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Understanding the dynamics of soil phosphorus (P) over extended periods of soil and crop management practices is essential for sustainable P management. This study assessed the impact of four crop rotations [maize-wheat (M-W), maize-wheat-mungbean (M-W-Mb), maize-wheat-maize-chickpea (M-W-M-C), and pigeonpea-wheat (P-W)] each with three levels of nutrient management [control (CT), integrated nutrient management (suboptimal fertilizer+ farmyard manure + crop residue + bio-fertilizers; INM), and sole-chemical fertilizers (CF)] on soil inorganic and organic P (Pi and Po) pools and crop–soil relationships at the end of 15-year cropping. Legume-inclusive rotations resulted in higher labile-P pools, being higher with M-W-M-C and P-W. M-W-M-C rotation had higher moderately labile organic P (Po) in both surface (+23%) and subsurface (+18%) depths over M-W. Di-calcium P (Ca2-P) (+6%) and microbial biomass P (MBP) (+46%) increased in M-W-Mb over M-W, while iron-P (Fe-P) was reduced (−12%) in subsurface soil. INM enhanced bioavailable-P [soluble-P (+17%), labile-Pi (+15%) labile-Po (+12%), MBP (+96%), moderately labile-Po (+22%)] over CF in surface soil, while CF had a higher Fe-P (+16%). Legumes in rotation caused notable changes in the surface-to-subsurface ratio (SSBR) of Ca2-P (1.18–1.50) and occluded-P (1.64–2.78). INM had a higher SSBR of labile-P pools but had a lower SSBR of occluded-P facilitating mobilization of the later in the surface. Hence, in tropical soils, legume-inclusive diversification (particularly with chickpea) and INM involving crop residue recycling could be a sustainable option to improve P use efficiency, crop productivity, and save fertilizer resources. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil nematode communities in typical tundra soils of southern Chukotka have been analyzed. Five types of shrub and grass-shrub biotopes on Cryosols, Fluvisols, Histosols, Gleysols, and Cambisols were examined. The animals were extracted from the soil by the Baermann technique with subsequent determination of taxonomic diversity, total and relative abundance, and trophic groups. The highest number (7044 individuals/100 g of soil) and biomass (12.15 mg) of nematodes were found in the Histosol, and the minimum one (1000 individuals/100 g of soil; 1.96 mg) of nematodes in the Cryosol. Bacterivorous nematodes dominated in all soil types. The maximum percentage of bacterivorous nematodes (94%) were found in the Cambisol. The percentages of fungivorous nematodes in the studied soils ranged from 1 to 42%. Predatory and omnivorous nematodes were present in all soils except for the litter of the Cambisol. Their percentage ranged from 2 to 32%. Phytonematodes were few, their highest number was found in the Gleysol (18%). The nematode fauna of the soils under analysis differed significantly. The greatest diversity of nematodes was found in the peat horizon of the Fluvisol, and the smallest diversity of nematodes was recorded in the litter of the Cambisol. The values of Sigma Maturity Index ranged between 2 and 3. The Enrichment Index had low and moderate (1.40–41.02) values, and the Structure Index had high values (59.51–84.07). The Eudorylaimus and Plectus genera were eudominants in all soil types. The soil food webs formed in the biocenoses under consideration can be characterized as stable and structured except for the alder biocenosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glomalin content is generally considered an indicator of the soil organic matter (SOM) quality. The content of easily extractable glomalin (EEG) and the total glomalin (TG) content was investigated across 71 different sites in the Czech Republic with arable soil and crop production (12 chernozems, 30 luvisols, 17 cambisols, and 12 fluvisols). The majority of the crops in the crop rotation were cereals (45.5%—mainly winter wheat, winter barley, and spring barley). The proportion of winter canola within the crop rotation was 15.9%. The contribution of other crops was substantially smaller (alfalfa, clover, potatoes, beet, silage maize, grain maize). The representation of crops in the crop rotation is standard for conventional farming in the Czech Republic. Based on the results of long-term field monitoring at 71 sites in different soil–climate conditions, we can state the following. The TG content was significantly correlated with the soil organic matter carbon content (CSOM), as well as another important indicator of SOM quality (humic and fulvic acid carbon content ratio—CHA/CFA). A significant and positive correlation was also determined for the TG and clay content (size < 0.002 mm), as well as particles smaller than 0.01 mm. The easily extractable glomalin content (EEG) did not differ based on the reference soil group (RSG). On the other hand, the total glomalin content (TG) was significantly higher in the chernozem RSG in comparison with other RSGs (luvisols, cambisols, fluvisols). There was no relationship between the pHCaCl2 and glomalin (EEG; TG). The same can be said about the relationship between glomalin (EEG; TG) and the bulk density and porosity. No link was established between the glomalin content (EEG; TG) and phosphorus plant-available content. There was no relationship between the amount of applied organic matter (carbon inputs) and the soil glomalin content (EEG; TG). This relationship was not influenced by the type of applied organic fertilizer. No significant relationship was found for either straw, manure, or compost. The data on the glomalin content are significantly influenced by the site (soil type and soil texture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Flooding and climate warming lead to the increase of low‐molecular‐weight organic acid (LMWOA) inputs to soil. However, it is unclear what the effects of flooding and climate warming on soil nitrogen fraction transformation under LMWOA input are. Fluvisol was collected in the riparian zone of the Three Gorges Reservoir to conduct an incubation experiment with