Soil Analysis Research Articles

Investigating the Barriers to Drone Implementation in Sustainable Agriculture: A Hybrid fuzzy-DEMATEL-MMDE-ISM-based Approach

Drone integration in sustainable agriculture has emerged as a transformative technological advancement, enabling farmers to achieve accurate crop health monitoring, soil analysis, weed mapping, precise spraying, and livestock monitoring. It facilitates many sustainable measures, such as conserving freshwater resources, reducing soil erosion and pesticide overuse, minimizing agriculture waste, and enhancing productivity and resilience. Despite its benefits, drone adoption faces several barriers, highlighting the requirement of well-structured mitigation strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure successful implementation. We propose a hybrid fuzzy-DEMATEL-MMDE-ISM-based approach for analysing the barriers to drone implementation in sustainable agriculture. We obtain a list of 15 potential barriers by exploring the relevant literature and finalizing the 13 critical barriers based on the experts' opinions. We adopt the fuzzy-Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (fuzzy-DEMATEL) technique to segregate casual and effect barriers. Then, we apply the Maximum Mean De-Entropy (MMDE) method to determine the threshold value for the Interpretive Structural Modelling (ISM) method for constructing the three-level hierarchical structure of the barriers. The insights signify that the most crucial barriers are stability and reliability, drone sensor quality, and drone payload capacity. Flight duration, high initial cost, and maintenance infrastructure serve as linkage barriers between crucial barriers and public perception and psychological barrier. We also find some barriers with minimal or no interdependence on other barriers that should be handled separately. We suggest mitigation strategies to address the underlying challenges of drone implementation in sustainable agriculture. We can extend this study by incorporating additional barriers and applying different methods in other countries to examine the variations in the model.

PFAS, PCBs, PCDD/Fs, PAHs and extractable organic fluorine in bio-based fertilizers, amended soils and plants: Exposure assessment and temporal trends

Bio-based fertilizers (BBFs) produced from organic waste contribute to closed-loop nutrient cycles and circular agriculture. However, persistent organic contaminants, such as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), polychlorobiphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs), as well as polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) can be present in organic waste or be formed during valorization processes. Consequently, these hazardous substances may be introduced into agricultural soils and the food chain via BBFs. This study assessed the exposure of 84 target substances and extractable organic fluorine (EOF) in 19 BBFs produced from different types of waste, including agricultural and food industrial waste, sewage sludge, and biowaste, and through various types of valorization methods, including hygienization at low temperatures (<150 °C) as well as pyrolysis and incineration at elevated temperatures (150–900 °C). The concentrations in BBFs (ΣPFOS & PFOA: <30 μg kg−1, Σ6PCBs: <15 μg kg−1, Σ11PAHs: <3 mg kg−1, Σ17PCDD/Fs: <4 ng TEQ kg−1) were found to be below the strictest thresholds used in individual EU countries, with only one exception (pyrolyzed sewage sludge, Σ11PAHs: 5.9 mg kg−1). Five BBFs produced from sewage sludge or chicken manure contained high concentrations of EOF (>140 μg kg−1), so monitoring of more PFAS is recommended. The calculated expected concentrations in soils after one BBF application (e.g. PFOS: <0.05 μg kg−1) fell below background contamination levels (PFOS: 2.7 μg kg−1) elsewhere in the literature. This was confirmed by the analysis of BBF-amended soils from field experiments (Finland and Austria). Studies on target legacy contaminants in sewage sludge were reviewed, indicating a general decreasing trend in concentration with an apparent half-life ranging from 4 (PFOS) to 9 (PCDD/Fs) years. Modelled cumulative concentrations of the target contaminants in agricultural soils indicated low long-term risks. Concentrations estimated and analyzed in edible plant part were low, indicating that exposure by plant consumption is well below tolerable daily intakes.

Trade-offs and adaptation to metalliferous soils: The role of soil microbiome in metal tolerance and uptake in Arabidopsis halleri ecotypes from a reciprocal transplant experiment.

