and the chlorine contents, the potassium of the upper leaves, the reducing sugar (p<0.05). Also there existed the significant positive correlation between the soil organic carbon and the chlorine contents, the reducing sugar the potassium of the upper leaves, the nicotine of the lower leaves (p<0.05). [Conclusion Above all, the dosage of 150 kg/hm' is considered as the best dosage to soil amelioration in southwest China. Also this study can supply the basis and data supports to the anti- drought ability and enhance the flue-cured tobacco quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on how soil's inherent variability, driven by environmental changes, introduces substantial uncertainty into geotechnical considerations. Voids forming underground are a key source of this uncertainty, affecting subsoil structures like piles. Using a two-dimensional discrete-element method and considering both fundamental (micro) and engineering (macro) approaches, this study investigates the influence of voids in sandy soil on a pile's behavior, especially on the pile's bearing capacity and lateral pressure coefficient acting upon its shaft. The results reveal a critical zone around the pile where voids can dramatically reduce the pile's bearing capacity, with load reductions of up to 63% in the most extreme cases. Surprisingly, voids have a minimal impact on the lateral pressure coefficient along the pile wall. Thus, it is deduced that the primary cause of the pile's load reduction in the presence of the void is the decreased resistance at the pile's tip. In summary, this research underscores how voids in sandy soil significantly affect the bearing capacity of piles, emphasizing the importance of understanding these effects for safe and efficient subsoil structure design in geotechnical engineering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) is an important basis for describing hydraulic properties, which is closely related to environmental problems such as the migration of toxic substances from groundwater and soil. The SWCC models vary considerably with respect to the void ratio or bulk density. However, the void ratio and bulk density of the same soil change at different depths or positions within a flat space. Accurate simulation or calculation requires a precise SWCC, but measuring every SWCC under each density or void ratio condition is difficult. In this study, two particle packing models, the Kwan model and the modified linear packing density model (MLPDM), were introduced into the van Genuchten (VG) model to predict the SWCC for soil at the minimum void ratio (the maximum dry density). Then, the prediction method of the SWCCs for the same soil with different densities or void ratios was given. A series of laboratory tests using quartz sand mixtures were conducted to verify the accuracy of two extended models (the K-VG model and the M-VG model). For the K-VG model, the average RMSE was 0.020. For the M-VG model, the average RMSE was 0.017. In general, the SWCCs predicted by the two extended models were consistent with the measured values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of earthworm in situ treatment of cow dung to produce earthworm manure and conventional organic fertilizer treatment on tomato yield and soil improvement were compared, provide the basis for the sustainable development of facility vegetables. Two tomato varieties were used as materials, earthworm and cow dung were directly inoculated on the ridge after harvesting vegetables in the previous greenhouse, the physical and chemical properties of soil and the yield and quality of tomato were analyzed. The results showed that, reasonable temperature and humidity control could create the living environment of earthworms, earthworm in situ treatment of cow dung to produce vermicompost could reduce soil bulk density(P<0.05), the number of water-stable macroaggregates was increased(P<0.05), mainly concentrated between 2.0 mm≤Ф<3.0 mm and 0.5 mm≤Ф<1.0 mm. There was no significant difference in the effect on soil total salt content(P>0.05), the effects on different base cations were different due to different varieties. There was no significant difference in soil microbial content(P>0.05). The tomato yields of the two varieties were increased by 14.4 % and 24.7 %, respectively. However, the effect on the quality of tomato was different due to different varieties. In summary, the in-situ treatment of cow dung by earthworms to produce earthworm manure could significantly increase the yield of greenhouse tomatoes and significantly improve the physical indicators of the soil. It was recommended to use this method under the condition that there are earthworm farms around the facility agriculture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The importance of fine‐root diameter for ecosystem functioning is increasingly recognized, yet much remains to be learned about the variation in fine‐root diameter at large scales. We conducted an analysis of fine‐root diameter for five root orders for 1163 plant species to detect patterns in relation to resource availability (e.g. carbon, nitrogen, water and net primary production (NPP)), stress intensity (e.g. plant/soil biodiversity and soil bulk density) and temperature. First‐ to fourth‐order