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After shale gas well sites are exploited, remediation is essential to restore the ecological environment. Effective bioremediation often has long cycles, so reducing this period is a research focus. To elucidate the intrinsic mechanisms between microorganisms and oil removal and to support the acceleration of bioremediation, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry and high-throughput sequencing technologies were utilized. The oil transformation and microbial response mechanisms during the natural remediation process from August to December at an abandoned shale gas well site in Weiyuan County, Neijiang City, Sichuan Province, were analyzed, revealing the directions of microbial succession. The Results showed that from August to September, the greatest degradation of oil components (C10-C20、C21-C30 alkanes) occurred, with Actinobacteriota, Gemmatimonadota, Proteobacteria, Acidobacteriota, Bacteroidota, and Ascomycota playing major roles. Key contributors to oil degradation included Sphingomonas, Flavisolibacter, Ramlibacter, Mortierella, Fusarium, and Rectifusarium. These microorganisms, along with those such as Chloroflexi, Gemmatimonas, Ellin6067, Cercospora, Sarocladium, Preussia, Calyptrozyma, Staphylotrichum, and Exophiala, which facilitate the cycling of nutrients like carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, collectively promote the degradation of oil. Moisture content, electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and pH affect the activity of oil-degrading microbes and thus oil degradation. Conversely, microbes alter soil chemistry during degradation, impacting those physicochemical properties. This feedback mechanism influences the activity of other oil-degrading microbes, creating a dynamic interaction network. Ultimately, the microbial community shifts towards populations that aid soil ecosystem restoration. This study reveals microbial succession and its role in oil degradation, offering insights for improving and accelerating bioremediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mycorrhizal associations play a pivotal role in maintaining Mediterranean maquis and xerophilous grasslands, thereby contributing to erosion prevention and desertification mitigation in arid and semi-arid regions. The present study aims to elucidate this plant-fungus relationship to ensure the ecological restoration of Quercus suber (Q.s.), by exploring mycorrhizal colonization rates under diversified experimental conditions. The data reveal an absence of mycorrhizal colonization in the negative control group (Q.s.), while the positive control group (Q.s. + Terfezia (T) spp.) exhibits a significant colonization rate of 15.2 ± 6.2%. More notably, the Q.s. + T + Helianthemum guttatum (H.g.) and Cistus salviifolius (C.s.) group displays the highest colonization rate at 47.0 ± 8.4%, suggesting advantageous synergy among Helianthemum guttatum, Cistus salviifolius, and Quercus suber. This observation is supported by seedling growth data, wherein groups with increased colonization demonstrate greater aboveground height. Particularly, the Q.s. + T + H.g. + C.s. group shows a height of 12.0 ± 3.0 cm, illustrating the beneficial impact of these symbiotic associations on cork oak seedling development. Furthermore, chemical analysis of soils from the Maâmora forest provides relevant insights into conditions conducive to Quercus suber ectomycorrhization. Moderately acidic pH values, low calcium carbonate content, as well as appropriate levels of organic matter, carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium characterize these soils. In addition to these data, microscopic examination of roots confirms the presence of Terfezia spp. hyphae, indicating mycorrhizal formation without the characteristic structures of ectomycorrhizae. This microscopic observation adds an additional dimension to our understanding of the complex interactions among host plants, mycorrhizal fungi, and soil properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global factors are compromising the security of the food supply. Many of us in our community might be unsure about how to help with our seemingly inapplicable expertise. In this piece, I describe how materials chemistry and materials chemists will be essential in addressing this problem, but not only in the way we might think. There is a gigantic and largely unexplored opportunity for real societal impact if we accept a broader view of what academic materials chemistry can be. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Optimizing crops for synergistic soil carbon (C) sequestration can enhance CO2 removal in food and bioenergy production systems. Yet, in bioenergy systems, we lack an understanding of how intraspecies variation in plant traits correlates with variation in soil biogeochemistry. This knowledge gap is exacerbated by both the heterogeneity and difficulty of measuring belowground traits. Here, we provide initial observations of C and nutrients in soil and root and stem tissues from a common garden field site of diverse, natural variant, Populus trichocarpa genotypes—established for aboveground biomass-to-biofuels research. Our goal was to explore the value of such field sites for evaluating genotype-specific effects on soil C, which ultimately informs the potential for optimizing bioenergy systems for both aboveground productivity and belowground C storage. To do this, we investigated variation in chemical traits at the scale of individual trees and genotypes and we explored correlations among stem, root, and soil samples. We observed substantial variation in soil chemical properties at the scale of individual trees and specific genotypes. While correlations among elements were observed both within and among sample types (soil, stem, root), above-belowground correlations were generally poor. We did not observe genotype-specific patterns in soil C in the top 10 cm, but we did observe genotype associations with soil acid-base chemistry (soil pH and base cations) and bulk density. Finally, a specific phenotype of interest (high vs low lignin) was unrelated to soil biogeochemistry. Our pilot study supports the usefulness of decade-old, genetically-variable, Populus bioenergy field test plots for understanding plant genotype effects on soil properties. Finally, this study contributes to the advancement of sampling methods and baseline data for Populus systems in the Pacific Northwest, USA. Further species- and region-specific efforts will enhance C predictability across scales in bioenergy systems and, ultimately, accelerate the identification of genotypes that optimize yield and carbon storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A linear relationship between rates of physical erosion and chemical weathering is apparent in slowly eroding landscapes. Whether the relationship remains linear in rapidly eroding landscapes is less clear. Field‐based research into this relationship between erosion and weathering rates has largely been conducted in temperate climates with granitic bedrock. In tropical settings, the contribution of chemical mass loss to total denudation may approach, or even exceed, that of erosion. We report 10Be‐in‐quartz cosmogenic radionuclide and soil chemistry data from the Suckling‐Dayman Metamorphic Core Complex (SDMCC) in Papua New Guinea. Despite being exhumed at cm‐per‐year rates, its lower‐plate domed and striated morphology suggests minimal denudation, which is confirmed by our 10Be‐in‐quartz data (0.02–0.18 mm/yr). We suggest that rolling hinge‐style back‐rotation of the SDMCC's lower plate and the combination of a tropical climate and highly weatherable metabasalt bedrock have played a fundamental role in preserving the tectonic topography of this remarkable metamorphic core complex. Plain Language Summary: Where mountains are raised (uplifted) slowly by plate tectonics, erosion (the removal of rocks/soils) tends to be slow. Where erosion is slow, chemical weathering (the local breaking down or dissolving of rocks/minerals) is usually slow as well. This observation has been made in mountainous regions around the world with temperate climates, and where mountains consist predominantly of granitic rocks. However, much less is known about how rates of erosion and weathering relate in tropical climates where mountains rise rapidly. We studied a unique geological structure in tropical Papua New Guinea (the Suckling‐Dayman Metamorphic Core Complex, SDMCC) to provide new data for addressing this knowledge gap. We measured denudation rates (the sum of physical and chemical mass loss) using a method that is based on the accumulation of atomic particles that form in the crystal lattice of minerals in rocks and soils by cosmic rays. Our denudation rates are much slower than the rate at which the SDMCC is being raised by tectonic processes, requiring some erosion‐limiting mechanism(s). The chemical compositions of basaltic soils from the SDMCC, however, imply intense weathering. We argue that the style of tectonic uplift and the tropical weathering regime are responsible for the slow denudation rates. Key Points: 10Be‐in‐quartz denudation rates of the rapidly uplifting Suckling‐Dayman Metamorphic Core Complex are in the range of 0.02–0.18 mm/yrRapid, intense weathering of its metabasaltic footwall bedrock is implied by mobile and immobile weathering indices in soil samplesThe pristine topography of Mount Dayman is strongly influenced by rolling hinge‐style tectonics and the tropical weathering regime [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The consequences of climate change urgently demand the reduction of atmospheric carbon, including by sequestering carbon in soil. The glomalinrelated soil proteins (GRSP) of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are renowned for their soil aggregation and carbon sequestration properties. With their considerable binding abilities, GRSP can also adsorb various cations and sequester heavy metals in soil, thereby assisting in soil fertilization and remediation efforts. However, despite its benefits for soil health and climate change, the mechanisms underlying these traits in the context of soil chemistry remain unexplored. In this review, we focus on three crucial roles of GRSP--long-term carbon sequestration, soil aggregation, and soil remediation and fertility--in the context of the chemical characteristics elucidated by previous research, namely hydrophobicity, amid group glycosylation (N-glycosylation), and metal adsorption. Based on the proposed chemical mechanisms, the current review also offers insight into soil factors that may influence the persistence of GRSP. We conclude by proposing a working model for GRSP, aiming to establish a conceptual platform for future research to examine GRSP in terms of their known or novel chemical and biochemical reactions, thereby improving our understanding of this important group of soil proteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Charcoal kilns, old structures used for charcoal production in the forest, preserve a charcoal-enriched topsoil representing a suitable proxy for studying the long-term effect of biochar addition to soil. Two kiln platforms located at Gelbison and Vesole mountain sites in Southern Italy were selected due to their comparable climates but distinct parent rocks. We conducted standard soil chemical