Journal Description
Soil Systems
Soil Systems
- formerly Soils - is an international, scientific, peer-reviewed, open access journal on soil science, published quarterly online by MDPI. The Italian Society of Soil Science (SISS) is affiliated with Soil Systems and its members receive discounts on the article processing charges.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), AGRIS, PubAg, GeoRef, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q2 (Soil Science) / CiteScore - Q1 (Earth-Surface Processes)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 32.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.9 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
2.9 (2023);
5-Year Impact Factor:
3.3 (2023)
Latest Articles
Options for Intensification of Cropping System in Coastal Saline Ecosystem: Inclusion of Grain Legumes in Rice-Based Cropping System
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 90; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030090 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
The coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India is the home to millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Due to a gradual increase in salt accumulation on soils of the coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India from
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The coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India is the home to millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. Due to a gradual increase in salt accumulation on soils of the coastal saline zone of West Bengal in India from winter to summer days, cultivation of the second crop in the winter season becomes possible in a limited area. To address these issues, field experiments was conducted in rainy and winter seasons of 2016–17 and 2017–18 at the farmer’s field of the coastal saline zone (CSZ) of West Bengal, India. The experiment was carried out to study the system productivity, nutrient uptake, and profitability vis-à-vis salinity dynamics of the crops in rice-pulse-based cropping systems under different land elevations (medium upland and medium lowland). The experiment was conducted in a strip-split plot design having horizontal factors namely, Factor A: Six dates of sowing of rice at an interval of one week (2nd week of June to 3rd week of July), Factor B: Two land situations (medium upland and medium lowland) and Two Cropping Systems (Rice-Lathyrus and Rice-Lentil) as vertical factor, replicated four times. The results suggest that irrespective of land situation, early sown rice (15 June to 21 June) produces higher dry matter and grain yield compared to late sown crops. This early sowing of rice also facilitated the better performance of subsequent lathyrus and lentil, by avoiding the worst situation of the salinity build-up and drought stress later in the winter. Moreover, significantly higher productions were obtained from medium-lowland situations for both the cropping systems. Sowing date has also significantly influenced macro-nutrient uptake (NPK) by rice and pulse grains. It may be concluded that early sowing of rice may be a potential option for intensification of rice-pulse-based cropping systems under CSZ of West Bengal, India.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in the Prediction and Remediation of Soil Salinization: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Manure Application Rates on the Vertical Distribution of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in Farmland Soil
by
Yuqian Wang, Liqiong Yang, Weipeng Liu and Jie Zhuang
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 89; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030089 - 14 Aug 2024
Abstract
Manure application is the primary input route for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in farmland soil. This study investigated the effects of varying the rates of five chicken manure applications on the accumulation and distribution of ARGs across different soil depths (0–20, 20–40, and
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Manure application is the primary input route for antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in farmland soil. This study investigated the effects of varying the rates of five chicken manure applications on the accumulation and distribution of ARGs across different soil depths (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) using metagenomic sequencing. The results revealed that the distribution of ARGs in farmland soil was closely linked to soil depth and influenced to some extent by the fertilizer quantity after 30 days of fertilization. ARGs were predominantly concentrated in the surface soil and exhibited a significant decrease in type and abundance with an increased soil depth. Compared with soil treated with chemical fertilizers alone, chicken manure-treated surface soil presented a higher diversity and abundance of ARGs. However, the diversity and abundance of ARGs did not increase proportionally with the increasing ratios of chicken manure application (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%). ARGs in soil primarily conferred resistance to host bacteria through antibiotic efflux pumps (~33%), antibiotic target alteration (~31%), antibiotic inactivation (~20%), and antibiotic target protection (~8%). Correlation analysis involving ARGs and soil microorganisms revealed widespread multidrug resistance among soil microorganisms. Furthermore, two genera of human pathogenic bacteria (Pseudomonas sp. and Listeria sp.) were identified as potential microbial hosts of ARGs in all treatments. Correlation analysis involving ARGs and environmental factors indicated that soil ARGs are predominantly influenced by heavy metals and microorganisms. This paper offers valuable insights for environmental risk assessments regarding the utilization of livestock manure resources. Additionally, it furnishes a scientific foundation for farmland application strategies pertaining to livestock manure.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions)
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Open AccessArticle
Impact of Crop Residue, Nutrients, and Soil Moisture on Methane Emissions from Soil under Long-Term Conservation Tillage
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Rajesh Choudhary, Sangeeta Lenka, Dinesh Kumar Yadav, Narendra Kumar Lenka, Rameshwar S. Kanwar, Abhijit Sarkar, Madhumonti Saha, Dharmendra Singh and Tapan Adhikari
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030088 - 13 Aug 2024
Abstract
Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production systems are a major area of concern in mitigating climate change. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of crop residue, nutrient management, and soil moisture on methane (CH4) emissions from maize, rice,
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Greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural production systems are a major area of concern in mitigating climate change. Therefore, a study was conducted to investigate the effects of crop residue, nutrient management, and soil moisture on methane (CH4) emissions from maize, rice, soybean, and wheat production systems. In this study, incubation experiments were conducted with four residue types (maize, rice, soybean, wheat), seven nutrient management treatments {N0P0K0 (no nutrients), N0PK, N100PK, N150PK, N100PK + manure@ 5 Mg ha−1, N100PK + biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1, N150PK+ biochar@ 5 Mg ha−1}, and two soil moisture levels (80% FC, and 60% FC). The results of this study indicated that interactive effects of residue type, nutrient management, and soil moisture significantly affected methane (CH4) fluxes. After 87 days of incubation, the treatment receiving rice residue with N100PK at 60% FC had the highest cumulative CH4 mitigation of −19.4 µg C kg−1 soil, and the highest emission of CH4 was observed in wheat residue application with N0PK at 80% FC (+12.93 µg C kg−1 soil). Nutrient management had mixed effects on CH4 emissions across residue and soil moisture levels in the following order: N150PK > N0PK > N150PK + biochar > N0P0K0 > N100PK + manure > N100PK + biochar > N100PK. Decreasing soil moisture from 80% FC to 60% FC reduced methane emissions across all residue types and nutrient treatments. Wheat and maize residues exhibited the highest carbon mineralization rates, followed by rice and soybean residues. Nutrient inputs generally decreased residue carbon mineralization. The regression analysis indicated that soil moisture and residue C mineralization were the two dominant predictor variables that estimated 31% of soil methane fluxes in Vertisols. The results of this study show the complexity of methane dynamics and emphasize the importance of integrated crop, nutrient, and soil moisture (irrigation) management strategies that need to be developed to minimize methane emissions from agricultural production systems to mitigate climate change.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions)
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Open AccessArticle
Screening of As-Resistant Bacterial Strains from the Bulk Soil and the Rhizosphere of Mycorrhizal Pteris vittata Cultivated in an Industrial Multi-Polluted Site
by
Giorgia Novello, Elisa Gamalero, Patrizia Cesaro, Daniela Campana, Simone Cantamessa, Nadia Massa, Graziella Berta, Guido Lingua and Elisa Bona
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 87; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030087 - 3 Aug 2024
Abstract
Arsenic (As) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns globally, particularly in regions with high exposure levels due to anthropogenic activities. As phytoremediation, particularly through the hyperaccumulator fern Pteris vittata, offers a promising approach to mitigate arsenic pollution. Bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi
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Arsenic (As) contamination poses significant environmental and health concerns globally, particularly in regions with high exposure levels due to anthropogenic activities. As phytoremediation, particularly through the hyperaccumulator fern Pteris vittata, offers a promising approach to mitigate arsenic pollution. Bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi colonizing P. vittata roots are involved in As metabolism and resistance and plant growth promotion under stressful conditions. A total of 45 bacterial strains were isolated from bulk soil and the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal P. vittata growing in an industrial As-polluted site. Bacteria were characterized by their plant-beneficial traits, tolerance to sodium arsenate and arsenite, and the occurrence of As-resistant genes. This study highlights differences between the culturable fraction of the microbiota associated with the rhizosphere of mycorrhizal P. vittata plants and the bulk soil. Moreover, several strains showing arsenate tolerance up to 600 mM were isolated. All the bacterial strains possessed arsC genes, and about 70% of them showed arrA genes involved in the anaerobic arsenate respiration pathway. The possible exploitation of such bacterial strains in strategies devoted to the assisted phytoremediation of arsenic highlights the importance of such a study in order to develop effective in situ phytoremediation strategies.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Bioremediation)
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Open AccessArticle
Soil Solution Properties of Tropical Soils and Brachiaria Growth as Affected by Humic Acid Concentration
by
Murilo Nunes Valenciano, Everton Geraldo de Morais, Sara Dantas Rosa and Carlos Alberto Silva
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 86; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030086 - 30 Jul 2024
Abstract
The soil solution is the compartment where plants uptake nutrients and this phase is in equilibrium with the soil solid phase. Changes in nutrient content and availability in the soil solution can vary among soil types in response to humic acid concentrations, thereby
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The soil solution is the compartment where plants uptake nutrients and this phase is in equilibrium with the soil solid phase. Changes in nutrient content and availability in the soil solution can vary among soil types in response to humic acid concentrations, thereby affecting Brachiaria growth. However, there are no studies demonstrating these effects of humic acid application on different soil types and how they affect Brachiaria growth. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of humic acid concentrations (0, 5, 10, 25, and 60 mg kg−1 carbon-humic acid) on Brachiaria brizantha growth and soil solution properties of contrasting tropical soils. Plants were grown for 35 days in greenhouse conditions in pots containing Sandy Entisol, Clayey (Red Oxisol), and Medium Texture (Red-Yellow Oxisol). Soil solution was assessed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), carbon, and nutrient content. Shoot and root dry matter, as well as macro and micronutrients accumulation in the shoot, were determined. In a soil type-dependent effect, pH, EC, and concentrations of nutrients in solutions changed in response to carbon-humic acid concentration. In the less-buffered soils, Sandy Entisol and Red-Yellow Oxisol, the addition of 30–40 mg kg−1 carbon-humic acid increased root proliferation by 76–89%, while Brachiaria biomass produced in all soils increased by approximately 30%. Levels of carbon in solution were high (>580 mg L−1) and varied depending on the investigated soil type. Though solution carbon contents did not appear to be a driving factor controlling the positive effects of humic acid concentrations on Brachiaria dry matter, there was a direct relationship between other properties and nutrient content in the soil solution, and Brachiaria dry matter production.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Topic Agronomy, Soil Health and Climate Change: Challenges and Solutions)