root diameters showed non‐linear relationships with mean annual temperature (except for first‐order root diameter) and/or with latitude. The diameters of the five root orders decreased with increasing mean annual precipitation, but increased with greater NPP, which was the strongest determinant of fine‐root diameter. Increasing soil biodiversity was associated with decreasing diameters of fourth‐ and fifth‐order roots, while greater plant biodiversity was associated with decreasing diameters of first‐ to third‐order roots. Soil total nitrogen concentration had a positive effect on first‐order root diameter but a negative effect on fourth‐ and fifth‐order root diameters. The patterns reversed for soil total phosphorus concentration. First‐ to third‐order and fifth‐order root diameters increased with greater soil bulk density. Second‐ to fourth‐order root diameters increased with higher soil pH. Overall, the variables related to climatic, biological and edaphic factors explained 44–63% of the total variance in the diameters of the different root orders. The unique patterns of plasticity observed in fine‐root diameter across root orders in response to varying environmental conditions contributes to a diversification of plant strategies for nutrient/water acquisition and transport under climate change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Microbial and microeukaryotic communities are extremely abundant and diverse in soil habitats where they play critical roles in ecosystem functioning and services that are essential to soil health. Soil biodiversity is influenced by above‐ground (vegetation) and below‐ground factors (soil properties), which together create habitat‐specific conditions. However, the compound effects of vegetation and soil properties on soil communities are less studied or often focused on one component of the soil biota. Here, we integrate metabarcoding (16S and 18S rRNA genes) and nematode morphology to assess the effects of habitat and soil properties shaping microbial and microeukaryotic communities as well as nematode‐associated microbiomes. We show that both vegetation and soil properties (soil bulk density) were major factors structuring microbial and microeukaryotic communities in semi‐arid soil habitats. Despite having lower nutrients and lower pH, denser soils displayed significantly higher alpha diversity than less dense soils across datasets. Nematode‐associated microbiomes have lower microbial diversity, strongly differ from soil microbes and are more likely to respond to microscale variations among samples than to vegetation or soil bulk density. Consequently, different nematode lineages and trophic groups are likely to display similar associated microbiomes when sharing the same microhabitat. Different microbiome taxa were enriched within specific nematode lineages (e.g. Mycobacterium, Candidatus Cardinium) highlighting potentially new species‐specific associations that may confer benefits to their soil nematode hosts. Our findings highlight the importance of exploring above‐ and below‐ground effects to assess community structure in terrestrial habitats, and how fine‐scale analyses are critical for understanding patterns of host‐associated microbiomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The attenuation zones (AZs) of periodic pile barriers can be used to mitigate ambient vibration. To identify pile structures with optimal vibration isolation performance and minimal concrete consumption, this study adopts a multi-objective topology optimization (MOTO) procedure to optimize the periodic pile units for the isolation of plane waves. The optimized pile structures are presented, and the most cost-effective one is suggested. The effects of the AZ orders, the elastic modulus and the density of soil on the optimization results are investigated. By establishing numerical models, the vibration reduction performance of the optimized pile barriers in the frequency domain and time domain is verified. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To examine the effects of the recent Acmella radicans invasion on plant community and diversity in invaded habitats, the composition, density, species richness, diversity indices, and evenness index of the soil seed bank community of two different habitats (wasteland and cultivated land) in Yunnan Province, China, were analyzed through field sampling and greenhouse germination tests. A total of 28 species of plants belonging to 15 families and 28 genera, all annual herbs, were found in the soil seed bank. Seed densities and species number in the seed bank tended to be greater in April than in October; cultivated land also featured higher seed densities and species numbers compared to wasteland. With increased A. radicans cover, the seed bank population of A. radicans also significantly increased, but the seed bank populations of many other dominant species (e.g., Ageratum conyzoides and Gamochaeta pensylvanica) and native species (e.g., Laggera crispata and Poa annua) clearly declined. The germination of A. radicans seeds was concentrated during the period from the 4th to the 5th weeks. Vertically, the seed number of A. radicans was significantly different among the 0–5 cm, 5–10 cm and 10–20 cm layers that accounted for 