analyses and used next-generation sequencing to explore bacterial and fungal microbiome. Anthracology identified charcoal species, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) characterized charcoal particles. Reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) assessed biochar surface oxidation. Additionally, a bioassay with soybean, maize, and Tomato investigated the impact of kiln soil on plant performance. Our results showed that kiln soils did not exhibit higher pH, cation exchange capacity, or greater richness in cations. EDS and FTIR analyses showed that charcoal buried in forest soil for decades undergoes significant oxidation, with increased O/C ratio and the presence of oxygenated functional groups. Charcoal surfaces were selectively enriched with Ca2+ on limestone substrate sites but with Al and Si over sedimentary (flysch) substrate. While differences in the kiln soil and its surroundings were noticeable, they were not drastic in terms of microbial diversity and composition. Surprisingly, the bioassay indicated that the kiln microbiota had a more positive impact on plant growth compared to external forest soil. In conclusion, this study highlights the unique nature of kiln microsites and begins to unveil the enduring effects of charcoal accumulation on soil chemistry and microbiota in forest soil. Highlights: Kiln soils did not exhibit higher pH, cation exchange capacity, or greater richness in cations. Charcoal in forest kilns underwent significant oxidation with increased O/C ratio and presence of oxygenated functional groups. Charcoal surface showed different enrichment of Ca, Al, and Si influenced by the parent rock. Kiln microbiota exhibited a positive influence on plant growth, hinting at ecological benefits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study analyzed the effect of the application of a soil conditioner under the trade name of the Agro Mineral Product (AMP) in the winter rapeseed cultivation on the bacterial and fungal abundance, ion concentrations, and electrolytic conductivity of the soil solution. It was demonstrated that the AMP influenced changes in the total abundance of the culturable fractions of the soil bacteria and fungi at each of the tested time points. A stimulatory effect of the preparation on the growth of the soil bacteria and an inhibitory effect on the development of the fungi was observed, particularly at doses of 4 and 8 t·ha−1. A dose of 12 t·ha−1 proved to be the least effective in relation to the development of the soil microbiome. Increasing the AMP fertilization dose above 4 t·ha−1 caused changes in the chemistry of the soil solution (pH, EC, HCO3−, K+, and PO4-P). It is worth noting that this primarily resulted in decreases in the amounts of mobile forms of potassium (from 40.4 mg·dm−3 in the control to 26.7 mg·dm−3 at the 8 t·ha−1 dose) and orthophosphate as phosphorus (from −6.00 mg·dm−3 in the control to 3.75 mg·dm−3 at the 8 t·ha−1 dose) in the soil solution, which resulted in a reduction in the yield of the winter rapeseed (from 4.76 t·ha−1 in the control to 4.61 t·ha−1 at the 8 t·ha−1 and 4.43 t·ha−1 at the 12 t·ha−1 AMP dose). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ants are vital ecosystem engineers that can influence soil properties, subsequent soil processes, and associated biota via underground nest construction. Harvester ants consume seeds and are often found in arid areas. They frequently alter the soil chemistry and bulk density of the soils in and around their nest sites. Many species of harvester ants also intentionally remove vegetation around their nest openings, which creates cones or discs of bare soil that may further alter soil temperatures. However, much of the work to study the impacts of harvester ants on soil properties has occurred in shrubland and grassland settings rather than suburban environments. We aimed to determine if Pogonomyrmex barbatus (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) nests in a suburban habitat in the Lower Rio Grande Valley in Texas with similarly altered soil properties. First, we measured the disc size of the active nests to determine the changes and persistence of the colony. We then assessed the soil compaction and surface temperature along a gradient centered on the disc. We found that disc size did not increase throughout the two-year observation period and that nests with smaller discs were less likely to persist between years. While we did not observe any changes in the surface temperature across the gradient, we found significantly reduced soil compaction closer to the center of the disc. These data indicate that an increase in nest size increases the extent of soil impacted. The impacts of nests reduced soil compaction, particularly within a suburban landscape with precipitation run-off issues and a highly disturbed plant community should be addressed in future studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and aims: Ferns and lycophytes are highly diverse in Neotropical forests, and their distribution is influenced by various biotic and abiotic factors, including disturbance. This study analyzes the effect of some of these factors on the diversity of these plants in a sub-Andean forest. M&M: Four transects of 400 m2 (80×5 m) were established, two in highly disturbed sites, grassland, and stream edge, and two in the forest. Each transect was divided into 16 plots where all terrestrial and epiphytic individuals were recorded. Clustering analyses were performed to recognize the presence of floristic groups, and a canonical correlation analysis was performed to identify how soil chemistry and vegetation structure affect the composition and diversity of these plants. Results: A total of 4935 individuals were found, representing 42 species. Amauropelta rudis (Kunze) Pic. Serm. (2485 individuals) and Asplenium flabellulatum Kunze (1190 individuals) were the dominant terrestrial species. The clustering and ordination analyses revealed that the plots of open sites are more related to each other than to those of the forest. Species of open sites are more correlated with a lower layer of litter, a lower height and coverage of trees or saplings, a higher concentration of aluminum and a lower concentration of sodium. Conclusions: Ferns and lycophytes are influenced by the environmental, structural and disturbance conditions of the site where they grow. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rising sea levels due to climate change are causing increased salinisation of low‐lying coastal and floodplain soils, and the impact of this process on the bioavailability of plant nutrients needs to be understood as mitigation strategies are adapted. Zinc (Zn) is an element of particular importance due to its function as a micronutrient for plants including rice and other staple foods. In the current study, our aim was to investigate the effects of salinisation on zinc adsorption onto soils representing at‐risk coastal and floodplain environments, addressing in particular our knowledge gap concerning the roles that solution chemistry and soil composition play. To this end, we conducted batch adsorption experiments in the laboratory and ran geochemical models in saline solutions up to 0.7 mol L−1 ion strength incorporating both (i) a multi surface model (MSM) for surface reactions containing three phases, that is iron hydroxides, organic matter and phyllosilicate clays, and (ii) aqueous‐phase complexation to dissolved organic and inorganic ligands. Surface reactions were modelled using the diffuse double layer model, the NICA–Donnan model and an ion exchange model using the Gaines–Thomas convention. We combined the experimentally determined mass composition of surface phases with generic modelling parameters taken from the literature. We first show that increasing salinity enhances the formation of aqueous Zn‐chloride complexes in the presence of dissolved organic matter and bicarbonate, thereby decreasing the availability of free Zn2+ and supressing the partitioning of zinc to the adsorbed phase. We demonstrate using batch adsorption experiments with a calcareous hydraquent and a tropaquept, that salinity decreases zinc adsorption strongly in the pH range between 3 and 6. Satisfactory agreement between experiments and model calculations was achieved with root‐mean‐square errors ranging for different salinities between 2.88% and 2.92% for the hydraquent and between 4.59% and 2.74% for the tropaquept soil. Model predictions of adsorption were slightly inferior at low salinity for the hydraquent soil and at high salinity for the tropaquept soil, pointing possibly to an incomplete geochemical model or to a need to parametrise surface adsorption models at higher ionic strengths. Present surface models have been largely parametrised at lower ionic strength. We lastly apply the MSM to examine zinc adsorption in five endoaquepts soils, representing soil series from Bangladesh. We show that increasing salinity decreases zinc adsorption to the soil organic matter and the clay fractions. We conclude from our findings that increased soil salinity due to rising sea levels and climate change will have a significant impact on zinc cycling and possibly other micronutrients in areas where coastal soils and floodplain soils overlap, such as deltas and estuaries. In particular, we predict a decrease in zinc adsorption in acidic to neutral soils. The availability of zinc for biouptake through the roots of crop plants including rice will be significantly disturbed following salinisation, most likely affecting crop production. Our study demonstrates the potential that geochemical modelling combined with experimental data has to improve our capability to assess the effects of salinity due to rising seawater levels in vulnerable regions of the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Reclaimed water (RW), as a reliable and renewable secondary water source, has become a crucial strategy for many countries to supplement agricultural water usage and alleviate water scarcity. However, despite the increasing use of RW, there has been limited research on the factors affecting soil nitrous oxide ( N 2 O ) emissions under RW irrigation. Understanding these factors is essential for guiding RW irrigation practices and controlling greenhouse gas emissions. This research, conducted from 2014 to 2015, includes field experiments designed to systematically assess the effects of soil chemistry properties and temperature on soil N 2 O emissions under RW irrigation. Subsequent to these field studies, soil samples were collected for 15N isotope trials to examine the impact of RW on the soil N 2 O production process, including autotrophic nitrification, heterotrophic nitrification, and denitrification. The results showed that RW irrigation influenced soil N 2 O emissions by affecting soil pH, but not through changes in soil total nitrogen (TN) or soil organic carbon (SOC) content. Moreover, compared to groundwater (UW) irrigation, RW irrigation significantly reduced the temperature sensitivity of soil N 2 O emissions. The 15N isotope labeling trial indicated that autotrophic nitrification was the primary pathway for soil N 2 O production under RW irrigation, contributing 60.46%—significantly higher than that observed with UW irrigation. Primary treated sewage (PW) significantly increased soil N 2 O emissions through the heterotrophic nitrification process compared to