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Soil desertification poses a critical ecological challenge in arid and semiarid climates worldwide, leading to decreased soil productivity due to the disruption of essential microbial community processes. Fungi, as one of the most important soil microbial communities, play a crucial role in enhancing nutrient and water uptake by plants through mycorrhizal associations. However, the impact of overgrazing-induced desertification on fungal community structure, particularly in the Caatinga biome of semiarid regions, remains unclear. In this study, we assessed the changes in both the total fungal community and the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal community (AMF) across 1. Natural vegetation (native), 2. Grazing exclusion (20 years) (restored), and 3. affected by overgrazing-induced degradation (degraded) scenarios. Our assessment, conducted during both the dry and rainy seasons in Irauçuba, Ceará, utilized Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) gene sequencing via Illumina® platform. Our findings highlighted the significant roles of the AMF families Glomeraceae (∼71% of the total sequences) and Acaulosporaceae (∼14% of the total sequences) as potential key taxa in mitigating climate change within dryland areas. Moreover, we identified the orders Pleosporales (∼35% of the total sequences) and Capnodiales (∼21% of the total sequences) as the most abundant soil fungal communities in the Caatinga biome. The structure of the total fungal community differed when comparing native and restored areas to degraded areas. Total fungal communities from native and restored areas clustered together, suggesting that grazing exclusion has the potential to improve soil properties and recover fungal community structure amid global climate change challenges.

The article is devoted to topical issues of ensuring measures for restoration of agricultural land. The article notes that in recent years there has been a further deterioration in the quality of agricultural land. It is emphasized that the aggravation of the crisis phenomena regarding the current state of land is largely due to the hostilities in the country. The article analyses new types of soil degradation that have become widespread as a result of Russian military aggression. The article focuses on the fact that agricultural land is subject to the greatest degradation compared to other categories of land. It is established that there are preliminary and basic legal measures for land restoration. It is substantiated that preliminary land restoration measures include: application of mineral fertilisers, bio-fertilisers; washing of saline soils, their irrigation; planting of trees, sowing of herbaceous plants. Attention is paid to the introduction of crop rotation, which is an important measure for restoring agricultural land. The article also examines the responsibilities of land owners and users in the field of land restoration. Based on the results of the analysis of legislation, it is proved that the main organisational and legal measures for the restoration of agricultural land are as follows: reclamation of disturbed lands, conservation of degraded, low-productive and technogenically polluted lands, and land reclamation of lands with disturbed water regime. It is stated that the implementation of the above measures has received proper legal support. The author highlights the considerations that today land restoration measures are being implemented, which have not received proper legal support. The author examines the peculiarities of implementation of bioremediation (divided into two types: biostimulation and bioaugmentation), phytoremediation based on the use of properties of certain plant species, and de toxification of contaminated land. The author makes proposals for improving land legislation by legislating such land restoration measures as bioremediation, phytoremediation, land detoxificatio n and environmental requirements for their implementation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil salinization and waterlogging are critical environmental issues affecting agricultural productivity and cultural heritage preservation, particularly in arid regions. This study investigated soil degradation processes in the archaeologically and agriculturally significant northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. The objective was to assess the severity of soil degradation and identify key drivers related to water resources and soil characteristics to aid in the development of management strategies. The research employed a multi-faceted approach, including hydrochemical analyses (of groundwater, irrigation water, and soil), water quality indices calculations, statistical analyses, and satellite data. The results revealed high levels of soil salinization in the northern and central areas, with 64% of soil samples classified as strongly and very strongly saline. Soil chemistry indicated salinization sources linked to sodium chloride dominance. Satellite data from Sentinel-2 images and SRTM digital elevation data showed widespread severe waterlogging in the northern lowlands. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) values indicated that 87.5% of irrigation water samples posed severe restrictions due to high salinity and sodium hazards, which were mismatched with the low soil permeability observed in 81% of the collected samples exhibiting clay texture and covering most of the study area. Furthermore, shallow groundwater at depths of 0.5–3 m with high salinity was detected, where total dissolved solids exceeded 20,000 mg/L, and Na-Cl water types prevailed, indicating saltwater intrusion. A strong positive correlation (r > 0.83) was found between shallow saline groundwater and soil salinity. The combination of poor irrigation water quality, shallow saline groundwater tables, and low-permeability soils created a synergistic effect that severely compromised soil health and agricultural productivity. It also posed severe risks to the structural integrity of archaeological sites and buried artifacts through accelerated physical and chemical weathering processes. This necessitates an urgent mitigation strategy to combat soil degradation in this critical area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study dealt with development of nonwoven mulch mat from textile waste and its evaluation in the field for chilli crop. Six needle-punched nonwoven mulches were developed from textile mill waste comprising of cotton, polyester and acrylic in two different ratios. All ratios were varied with three different areal density ratios i.e. 200, 300 and 400 g/m2 with 4-, 3.5- and 3-mm thickness, respectively. The mulch mats were characterised for their physicomechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, air permeability, thermal insulation and resistance to sunlight degradation. Further, the developed mulches were analysed for its performance in the field on the hybrid variety of chilli CH-27. Parameters, including soil moisture content, soil temperature, weed suppression, yield and soil degradation were investigated through field tests, against a polyethylene mulch, paddy straw and without mulch. The experimental results revealed that the developed nonwoven mulches worked as buffer media between the atmosphere and soil surface and influenced the temperature of soil. These mulches performed better to maintain the soil temperature than the paddy straw and polyethylene mulch. On the basis of plant grown and crop yield, the best much performance was observed with cotton: polyester: acrylic (70:20:10) with 200 g/m2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sugar beet residues (SBR) were converted into thermomechanical pulp (sugar beet pulp, SBP) and compounded with either polylactic acid (PLA) or high‐density polyethylene (HDPE) as matrix. Pressed, thin sheets made with the compounds were placed on soil for 16 weeks outdoors and changes in material properties, including weight losses, monitored. Chloroform extraction showed that proportionally more SBP than PLA was degraded after biodegradation. A reduction in molecular weight of the PLA in composites during processing was determined, which was attributed to moisture in SBP and led to PLA hydrolysis. No further significant reduction in molecular weight of the PLA in composites occurred during outdoor exposure. In case of the HDPE‐SBP composites, results of acid hydrolysis indicated that primarily, the SBP component was degraded. Tensile strength tests, microscopy, FT‐IR spectroscopy and thermal analyses were also performed with the composites. Under the conditions of this study, it was shown that PLA composites with 70% (wt.) of SBP were completely disintegrated before completion of 12 weeks exposure. The addition of SBP to PLA accelerates biodegradation significantly which is an asset for agricultural (mulch films), forestry, horticulture and packaging applications. Highlights: Degradation of composites based on SBP with PLA or HDPE matrix was evaluated on soilAddition of SBP increased weight loss, irrespective of the matrix type during the degradation testsDifferences in material composition over exposure time were analyzedCombination of SBP with PLA enhances biodegradability of compositesSBP offers huge potential as filler in biodegradable polymer composites [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Root-knot nematodes (RKNs) of the genus Meloidogyne are one of the most damaging genera to cultivated woody plants with a worldwide distribution. The knowledge of the soil and rhizosphere microbiota of almonds infested with Meloidogyne could help to establish new sustainable and efficient management strategies. However, the soil microbiota interaction in deciduous woody plants infected with RKNs is scarcely studied. This research was carried out in six commercial almond groves located in southern Spain and infested with different levels of Meloidogyne spp. within each grove. Several parameters were measured: nematode assemblages, levels and biocontrol agents in Meloidogyne 's eggs, levels of specific biocontrol agents in rhizoplane and soil, levels of bacteria and fungi in rhizoplane and soil, fungal and bacterial communities by high-throughput sequencing of internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and 16S rRNA gene in soil and rhizosphere of the susceptible almond hybrid rootstock GF-677 infested with Meloidogyne spp. The studied almond groves showed soil degradation by nematode assemblies and fungi:bacterial ratio. Fungal parasites of Meloidogyne eggs were found in 56.25% of the samples. However, the percentage of parasitized eggs by fungi ranged from 1% to 8%. Three fungal species were isolated from Meloidogyne eggs, specifically Pochonia chlamydosporia , Purpureocillium lilacinum , and Trichoderma asperellum. The