80.7–90.6%, 9.4–16.1% and 0.0–3.2% of the total seed density in wasteland, respectively; and in cultivated land, A. radicans accounted for 56.8–64.9%, 26.7–31.8% and 8.1–13.5% of the total seed density, respectively. With reduced A. radicans cover, the species richness, Simpson index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Pielou indices of the weed community generally increased, and most diversity indices of weed communities in cultivated land were lower than in wasteland under the same cover of A. radicans. The results indicate that the invasion of A. radicans has negatively affected local weed community composition and reduced weed community diversity, and that these negative impacts in cultivated land may be enhanced by human disturbance. Our study was the first to elucidate the influence of A. radicans invasion on soil seed bank community characteristics in invaded habitats, providing a better understanding of its invasion and spread mechanisms in order to aid in developing a scientific basis for the prevention and control of this invader. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Extreme rainfall and flooding events are projected to increase in frequency and disturb biogeochemical cycles such as the nitrogen (N) cycle. By combining trees and grasses, silvopastoral agroforestry is expected to increase the stability of this cycle in response to flooding. However, little is known about the response of nitrification to flooding in silvopastoral systems. Aim of this study was to assess nitrification stability in response to flooding and identify the main causal relations that drive it in temperate silvopastures. Methods: The nitrification stability (i.e., resistance and resilience) was assessed in two silvopastoral systems (i.e., hedgerows and alley cropping) at three positions relative to the trees. The resistance and resilience of nitrification potential were measured in the laboratory after four weeks of flooding stress and four weeks after the end of the stress, respectively. For the first time, we used multigroup latent structural equation modeling (ML-SEM) to explore the spatial structure of causal relations between nitrification stability and soil properties across all positions of the two silvopastoral systems. Results: Tree rows of both systems favored nitrification resistance, while the mean nitrification potential under flooded conditions was on average 27% and 35% higher as compared to non-stressed soils at the two positions assessed in the grass alleys. ML-SEM revealed that the causal relations that explained these results differed between the two systems. The ML-SEM models tested were unable to explain the causal relations in the hedgerow system. However, the model that considered a covariance between soil physical properties and soil resources availability (model A) was able to explain them in the alley-cropping system. It revealed that causal relations explaining nitrification stability varied according to the position relative to the trees: in the tree rows nitrification stability was associated with higher soil organic carbon concentration and earthworm abundance; in the grass alleys it was associated with higher soil organic carbon concentration and soil bulk density. Conclusions: This study indicates that silvopastoral systems help regulate the N cycle near the trees. The results further imply that improvements in soil organic carbon concentration and soil bulk density favor the regulation of N-related processes in grasslands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soybean yield is affected by soil, terrain, biology, and other factors. However, few studies have considered the main and secondary influencing factors of soybean yield and the interaction mechanisms among these factors within a catchment area in the black soil region. This study aims to explore the main influencing factors and the coupling mechanisms affecting soybean yield in China's northeast black soil region. Using 46 samples from Heshan Farm, Nenjiang City, a driving factor model for soybean yield was developed using PLS-SEM, incorporating latent variables such as soybean yield, topographic characteristics, soil physical properties, soil chemical properties, and biological factors. The main factors, secondary factors, and their interactions affecting soybean yield were discussed. Topographic factors, soil physical properties, and soil chemical properties had positive total effects on soybean yield, while biological factors had a direct negative impact on soybean yield, with the total effects ranging from soil physical properties > biological factors > topographic factors > soil chemical properties. In terms of soil physical properties, the load value of soil bulk density was the largest (-0.917). This was followed by saturated water content (0.886), total porosity (0.855), capillary water holding capacity (0.837), field water holding capacity (0.763), black soil thickness (0.695), sand particle size (-0.664), clay particle size (0.450), and gravel ratio (-0.439). These findings demonstrate soil physical properties are the key factors affecting soybean yield. Thus, soil improvement in small catchment, by reducing bulk density, increasing porosity, and improving soil water retention capacity are key to improving soybean yield. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interspecific trade‐off between growth versus mortality rates of tree species is thought to be driven by functional biology and to contribute to species ecological niche differentiation. Yet, functional trait variation is often not strongly correlated with growth and mortality, and few studies have investigated the relationships of both traits and niches, specifically encompassing above and belowground resources, to the trade‐off itself. These relationships are particularly relevant for seedlings, which must often survive resource limitation to reach larger size classes.We investigated the functional basis of the interspecific growth–mortality trade‐off and its relationship with ecological niches for seedlings of 14 tree species in a tropical forest in southwest China.We found evidence for an interspecific growth–mortality trade‐off at the seedling stage using 15 functional traits and 15 ecological niche variables. None of the organ‐level traits correlated with growth, mortality, nor the trade‐off, whereas specific stem length (SSL), a biomass allocation trait, was the only trait to have a significant correlation (positive). Moreover, light‐defined niches were not correlated with growth, mortality or the trade‐off, but soil‐defined niches did. Species at the faster growth/higher mortality end of the trade‐off were associated with higher fertility defined by lower soil bulk density and slope, and higher soil organic matter concentration and soil total nitrogen.Our findings indicate the importance of stem elongation and soil fertility for growth, mortality and their trade‐off at the seedling stage in this Asian tropical forest. Our findings contrast with analogous studies in neotropical forests showing the importance of photosynthesis‐related leaf traits related to insolation. Therefore, the functional drivers of demographic rates and trade‐offs, as well as their consequences for ecological niches, can vary among forests, likely owing to differences in biogeography, canopy disturbance rates, topography and soil properties. Moreover, the effects of functional trait variation on demographic rates and trade‐offs may be better revealed when biomass allocation is accounted for in a whole‐plant context. Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting salt-tolerant plants is an efficient method of biological improvement for saline–alkali land. However, few studies have examined the soil improvement effects of the rotation of the green manure plant sesbania and the grain crop sorghum. Thus, we planted sesbania in native soil on heavily saline–alkaline coastal land and subsequently planted sorghum after returning the sesbania straw to the soil. The effect of this sesbania–sorghum rotation on soil improvement was clarified by comparing indicators of soil quality before and after sesbania and sorghum were planted, such as the soil structure, water infiltration, soil salt content, and soil microbial changes. The results showed that the soil bulk density of the plow layer (0–40 cm) after crop harvest decreased by 9.63% compared with that of bare land, and the soil porosity increased by 5.67%. The cumulative infiltration, initial infiltration rate, and stable infiltration rate of saline soil were 3.6 times, 2.8 times, and 3.3 times higher than those of bare land, respectively. With the growth of sesbania and sorghum, the soil salt content in the plow layer of the cultivated land decreased by 37.73%, while that of bare land decreased by 9.1%. A further analysis of desalination showed that the total desalination amount in the plow layer was 15.58 t/ha, of which 5% was due to plant absorption, and the rest was from salt leaching. Moreover, sesbania–sorghum rotation increased the soil organic matter content in the plow layer from 69.1 t/ha to 73.8 t/ha. The quantities of some microorganisms that are mainly found in coastal saline soil decreased, while those of some common soil microorganisms increased, reflecting an improvement in the soil quality. The above results prove that sesbania–sorghum rotation had a significant effect on soil improvement and salt reduction, which is of great significance for the further utilization of saline–alkali land to enhance crop productivity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coastal saline soils are an important soil resource that, when restored, can enhance arable land and preserve the natural ecology. With the aim of improving the use of coastal saline soils, we conducted a spot survey at Bohai coastal saline land to investigate the differences in soil properties between different vegetation types. The soil physical and chemical properties of various vegetation types, including Aeluropus sinensis, Imperata cylindrica, Tamarix chinensis, Lycium chinense, Hibiscus moscheutos, Helianthus annuus, Gossypium hirsutum, and Zea mays, were examined at two depth layers: 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, and in two seasons, spring and autumn. The soil properties were compared with bare land as a control. The results indicated that the electrical conductivity, total soil salt content, sodium adsorption ratio, and bulk density of soils with vegetation cover were lower than