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Open AccessArticle
Vertical Distribution of Carbon and Nitrogen in Pastures Fertilized with Broiler Litter or Mineral Fertilizer with Two Drainage Classes
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Anish Subedi, Dorcas Franklin, Miguel Cabrera, Natalia Espinoza, Nandita Gaur, Dee Pederson, Lawton Stewart and Chad Westmoreland
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 85; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030085 - 25 Jul 2024
Abstract
Nitrogen cycling in pasture soils differing in drainage characteristics and fertilization legacy needs more research to determine efficient nutrient management strategies. This study compared differences in nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), inorganic N (IN = NO3−
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Nitrogen cycling in pasture soils differing in drainage characteristics and fertilization legacy needs more research to determine efficient nutrient management strategies. This study compared differences in nitrate (NO3−), ammonium (NH4+), inorganic N (IN = NO3− + NH4+), potentially mineralizable nitrogen (PMN), loss-on-ignition carbon (C), and soil pH in 10, 0.7 ha pastures in Eatonton, Georgia, historically fertilized with the same amount of N as either broiler litter (BL; >15 years, 6 pastures) or mineral fertilizer (Min; 4 pastures). We sampled to 90 cm (0–5, 5–10, 10–20, 20–40, 40–60, and 60–90 cm) on a 20 m grid. An analysis of variance indicated that below 5 cm BL pastures had significantly greater amounts of NO3−, IN, PMN, and soil pH compared to Min pastures. Comparisons of drainage classes (well drained~WD, moderately well drained~MWD, and somewhat-poorly drained~SPD) for each BL and Min were analyzed using linear regression for C:IN, C:PMN, pH: NO3−, and pH: NH4+ with all depths combined. In MWD soils, BL had 0.1 and 0.2 mg N kg−1 greater PMN and IN, respectively, for each unit increase in C. In WD soils NO3− decreased in BL by 7.4 and in Min by 12.1 mg N kg−1, while in MWD soils, this level decreased in BL by 7.8 and in Min by 4.5 mg N kg−1 for each pH unit. Five years after N fertilization stopped, BL soils have retained more inorganic N but are losing more NO3− at a greater rate in the MWD soils when all depths are considered. These losses are a combination of plant uptake, emissions, runoff and leaching. While more research is needed, these results strongly suggest the need to design N fertilization practices with drainage class and fertilization legacy in mind to improve N-use efficiency.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessReview
Sustainable Strategy to Boost Legumes Growth under Salinity and Drought Stress in Semi-Arid and Arid Regions
by
Roukaya Ben Gaied, Clarisse Brígido, Imed Sbissi and Mohamed Tarhouni
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 84; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030084 - 23 Jul 2024
Abstract
The escalating risks of drought and salinization due to climate change and anthropogenic activities are a major global concern. Rhizobium–legume (herb or tree) symbiosis is proposed as an ideal solution for improving soil fertility and rehabilitating arid lands, representing a crucial direction for
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The escalating risks of drought and salinization due to climate change and anthropogenic activities are a major global concern. Rhizobium–legume (herb or tree) symbiosis is proposed as an ideal solution for improving soil fertility and rehabilitating arid lands, representing a crucial direction for future research. Consequently, several studies have focused on enhancing legume tolerance to drought and salinity stresses using various techniques, including molecular-based approaches. These methods, however, are costly, time-consuming, and cause some environmental issues. The multiplicity of beneficial effects of soil microorganisms, particularly plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) or plant-associated microbiomes, can play a crucial role in enhancing legume performance and productivity under harsh environmental conditions in arid zones. PGPB can act directly or indirectly through advanced mechanisms to increase plant water uptake, reduce ion toxicity, and induce plant resilience to osmotic and oxidative stress. For example, rhizobia in symbiosis with legumes can enhance legume growth not only by fixing nitrogen but also by solubilizing phosphates and producing phytohormones, among other mechanisms. This underscores the need to further strengthen research and its application in modern agriculture. In this review, we provide a comprehensive description of the challenges faced by nitrogen-fixing leguminous plants in arid and semi-arid environments, particularly drought and salinity. We highlight the potential benefits of legume–rhizobium symbiosis combined with other PGPB to establish more sustainable agricultural practices in these regions using legume–rhizobium–PGPB partnerships.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Response to Soil and Water Salinity)
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Open AccessArticle
Fate of Carbamazepine and Its Metabolites in a Soil–Aromatic Plant System
by
Francesco De Mastro, Andreina Traversa, Claudio Cocozza, Claudio Cacace, Maria Rosaria Provenzano, Danilo Vona, Filomena Sannino and Gennaro Brunetti
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 83; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030083 - 16 Jul 2024
Abstract