diversity and composition of the microbial communities were more affected by the sample type (soil vs rhizosphere) and by the geographical location of the samples than by the Meloidogyne density, which could be explained by the vigorous hybrid rootstock GF-677 and a possible dilution effect. However, the saprotrophic function in the functional guilds of the fungal ASV was increased in the highly infected roots vs the low infected roots. These results indicate that the presence of biocontrol agents in almond fields and the development of new management strategies could increase their populations to control partially RKN infection levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The extent of natural salt-laden groundwaters used for irrigation is increasing worldwide, which is a fast-emerging threat to agroecosystems and global food security. The salt buildup in the soil is linked to deteriorated soil chemical, physical, and biological health and decreased land productivity. Alkali waters with high residual sodium carbonate (RSC) is one of the severe poor-quality waters that deteriorate soil. We evaluated soil microbial dynamics and soil health at critical growth stages of rice crop receiving two-decade-long irrigation with three levels of alkali water and two reclamation strategies. These included good-quality water (GQW), alkali water (ALKW) with an RSC concentration of 5 me L⁻1 (ALKW1), ALKW with an RSC concentration of 10 me L⁻1 (ALKW2), ALKW2 treated to neutralize RSC to 5 me L⁻1 using gypsum (CaSO4·2H2O; ALKW2 + GYP), and ALKW2 treated with sulfuric acid (H2SO4; ALKW2 + SA). Eleven microbial parameters were used to develop a soil microbial activity index (SMAI), and eight soil health indicators were correlated with changes in SMAI and crop productivity. Results: The SMAI peaked under good-quality water (GQW) conditions (0.84–0.89), while the lowest values were recorded under ALKW2 (0.06–0.18). Neutralized alkali waters, ALKW2 + SA and ALKW2 + GYP, significantly improved SMAI with corresponding values of 0.25–0.35 and 0.13–0.32, respectively. SMAI across all stages correlated positively (R2 = 0.91–0.98) with rice yield. Microbial activity varied with the crop growth stage, peaking at tillering. Gypsum application alone, aimed at neutralizing alkalinity from an RSC of 10 to 5 me L⁻1, proved insufficient in bringing the SMAI up to the ALKW1 (RSC level of 5 me L⁻1). Conclusions: The application of dilute sulfuric acid demonstrated better results in restoring the soil microbial activity index than gypsum amendment; however, sulfuric acid treatment depends on native calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolution for its effectiveness. It may not suffice for soil stability improvement in the long term, especially when native CaCO3 is low. Therefore, integrating gypsum and dilute sulfuric acid for RSC neutralization is worthwhile; however, further assessment is needed to confirm their combined impact on soil biochemical and physical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The volumetric and hydrological responses of clayey soils subjected to drying-wetting (D-W) cycles are of paramount importance for the integrity of geoenvironmental infrastructures. The study aimed to investigate the cracking behavior of clayey soils under D-W cycles by using advanced 2D imaging and 3D scanning techniques to capture the initiation and propagation of desiccation cracks within a soil specimen. The temporal variation in the soil water content and the corresponding 2D digital photography and 3D morphology of cracks were simultaneously monitored, and the cracking characteristics were interpreted. It was found that the time-dependent evaporation process was independent of the D-W cycles. Both 2D and 3D characterization showed the cracking hysteresis phenomenon in the unsaturated soil, which indicates the dependency of the crack opening and closure on the degree of saturation. D-W cycles led to the formation of subcracks and the increase in the total crack length, reflecting the soil degradation. Additionally, it was demonstrated that the 3D characterization exhibited the advantage of capturing the volumetric change and the subtle change in the macroporosity of the cracked soil over the 2D visualization. The current study provides a perspective of combining 2D and 3D characterization for interpreting the volumetric change of cracked soils and enhancing the understanding of the hydromechanical responses and the soil-atmosphere interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stubble burning, a prevalent agricultural practice in Punjab and Haryana, poses significant environmental, health and socioeconomic challenges, particularly concerning air pollution and soil degradation. This systematic literature review (SLR) examines research findings, policy interventions and technological innovations aimed at addressing the adverse effects of stubble burning and promoting sustainable crop residue management. This review encompasses studies investigating the extent of stubble burning, its impact on air quality, soil fertility and human health, as well as alternative management strategies like the adoption of Happy Seeder technology and bioenergy utilization. The present article identifies key trends, challenges and opportunities in stubble-burning research and policymaking. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nitric oxide (NO) induce tolerance to cadmium stress. • Nitric oxide induces antioxidant defense system and osmolytes accumulation. • Nitric oxide alleviate cadmium stress by regulating genes related to signal transduction, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and phenylpropane biosynthesis. Cadmium (Cd) is harmful to the environment, as it is a non-essential biological element. It leads to the normal dysfunction and degradation of soil quality, and is toxic to plants. Many studies reported that the application of nitric oxide (NO) can effectively reduce the toxicity of Cd in plants. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of the positive effects of exogenous NO on plant Cd tolerance has not been well documented. In the present study, comparative transcriptome analysis was performed on Kentucky bluegrass seedlings treated with Cd (Cd alone) and Cd + NO (Cd and NO simultaneously).Comparative transcriptional regulation analysis showed that Differential expressed genes (DEGs) was mainly involved in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction, plant hormone signal transduction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, amino acid transport and metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis related pathways. These results suggest that exogenous NO may alleviate cadmium stress by regulating genes related to signal transduction, carbohydrate transport and metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis and phenylpropane biosynthesis. Additionally, the DEGs and metabolic pathways between Cd and Cd + NO treatment groups were analyzed in this study, and a series of key genes mediated by NO signal in response to cadmium stress were screened out, and they were listed as candidate genes related to NO alleviating cadmium stress in Kentucky bluegrass. This study helps to understand the transcriptional regulation and complex internal network of exogenous NO alleviating Cd -tolerance in Kentucky bluegrass. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Tobacco production faces ongoing challenges due to soil degradation, leading to a persistent decline in yield. Plant growth-promoting fungi (PGPF) have been recognized as an environmentally friendly agricultural strategy. However, many commercial PGPF products exhibit instability due to insufficient environmental compatibility. Results: In this study, Penicillium sp. PQxj3 was isolated and assessed for its potential to enhance tobacco productivity under field conditions. The results demonstrated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment significantly promoted the tobacco growth and improved the crop yield. The height of tobacco in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment group significantly increased by 50.19% and 24.05% compared with CK at exuberant and maturity period (P < 0.05). The average yield of tobacco significantly increased by 36.16% compared to CK (P < 0.05). Fungal microbiome analysis revealed that phylogenetically similar probiotic taxa were recruited by Penicillium sp. PQxj3 and reassembled tobacco rhizosphere fungal microbiome. The key chemical indicators of tobacco such as alkaloid, total sugar, and phosphorus were significantly enhanced in Penicillium sp. PQxj3 treatment. The recruited probiotic taxa (Penicillium brasilianum, Penicillium simplicissimum, Penicillium macrosclerotiorum and Penicillium senticosum) were significantly associated with alkaloid, total sugar etc. (P < 0.05), which were identified as the key drivers for improving the chemical components of tobacco. Transcriptome analysis indicated that Penicillium sp. PQxj3 promoted up-regulation of key functional genes involved in alkaloid, indoleacetic, and gibberellin biosynthesis pathways. Conclusion: In summary, this study assessed the biopromotion mechanism of PGPF Penicillium sp. PQxj3 linking chemical traits, rhizosphere fungal microbiome, and transcriptome profiling. The findings provide a fundamental basis and a sustainable solution for developing fungal fertilizers to enhance agricultural sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to potassium persulfate's excessive reaction speed and severe impact on the soil environment, slowing down the reaction rate and reducing its environmental impact is an important but challenging matter. Hence, microencapsulation technology was taken to modify potassium persulfate, and potassium persulfate microcapsules were used to remediate the PAHs-contaminated soil. The results of XRD and an infrared spectrum identified that the core material (potassium persulfate) exists after being encapsulated by the wall material (stearic acid), and there was no chemical reaction between the core material and wall material. The results of the sustained release effect and kinetic equation showed that the release rate of the potassium persulfate microcapsules was close to 60% after 48 h, and it had a good sustained-release effect compared with previous studies. The results of the radical probe revealed that the free radicals produced from potassium persulfate microcapsules activated by Fe2+ were the main reasons for the degradation of PAHs, and SO4−· played the most important major role in the degradation of PAHs, followed by ·OH, and the reducing substances also played an auxiliary role. The results also suggested that potassium persulfate microcapsules not only degraded PAHs in soil (53.6% after 72 h) but also had fewer negative effects on the environment, and they even