those with bare land. On the other hand, soil pH, organic matter content, mean weight diameter, and saturated hydraulic conductivity were higher. The redundancy analysis results revealed a substantial positive correlation between soil pH, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water content, mean weight diameter, and organic matter content, as well as a significant positive correlation between soil electrical conductivity, total soil salt content, sodium adsorption ratio, and bulk density. Soil pH, saturated hydraulic conductivity, water content, mean weight diameter, organic matter content, and soil electrical conductivity, total soil salt content, sodium adsorption ratio, and bulk density were negatively correlated. The results of the structural equation model and variance decomposition showed that soil organic matter and bulk density were the key factors affecting the degree of soil salinization, and compared with their independent effects, their combined effect on soil salinization was greater. This study's conclusions can provide a point of reference for further research on the mechanisms of soil improvement and desalinization in coastal saline land. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Pantanal has a high diversity of native pastures that provide food for many wild and domestic animals. Pantanal cattle raising is practiced in an extensive grazing-based system that varies according to the flood levels in the area. This study aimed to evaluate the fractions of soil organic matter in areas of native pastures under different uses and to quantify C and N stocks in sandy soils of the Pantanal. Soil samples from three native pastures differentiated by the predominance of Hymenachne amplexicaulis, Axonopus purpusii, and Mesosetum chaseae under different land use systems (continuous grazing and no grazing for five years) were collected and used to quantify the contents of carbon, nitrogen, and humic fractions. The dynamics of SOM are modified in grazed areas of the Pantanal, with influence on C and N, including their stocks. Native pastures of Axonopus purpusii and Hymenachne amplexicaulis showed an increase in organic matter after five years without grazing, while Mesosetum chaseae showed lower soil density and nitrogen levels. The highest C stock was observed in ungrazed areas of H. amplexicaulis (127.41 Mg ha−1 in the 0–40 cm layer). The dynamics of nitrogen in Pantanal pastures are influenced by the type of vegetation and land management, with higher nitrogen content in the surface layer (0–10 cm) and an increasing C/N ratio with soil depth, indicating lower nitrogen availability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In agriculture, machines engaged in various agrotechnical activities and operations have different impacts on the soil. The effect of mechanization is primarily reflected in two indicators: soil density and hardness. At the same time, considering the direct dependence of tractive resistance on soil hardness in processing machines and sprayers, we studied subsequent changes in the soil in the path of wheels affected by the soil after the passage of four-wheeled and three-wheeled tractors. We also examined various atmospheric pressures in the tractor's tires and the impact of different types of tires on soil compaction and traction. The studies showed that to reduce the compression impact on the soil of four-wheeled tractor working systems during certain technical operations, it is necessary to choose the maximum permissible travel speed and the minimum air pressure in the tires specified in the technical conditions. This approach helps to decrease soil compaction and maintain its structure. Additionally, it was found that three-wheeled tractors exert less pressure on the soil compared to four-wheeled ones, which should also be considered when selecting equipment for different agrotechnical tasks. Optimizing tire pressure and tractor speed is crucial for minimizing negative soil impact and enhancing the efficiency of agricultural operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration is increasingly emphasized as a climate mitigation solution, as scientists, policy makers, and land managers prioritize enhancing belowground C storage. To identify key underlying drivers of total SOC distributions, we compiled a global dataset of soil C stocks held in three chemical forms, reflecting different mechanisms of organic C protection: free particulate organic C (fPOC), physically protected particulate organic C (oPOC), and mineral‐protected soil organic C (mSOC). In our dataset, these three SOC pools were differentially sensitive to the effects of climate, soil mineralogy, and ecosystem type, emphasizing the importance of distinguishing between physical and chemical C protection mechanisms. C stocks in all three pools varied among ecosystems: cropland soils stored the least amount in each pool, with forest and grassland soils both containing significantly more fPOC (40%–60% greater in each ecosystem) than croplands. oPOC stocks did not significantly differ from zero in croplands but were substantial in forest and grassland soils. Meanwhile, mSOC stocks were the greatest in grasslands and shrublands (90%–100% greater than croplands). In cropland soils, there