Soil contamination with trace metal elements is a worldwide issue, prompting research on plant species capable of hyperaccumulating metals to reduce soil toxicity. Previous research suggests that both plant species and their populations can affect soil microbial communities, yet little is known about how different populations of hyperaccumulator species influence these microbial communities to enhance metal-uptake and tolerance. This study evaluated the effect of soil origin, soil microbiome, and plant population on phytoextraction efficiencies of Cd and Zn among four A. halleri populations: two each from metalliferous and non-metalliferous sites. In a controlled transplant experiment, clonal replicates of A. halleri were grown in native and three non-native soils for six months. Biogeochemical analyses of plants and soils were conducted, alongside sequencing of root-associated soil bacterial/archaeal and fungal DNA. Soil treatments primarily differed in pH, total Cd, Pb, and Zn, as well as acid and alkaline phosphatase enzyme activities. A combined effect of soil origin and population was noted for arylsulfatase and β-glucosidase activities, as well as ammonium and nitrate concentrations. Both non-metallicolous and metallicolous populations accumulated high levels of Cd and Zn in metalliferous soils with the non-metallicolous population NM_PL14 outperforming the metallicolous populations in Zn hyperaccumulation. Interestingly, non-metallicolous populations grown in metalliferous soils exhibited no trade-offs in plant performance despite higher Cd and Zn accumulation. Soil origin had a stronger effect on the bacterial/archaeal and fungal community composition than plant ecotype. Partial least square regression models explained 66 % and 79 % of the variability in A. halleri Cd and Zn hyperaccumulation. There was a positive association between Zn-uptake and specific microbial taxa (e.g., Cornebacteriales, Microbacteriaceae, Propionibacteriales, Rhizobiaceae, Basidiomycota, Oidiodendron, Phallaceae) and functional activity (e.g., arylsulfatase, S oxidation) in metalliferous soils. Taken together, our findings suggest that non-metallicolous A. halleri populations may be better suited for Zn phytoextraction applications.

Shear band analysis of silt-clay transition soils under three-dimensional stress-strain conditions

This paper investigates shear banding as a possible failure mode for silt–clay transition soils under general three-dimensional stress conditions. Drained and undrained true triaxial tests with constant b values were performed on tall prismatic specimens of such soils with systematically varying silt contents. Based on the values of critical plastic hardening modulus, shear banding does not govern the strength characteristics of the soils for b values less than 0.2. For larger b values, shear band formation is essentially critical as it takes place in the hardening regime of the stress–strain curves prior to the smooth peak failure points. An increase in silt content appears to move the onset of shear banding to lower levels of shear in the stress–strain relations of the silt–clay transition soils. It is also demonstrated that a non-associated constitutive model with a single hardening law is capable of accurately predicting the onset of shear banding in normally consolidated silt–clay transition soils based on bifurcation theory.

Key active mercury methylating microorganisms and their synergistic effects on methylmercury production in paddy soils

Rice contamination with neurotoxic methylmercury (MeHg) from paddy soils is an escalating global concern. Identifying the microorganisms responsible for mercury (Hg) methylation in these soils is essential for controlling Hg contamination in the food chain and mitigating health impacts. Current research often focuses on total Hg-methylating microorganisms, overlooking the contributions of active ones, which can lead to either overestimating or neglecting the specific roles of microorganisms in Hg methylation within paddy soils. In this study, active Hg-methylating microorganisms in paddy soils were identified using a combination of DNA-SIP, Hg isotope labelling, and Hg methylation gene sequencing techniques. Our findings revealed that Geobacter and Anaerolinea are pivotal active Hg-methylating microorganisms across a contamination gradient in paddy soils. Transcriptomic analysis of soils from major rice-producing provinces in China confirmed the widespread and synergistic involvement of these microorganisms. Microbial incubation further validated their interaction significantly enhances Hg methylation, with Me198Hg concentrations increasing 2.8-fold compared to Geobacter alone and 5.2-fold compared to Anaerolinea alone. These findings enhance our understanding of microbial Hg methylation in paddy soils, providing critical insights for accurately predicting soil MeHg load, rice grain MeHg contamination, and human MeHg exposure risks.