The use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation could result in the release of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and their metabolites into the agroecosystem. In this study, we investigated the fate of carbamazepine (CBZ) and its metabolites, with the aim of clarifying their behavior
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The use of reclaimed wastewater for irrigation could result in the release of pharmaceutically active compounds (PhACs) and their metabolites into the agroecosystem. In this study, we investigated the fate of carbamazepine (CBZ) and its metabolites, with the aim of clarifying their behavior in a soil–plant system in a greenhouse experiment. The research was carried out using irrigation water especially fortified with high doses of CBZ (200 or 600 ppb) in order to evaluate the dynamics of CBZ and its metabolites in the soil and basil organs. The results of the study showed that CBZ is easily absorbed by the aerial part of the basil plant. The soil contained two metabolites of CBZ, namely acridine and carbamazepine-10,11-epoxide, as revealed by high-resolution mass spectrometry analyses. In addition, acridine was found in the aerial parts of basil plants. Furthermore, the greater presence of CBZ and its metabolites in bulk soil indicated a positive role of the basil rhizosphere in the degradation of such compounds or a positive role of the plant in the removal of the contaminant by uptake. Considering the observed morphological parameters and the mean CBZ content in wastewater, significantly lower than that used in the experiment, basil can be considered resistant to the application of irrigation water contaminated with CBZ.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Emerging Contaminants in Soil and Water: Sources, Behaviour, and Environmental and Human Health Risks)
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Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Corn Yield and Soil Quality in Irrigated Semiarid Region with Coal Char and Biochar Amendments
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Resham B. Thapa, Samir Budhathoki, Chandan Shilpakar, Dinesh Panday, Bouzeriba Alsunuse, Sean X. Tang and Peter D. Stahl
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 82; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030082 - 15 Jul 2024
Cited by 1
Abstract
Sustainable use of croplands is facing a challenge to maintain organic carbon (C) in soil. Pyrolyzed coal or coal char (CC) is a porous C material produced from the pyrolysis of coal containing high organic C, large surface area, and low bulk density
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Sustainable use of croplands is facing a challenge to maintain organic carbon (C) in soil. Pyrolyzed coal or coal char (CC) is a porous C material produced from the pyrolysis of coal containing high organic C, large surface area, and low bulk density like biochar (BC). This study evaluates corn (Zea mays L.) grain yield and selected soil properties in soil amended with CC and BC at two rates (22 and 44 Mg ha−1) with farmyard manure (FM) (66 Mg ha−1) and without FM addition. This field experiment was performed in sandy loam soil at the University of Wyoming’s Sustainable Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SAREC), Lingle, WY, USA. Two years of field study results indicated CC and BC applied at 22 Mg ha−1 with FM resulted in significantly greater average corn grain yields (13.04–13.57 Mg ha−1) compared to the no char’s treatment (11.42 Mg ha−1). Soil organic matter (SOM) content was significantly greater in the higher application rates of CC and BC than in treatments without chars. Overall, soil nitrate nitrogen (NO3-N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K) were found significantly greater in CC and BC co-applied with FM treatments. Soil water-holding capacity (WHC) significantly improved in sandy loam soil (up to 27.6% more than the no-char treatment) at a greater concentration of char materials. This study suggests that char materials applied at a moderate rate (22 Mg ha−1) with FM can improve soil properties and crop yield.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Fertility Management, Mitigating GHG Emissions and Sustainable Agriculture: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Soil Microbial Community Structures under Annual and Perennial Crops Treated with Different Nitrogen Fertilization Rates
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Sadikshya R. Dangi, Upendra M. Sainju, Brett L. Allen and Rosalie B. Calderon
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 81; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030081 - 15 Jul 2024
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Perennial bioenergy crops may enhance microbial community structures due to their extensive root system compared to annual crops. However, the long-term effect of perennial bioenergy crops receiving different N fertilization rates on microbial community structures is not well defined. We evaluated the 11-year
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Perennial bioenergy crops may enhance microbial community structures due to their extensive root system compared to annual crops. However, the long-term effect of perennial bioenergy crops receiving different N fertilization rates on microbial community structures is not well defined. We evaluated the 11-year effect of perennial bioenergy crops with various N fertilization rates as well as an annual crop with the recommended N rate on soil microbial properties in 2019 and 2020 in the US northern Great Plains. Perennial grasses were intermediate wheatgrass, IWG (Thinopyrum intermedium [Host] Barkworth and Dewey), and switchgrass, SG (Panicum virgatum L.), with N fertilization rates of 0, 28, 56, and 84 kg N ha−1, and the annual crop was spring wheat, WH (Triticum aestivum, L.) with 80 kg N ha−1. The total fungal phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) proportion and fungal/bacterial ratio were significantly lower under annual spring wheat than perennial grass (SG). Increased N fertilization rate linearly increased Gram-positive bacterial PLFA proportions and the Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacterial ratio for IWG in 2020 but decreased the PLFA proportions of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) for both perennial bioenergy crops in all years. The proportions of AMF neutral lipid fatty acid and Gram-negative bacterial PLFA were greater for SG (0.432 and 0.271, respectively) than IWG (0.339 and 0.258, respectively), but actinomycetes and the Gram-positive/Gram-negative bacterial ratio were greater for IWG (0.160 and 1.532, respectively) compared to SG (0.152 and 1.437, respectively). Microbial community structures varied with perennial bioenergy crops, N fertilization rates, and perennial vs. annual crops. This study showed how perennial crops favored fungal growth and how annual crops enhanced bacterial growth impacting soil biological health.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Coastal Salinity Management and Cropping System Intensification through Conservation Agriculture in the Ganges Delta