RW, with contributions rising from 11.31% to 13.23%. Additionally, RW, compared to UW, significantly increased the copy numbers of soil nitrification genes (ammonia-oxidizing archaea [AOA-amoA]) and denitrification genes (nitrite reductase [nirK and nirS]). Therefore, it is important to appropriately control the nitrification process and balance soil pH to manage soil N 2 O emissions under RW irrigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives Soil temperature is one of the important factors in agriculture and hydrology, and its accurate measurement is very important to ensure the optimal growth and development of the plants. Soil temperature is a factor that affects many processes such as seed germination, soil moisture level, aeration, nitrification and availability of plant nutrients. Because the soil temperature data is measured in some synoptic stations, most of the data have limitations or are incomplete. However, choosing the best method to estimate soil temperature with other available meteorological data is an efficient approach in many fields. Soil temperature depends on several factors including color, slope, vegetation, density, humidity and amount of sunlight. Currently, some physical models are available that are intrinsically related to the state of soil heat flow and energy balance in underlying soils to estimate soil temperature. The importance of soil temperature in agricultural sciences and hydrology, on the one hand, and the existence of many difficulties in recording this vital parameter, have led researchers to seek a relationship between soil temperature and other parameters in order to be able to estimate soil temperature with optimal accuracy. Methodology In this research, daily soil temperature values were collected during the time period of 1990-2022 in Ramsar, Arak and Shiraz stations. On the other hand, the parameters of minimum temperature (Tmin), maximum temperature (Tmax), average temperature (Tm), maximum relative humidity (Umax), minimum relative humidity (Umin), average relative humidity (Um), average wind speed (FFM) and Sunshine hours (SSHN) was considered as the input parameters and soil temperature (T-soil) as the target parameter. It is worth mentioning that the way of choosing different input compounds to estimate the value of soil temperature in the studied models is based on having a higher correlation with soil temperature based on the thermal map. Moreover, the ability of data-driven models of Gaussian process regression (GPR), support vector regression (SVR), M5P algorithm, linear regression (LR), and multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network in estimating soil temperature was evaluated using different statistical parameters of correlation coefficient (R), root mean square error (RMSE), Nash Sutcliffe coefficient (NS), average absolute value of percentage error (MAPE) and Wilmot agreement index (WI). Findings The evaluation of five GPR, SVR, M5P, LR and MLP models for three stations of Arak, Ramsar and Shiraz shows that the 8th M5P scenario and the 8th LR scenario with lower root mean square error respectively (0.899 and 0.889) for Ramsar station, (0.958 and 0.949) for Arak station and (0.966 and 0.953) for Shiraz station have better performance than other studied models. Also, the evaluation of the impact of the input parameters in creating the scenario for the models shows that the parameters of relative humidity and air temperature had more important role than other input parameters. So that by adding parameters of relative humidity and air temperature, the accuracy of the model has increased. Therefore, these parameters are among the most key and important parameters of soil temperature. Conclusion The analysis and evaluation of soil characteristics has an important impact in the fields of hydrology, agriculture and climate. On the other hand, soil temperature has a direct relationship with the amount of moisture available to the plant, so that an increase in soil temperature can increase the transpiration rate of plants, and as a result, soil moisture decreases. Soil temperature is also an essential factor in agriculture because it determines whether plants can grow, and controls soil chemistry and biology and atmosphere-land gas exchange. Therefore, predicting soil temperature is very important for successful crop management and yield optimization. So, In this research, five data-driven methods of GPR, SVR, M5P, LR and MLP were used to predict soil temperature in Arak, Ramsar and Shiraz stations during the time period of 1990-2022. The obtained results were compared using statistical parameters and it was concluded that the 8th M5P scenario and the 8th LR scenario have shown the best performance in three stations with the lowest error compared to all scenarios. Therefore, the application of the mentioned models to predict the soil temperature has proper accuracy and is recommended for management and evaluation in terms of environmental and civil aspects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The Ore Mountains were historically one of the most polluted areas in Europe, where high sulphur dioxide concentrations and a high level of atmospheric deposition led to a vast decline in Norway spruce stands in the mountain ridge plateau. In this article, we evaluate the trends in the atmospheric deposition load, soil chemistry, tree nutrition, crown defoliation and height increment in a network of twenty research plots monitored for last thirty years in this region. The decrease in sulphur and nitrogen deposition was most pronounced at the end of 1990s. Extreme values of sulphur deposition (100–200 kg.ha−1.year−1) were recorded in throughfall under mature Norway spruce stands in the late 1970s, and after felling of the damaged stand, the deposition levels were comparable to open plot bulk deposition. Nitrogen deposition decreased more slowly compared with sulphur, and a decrease in base cation deposition was observed concurrently. The current deposition load is low and fully comparable to other mountain areas in central Europe. Accordingly, the health of young spruce stands, as assessed by defoliation and height increment, has improved and now corresponds to the Czech national average. On the other hand, no significant changes were observed in the soil chemistry, even though some of the plots were limed. Acidic or strongly acidic soil prevails, often with a deficiency of exchangeable calcium and magnesium in the mineral topsoil, as well as decreases in available phosphorus. This is reflected in the foliage chemistry, where we see an imbalance between a relatively high content of nitrogen and decreasing contents of phosphorus, potassium and calcium. Despite the observed positive trends in air quality and forest health, the nutritional imbalance on acidified soils poses a risk for the future of forest stands in the region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Charcoal kilns, old structures used for charcoal production in the forest, preserve a charcoal-enriched topsoil representing a suitable proxy for studying the long-term effect of biochar addition to soil. Two kiln platforms located at Gelbison and Vesole mountain sites in Southern Italy were selected due to their comparable climates but distinct parent rocks. We conducted standard soil chemical analyses and used next-generation sequencing to explore bacterial and fungal microbiome. Anthracology identified charcoal species, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) characterized charcoal particles. Reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (DRIFTS) assessed biochar surface oxidation. Additionally, a bioassay with soybean, maize, and Tomato investigated the impact of kiln soil on plant performance. Our results showed that kiln soils did not exhibit higher pH, cation exchange capacity, or greater richness in cations. EDS and FTIR analyses showed that charcoal buried in forest soil for decades undergoes significant oxidation, with increased O/C ratio and the presence of oxygenated functional groups. Charcoal surfaces were selectively enriched with Ca2+ on limestone substrate sites but with Al and Si over sedimentary (flysch) substrate. While differences in the kiln soil and its surroundings were noticeable, they were not drastic in terms of microbial diversity and composition. Surprisingly, the bioassay indicated that the kiln microbiota had a more positive impact on plant growth compared to external forest soil. In conclusion, this study highlights the unique nature of kiln microsites and begins to unveil the enduring effects of charcoal accumulation on soil chemistry and microbiota in forest soil. Graphical Abstract

Reducing the effects of the misuse of urban wastewater is to use it in agriculture along with the subsurface irrigation system, which effects on the soil also require extensive investigations. Therefore, the present research was performed in a randomized complete block design with two factors of the type of irrigation source (well water W1 and treated urban wastewater W2) and the type of irrigation system (surface S1 and subsurface drip S2) in three replications (R) for a soil depth of 0-40 centimeter during two crop seasons. The results showed that the potassium, sodium, salinity, and sodium absorption ratio were significant at the 1% probability level in the comparison of system type and irrigation source type, whereas the values of pH, calcium, and magnesium were not significant in the comparison of system type and irrigation source type. The lowest value of calcium, magnesium, sodium cations, chlorine, phosphate, and sulfate anions was obtained in the W1S1 treatment. Also, the highest parameters of salinity, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and chlorine were observed for the W2S2 treatment. It can be concluded that irrigation with urban wastewater has improved the chemical properties of the soil, and the type of irrigation system has had minor changes.

Abstract The findings reveal that soil constituents significantly affect the corrosion process. Moisture content and pH promote the formation of corrosion products, while high chloride concentrations accelerate corrosion. Conversely, high organic matter content inhibits corrosion by limiting oxygen diffusion to the metal surface. The effectiveness of conservation treatments, particularly wax or oil-based coatings, varied with soil conditions, showing reduced efficacy in soils with high chloride concentrations. This study underscores the importance of understanding soil constituents for developing effective corrosion and conservation strategies for buried bronze statuettes. The results offer valuable insights for customizing preservation approaches based on soil types. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that mineralogical compositions in soil significantly influence corrosion processes, providing critical insights for effective preservation strategies. pH measurements indicated varying soil acidity and alkalinity levels, crucial in determining corrosion rates and mechanisms, offering essential data for targeted preservation strategies. Additionally, the identification of brochantite and antlerite through Micro-Raman spectroscopy suggests a link to sulfur pollutants from the decomposition of organic matter by sulfate-reducing bacteria, highlighting the potential environmental impact of microbial activity in the soil ecosystem.

