Open dumps and poorly managed landfill sites pose significant environmental, health, and ecological risks. This study investigated the extent of heavy metal contamination in soils collected from two municipal landfill sites in the eastern Free State, South Africa, over the period 2022–2024. One of these sites remains operational, while the other has been abandoned. Soil samples were collected at 20‐cm depth and analyzed for physicochemical properties, heavy metal concentrations, and ecotoxicological effects on earthworms ( Eisenia fetida ) and collembolans ( Folsomia candida ). Elevated concentrations of heavy metals exceeding South African allowable limits were detected at both sites. At the abandoned landfill, chromium (65.8 ppb) and manganese (4920 ppb) concentrations exceeded permissible levels, while at the active landfill, copper (176 ppb) and manganese (4740 ppb) surpassed threshold values. Ecotoxicological assays revealed that approximately 65% of earthworms avoided soils from the active landfill, suggesting higher contamination and biological stress, whereas only 20% avoided soils from the abandoned landfill, indicating reduced but persistent contamination. Notably, manganese and copper concentrations, which were previously undetectable in 2022 at the abandoned site, reappeared and increased in 2024, suggesting remobilization of residue contaminants. These findings highlight the enduring environmental risks associated with abandoned landfills and underscore the importance of effective remediation strategies and robust waste management practices to reduce long‐term ecological impacts.

Heavy metals, a group of trace elements naturally present in the Earth’s crust in forms, such as oxides, carbonates, and sulfides, are known for their potential long‐term adverse effects on human health and the environment. This study aimed to quantify the concentrations of selected heavy metals in soils from flower farms and adjacent roadside areas using flame atomic absorption spectrophotometry (FAAS). The analyzed metals included Mn, Cu, Zn, Ni, Cd, Pb, Fe, Mg, and Ca. Soil samples were collected from a flower cultivation site and nearby roadside soils in Holeta, Ethiopia. After appropriate sample preparation, 0.5 g of dried and powdered soil was digested using 3 mL of nitric acid (HNO 3 ) and 1 mL of hydrochloric acid (HCl) at 240°C for 2 h and 45 min. The concentrations of the selected metals were then measured using FAAS. The findings revealed that soils from both sampling sites contained notably high concentrations of iron and magnesium. Zinc levels were comparatively higher in the flower farm soils than in the roadside soils. The average metal concentrations (mg/kg, dry weight basis) in both areas followed the order Fe (8807–9128) > Mg (1023–1119) > Mn (399–964) > Ca (60–118) > Zn (96.1–150.5) > Cr (34–48.54) > Cu (30.5–35.6) > Ni (21–33.43).

Bioengineering plays a vital role in soil conservation and stabilization, particularly in controlling erosion along riverbanks originating from the Chure (Siwalik) range. These rivers are seasonal, with little to no surface water during the dry season but experiencing unexpectedly powerful floods during the monsoon period. In the Terai region of the Chure range, water‐induced disasters such as soil erosion, debris flow, landslides, and flooding are common. This study aimed to explore and rank the existing bioengineering and civil engineering techniques implemented along riverbanks in the Chure Terai around the Likma Kataini River. By examining the case of the Likma Kataini River in Gauriganga Municipality, Ward 8, Kailali, the study investigated how bioengineering contributes to soil conservation and riverbank stabilization and supports structural engineering to extend their lifespan. Data were collected through field visits, household surveys, and discussions with key informants, technical teams, and experts. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to analyze the data. The findings revealed that bioengineering techniques such as grass plantation, bamboo plantation, deep‐rooted species plantation, bamboo toe wall, fascine, and palisade played crucial roles in preventing riverbank erosion and river channel shifting. Bioengineering techniques significantly supported engineering structures, with the vegetation proving to be sustainable over time, self‐regenerating, and able to respond dynamically to changing site conditions. Therefore, applying bioengineering techniques alone or in conjunction with structural engineering is the best solution to conserve the Chure Terai region. Governmental and nongovernmental institutions involved in Chure conservation should focus on scientifically sound implementation and provide local communities with training to achieve the conservation goals effectively.

Inclusion of legumes in the cropping system is essential for sustainable management of farming systems and reducing nitrogen fertilizer requirement for maize production. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the rotational effect of legumes and nutrient management on maize productivity in the National Maize Research Program (NMRP), Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal, in 2017/18 and 2018/19. The field experiment was laid out in split‐plot design consisting four cropping systems: fallow–maize, lentil–maize, chickpea–maize, and field pea–maize as main plot and four combinations of manures and fertilizers: control, recommended dose of fertilizer (RDF), farmyard manure (FYM), and RDF (50%) + FYM (50%) as subplot. Each treatment was replicated three times. Pooled data over 2 years showed that rotating maize with legumes increased maize yield by 23.1%, 16.1%, and 9.1% when chickpea, field pea, and lentil, respectively, were used, compared with the fallow–maize cropping system. Similarly, the result showed that a higher grain yield of maize (4949 kg/ha) was obtained from the chickpea–maize cropping system followed by 4666 kg/ha from the field pea–maize cropping system. The data observed significantly higher grain yield of 5140 kg/ha were obtained from application of RDF followed by RDF (50%) + FYM (50%) (4939 t//ha). There was 52.2%, 46.2%, and 35.2% increment in the yield of maize by use of RDF (100%), FYM (100%), and RDF (50%) + FYM (50%), respectively, over control. The results of this study suggest that the incorporation of legumes like chickpea, lentil, and field pea as rotation crops in maize production was more profitable and effective to increase productivity of maize and make viable and sustainable agriculture.