the treatments of three LMWOAs at five contents, two hydrological environments and two temperatures. Compared with LMWOA input of 0 mg kg−1, the soil nitrogen in ion exchangeable fraction (IEF‐N), strong oxidant extractable fraction (SOEF‐N) and non‐transformable nitrogen (NTF‐N) were increased by 35.77, 54.71 and 25.49 mg kg−1, respectively, under LMWOA input of 40 mmol kg−1. Soil nitrogen in the weak acid extractable fraction (WAEF‐N) was decreased by 117.41 mg kg−1. Microbial biomass nitrogen (MBN) was increased by 25.29 mg kg−1, and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was decreased by 8.03 g kg−1. The contents of IEF‐N, NTF‐N and amorphous iron oxides were higher under the flooding environment than under the drying environment. In contrast, opposite results were observed for soil nitrogen in the strong alkali extractable fraction (SAEF‐N), SOEF‐N and MBN. IEF‐N and NTF‐N contents were higher at 20°C than at 30°C, and the contents of SOEF‐N and MBN were higher at 30°C than at 20°C. WAEF‐N was dissolved by LMWOA through CaCO3 dissolution. The dissolved WAEF‐N was partly transformed into SOEF‐N and NTF‐N by microbial assimilation and humification. Flooding desorbed SAEF‐N through the crystalline transformation of iron oxides. Flooding inhibited the transformation of IEF‐N to SOEF‐N and promoted the formation of NTF‐N, while warming did the opposite. The results provide a perspective of the bound state between soil and nitrogen for understanding the soil nitrogen cycling and help to assess the impacts of climate warming and flooding on soil nitrogen loss from soil to the surrounding water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glomalin content is generally considered an indicator of the soil organic matter (SOM) quality. The content of easily extractable glomalin (EEG) and the total glomalin (TG) content was investigated across 71 different sites in the Czech Republic with arable soil and crop production (12 chernozems, 30 luvisols, 17 cambisols, and 12 fluvisols). The majority of the crops in the crop rotation were cereals (45.5%—mainly winter wheat, winter barley, and spring barley). The proportion of winter canola within the crop rotation was 15.9%. The contribution of other crops was substantially smaller (alfalfa, clover, potatoes, beet, silage maize, grain maize). The representation of crops in the crop rotation is standard for conventional farming in the Czech Republic. Based on the results of long-term field monitoring at 71 sites in different soil–climate conditions, we can state the following. The TG content was significantly correlated with the soil organic matter carbon content (CSOM), as well as another important indicator of SOM quality (humic and fulvic acid carbon content ratio—CHA/CFA). A significant and positive correlation was also determined for the TG and clay content (size < 0.002 mm), as well as particles smaller than 0.01 mm. The easily extractable glomalin content (EEG) did not differ based on the reference soil group (RSG). On the other hand, the total glomalin content (TG) was significantly higher in the chernozem RSG in comparison with other RSGs (luvisols, cambisols, fluvisols). There was no relationship between the pHCaCl2 and glomalin (EEG; TG). The same can be said about the relationship between glomalin (EEG; TG) and the bulk density and porosity. No link was established between the glomalin content (EEG; TG) and phosphorus plant-available content. There was no relationship between the amount of applied organic matter (carbon inputs) and the soil glomalin content (EEG; TG). This relationship was not influenced by the type of applied organic fertilizer. No significant relationship was found for either straw, manure, or compost. The data on the glomalin content are significantly influenced by the site (soil type and soil texture).

The most common type of soil in the valleys of large lowland rivers is Fluvisol or Alluvial soil. In order to determine the biogenity of this type of soil along the Western Morava basin, the representation of the total microflora, fungi, actinomycetes, ammonifiers, Azotobacter sp. and oligonitrophiles was examined. The samples were taken from soils used in the most common two different ways (plough fields and meadows). For that were used standard microbiological methods of inoculation a certain decimal dilution on appropriate nutrient media. No correlation was established between the number of examined groups of microorganisms and the way of land use, nor was there a correlation with chemical properties, primarily with pH and organic matter content. A good representation of Azotobacter sp., as an indicator of soil fertility, was found. Agrochemical analyses showed an acidic to neutral reaction, a low to medium percentage of organic matter, a very low to very high content of easily available phosphorus and easily available potassium.

Biochar is widely used as a soil amendment to improve soil properties and as a tool to absorb net carbon from the atmosphere. In this study we determined the signatures of organic molecular markers in soil following the incorporation of 5 and 10 t/ha biochar in a Fluvisol, cultivated with maize at the experimental field of the ISSAPP “N. Poushkarov” institute in Bulgaria. The n-alkane distribution in the biochar treated soils was uni- or bimodal maximizing at n-C17 alkane, n-C18 or C18 branched alkanes, i.e. there was an imprint of biomass burning, e.g. from the biochar due to predominance of short chain (< C20) homologues and increased microbial activity (presence of branched alkanes). This is also confirmed by the values for the average chain length (ACL) of n-alkanes which indicated prevalence of homologues of shorter chain (20–21 C atoms) in the variants of longer biochar residence time. There was evidence of trans-13-docosenamide, which originated from biochar. Fatty acids and fatty alcohols distributions also implicate microbial contribution to soil organic matter (SOM), supporting the suggestion that biochar addition can improve soil microbiological status.

