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The sub‐mountainous tea gardens of the Dooars region of West Bengal, which contribute approximately 25% of the national tea yield, are constantly fighting with diminishing soil fertility. Inorganic alternatives like chemical fertilizers can provide easier yet short‐term solutions, as their prolonged and indiscriminate usage leaches the soil, devouring its productivity, increasing the soil's heavy metal contents, and subsequently accumulating those heavy metals in leaves. A plausible substitution in this scenario could be the use of organic alternatives like composting or biofertilizer. Although references to such alternative means are found in the literature, a holistic approach targeting plant growth promotion along with mitigating soil metal toxicity is lacking. Keeping this background in mind, this pilot study was designed to optimize the dosage of novel biofertilizers (using resident and alien flora) that can reduce heavy metal loads and residual toxicity in soil, thereby improving overall soil health and tea production. Two potential metallophilic plant growth‐promoting strains of Bacillus sp. (previously reported) were selected and applied to potted tea plants of two different varieties of tea: TV9 and TV25. Among the two modes of treatment tested: solid treatment (compost amended with bacterial culture) and liquid treatment (cell pellets mixed in water suspension), the water suspension‐based direct application of resident soil bacteria showed the highest physiological growth with reduced metal toxicity. Based on physiological data and physico‐chemical data collected, it was observed that direct application of bacteria showed better results in both plant and soil health improvement in comparison to regular compost amended with beneficial microflora. Therefore, this small‐scale pilot study aimed to optimize the dosage and mode of application of novel biofertilizers for improved soil and plant health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Earth and life sciences are replete with portmanteau (blended) words and neologisms. Researchers at the interfaces between the traditional disciplines within the Earth and life sciences have coined dual titles for 'new' disciplines, such as geobiology/biogeology and ecohydrology/hydroecology. An upsurge in such coinage over the last few decades reflects a healthy willingness of many researchers to cross traditional disciplinary boundaries and to include the human sphere within their domains. However, some of the titles cause confusion because their meanings are not self-evident; rather, they sometimes demand extra research to reveal their meanings, thus rendering science less 'open' at a time when Open Science is being vigorously encouraged. After discussing the question of disciplinary neologisms, the paper probes the interchangeability of 15 dual 'new' discipline titles and concludes that six are more-or-less synonymous, three are nonsynonymous, and six are indeterminate for varying reasons. We question the usefulness of some, but by no means all, disciplinary neologisms, given that their meanings are not immediately apparent. Looking beyond portmanteau titles and other neologisms, the paper discusses the rise of interdisciplinary and transdisciplinary research, as seen in the concepts of the Critical Zone, multifunctional landscapes, and Earth System Science, the last of which supports a conceptual model of the planet as an interdependent set of spheres from global to local scales that has the advantages of combining the biotic, abiotic, and human spheres. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the study of the activities of pedologists of the Chuvash ASSR and aims to analyze the historically first study devoted to the intelligence of Chuvash children. The study is based on the publications of the first pedologists from Chuvashia F. P. Petrov and M. E. Efimov. In accordance with the historical and psychological methods described by V. A. Koltsova, the work uses problematic and source study methods. The study is written in the aspect of the history of pedagogy. A graduate student of the Kazan Oriental Pedagogical Institute, F. P. Petrov with a team of students, for the first time carried out a comprehensive study of the intellectual development of Chuvash children using the Binet-Simon test method, widely known among Soviet pedologists. At first, pedologists took the test method in Russian, then it was translated into the Chuvash language with appropriate text changes in relation to the everyday and speech characteristics of the Chuvash. The result of the study was the book published in Cheboksary, "The experience of studying the intellectual development of Chuvash children using the Binet-Simon method", published in 1928. The book caused serious objections from the head of the pedological office at the Chuvash Scientific Research Institute M. E. Efimov; he believed that the author was biased against Chuvash children and violated the methodological principle of making tests. The correspondence polemic between two Chuvash pedologists about the measurement of children’s intelligence, along with similar cases in the country’s republics, prompted L. S. Vygotsky to call for an understanding of the problems of national pedology, with its leading problem – the measurement of intelligence.

Epipedons type and thickness affect the properties and productivity of soils. Therefore, the study was carried out at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching and Research Farm, Nigeria, to assess the influence of vegetation on epipedon characteristics in soils of varying parent materials with a view to highlighting their salient properties for sustainable utilization of soils in the area. Three mini pits were established within each soil series supporting similar plantation. Morphological description of the soils was undertaken on the field, using the guidelines of FAO. Soil samples were taken from both the top- and sub-surface horizons of the mini pits for analyses, using standard procedures. The epipedons were fairly thick, ranging between 0-20 and 0-30 cm, brightly coloured with good internal drainage, except those of the Jago series, and varied from slightly sticky, slightly-plastic to very sticky, very plastic, suggesting higher clay content at lower depth and the ability of the soils to hold moisture for crop use after cessation of rains. The soils are devoid of gravel within the minipits. The soil’s pH was low and ranged between medium acid and slightly acid while the organic matter within the epipedons was relatively moderate. Total nitrogen content varied from medium to high within the soils of Oba and Egbeda series while it varied from low to medium in Iwo and Jago series, available P in the epipedons ranged from low to medium. Exchangeable Ca was lower than the critical value established for soils in southern Nigeria while exchangeable Mg and K values were adequate. Litter production was highest (7.50 t/ha) in Egbeda soil series and least (3.57 t/ha) in Jago series. Soils of Iwo and Oba series had 4.57 t/ha and 5.50 t/ha of litter production, respectively. Tissue phosphorus of litters in Egbeda soils series was high, while that of Iwo and Oba series formed from coarse-grained granite, and hill wash medium to fine material, respectively, was low. Soils of Iwo, Oba and Jago series need supplemental application of nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium fertilizers for optimal cacao production due to their lower values than the minimum required.