Sustainable agriculture on a global scale is threatened by water shortage and erratic rainfall, leading to lower crop yields, poor irrigation practices, and degradation of water resources. Conventional water management practices are often ineffective in ensuring a stable water delivery and protecting the soil against flood damage alike in areas with rain‐dependent agricultural production. To address these challenges, we propose here a new multitasking water collection and management system that integrates the thermo‐voltaic atmospheric water harvesting (AWH), rainwater harvesting (RWH), and soil moisture extraction (SME) into a single device with automatic operation. The operational performance of the system was evaluated over a 6‐month deployment in a humid agricultural environment. As per the study, the combined device achieved 30%–45% more water collection efficiency than a single RWH system. The proposed system produced up to 2.0 L/h (90% RH) and reduced the irrigation water demand by 40%. The system energy usage had been kept under 1 kWh a day when operated on solar and, therefore, has a low running cost. Based on a side‐by‐side cost comparison, the system cost for producing 1 L of water was 30%–50% less than traditional methods, such as groundwater pumping or desalination. This combined device can be used in the sanitary field, irrigational water supply, and flood prevention. It represents a climate‐smart, energy‐wise, and economically viable solution toward sustainable agricultural water management in various climatic conditions.

Soil is a dynamic ecosystem that sustains a diverse community of organisms, enhancing its vitality and functions. Biochemical processes within the soil contribute to its active nature, with enzymes produced by organisms and plants playing roles in reactions. Phosphatases hydrolyze organic phosphorus to plant‐available phosphate ions. However, the activity of phosphatase enzymes in Nepalese soils remains poorly understood. To address this gap, a study was conducted to determine phosphatase enzyme activity variation across agro‐ecological zones in central Nepal. A total of 225 georeferenced soil samples (75 samples from each zone—high‐hills, mid‐hills, and Terai) were collected from various sites within central Nepal. Standard analytical methods were used to assess the activity of phosphatase enzymes. Additionally, 122 environmental covariates were collected, and a quantile regression random forest model was used for spatial predictions. The results showed variation in the activity of phosphatase enzymes, including acid phosphomonoesterase (AcPM), alkaline phosphomonoesterase (AlPM), phosphodiesterase (PD), phosphotriesterase (PT), and inorganic pyrophosphatase (IPP) across the agro‐ecological zones. Predominance of AcPM (1051.55 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ), PT (52.36 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ), and IPP (916.25 μg PO 4 3− ‐P g −1 dm h −1 ) activity was noted in the high‐hills, while AlPM (329.14 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ) and PD (86.08 μg pNP g −1 dm h −1 ) activities were dominant in the mid‐hills. The spatial distribution map, prepared using measured point data and environmental covariates, reflected similar patterns. The Terai region, characterized by longer drought periods and lower soil moisture, exhibited comparatively lower enzyme activity. Overall, the high‐hills exhibited the greatest capacity to release phosphate ions (H 2 PO 4 − and HPO 4 2− ) from organic P pools, followed by the mid‐hills and then the Terai. Therefore, the use of organic nutrient sources to increase phosphorus availability is more significant in the hilly areas compared to the plains.

This study analyzed the spatiotemporal dynamics of land use and land cover (LULC) from 2016 to 2021 across six representative landscapes—Abaya Guangua, Arba Minch, Chencha, Hobicha, Loka Abaya, and Mierab Abaya—within the Abaya–Chamo sub‐basin (ACSB) of southern Ethiopia. Sentinel‐2A satellite imagery was classified using a supervised maximum likelihood algorithm integrated with remote sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) techniques. The classification was supported by field‐collected GPS data, high‐resolution Google Earth imagery, and information from local interviews. Validation achieved overall accuracies between 86% and 89.9% and kappa coefficients ranging from 0.8112 to 0.8644, exceeding Anderson’s standards (≥ 85% accuracy; ≥ 0.80 Kappa). The results revealed substantial spatial heterogeneity in LULC changes driven by agricultural expansion, population pressure, and localized restoration initiatives. Abaya Guangua showed improved vegetation cover (> 76%) and increased forest and grassland due to integrated restoration efforts. In contrast, Arba Minch and Chencha recorded agricultural land expansion of 23.3% and 20%, respectively, primarily at the expense of forest and grasslands. Hobicha and Loka Abaya experienced significant forest losses (19%–29%) and grassland reductions, accompanied by increased bare land, indicating escalating land degradation. Mierab Abaya exhibited a 21.7% decline in forest cover with modest agricultural growth. Overall, 47%–56% of the landscapes underwent notable LULC conversions, mainly from forest and grassland to agriculture. Socioeconomic surveys identified population pressure (63%) and soil degradation (56%) as the main drivers. Despite localized vegetation recovery, persistent agricultural encroachment and vegetation depletion threaten soil integrity and ecological stability. Sustainable landscape restoration and improved land management are therefore crucial to mitigate land degradation and maintain the ecological resilience of the ACSB.