were no major effects of tillage on C storage in any of the three pools, while manure addition enhanced mSOC stocks, especially when added with inorganic N. Thus, the human land use intensity in croplands appears to reduce SOC storage in all major pools, depending upon management; retaining native vegetation should be emphasized to maintain current global SOC stocks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The mechanical properties of soil rock mixture are important parameters affecting the design and construction ofembankment. Therefore, the related research has always been a hot topic. To analyze the mechanical properties of soil rockmixture under different moisture content, soil rock mixing ratio, compaction work and soil material thickness conditions,compaction tests and large -scale direct shear tests were conducted on soil rock mixture under different combinations. Theinfluence of the above factors on the optimal water content and mechanical index of the mixture was revealed, andacalculationmethod for the mechanical indicators of soil rock mixture was established. The research shows that the total compaction work,moisture content, and stone content have a significant impact on the dry density of the sample. As the stone content increases,the maximum dry density of the soil rock mixture gradually increases but the optimal moisture content gradually decreases. Thedry density increases with the increase of compaction times per layer. As the normal stress increases, the stress-strain curve ofsoil rock mixture gradually changes from strain hardening type to strain softening type. As the stone content increases, theinternal friction angle decreases but the cohesion increases slightly. The results can provide theoretical reference for theconstruction and design of the embankment with soil rock mixture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grazing annual forages in dryland cropping systems has been used to integrate crop and livestock systems, rejuvenate soils, enhance in-field nutrient cycling and soil organic carbon (SOC), and increase net returns by eliminating harvest expenses and feed delivery. However, cattle (Bos taurus) could potentially degrade soil physical properties by increasing compaction and reducing water infiltration in no-tillage (NT) systems. Minimum tillage (MT) may help correct some of these potential soil quality concerns. The objective of this study was to quantify MT effects on soil properties, forage mass, and weeds compared to NT in a grazed winter triticale [×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus (Secale × Triticum)] annual forage system from 2020 to 2022 near Jetmore, KS. The experiment had two tillage treatments, NT and MT (sweep plow to a depth of 5–13 cm twice during summer fallow), in a grazed continuous winter triticale cropping system. Bulk density was greater in June, pre-till (1.31 g cm−3), compared to August, post-till (1.23 g cm−3), across tillage treatments. The mean weight diameter of dry aggregates decreased, and wind-erodible fraction increased with MT. Across years, the mean weight diameter of water-stable aggregates was greater with NT compared to MT. The SOC stocks did not differ between tillage practices near the soil surface, but MT increased SOC at the 5- to 15-cm depth. Nitrate (NO3-N) concentration was 28% higher with MT compared to NT across depths at the August sampling time. Soil pH was slightly lower in NT (5.81) compared to MT (5.94). Penetration resistance was high due to frequently dry soil conditions, but there were no differences between tillage systems. Early-season forage biomass was greater in MT compared to NT in one out of two seasons. Our findings suggest that MT could be used to mitigate adverse effects of grazing on soil bulk density in NT systems but could cause short-term decreases in dry and wet aggregate stability and increased wind-erodible fraction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Owing to the scarcity of land resources, the rational development and use of frozen soil resources and solutions to frozen soil disasters are essential. In this study, an indoor one-dimensional soil column simulation test was conducted under unidirectional freezing conditions. The temperature, water content, and conductivity of the sand were monitored using a time-domain reflectometer (TDR), and a mathematical model to analyze the relationships among solute concentration, temperature, and conductivity was established, to convert the conductivity into soil solute concentration. Then, the sodium chloride solute redistribution in soil under different soil densities (1.23 and 1.40 g/cm3), initial water contents (10% and 13%), freezing temperatures (−20°C and −35°C), and salt concentrations (0.2 and 0.3 mol/L) was analyzed. The results show that solute concentration and temperature are the two factors that affect conductivity. The relationship between conductivity and solute concentration can be used to quantitatively analyze the solute changes in soil. The soil density, initial water content, freezing temperature, and solute concentration affect solute migration under unidirectional freezing conditions. The solute migration efficiency decreases with increasing soil density and initial water content and increases with decreasing freezing temperature and increasing solute concentration. In this study, the aim was to further understand the mechanism through which solute migration occurs in frozen soil, to provide theoretical support for the rational exploitation and use of resources, the prevention and control of soil pollution, and the promotion of agricultural development in cold regions. These results provide theoretical support for soil water and salt simulations, pollution control, and agricultural development in cold regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Nanchang University (Engineering & Technology) is the property of Nanchang University 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.)