Purpose: Soil contamination is one of the most pressing environmental problems on a global scale. However, assessing the shape and size of an area where pollution occurs, and the spatial variation in the pollution level, is a complex issue. Field magnetometry is a cheap and fast tool for soil pollution assessment. The purpose of the paper is to systematically describe the history, current state, and potential future applications of geostatistical methods in field magnetometry. Materials and methods: The article was written based on over a hundred outstanding scientific papers describing soil research around the world using field magnetometry and geostatistical methods, combined with various secondary variables such as geochemical and diffuse reflectance spectroscopy measurements of soil as well as satellite observations. Results and discussion: Geostatistical methods allow for the optimal use of the magnetometric method in areas with different types of soils such as forests, arable fields, meadows, fallow lands, and urban areas as well as for the determination of spatial variability parameters of magnetic susceptibility. The use of geostatistical methods in field magnetometry also allows for a more accurate determination of other soil and environmental parameters significantly affecting the value of magnetic susceptibility, which must be taken into account when conducting field measurements. Conclusions: Both geostatistics and field magnetometry are considered groundbreaking methods in pedological research but even greater results arise from the simultaneous use of these methods. The synergy effect resulting from the use of geostatistical methods in field magnetometry allowed for the achievement of many significant scientific and practical findings. Especially, the cokriging method plays an increasingly important role in magnetometric research, thanks to the integration of magnetic susceptibility measurements with other types of measurements. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Brazilian territory is divided into six biomes (Amazon, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Caatinga, Pantanal, and Pampa) that represent important global biodiversity hotspots. Research into soil science in these environments has increased in recent years, but a quantitative and qualitative mapping of research into the soils of Brazilian biomes has never been carried out. In this study, research on soil science in the Brazilian biomes were analyzed to map the evolution, scientific collaboration, current status, research trends and impact over the last 50 years (1972–2022). Methods: The database was obtained from the Core Collection of Web of Science. The data was quantitatively analyzed through descriptive statistics and linear regression using Microsoft Excel, and qualitatively using the bibliometric software VOSviewer. Results: A total of 11,231 papers were obtained. The results indicated a significant increase in soil science research across all biomes (polynomial growth), with greater emphasis for research in the Cerrado (R2 = 0.9361), Amazon (R2 = 0.9170) and Atlantic Forest (R2 = 0.9104) biomes. Soil science research in the Amazon accounted for 47.0% of the research conducted in all Brazilian biomes. While in the Amazon (38.8%), Atlantic Forest (34.8%), and Pantanal (36.7%), most of the research was related to environmental sciences and ecology, in the Cerrado (47.4%), Caatinga (58.2%), and Pampa biome (48.9%), research in the field of agriculture was more significant. For all biomes, except for the Caatinga (a dry climate biome), a significant participation of international researchers and institutions was evident in the overall publications. This demonstrates a lower global interest in soil science research in the Brazilian dry ecosystem. Conclusion: Soil science research in the Brazilian biomes is disproportionate, with greater interest in the soils of the larger forest biomes and less interest in the dry and flooded areas. The results of this study can be useful for the development of public policies, research and scientific collaboration aimed at soil conservation in Brazilian terrestrial biomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Digital soil mapping (DSM) relies on machine-learning and geostatistics to represent soil property observations across space. DSM techniques are powerful but often empirical, being limited to the quality and density of point samples. Water dynamics are closely related to soil variability, and the physics that govern water movement are well known. Hydrological properties can hence be simulated by physical models through space and time, unveiling key characteristics about soils. We propose the use of hydrologic models to map soils across the surface (2D), depth (1D), and time (1D)–which provides a 4D approach to digital soil mapping (4DSM). The Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was applied to a watershed currently under pasture. Moisture sensors and wells were installed at different depths in the watershed on summit, sideslope and toeslope positions to validate the model. DHSVM simulations of soil moisture distribution and depth to saturation were performed during the hydrological year (October 2008-September 2009). Clusters of similar pixels based on soil moisture values were determined using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to align temporal data and K-means. Clustering was performed both seasonally and for the entire year. Temporal patterns simulated by DHSVM matched measurements given by moisture sensors and wells. Seasonal clusters differed from the annual cluster. Distinct clusters were observed for each season and with depth, showing that spatiotemporal soil variability is lost when statically assessing soils. Spatiotemporal clusters corroborated field observations of fragipan occurrence not explicitly spatially mapped by Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). If a connection can be made between water and soils, static and dynamic soil variability can be predicted using physically based hydrologic models. Hydrologic models can benefit soil mapping by enabling reliable 4D simulation of water dynamics, which are fundamental to soil variability and soil classification and directly relate to biological, physical and chemical soil processes not captured by typical soil sampling protocols.

Copyright of Revista Foco (Interdisciplinary Studies Journal) is the property of Revista Foco 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.)