Physico-Chemical Soil Analysis of Agriculture Farm in Sangam University, Bhilwara, Rajasthan

Abstract: The current study, conducted in 2022, examined the physico-chemical characteristics of soil at Sangam University (SU) in Bhilwara, Rajasthan. Soil sample was collected 15 cm depth from Sangam crop cafeteria and Sangam farm and them analyzed for assessing the soil physical properties and availability of macro-nutrient present in soil of selected locations. Soil textural classes were clay loam and sandy loam. Bulk density 1.06gcm-3 (SU farm) and 1.11 gcm-3 (SU Campus) in both field water holding capacity 59% and 54% was good. Electrical conductivity 0.25- 0.66 dSm-1 (SU farm) &amp; 0.26- 0.80dSm -1 (SU Campus) are safe range and organic carbon 0.43% &amp; 0.42% is in sufficient amount of both area. Soil pH 7.5 &amp; 8.0 is neutral to slightly alkaline. The available Phosphorus 54 kg ha-1 and 42 kg ha-1 , Potassium 140 kg ha-1 and 130 kg ha-1 in Sangam farm and campus. Hence, it is suggested to add required amount of gypsum, FYM and compost in the soil.

Effect of organic farming on root microbiota, seed production and pathogen resistance in winter wheat fields

Societal Impact StatementAgricultural intensification is a major driver of biodiversity decline in agrosystems. For instance, it has been shown that conventional farming leads to a decline in soil microbial diversity and triggers a strong selection process, altering the functioning of the whole ecosystem. The present study shows that organic farming increases diversity and affects composition of crop plant microbiota, mostly as a response to field management and soil characteristics. Furthermore, crop plant microbiota influences crop production and resistance to pathogens. Therefore, agricultural practices affect plant performance through microorganism‐mediated changes, which may be important pillars of future sustainable crop production.Summary Agricultural intensification threatens biodiversity, but the effects of intensification on microorganisms are still overlooked despite their role in ecosystem functioning. Microorganisms associated with plants provide many services that affect plant growth and health. Organic farming is expected to strongly affect species composition, richness, and their interactions. We analyzed the effect of the farming system on endophytic microbial assemblages associated with winter wheat plants and plant performance in the field. We collected environmental data through farmer interviews, soil analyses, and plant inventories and analyzed root microbiota at vegetative and flowering stages. Organic farming increased fungal and bacterial diversity associated to wheat plants and affected species composition in most phyla. This effect was mostly due to soil characteristics and field management and a little to plant diversity in the field. Microbial responses were more pronounced at the late developmental stage, likely as a result of accumulative effect of management actions during plant development. Seed production and resistance to pathogens were related to specific phyla that are important for seed production and/or wheat resistance to septoriose. This work advances our understanding of how agricultural practices affect plant performance through microorganism‐mediated changes and supports the use of microorganisms as pillars of sustainable crop production.

Forensic-geology-based magnetic analysis of beach sediments from the Shimokita Peninsula, Japan.

The occurrences of various illegal activities on beaches require effective geological and environmental investigation methods. Among these methods, the room-temperature magnetic analysis of soils and sediments represents a nondestructive investigation method for various amounts, types, and grain sizes of magnetic minerals. Here, to verify the usefulness of magnetic analysis in forensic geology research, beach sediment samples from nine sites in the Shimokita Peninsula, Japan, were measured using magnetic analysis to determine the correlations between their concentration-dependent magnetic parameters and actual regional characteristics. The results revealed that the values of various parameters, namely the low-field magnetic susceptibility, anhysteretic remanent magnetization, and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM), were relatively higher at sites near Ti and Fe sedimentary ore deposits. Further, thermomagnetometry results revealed that magnetite was the main magnetic carrier of the sediments. Moreover, pyrrhotite was detected around Ti-Fe mine sites. Furthermore, the results of the investigated parameters reflected the regional characteristics of the amount of magnetic minerals in the beach sediments. Low-temperature IRM curves and the magnetic grain size parameter also displayed sample-site-reflective characteristics. Thus, we believe that magnetic analysis represents an effective method for estimating the provenance of beach sediments in forensic geology research.

Monitoring soil salinization and waterlogging in the northeastern Nile Delta linked to shallow saline groundwater and irrigation water quality.