The occurrence of droughts in recent decades has prompted researchers to pay closer attention to soil shrinkage. It is no longer appropriate to assume that surface soils in temperate countries are always saturated. When using traditional geotechnical identifications for soil classification based on swelling and shrinkage, the soil density is not consistently considered as a crucial parameter, nor is the state of the soil (intact or disturbed) or the degree of soil cementation. This article highlights the importance of studying the soil in its intact state to accurately represent its behavior on-site. The microstructure of undisturbed soil differs from that of disturbed soil and governs its macroscopic behavior. The method and level of soil disturbance have an impact on the results, depending on whether the focus is on shrinkage or swelling behavior and cementation. This research demonstrates that disturbed samples of clayey soils (Romainville green clay) exhibit lower shrinkage amplitude than intact clayey soil samples, whereas disturbed marly soil samples (Argenteuil blue marl) show the opposite trend. Furthermore, depending on the disturbance method, the swelling amplitude of intact soil samples may be higher or lower than that of disturbed soil samples. The results indicate that conducting a swelling test on W-disturbed samples and a shrinkage test on C-disturbed samples allows us to assess more closely the behavior of intact soil samples. In conclusion, recommendations for a more accurate assessment of the swelling-shrinkage potential of any given soil are provided, considering the test method and the level of disturbance of the sample. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis is the property of Acta Agriculturae Zhejiangensis Editorial Office 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.)

Compacted soils are vital in constructing unpaved roads and embankments for infrastructure projects, requiring a thorough understanding of how different soil properties influence erosion. This research examined the influence of suction on the mass loss of clayey soil from the Guabirotuba Formation, compacted at various degrees of saturation and densities. The study involved initial physical–chemical, mineralogical, and morphological soil characterization. Tests were then conducted to determine the soil water characteristic curve, hydraulic conductivity, and erodibility using the filter paper method, permeability tests, and the Inderbitzen test. Samples were compacted to dry unit weights of 14.55 kN/m3, 15.42 kN/m3, and 16.28 kN/m3 with saturation levels of 20%, 50%, 91.08%, 93.49%, and 95.60%. Results showed that variations in soil density altered the soil water characteristic curve, tending towards a unimodal shape with reduced void ratios. Soil permeability decreased in the desaturation zone of the curve. The study determined that soil mass loss is primarily influenced by saturation degree and density, with saturation emerging as the most crucial factor. Erosion resistance was observed to be lowest at 50% saturation compared to both 20% and optimal saturation levels, which was associated with a reduction in the unsaturated permeability coefficient. It has been found that the influence of slope is negligible. Therefore, soil saturation levels significantly affect erosion resistance, making the soil more susceptible to disruption when air continuously occupies the pore space. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil aggregation, an important indicator of soil restoration in degraded ecosystems, is a fundamental unit of soil structure. However, research on the influence of grass–shrub composites on the distribution of >0.25 mm soil water-stable aggregates (macroaggregates) is scarce. Therefore, this study focuses on the hill and gully region of the Loess Plateau, where vegetation has been well restored since the return of farmland to forests and grasslands. The study investigated the root and macroaggregate distribution characteristics and interrelationships of three widely distributed mixed vegetation types of Caragana korshinskii and Agropyron cristatum (C-AC), C. korshinskii and Bothriochloa ischaemum (C-BI), and C. korshinskii and Artemisia gmelinii (C-AG) in this area. The results indicate that soil macroaggregates decrease with increasing depth. Due to the spatial differences in the distribution of shrub root, the content of macroaggregates at 50 cm from the shrub base was higher than that at the shrub base, with an increase of 25.98%–34.27% in different vegetation