Archaeologists and others have long overlooked ecosystems stewarded by Indigenous Peoples on the Northwest Coast of North America due to colonial perspectives on food-procurement strategies. As a result, these places remain largely overlooked and unprotected in present-day conservation and cultural resource management. Further, identifying, understanding, and revitalizing these systems are key to supporting the food security, cultural identity, and inter-generational knowledge transfer of Indigenous Peoples. This is the case with the lək̓ʷəŋən speaking Songhees First Nation (Coast Salish/southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia), where colonialism has severely impacted traditional knowledge about estuarine root gardens. To address this issue, and the desire of the lək̓ʷəŋən to revitalize these sites, this study employs a novel interdisciplinary methodology to evaluate a potential garden on the archipelago of Tl'chés. By combining archaeology, ecology, and pedology, and conducting ecological surveys, soil analysis, and archaeological excavations, we found that past cultivation practices have left measurable impacts at the site more than 100 years after management ceased. We conclude that evidence of estuarine root garden management is present in the Coast Salish, and that it is possible to identify sites in areas where they are no longer known by the community, re-integrating them within traditional food systems and re-defining archaeological approaches to their study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paleopedological record documented in aeolian dunes of the eastern European Sand Belt comprises predominantly Arenosols and only occasionally well-developed Podzols. There are several Late Pleistocene pedostratigraphic marker horizons of varied soil types designated in the European dune and loess deposits, but none falls within the range of the Holocene. Buried Podzol occurrences found recently in 10 inland dune sites dispersed throughout Central and Eastern Poland share similar pedological properties, geomorphological setting, and age in the 5th–15th century AD range of the historical Middle Ages. Therefore, they meet the criteria for distinction as a pedostratigraphic marker under the name Grębociny soil, after a locality with the most advanced podzolization of the paleosol dated to the High Middle Ages (1000–1300 AD). Preservation of the soils was enabled by burial during anthropogenically induced dune remobilization. At least some of the investigated dunes were used as pasture during soil development, as evidenced by tetrapod hoofprints recorded in and above the buried Podzols. Prevalent podzolization during the Middle Ages, in contrast to preceding and later times, could be facilitated by not only an impact of agriculture and forestry, but also relative warmth and humidity of the Medieval Climatic Optimum (ca. 900–1400 AD). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background High mountainous environments are of particular interest as they play an essential role for life and human societies, while being environments which are highly vulnerable to climate change and land use intensification. Despite this, our knowledge of high mountain soils in South America and their microbial community structure is strikingly scarce, which is of more concern considering the large population that depends on the ecosystem services provided by these areas. Conversely, the Central Andes, located in the Mediterranean region of Chile, has long been studied for its singular flora, whose diversity and endemism has been attributed to the particular geological history and pronounced environmental gradients in short distances. Here, we explore soil properties and microbial community structure depending on drainage class in a well-preserved Andean valley on the lower alpine vegetation belt (~2500 m a.s.l.) at 33.5˚S. This presents an opportunity to determine changes in the overall bacterial community structure across different types of soils and their distinct layers in a soil depth profile of a highly heterogeneous environment. Methods Five sites closely located (

Copyright of Revista Caatinga is the property of Revista Caatinga 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.)

Copyright of Agronomy Journal / Agronomski Glasnik (0002-1954) is the property of Croatian Society of Agronomists 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.)