The southern part of Bangladesh hosts a network of numerous rivers and associated streams (locally known as khal ), originating from hilly terrain and transporting diverse sediment grains toward the Bay of Bengal. Despite their ecological and geomorphic significance, the spatiotemporal distribution of sediments and their interactions with key physicochemical parameters remain poorly understood in this subtropical setting. This study focuses on the Chowfaldandi watershed within the Matamuhuri River basin in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh. Surface sediment samples were collected using transect methods across three designated stations from upstream to downstream during the dry (February) and wet (July) seasons of 2022, with standard replication. Significant seasonal variations ( p < 0.05, one‐way ANOVA) were observed in several parameters, namely, very coarse sand (0.05%–3.09%), medium clay (1.55%–3.99%), fine clay (0.80%–3.40%), sediment salinity (2–24 psu), particle density (2.45–2.67 g·cm −3 ), and PO 4 –P (4.13–8.96 μg·kg −1 ). Principal component analysis revealed that sediment grain size and nutrient variables jointly contributed to 76.7% of the temporal variation in sediment characteristics. No significant spatial variation was detected in the watershed. Very fine sand and silt particles predominated seasonally, with a strong positive linkage between medium and very fine silt with NO 2 –N concentration ( p < 0.01). Similar associations were also found between medium sand and bulk density, as well as between medium and very fine clay with nutrients, particle density, and salinity ( p < 0.05). Regression analysis further confirmed the seasonal influences of grain sizes on nutrient content and density. These findings enhance the understanding of sediment grain size–physicochemical interactions in subtropical river systems and offer valuable insights for evidence‐based watershed management and coastal planning.

Maize ( Zea mays L.) production in acidic soils is severely constrained by poor soil fertility, which directly impacts food security. To address this challenge, this study investigated the synergistic effects of farmyard manure (FYM) and lime on maize growth, yield, and soil health in the Angacha District of Central Ethiopia. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design, evaluating five rates of FYM (0, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15 t·ha −1 ) combined with three rates of lime (0, 2.9, and 5.8 t·ha −1 as CaCO 3 ). The results unequivocally demonstrate that the integrated application of lime and FYM significantly improved soil properties and maize performance. The maximum grain yield was achieved with the combination of 5.8 t·ha −1 of lime and 15 t·ha −1 of FYM (5.41 t·ha −1 ), representing a 116.4% increase over the untreated control. This superior treatment also optimized plant growth parameters, including plant height (266.33 cm), and accelerated physiological maturity. From an economic perspective, the combination of 5.8 t·ha −1 of lime and 10 t·ha −1 of FYM was the most profitable, yielding a net benefit of 99,980 ETB. This research establishes that the integrated use of lime and FYM is an agronomically effective and economically viable strategy for sustainable soil fertility management and enhancing maize productivity in the acidic soils of this region. This approach offers a critical pathway for improving local farmer livelihoods and contributing to regional food security. Further validation studies are recommended to refine the optimal application rates.

Soil fertility reduction is a major problem for achieving agricultural crop productivity in Ethiopia. This study examined the effects of integrated fertilizer application on bread wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) yield and properties of soil at Debark District, northern Ethiopia. The experiment was designed in a randomized complete block design with three compost application rates (0, 5, and 10 t ha −1 ) and four recommended rates of urea and inorganic fertilizers (0%, 50%, 100%, and 150%), replicated three times. Integrated application of fertilizers significantly ( p < 0.05) improved soil parameters, including pH, organic carbon, available phosphorus and sulfur, exchangeable cations, and cation exchange capacity, while reducing bulk density. The highest aboveground biomass yield (13.34 t ha −1 ) was recorded from the interaction effect of 150% inorganic fertilizers with 5 t ha −1 compost. However, the optimal economic and agronomic performance was obtained from the integration of 100% inorganic fertilizer with 10 t ha −1 compost, which had the highest grain yield (7.15 t ha −1 ) and net benefit (364,828 ETB ha −1 ). This combination was also more profitable than the highest rates for compost alone (124,350 ETB ha −1 ) and inorganic fertilizer application (302,164 ETB ha −1 ). The integrated approach provides a sustainable strategy for improving soil fertility and improving bread wheat yield. The single‐season field experiment was one of the limitations of this study. Hence, conducting multiseason trials is suggested to enhance result reliability under varied environmental situations.