associations. In this study, the root length density and root diameter better reflected the influence of roots on the distribution of macroaggregates, and the product of the two had a good power function relationship with the content of macroaggregates (R2 ≥ 0.82, p < 0.01). Grey correlation analysis showed that the influence of root length density on the distribution of large aggregates was greater than that of root diameter. The content of macroaggregates in the vegetation association of taproot herbaceous plants and shrubs was higher than that of fibrous root herbaceous plants. The average soil macroaggregate content in the C-AG was 15.79%–248.6% higher than that in the C-BI and C-AC. In this study, the spatial distribution differences in root caused by shrub growth were the main reason for the spatial heterogeneity of soil macroaggregate content distribution. The improvement ability of soil macroaggregates was higher in the combination of taproot herbaceous plants and shrubs than in the combination of fibrous root herbaceous plants and shrubs. The results of this study can, to some extent, reveal the influence and mechanisms of plant roots on soil aggregates in grass–shrub vegetation association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Quantification of soil water-physical properties and their spatial variation is important to better predict soil structure and functioning, as well as associated spatial patterns in the vegetation. The provision of site-specific soil data further facilitates the implementation of enhanced land use and management practices. Using geostatistical methods, this study quantified the spatial distribution of soil bulk density (SBD), soil moisture (SM), capillary water-holding capacity (CWHC), capillary porosity (CP), non-capillary porosity (NCP), and total porosity (TP) in southern subtropical forests located at the Tropical Forest Research Center in Pingxiang City, China. A topographic map (scale = 1:10,000) was used to create a grid of l km squares across the study area. At the intersections of the grid squares, the described soil water-physical properties were measured. By calculating the coefficient of variation for each soil water-physical property, all measured soil water-physical properties were found to show moderate spatial heterogeneity. Exponential, gaussian, spherical, and linear models were used to fit the semivariograms of the measured soil water-physical properties. Across all soil water-physical properties, the range A0 variable (i.e., the separation distance between the semivariance and the sill value) measured between 3419 m and 14,156 m. The nugget-to-sill ratio ranged from 9 to 41%, indicating variations in the level of spatial autocorrelation among the soil water-physical properties. Many of the soil water-physical properties were strongly correlated (as assessed using Pearson correlation coefficients). Spatial distribution maps of the soil water-physical properties created via ordinary kriging (OK) showed that most water-physical properties had clumped (aggregated) distributions. SBD showed the opposite spatial pattern to SM and CWHC. Meanwhile, CP and TP showed similar distributions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization, a significant global challenge, threatens sustainable development. This study explores the potential of magnetized ionized water irrigation and Bacillus subtilis application to mitigate this issue. The former method is hypothesized to enhance soil salt leaching, while the latter is expected to improve soil nutrient availability, thereby increasing microbial diversity. To address the unclear impact of these interventions on soil quality and cotton productivity, this study employs four different experimental methods: magnetized ionized water irrigation (M), application of 45 kg ha−1 B. subtilis (B), a combination of 45 kg ha−1 B. subtilis with magnetized ionized water irrigation (MB), and a control treatment with no intervention (CK). This study aims to clarify the effects of these treatments on soil bulk density (BD), field capacity (FC), salinity and alkalinity, nutrient content, microbial activity, and cotton crop yield and quality. Additionally, it aims to evaluate the efficacy of these methods in improving saline soil conditions by developing a soil quality index. The results showed that using magnetized ionized water for irrigation and applying B. subtilis, either alone or together, can effectively lower soil pH and salt levels, enhance microbial diversity and abundance, and improve the yield and quality of cotton. Notably, B. subtilis application significantly decreased BD and enhanced FC and nutrient content (p < 0.05). A correlation was found where soil nutrient content decreased as pH and salt content increased. Furthermore, a strong correlation was observed between the major soil bacteria and fungi with BD, FC, and salt content. Comparatively, M, B, and MB significantly boosted (p < 0.01) the soil quality index by 0.21, 0.52, and 0.69 units, respectively, and increased (p < 0.05) cotton yield by 5.7%, 14.8%, and 20.1% compared to CK. Therefore, this research offers eco-friendly and efficient methods to enhance cotton production capacity in saline soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]