promoted the growth and development of microorganisms and increased the germination rate of seeds due to the slow-release effect of the microcapsules. This work reveals the degradation mechanism of potassium persulfate microcapsules and provides a new amendment of potassium persulfate in the remediation of PAHs-contaminated soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Amendment significantly improves soil structure and promotes crop growth. To combat soil degradation and low crop yields in facility agriculture, it is crucial to study the optimal application rate of amendments. This study analyzed the effects of biochar, vermicompost, and mineral-source potassium fulvic acid on the stability of aggregate structure, soil nutrient content, and tomato yield in cambisols, providing a theoretical basis for improving the soil quality of plastic greenhouses in Southern China. A pot experiment on tomato cultivation was carried out in yellow-brown soil in plastic greenhouses. The experiment included eight treatments: 1% biochar (B1); 3% biochar (B3); 5% biochar (B5); 3% vermicompost (V3); 5% vermicompost (V5); 0.1% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F1); 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid (F2); and the control condition without adding soil amendments (CK). The results showed that the biochar and vermicompost treatments effectively reduced soil bulk density and increased total soil porosity. Compared to the control, treatments with soil amendments significantly increased soil pH and had different effects on soil nutrients: F2 showed the most significant improvement in the content of available nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium, with an increase of 133.33%, 834.59%, and 74.34%, respectively; B3 treatment had the highest increase in dissolved organic carbon (DOC), while B5 treatment had the highest organic matter content. Compared to the CK, the particle size of the biochar treatment was mainly 0.053~0.25 mm, while the V3, F1, and F2 mainly occurred with a particle size > 0.25 mm; and V3 has the best aggregate stability. Biochar, vermicompost, and mineral potassium fulvic acid can all promote tomato yield, with the F2 and V3 treatments having a yield increase effect of over 30%. Furthermore, Pearson's correlation analysis showed a highly significant positive correlation between geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD), water-stable macroaggregate content (R0.25), and a positive correlation between alkaline-dissolved nitrogen, available phosphorus, dissolved organic carbon content, and aggregate stability indicators. Adding 0.2% mineral-source potassium fulvic acid optimizes cambisols' properties, enhances aggregate formation and stability, boosts tomato yield, and shows great application potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation can negatively impact its physical and chemical properties over the long term. We investigated the natural recovery of physical properties of disturbed soils on an abandoned machine operating trail in a deciduous mountain forest in northern Iran. The machine operating trail hadn't been used for the last 20 years. Dry bulk density and total porosity were assessed for three levels of traffic intensity (light, moderate, and heavily trafficked trails) and two levels of slope gradients (gentle, ≤20%, and steep, >20%), in four different soil depths (0–10, 10.1–20, 20.1–30, and 30.1–40 cm) as well as in undisturbed (control) areas. Over the course of the 20-year recovery period, it was observed that in the depth intervals of 0–10, 10.1–20, 20.1–30, and 30.1–40 cm, trails subjected to heavy traffic on gently sloping terrain displayed mean values that exhibited an increase of 78%, 62%, 55%, and 47% in bulk density, respectively, and a decrease of 27%, 26%, 28%, and 27% in total porosity, respectively, when compared to undisturbed soil. In the case of steep slopes, analogous assessments indicated an increase of 82%, 69%, 39%, and 31% in bulk density, respectively, and a reduction of 28%, 29%, 26%, and 24% in total porosity, respectively, within the aforementioned depth intervals. However, in the case of lightly trafficked trails situated on gentle slopes, there was a discernible amelioration in surface soil compaction. Our findings consequently suggest that the natural recovery of soil physical properties in the study area extends beyond the examined timeframe of twenty years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil degradation poses a significant challenge to Egypt's agriculture, making resource optimization essential. Nanobiochar presents a promising solution for pollutant removal; however, its low yields may hinder commercialization. This study investigates the production of biochar from sugarcane bagasse and olive mill waste, focusing on its composition, morphology, and effectiveness in soil immobilization. Advanced techniques like SEM, TEM, and FTIR were used to characterize the nanobiochar, highlighting its potential as a sustainable solution to soil contamination. The study revealed that ZnCl2 treatment significantly lowers pH, while KOH modification raises it. Surface morphology analysis showed that SCB biochar exhibited a highly porous structure, while OMW biochar had less porous edges and irregular oval-shaped pores. The effects of biochar activation on the availability of heavy metals like Ni, Pb, and Mo (in mg.Kg−1) were also examined. Ni concentrations decreased from 1.27 mg.Kg−1 in untreated biochar (NA) to 0.78 mg.Kg−1 in KOH-treated biochar (KA) and 0.67 mg.Kg−1 in ZnCl2-treated biochar (ZnA). Pb levels dropped from 7.7 mg.Kg−1 in NA to 5.2 mg.Kg−1 in KA and slightly to 4.74 mg.Kg−1 in ZnA. Mo showed a similar trend, with the highest concentration in NA at 1.21 mg.Kg−1, followed by 0.88 mg.Kg−1 in KA and 0.75 mg.Kg−1 in ZnA. Overall, OMW nanobiochar demonstrated a greener, more sustainable solution to soil contamination compared to SCB nanobiochar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractUsing an energy-based approach and a wide range of marine silt content (SC), along with simulating different field conditions, a systematic experimental study was conducted through a series of strain-controlled cyclic triaxial tests on the undrained cyclic response of saturated Konarak carbonate sand–silt mixtures that originated from the northern coasts of the Oman Sea. The results revealed that the trend of variation in capacity energy (cumulative dissipated energy required to initiate liquefaction, Wliq) of sand–silt mixtures versus variation in SC was highly dependent on the relative density (Dr). Using the concepts of equivalent intergranular void ratio (e*) and equivalent interfine void ratio (ef*), a new relationship was proposed to estimate the Wliq of the Konarak sand–silt mixtures under different field conditions. To take into account the effects of SC, the energy-based pore water pressure model model proposed by Jafarian et al. (2012) was revised with modified calibration parameters. Similarly, as there exists a distinct relationship between energy dissipation and the excess pore water pressure generation during cyclic loading, a significant correlation is also observed between energy dissipation and stiffness degradation for carbonate soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractOur research described in this paper investigated the environmental degradation of polypropylene (PP) films incorporating pro-oxidants and assessed their impact on the ecosystem. Weathering aging effects were monitored through Fourier-Transform Infrared (FTIR) analysis, revealing significant changes in carbonyl, hydroxyl and amorphous regions post-aging. The presence of pro-oxidants intensified these changes, indicating higher oxidation levels. Contact angle measurements demonstrated decreased hydrophobicity upon aging, particularly pronounced in pro-oxidant-containing films (initial contact angle: 87.79° for PP/1% Co/1% Fe, sample (F6) decreased to 79.24° after aging). Differential Scanning Calorimetric (DSC) analysis revealed decreased melting temperatures (initial Tm: 159.5 °C for F6 decreased to 148 °C after aging) and the crystallinity post-aging (initial χ: 73.25% for F6 decreased to 60.17% after aging), suggesting increased susceptibility to degradation. Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed decreased thermal stability after aging, especially in PP/pro-oxidant films; the Tonset (T5); 432.00 °C for F6, decreased to 268.00 °C after aging; where Tonset is the temperature corresponding to 5% weight loss. Biodegradation tests indicated enhanced biodegradability in the pro-oxidant-containing films, with cobalt and ferrous stearate mixtures showing the highest degradation degrees (e.g., PP/1% Co/1% Fe: ≈ 77% biodegradation after 140 days). Ecotoxicological evaluations, including microbial toxicity and plant germination and growth tests, revealed no inhibitory effects of the degradation products on soil flora or plant growth, confirming their nontoxic nature. Overall, we believe this comprehensive study provides insights into the environmental fate of PP films with pro-oxidants, highlighting their potential for accelerated degradation without adverse ecological impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation half-life (DegT50) of a substance in soil plays an important role in the approval process of a plant protection product and is a sensitive input parameter for regulatory models. It is usually derived through least squares optimizations of mathematical models to measured degradation data according to EU FOCUS degradation kinetics guidance. A strong consensus on degradation parameters provides a solid foundation for parts of the environmental risk assessment. The DegT50 of a substance for regulatory modeling is preferably derived from a single first-order (SFO) model as this is currently the only kinetic model implemented in EU regulatory models of the environmental fate of pesticides. However, kinetic optimisation tools do not always provide a regulatory acceptable SFO fit even though a visual inspection of the data suggests it may be possible. It was therefore hypothesized that more acceptable SFO fits might be achieved by adapting the objective function that is minimized during the optimization. Eight objective functions with varying weightings were tested on 29 laboratory soil degradation datasets. A web-based app was developed to allow experts in environmental safety of plant protection products to visually assess the goodness of fits resulting from different objective functions. The visual assessments and a quantitative metric, newly introduced in the proposed update of the FOCUS guidance, show that the acceptability of SFO fits can be increased, but no single objective function exclusively improves all fits. The assessment reveals that expert judgment is very subjective. Participants