Background: High mountainous environments are of particular interest as they play an essential role for life and human societies, while being environments which are highly vulnerable to climate change and land use intensification. Despite this, our knowledge of high mountain soils in South America and their microbial community structure is strikingly scarce, which is of more concern considering the large population that depends on the ecosystem services provided by these areas. Conversely, the Central Andes, located in the Mediterranean region of Chile, has long been studied for its singular flora, whose diversity and endemism has been attributed to the particular geological history and pronounced environmental gradients in short distances. Here, we explore soil properties and microbial community structure depending on drainage class in a well-preserved Andean valley on the lower alpine vegetation belt (~2500 m a.s.l.) at 33.5˚S. This presents an opportunity to determine changes in the overall bacterial community structure across different types of soils and their distinct layers in a soil depth profile of a highly heterogeneous environment. Methods: Five sites closely located (<1.5 km) and distributed in a well preserved Andean valley on the lower alpine vegetation belt (~2500 m a.s.l.) at 33.5˚S were selected based on a pedological approach taking into account soil types, drainage classes and horizons. We analyzed 113 soil samples using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene to describe bacterial abundance, taxonomic composition, and co-occurrence networks. Results: Almost 18,427 Amplicon Sequence Variant (ASVs) affiliated to 55 phyla were detected. The bacterial community structure within the same horizons were very similar validating the pedological sampling approach. Bray-Curtis dissimilarity analysis revealed that the structure of bacterial communities in superficial horizons (topsoil) differed from those found in deep horizons (subsoil) in a site-specific manner. However, an overall closer relationship was observed between topsoil as opposed to between subsoil microbial communities. Alpha diversity of soil bacterial communities was higher in topsoil, which also showed more bacterial members interacting and with higher average connectivity compared to subsoils. Finally, abundances of specific taxa could be considered as biological markers in the transition from topsoil to subsoil horizons, like Fibrobacterota, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidota for shallower soils and Chloroflexi, Latescibacterota and Nitrospirota for deeper soils. Conclusions: The results indicate the importance of the soil drainage conditions for the bacterial community composition, suggesting that information of both structure and their possible ecological relationships, might be useful in clarifying the location of the edge of the topsoil-subsoil transition in mountainous environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydropedology bridges hydrology to pedology, and hillslope hydropedology is central in understanding soil-topography-hydropedology interrelations. Many of soil physical properties have a deterministic control on hydropedological processes. This study aimed to evaluate spatial coupling between hydropedology and some soil physical variables on a sloping landscape, which has been under rainfed wheat cultivation for over 70 years. Twenty-nine soil profiles were open and described on topslope, shoulder, backslope, footslope, and toeslope positions on hillslopes oriented in different directions. In total, 486 soil samples were taken from A, B, and C horizons at 174 sampling points and analyzed for soil properties of wilting point, organic matter content, electrical conductivity, pH, and CaCO3 content. Saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) and infiltration rate were measured in the field during the sampling. Spatial variability of soil physical properties was analyzed by semivariograms. Soil horizonation was the most important factor controlling spatial structure of soil attributes in the study area. Majority of the semivariograms were horizon-specific in shape, geostatistical range, and spatial continuity. Many of the soil properties were strongly spatially dependent in the B horizon with a far greater geostatistical range compared to those in the A and the C horizon, suggesting that processes controlling the coupling hydropedology with soil physics were more strongly spatially dependent and continues in the B horizon than either in the A or the C horizon. The results indicated complex soil physics-hydropedology spatial coupling, which vigorously mediated by soil horizonation in the study area. More research is needed to disentangle the multitude spatial interplay of hydropedology drivers of soil, hydrology, and topography across different soil and topographic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review is concerned with some key features observed within grouped samples of ancient ceramics that provide important evidence concerning the selection of appropriate raw materials and the evolution of the firing technologies employed in their production. It also demonstrates the importance of distinguishing and accounting for the mineralogical and microstructural attributes and identifying the processes responsible for the microstructural evolution of these ancient ceramics. The mineralogy largely reflects both the nature of the raw materials used and the maximum temperatures achieved during firing, deduced from the presence of specific high temperature minerals (HTMs). The microstructural evolution processes, deduced by the micromorphology of these ancient ceramics and displayed in specific features, observed in both the matrix and the slip of these ceramics, are largely controlled by the firing methods used in manufacturing. Thus, we conclude that the application of micromorphological principles, methods, and observations derived from the broad sphere of "pedology" to the study of ancient ceramics, provides valuable insights into the independent evolution of ceramic production methods in ancient societies. Thus, most of the observations recorded here concern identification of the raw materials used to make ancient ceramics and the firing processes used in their manufacture. Our data demonstrate that these ancient potters made use of a variety of temper materials (quartz and chaff, together with fragments of locally available rocks and minerals) that are now preserved in the matrix. Furthermore, analyses of the micromorphological attributes displayed by these ancient ceramics are helpful in determining and explaining the shrinkage features (stress coatings or poro-striated b-fabrics) and the preferred orientation of the elongated pores that have developed after firing in poorly controlled and slow-fired furnaces. In this regard, we finally seek to develop a useful data library ultimately targeting the enhancement of simulated ancient ceramic/pottery production, with an overall objective to apply the mineralogical and pedological properties of Anatolian ceramics researched in this work to globally selected shard specimens. Postburial processes, such as the illuviation-deposition of clay minerals to form the observed clay coatings, probably operated during the wet-dry cycles associated with mid-late Holocene climatic fluctuations. Accompanying calcification-decalcification processes, which may result from an intra cramic leaching-deposition of carbonate present in the source material of the pottery, are also consistent with the known wet-dry cycles of the mid to late Holocene pedogenesis (soil formation) episode and is reflected in the clay coatings and further attested by coeval changes in the soil-faunal activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedological maps in suitable scales are scarce in most countries due to the high costs involved in soil surveying. Therefore, methods for surveying and mapping must be developed to overpass the cartographic material obtention. In this sense, this work aims at assessing a digital soil map (DSM) built by multispectral data extrapolation from a source area to a target area using the ASTER time series modeling technique. For that process, eight representative toposequences were established in two contiguous micro-watersheds, with a total of 42 soil profiles for analyses and classification. We found Ferralsols, Plinthosols, Regosols, and a few Cambisols, Arenosols, Gleisols, and Histosols, typical of tropical regions. In the laboratory, surface soil samples were submitted to spectral readings from 0.40 µm to 2.50 µm. The soil spectra were morphologically interpreted, identifying shapes and main features typical of tropical soils. Soil texture grouped the curves by cluster analysis, forming a spectral library (SL). In parallel, an ASTER time series (2001, 2004, and 2006) was processed, generating a bare soil synthetic soil image (SySI) covering 39.7% of the target area. Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis modeled the SL on the SySI generating DSM with 73% of Kappa index, in which identified about 77% is covered by rhodic Ferralsols. Besides the overestimation, the DSM represented the study area’s pedodiversity. Given the discussion raised, we consider including subsoil data and other features using other sensors in operations modeled by machine learning algorithms to improve results.

The article is devoted to the history of pediatrics in Transbaikal Region and Anna Nikolaevna Bek role in children healthcare development. The topicality of Anna Nikolaevna and Evgeniy Vladimirovich Bek works in studying of Urov disease is discussed. The little-known facts about the first kindergartens implementation in Chita are presented.