by
Sukanta Kumar Sarangi, Mohammed Mainuddin, Shishir Raut, Uttam Kumar Mandal and Kshirendra Kumar Mahanta
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 80; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030080 - 14 Jul 2024
Abstract
Soil salinity is the major constraint for cropping system intensification in the coastal region of the Ganges Delta. Salts build up on the soil surface, as well as in the crop root zone, due to the capillary rise in underground brackish water, hampering
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Soil salinity is the major constraint for cropping system intensification in the coastal region of the Ganges Delta. Salts build up on the soil surface, as well as in the crop root zone, due to the capillary rise in underground brackish water, hampering the growth and development of crops and resulting in mortality and low yields. We studied, for three years (2020–2021 to 2022–2023), the effect of conservation agricultural practices (zero tillage planting, crop residue recycling, and crop rotations) on the major soil properties (soil salinity and organic carbon status), crop performance (yield and economics), and water footprint. Conservation agricultural practices significantly reduce soil salinity, build soil organic carbon, reduce water footprint, and increase the profitability of cropping systems compared to tillage-intensive conventional practices. Under conventional agriculture, the sole cropping of rice is more profitable than double and triple cropping systems.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Crop Response to Soil and Water Salinity)
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Open AccessArticle
Transforming Agricultural Living Labs into Lighthouses Contributing to Sustainable Development as Defined by the UN-SDGs
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Jan Adriaan Reijneveld, Mark Geling, Edwin Geling and Johan Bouma
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 79; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030079 - 13 Jul 2024
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The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were intended to be met by 2030, but recent reviews show that this will not be achieved, and recommendations have been made to heads of state, governments, the international community, and member states to strengthen their efforts.
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The UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were intended to be met by 2030, but recent reviews show that this will not be achieved, and recommendations have been made to heads of state, governments, the international community, and member states to strengthen their efforts. Focusing on agriculture, we argue that a bottom-up effort is also needed in living labs, one that truly involves farmers, as they are now confused about, and resistant to, top-down rules and regulations. To provide clarity, we suggest the following: (i) selecting key SDGs by considering the proportionality principle, and (ii) defining ecosystem services in terms of indicators and thresholds for income, the production of healthy food, the protection of water quality, contribution to energy preservation and climate mitigation, and the protection of life on land, including soil health (SDGs 1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 13, 15). Indicators and thresholds have to be clear and measurable and achievable within reasonable costs. The introduction of innovative sensing techniques allowed the rapid generation of relevant soil data in the field of living labs. When meeting all thresholds, a “lighthouse” is established to act as an inspiring example for farmers with similar soils in a given region. Policies should focus on achieving thresholds of a set of indicators rather than on prescribing certain top-down management measures.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Tracing Soil Contamination from Pre-Roman Slags at the Monte Romero Archaeological Site, Southwest Spain
by
Juan Carlos Fernández-Caliani and Juan Aurelio Pérez-Macías
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030078 - 8 Jul 2024
Abstract
Soil serves as a repository of human history, preserving artifacts within its horizons. However, the presence of chemically reactive remnants, such as ancient slags, can significantly impact the surrounding soil environment. This paper addresses this scarcely explored issue by focusing on soil contamination
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Soil serves as a repository of human history, preserving artifacts within its horizons. However, the presence of chemically reactive remnants, such as ancient slags, can significantly impact the surrounding soil environment. This paper addresses this scarcely explored issue by focusing on soil contamination arising from pre-Roman slag deposits at the Monte Romero archaeological site in southwest Spain, dating back to the Tartessian period (c. 7th century BC). Through the high-resolution microscopy examination of slag wastes and the trace element analysis of soil samples by ICP-OES, this study evaluated current contamination status using a multi-index approach. The results revealed markedly high levels of Pb (>5000 mg kg−1), Cu (up to 2730 mg kg−1), and As (up to 445 mg kg−1) in the soil compared to a control sample. The identification of secondary complex compounds like Cu arsenates and Pb arsenates/antimonates within slag cavities suggests post-depositional weathering processes, leading to the dispersion of potentially toxic elements into the surrounding soil. Assessments through indices of contamination and potential ecological risk highlighted severe contamination, particularly concerning Ag, Pb, Sb, Cu, and As. This study underscores the importance of addressing potential environmental hazards associated with archaeological sites hosting remnants of metal production.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soils in Archaeological Research)
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Open AccessCommunication
Simulated Lunar Soil: Can It Be Organically Modified through Compost Cultivation?