tended to change their mind when judging the acceptance of a fit, assumingly caused by a learning curve or a period of calibration. It is concluded that different objective functions could be considered in the kinetic assessment as it can improve the acceptability of SFO fits and hence endpoints for regulatory modeling. This study reveals that various qualitative factors influence the visual judgment of experts when performing a kinetic modeling assessment. The proposed quantitative metric seems to be in alignment with the visual assessment of fits to derive modeling endpoints and a promising step toward less subjective kinetic modeling assessments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The oxalate-carbonate pathway (OCP) involves degradation of soil oxalate to carbonate. To exploit and manage this natural mineralization of assimilated atmospheric CO2 into stable carbonates, improved understanding of this complex biotransformation process is needed. A strain of oxalate-degrading bacteria, Azospirillum sp. OX-1, was isolated from soil, and its secondary products of calcium oxalate degradation were analyzed and characterized using SEM, XRD, TG/DTG-DTA and FTIR-spectroscopy. The molecular mechanism of calcium oxalate degradation was also analyzed using proteomics. The results showed, for the first time, that OX-1 could not only degrade calcium oxalate to calcium carbonate, but also that the process was accompanied by synthesis of methane. Proteomic analysis demonstrated that OX-1 has a dual enzyme system for calcium oxalate degradation, using formyl-CoA transferase (FRC) and thiamine pyrophosphate (ThDP)-dependent oxalyl-CoA decarboxylase (OXC) to form calcium carbonate. Up-regulated expression of enzymes related to methane synthesis was also detected during calcium oxalate degradation. Since methane is also a potent greenhouse gas, these new results suggest that the utility of exploiting the OCP to reduce atmospheric CO2 must be re-evaluated and that further studies should be conducted to reveal how widespread the methane producing capacity of strain OX-1 is in other bacteria and soil environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Greenhouse vegetable production has become increasingly important in meeting the increasing global food demand. Yet, it faces severe challenges in terms of how to maintain soil productivity from a long-term perspective. This review discusses the main soil productivity limiting factors for vegetables grown in greenhouses and identifies strategies that attempt to overcome these limitations. The main processes leading to soil degradation include physical (e.g., compaction), chemical (e.g., salinization, acidification, and nutrient imbalances), and biological factors (e.g., biodiversity reduction and pathogen buildup). These processes are often favored by intensive greenhouse cultivation. Mitigation strategies involve managing soil organic matter and mineral nutrients and adopting crop rotation. Future research should focus on precisely balancing soil nutrient supply with vegetable crop demands throughout their life cycle and using targeted organic amendments to manage specific soil properties. To ensure the successful adoption of recommended strategies, socioeconomic considerations are also necessary. Future empirical research is required to adapt socioeconomic frameworks, such as Science and Technology Backyard 2.0, from cereal production systems to greenhouse vegetable production systems. Addressing these issues will enable the productivity of greenhouse vegetable soils that meet growing vegetable demand to be sustained using limited soil resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In response to global agricultural challenges, this review examines the synergistic impact of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles on soil amelioration. Bioslurry, rich in N, P, K and beneficial microorganisms, combined with zinc oxide nanoparticles synthesized through eco-friendly methods, demonstrates remarkable soil improvement capabilities. Their synergistic effects include enhanced nutrient availability through increased soil enzymatic activities, improved soil structure via stable aggregate formation, stimulated microbial activity particularly beneficial groups, enhanced water retention due to increased organic matter and modified soil surface properties and reduced soil pH fluctuations. These mechanisms significantly impact soil physico-chemical properties including cation exchange capacity, electrical conductivity and nutrient dynamics. This review analyses these effects and their implications for sustainable agricultural practices, focusing on crop yield improvements, reduced chemical fertilizer dependence and enhanced plant stress tolerance. Knowledge gaps such as long-term nanoparticle accumulation effects and impacts on non-target organisms are identified. Future research directions include optimizing bioslurry-nanoparticle ratios for various soil types and developing "smart" nanoparticle-enabled biofertilizers with controlled release properties. This innovative approach contributes to environmentally friendly farming practices, potentially enhancing global food security and supporting sustainable agriculture transitions. The integration of bioslurry and biogenic nanoparticles presents a promising solution to soil degradation and agricultural sustainability challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractThe degradation of cement-stabilized soil foundations in coastal environments is primarily caused by the corrosive effects of chloride and sulfate ions. While Nano-SiO2 enhances the mechanical properties of cemented soil, it may also increase brittleness, affecting safety and cost-effectiveness. Polypropylene fibers improve ductility by inhibiting crack propagation but contribute minimally to strength enhancement. To optimize performance, this study employed 3.6% Nano-SiO2 and 0.8% polypropylene fibers. Unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests indicate that with increasing curing time, erosion from Cl− and SO42− significantly increases the brittleness of Nano-modified cemented soil, with compressive strength initially rising and then declining. The incorporation of polypropylene fibers further enhances both compressive strength and deformation modulus. At 60 days of curing, the composite cemented soil exhibits strength improvements greater than the sum of the individual gains in various environments, with compressive strength increases of 248.9, 159.9, and 102.9% in freshwater, chloride, and sulfate conditions, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction analyses indicate that excessive expansion products from Cl− and SO42− reduce Nano-SiO2’s effectiveness. The C-S-H gel fills the indentations on the fiber surface and tightly envelops it, while Nano-SiO2 further enhances the mechanical interlocking between the fibers and the matrix, thereby improving durability in marine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Many meadows are experiencing severe degradation due to the effects of global climate change and other human-related activity, especially overgrazing. The impact of grazing may however vary in different sites, but the dynamics and mechanisms associated with grazing-related meadow degradation on soil microbial biomass structure and function in different locations are still unclear. Methods: To address this we examined three alpine meadows with different grazing sites in northwest China, which included grazing in winter and summer, in each of which there were four degradation gradients, varying from no degradation to severe degradation. Results: At the Maqin site, grazing during the summer resulted in higher concentrations of microbial carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), and phosphorus (MBP) compared to grazing during winter. Undegraded meadows (ND) also had higher MBC concentrations compared to low (LD), medium (MD), or severely degraded (SD) ones at the three sites. However, the homeostasis analysis revealed that the elemental stoichiometries were strictly controlled, despite significant degradation-related effects on the concentrations of MBC, MBN, and MBP, indicating relatively stable coupling relationships among C, N, and P. Conclusion: The random forest and partitioning variation analyses showed that edaphic factors play the more important roles in regulating microbial biomass and elemental composition in the different sites. Overall, these results suggest that the effects of degradation on soil microbial biomass concentrations and the stoichiometries are context dependent, particularly with regard to the impact of background soil properties, demonstrating that site conditions must be considered when predicting how grassland ecosystems will respond to grazing-related degradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The most important constraint limiting crop productivity in many parts of the world and especially among resource-poor farmers, is poor soil fertility. Maintenance of soil quality on sustainable bases can reduce the problems of soil degradation, decreasing soil fertility and rapidly declining factor productivity, a common concern in large parts of the world in today's agriculture production systems. Minerals, organic manures and microorganisms are three major components contributing for sustaining soil fertility and productivity. Among these, biofertilizers are the products containing different beneficial microorganisms which helpto meet the nutritional requirement of crops with minimum investments. Forages are least priority crops with many farmers. Thus, biofertilizers can be an important source to meet out the nutritional requirement of forage crops which are grown with minimum input supply. Commonly used bio-agents are nitrogen fixers, phosphorus and potassium solubilizers. Biofertilizers would play key role in maintaining soil productivity on sustainable basis and also in protecting the environment as eco-friendly and cost-effective inputs. Biofertilizers can improve productivity in a relatively short time, consume smaller amounts of energy and promote antagonism and biological control of phytopathogenic organisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The food packaging characteristics and environmental impact of paper coated with polysaccharide dispersions were analyzed. Colloidal dispersions of xylan and xylan derivatives, as well as their combinations with chitosan and nanocrystalline cellulose, were applied in thin layers on both sides of the paper surface (5 g/m²). The barrier properties to water, water vapor, gases, oil/grease, and the antimicrobial properties of the coated paper were evaluated. Generally, polysaccharide coatings improved the barrier and antimicrobial features of coated papers compared to uncoated paper. Significant improvements were obtained by combining xylan derivatives and chitosan, where the contact angle of the coated paper reached 92.8° and achieved 100% inhibition of Bacillus sp. Furthermore, food simulant tests indicated that all tested polysaccharide combinations are suitable for use in food packaging, especially for fatty products. After 28 and 42 days of soil degradation, all samples of xylan and xylan/xylan derivatives/chitosan/nanocellulose coatings reached similar degradation levels (70 to 80% and 14 to 16 mg CO2 production). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tea, the world's second most traded commodity, significantly impacts the economies of producing countries. However, prolonged cultivation leads to soil degradation, particularly through acidification and the depletion of essential nutrients, which adversely affects tea quality. This study investigates the effects of biomass materials—biochar, organic fertilizer, and bio-organic fertilizer—on both tea quality and soil properties. The results revealed that all biomass treatments improved the catechin quality index (CQI) of tea, with bio-organic fertilizer (BOF) yielding the highest CQI at 629.41, followed closely by biochar (624.16) and organic fertilizer (581.34). Soil analysis indicated that biochar increased soil pH from 4.53 to 5.54, total carbon by 194.6% (from 12.61 g kg−1 to 24.42 g kg−1), and nitrogen levels by 11.7% (from 14.91 mg kg−1 to 16.17 mg kg−1), while reducing soluble salts significantly. Furthermore, biomass treatments enhanced enzyme activities, with urease and acid phosphatase increasing by up to 136.6% and 149.5%, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed significant positive relationships, with tea amino acid content correlating with soil total nitrogen (r = 0.62, p < 0.05) and tea polyphenols positively correlating with available potassium (r = 0.60, p < 0.05). This study demonstrates that integrating biomass materials into tea cultivation not only enhances tea quality but also contributes to soil health, supporting sustainable tea garden management practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy soils contribute to a wide range of ecosystem services and virtually all of the UN Sustainable Development Goals, but most of the world's soil resources are in only fair, poor, or very poor condition, and conditions are getting worse in more cases than they are improving. A total of 33% of all soils are moderately to highly degraded as a result of erosion, loss of organic matter, poor nutrient balance, salinization and alkalinization, contamination, acidification, loss of biodiversity, sealing, compaction, and poor water status. Best management practices are available to limit or mitigate threats to soil health, and many of them mitigate multiple soil threats. In many regions of the world, policies or initiatives to protect or enhance the status of soils are in place, and they need to be strengthened and enforced. The Food and Agriculture Organisation will publish its second comprehensive assessment of the status of the world's soils in 2025, and this review provides an interim update on world soil status and offers an accessible overview of the topic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Naphthalene, a common member of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) found in various industrial applications, has garnered attention due to its genotoxic, mutagenic, and potentially carcinogenic effects on living organisms. Concerns have escalated regarding the widespread presence of naphthalene in the environment, its resistance to biodegradation, capacity for bioaccumulation, and associated adverse impacts. In response, numerous pilot treatment approaches have been explored to mitigate the economic consequences and prevent the degradation of soil and water quality resulting from naphthalene pollution. This study investigates the degradation of naphthalene using Kocuria rosea, a microorganism previously isolated from sawdust samples collected from a Sawmill in Ikenne, Ogun State, Southwestern Nigeria. Kocuria rosea was cultivated in nutrient broth (NB) for 24 h, and its growth was quantified through UV–Visible spectrophotometric analysis. The phytotoxicity of both untreated and treated naphthalene solutions was assessed by measuring their impact on the germination of Zea mays (corn) seeds. Furthermore, biodegradation of naphthalene was confirmed by analyzing FT-IR spectra. The results indicate that naphthalene exhibits phytotoxic effects on Z. mays germination, whereas treatment with the Kocuria rosea solution substantially increased the germination rate from 13.3 % to 46.67 %. FT-IR analysis reveals that Kocuria rosea effectively degrades naphthalene, as evidenced by the disappearance of characteristic peaks at 3049.56, 1593.25, 958.65, and 781.2. In conclusion, Kocuria rosea, isolated from a Sawmill in Ikenne, demonstrates significant potential for the bioremediation of naphthalene, offering promise as an environmentally friendly and cost-effective approach for mitigating naphthalene pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The degradation of salinized soils is imposing a steady decline in productivity, leading to significant socio-economic and environmental repercussions. As a promising solution for revitalizing depleted soil potential, the cultivation of salt-tolerant plants such as Casuarina emerges as a viable approach. This study delves into this prospect by evaluating six Casuarina species to discern their levels of tolerance to varying concentrations of NaCl, particularly in the initial stages of germination and seedling growth. The imposition of salt stress instigated a reduction in both germination capacity and speed. High variability in salt tolerance was observed between the tested species. Notably, the final germination percentages at 100 mM NaCl unveiled considerable disparities: C. torulosa, C. tenuissima, and C. stricta exhibited percentages of 33%, 19%, and 10%, respectively, while C. cunninghamiana, C. equisetifolia, and C. glauca showcased higher germination rates at 63%, 62%, and 55%, respectively. Furthermore, the increase of the recovery rate with high NaCl concentration confirmed that the salinity caused only an osmotic effect and not a toxic one on the studied species. Additionally, the adoption of seed priming showcased marked enhancements in germination rates across all NaCl concentrations, effectively expediting the germination process. In response to salinity stress, reductions were noted in root length (RL), and shoot length (SL). All germination parameters and the computation of the salt tolerance index (STI) facilitated the classification of the six Casuarina species in a descending order of salinity tolerance: C. cunninghamiana Miq. > C. equisetifolia L. > C. glauca Sieb. > C. torulosa Ait. > C. tenuissima Sieb. > C. stricta Ait. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the plant–soil feedbacks (PSFs) of dominant species of alpine meadow under different degradation status could provide insights into sustainable restoration. The direction, strength, and influencing factors of dominant species' PSFs in nondegraded (Intact), moderately degraded (MD), and severely degraded (SD) alpine meadows were examined in a two-phase PSFs experiment. Species of Intact exhibited neutral conspecific PSFs, whereas those of MD and SD exhibited negative conspecific PSFs. The species of MD demonstrated neutral heterospecific PSFs to those of Intact, whereas that of SD negatively feedbacked to those of Intact and MD. The NO3−-N and NH4+-N of soil conditioned by the species of Intact were 66% and 58% higher than the control (mixture soil conditioned by all species); but they were 37% and 32% lower in soil conditioned by the dominant species of SD. The relative abundance of soil fungal pathotrophs was 57% and 74% higher in soil conditioned by the dominant species of MD and SD than in Intact soil. The conspecific and heterospecific PSFs of all species positively correlated with the plant conditioning and degradation induced changes of difference in NO3−-N and NH4+-N and negatively correlated with the difference in relative abundance of pathotrophs. Soil microorganisms and nutrients explained most of the variation in conspecific (43%) and heterospecific PSFs (60%). Our results indicated that the N addition would facilitate the sustainable restoration of degraded alpine meadows because the addition of available N could drive the heterospecific PSFs toward more positive. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The combination of the best properties of Polycarbonate (PC) and Acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) has resulted in the development of commercially available PC/ABS blends that have been found to be useful in many molding applications. PC has excellent mechanical and optical properties, but predominant use of bisphenol A in PC synthesis raises concerns regarding its potential environmental harm. In this study, we have studied the alternative for the PC/ABS blend by replacing PC with the bio-based PC and ABS with the Acrylonitrile-styrene-acrylate (ASA). A blend of bio-based PC and ASA was prepared by the melt blending techniques and investigated mechanical, thermal, and degradation (hydrolytic and soil burial degradation) properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil arching is a common phenomenon existing in the earth structures such as pile-supported embankments and buried pipes. Suffusion would be triggered in these structures during flood events after rainstorms and pipe ruptures, which poses significant threats to these infrastructures. A novel trapdoor-suffusion apparatus was developed in this study to investigate the initiation and progressive development of suffusion in infrastructures involving soil arching. A series of laboratory tests were conducted using gap-graded glass beads with an initial fine particle content of 15% by mass. Initial soil arching was established via trapdoor movement and then was subjected to a horizontal seepage flow with an increasing hydraulic gradient to induce suffusion in the arched soil. The presence of soil arching increased the susceptibility of local instability of the soil specimen within the stress reduction areas at significantly low local hydraulic gradients, due to the reduced stress restriction on fine particles. Subsequently, global suffusion was triggered at a critical hydraulic gradient much lower than the predicted value by the modified zero effective stress principle, and this critical hydraulic gradient decreased rapidly with the reduction of initial soil arching ratio (SAR). This study obtained an empirical formula in the form of power functions to characterize the variation of critical hydraulic gradient with the initial soil arching ratio. As the suffusion continued, the degradation of soil arching