The chemical characteristics of peat soil can be improved with soil amendments such as biochar derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunches (OPEFB), or by nitrogen (N) fertilisation. Our study aimed to determine the separate effects of OPEFB biochar and N fertiliser, along with their interaction, on the dynamics (loss, content, uptake) of nutrients in peat soil as well as on the growth of oil palm seedlings. A glasshouse experiment was carried out in North Sumatra (Indonesia) from December 2020 to February 2021 using a Complete Randomised Factorial design. The first factor was the OPEFB biochar dosages (0, 5, 10, 15 t ha-1) and the second factor was the dosage of N fertiliser (30, 45, 60 kg ha-1), with three replicates. The data were analysed using ANOVA and continued with Duncan at P < 0.05. The results showed that biochar doses of 10 and 15 t ha-1 effectively reduced the losses of N and magnesium (Mg) by 15.7 and 7.56 %, respectively. These reductions were accompanied by increases in soil pH (by 5.12 %) and exchangeable potassium (by 48.3 %). The levels of the plant nutrients phosphorus (P), copper (Cu), potassium (K), calcium (Ca) and boron (B) in the oil palm seedlings were 17.8, 27.0, 5.88, 7.89 and 0.18 %, respectively. Furthermore, N fertiliser doses of 30–45 kg ha 1 increased pH, total N and nutrient (N, B) content as well as the uptake of N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B and Cu. The interaction of 10–15 t ha-1 biochar with 30–45 kg ha-1 nitrogen fertiliser inhibited leaching of N but increased exchangeable-K and nutrient (N, P, K, Mg, Ca, B, Cu) contents. Based on our results, only N doses of 30–45 kg ha-1 were effective in increasing the number of leaves, stem diameter and biomass of oil palm seedlings, while the effects of biochar and the interaction were insignificant. The findings of this study are relevant for oil palm plantations in peatland areas.

Nitrogen (N) is the primary essential nutrient for ginseng growth, and a reasonable nitrogen application strategy is vital for maintaining the stability of soil microbial functional communities. However, how microbial-mediated functional genes involved in nitrogen cycling in the ginseng rhizosphere respond to nitrogen addition is largely unknown. In this study, metagenomic technology was used to study the effects of different nitrogen additions (N0: 0, N1: 20, N2: 40 N g/m²) on the microbial community and functional nitrogen cycling genes in the rhizosphere soil of ginseng, and soil properties related to the observed changes were evaluated. The results showed that N1 significantly increased the soil nutrient content compared to N0, and the N1 ginseng yield was the highest (29.90% and 38.05% higher than of N0 and N2, respectively). N2 significantly decreased the soil NO3-N content (17.18 mg/kg lower than N0) and pH. This resulted in a decrease in the diversity of soil microorganisms, a decrease in beneficial bacteria, an increase in the number of pathogenic microorganisms, and an significant increase in the total abundance of denitrification, assimilatory nitrogen reduction, and dissimilatory nitrogen reduction genes, as well as the abundance of nxrA and napA genes (17.70% and 65.25% higher than N0, respectively), which are functional genes involved in nitrification that promote the soil nitrogen cycling process, and reduce the yield of ginseng. The results of the correlation analysis showed that pH was correlated with changes in the soil microbial community, and the contents of soil total nitrogen (TN), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), and alkaline-hydrolyzed nitrogen (AHN) were the main driving factors affecting the changes in nitrogen cycling functional genes in the rhizosphere soil of ginseng. In summary, nitrogen addition affects ginseng yield through changes in soil chemistry, nitrogen cycling processes, and functional microorganisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The soil freeze-thaw (FT) state plays a significant role in cold ecosystems by influencing hydrology, geomorphology, ecology, thermodynamics, and soil chemistry. As climate change alters the frequency and timing of FT events, regions, such as the Tibetan Plateau and other subarctic permafrost zones, face significant environmental shifts, including land subsidence, altered hydrological processes, and carbon balance disturbances. This study aimed to detect frozen, thawed, and transition periods, with a particular emphasis on the identification of critical transition periods. A new approach called Percentile-based Freeze-Thaw Identification (PFTI) was applied to identify the three FT periodsusing C-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data, specifically using Sentinel-1 VV and VH polarizations in both ascending and descending orbits. The PFTI approach is based on the Seasonal Threshold Approach (STA) with some modifications. We assessed the performance of PFTI against STA and validated it using the in-situ soil FT index. PFTI slightly improved the STA by 4% to 6% in detecting FT cycles over the Nagqu area of the Tibetan Plateau and Stordalen Mire in northern Sweden from 2017 to 2022. Moreover, PFTI demonstrated an accuracy of 94% without and 70% with transition periods in the Stordalen Mire, and 77% without and 50% with transition periods in the Nagqu area, as validated by in situ measurements. This study demonstrates the potential of PFTI on a monthly scale for detecting frozen, thawed, and transition periods on a regional scale to better monitor shifts due to the impacts of climate change in the most vulnerable regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The literature shows that both in laboratory and in industrial conditions, the photocatalytic oxidation method copes quite well with degradation of most environmental toxins and pathogenic microorganisms. However, the effective utilization of photocatalytic processes for environmental decontamination and disinfection requires significant technological advancement in both the area of semiconductor material synthesis and its application. Here, we focused on the presence and "photocatalytic capability" of photocatalysts among soil minerals and their potential contributions to the environmental decontamination in vitro and in vivo. Reactions caused by sunlight on the soil surface are involved in its normal redox activity, taking part also in the soil decontamination. However, their importance for decontamination in vivo cannot be overstated, due to the diversity of soils on the Earth, which is caused by the environmental conditions, such as climate, parent material, relief, vegetation, etc. The sunlight-induced reactions are just a part of complicated soil chemistry processes dependent on a plethora of environmental determinates. The multiplicity of affecting factors, which we tried to sketch from the perspective of chemists and environmental scientists, makes us rather skeptical about the effectiveness of the photocatalytic decontamination in vivo. On the other hand, there is a huge potential of the soils as the alternative and probably cheaper source of useful photocatalytic materials of unique properties. In our opinion, establishing collaboration between experts from different disciplines is the most crucial opportunity, as well as a challenge, for the advancement of photocatalysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite seed production being nutrient-limited, the influence of nutrient pathways on granivore distributions is unclear. This article examines the influence of geology and soil on the distribution of glossy black-cockatoos (Calyptorhynchus lathami), which feed almost exclusively on the kernels of casuarinas (Allocasuarina spp. and Casuarina spp.), and are selective about the trees in which they feed. To clarify the basis of this selection, Food Value (a measure of dry matter intake rate) and kernel nutrient content were compared between feeding and non-feeding trees of drooping sheoak (A. verticillata). Random forest modelling was then used to examine the influence of geology and soil chemistry on Food Value. Finally, logistic generalised additive modelling was used to examine the influence of geology on cockatoo feeding records across the range of black sheoak (A. littoralis) and forest oak (A. torulosa), drawing on a statewide dataset. Food Value–but not kernel nutrient concentrations–influenced feeding tree selection. Soils under drooping sheoak were nutritionally poor, with low nitrogen and phosphorus (despite high concentrations of these nutrients in the kernels), and characterised by two principal components: SALINITY (dominated by exchangeable magnesium and sodium, electrical conductivity, and sulphur) and ACIDITY (pH, iron, and aluminium). Random forest modelling showed that Food Value was highest on sedimentary rocks, with a high ACIDITY score, less than 18 meq 100 g-1 exchangeable calcium, and less than 4% soil organic carbon. The odds of cockatoos selecting casuarinas as feedings tree were three times higher on non-calcareous sedimentary rocks than on other rock types. Non-calcareous sedimentary rocks produce low-fertility, acid soils, which promote nitrogen-fixation by Frankia. I therefore conclude that glossy black-cockatoo distribution is controlled by the casuarina's symbiotic relationship with Frankia, which is ultimately controlled by geology; and that similar relationships may be responsible for the prevalence of several other species on low-fertility and/or acid soils. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perennial ornamental grasses are often recommended for rain gardens, but few data support their use. We conducted two experiments to evaluate the ability of ornamental grass cultivars to grow while subjected to cyclical flooding, submergence, and drought typical of rain gardens. Our objectives were to determine the effects of cyclical flood and drought (Expt. 1) and submergence depth and duration (Expt. 2) on grass growth and survival. Seven cultivars were evaluated during greenhouse trials, including Pixie Fountain tufted hairgrass [Deschampsia cespitosa (L.) P. Beauv.], Northwind switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), Red October big bluestem (Andropogon gerardii Vitman), Purpurascens Chinese silvergrass (Miscanthus sinensis Andersson), Blue HeavenVR little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash], Blonde Ambition blue grama grass [Bouteloua gracilis (Kunth) Lag. ex Griffiths], and Karl Foerster feather reed grass [Calamagrostis ×acutiflora (Schrad.) DC]. During Expt. 1, grasses underwent four cycles of flooding duration (2 days or 7 days) followed by drought (drying to volumetric soil water contents of 0.14 or 0.07 cm³·cm-3). During Expt. 2, grasses were cyclically submerged at 15 or 30 cm above the soil surface for 2, 4, or 7 days, followed by floodwater removal and drainage for 2 days before being resubmerged. Cyclical submergence continued until the 7-day submergence treatments completed four cycles. Both experiments were replicated in a full factorial randomized complete block design. Controls were included in both experiments. Plants were measured to determine plant height, shoot