The formation of oxalates in soils and rocks under conditions of cryoarid climate, permafrost and taiga vegetation was studied. Whewellite and weddellite were found in four areas associated with the mining industry: on the kimberlite deposit of the Daldyn territory, in the lower reaches of the Markha River of the Central Yakut Plain, and on the coastal outcrop of the Allah-Yun Sellah-Khotun ore cluster. Whewellite was found in the upper organic horizon of Skeletic Cryosol (Thixotropic) (sample 151) and as a film on the surface of plant remains of Humic Fluvisols (sample 1663). Weddellite was found as an extensive encrustation on the surface of the soil and vegetation cover of Stagnic Cryosols Reductaquic (sample 984) and on a siltstone outcrop (sample KM-6-21). Calcium oxalates were identified by X-ray phase analysis, photographs of the samples were taken on a polarizing microscope, and the crystal morphology was studied on a scanning electron microscope. To determine the chemical composition of soils and rocks, the classical wet-chemical method was used; the physical properties of the studied samples were studied using a pH meter, the photoelectric colorimetric method, and a synchrotron thermal analysis device. The source of calcium for the formation of salts is the parent layers of the studied soils, represented by carbonate and carbonate clastic rocks, which cause neutral and slightly alkaline environments. High humidity, which is provided by the seasonal thawing of the permafrost, has a key role in the formation of the studied oxalates in Yakutia with a sharply continental cryoarid climate. Based on the studies, it was found that the first two samples are the products of lichen activity, and the third and fourth are at the stage of initial soil formation by micromycetes. In addition, the formation of these oxalates, in our opinion, is the result of the protective function of vegetation, in the first two cases, with a sharp increase in the load on lichens under technogenic impact, and in the second and third cases, when favorable conditions arise for initial soil formation, but under conditions of toxic content of heavy metals and arsenic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming has significantly impacted the ecosystems of the Subarctic and Arctic. It has most strongly affected highly productive ecosystems, including those formed in river floodplains. Due to the initially high (background) values of NDVI, remote monitoring methods are not suitable for detecting changes in the biological productivity of floodplain vegetation. Research for both individual regions and landscapes is needed. However, for the floodplains of many rivers in Western Siberia, there are no primary descriptions of soils and vegetation. We have studied the soils and vegetation of the riverside floodplains in the lower reaches of the Taz River within the Pur–Taz interfluve. The studies were carried out within the hydrological continuum from the stream to the main Taz River. A regular change in soils and vegetation along the hydrological continuum was established, with fluvial processes intensifying. Ecosystems with the greatest diversity of plants, with thick layered soils such as Pantofluvic Fluvisol (Polyarenic, Polysiltic, Humic), are formed in the valleys of the tributaries of the Taz River on the natural riverside levee. The floodplain of the Taz River is distinguished by small differences in the heights of topographic elements, loamy soil texture, waterlogging and permafrost. The soils of the studied hydrological continuum were assigned to two Reference Soil Groups (Gleysol and Fluvisol). To describe the diversity of basic soil properties, six principal qualifiers and nine supplementary qualifiers were used. An assumption was made about the replacement of willow bushes by alder bushes during the warming period with the growth of some species of forbs (Parasenecio hastatus). The study made it possible to outline ways of further studying the floodplains of the Subarctic of Western Siberia.

Given the growth in the number of biogas power plants and the increase in the generation of waste from energy production, it is relevant to study the sustainable nature of this waste. Digestate is a product of the anaerobic digestion process, and is a valuable bio-fertilizer containing organic matter and nutrients necessary for agricultural plants' growth. The study showed that different rates of liquid and solid phases of anaerobic digestate influenced the contents of carbon and nitrogen in genetically young soil in alluvial deposits—Fluvisol. The application of solid digestate (SD) considerably increased soil organic carbon content (SOC) in the 0–10 cm soil layer; however, SOC did not reach the 20–30 cm layer. Liquid digestate (LD) significantly increased SOC in the deeper layers. The levels of mineral nitrogen (Nmin) and water extractable organic carbon (WEOC) increased in the 0–10 cm soil layer soon after fertilization with LD and SD. The mobile components of the soil (Nmin and WEOC) were characterized by high variability during the growing season. Within the 2-month period, their concentrations decreased drastically and were close to those of unfertilized soil. The research indicates that anaerobic digestate had a greater effect on mobile forms of carbon and nitrogen in the soil than on their total amounts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rising level of pollutant emissions is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems of our time. Therefore, this work is focused on evaluating Cd and Ni contamination of soils and assimilatory organs of two native (Acer platanoides L., Taxus baccata L.) and two non-native (Negundo aceroides Moench, Thuja occidentalis L.) woody species in urban parks of SW Slovakia. The contents of Cd and Ni in soils were determined by the AAS method and, in the assimilatory organs of trees, by the AAS-ETA method. The studied soils (Fluvisol, Phaeozem) have neutral soil reactions and a moderate organic matter content. Cadmium soil contamination is considerable to very high; in the case of Ni, it is moderate to low. Cadmium levels detected in leaves were 31% higher than in needles, while Ni levels were 27% lower. Significant ecological factors in relation to the studied woody species were evaluated using PCA. The first three principal components of PCA significantly correlated with Cd (PC1) and Ni (PC3) contents in soils and Cd content in assimilatory organs (PC2), thus suggesting that these elements could especially originate from industrial and vehicular sources. Knowledge of the factors affecting the accumulation of risk elements in the assimilatory organs of park woody species can be successfully used, especially in the assessment of the quality of the urban environment and the selection of suitable cultivars for planting in areas with air pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The quantitative and qualitative characteristics are given of the soil prokaryotic communities in the Dystric Fluvisol, litter, and "suspended soil" in epiphyte baskets. The number of bacteria (direct luminescence method) varied from 1.1 to 2.6 billion cells/g soil and was the highest in the suspended soil sample and lower in the litter and A and AB horizons of Dystric Fluvisol (brown meadow alluvial soil). Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria predominated in the prokaryotic community (at the phylum level); Chloroflexi, Firmicutes, and Verrucomicrobia were found in smaller amounts; the content of Nitrospirae, Planctomycetes, and Gemmatimonadetes was even lower. Representatives of the Archaea domain were found in the A horizon and in the suspended soil. Their content was significantly lower than that of the Bacteria domain and did not exceed 1%. Archaea were represented by the Thaumarchaeota and Euryarchaeota phyla in the A horizon and by Thaumarchaeota and Woesearchaeota phyla in the suspended soil. Based on the calculated ecological indices (alpha and beta diversity, measures of similarity by Bray-Curtis metrics and weighted UniFrac), it was shown that the microbiome of the suspended soil was closer to the microbiome of A horizon of Dystric Fluvisol than to the microbiome of litter. The metabolically active part of the prokaryotic community represented by the Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Acidobacteria phyla reached its maximum in the suspended soil and was lower in the litter and A horizon of Dystric Fluvisol, and this correlated with the high abundance of these phyla and the significant taxonomic diversity of bacteria in this locus. Functional genes (nifH and alkB) were detected in all studied substrates. The number of copies of functional genes was the highest in the suspended soil sample, which makes this locus promising for isolating the strains with high biotechnological potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water retention is an important hydrological ecosystem service of active floodplain soils. The aim of the study was to evaluate the soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Fluvisols in three different ecosystems that have an impact on water retention hydrological ecosystem services (WRHESs). We selected 16 localities along the Štiavnica River in Central Slovakia, 8 located in riparian zones (RZ), 5 in arable lands (AL), and 3 in grasslands (GL). Soil samples were collected from two layers (0–10 and 20–30 cm). In the laboratory, the soil physical (soil texture) and soil chemical properties (pH, soil organic carbon content, humic and fulvic acid ratio) were determined. Using undisturbed soil samples, the soil physical characteristics (particle density, bulk density, porosity, and actual soil moisture–SMa) were measured. With the help of pedotransfer functions, hydrological soil properties (field water capacity–FWC, wilting point–WP, available water capacity–AWC) were estimated. The recorded properties differed between the localities, ecosystems, and two layers. The SMa values showed a higher soil water retention potential of extensively used ecosystems, such as GL and RZ. However, the hydrological properties estimated by pedotransfer functions (FWC, WP, AWC) showed a higher soil water retention potential in AL localities. This indicated that for calculations, selected pedotransfer functions (particle size fractions, organic matter, and bulk density) and other soil or ecosystem properties (e.g., vegetation cover, meteorological conditions) have an impact on WRHESs. One such soil factor can be the quality of organic matter. On the basis of the results of the ANOVA, significant differences emerged between the different ecosystems for selected basic chemical, physical, and hydrological properties. The effect of the soil layer on the soil properties was revealed only in the case of SOC. The results indicated the effect of different ecosystems on soil WRHES and the importance of extensively managed ecosystems, such as RZ and GL. From this point of view, the reduction in the RZ and GL areas during a period of the last 70 years is negative. The findings should be taken into account in future sustainable floodplain management and landscape architecture. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biogas and anaerobic digestion has begun to be considered an important renewable and sustainable energy source. The sustainable development of the anaerobic digestion process depends largely on the ability to manage large amounts of by-products generated during the biogas production process. We hypothesized that the use of digestate increases the accumulation of C in stable forms. We supposed that the effect of digestate on soil depends on the land-use system, leading to different stratifications of C. The main task of our research was to ascertain changes in the amount of stabile organic carbon (SOCstabile) in digestate-treated soils. Two field experiments were performed using the same design in 2019–2020. We studied the fertilization effects of digestate on Fluvisol. Fertilization: control; separated liquid digestate 85 kg ha−1 N and 170 kg ha−1 170 N; separated solid digestate 85 kg ha−1 N and 170 kg ha−1 N. A randomized experimental design with three field replicates was used. In terms of carbon stabilization in Fluvisol, soil used for grassland showed an advantage over the arable soil. The study showed that digestate, especially solid digestate, contributes to C accumulation and stabilization in the soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil amendment with biochar provides great potential for improving soil fertility. This study, conducted in Kanazawa, Japan, in 2018, evaluated the effects of soil amendment with biochar, carbonized from animal manure and slaughterhouse wastes, on some properties of a loamy sand‐textured Fluvisol and yield performance of potatoes. The laboratory experiment investigated the effects of biochar (0%, 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% (w/w)) on soil properties and water retention. The field experiment combined three biochar application rates (0, 2 and 4 t ha−1) with three mineral fertilizer rates (0%, 50% and 100% recommended nutrients from mineral fertilizers, (RNPK)). The treatments were applied in randomized complete blocks with three replicates. Soil amendment at the rates of 1%, 2%, 4% and 8% biochar (w/w) (i) reduced bulk densities by 1%–22%; (ii) increased soil porosity by 1%–16%; (iii) increased readily available soil water (RAW) by 10%–40%; and (iv) enabled 1–5 days more retention of the soil water content within the range of RAW. The combined application of 2 or 4 t ha−1 biochar with 100% RNPK increased yield by 219%–313% and 295%–340%, and increased water use efficiency (WUE) of potato by 59%–98% and 129%–163% under optimal irrigation conditions relative to the sole application of biochar and the control treatments, respectively. Considering agricultural and environmental sustainability, the integrated application of 2–4 t ha−1 biochar with a full dose of nutrients from mineral fertilizers is recommended for the loamy sand‐textured Fluvisol of the North‐central coast of Japan and other similar agroecologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity levels of two arenosol (Ar40) and fluvisol (FL40) fields that had been cultivated for over 40 years were compared to that of fields with the same soils located nearby but never previously cultivated, i.e. Ar0 and FL0, respectively. Application of poultry manure (PM) and sewage sludge (SS) were compared to a mineral fertilizer (T100), corresponding to 100 kg/ha of nitrogen, over three lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crop cycles. PM and SS were applied at 50 and 150 kg/ha nitrogen equivalent fertilizer doses. Biomass production levels in the organic and mineral treatments were similar, except for the SS-50 for FL0 and the PM-150 for Ar40, FL40 and FL0. Biomass production levels of Ar40 were higher than those of Ar0 for the first cycle. In the initial state, the soil P content in Ar40 was higher than that of the Ar0 soil. With the treatment repetition, Ar0 showed the same production level as Ar40. For the fluvisols, biomass production levels of FL40 were lower than those of FL0 for the first cycle. Indeed, the initial nitrate content in FL40 was lower than in FL0. The biomass production levels of FL40 were higher than those of FL0 for the following cycles.