intensified under the low initial SAR, and became the dominant factor increasing the surface displacement of the soil. This paper reveals the increased risk of suffusion to earth structures with the presence of soil arching, and provides valuable guidance for the design and protection of earth structures against suffusion-induced challenges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research investigated the distribution of soil fertility indices among aggregate-size fractions across three land-use types (forested, cultivated, and fallow lands) for loamy sand at Ede-Oballa, a derived savannah in southeastern Nigeria. Surface soil samples from these land-use types were air-dried and separated into <0.25 mm, 0.25-0.5 mm, 0.5-1.0 mm, 1.0-2.0 mm, 2.0-4.0 mm, and 4.0-8.0 mm aggregates before analyses. There were significant interaction effects of land-use type and aggregate-size fraction on the distribution of soil particle sizes (sand, silt, and clay) and contents of total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable bases (Mg2+ and Na+), and exchangeable acidity as well as apparent cation exchange capacity (CEC). Land-use type affected soil pH, K+, Ca+, and percent base saturation but not soil organic carbon (SOC), which was rather unevenly distributed among the aggregate-size fractions. The distribution of most fertility indices, those defining CEC, and SOC content favoured >2.0 mm (large), 0.25-0.5 mm and <0.25 mm (micro-) aggregates, respectively, under cultivated land. However, soil total nitrogen and exchangeable acidity contents were best improved in the largest (4.0-8.0 mm) aggregates under forested and fallow lands, respectively. The study highlights the potential of land-use types generally and arable-crop cultivation specifically to engender aggregates of different sizes with specific roles in improving soil quality and fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a key region supplementing China's limited croplands, Northwest China has undergone rapid cropland expansion over the past decades to satisfy rising food demand from population growth and socio‐economic development. Although cropland expansion may overconsume local water resources in general, in Northwest China, increased precipitation and enhanced glacier melt have increased the water available for croplands. Counterintuitively, the enhanced evapotranspiration (ET) resulting from this cropland expansion could benefit remote ecologically vulnerable natural vegetation through atmospheric moisture recycling. In this study, we used a moisture tracking model to quantify contributions of croplands and cropland expansion to local precipitation and the consequent precipitation supply to natural vegetation in Northwest China. We found that the croplands contributed 27.69 billion m3/year (2.13%) of regional total precipitation and supplied 17.30 billion m3/year (2.39%) of precipitation over natural vegetation, and the cropland expansion resulted in a net increase of 80.25 million m3/year (1.07% of the total increase) in regional precipitation and 36.23 million m3/year (4.56% of the total increase) in precipitation supply for natural vegetation. Among different types of natural vegetation, grasslands received the most precipitation supply due to its vast area, followed by forests and shrublands. The more arid regions experienced not only faster rates of cropland expansion but also obtained a greater increase in regional precipitation and precipitation supply to natural vegetation. Our study quantifies the ecological impacts of cropland expansion through moisture recycling in Northwest China. This shows the complexities of water competition between agricultural development and ecological conservation in drylands and elsewhere. Plain Language Summary: As an important agricultural region, Northwest China has undergone rapid cropland expansion over the past decades to satisfy rising food demand from population growth. While necessary for feeding the population, this expansion has led to environmental concerns like soil degradation and increased irrigation needs. However, our study introduces a new perspective on this issue. We focused on how the expanded croplands affect atmospheric moisture recycling—a process where water evaporates from the land and returns as rainfall. This cycle is vital for ecosystems, crop production, and water security. The expansion of croplands, especially in dry areas like Northwest China, has intensified this cycle. It increases evapotranspiration, which is then returned as increased rainfall, helping local vegetation. Our findings highlight the complex balance between agricultural expansion and environmental sustainability, showing that while cropland growth poses challenges, it also contributes in some ways to the local hydrological cycle, helping to mitigate some of the environmental impacts in this ecologically fragile region. Key Points: A novel method for quantifying the precipitation contributions from croplands and cropland‐expansionWater resources consumed by croplands can contribute to precipitation over distant natural vegetation through moisture transportInvestigating the complexities of water competition between agricultural development and ecological conservation [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India, a subtropical country, also has relatively more environmental problems because of intense rainfall that occurs quickly, as well as other natural and man-made causes of soil degradation. The use of predictive models in GIS is observed beneficial for computing the virgin net soil erosion as well as deposition. Thus, the study aims to evaluate the spatial long-term average annual soil erosion (gross soil erosion rate), net soil erosion as well as a deposition for the east-flowing Cauvery River Basin (CRB) using RUSLE integrated with the TLA-SDR model in Geographic Information System (GIS) at recent (2020 to 2022) periods. The estimation of gross soil erosion rates (A) ranges between 0 and 94,194.4 t h−1 year−1, mean of ~ 223 t h−1 year−1. The sediment yield (SY) of CRB varies from 0 to 10,895.4 t h−1 year−1 with a mean of 26 t h−1 year−1. Moreover, the transport capacity (TC) of CRB varies between 0 and 5,339,136 t h−1 year−1, with a mean of 16 t h−1 year−1. Further, net erosion is estimated with TC and deposition which has an average value of ~ 4.5 t ha−1 year−1 (i.e., ~ 2% of the gross erosion), of which 1.15% of CRB shows very severe erosion while 56.68% shows high deposition. The study also addresses the effect of various LULC types on soil loss and reveals that barren rocks have the highest soil loss, followed by forest, build-up, barren land, agricultural land, and plantation. Likewise, the study assesses whether rapid climate change may exacerbate erosion rates and concludes that greater erosion rates are recorded with rising rainfall. Additionally, when comparing the total erosion to total sediment yield rate of CRB with major basins like Ganga (GBA) and Kosi (KB), signifying the topographical, climatic as well as tectonic setup of the region. The study's findings will be an important tool for decision-makers as they execute management plans over the CRB, and this technique will used broadly to identify management methods in river catchments worldwide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Industrialized agriculture, characterized by high inputs, large-scale monocultures, and confined livestock production, with a narrow focus on profit, is a major transgressor of societal and planetary boundaries. It fuels climate change, biodiversity loss, water and soil degradation, nutritional deficiencies, public health issues, cultural erosion, and socioeconomic inequalities. As early-career researchers in agricultural sciences, we are concerned about these systemic crises and recognize that participating in normative academic practices without reflection may reinforce the prevailing industrialized food system. Motivated by the dissonance between the potential impact of our work and our vision of a better future, in this paper we describe and challenge academic praxis in agricultural sciences to tackle the interconnected crises. We do this by developing a framework of two drivers of academic knowledge production, power and values, and two mechanisms, motives and relationality. We argue that in the current dominant food system, power is consolidated and hierarchical, driven by the values of growthism and reductionism, motivated by efficiency and productivism, and characterized by extractive and anthropocentric relationality. Furthermore, we highlight evidence of the negative outcomes associated with this system, including the challenges we face and may potentially contribute to as participants. We then envision transformed food systems through examples of counter-hegemonic knowledge production systems, grounded in agroecological principles, in which power is distributed and horizontal, the primary values are solidarity and holism, motives enhance sufficiency and sovereignty, and relationality is reciprocal and based on care. By examining the current system and offering examples of alternatives, we aim to help distinguish between research that upholds the statu-quo and research that fosters change. We aim to inspire ourselves and others to reconnect with our agency and contribute towards transformed knowledge systems where food systems, underpinned by the values of agroecology, are more capable of sustaining life on this planet in an equitable and just manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of the active hostilities associated with Russia's large-scale armed invasion of the territory of Ukraine on soil degradation as a result of military actions has resulted in soil damage due to heavy military armored vehicles. Debris from destroyed military equipment, ammunition, and fuel remnants lead to multi-factor damage to the soil system, causing local and global pollution and losses of soil resources. In all the studied cases, mechanical, chemical, and physical soil degradation were observed. This was manifested in changes in granulometric fractions at explosion sites, burning areas, and locations with heavy-metal contamination. Equipment incineration has resulted in an increase in the sand fraction (2.0–0.05 mm) by 1.2–1.8 times and a decrease in the clay fraction (<0.002 mm) by 1.1–1.2 times. The soil contamination levels with regard to heavy metals significantly surpass health standards, with the highest pollution levels observed for Pb, Zn, and Cd. Across all affected areas, changes occurred in the microbiome structure (a 20.5-fold increase in the proportion of mycelial organisms), microbiological process activity was suppressed (a 1.2-fold decrease), microbial biomass (a 2.1-fold decrease) was reduced, and high soil toxicity (99.8%) was observed. Explosions and the pyrolysis of armored vehicles have