Soil salinization and waterlogging are critical environmental issues affecting agricultural productivity and cultural heritage preservation, particularly in arid regions. This study investigated soil degradation processes in the archaeologically and agriculturally significant northeastern Nile Delta of Egypt. The objective was to assess the severity of soil degradation and identify key drivers related to water resources and soil characteristics to aid in the development of management strategies. The research employed a multi-faceted approach, including hydrochemical analyses (of groundwater, irrigation water, and soil), water quality indices calculations, statistical analyses, and satellite data. The results revealed high levels of soil salinization in the northern and central areas, with 64% of soil samples classified as strongly and very strongly saline. Soil chemistry indicated salinization sources linked to sodium chloride dominance. Satellite data from Sentinel-2 images and SRTM digital elevation data showed widespread severe waterlogging in the northern lowlands. The Irrigation Water Quality Index (IWQI) values indicated that 87.5% of irrigation water samples posed severe restrictions due to high salinity and sodium hazards, which were mismatched with the low soil permeability observed in 81% of the collected samples exhibiting clay texture and covering most of the study area. Furthermore, shallow groundwater at depths of 0.5-3m with high salinity was detected, where total dissolved solids exceeded 20,000mg/L, and Na-Cl water types prevailed, indicating saltwater intrusion. A strong positive correlation (r > 0.83) was found between shallow saline groundwater and soil salinity. The combination of poor irrigation water quality, shallow saline groundwater tables, and low-permeability soils created a synergistic effect that severely compromised soil health and agricultural productivity. It also posed severe risks to the structural integrity of archaeological sites and buried artifacts through accelerated physical and chemical weathering processes. This necessitates an urgent mitigation strategy to combat soil degradation in this critical area.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Rice Farming: Spatial Patterns of Nitrogen Availability and Implications for Community-Level Practices

Sustainable nitrogen management is crucial for long-term food security and environmental protection in rice farming systems. However, the spatial patterns of nitrogen availability at the community level remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective sustainable management strategies. This study introduces a novel application of spatial autoregressive analysis to investigate available nitrogen distribution in paddy soils across a rice farming community in Kyoto, Japan. Soil samples from 61 plots, including organically farmed ones, were analyzed for available nitrogen and various physicochemical properties. Contrary to the hypothesis of high variability between adjacent plots, significant positive spatial autocorrelation in available nitrogen was observed, revealing previously unrecognized community-level patterns. The spatial Durbin model outperformed traditional regression approaches and revealed complex spatial interactions in soil properties. Water-soluble organic carbon and humus content showed strong but opposing effects, with a positive direct impact but negative spatial interaction, suggesting topography-driven accumulation processes. Water-soluble nitrogen exhibited reverse patterns with negative direct effects but positive spatial interaction, indicating potential nutrient transport through water movement. These findings highlight the importance of considering both direct and indirect spatial effects in understanding soil fertility patterns, challenging the conventional plot-by-plot management approach. This methodological advancement provides new perspectives for more effective, community-scale soil management strategies in rice farming systems. Moreover, it demonstrates an innovative approach to maximizing the value of outsourced soil analysis data, providing a model for more comprehensive utilization of such data in agricultural research. By enabling more targeted and efficient nitrogen management practices that consider both plot-level processes and landscape-scale interactions, this study potentially contributes to the development of more sustainable and resilient rice production systems.

Influence of different organic manures on the yield of plantago ovata forsk and post-harvest yield of residual crop of digera muricata mart

Pot experiments were conducted to evaluate fertilizing capacity of different organic manures on the yield of Isabgol (Plantago ovata) plant. Experiments were conducted using different organic manures (Kultha Powder, Til Khali, Vermi-compost) and their fertilizing capacity were compared with control. The fertilizing capacities of different organic manures were assessed on the basis of fruit yield and dry matter yield of Isabgol plant. Study observed low levels of micronutrients (Copper and Iron) in post soil analysis with Kultha powder and Til, compared to the control, this may be attributed to the increased uptake of these micronutrients by the plant. This observation was further supported by the higher dry matter yield and greater number of fruits in the Kultha and Til treated pots. HPTLC analysis was also conducted to assess the chemical constituents of the test plant grown under the influence of different manures. The active constituents were found to be highest in the Kultha treated plants, followed by those treated with Til khali. Study suggested Kultha powder and Til as promising manure compared to others for the cultivation of Isabgol plant.