Pedological maps in suitable scales are scarce in most countries due to the high costs involved in soil surveying. Therefore, methods for surveying and mapping must be developed to overpass the cartographic material obtention. In this sense, this work aims at assessing a digital soil map (DSM) built by multispectral data extrapolation from a source area to a target area using the ASTER time series modeling technique. For that process, eight representative toposequences were established in two contiguous micro-watersheds, with a total of 42 soil profiles for analyses and classification. We found Ferralsols, Plinthosols, Regosols, and a few Cambisols, Arenosols, Gleisols, and Histosols, typical of tropical regions. In the laboratory, surface soil samples were submitted to spectral readings from 0.40 µm to 2.50 µm. The soil spectra were morphologically interpreted, identifying shapes and main features typical of tropical soils. Soil texture grouped the curves by cluster analysis, forming a spectral library (SL). In parallel, an ASTER time series (2001, 2004, and 2006) was processed, generating a bare soil synthetic soil image (SySI) covering 39.7% of the target area. Multiple Endmember Spectral Mixture Analysis modeled the SL on the SySI generating DSM with 73% of Kappa index, in which identified about 77% is covered by rhodic Ferralsols. Besides the overestimation, the DSM represented the study area's pedodiversity. Given the discussion raised, we consider including subsoil data and other features using other sensors in operations modeled by machine learning algorithms to improve results. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The water erosion of soil in northern Morocco raises significant concerns due to its potential impact on the sustainability and productivity of the land. The objective of our study is to evaluate water erosion by utilizing magnetic susceptibility of soil particles in the watershed of the Oued Ghiss Dam. Magnetic susceptibility measurements were taken on 25cm deep profiles collected from six distinct areas, distributed based on pedology, slope, and land use. The results reveal significant variations in susceptibility. Transects 5 and 6 stand out with significantly higher magnetic susceptibility values compared to other transects, indicating relative soil stability under dense forest cover. Transect 2 also exhibits a range of magnetic susceptibility from 21.05 to 51.67 x 10-8 m³/kg, suggesting relative stability despite slight changes in magnetic susceptibility due to vegetation density and morphometric characteristics. Transects 1, 3, and 4 display lower magnetic susceptibility ranges, indicating signs of active erosion in bare soils. Magnetic signatures of soil particles provide crucial insights into soil dynamics in the Central Rif region of Morocco, emphasizing the impact of geodynamic factors and land use on the degree of evolution and degradation.