a significant impact on soil mesobiota and plants. The results indicate the existence of complex interactions between various factors in the soil environment post-explosion, significantly affecting soil health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Patchiness is known to affect soil water and soil temperature, and may trigger or accelerate alpine meadow degradation. However, there is a lack of direct evidence concerning the role of the size and type of patches on soil conditions. Here, we estimated the effects of typical patch types on the critical factors of soil water and soil temperature through an in situ survey and then analyzed the potential impacts of patchiness on alpine meadow degradation. The results showed that (1) the soil water storage (SWS) of typical patch types was remarkably different, and vegetation patches had higher SWS than bare patches; (2) with abundant precipitation, the isolated vegetation patch (IV) had higher SWS than the original vegetation patch (OV), accompanied by a decrease in the SWS of the surrounding medium bare patch (MP); (3) patchiness significantly altered the surface soil temperature, with the IV having the highest soil temperature (ST), followed by the OV and bare patches; and (4) the maximum mean value of evapotranspiration was observed in IV (3.85 mm/day), about 12.78% and 46.66% higher than in the bare patches and OV. Our findings indicated that patchiness intensified the heterogeneity of soil water and soil temperature. The IV could absorb soil water from surrounding MP for excessive evapotranspiration through constant high ST, potentially inducing or aggravating degradation. Increasing the connectivity of IV and preventing the transition of OV to IV is important for the stability and restoration of alpine meadow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Olive cultivation, an icon of Mediterranean agriculture, economy, and cultural heritage, faces significant challenges due to climate change and soil degradation. Climate projections indicate that altered precipitation patterns, rising temperatures, and increased frequency of extreme weather events will adversely affect olive tree growth, fruit quality, and yield. This review provides a novel perspective on addressing these challenges through both long-term and short-term adaptation strategies, emphasizing innovative products, advanced technologies, and practical solutions that must work synergistically and be tailored to regional conditions. Long-term practices refer to proactive strategies for enduring climate resilience, including cover cropping, mulching, soil amendments, and breeding programs which enhance soil health, improve water retention, and increase the trees' resilience. Short-term strategies focus on immediate impacts, offering immediate stress relief and enhanced plant physiological responses, including optimized irrigation systems, pruning management, particle coating films, biostimulants, and plant growth regulators. The review underscores the importance of aligning agricultural practices with sustainability goals and evolving environmental policies and the education of farmers and policymakers. By integrating adaptive practices and technological advancements, the olive sector can better address climate challenges, contribute to global food security, and advance environmental sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mediterranean forests are very degraded, mainly due to the intensification of wildfires in recent decades, which, boosted by human activity, have contributed to the acceleration of erosion processes and soil degradation. Under certain conditions, this also contributes to the formation of gullies. The aim of this study is to identify and characterise gullies considering their morphological and topographical aspects and determine the factors that control vegetation regrowth in gullies in a Mediterranean environment after a wildfire. The gullies were identified based on the 2018 orthophotograph, after the large wildfire of October 2017 that affected the entire study area. To analyse the vegetation regrowth, we used the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) derived from seven Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS images (2017–2022). The Spearman's rho correlation coefficient was selected to estimate the correlation between gully characteristics and vegetation regrowth. Before running the model, a multicollinearity test was conducted (VIF ≤ 10 and tolerance ≥ 0.1). Stepwise multiple regression was conducted in order to identify the independent variable that has a strong relationship with vegetation regrowth. A marginal effects plot was drawn up. The 38 gullies identified are in forest areas, mainly composed of pine (Pinus pinaster) trees (17 gullies) or a combination of pine trees and broadleaf (Eucalyptus globulus) trees (eight gullies). In all, invasive species are present in 11 gullies, alone (one gully), together with pine trees (four gullies) or with other species (six). The other gully has broadleaf trees. The vegetation in the gully channel recovered well in the year after the wildfire. In the following years there was growth at a slower rate until it reached similar values of NDVI in 2022, 5 years after the wildfire. Stepwise multiple regression (SMR) produced a solution with three models. The three derived dimensions covered 66.8% of the variance, considering the mean width, altitude and flow accumulation. The results can help to devise more effective management strategies for areas where the recurrence and intensity of wildfires have contributed very effectively to soil loss and degradation from gully erosion, with a view to a more resilient and sustainable territory. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil cracking induced by grassland degradation has become increasingly common in the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau in recent decades, and the intensification of soil cracking has implications for soil carbon (C) cycling. However, how patchy degradation affects soil aggregates and organic C and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, we investigated the changes in soil aggregates and organic C across various degradation stages in patchy alpine swamp meadows. The results showed a hump‐shaped trend in the proportion of macroaggregates, mean weight diameter (MWD), macroaggregate‐associated organic C (MAOC), and their contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) throughout the degradation sequence. Conversely, the proportion of microaggregates initially decreased and then increased, with the contribution of microaggregate‐associated organic C (MIOC) to SOC increasing as degradation progressed. Regression and piecewise structural equation modeling (SEM) showed that soil texture played a decisive role in the change in MAOC and MIOC, and enzyme activity was the key factor leading to the difference between MAOC and MIOC. Enhanced enzyme activity accelerated the decomposition of MAOC while favoring the accumulation of MIOC. These findings are crucial for understanding the mechanisms influencing the physical protection of SOC by aggregates under patchy degradation. This emphasized soil cracking as a turning point in aggregate and organic C changes and a trigger for severe degradation in alpine swamp meadows, warranting proactive measures to mitigate its onset and progression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Flusulfinam, a novel chiral herbicide, effectively controls Echinochloa crusgalli and Digitaria sanguinalis in paddy fields, indicating significant potential for practical agricultural applications. However, limited information is available on flusulfinam from a chiral perspective. A comprehensive evaluation of the enantiomeric levels of flusulfinam was performed. RESULTS: Two enantiomers, R‐(+)‐ and S‐(−)‐flusulfinam, were separately eluted using a Chiralcel OX‐RH column. The bioactivity of R‐flusulfinam against the two was 1.4–3.1 fold that of Rac‐flusulfinam against two weed species. R‐flusulfinam toxicity to Danio rerio larvae and Selenastrum capricornutumwere was 0.8‐ and 3.0‐fold higher than Rac‐flusulfinam, respectively. Degradation experiments were conducted using soil samples from four Chinese provinces. The findings indicated that S‐flusulfinam (half‐life T1/2 = 40.8 days) exhibits preferential degradation than R‐flusulfinam (T1/2 = 46.2–57.8 days) in the soils of three provinces. Under anaerobic conditions, soil from Anhui exhibited preferential degradation of R‐flusulfinam (T1/2 = 46.2 days) over S‐flusulfinam (T1/2 = 63 days). Furthermore, two hydrolysis products of flusulfinam (M299 and M100) are proposed for the first time. CONCLUSION: The enantioselective bioactivity, toxicity and degradation of flusulfinam were investigated. Our findings indicate that R‐flusulfinam is an extremely effective and low‐toxicity enantiomer for the tested species. The soil degradation test indicated that the degradation of flusulfinam was accelerated by higher organic matter content and lower soil pH. Furthermore, microbial communities may play a crucial role in driving the enantioselective degradation processes. This study lays the groundwork for the systematic evaluation of flusulfinam from an enantiomeric perspective. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Although microencapsulation technology is an effective pesticide formulation method, the correlation between the release properties of microcapsules and pesticide concentrations in soil and their efficacy has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, the effects of the release properties of the nematicide Fosthiazate (FTZ) from microcapsules on their efficacy against the nematode Meloidogyne incognita were examined using experimental and mathematical approaches. RESULTS: Gradual release of FTZ from both polyurea microcapsules (PU‐MC) and melamine‐formaldehyde microcapsules (MF‐MC) was observed over 30 days in the release test, and each release curve was completely distinct. In the biological test, the efficacy of both microcapsules against M. incognita 42 days after the application was 8–15% higher than that of the non‐encapsulated FTZ at a concentration of 2.0 mg FTZ kg−1 soil. Soil degradation experiments suggested that the microcapsules worked effectively to protect the FTZ from degradation, which resulted in higher efficacy at a later stage. A simulation study to predict the concentration of FTZ outside the microcapsule found that the timing of supplying FTZ was important and suggested that the mixture of non‐encapsulated FTZ (non‐MC) and MF‐MC showed enhanced efficiency for the entire cultivation period in the biological test; the efficacy against nematodes was also confirmed by the measurement of nematode density using the Bearman funnel method. CONCLUSION: The release properties of FTZ from microcapsules are critical for their effective application against M. incognita, and the established simulation study is a useful step in designing suitable release properties under complex soil conditions. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unabated 21st-century climate change will accelerate Arctic-Subarctic permafrost thaw which can intensify microbial degradation of carbon-rich soils, methane emissions, and global warming. The impact of permafrost thaw on future Arctic-Subarctic wildfires and the associated release of greenhouse gases and aerosols is less well understood. Here we present a comprehensive analysis of the effect of future permafrost thaw on land surface processes in the Arctic-Subarctic region using the CESM2 large ensemble forced by the SSP3-7.0 greenhouse gas emission scenario. Analyzing 50 greenhouse warming simulations, which capture the coupling between permafrost, hydrology, and atmosphere, we find that projected rapid permafrost thaw leads to massive soil drying, surface warming, and reduction of relative humidity over the Arctic-Subarctic region. These combined processes lead to nonlinear late-21st-century regime shifts in the coupled soil-hydrology system and rapid intensification of wildfires in western Siberia and Canada. In a warming world, future rapid permafrost thawing can cause significant soil drying, surface warming, and atmospheric drying in the Arctic-Subarctic region, leading to an intensification of peat and forest fires in western Siberia and Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current diagnostic agronomy study of the Bankura region of West Bengal, India, examined the variations in crop yields through a socio-ecological analysis of multiple production systemcomponents. Envirotyping for root cause analysis was employed to delve into the variables that affect the performance of rainfed production systems. Mother Earth, man, machine, management, andmaterials (5Ms concept) were the five indicators under which the variables were grouped. Findings demonstrated the fragility of the region's soils due to its undulating terrain, unpredictable rainfall patterns, and frequent drought scenarios. The LULC's NDVI showed that the agricultural area is about 60% and 43% of the total geographical area in the Hirbandh and Ranibandh blocks, respectively. Soils are acidic and diagnosed with deficiency of both macro and micronutrients (phosphorous, sulfur, and boron) having poor water holding capacity (35 to 55 mm for a 50 cm soil depth). The sand and soil organic carbon contents ranged between 43.04%-82.32% and 0.17%-1.01%, respectively with a low bacterial population. These factors are the root cause for low cropping intensity (106%) and low paddy productivity (3,021 kg/ha). Overall, the study contributes to designing and scaling-up of sustainable landscape management practices that could ensure higher cropping intensity and system productivity in similar agro-ecologies with limited evidence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The increase in the quantity and variety of contaminants generated during routine airport infrastructure maintenance operations leads to a wider range of pollutants entering soil and surface waters through runoff, causing soil erosion and groundwater pollution. A significant developmental challenge is ensuring that airport infrastructure meets high-quality environmental management standards. It is crucial to have effective tools for monitoring and managing the volume and quality of stormwater produced within airports and nearby coastal areas. It is necessary to develop methodologies for determining a wide range of contaminants in airport stormwater samples and assessing their toxicity to improve the accuracy of environmental status assessments. This manuscript aims to showcase the latest advancements (2010–2024 update) in developing methodologies, including green analytical techniques, for detecting a wide range of pollutants in airport runoff waters and directly assessing the toxicity levels of airport stormwater effluent. An integrated chemical and ecotoxicological approach to assessing environmental pollution in airport areas can lead to precise environmental risk assessments and well-informed management decisions for sustainable airport operations. Furthermore, this critical review highlights the latest innovations in remediation techniques and various strategies to minimize airport waste. It shifts the paradigm of soil and water pollution management towards nature-based solutions, aligning with the sustainable development goals of the 2030 Agenda. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work concerns the assessment of soil reclamation and its impact on biological life in areas destroyed by the sulfur industry in Jeziórko. Sulfur extraction using the borehole method causes enormous destruction to the soil environment. Among the many forms of degradation, the most pronounced are the chemical transformations of the environment and the disturbances in water relations in large areas, which could theoretically impact areas not within the direct range of the mining plant. This work aimed to assess the condition of biological life in soil reclaimed with waste in areas devastated by the sulfur industry in Jeziórko. The reclamation of these soils was difficult but necessary due to the complete disappearance of biological life. Appropriate actions were taken to restore and improve the properties of the soil, which resulted in an improvement in their production capacity. Reclamation was carried out, among other techniques, by deacidifying the soil using post-flotation lime and fertilizing the soil with municipal sewage sludge and post-use mineral wool. Studies have shown an improvement in many soil properties, such as its physical, water, chemical, and biological properties. The implemented reclamation methods significantly influenced, among other things, the density and water properties of the degraded soil. The soil reclaimed with mineral wool and sewage sludge recorded the highest density and water capacity. Applying mineral wool to the degraded soil influenced the changes in the analyzed physical and water properties. The obtained research results also show the beneficial effect of mineral wool and sewage sludge on the increase in organic carbon content. In the soil treated with these substances, the organic carbon content ranged from 13.60 g·kg−1 to 14.30 g·kg−1. It is shown that reclamation has had a considerable impact on and is essential for biological life in Jeziórko. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As the largest producer and consumer of plastic films in the world, China is faced with serious soil pollution caused by traditional plastic films. Biodegradable mulch brings new controversy while solving this problem. Film mulching changes the soil hydrothermal cycle and has an impact on soil physical and chemical properties. However, the effects of different types of mulch films on soil physical and chemical properties and the differences in their degradation characteristics need to be further studied. In this study, seven types of plastic films were selected：bio-permeable black film (IB), bio-permeable white film (IW), bio-permeable grey film (IG), biodegradable black film (DB), biodegradable white film (DW), polyethylene black film (AB), and polyethylene white film (AW) . Xenon or ultraviolet lamps were used to investigate the influence of different kinds of mulch films on the physical and chemical properties of soil and their degradation characteristics. After 35 days of aging with xenon or ultraviolet lamp, other treatments were compared with CK. Xenon lamp and DW treatments significantly increased soil pH the most, by 0.2, whereas UV lamp and DW treatments significantly increased soil organic matter content the most, by 2.93 g·kg-1 . UV lamp and IG treatments increased soil cation exchange the most, by 8.28 cmol·kg-1, but the difference was not significant. The use of mulch films can promote the conversion of nitrate nitrogen to ammonia nitrogen. In terms of mulch film degradation, non-degradable mulch films almost do not degrade in the short term under light. The degradation rates of degradable mulch films was higher under ultraviolet lamps than under xenon lamps. The degradation rate of plastic films under xenon lamps was in the order IG>IB>IW>DW≈DB, while the aging degradation rate of mulch films under UV lamps was in the order DB>IG≈IB>DW≈IW. Molecular bond breaking and functional group changes occur during film degradation, mainly changing in the relative content of the functional group, which leads to the cracking of the mulch film and the formation of microplastics, causing harm to the soil environment. Mulch films have positive effects on soil physical and chemical properties in the short term. Bio-permeable films degrade faster than biodegradable films and maintain their integrity in the short term, making them suitable for crops with shorter growth cycles. However, biodegradable membranes produce more microplastics, which harm the soil environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Curcumin is a plant-derived secondary metabolite exhibiting antitumor, neuroprotective, antidiabetic activities, and so on. We previously isolated Escherichia coli as an enterobacterium exhibiting curcumin-converting activity from human feces, and discovered an enzyme showing this activity (CurA) and named it NADPH-dependent curcumin/dihydrocurcumin reductase. From soil, here, we isolated a curcumin-degrading microorganism (No. 34) using the screening medium containing curcumin as the sole carbon source and identified as Rhodococcus sp. A curcumin-degrading enzyme designated as CurH was purified from this strain and characterized, and compared with CurA. CurH catalyzed hydrolytic cleavage of a carbon-carbon bond in the β-diketone moiety of curcumin and its analogs, yielding two products bearing a methyl ketone terminus and a carboxylic acid terminus, respectively. These findings demonstrated that a curcumin degradation reaction catalyzed by CurH in the soil environment was completely different from the one catalyzed by CurA in the human microbiome. Of all the curcumin analogs tested, suitable substrates for the enzyme were curcuminoids (i.e., curcumin and bisdemethoxycurcumin) and tetrahydrocurcuminoids. Thus, we named this enzyme curcuminoid hydrolase. The deduced amino acid sequence of curH exhibited similarity to those of members of acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase family. Considering results of oxygen isotope analyses and a series of site-directed mutagenesis experiments on our enzyme, we propose a possible catalytic mechanism of CurH, which is unique and distinct from those of enzymes degrading β-diketone moieties such as β-diketone hydrolases known so far. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]