by
Zhixuan Gong, Jia Wen, Yichen Zhou, Yunbo Zhai and Jinghao Xu
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 77; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030077 - 5 Jul 2024
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This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving the fertility of lunar soil through the reuse of resources by composting household waste and collecting composting fermentation broth. The fermentation broth was used to culture a simulated lunar soil at different concentration gradients
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This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving the fertility of lunar soil through the reuse of resources by composting household waste and collecting composting fermentation broth. The fermentation broth was used to culture a simulated lunar soil at different concentration gradients for 30 days under aerobic and anaerobic conditions. Microbial biomass carbon and nitrogen content, typical mineral elements, and the microbial community were tested to determine whether the fertility of the lunar soil had improved. Results showed that the microorganisms in the simulated lunar soil samples successfully adhered and grew under both aerobic and anaerobic experimental conditions. The simulated lunar soil samples cultured in the anaerobic environment outperformed those in the aerobic environment regarding microbial biomass growth and water-soluble mineral elements. The study results create opportunities for the future reuse of domestic garbage on the lunar base, providing a technical basis for the in situ reuse of lunar soil resources for plant cultivation.
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Open AccessArticle
Enzymatic Diagnostics of Soil Health of the European Part of Russia with Lead Contamination
by
Tatiana Minnikova, Sergey Kolesnikov, Anna Kuzina, Dmitry Trufanov, Ekaterina Khrapay and Anatoly Trushkov
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 76; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030076 - 5 Jul 2024
Abstract
Lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental pollutants. Lead has an acute toxic effect on soil biotas and the enzymatic system of soils. The objective of this study is to carry out enzymatic diagnostics of soil health in the European part
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Lead (Pb) is one of the most common environmental pollutants. Lead has an acute toxic effect on soil biotas and the enzymatic system of soils. The objective of this study is to carry out enzymatic diagnostics of soil health in the European part of Russia after Pb contamination. As a part of the simulation experiment, Pb (at maximum permissible concentrations (MPCs) of 1, 10, and 100) was used to contaminate 12 types of soils in the south and center of the European part of Russia, which differed in their physical and chemical properties. To assess soil health, the activity of oxidoreductases (catalase, dehydrogenases, and cysteine reductase) and hydrolases (invertase, urease, and phosphatase) was studied. Most enzymes were inhibited with increased Pb dosage. The most sensitive soils to Pb contamination, assessed by enzyme activity, are soils of semi-deserts and dry steppes. Cysteine reductase is considered the most sensitive enzyme to Pb contamination. The most informative indicators for Pb contamination were phosphatase, cysteine reductase, and invertase. The P (phosphatase) cycle and the redox enzyme (catalase) also have instability in Pb-contaminated soils. The C (invertase and dehydrogenases) and N (urease) cycles do not change significantly when contaminated with lead. The results of this study can be used for the diagnostics of the condition of soils in different natural areas after Pb contamination.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Heavy Metals in Soils and Sediments)
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Soil Heterogeneity on the Content of Macronutrients and Micronutrients in the Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
by
Antonín Kintl, Ján Šmeringai, Tomáš Lošák, Igor Huňady, Julie Sobotková, Tadeáš Hrušovský, Ladislav Varga, Karel Vejražka and Jakub Elbl
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030075 - 4 Jul 2024
Abstract
Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legumes currently grown. It is an important source of proteins and nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and iron. As a result, precise crop management is necessary for maximizing its production. The presented
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Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) is one of the most important legumes currently grown. It is an important source of proteins and nutrients, such as calcium, potassium and iron. As a result, precise crop management is necessary for maximizing its production. The presented study deals with the effect of soil heterogeneity caused by variable contents of macro- and micronutrients on the uptake of nutrients by chickpea. The values measured (contents of macro- and micronutrients in plant samples) indicate that soil heterogeneity is an important factor for the contents of nutrients and soil reactions, which strongly affect the growth of chickpea. We investigated the soil heterogeneity in a chickpea field. Two zones (A and B) with different stand development were found in the model plot. Zone A showed a healthy (green) growth, while Zone B exhibited a yellow-coloured growth, indicating deficits in nutrient uptake. The contents of selected nutrients (P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn) in the soil and in the plant biomass (i.e., stems, leaves, pods and seeds) were analyzed. In the zone with the yellow-coloured biomass, the results showed significantly (p < 0.05) reduced contents of N, P, K, Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in the leaves; higher values of soil reaction (pH); and higher contents of calcium and calcium carbonate in the soil. The uptake of nutrients by the plants and their translocation were affected by the above-mentioned soil parameters and by their mutual interactions. Therefore, it is possible to state that soil heterogeneity (caused by variable contents of nutrients in soil) should be taken into account in the precise crop management of chickpeas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions)