To characterize and compare the behavior of different soil substrates, Pfeiffer's Circular Chromatography technique (CPP) was employed. For this purpose, six different points were demarcated and georeferenced for sampling, respecting the limits of the Sorocaba campus (SP) of the Federal University of São Carlos - UFSCar, in order to obtain heterogeneous results in view of the different forms of use and occupation and different soil classifications. Following the sampling work, the samples were appropriately separated according to soil classification, which varies depending on the dynamics of flow and overlap along the western slope of the Córrego do Ipaneminha (Ipaneminha Stream) valley, where the campus is located. Subsequently, after sieving the substrates, chromatograms were generated, following the proposal by EMBRAPA. It was observed that these chromatograms differ in color, peak shape, plume shape, and integration between the zones along the flow, indicating differences in the composition of the collected samples, considering the environmental variables. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents some issues related to Henryk Rowid's scientific journey to Leipzig in 1913. The purpose of this journey was to participate in a psychological and pedagogical course for teachers and to get acquainted with modern methods of pedagogical work with children in schools. The article presents Rowid's comments on the development of research on the child and childhood in Western Europe, and on the rapidly developing scientific literature on experimental child science. The knowledge provided by Rowid was innovative and complemented the current state of knowledge about psychological and pedagogical research conducted in Germany. It inspired further work and studies on child pedagogy. Today, Rowid's relation from his scientific journey to Leipzig is an interesting basis to a deeper understanding of the Polish scientific movement in the field of pedology at the beginning of the 20th century. It is also an interesting source of knowledge about the development of the scientific movement among teachers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There has been a serious increase in solar energy installations in Hungary recently. The majority (98.6%) of the installations were done as greenfield investments. Due to the nature of technological intervention in the agricultural landscapes, some of the results of these investments were the disturbance of the environment (soil and water), change of landscape (and its values), and reduction in the biodiversity of these areas. Due to the increase of land use and land cover change, especially towards soil sealing or reduced availability, it should be important to maintain or improve the role of such places as habitats, besides producing the equally important renewable energy forms. Solar parks on former greenfield areas cover a significant amount of soil surface, and there are tremendous works related to soil resources, their soils are changed during the investment and thus soil properties influence their biodiversity management plan. An important step in habitat development is revegetation. While planting valuable plants for improvement of the biodiversity, it is also important to adapt the plans to the environment of the solar parks, and also, to its technical parameters. In the recent study, soil samplings were done close to the disturbed area and in a nearby natural area. Soil properties were measured by a Near Infrared device. Soil organic matter and N-content resulted in differences between the examined sites. The deviation of soil properties proved the importance of soil investigation in this case as revegetation requires knowledge on soil to find the proper plant species for the soils on-site. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) is related to various soil attributes and processes. This research aimed to understand the relationship between ECa and paedogenesis, lithology and attributes. The study area is located in S~ao Paulo State, Brazil. Soil samples were collected for physical-chemical analysis from 79 locations (0–20 cm layer). A geophysical field-portable equipment (Geonics EM38-MK2 conductivity meter) was used to measure soil ECa. For that, four toposequences were selected on landscape. Sixteen soil profiles were allocated in the landscape for soil characterization and classification. The ECa values were measured across toposequences, soil types and lithology variations, at the same 79 locations used for physico-chemical characterization. The statistical analysis and Kruskal–Wallis rank sum test and Cluster analysis by k-means and Wilcoxon–Mann–Whitney test was performed to verify differences in ECa values over lithology, relief and soil types. The values of ECa measurements were related to soil attributes variation. The results showed that lithology strongly affects ECa values, mainly in diabase-derived soils, followed by metamorphosed siltstone. In fluvial sediments, the ECa exhibits different behaviours. In less evolved soils, the lithology contributed more to ECa than paedogenesis, as the opposite occurs in more evolved ones. The ECa decreases downslope and correlates with lithology alteration and soil types. This study demonstrates that soil ECa can be a tool to differentiate between various soil types and lithological transitions across the landscape, supporting the soil survey and mapping at finer scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article deals with Friedrich Albert Fallou (1794–1877), a lawyer by education with a strong interest for soil and geology who published "Pedologie oder allgemeine und besondere Bodenkunde" in 1862, that is, 20 years before Dokuchaev's (1883) "Russian Chernozem." He is known for having coined the term of "pedology" but his role in the development of the soil science needs recognition, the opinions diverging this far with regard to his importance in terms of pedogenesis, soil profile, soil classification and influence on Dokuchaev. The authors of the present article have translated into French and analyzed in detail each of the chapters constituting the first part ("Allgemeine Bodenkunde" 198 pp.) of his book. These pages include many precise descriptions of the soils in a small area near Fallou's place of residence in a hilly part of Saxony (NE Germany) and bear evidence for his remarkable skills as nature observer. His field experience led him to strongly recommend that soils should be studied in situ, using existing cuts, either natural or artificial. He was first to strive for the "Earth" to be recognized as a "Kingdom" of its own and for the study of the soils to be established as an independent natural science for the benefit of a wide range of potential stakeholders. The present review is intended to demonstrate that despite some shortcomings due to his sticking to a few outdated basic scientific conceptions, Fallou fully deserves to be regarded as an important forerunner of modern soil science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Looking at soils from the perspective of an environmental scientist or agronomist might neglect various dimensions of valuation that can be attributed to soils. Especially social and cultural connoted values including ecosystem services cannot always be measured in terms of scientific values or classified as soil types or soil qualities in a modern, economic way. Even though soils are a fact and have been present on the Earth's surface and used by people, at least for food production, at different times and in different cultures, the ways of dealing with soils and the valuations of soils are extremely diverse. Researchers in anthropology, archaeology, and agriculture, for example, are investigating different perspectives like soils as common good or as private property. This concerns not only different knowledge orders about soils, but also beliefs, techniques, foodways, practices, and power relations concerning soils and cereal cultivation. Based on the example of agriculture with a focus on cereal cultivation, we argue that there is still a great need for interdisciplinarity between the sciences and humanities. However, there is also a need to distinguish and explain between fundamental interdisciplinary research and application of findings in a socio‐economic context. It is necessary to understand different knowledge orders and valuations in time or space and to reevaluate today's perspectives on soils and agriculture for facing modern problems such as soil degradation, erosion, salinization, and an overall loss of soil fertility. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is devoted to the 150th anniversary of the outstanding scientist of the XX century A. A. Krogius (1871–1933), who was at the origin of Russian experimental psychology and pedology in the early 1900s, the founder of Russian typhlopsychology. Krogius was a European-famous psychologist and worked for 12 years (1919–1931) at the Saratov University, becoming the first professor of psychology in Saratov. The article considers the features of the appearance of a successful petersburgian Krogius in provincial Saratov in 1919, presents the specifics of his work at the Saratov University, analyzes the discrepancies that appeared in the Saratov period of the scientist’s life between the principles of Soviet psychology that were being formed at that time and the methodology of Krogius’ research. Using the example of his fate and the biographical method, as well as the psychological analysis of documentary sources, newspaper articles, letters, diary entries, the author showed the peculiarities of development in the 1920s and 1930s both Russian and regional Saratov psychology, associated with the rejection of the previous scientific traditions formed in domestic psychology as part of European and world science, and the process of formation of a new Soviet psychology, sometimes associated with the destruction of the specific destinies of its participants.

Despite occupying a large area of the globe and being the next agricultural frontier, sandy soils are seldom explored in scientific studies. Considering the high capacity of remote sensing in soil characterization, this work aimed to: (i) characterize sandy soils' profiles from proximal sensing; (ii) assess the ability of visible, near, and short-wave infrared (Vis-NIR-SWIR) as well as mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy to distinguish soil classes of highly sandy content; (iii) quantify physical and chemical attributes of sandy soil profiles from Vis-NIR-SWIR and MIR spectroscopy as well as X-ray fluorescence (pXRF). Samples were described and collected from 29 sandy soil profiles. The 127 samples went under Vis-NIR-SWIR and MIR spectroscopy, X-ray fluorescence, and chemical and physical analyses. The spectra were analyzed based on "Morphological Interpretation of Reflectance Spectrum" (MIRS), Principal Components Analysis (PCA), and cluster methodology to characterize soils. The integration of different information obtained by remote sensors, such as Vis-NIR-SWIR, MIR, and Portable X-ray Fluorescence (pXRF), allows for pedologically complex characterizations and conclusions in a short period and with low investment in analysis and reagents. The application of MIRS concepts in the VNS spectra of sandy soils showed high potential for distinguishing pedological classes of sandy soils. The MIR spectra did not show distinct patterns in the general shapes of the curves and reflectance intensities between sandy soil classes. However, even so, this region showed potential for identifying mineralogical constitution, texture, and OM contents, assuming high importance for the complementation of soil pedometric characterizations using VNS spectroscopy. The VNS and MIR data, combined or isolated, showed excellent predictive performance for the estimation of sandy soil attributes (R2 > 0.8). Sandy soil color indices, which are very important for soil classification, can be predicted with excellent accuracy (R2 from 0.74 to 0.99) using VNS spectroscopy or the combination of VNS + MIR. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, it is aimed to determine the weathering rates of young soils formed under the same climatic conditions on different geological parent material and to examine the effects of the parent material on soil formation. Within the scope of the study, geo-chemical, physico-chemical, primary, and secondary mineralogical properties of three young soils, formed on magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary parent material, distributed around the Sandıklı district of Afyonkarahisar province in the Aegean Region of Turkey, were determined on profile-base and the dissociation indices were calculated. At the end of the study, the effect of different parent materials on soil genesis under the same climatic conditions was revealed, and weathering indices namely the Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA), Chemical Index of Weathering (CIW), and Base/R2O3 ratio were calculated. In this way, mineralogical, physico-chemical and geo-chemical properties, which are considered as the measurement degree of soil formation, are correlated parametrically. According to the results obtained; since sub-surface diagnostic horizons were not detected, the investigated soils were classified as Entisol since they did not complete their pedological development. When compared to the decomposition rates of soils, all three soils located on different parent materials are at the initial stage of their formation and it has been determined that soils are still under the influence of their parent materials in terms of their physico-chemical, geo-chemical and mineralogical properties.