count, visual damage rating, shoot dry weight, and root dry weight. Floodwater chemistry and soil reducing conditions were measured during Expt. 2. Chinese silvergrass and switchgrass survived cyclical soil flooding/drought and submergence for 7 days at a depth of 30 cm while maintaining acceptable foliar damage. All grasses survived cyclical flood and drought when the soil volumetric water content was maintained at 14%, suggesting they can withstand periodic soil flooding as long as the water is not too deep. As water depth and duration increased from 4 days to 7 days, little bluestem, blue grama grass, and feather reed grass experienced significant foliar damage. Tufted hair grass and big bluestem experienced significant foliar damage when submerged for 2 days. Our results showed that perennial ornamental grasses can tolerate cyclical flood and drought and periodic submergence, but that plant conditions and survival vary, which can inform strategic plant placement within rain gardens, bioretention basins, and other stormwater management systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Restorations of former cranberry farms ("bogs") aim to re-establish native wetland vegetation, promote cold water habitat, and attenuate nitrogen (N) delivery to coastal waters. It is unclear, though, how elements of restoration design such as microtopography, groundwater interception, and plant communities affect N removal via denitrification. In a recently restored riparian cranberry bog with created microtopography, we compared denitrification potential, nitrous oxide (N2O) yield of denitrification (ratio of N2O:N2O + N2 gases), in situ N2O fluxes, soil chemistry, and plant communities at the highest and lowest elevations within 20 plots and at four side-channel groundwater seeps. Denitrification potential was > 2 × greater at low elevations, which had plant communities distinct from high elevations, and was positively correlated with plant species richness (Spearman's rho = 0.43). Despite detecting high N2O yield (0.86 ± 0.16) from low elevation soils, we observed small N2O emissions in situ, suggesting minimal incomplete denitrification even in saturated depressions. Groundwater seeps had an order of magnitude higher denitrification potentials and 100–300 × greater soil NO3− concentrations than the typically saturated low elevation soils. Groundwater seeps also had high N2O yield (1.05 ± 0.15) and higher, but spatially variable, in situ N2O emissions. Our results indicate that N removal is concentrated where soils interact with NO3–rich groundwater, but other factors such as low soil carbon (C) also limit denitrification. Designing restoration features to increase groundwater residence time, particularly in low lying, species rich areas, may promote more N attenuation in restored cranberry bogs and other herbaceous riparian wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition has been substantially reduced due to declines in the reactive N emission in major regions of the world. Nevertheless, the impact of reduced N deposition on soil microbial communities and the mechanisms by which they are regulated remain largely unknown. Here, we examined the effects of N addition and cessation of N addition on plant and soil microbial communities through a 17‐year field experiment in a temperate grassland. We found that extreme N input did not irreversibly disrupt the ecosystem, but ceasing high levels of N addition led to greater resilience in bacterial and fungal communities. Fungi exhibited diminished resilience compared to bacteria due to their heightened reliance on changes in plant communities. Neither bacterial nor fungal diversity fully recovered to their original states. Their sensitivity and resilience were mainly steered by toxic metal ions and soil pH differentially regulating on functional taxa. Specifically, beneficial symbiotic microbes such as N‐fixing bacteria and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi experienced detrimental effects from toxic metal ions and lower pH, hindering their recovery. The bacterial functional groups involved in carbon decomposition, and ericoid mycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi were positively influenced by soil metals, and demonstrated gradual recovery. These findings could advance our mechanistic understanding of microbial community dynamics under ongoing global changes, thereby informing management strategies to mitigate the adverse effects of N enrichment on soil function. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil organic matter (SOM) is essential for nutrient cycling and soil carbon (C) accumulation, both of which are heavily influenced by the quality and quantity of plant litter. Since SOM dynamics in relation to plant diversity are poorly understood, we investigated the effects of willow variety and mixture, and site on the soil C stocks, SOM chemical composition and thermal stability. Using pyrolysis-field ionization mass spectrometry (Py-FIMS), a method of stepwise thermal degradation in ultrahigh vacuum combined with soft ionization in a high electric field, followed by mass-spectrometric separation and detection of molecular ions, we analyzed SOM in the top 10 cm of soil from two 7-year-old experimental sites in Germany and Sweden. Monocultures and mixtures of two willow varieties (Salix spp.) belonging to different species were grown at the experimental plots. Overall, site had the strongest effect on SOM quality. The results showed significant variability across sites for willow identity and mixture effects on C accumulation and SOM chemistry. In the German site (Rostock), yearly soil C accumulation was higher (p < 0.05) for variety 'Loden' (1.0 Mg C ha−1 year−1) compared to 'Tora' (0.5 Mg C ha−1 year−1), whilst in the Swedish site (Uppsala), both varieties exhibited similar soil C accumulation rates of around 0.6 Mg C ha−1 year−1. Willow variety identity significantly affected SOM quality at both sites, while mixing had minor effects. Our findings emphasize the significance of site-specific context and variety and species identity in shaping soil C accumulation in willow plantations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Biochar (BC), a carbon-rich material produced by pyrolysis, has recently demonstrated promising results for the sustainable management of agroecosystems. It can enhance plant growth and improve soil health. The application of BC can significantly shrink soil's bulk density while improving the porosity, water-holding capacity and aggregation, organic matter, cation exchange capacity, and pH. Additionally, BC addition was a promising method to manage environmental stresses (heavy metals (HMs), drought, salinity, and flooding). On the other hand, several adverse effects of BC application were also observed, such as decreased water-holding capacity, increased soil erosion, and salinization, altered pH, imbalanced nutrients, influenced soil biota, and the addition of HMs. Overall, it can be concluded that although BC has been introduced as an potent approach for improving soil characteristics, further studies should be conducted, particularly on prolonged and large scale, to comprehensively assess the adverse effects of BC. Considering these pros and cons of BC applications, especially in soil systems and for sustainable agriculture, the present review aimed to explore insights into the contribution of BC to improving soil physicochemical properties, mitigating environmental stresses, and promoting plant growth and development. Moreover, drawbacks associated with this approach towards enhancing soil health have also been elucidated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The flora of New Caledonia is renowned as one of the world's most significant biodiversity hotpots. The contrasting soil conditions that characterize this small archipelago profoundly influence species local diversity and distribution. Because the difference between soil chemistry is likely to cause variation in leaf elemental composition, we wanted to test how different soil properties affect plant community and leaf elemental concentration. We focused on two adjacent forests, of similar physiognomy, growing on serpentinite (ultramafic rock), and on volcano‐sedimentary rock. Both soils strongly differed in their pH, cation exchange capacity, and element concentration (Al, Mn, and Ni). The two adjacent forests have a diverse endemic flora and share a relatively high proportion of species (35%–42%). The tree composition differs more than the total vascular flora. Leaf element concentrations of 30 tree species that grow on both soil types, as well as the corresponding soil–plant‐available nutrients, were analyzed. Leaf element concentrations indicated N, P, K, and Ca deficiency. Despite higher plant‐available Mn concentration in ultramafic soil than volcano‐sedimentary soil, leaf Mn concentrations were significantly higher for plants growing on volcano‐sedimentary soil. Leaf Ni concentrations were higher on ultramafic soil and Al concentration was higher on volcano‐sedimentary soil. Major differences in leaf elemental concentration were for micronutrients (metals) while macronutrients varied in much lower proportion between the two soil types, suggesting a tight regulation of macronutrients compared to micronutrients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article examines the impact of artificial exogenous additions on grassland ecosystems, specifically focusing on carbon emissions driven by microbial communities. The authors discuss the concept of the "priming effect" and argue that while exogenous additions can stimulate microbial activity and increase carbon release, the overall impact on soil carbon dynamics is likely to be minor and not result in substantial carbon loss. They emphasize the need for further research to fully understand the ecological significance of the priming effect in the context of global changes. The article also explores the long-term effects of exogenous additions on grassland ecosystems, highlighting the role of different plant species and mycorrhizal fungi in maintaining community stability. The authors conclude that exogenous additions are unlikely to cause large-scale soil carbon emissions, but more research is needed to understand the long-term impacts and develop effective management strategies. [Extracted from the article]

