Soil physical quality: a comprehensive analysis of its importance for agricultural production

As of today, it can be stated that the significant anthropogenic load and urbanization contribute to the fact that the specific weight of agricultural land in Ukraine is decreasing every year. A significant amount of agricultural land is taken for housing, especially around large cities. It is also worth adding those lands that are removed for non-agricultural purposes, in particular, for road construction. Thus, the above-mentioned factors affect the decline of the agricultural potential of Ukraine. In order to improve the economic regulation of the urbanization of agricultural lands in Ukraine, the evolution of the legislation of the Ukrainian SSR and Ukraine regarding the losses of agricultural and forestry production was analyzed. The analysis of legislative acts regarding losses of agricultural and forestry production shows that for quite a long time, effective mechanisms and methods of their compensation have not been proposed, as a result of which the concept of "losses of agricultural production" was removed from the Land Code of Ukraine in 2022. The author suggested returning the concept of "agricultural production losses" to the legislation and approving a new procedure for compensation of losses, taking into account the modern realities of Ukraine.

The article presents a method of quantitative measurement of food losses in agricultural production in Russia based on verifiable statistical data and the results of its application. The relevance of the study is related to the limited resources for agricultural production and the growing demand for food, considering climate change, leading to an increase in the risks of extreme weather events and epidemics. The estimates of losses presented in Russia are either based on the calculation of food resource balances and have limitations in terms of coverage of the types of losses considered, or are based on subjective assessments of respondents. The proposed method makes it possible to identify focal points of food losses in agricultural production. In addition, the results obtained can be used to assess the potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions because of limiting food losses in Russian agricultural production.

The purpose of the article is to investigate the genesis of the mechanism of compensation for losses of agricultural and forestry production and to propose certain directions for its improvement. Research methods. The following methods were used in the research process: monographic, historical and logical (for retrospective review of compensation for losses of agricultural production), comparison (for comparison of indexed standards by different approaches), graphical (for visual reflection of the obtained results), generalization (for the formulation of conclusions). Research results. In order to further improve state regulation of land protection and rational use, an analysis of the mechanism of one of its key economic levers - compensation for losses of agricultural and forestry production in case of withdrawal of land and their use for purposes other than agriculture and forestry, restricting the rights of owners and land users and deterioration of land quality. Possible approaches to modernization of standards for compensation of losses of agricultural production on the basis of their indexation with the use of price indices of agricultural products and inflation are considered. The comparative characteristic between them and indicators of normative monetary estimation of lands is carried out. Scientific novelty. The study of new methodological approaches to setting standards and determining the amount of losses of agricultural production, which are subject to compensation for the withdrawal of land for other purposes was further developed, based on the use of regulatory monetary valuation of land. Practical significance. The application of modernized standards for compensation of losses of agricultural production in the new economic conditions will increase revenues to local budgets, promote the rational use and prevention of unjustified withdrawal of land. Tabl.: 3. Figs.: 1. Refs.: 14.

Drought is a significant natural disaster that seriously impacts agriculture and is becoming an increasingly prevalent issue worldwide. The effects of this disaster on agriculture present severe challenges both in terms of productivity and agricultural sustainability. Consequently, adaptation measures to combat drought are of great importance. Drought can cause significant yield losses in agricultural production. The reduction or depletion of water resources leads to water stress in plants, adversely affecting their growth and productivity. Particularly during drought periods, limited irrigation opportunities exacerbate drought stress on agricultural lands. This situation results in quality loss in agricultural products, decreased productivity, and reduced harvest quantities. Drought also negatively impacts soil health. Decreased moisture levels can lead to soil structure degradation and increased erosion risk. Erosion reduces the productivity of agricultural lands, causing long-term sustainability issues in agricultural production. Adaptation measures to combat drought can help increase the resilience of the agricultural sector and make it more resistant to drought stress. These measures include water management, improved irrigation techniques, the use of drought-tolerant crop varieties, soil management practices, and agricultural policies that support climate change adaptation. Especially during drought periods, the efficient use and conservation of water resources are critical to ensuring the continuity of agriculture. Technological advancements that enhance water efficiency and irrigation systems that better manage the water cycle can help agriculture cope more effectively with drought. In conclusion, the ability of the agricultural sector to adapt to drought is of great importance. Efforts in areas such as the conservation of water resources, soil management, crop diversity, and technological innovations can contribute to making agriculture more resilient to natural disasters like drought. This, in turn, can strengthen food security and agricultural sustainability on more solid foundations. This study discusses the negative effects of drought on agriculture and adaptation strategies that can minimize these effects. It focuses on necessary precautions, implementation methods, steps to be taken, and policies to be developed. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for adaptation strategies to combat drought.