A distinguished geologist, Gheoghe Munteanu Murgoci was also a prominent citizen of the country. Strongly involved in the social and political life of the country, he founded the Romanian Scouts Association with the declared aim of contributing to the achievement of the Union. Prince Charles himself, to whom he was even a teacher, particularly appreciated him. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tyragetia is the property of National Museum of History of Moldova 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.)

There is a variation in the depth of subsurface horizon of Planosols in semi-arid region, which may influence the agricultural potential and affect food production. The general aim of this study was to identify potentialities and limitations of two Planosols as a function of subsurface horizon depth. The adjacent profiles P1 and P2 were studied in Pentecoste (Ceará, Brazil). Morphological, physical, and chemical analyses were done aiming at soil characterization. Soil bulk density (BD), porosity, and penetration resistance (PR) were analyzed in a completely randomized split-plot design with four replicates to compare P1 and P2 and the horizons Ap and Btf. Btf was found at 62cm depth in P1 and at 18 cm depth in P2. Indicatives of water saturation were more evident in P2. The profile P1 showed lower hardness and higher friability, as well as higher acidity in subsurface (pHH2O from 4.4 to 4.7) and higher aluminum content (1.2cmolc kg-1). Both profiles were eutrophic and showed low contents of organic carbon (1.5 to 8.5g kg-1) and phosphorus (0.9 to 3.9mg kg-1). The sodium percentage in CEC was 9.1% in P1 and 5.5% in P2. Water retention increases in Btf compared with Ap was 7.3% in P2 and 2.7% in P1. Both profiles showed increase in BD in Btf, reaching 1.7g cm-3, while PR was higher in P2 (1.5 MPa). There are potentialities and limitations common to both soil profiles, but P1 has more physical potentialities and more chemical limitations than P2.

Data on the nature, properties and potentials of soils is grossly inadequate in the rainforest belt of southeastern Nigeria. As such, policymakers and other land users have tended to subscribe to unduly generalized ideas about the soils of the region. This has led to improper land use planning and aggravated land degradation. This necessitated the need for the comparative evaluation of the nature and potentials of the soils of the region to determine their degree of variability. Profile pits were dug in four towns underlain by different geologic formations: Umungwa (Benin Formation), Umuawa Ogii (Nsukka Formation), Ikpem (Igbaku Sandstones) and Amuro (Imo Clay Shales). The soils were characterized and classified using the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB), United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Soil Taxonomy and land capability classification. The variability of soils across the different sites was subsequently analysed using the coefficient of variation (CV). The results show that the variability of sand across the study sites was moderate (20 – 21 %), silt was high (63 %), clay ranged from moderate (34 %) to high (52 %), while hydraulic conductivity was very high (128 - 144 %). Similarly, with regards to the chemical properties, soil pH and base saturation ranged from moderate (20 - 49 %) to high (52 %), while effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) and aluminium saturation were high (70 - 77 %). It was concluded that the soils of southeastern Nigeria are very heterogeneous. Undue generalization should consequently be discouraged.