Reducing the effects of the misuse of urban wastewater is to use it in agriculture along with the subsurface irrigation system, which effects on the soil also require extensive investigations. Therefore, the present research was performed in a randomized complete block design with two factors of the type of irrigation source (well water W1 and treated urban wastewater W2) and the type of irrigation system (surface S1 and subsurface drip S2) in three replications (R) for a soil depth of 0-40 centimeter during two crop seasons. The results showed that the potassium, sodium, salinity, and sodium absorption ratio were significant at the 1% probability level in the comparison of system type and irrigation source type, whereas the values of pH, calcium, and magnesium were not significant in the comparison of system type and irrigation source type. The lowest value of calcium, magnesium, sodium cations, chlorine, phosphate, and sulfate anions was obtained in the W1S1 treatment. Also, the highest parameters of salinity, calcium, magnesium, phosphate, potassium, and chlorine were observed for the W2S2 treatment. It can be concluded that irrigation with urban wastewater has improved the chemical properties of the soil, and the type of irrigation system has had minor changes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Amazonia hosts more tree species from numerous evolutionary lineages, both young and ancient, than any other biogeographic region. Previous studies have shown that tree lineages colonized multiple edaphic environments and dispersed widely across Amazonia, leading to a hypothesis, which we test, that lineages should not be strongly associated with either geographic regions or edaphic forest types. Location: Amazonia. Taxon: Angiosperms (Magnoliids; Monocots; Eudicots). Methods: Data for the abundance of 5082 tree species in 1989 plots were combined with a mega‐phylogeny. We applied evolutionary ordination to assess how phylogenetic composition varies across Amazonia. We used variation partitioning and Moran's eigenvector maps (MEM) to test and quantify the separate and joint contributions of spatial and environmental variables to explain the phylogenetic composition of plots. We tested the indicator value of lineages for geographic regions and edaphic forest types and mapped associations onto the phylogeny. Results: In the terra firme and várzea forest types, the phylogenetic composition varies by geographic region, but the igapó and white‐sand forest types retain a unique evolutionary signature regardless of region. Overall, we find that soil chemistry, climate and topography explain 24% of the variation in phylogenetic composition, with 79% of that variation being spatially structured (R2 = 19% overall for combined spatial/environmental effects). The phylogenetic composition also shows substantial spatial patterns not related to the environmental variables we quantified (R2 = 28%). A greater number of lineages were significant indicators of geographic regions than forest types. Main Conclusion: Numerous tree lineages, including some ancient ones (>66 Ma), show strong associations with geographic regions and edaphic forest types of Amazonia. This shows that specialization in specific edaphic environments has played a long‐standing role in the evolutionary assembly of Amazonian forests. Furthermore, many lineages, even those that have dispersed across Amazonia, dominate within a specific region, likely because of phylogenetically conserved niches for environmental conditions that are prevalent within regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Lenticel rot" is a type of soft rot that develops within potatoes' natural openings due to increased respiration rates. When potatoes are exposed to waterlogged soil and high temperatures, their lenticels expand, providing an access route for pectolytic bacteria. This study is the first to shed light on lenticel rot in Egypt. The study's goal is to investigate how inappropriate watering rates affect the development of lenticel infections. The causal bacteria were identified as Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. carotovorum using both BIOLOG analysis and DNA sequencing, following the pathogenicity test. In a pot experiment (with 4 kg of soil in each pot), the highest watering rate (1000 mL per pot), combined with soil infestation, resulted in the greatest disease incidence. The ratio of infected (IR) tubers increased from 0.0±0.0 in the treatment without infestation to 65.4±10.7 in the infested treatment (P < 0.001) under the high watering rate. No significant difference in IRs was observed between the different watering rates in non-infested treatments. Additionally, there was no significant difference in IRs between non-infested and infested treatments following regular and moderate watering rates (500 mL and 750 mL, respectively). High irrigation rates altered soil chemistry, decreasing organic matter (OM) and nitrogen (N) availability while increasing phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). In conclusion, the irrigation rate has a significant impact on disease development compared to the sole presence of the pathogen in the soil. This implies that the irrigation rate influences disease development only when the pathogen is actively present. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Historic atmospheric acidic deposition resulting from the combustion of fossil fuels may alter the pools of important nutrients and base cations in sensitive forest soils. This raises concern that chronic acidic deposition, particularly when coupled with intensive forest biomass harvesting, may diminish long‐term soil fertility, forest productivity, and carbon storage potential. To address these concerns, the Fork Mountain long‐term soil productivity experiment was initiated in 1996 at the Fernow Experimental Forest, West Virginia. The replicated experimental design consists of 16 plots (0.2 ha) that receive one of four treatments: (1) whole‐tree harvesting (removal of all aboveground biomass, WT plots); (2) whole‐tree harvesting + ammonium‐sulfate fertilization (WT + NS plots); (3) whole‐tree harvesting + ammonium‐sulfate fertilization + dolomitic lime (WT + NS + Lime plots); and (4) untreated reference plots. We present forest floor and soil chemistry responses after ∼25 years of treatment and evaluate the temporal changes to illuminate these results. Soil acidification has occurred, and base cation movement through the soil profile was observed, with effective cation exchange capacity increasing slightly in the deepest soil horizon by the end of the 25 years. However, some of our hypotheses were not supported. In particular, soil C did not increase over time with fertilization/soil acidification but was mainly altered by WT harvesting, as were other nutrients. Dolomitic lime provided some amelioration of acidification, but surprisingly, most of the changes in base cations appeared to be the results of Mg, not Ca, likely due to greater tree requirements and uptake of Ca. Core Ideas: Soil acidification was created through fertilization and whole‐tree harvesting.Changes in forest ecosystems, including the soils, often require decades to manifest and understand.Soil acidification can be mitigated, somewhat, in forest soils.The links between soil chemistry, productivity, and diversity required further exploration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The research was conducted within a greenhouse setting to explore the impact of various compost tea application rates on the growth of 'Hazera 395' tomatoes. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the efficacy of soil-applied compost tea versus foliar application methods, all conducted under greenhouse conditions. Utilizing a split-plot design with three replications, soil and foliar applications were designated as main plots, while six compost tea concentration treatments (v/v) were allocated to sub-main plots. These concentrations included: zero treatment (control), as well as extracts of 1:1, 1:25, 1:50, 1:75, and 1:100 compost to water ratios. Notably, soil-applied compost tea significantly enhanced nitrogen (N) and potassium (K) availability compared to foliar application. Moreover, the 1:25 compost tea extract, whether applied to soil or foliage, notably improved vegetative growth parameters such as stem internode count, plant height, and leaf count per plant. Both soil and foliar application of compost tea resulted in significant increases in yield and average fruit weight. In summary, this research advances scientific knowledge by elucidating the effects of compost tea application rates and methods on tomato growth under controlled greenhouse conditions, offering valuable insights for agricultural practices aimed at improving crop productivity and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Soil microarthropods play a crucial role in agricultural ecosystems and are necessary for the upkeep of fertile and productive soils. Limited knowledge exists regarding the composition of soil microarthropod communities in changing agricultural and impervious land use systems. Hence, we conducted a comparative analysis of the soil microarthropod diversity in shifting cultivation and impervious land areas, as well as the surrounding natural forest ecosystem in Aizawl, Mizoram, northeast India. Additionally, we evaluated the influence of shifting cultivation and impervious land use regimes on the diversity of these microarthropods. The investigation was done between 2022 and 2023. Soil and litter samples (n=50) were gathered from three distinct land use systems. The soil microarthropods were extracted using the Berlese funnel method. Microarthropod taxa were identified down to the most specific taxonomic level feasible. The variety of soil microarthropods was significantly affected by the practice of shifting cultivation and in the impervious land areas, in comparison to the natural forest system. The soil chemical profiles were notably altered in the shifting agriculture and impermeable land use systems, indicating their detrimental effects on soil microarthropod diversity. This study presented the startling information on the diversity of soil microarthropods and their relationship with the land-use systems in Mizoram, a region in northeast India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Approximately one‐third of all food produced globally goes to waste, highlighting the need for sustainable waste management technologies like composting and anaerobic digestion. These technologies convert food waste into soil amendment products such as compost, liquid digestate (LD) and solid digestate (SD). However, these food waste‐derived soil amendments have relatively low nutrient contents compared with synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers such as urea, making their agricultural use challenging. Despite this, food waste‐derived soil amendments can enhance the physical and biological properties of soil, potentially creating synergistic effects when combined with synthetic N fertilizers. This study aimed to investigate effects of food waste‐derived amendments in soil applied at 50 kg ha−1 total N (compost, LD or SD) and synthetic N fertilizer [urea ammonium nitrate (UAN)] at 50 and 100 kg ha−1 total N. Over 56 days of soil incubation, greenhouse gases (CO2, N2O), soil chemistry (NH4+$$ {\mathrm{NH}}_4^{+} $$–N, NO3−$$ {\mathrm{NO}}_3^{-} $$–N, pH) and microbial biomass C (MBC) were measured. Results showed that LD + UAN 50 reduced cumulative N2O emissions by 23% compared with UAN 100, despite having the same total N and similar available N rate applied to soil. Replacing UAN with LD in farming practices can supply equivalent available N while lowering N2O emissions, offering a sustainable nutrient strategy. Moreover, applying food waste‐derived soil amendments can enhance N retention in soils, reducing the need for increased applications of synthetic N fertilizers to compensate for N deficits in