Aerobic rice cultivation has gained recognition for resource conservation and ecosystem services. However, aerobic/partially-aerobic rice productivity is often constrained by several deficiencies in soil-plant system including phosphorus (P), because of reduced soil P dissolution and crop P acquisition. The study aimed to design sustainable P management option(s) for non-flooded rice [system of rice intensification (SRI)]-lentil system in an alkaline Fluvisol by evaluating the effect of system-based sole fertilizer-P and integrated P management treatments on crop yields, soil P dynamics, P pools, soil biophysical and biochemical attributes. The treatments consisted of one control and three variable seasonal distribution sole fertilizer-P treatments [subscript value (kg P ha−1)] in non-flooded rice (SRI)-lentil (L) rotation ([SRI0-L0], [SRI22-L22], [SRI33-L11], [SRI11-L33]), three integrated P management treatments ([SRI11-L11+phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB)], SRI16.5-L5.5+rice residue incorporation (RR)+PSB, SRI5.5-L16.5+lentil residue incorporation (LR)+PSB)]. Besides this, a conventional flooded rice-lentil system with the recommended sole fertilizer-P rate ([PTR22-L22]) as a treatment was evaluated to compare soil P dynamics in flooded versus non-flooded rice ecologies. Soil P availability was significantly reduced (7–8%) in the non-flooded rice compared to the flooded rice ecology. The integrated treatment involving suboptimal fertilizer-P rate (22 kg P ha−1y−1), rice residue recycling, and PSB increased soil P availability in rice (5-6%) and lentil (9-10%) seasons as well as system productivity by 8.3% over the recommended sole fertilizer-P treatment ([SRI22-L22], 44 kg P ha−1y−1). The rice residue recycling integrated treatment increased NaHCO3-Pi (11%) and dissolved non-reactive P (6%) over the recommended sole fertilizer-P treatment. The positive effects of the lentil residue recycling integrated treatment on soil P availability and crop yields were relatively lower than the rice residue recycling integrated treatment possibly because of the lower residue C-input. Correlation results indicate that microbial biomass carbon, soil aggregation and labile organic carbon have a positive influence on P availability in this alkaline soil. The significant positive correlation between the active C-pool and total dissolved non-reactive P suggested that oxidisable C input could improve bioavailable P forms. Results indicated the role of balanced P fertilization in C-stabilization, which had the lowest in the P control treatment. The study with one soil type suggested that in-situ crop residue recycling integrated P management (rice residue in particular) could be a sustainable option for improving P bioavailability, nutrient cycling, and productivity of non-flooded rice-legume system in tropical alkaline soil, but, for the validation of the results, more studies with diverse soil properties are warranted.

The rising level of pollutant emissions is becoming one of the most pressing environmental problems of our time. Therefore, this work is focused on evaluating Cd and Ni contamination of soils and assimilatory organs of two native (Acer platanoides L., Taxus baccata L.) and two non-native (Negundo aceroides Moench, Thuja occidentalis L.) woody species in urban parks of SW Slovakia. The contents of Cd and Ni in soils were determined by the AAS method and, in the assimilatory organs of trees, by the AAS-ETA method. The studied soils (Fluvisol, Phaeozem) have neutral soil reactions and a moderate organic matter content. Cadmium soil contamination is considerable to very high; in the case of Ni, it is moderate to low. Cadmium levels detected in leaves were 31% higher than in needles, while Ni levels were 27% lower. Significant ecological factors in relation to the studied woody species were evaluated using PCA. The first three principal components of PCA significantly correlated with Cd (PC1) and Ni (PC3) contents in soils and Cd content in assimilatory organs (PC2), thus suggesting that these elements could especially originate from industrial and vehicular sources. Knowledge of the factors affecting the accumulation of risk elements in the assimilatory organs of park woody species can be successfully used, especially in the assessment of the quality of the urban environment and the selection of suitable cultivars for planting in areas with air pollution.