Evaluation of Soil Texture, EC, pH and Primary Macro Elements in Five Mango Orchard Soils of Kotri, Sindh, Pakistan

Analysis of soil is a very important practice for evaluating the nutrient status and ultimately establishing the fertilizer application program for soil health, fruit quality and production. The aim of present study was to assess the soil texture, electrical conductivity (EC), pH, and primary macronutrients such as N, P, K at 0-15 and 15-30cm depths from five orchards such as Aijaz farm (Orchard 1), Zardari farm (Orchard 2), Shahnawaz farm (Orchard 3), Ismail farm (Orchard 4), and Malik Azad farm (Orchard 5) of Kotri, Sindh Pakistan. The results indicated that most of the soils were sandy clay loam in textural class. The maximum electrical conductivity was found 0.65 dS m-1 in orchard 5, whereas the lowest electrical conductivity was found as 0.42 dS m-1 in orchard 1 at 15-30cm. All the orchards were found alkaline in nature at both 0-15 and 15-30cm depths. The total N content was found 80% low and 20% adequate at 0-15cm depth and 100% orchards were found low in total N content in soil at 15-30cm depth as compared with standard values. The AB-DTPA-P content in orchards were found 60% marginal and 40% adequate at 0-15cm depth, whereas 20% low, 40% marginal and 40% adequate were found at 15-30cm depth. AB-DTPA-K (mg kg-1) was found 20% low and 80% marginal at 0-15 and 15-30cm depths. Future studies should focus on assessing the soil biological properties, plant analysis, soil interaction mechanism, amended with press mud compost, farmyard manure, biochar, modified biochar, nano-material, minerals and low-cost additives.

Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties in Southern Tigray, Northern Ethiopia

Soil quality declines due to the conversion of natural vegetation into farmland and grazing areas. The response of soil properties to land use and land cover changes (LULC) exhibits both spatial and temporal variations. This study aimed to assess the effects of LULC changes on the physico-chemical properties of soil in the Wojic watershed. Soil samples were collected from natural forests, bushland, shrubland, and cultivated lands across three landforms of the watershed (upper, middle, and lower) to evaluate the physical and chemical properties of the soil associated with different LULC types. The LULC categories were compared using mean values and critical thresholds for selected physicochemical soil properties. Soil analysis was conducted using R software, employing one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). A normality test was performed before the post hoc analysis, and Tukey’s honest significance difference (HSD) test was utilized for mean separation among the LULC types. Additionally, a normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) was calculated for the years 1997 and 2017. A simple linear regression model was developed to estimate soil physico-chemical properties over the past 20 years, using laboratory soil parameters and the NDVI for 2017. The pH values showed a slight decrease in cultivated land (from 5.7 to 5.4), bushland (from 7 to 6.6), and shrubland (from 6.5 to 6.2) over the study period. The analysis indicated a declining trend in physico-chemical properties, attributed to changes in vegetation cover and management practices. Consequently, the government needs to enforce policies and regulations that promote effective land resource management and utilization, with particular emphasis on the proper management and conservation of forests, bushlands, and shrublands, as well as measures to prevent increased land resettlement.

Regulatory Threshold of Soil and Water Conservation Measures on Runoff and Sediment Processes in the Sanchuan River Basin

Research on the runoff and sediment reduction effects of soil and water conservation measures has always been a topic of interest, which is of great significance for carrying out sustainable strategies for soil and water conservation in the Yellow River Basin. This study aims to find the threshold years of soil and water conservation measures for reductions in runoff and sediment. Through the analysis of various soil and water conservation measures, runoff, sediment, and rainfall data in the Sanchuan River Basin from 1960 to 2019, we determined the threshold years of soil and water conservation measures on runoff and sediment processes using the Hydrology and Lagrange Multiplier method. The results are as follows: The trend in flood season rainfall and annual rainfall in the Sanchuan River Basin is consistent. The 1990s was a turning period in the annual rainfall and flood season rainfall of the Sanchuan River Basin. The 2000s was a turning period of the runoff in the Sanchuan River Basin, while the sediment entered a stable period after 2000. The best periods for reducing runoff and sediment were the initial treatment period (1967–1979) and the centralized treatment period (1980–1996). The runoff and sediment reduction effects of each soil and water conservation measure during the initial treatment period (1967–1979) were terrace (32.8%) &gt; dam (30.1%) &gt; grass (18.6%) &gt; forest (18.5%), while their effects during the centralized treatment period (1980–1996) were grass (53.7%) &gt; terrace (20.7%) &gt; dam (14.6%) &gt; forest (11.0%). The runoff and sediment reduction effects of various soil and water conservation measures during different treatment periods indicate that the runoff reduction effect reached its peak in 2003–2005, while the sediment reduction benefit reached its peak in 2013–2015. Based on the comprehensive benefits of runoff and sediment regulation, 2013–2015 are considered to be the threshold years for various soil and water conservation measures, with the measures covering respective average areas of 4.85 × 104, 17.80 × 104, 1.15 × 104, and 0.82 × 104 hm2. These research results will have a certain significance for the reasonable allocation of soil and water conservation measures and sustainable development in the Yellow River Basin.