farming. Food waste‐derived soil amendments can also act as a slower N release compared with UAN, reducing nitrogen run‐off. SD had the highest CO2 emissions, followed by LD and compost. SD + UAN 50 increased MBC levels because of higher carbon content and labile carbon, and available N because of the application of UAN. The major drawback of using SD compared with LD is that the process of evaporating LD to form SD causes high ammonia volatilization (ammonium in solution into ammonia gas) rates, reducing the available N in SD. Therefore, future studies should explore strategies to reduce ammonia volatilization of LD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carrion decomposition has a significant impact on soil chemical profiles. However, soil nutrient research associated with animal carcasses in Antarctica has been relatively scarce, and the effect of penguin carrion decomposition on soil chemical composition is largely unknown. We aimed to determine Antarctica's soil chemistry profiles associated with penguin carrion. Soil samples were collected from a penguin rookery near King Sejong Station, Barton Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica. Dry combustion methods were used to identify soil nitrogen and sulfur, while ammonia, nitrate, and phosphate were determined colorimetrically using a spectrophotometer. In addition, total carbon, pH, electrical conductivity, soil moisture, and soil porosity were also determined. Overall, soil chemical properties were not significantly different between the stages of decomposition and the sampling locations. These findings suggest that nutrients from penguin carrion disperse and leach in limited quantities into the soil, probably due to the active scavenging activities by vertebrate scavengers and the slower decomposition rate resulting from cold temperatures in the Antarctic region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dyes, considered as toxic and persistent pollutants, must be removed from organic wastes prior to their composting and application in sustainable agriculture. Azo dyes, capable of altering the physicochemical properties of soil, are difficult to expel by conventional wastewater treatments. C.I. Acid Black 1 (AB 1), a sulfonated azo dye, inhibits nitrification and ammonification in the soil, lessens the nitrogen use efficacy in crop production and passes substantially unaltered through an activated sludge process. The retention of C.I. Acid Black 1 by raw and expanded perlite was investigated in order to examine the potential effectiveness of this aluminosilicate material toward organic waste cleanup. Dye adsorption proved spontaneous and endothermic in nature, increasing with temperature for both perlites. Expanded perlite having a more open structure exhibited a better performance compared to the raw material. Several of the most widely recognized two-parameter theoretical models, i.e., Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), Harkins–Jura, Halsey, Henderson, and Smith, were applied to reveal physicochemical features characterizing the adsorption. The Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin, BET, Henderson, and Smith equations best fitted experimental data indicating that the adsorption of anionic dye on perlites is controlled by their surface, i.e., non-uniformity in structure and charge. This heterogeneity of surface is considered responsible for promoting specific dye adsorption areas creating dye “islands” with local dye supersaturations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The deteriorating soil health under continuous monoculture is commonly found across various cropping systems. This study evaluated the effects of different tillage practices (conventional tillage and no till) and species mixtures (legumes and grasses) on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) community properties, soil nutrients, and enzyme activity in a 3-year experiment. Compared with traditional tillage, the number of AMF species under no-till conditions was increased, with the Glomus group being dominant. Under different tillage conditions, TN (total N) and AN (available N) contents under no till were significantly higher than those under conventional tillage, while no significant differences among other nutrients were found. The activities of soil acid phosphatase (S-ACP), soil dehydrogenase (S-DHA), and soil sucrose (S-SC) under conventional tillage were significantly higher than those under no till, and the cover crop mixtures also had an exclusive advantage in yield. Soil organic matter (SOM) indicated a significant negative correlation with glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP). The increase in diversity associated with the AMF species community was strongly correlated with the increase in three enzyme activities, and AN was negatively correlated with all species. Tillage did not significantly change soil chemistry, except for AN, and the high concentration of AN led to a decrease in AMF species. The results of this study showed that no till was an effective measure for enriching soil micro-organism population. Additionally, soil AMF diversity was improved by cover crop mixtures, and microbial diversity was higher than that under monoculture cover crops. Different AMF groups responded differently to tillage and cover crop mixtures. Across all mixtures, the combination of hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) performed the best. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lianas are major contributors to tropical forest dynamics, yet we know little about their mortality. Using overlapping censuses of the lianas and trees across a 50 ha stand of moist tropical forest, we contrasted community-wide patterns of liana mortality with relatively well-studied patterns of tree mortality to quantify patterns of liana death and identify contributing factors. Liana mortality rates were 172% higher than tree mortality rates, but species-level mortality rates of lianas were similar to trees with 'fast' life-history strategies and both growth forms exhibited similar spatial and size-dependent patterns. The mortality rates of liana saplings (<2.1 cm in diameter), which represent about 50% of liana individuals, decreased with increasing disturbance severity and remained consistently low during post-disturbance stand thinning. In contrast, larger liana individuals and trees of all sizes had elevated mortality rates in response to disturbance and their mortality rates decreased over time since disturbance. Within undisturbed forest patches, liana mortality rates increased with increasing soil fertility in a manner similar to trees. The distinct responses of liana saplings to disturbance appeared to distinguish liana mortality from that of trees, whereas similarities in their patterns of death suggest that there are common drivers of woody plant mortality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plants absorb nutrients and water through their roots and modulate soil biogeochemical cycles. The mechanisms of water and nutrient uptake by plants depend on climatic and edaphic conditions, as well as the plant root system. Soil solution is the medium in which abiotic and biotic processes exchange nutrients, and nutrient concentrations vary with the abundance of reactive minerals and fluid residence times. High-altitude ecosystems of the tropical Andes are interesting for the study of the association between vegetation, soil hydrology, and mineral nutrient availability at the landscape scale for different reasons. First of all, because of low rock-derived nutrient stocks in intensely weathered volcanic soils, biocycling of essential nutrients by plants is expected to be important for plant nutrient acquisition. Second, the ecosystem is characterized by strong spatial patterns in vegetation type and density at the landscape scale and hence is optimal to study soil-water–vegetation interactions. Third, the area is characterized by high carbon stocks but low rates of organic decomposition that might vary with soil hydrology, soil development, and geochemistry, all interconnected with vegetation. The páramo landscape forms a vegetation mosaic of bunch grasses, cushion-forming plants, and forests. In the nutrient-depleted nonallophanic Andosols, the plant rooting depth varies with drainage and soil moisture conditions. Rooting depths were shallower in seasonally waterlogged soils under cushion plants and deeper in well-drained soils under forest and tussock grasses (>100 cm). Vegetation composition is a relevant indicator of rock-derived nutrient availability in soil solutions. The soil solute chemistry revealed patterns in plant-available nutrients that were not mimicking the distribution of total rock-derived nutrients nor the exchangeable nutrient pool but clearly resulted from strong biocycling of cations and removal of nutrients from the soil by plant uptake or deep leaching. Soils under cushion plants showed solute concentrations of Ca, Mg, and Na of about 3 times higher than forest and tussock grasses. Differences were even stronger for dissolved Si with solute concentrations that were 16 times higher than forest and 6 times higher than tussock grasses. Amongst the macronutrients derived from lithogenic sources, P was a limiting nutrient with very low solute concentrations (<1 µ M) for all three vegetation types. In contrast K showed greater solute concentrations under forest soils with values that were 2 to 3 times higher than under cushion-forming plants or tussock grasses. Our findings have important implications for future management of Andean páramo ecosystems where vegetation type distributions are dynamically changing as a result of warming temperatures and land use change. Such alterations may lead not only to changes in soil hydrology and solute geochemistry but also to complex changes in weathering rates and solute export downstream with effects on nutrient concentrations in Andean rivers and high-mountain lakes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The efficient separation of solid and liquid phases of soil under reductive conditions is of the utmost importance to study soil chemistry and to predict the mobility and bioavailability of nutrients and toxic contaminants in waterlogged reduced soils (WRSs). However, there is no established method for efficiently separating the solid and liquid phases of WRS within a short time while maintaining its reductive conditions. This study aimed to verify the applicability of a simple centrifugal filtration method (CFM) for the efficient separation of solid and liquid phases of a WRS and examine the CFM-extracted soil solution to confirm that the reductive condition was maintained during the solid–liquid separation process. Incubation experiments were performed under reductive conditions with or without ethanol/molasses used as additional organic material (OM), while the soil solution was collected by both a suction method and CFM at different centrifugation speeds (700, 2760, and 11,000 rpm) and times (1–7 min). The results showed that the soil pH increased with time while the Eh decreased, indicating that its reducing state was enhanced during