Water retention is an important hydrological ecosystem service of active floodplain soils. The aim of the study was to evaluate the soil chemical, physical, and hydrological properties in Fluvisols in three different ecosystems that have an impact on water retention hydrological ecosystem services (WRHESs). We selected 16 localities along the Štiavnica River in Central Slovakia, 8 located in riparian zones (RZ), 5 in arable lands (AL), and 3 in grasslands (GL). Soil samples were collected from two layers (0–10 and 20–30 cm). In the laboratory, the soil physical (soil texture) and soil chemical properties (pH, soil organic carbon content, humic and fulvic acid ratio) were determined. Using undisturbed soil samples, the soil physical characteristics (particle density, bulk density, porosity, and actual soil moisture–SMa) were measured. With the help of pedotransfer functions, hydrological soil properties (field water capacity–FWC, wilting point–WP, available water capacity–AWC) were estimated. The recorded properties differed between the localities, ecosystems, and two layers. The SMa values showed a higher soil water retention potential of extensively used ecosystems, such as GL and RZ. However, the hydrological properties estimated by pedotransfer functions (FWC, WP, AWC) showed a higher soil water retention potential in AL localities. This indicated that for calculations, selected pedotransfer functions (particle size fractions, organic matter, and bulk density) and other soil or ecosystem properties (e.g., vegetation cover, meteorological conditions) have an impact on WRHESs. One such soil factor can be the quality of organic matter. On the basis of the results of the ANOVA, significant differences emerged between the different ecosystems for selected basic chemical, physical, and hydrological properties. The effect of the soil layer on the soil properties was revealed only in the case of SOC. The results indicated the effect of different ecosystems on soil WRHES and the importance of extensively managed ecosystems, such as RZ and GL. From this point of view, the reduction in the RZ and GL areas during a period of the last 70 years is negative. The findings should be taken into account in future sustainable floodplain management and landscape architecture.

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The paper presents the properties of the fluvisol soil in the area of the middle flow of the Danube river. The granulometric composition of these soils varies widely, and the following texture classes are identified: sand, loamy sand, sandy loam, sandy clay loam, clay loam and clay. Based on the prevailing fractions of the test composition, the following forms of this soil are defined: sandy, sandyloamy, loamy and clay. The total porosity of the tested soil ranged from 46.98 to 52.49% on average. It can be concluded that, according to the average values of CaCO3, these soils are very carbonate, the reaction of these soils is low to medium alkaline, while the average humus content is in the range of 0.58 to 1.54%, and these are low humic soils. The average groundwater level for the studied soils was from 124 to 309 cm in depth with a variation of 120 to 144 cm. The tested soils in terms of their properties are favorable for intensive forest production and are very suitable for growing black poplar clones.

Biogas and anaerobic digestion has begun to be considered an important renewable and sustainable energy source. The sustainable development of the anaerobic digestion process depends largely on the ability to manage large amounts of by-products generated during the biogas production process. We hypothesized that the use of digestate increases the accumulation of C in stable forms. We supposed that the effect of digestate on soil depends on the land-use system, leading to different stratifications of C. The main task of our research was to ascertain changes in the amount of stabile organic carbon (SOCstabile) in digestate-treated soils. Two field experiments were performed using the same design in 2019–2020. We studied the fertilization effects of digestate on Fluvisol. Fertilization: control; separated liquid digestate 85 kg ha−1 N and 170 kg ha−1 170 N; separated solid digestate 85 kg ha−1 N and 170 kg ha−1 N. A randomized experimental design with three field replicates was used. In terms of carbon stabilization in Fluvisol, soil used for grassland showed an advantage over the arable soil. The study showed that digestate, especially solid digestate, contributes to C accumulation and stabilization in the soil.

The soil system has been frequently overlooked during plant reintroduction planning and practice since working with soils and plant roots can be difficult, particularly in saline environments. Coastal saline environments are major contributors to regional and global biodiversity and an important source of endemic species. However, various species are in decline or considered threatened, particularly halophytes (salt tolerant) due to negative anthropic impacts. The Lusitanian endemic halophyte Limonium daveaui formerly had a large distribution range along the west coast of Portugal but currently it shows a restricted distribution in the Tagus estuary. Field surveys revealed that this critically endangered species forms few local populations with small size invaded by exotic species. In this study, we investigated the potential utilization of Technosols, an innovative sustainable, ecological engineering method combined with brackish water irrigation for potential L. daveaui reintroduction in native habitats. Seed germination percentages were evaluated in different environmental conditions. Through a microcosm assay, a Technosol was constructed using a saline Fluvisol with a mixture of low value inorganic and organic wastes, which were chemically characterized. Plants were cultivated in the Fluvisol and Technosol and irrigated with brackish water collected in the nearby area. To assess plant growth, morphometric parameters and the plants’ physiological status were assessed and the fresh and dry biomass determined. Results showed that seed germination was higher on moist filter paper with distilled water than in Fluvisol or Technosol. Plants grown in Technosol had a greater development, with higher values of photosynthetic indexes and biomass production than in Fluvisol. Our findings provide a basis for future in situ conservation studies and support the idea that eco-friendly soil technology approaches are beneficial to conserve rare halophyte species.