Conducting a study on the physical quality of soil on coal mine reclamation land is important for the purpose of carrying out the monitoring and evaluation function of the reclamation activity. The aim of reclamation is to restore, maintain, and improve the quality of soil impacted by mining activities. It is important to evaluate soil physical properties because improving them requires a sufficient amount of time. The results of evaluating soil physical characteristics are recorded as a soil physical quality index that can be used as input for further soil management actions.This research was conducted in PT. Sumber Bara Abadi, Kutai Kartanegara District and the soil analysis was carried out at the Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University from August to November 2022. Surveys and soil sampling were conducted after direct observations and considering the reclamation map of PT. Sumber Bara Abadi. Sampling was done randomly by considering the reclamation year, pioneer plant vegetation, and land slope. The samples were then analyzed in the Soil Laboratory at the Faculty of Agriculture, Mulawarman University. The data analysis used the comparative method and Minimum Data Set relative weights.The analysis results show that the physical soil characteristics of the coal mine reclamation land at the research location are explained in each selected physical characteristic indicator: 1) soil texture varies between clay, clay loam, and sandy clay loam; 2) soil porosity has a poor and good status with the highest value at 54.65% (2020L1) and the lowest at 2018L1 (49.01%); 3) aggregate stability has a very stable and less stable status with the highest value at 291.25% (2018L1) and the lowest value at PitHL2 (43.90%); 4) soil permeability has a slightly slow and moderate status with a value of 1.50 cm.jam-1 (2020L1) and the smallest value at 2018L1 (0.15 cm.jam-1); 5) bulk density has a moderate and slightly poor status with soil density ranging from a value of 1.34 g.cm-3 (2018L1) to the lowest bulk density value at PitHL4 (1.09 g.cm-3); 6) surface rocks have a high status (15.5046.00%); 7) solum depth at the research location has a moderate to shallow status with a depth of 68.00 cm (PitHL1) and the lowest depth value at PitHL2 (31.67 cm). The physical quality of soil at the research location is expressed in the physical soil quality index (IKFT) with a moderate and slightly high category with a value of (2.705-3.588), followed by limiting factors of the physical soil quality index (IKFT), including surface rocks found in high numbers at each research location, high bulk density, low solum depth, and low aggregate stability.

"A newly proposed concept of soil physical quality and its development as a guide to assess the extent of soil degradation or improvement and to determine appropriate soil management. The study aimed to: evaluate the soil physical quality index of gypsiferous soils under different management systems as well as determine the optimal pore size distribution and the optimum moisture-tension curve based on the quality of the physical soil properties under different management systems and diagnose the distribution of pore sizes and moisture-tension curves that could be used to predict the changes in the physical quality of gypsiferous soils because of the applied agricultural management pattern. Physical indicators measured on undisturbed soil samples collected from 15 selected sites in Salah Aldeen Governorate, with different gypsum content (30 to 301 g kg-1 soil). The results showed that the best distribution of measured pore size (h) S *, (Normalized pore volume) was for a group of soils that were largely similar in terms of shape and location parameters. Accordingly, the optimal pore distribution considered representative of these soils. The results showed the possibility of using the (Dexter-S) indicator correctly and in coordination with the distribution of pore size and the soil moisture characteristic curve to calculate the physical soil quality in soils of different gypsum content.

<p>Tillage practices influence soil physical, chemical and biological qualities which in-turn alters plant growth and crop yield. In the Northern Guinea Savanna (NGS) ecological zone of Nigeria, agricultural production is mainly constrained by low soil nutrient and water holding capacity, it is therefore, imperative to develop appropriate management practices that will give optimal soil hydro-physical properties for proper plant growth, effective soil and water management and environmental conservation.<strong> </strong>This study investigated the effect of three tillage practices (no till, reduced till and conventional till) and four cover crops (<em>Centrosema pascuorum, Macrotyloma uniflorum, Cucurbita maxima </em>and <em>Glyine max</em>) and a bare/control (no cover crop) on some soil physical properties of a Typic Haplusult during the rainy seasons of 2011, 2012 and 2013 in Samaru, NGS ecological zone of Nigeria. The field trials were laid out in a split plot arrangement with tillage practices in the main plots and cover crops in the subplots, all treatments were replicated three times. Auger and core soil samples were collected at the end of each cropping season each year in three replicates from each treatment plot at four depths (0-5, 5-10, 10-15 and 15-20 cm). Particle size distribution, bulk density, total pore volume and water retention at various soil matric potentials were determined using standard methods. Data obtained were compared with optimum values and fitted into a RETC computer code for quantifying soil hydraulic behavior and physical quality. Results showed that different tillage practices had varied effect on soil physical properties. No-till had the highest water holding capacity at most suction points evaluated, it had 4.3 % and 12.9 % more soil moisture than the reduced till and conventionally tilled systems across all matric potentials while <em>Centrosema pascuorum</em> (3.1%) and <em>Cucurbita maxima</em> (5.5%) were best among evaluated cover crops in retaining soil moisture content compared to the bare plots at -33kPa matric potential. Generally the Dexter S value used as an index for soil physical quality ranged within the limits of very good to good soil physical quality irrespective of the tillage practice, cover crops grown or depth of soil sampling. However the conventional tillage practice and soil under no cover crop had adverse effect on soil structural stability, placing them at a high risk of soil degradation. Indicators like Macro porosity, Air capacity, relative field capacity and Plant available water capacity were all within the optimal range for normal plant growth. The RETC computer code well described soil hydraulic parameter regardless of the treatments imposed on the soil. </p>