[Display omitted] • Introducing a digital soil mapping method that uses a physically based model. • Water movement functions as a proxy for pedogenesis through covariate relationships. • Hydrologic models captured temporal trends of water tables and soil moisture. • Spatial-temporal patterns of water movement were related with fragic properties. • Hydrologic models add a time and depth component to bidimensional soil maps. Digital soil mapping (DSM) relies on machine-learning and geostatistics to represent soil property observations across space. DSM techniques are powerful but often empirical, being limited to the quality and density of point samples. Water dynamics are closely related to soil variability, and the physics that govern water movement are well known. Hydrological properties can hence be simulated by physical models through space and time, unveiling key characteristics about soils. We propose the use of hydrologic models to map soils across the surface (2D), depth (1D), and time (1D)–which provides a 4D approach to digital soil mapping (4DSM). The Distributed Hydrology Soil Vegetation Model (DHSVM) was applied to a watershed currently under pasture. Moisture sensors and wells were installed at different depths in the watershed on summit, sideslope and toeslope positions to validate the model. DHSVM simulations of soil moisture distribution and depth to saturation were performed during the hydrological year (October 2008-September 2009). Clusters of similar pixels based on soil moisture values were determined using Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) to align temporal data and K-means. Clustering was performed both seasonally and for the entire year. Temporal patterns simulated by DHSVM matched measurements given by moisture sensors and wells. Seasonal clusters differed from the annual cluster. Distinct clusters were observed for each season and with depth, showing that spatiotemporal soil variability is lost when statically assessing soils. Spatiotemporal clusters corroborated field observations of fragipan occurrence not explicitly spatially mapped by Soil Survey Geographic Database (SSURGO). If a connection can be made between water and soils, static and dynamic soil variability can be predicted using physically based hydrologic models. Hydrologic models can benefit soil mapping by enabling reliable 4D simulation of water dynamics, which are fundamental to soil variability and soil classification and directly relate to biological, physical and chemical soil processes not captured by typical soil sampling protocols. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this article is to trace the emergence and development of pedology as a complex science for the child and to clarify the reasons why it is ufulfilled. Both available literary sources and documents from the archival funds in Bulgaria (the State Archives and the Scientific Archives of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences) have been studied. A picture of the state of pedological science in the USA, Europe, Russia / USSR and Bulgaria is presented. Based on these studies, it can be seen that while in the West in the 1930s this science was in decline, and in Russia it was banned in 1936, in Bulgaria it continues to be taught at Sofia University and teacher training institutes in the country for which there are also textbooks. Its existence came to an end with the full establishment of the ideological domination of the new communist government. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In South Africa, a Land Type Survey (LTSS) has been conducted of the entire country. The information available from the LTSS is readily and inexpensively made available to the public (in the form of maps and accompanying memoirs). This survey includes information on the climate, terrain and soils. The soil information given includes qualitative data (such as pedological classifications, soil profiles and soil types), as well as quantitative physical and chemical properties of representative soils tested. Such information is used primarily for agricultural purposes. This paper proposes an approach for inferring information, of relevance in reconnaissance geotechnical engineering surveys, from Land Type data, to supplement geotechnical investigation data. The proposed procedure was verified using actual information from a geotechnical report. This investigation indicated that general engineering properties can be inferred from qualitative pedological data. In addition, statistically significant engineering properties (including the grading, Atterberg Limits and the USCS and AASHTO classifications) were determined from quantitative pedological data, in 86% of cases, for the soils considered. It is evident from this research that data from the Land Type survey data can be successfully used for geotechnical investigation purposes for certain developments (such as roads and townships) where the depth of interest is relatively shallow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Various pedological soil classification systems exist worldwide, including an internationally accepted system and various national systems, many of which have been incorporated into databases that include maps. Various physical and chemical soil properties are used for classifying soils according to these pedological systems. This paper proposes an approach which may be used to determine the engineering properties of soils from the physical and chemical properties that are used to pedologically classify soils by systems, and, in particular, the South African Binomial System. These engineering properties include the USCS and AASHTO classification groups which may, in turn, be used as a means of rapidly determining the general suitability of areas for proposed development, particularly during the reconnaissance investigation stages of transportation route locations and township developments, with a resultant saving of time and money. The model was verified using data from the study area, as well as from an area located approximately 190 km from the study area. A total of 88% of the classification groups determined by the model, in the study area, were correct. Furthermore, only 6% of the classifications were incorrect by a maximum of two groups. The classifications determined for the soils outside the study area were all correct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Southeastern Brazil is an emergent region in terms of the production of high-quality fine wines. To contribute to typicity assessment, the soils (morphology, mineralogy, chemical and physical analyses), parent material (geologic maps and portable X-ray fluorescence spectrometry) and climate (temperature and precipitation) were characterized in seven vineyards located in the state of Minas Gerais and São Paulo, Brazil, by carrying out state-of-the-art terroir analysis and assessing the environmental variations of the study sites. A soil profile was described and sampled in the central part of each vineyard. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) biplots were used to analyze the relationships between these factors and the composition of wines (2016, 2017 and 2018 harvests) produced from Syrah in commercial vineyards in different municipalities of Três Corações (TC), Cordislândia (COR), Andradas (AND), São Sebastião do Paraíso (SSP), Três Pontas (TP), Espírito Santo do Pinhal (PIN) and Itobí (ITO). The vineyards were grouped according to soil and climate characteristics. Group A was composed of COR, AND and PIN vineyards, which exhibited the highest correlation with soil Al3+ content and accumulated rainfall. The group’s wines had the lowest ash alkalinity, total polyphenol index (TPI) and pH values and the highest fixed acidity. Group B consisted of the TP and TC vineyards, which had the highest soil organic matter and boron contents and the highest thermal amplitude with similar values (15.4 °C in TC and 15.2 °C in TP); their wines showed average composition. Group C comprised ITO alone, which was characterized by the shallowest and least developed soils. Its wine had the highest flavonol content and high dry extract, color intensity, TPI, alcohol content and sugar values. Group D contained the SSP vineyard, in which the soil subsurface horizons were correlated with the highest wine pH. Late harvest in this vineyard caused the most dehydration of grapes and consequent concentration of most wine compounds (human effect on terroir). The terroir information produced in this study adds substantial value to the wines produced under the tropical environmental conditions of southeastern Brazil, for which such studies are very rare. By characterizing the natural factors (soil, soil parent material and climate) and human factors (vineyard management and wine characteristics) related to terroir, this study can also provide historical information about the wine from this emergent region (the historical factors). In addition, its results can be used to guide producers in their choice of vineyard cultivation sites according to preference in wine composition.

Copyright of Szkoła Specjalna is the property of Akademia Pedagogiki Specjalnej im Marii Grzegorzewskiej 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.)