Enhancing Green Bean Production on Acid Oxisols Using Basalt Fines in the Cameroon Western Highlands

Rock fines have been proposed as alternative to chemical fertilizers, but their application rates and performances on various crops are still poorly understood. This work aims to test the fertilizing potential of basalt fines for Green beans production on acid Oxisols. A field experiment using a completely randomized block design (CRBD) was conducted on a 60 m² plot.". Treatments were: T0(0), T1(5 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T2(10 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T3(15 t ha₋1), T4(20 t ha₋1 basalt fines), T5(5 t ha₋1 poultry manure), T6 (110 Kg. ha₋1 NPK 14₋23₋14). Fieldwork was followed by laboratory analysis of soils before and after treatment of the experimental units. The main results revealed that T0 was very acidic, but basalt and poultry manure (PM) application reduced acidity while NPK further increased soil acidity. The exchangeable bases and base saturation also increased after treatment with basalt and PM. The yield of green beans was such that T4&gt;T1&gt;T6&gt;T3&gt;T5&gt;T0 &gt;T2. Economically, all treatments were negative except T1 (Benefit-to-cost ratio, BCR=1.35&lt;2), suggesting that none of the treatments can be popularized for green beans production. Nevertheless, production could be increased based on appropriate farming and chemical techniques aimed at reducing soil acidity and boosting nutrient capital reserves. This study addresses a critical need for environmentally friendly alternatives to chemical fertilizers, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals. To increase its applicability and impact, more focus should be placed on the long-term environmental advantages and real-world uses.

A paper-based analytical device for the on-site multiplexed monitoring of soil nutrients extracted with a cafetière

Sustainable agricultural production has the aim to maximise the yield and quality of harvests. For that, farmers need to monitor nutrient levels within soils to apply fertilizers accordingly and to prevent land degradation and soil exhaustion. Current methods involve time-consuming sampling and transport to a laboratory; and most farmers do not have the resources to measure frequently at multiple locations, limiting their sustainable production. In order to address this challenge, a paper-based analytical device (PAD) for the multiplexed detection of soil nutrients, i.e. phosphate, nitrate and pH, extracted with a cafetière-based method, is developed in this work. The compact and easy-to-use platform enables an accurate soil analysis in less than 20 min; 3 min for extraction and 15 min for readout. Two detection channels for nitrate and phosphate analysis, and one circular detection area for pH, including the selective reagents to each analyte, are defined within the PAD. Upon contact with the specific nutrients, the platform produces a colorimetric response that is easily readable by naked eye and smartphone camera. The detection reactions were optimized in the range 1 − 22.5 mg L−1, 10 −100 mg L−1 and 5.0 – 8.5 for phosphate, nitrate and pH, respectively, in agreement with the relevant levels in soils. The volume of water, the number of pushes of the plunger, the extraction time and the mass of soil were also optimized for the nutrient extraction method with the cafetière. The optimal workflow was validated with commercial soils and compared with the conventional UV-Vis method and the labels from the soil package, showing excellent agreement. This paper-based platform provides the possibility of a cheap, sensitive and specific monitoring of soil nutrients by minimally trained operators, such as farmers, enabling in-the-field analyses of multiple key soil nutrients in resource-limited settings and therefore addressing the challenge of routine monitoring for sustainable agriculture.