Herbicide residues can potentially injure sensitive crops grown in rotation. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the sensitivity of six replacement crops to mesotrione residues 1 yr after herbicide application. In field bioassay, mesotrione was applied at recommended (144 g ai ha-1), twofold (288 g ai ha-1), and fourfold (576 g ai ha-1) rates at two soil types (Gleysol and Fluvisol). In field and laboratory bioassays, mesotrione residual activity was followed for a 21-d period using various measurements of phytotoxicity. No visible injuries to mesotrione residues were observed on oat (Avena sativa L.), rapeseed (Brassica napus L.), soybean (Glycine max [L.] Merr.) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) in the field bioassay. Although mesotrione residues were not detected by HPLC-UV/DAD analysis, field bioassays indicated their presence due to visible injuries on field pea (Pisum sativum L.) grown in Gleysol soil with twofold and fourfold herbicide treatments. In contrast to other test crop responses, sugar beet exhibited visible injuries in both soils, and consequently, was subjected to laboratory bioassay. With increasing mesotrione rates, the reductions in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L. var. saccharifera Alef.) fresh weight and total carotenoids content ranged from 6.2% to 18.7% and from 4.1% to 19.4% in Gleysol, and from 1.1% to 7.7% and from 0% to 11.9% in Fluvisol, respectively. Since herbicide residues could not often be detected by instrumental analysis, the bioassays seem to be a reliable tool for crop safety assessment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fungi play an important role in the degradation of biodegradable plastics (BPs) in soil. However, little is known about their dynamics in the soil during the degradation of BPs. We studied the community dynamics of BP-degrading fungi during poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA) film degradation in two different types of soils using culture-dependent and culture-independent methods. The Fluvisol and the Andosol soils degrade embedded PBSA films at high and low speeds, respectively. The number of PBSA emulsion-degrading fungi that increased in the Fluvisol soil was higher than that in the Andosol soil after embedding with PBSA films. We succeeded in detecting internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) regions those matched that of the fungi by polymerase chain reaction-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) in both soils. Our results suggest that fungal community analyses using PCR-DGGE in combination with BP degraders isolation techniques enables the monitoring of BP films-degrading fungi. Monitoring fungal population dynamics during the degradation of films comprising poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) in a Fluvisol and an Andosol soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The productivity levels of two arenosol (Ar40) and fluvisol (FL40) fields that had been cultivated for over 40 years were compared to that of fields with the same soils located nearby but never previously cultivated, i.e. Ar0 and FL0, respectively. Application of poultry manure (PM) and sewage sludge (SS) were compared to a mineral fertilizer (T100), corresponding to 100 kg/ha of nitrogen, over three lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) crop cycles. PM and SS were applied at 50 and 150 kg/ha nitrogen equivalent fertilizer doses. Biomass production levels in the organic and mineral treatments were similar, except for the SS-50 for FL0 and the PM-150 for Ar40, FL40 and FL0. Biomass production levels of Ar40 were higher than those of Ar0 for the first cycle. In the initial state, the soil P content in Ar40 was higher than that of the Ar0 soil. With the treatment repetition, Ar0 showed the same production level as Ar40. For the fluvisols, biomass production levels of FL40 were lower than those of FL0 for the first cycle. Indeed, the initial nitrate content in FL40 was lower than in FL0. The biomass production levels of FL40 were higher than those of FL0 for the following cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Agricultural Sciences / Zemès ukio Mokslai is the property of Lithuanian Academy of Sciences Publishers 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.)

One of the most important premise to arise the suitablemanagement of soils in a region is the study of the distribution and characteristics of soils. For this reason, the main objective in this paper was to elaborate a soil map in scale 1:25 000 for the Carrizal-Chone System (7 233 ha) in Manabí, Ecuador. At the same time to know, the chemical, physical and morphological soil characteristics, based on 145 soil profiles that were taking in different soil separated in the map. Among the results is the diagnosis and classification of four Referential Soil Groups, Fluvisols (53% de of the total area), Feozems (29%), Cambisols (14%) and Gleysols (4% only), by the World Reference Base soil classification system. In this paper are included the study of Soil Units in each Referential Soil Group. Is determined that the natural soil formation in this region is Feozem and Fluvisol, the Cambisol appears because the degradation of the cambicFeozem for the cultivation during many years. In the results are present also, the analytical data of the Referential Soil Groups studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Dry sub-humid floodplain soils accumulated 15 % more C than soils under semiarid. • Dry sub-humid climate favored the largest natural fertility of floodplain soils. • Overgrazing causes more negative impacts on floodplain soils than agriculture. • Overgrazing reduced natural C and N stocks in floodplain soils by 65 and 62 %. Floodplain soils represent important food production sites worldwide due to their high natural fertility and large carbon (C) storage capacity. In this study, 27 soil profiles, along an aridity gradient, were used to estimate how climate (semi-arid and dry sub-humid) and land-use (agriculture and overgrazing) affect soil C and nitrogen (N) storage and chemical properties of surface horizons in floodplain soils in tropical drylands, northeastern Brazil. The results indicated that soils under dry sub-humid climate (wetter) accumulated 15.1 and 17.0 % more C and N than soils under semi-arid climate (drier), respectively. The Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, H+ contents and P availability of the soils were favored in the wetter condition. In the land-use analysis, the results indicated that soils under overgrazing showed lower C and N stocks by 35.7 % and 36.7 % respectively, when compared to soils managed under agriculture. Soils under overgrazing presented, on average, 36.0, 44.4 and 26.0 % less Ca2+, K+ and CEC than the soils under agriculture, respectively. For P, both overgrazing and agriculture reduced its availability by 21.2 and 31.4 % respectively, when compared to the forest soil (reference). The significant effect of overgrazing was evident in the reduction of C and N stocks and natural fertility of the floodplain soils. The results of this study can be useful for the correct management and definition of strategies for sustainable uses of floodplain soils in drylands globally. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrion beetles (Coleoptera: Silphidae) provide a valuable ecosystem service by promoting nutrient cycling and controlling pests like noxious flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae). Our main goal was to examine the relationship between the occurrence of carrion beetles and soil type. We used pitfall traps to collect 43,856 specimens of 15 species of carrion beetles in the Czech Republic during 2009. We found that the abundance of seven of the carrion beetles - Nicrophorus antennatus (Reitter), N. germanicus (Linnaeus), N. humator (Gleditsch), N. interruptus (Stephens), N. sepultor (Charpentier), Silpha obscura obscura (Herbst) and T. sinuatus (Fabricius) - was significantly higher either in areas with chernozem or fluvisol soils. These findings support our hypothesis that soil type could be an important factor determining the occurrence of necrophagous European carrion beetles. Our findings could be helpful when selecting important nature conservation sites (particularly inasmuch as N. antennatus, N. germanicus and N. sepultor are listed as endangered species on the Czech Red List of Invertebrates) as in this respect localities where there are chernozem soils are potentially valuable.