the incubation experiments. The addition of OM promoted the reductive conditions in the first days of the experiments. Centrifugation speed, rather than time, was found to be the key to extract the maximum amount of soil solution, while a higher centrifugation speed (11,000 rpm), which represents the permanent wilting point, was found to be most effective for extracting the maximum amount of soil solution. The results exhibited no significant difference in solute (As, Fe(II), and Mn) concentrations when varying amounts of CFM-extracted soil solution were measured. The statistical analysis also indicated no significant (p > 0.05) difference between the solute concentrations in the CFM-extracted soil solution and the solute concentrations in the soil solution extracted by the suction method, confirming that the reductive condition was maintained during solid–liquid separation by CFM. This study suggests that CFM operating at a higher centrifugation speed could potentially be employed as a simple and highly effective technique to efficiently separate the solid and liquid phases of WRS (sandy clay loam) within a short time while maintaining its reductive conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Large quantities of cover crop residues in the soil, combined, or not, with the inoculation of seeds with diazotrophic bacteria, can increase organic matter (OM) and protect soil microorganisms, such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and dark septate endophytic (DSE) fungi. Thus, the use of these sustainable biotechnologies can benefit microbial interactions, soil fertility and rice production in the Brazilian Cerrado region. In this study, we evaluated the effects of maize and Urochloa ruziziensis, intercropped or individually, as cover crops and an inoculation of Azospirillum brasilense on the chemical (fertility) and biological (C–microbial biomass and C–CO2 released) attributes of soil and the effects of root colonization by AMF and DSE on the yield of rice grown in succession in highlands. The experiment was conducted under field conditions, in a typical dystrophic Red Oxisol. The experimental design consisted of randomized blocks arranged in strips, incorporating a combination of eight residual cover crops: ((1) maize, (2) maize–I (I = inoculation of seeds with A. brasilense), (3) Urochloa (U. ruziziensis), (4) Urochloa–I, (5) maize + Urochloa–I, (6) maize + Urochloa–I, (7) maize–I + Urochloa and (8) maize–I + Urochloa–I). This was accompanied by two treatments of rice as a successor crop (inoculated or not with A. brasilense), with four replicates, totaling 64 experimental units. A cover crop and rice seed inoculation prompted increases in OM and AMF relative to DSE, while the inoculation of rice, regardless of the cover crop treatment, increased the soil's P content. The combination of maize + Urochloa–I and inoculated rice as the next crop generated increases in its sum of bases (SBs) and cation exchange capacity (CEC). There was a 19% increase in rice grain yields when the seed was inoculated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three quarters of the world's significant urban centers are located in coastal regions where clay minerals are prevalent. The microstructures and physico-mechanical properties of clay sediments are highly susceptible to alterations in pore water chemistry. The pore water chemistry in soil changes easily due to groundwater pollution, seawater erosion, degradation, etc. However, there are several inconsistencies in the literature on the change of physical and mechanical properties of clay soils caused by the change of pore water chemical properties, i.e., disparate experimental results were reported for the same soil property, or varying explanations were proposed for the identical experimental results. Currently, the research in this field mainly focuses on the macroscopic behavioral modifications while lacking the explanations of microscopic mechanism. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive review of researches conducted over the past four decades on the impact of pore water chemistry (including salt type, salinity, ion valence, pH) on soil properties such as the microstructure, settlement, Atterberg limits, shear strength, conductivity, unsaturated soil mechanics properties and thermal properties. The fundamental mechanisms underlying the varied experimental observations on clay sediments affected by salt and pH are systematically explored, and deficiencies in this field are identified. The observed dispersion in the literatures is attributed to the spatial variation and heterogeneity of soil compositions, different test methods, and insufficiency of the fundamental microscopic mechanisms of the observed soil behaviors, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to further explore the essential mechanisms of the test results in the future to establish a unified conclusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cover crops have been promoted for increasing soil organic matter, which is critically low in many mid‐Southern US row crop production fields. This study was conducted to inform adaptive management in the early transition period of conservation adoption. Temporal change in soil chemistry was investigated with a split‐field experiment conducted over a 3‐year period in Mississippi corn (Zea mays L.)–soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotational cropping systems that newly implemented winter cover crops and simultaneously reduced tillage. Relative to the untreated (i.e., winter fallow and multiple tillage passes) half of each study field, the chemical soil properties of the treated (i.e., winter cover crop and reduced tillage) half of each study field were not significantly different at the 0.05 significance level. This was true for soil organic matter, all macronutrients, pH, cation exchange capacity, base saturations, and micronutrients, with the exception of iron. Given these results, it is unlikely that growers adopting cover crops while reducing tillage will be able to accumulate significant soil organic matter in the early transition period. Core Ideas: Cover crops and reduced tillage did not significantly alter soil macronutrients.Except iron, cover crops and reduced tillage did not significantly alter micronutrients.Cover crops and reduced tillage did not significantly alter cation exchange capacity or base saturations.Cover crops and reduced tillage did not significantly alter soil organic matter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

South Sumatra Province has a peat area of 1.4 million Ha. The distribution of peat soil in Ogan Ilir is 23,687.91 Ha. Peat soil has a low bearing capacity. This research aims to explain the effect of stabilization on peat soil characteristics. Peat soil samples were taken using the Block Sampling method. The research locations are Parit Village and Lorok Village, Ogan Ilir Regency. Peat soil needs better properties and is unsuitable for foundation soil for civil construction. To overcome this, one method of soil improvement is required, namely the chemical stabilization method: changing the chemical properties of the soil by adding a mixture. The mixture used is palm shell ash waste with variations of 0%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%. Soil properties (physical and chemical), SEM, EDS, PTS, and CBR tests were carried out to determine the effect of this mixture. Soil properties test results: water content ( ) in Parit Village 226.39%, and Lorok Village 252.39%. The fibre content (FC) test results for Parit Village were 25.18% and for Lorok Village 28.01%. Peat soil is classified as fibrous peat soil. The CBR value for Parit Village was 4.60%, and Lorok Village was 4.16%. The results of the immersion CBR test showed that Parit Village had a curing period of 7 days, a variation of 5%, namely 4.68%. Look Village obtained the most outstanding results: a curing period of 14 days, a variation of 25%, and 4.76%. The CBR value obtained in this study is 3%-5% (average) when used for subgrade strength with compaction conditions depending on the road category. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Coal-waste dumps in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin are usually colonized by tall grass Calamagrostis epigejos and Solidago canadensis, which influence the direction of vegetation formation and the soil chemistry. The aim of this study is to analyze and determine the content of major elements (Fe, Ca, P, Mg, Al, Na, K, S) and trace elements (Mo, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ni, Co, Mn, Sr, Cd, Cr) in aboveground and underground parts of the plants and the soil at the thermally active coal-waste dump. Analysis of the heavy metal concentrations reveals that they are higher in plant materials than in soil materials within the root zone of the plants. Environmental indicator analysis (geoaccumulation index, enrichment factor, translocation factor) shows that the studied species exhibit varying degrees of pollution, with cadmium and zinc showing the highest accumulation rates. The content of elements in the analyzed species, both in washed and unwashed specimens, does not show significant differences, which is confirmed by the enrichment factor. Statistical analysis shows a positive correlation between the amount of microelements in plants (roots, aerial part) and soil samples in both thermally active and inactive zones. These findings broaden the scientific inquiry and hold practical significance for the reclamation of post-industrial areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article emphasizes the significance of the soil microbiome and mycorrhizas in enhancing plant nutrient utilization in the face of climate stress. With the global population projected to reach 9.8 billion by 2050, there is a growing demand for agricultural land. However, the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides has negative environmental impacts. Adapting the soil microbiome can help manage stress, increase crop yields, and improve nutrient cycling. The article highlights several studies on the interactions between plants, soil microorganisms, and climate stress, emphasizing the potential benefits of plant growth-promoting microbes and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi. Understanding and harnessing these beneficial soil microorganisms are crucial for sustainable agricultural production. The document also includes references to three articles that discuss the potential benefits of plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) in agriculture. The first article focuses on how PGPR can help crops withstand thermal stress, improving their resilience under challenging conditions. The second article explores the current state and future prospects of PGPR as a valuable resource for agriculture in stressful conditions. The third article examines the biotechnological potential of plant-microbe interactions, particularly in environmental decontamination. These articles provide valuable insights into the potential applications of PGPR in agriculture and environmental management. [Extracted from the article]