Soil structure as a significant indirect factor affecting crop yields

The aim of the work was to analyse the external costs for agriculture and agri-food industry related to the possible launch of lignite deposits in Wielkopolska, that is, on the Ościsłowo, Dęby Szlacheckie and Oczkowice deposits. The duration of the mine’s impact on the environment includes the period of drainage of the deposit, its exploitation and the time necessary for the reconstruction of water relations around the open pit. The level of losses in agricultural production was estimated based on the production results achieved by agriculture threatened by the occurrence of external costs based on the Central Statistical Office (CSO) data. The studies adopted two variants of the impact of open pitches on agriculture, including: the area of the estimated depression hopper, that is, the area in which the water table lowered by at least one meter and the entire impact area of the outcrop. In total, the external costs in agricultural production and processing, which may arise as a result of the launch of extraction from the three analysed deposits, were estimated at PLN 7.7–32.3 bn, losses in non-produced agricultural production at PLN 31.8–113.0 bn, while when the value of lignite is PLN 83.7–111.6 bn. Such high costs mean that the opening of new lignite deposits in Wielkopolska raises economic doubts. This also applies to each deposit separately.

Much research has been carried out on modelling soil erosion rates under different climatic and land use conditions. Although some studies have addressed the issue of reduced crop productivity due to soil erosion, few have focused on the economic loss in terms of agricultural production and gross domestic product (GDP). In this study, soil erosion modellers and economists come together to carry out an economic evaluation of soil erosion in the European Union (EU). The study combines biophysical and macroeconomic models to estimate the cost of agricultural productivity loss due to soil erosion by water in the EU. The soil erosion rates, derived from the RUSLE2015 model, are used to estimate the loss in crop productivity (physical change in the production of plants) and to model their impact on the agricultural sector per country. A computable general equilibrium model is then used to estimate the impact of crop productivity change on agricultural production and GDP. The 12 million hectares of agricultural areas in the EU that suffer from severe erosion are estimated to lose around 0.43% of their crop productivity annually. The annual cost of this loss in agricultural productivity is estimated at around €1.25 billion. The computable general equilibrium model estimates the cost in the agricultural sector to be close to €300 million and the loss in GDP to be about €155 million. Italy emerges as the country that suffers the highest economic impact, whereas the agricultural sector in most Northern and Central European countries is only marginally affected by soil erosion losses.

Quality evaluation of restored soils with a fuzzy logic expert system

Current climate changes, including drought, represent one of the most severe and extreme natural phenomena, directly affecting the environment, economy and society, and increasingly leading to soil degradation. In drought-stricken areas, losses in agricultural production are driving up food prices. The world's demand for water will continue to grow further in the coming decades. In view of the presented facts, there is a tremendous need for a systemic approach to saving water in the process of soil reclamation and conducting multidisciplinary research in this field. The problem of fertilization is linked to reasonable irrigation. These processes ought to be synchronized and run simultaneously, under the control by the system. This paper presents a prototype measurement probe as an element of a measurement network and the results of tests of its application in under use. The purpose of this research was testing a cheap DIY to solution identify the availability of water resources in the soil layer where the major plant root mass is found, i.e., to a depth of up to 110 cm, and to rationalize the management and improve the efficiency of water use during irrigation, as well as to monitor the migration of water in the soil in the era of climate change. The conducted tests have yielded concrete conclusions - current climate change is already resulting in unusual situations, including the different behaviour of water migrating through the soil. Considering that a wide variety of soils and geological systems are present, it is extremely important to understand these mechanisms in great detail, which makes the created solution feasible. Such a detailed analysis of water migration in soil under use can very successfully support, for example, a low-cost precision irrigation (preventing drought), or fertilization, indicating periods when and where to introduce nutrients after rainfall so that they naturally reach the depth of the largest root mass as quickly as possible. The DIY solution can be crucial in Third World countries by conducting at least single, cheap soil moisture measurements, and in many other places affected by the problem of water deficit, it can be an alternative to extend existing monitoring systems.