The effect of carbonates on soil structure has not been sufficiently studied yet, despite the fact that in the literature their positive impact is mentioned mostly. Carbonates are the source of bivalent cations in soil solution and may be involved in stabilization of the aggregates, because negatively charged organic materials can be adsorbed onto the surface of clay by bivalent or polyvalent cations. We studied the effect of carbonates and bivalent cations and their relationships with soil organic matter (SOM) from the point of view of aggregate formation. The studies were carried out in several fields located on loamy Calcaric Chernozem, loamy Haplic and Mollic Fluvisols. The results showed that between exchangeable Mg2+ and water-stable macro-aggregates (WSAma) in size fractions >2 mm, positive correlations were found; however, the content of Mg2+ negative correlated with the contents of WSAma in 2 mm; however, between SBC as well as CEC and smaller size fractions of WSAma >1 mm and WSAmi negative correlations were observed. Statistically significant negative correlations were observed between SOM content in WSA and carbonate content, and this effect was stronger in relation to the labile carbon. There were also positive correlations between SOM in WSA and SBC and CEC found if all loamy soils were assessed together.

The Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) is one of the most important issue nowadays in Soil Science from two points of view. One of them is the reserves of SOC in soils in relation with climate change and the other is in relation with other soil properties because its conditions dependent of SOC content, to have high SOC content that improve other soil properties as volume density, porosity, biological activity and others. In Manabí, Ecuador there are few and disperse results about this thematic, practically there are no results in the northern coast part of the province. So that, in soil investigations that are making in the Escuela Superior Politécnica Agropecuaria de Manabí (ESPAM), in the last five years, in the Carrizal-Chone System. In this region there are four Referential Soil Groups, Feozems (Mollisols), Fluvisols (Fluvents), Cambisols (Inceptisols) and Gleysols (Aquents). The nature soil formation in this region is Feozem and Fluvisols, the Cambisols are formed by degradation from the Feozems because its cultivation during many years. The Feozems has the higher content of SOC reserves, 52 mg ha-1, in the 0-30 cm layer of the upper part of soil profile. Fluvisols, Cambisols and Gleysols have a medium content (32-36 mg ha-1) of SOC reserves. There are also in this paper some recommendations to continue this studies in the region. That permit management technology in agricultural production that improves soils and keed good yields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fifty-one (51) olive cultivars (six trees per cultivar) were planted in an alluvial soil of an experimental field in Northern Greece for study of their growth. Soil is sandy loam (SL) - loamy sand (LS), moderately alkaline and presents no salinity or alkalinity. Despite the applied agronomic practices, i.e., soil fertilization, irrigation, and pest control, about half of the trees did not respond positively to the field conditions, while the remaining ones showed low to moderate growth based on measurements of height and crown diameter. Soil and leaf tissues analysis as well as penetration resistance (PR) measurements showed that olive trees' growth problems could be attributed to a combination of high PR values (>3 MPa) and to a certain degree to low fertility (especially nitrogen and potassium deficiencies). Under the prevailing soil conditions, the most resistant olive cultivars proved to be Dafnolia, Maronia, Oblonca, Ascolana, and Frantoio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of organic fertilizer (cattle manure) and monoammonium phosphate (Russian MAP-R and Serbian MAP-S) on available Cd levels in soil and Cd uptake by lettuce plants grown on vertisol and fluvisol. Fertilization treatments were as follows: control - without fertilization, mature cattle manure (20 g kg-1 soil), MAP-R (0.1 g kg-1 soil), MAP-S (0.1 g kg-1 soil). Prior to the experiment, available Cd level was higher in vertisol (0.06 mg kg-1) than in fluvisol (0.04 mg kg-1). The manure application had no significant effect on increased DTPAextractable Cd content in both soils, as compared to control. Available Cd level was decreased by MAP-R (vertisol 0.0494 mg kg-1, fluvisol 0.0227 mg kg-1) and increased by MAP-S application (vertisol 0.0577 mg kg-1, fluvisol 0.0288 mg kg-1) in both soil types as compared to control. The use of manure and MAP increased Cd concentration in lettuce, in all treatments except in manure treatment on vertisol. Lettuce head weight was highest in manure treatment on both soil types.