Measuring characteristics of wild and cultivated food environments: a scoping review

BackgroundGlobal food systems are essential to sustain life; however, unhealthy diets are the leading cause of poor health and death worldwide. Natural food environments are a critical source of healthful food such as fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meat and aquatic foods, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) and Indigenous food systems. Understanding and monitoring natural food environments is critical to protecting the supply of healthy food, and the land and water it comes from, for current and future generations.MethodsA scoping review was applied to classify and summarise empirical methods and measures used for characterising natural food environments. The ways in which food environment characteristics are conceptualised and measured for natural (wild and cultivated) food environments were explored. Data were extracted from the included studies using the following fields: study country, aim/objective(s), type of natural food environment (wild vs. cultivated), method or measure used to measure the food environment, key food environment characteristic/s (up to four) measured and key findings in relation to the food environment measurement.ResultsOne hundred forty seven studies were found to be relevant in this review. Most studies investigated food environments in LMICs, with almost two-thirds of all studies focussing on middle-income countries (n = 89, 61%). There was a strong focus on food security and home-based agriculture from studies that measured the cultivated food environment in LMICs, while the majority of studies on the cultivated food environment from high-income countries focussed on urban and community gardening. In addition to the most common survey-based methodological approaches, our review yielded a broad range of both qualitative and quantitative methods for measuring natural food environments, such as geospatial analysis; biochemical analysis of food, soil and water; citizen science; photovoice and food availability calendars.ConclusionsOur review demonstrated that the concept and characteristics of the food environment are a promising conceptualization for measuring natural food environments, particularly in relation to food availability, healthiness and food security. Mapping the currently used methods and measures to assess natural food environments is important to help identify critical leverage points for strengthening policy interventions, and monitoring and evaluation of progress.

Engineering Geological Characterization and Slope Stability Analysis of Soils Along the Blue Nile Basin Road Section, Northwestern Ethiopia

Engineering Geological Characterization and Slope Stability Analysis of Soils Along the Blue Nile Basin Road Section, Northwestern Ethiopia

Soil nutrient stocks in areas where oiticica (Licania rigida Benth) occurs in the paraiba hinterland

The experiment was conducted in the municipalities of Catolé do Rocha and Pombal, both located in the state of Paraíba in northeastern Brazil. The areas are composed of Eutrophic Fluvic Neosols, with low-activity clay and high natural fertility in flat relief. The factorial arrangement was 2x2, with a completely randomized design, with two municipalities: Catolé do Rocha and Pombal and two soil sampling depths: 0–20 cm and 20–40 cm, selecting 10 matrices of oiticica, L. rigida Benth, representing 10 replicates. In the municipality of Catolé, soil analysis revealed higher SB and CTC with lower pH and MOS compared to the municipality of Pombal. The chemical characterization of the soil in the surface layers presents higher concentrations of nutrients than in the subsurface layers, mainly regarding the levels of MO, reflecting in higher levels of phosphorus, sum of bases and cation exchange capacity.

Monitoring of Ammonium and Nitrate Ions in Soil Using Ion-Sensitive Potentiometric Microsensors

Focusing on the ChemFET (chemical field-effect transistor) technology, the development of a multi-microsensor platform for soil analysis is described in this work. Thus, different FET-based microdevices (i.e., pH-ChemFET pNH4-ISFET and pNO3-ISFET sensors) were realized with the aim of monitoring nitrogen-based ionic species in soil, evidencing quasi-Nernstian detection properties (&gt;50 mV/decade) in appropriate concentration ranges for agricultural applications. Using a specific test bench adapted to important earth samples (mass: ~50 kg), first experiments were done in a lab, mimicking rainy periods as well as nitrogen-based fertilizer inputs. By monitoring pH, pNH4, and pNO3 in an acidic (pH ≈ 4.7) clay-silt soil matrix, different processes associated to the nitrogen cycle were characterized over a fortnight, demonstrating comprehensive results for ammonium nitrate NH4NO3 inputs at different concentrations, water additions, nitrification phenomena, and ammonium NH4+ ion trapping. Even if the ChemFET-based measurement system should be improved according to the soil(electrolyte)/sensor contact, such realizations and results show the ChemFET technology potentials for long-term analysis in soil, paving the way for future “in situ” approaches in the frame of modern farming.