The S-index was introduced in 2004 in a publication by A.R. Dexter. S was proposed as an indicator of soil physical quality. A critical value delimiting soils with rich and poor physical quality was proposed. At present, Brazil is world leader in citations of Dexter's publication. In this publication the S-theory is mathematically revisited and extended. It is shown that S is mathematically correlated to bulk density and total porosity. As an absolute indicator, the value of S alone has proven to be incapable of predicting soil physical quality. The critical value does not always hold under boundary conditions described in the literature. This is to be expected because S is a static parameter, therefore implicitly unable to describe dynamic processes. As a relative indicator of soil physical quality, the S-index has no additional value over bulk density or total porosity. Therefore, in the opinion of the author, the fact that bulk density or total porosity are much more easily determined than the water retention curve for obtaining S disqualifies S as an advantageous indicator of relative soil physical quality. Among the several equations available for the fitting of water retention curves, the Groenevelt-Grant equation is preferable for use with S since one of its parameters and S are linearly correlated. Since efforts in soil physics research have the purpose of describing dynamic processes, it is the author's opinion that these efforts should shift towards mechanistic soil physics as opposed to the search for empirical correlations like S which, at present, represents far more than its reasonable share of soil physics in Brazil.

Land degradation, which affects the conservation of soil and water in adequate places, amounts and qualities, is the main direct cause of desertification. It is related to climate and soil characteristics, but mainly to deforestation and inappropriate use and management of the natural resources soil and water. The main effects are a decrease in water supply, a non sustainable agricultural and food production, and increased risks of catastrophic flooding, sedimentation, landslides, etc. In the medium or long term, the previewed global climatic changes may contribute to accelerate the processes of desertification in the Mediterranean Region, but at short term, land use practices leading to soil degradation processes would increase the negative influence of those changes. The processes of soil and water degradation, leading to desertification, are strongly linked to unfavourable changes in the hydrological processes responsible for the soil water balance and for the soil moisture regime. These are affected by the climate conditions and variations, and by the changes in the use and management of soil and water resources. In the arid and semiarid Mediterranean climates, the rainfall is highly variable among years and during the year, and usually occurs in erratic storms of short duration and high intensities. This factor increases the risks of land degradation leading to desertification processes. In N Mediterranean countries, agricultural production patterns and practices have been drastically changed in the last decades, emphasizing labour-substituting technologies in some cases, with abandon of traditional soil and water conservation practices, and leading to the abandonment of agricultural lands in others. By contrast, in most of the S Mediterranean countries, population growth and lack of resources have obliged to intensify the use of marginal lands without appropriate conservation practices. Both situations frequently lead to accelerated land degradation and desertification processes, although in N Mediterranean countries, if resources are available, these processes and effects are usually masked by technological external inputs of energy, irrigation water, nutrients, and other control measures. Any break in these artificial measures, generally causes a complete loss of productivity and leads to accelerated desertification processes. Hydrological approaches would be essential to identify and assess the causes and processes of desertification. The evaluation of the hydrological processes, under different scenarios of changing climate, soil properties, and land use and management, with flexible simulation models based on those processes, may help to predict and to identify the biophysical causes of desertification at local, national and regional levels. This is a required previous step for a rational land use planning, and for the selection and development of short and long term strategies and technologies to reduce or to control land degradation processes leading to desertification, and to the related social economic and security problems. There is proposed an integrated framework for the development of this kind of approach, with potential application under Mediterranean conditions.

Terrain, an important limiting factor in land use change, strongly influences agricultural productivity. This study investigated the topographical characteristics of agricultural potential productivity of cropland transformations in China during the first decade of the 21st century, and explored the impacts of cropland transformations with different terrains on agricultural potential productivity as it relates to China’s national food supply. The results showed the production potential of cropland loss was much greater than that of cropland gain in most regions, and topographical characteristics of croplands losses and gains actually impacted the agricultural potential productivity in China. The losses in agricultural potential productivity was serious in regions with good terrain conditions, where the slope is lower than 5°, and the elevation is below 100 m, especially in the middle and lower Yangtze region and the Huang-Huai-Hai region. The situation for cropland loss with better quality, and expanded the worse was severe in China, and this is expected to negatively influence sustainable agricultural development in the future. This study suggests that researchers focus not only on the total area of expanded cropland but also on cropland quality, such as the different terrain conditions of the croplands, to avoid a loss in national agricultural productivity caused by the process of cropland transformation.