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Open AccessArticle
Changes in the Composition of Soil Organic Matter after the Transformation of Natural Beech Stands into Spruce Monoculture
by
Saven Thai, Lenka Pavlů, Petra Vokurková, Bunthorn Thet, Kateřina Vejvodová, Ondřej Drábek and Václav Tejnecký
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 74; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030074 - 3 Jul 2024
Abstract
The composition of soil organic matter is considered to have a key influence on C sequestration and global climate change and can be associated with changes in vegetation cover in the terrestrial ecosystem. Our study aimed to evaluate the soil chemical structures and
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The composition of soil organic matter is considered to have a key influence on C sequestration and global climate change and can be associated with changes in vegetation cover in the terrestrial ecosystem. Our study aimed to evaluate the soil chemical structures and various organic components from available or reactive to more stable forms in forest soils affected by acidification and after conversion from fairly close to natural beech (Fagus sylvatica) stands to a spruce (Picea abies) monoculture. Our results revealed that the beech stands had higher contents of dissolved organic carbon and low molecular mass organic acid compared to the spruce stands. The aliphatic CH groups within the soluble alkaline-extractable organic substance (AEOS) gradually disappeared with deeper soil horizons under both forest species, while the presence of aliphatic CH groups in the low-solubility AEOS was more pronounced in the A horizon under spruce and relatively increased with depth under beech stands. The carboxylic groups were more prevalent in deeper soil horizons, while polysaccharide chains and nitrogen functional groups decreased with depth under both forest stands but were more prevalent under beech than under spruce stands. These findings suggest that the stability of organic matter through the forest soil profiles increased due to the transformation of various organic compounds from litter to more stable organic matter with higher amounts of lignin components to greater amounts of carboxylic groups and aromatic groups in deeper soil horizons. Furthermore, a higher number of mobile components of soil organic matter and carboxylic acids, together with lower pH and cation exchange capacity under spruce, resulted in the leaching of nutrients, releasing risk elements into the soil solution and accelerating the podzolization process.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessReview
Liquid Nanoclay: Synthesis and Applications to Transform an Arid Desert into Fertile Land
by
Kamel A. Abd-Elsalam, Mirza Abid Mehmood, Muhammad Ashfaq, Toka E. Abdelkhalek, Rawan K. Hassan and Mythili Ravichandran
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030073 - 27 Jun 2024
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Nanoclay, a processed clay, is utilized in numerous high-performance cement nanocomposites. This clay consists of minerals such as kaolinite, illite, chlorite, and smectite, which are the primary components of raw clay materials formed in the presence of water. In addition to silica, alumina,
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Nanoclay, a processed clay, is utilized in numerous high-performance cement nanocomposites. This clay consists of minerals such as kaolinite, illite, chlorite, and smectite, which are the primary components of raw clay materials formed in the presence of water. In addition to silica, alumina, and water, it also contains various concentrations of inorganic ions like Mg2+, Na+, and Ca2+. These are categorized as hydrous phyllosilicates and can be located either in interlayer spaces or on the planetary surface. Clay minerals are distinguished by their two-dimensional sheets and tetrahedral (SiO4) and octahedral (Al2O3) crystal structures. Different clay minerals are classified based on the presence of tetrahedral and octahedral layers in their structure. These include kaolinite, which has a 1:1 ratio of tetrahedral to octahedral layers, the smectite group of clay minerals and chlorite with a 2:1 ratio. Clay minerals are unique due to their small size, distinct crystal structure, and properties such as high cation exchange capacity, adsorption capacity, specific surface area, and swelling behavior. These characteristics are discussed in this review. The use of nanoclays as nanocarriers for fertilizers boasts a diverse array of materials available in both anionic and cationic variations. Layered double hydroxides (LDH) possess a distinctive capacity for exchanging anions, making them suitable for facilitating the transport of borate, phosphate, and nitrate ions. Liquid nanoclays are used extensively in agriculture, specifically as fertilizers, insecticides, herbicides, and nutrients. These novel nanomaterials have numerous benefits, including improved nutrient use, controlled nutrient release, targeted nutrient delivery, and increased agricultural productivity. Arid regions face distinct challenges like limited water availability, poor soil quality, and reduced productivity. The addition of liquid nanoclay to sandy soil offers a range of benefits that contribute to improved soil quality and environmental sustainability. Liquid nanoclay is being proposed for water management in arid regions, which will necessitate a detailed examination of soil, water availability, and hydrological conditions. Small-scale trial initiatives, engagement with local governments, and regular monitoring are required to fully comprehend its benefits and drawbacks. These developments would increase the practicality and effectiveness of using liquid nanoclay in desert agriculture.
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Enhancing Soil Environments and Wheat Production through Water Hyacinth Biochar under Deficit Irrigation in Ethiopian Acidic Silty Loam Soil
by
Desalew Fentie, Fekremariam Asargew Mihretie, Yudai Kohira, Solomon Addisu Legesse, Mekuanint Lewoyehu and Shinjiro Sato
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 72; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030072 - 27 Jun 2024
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The combined application of biochar and fertilizer has become increasingly popular for improving soil quality and crop productivity. However, the reported research results regarding the effects of biochar on soil properties and crop productivity have contradictory findings, indicating the requirement for further scientific
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The combined application of biochar and fertilizer has become increasingly popular for improving soil quality and crop productivity. However, the reported research results regarding the effects of biochar on soil properties and crop productivity have contradictory findings, indicating the requirement for further scientific research. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of a combined application of water hyacinth biochar (WHB) and NPS fertilizer on soil physicochemical properties and wheat yield under deficit irrigation conditions in acidic silty loam soil in Ethiopia. Four different biochar rates (0, 5, 10, and 20 t ha−1), three fertilizer rates (0, 100, and 200 kg NPS ha−1), and two irrigation regimes (50 and 100% of crop requirement) were evaluated to assess soil properties and wheat yields. The results showed that biochar amendment significantly reduced soil bulk density by 15.1–16.7%, and improved soil porosity by 6.8–8.6% and moisture content by 10.3–20.2%. Additionally, the combined application of biochar and fertilizer improved soil pH (0.26–0.87 units), NH4+–N (73.7–144%), NO3−–N (131–637%), and available phosphorus (85.8–427%), compared to the application of fertilizer alone. As a result, wheat dry biomass and grain yield increased by 260 and 173%, respectively. Furthermore, the combined application of WHB and fertilizer resulted in a comparable wheat dry biomass and grain yield even with a 50% reduction of irrigation water. Therefore, WHB has a significant potential to improve soil physicochemical properties and wheat yield when it is applied in combination with fertilizer, and it can reduce the water requirement for wheat production.
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Graphical abstract
Open AccessArticle
Assessing the Dissipation of Pesticides of Different Polarities in Soil Samples
by
Carlos Eduardo Rodríguez-Palma, Pilar Campíns-Falcó and Rosa Herráez-Hernández
Soil Syst. 2024, 8(3), 71; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8030071 - 24 Jun 2024
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A methodology has been developed to assess the presence and dissipation of herbicides of a wide range of polarities in soil using in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled online to capillary liquid chromatography (capLC). The compounds investigated were tritosulfuron (TRT), triflusulfuron-methyl (TRF), aclonifen (ACL),
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A methodology has been developed to assess the presence and dissipation of herbicides of a wide range of polarities in soil using in-tube solid-phase microextraction (IT-SPME) coupled online to capillary liquid chromatography (capLC). The compounds investigated were tritosulfuron (TRT), triflusulfuron-methyl (TRF), aclonifen (ACL), and bifenox (BF), with log octanol-water partition coefficients (log Kow) ranging from 0.62 to 4.48. The method provided suitable linearity at concentration levels of 0.5–4.0 µg/g for TRT and TRF, and 0.2–1.0 µg/g for ACL and BF, and intra- and interday precision (expressed as relative standard deviation) ≤4% and ≤8%, respectively. The mean recoveries ranged from 90% to 101%, and the limits of detection (LODs) and quantification (LOQs) were in the intervals of 0.05–0.1 µg/g and 0.1–0.4 µg/g, respectively. The accuracy of the method was also satisfactory. The proposed approach was successfully applied to assess the degradation of the tested herbicides in different types of soil (agricultural, urban and forest) after being exposed to different laboratory and outdoor conditions. The results obtained showed a greater persistence of the most apolar compounds ACL and BF, with percentages of degraded herbicide ≤31% regardless of the soil characteristics. In contrast, a significant degradation of highly polar herbicides TRT and TRF was observed in soils with the lowest organic matter, even after a few days of exposure. For example, the percentages of remaining TRT and TRF in this kind of soil after 20 days were ≤65%; the half-life time of TRF was only 24.8 days. These results indicate that the proposed approach can be considered as an effective tool for a better understanding of soil pollution.
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