Soil Biological Properties Research Articles

Dependency of Long-Term Soil Quality Controls on Summer Fallow Tillage and Soil Layers for Dryland Winter Wheat in Loess Plateau

The capacity for winter wheat to produce sufficient yield may be influenced by soil tillage practices and soil quality. However, determining how to quantify the impact of long-term tillage on soil quality is crucial. Here, we address this issue by comparing soil properties and wheat yield under four tillage systems during summer fallow in the Loess Plateau. Twenty-two soil properties were explored to estimate soil quality. Results showed that a rotational tillage (PT/ST) during summer fallow decreased soil bulk density (ρb) and improved soil gravimetric water content (θg), soil organic carbon (SOC), soil capillary porosity (Pc), and total porosity (Pt) in 0–50 cm soil layers. A minimum dataset (MDS) of thirteen indicators was selected to calculate soil quality index (SQI). Treatment of PT/ST had higher SQI value in soil layers of 0–10 cm and 20–50 cm, and PT/ST showed a significant increase in yield since the third year. No tillage (NT) during summer fallow decreased soil physical and chemical indicators, thus decreasing soil quality. These findings suggest that a rotation tillage of PT/ST during summer fallow could enhance soil chemical and biological properties concurrently, and PT/ST may provide a promising management strategy to sustain soil quality and grain yield for dryland winter wheat in the Loess Plateau.

Impacts of Different Sizes and Concentrations of Polyethylene on Chemical, Physical, Mechanical, and Biological Properties in a Loess Soil

Impacts of Different Sizes and Concentrations of Polyethylene on Chemical, Physical, Mechanical, and Biological Properties in a Loess Soil

The Effects of Different Combinations of Cattle Organic Soil Amendments and Copper on Lettuce (cv. Rufus) Plant Growth

In modern agricultural production, cattle manure waste recovery is considered as a sustainable approach to agricultural waste management, reducing environmental pollution and chemical fertilizer use. This study aimed to investigate the effects of manure and digestate derived from a pilot-scale livestock waste-recycling system, in combination with a low copper concentration as a fungicide, on the physiological response of lettuce cv Rufus (Lactuca sativa L.) plants and the associated soil microbiome. A five-week microcosm experiment was conducted in a greenhouse under environmental conditions. Lettuce plant performance was assessed in terms of biomass, leaf area index, photosynthetic activity, chlorophyll measurements, lipid peroxidation, total phenolic content, and nutrient uptake. The results suggested that incorporating digestate into the potting soil mix significantly enhanced crop yields compared to the control and manure treatments. The soil microbial activity increased in the presence of fertilizers, improving the soil chemical and biological properties. The addition of copper negatively affected the growth and physiological performance of the lettuce plants under both the control and manure-treated conditions, except for those grown in the presence of digestate, where copper accumulation was reduced. These findings highlight the potential of growing horticultural crops using organic fertilization through livestock waste anaerobic digestate, establishing a waste-to-food recycling system.

Soil functional indicators in a semi-arid environment change patchy under the influence of shrub species

The presence of mountain shrublands within semi-arid regions is of great importance due to their function in the preservation of water and soil resources and their contribution to the conservation of biodiversity. The study of the effects of semi-arid highland shrubs on soil functional indicators has not yet received sufficient attention. To fill this knowledge gap, we conducted a study to investigate the effects of different shrub species specifically Carpinus orientalis Miller, Berberis integerrima Bunge, Crataegus microphylla C. Koch, Prunus spinosa L., and Rhamnus pallasii Fisch. and C. A. Mey) on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties. For this study, 15 individuals of each of the above-mentioned shrub species were selected. Soil samples were collected at a depth of 10 cm and an area of 30 cm × 30 cm beneath the canopy of these particular species. The examination of the influence of various independent factors on the variability of soil microclimate and biological characteristics indicates that the presence of shrub covers is the primary determinant of changes in water content, fauna and microflora population, microbial respiration and biomass, whereas soil temperature, MBN/MBP and qCO2 are more affected by season factor. Based on the biological fertility index, all the studied shrub covers are in the medium class with the maximum score under Carpinus shrub. Results indicate that soil biological characteristics play a more significant role in distinguishing in terms of soil functional indicators. Based on hot spots output, the soil functional indicators decreased in order of Carpinus > Crataegus > Berberis > Prunus > Rhamnus. As a conclsuion, Carpinus create hot spots (areas) of soil functional indicators in the mountainous ecosystems that claimed the potentially role of nutrient-rich soil cycles.

Szybkie badanie potencjalnych toksycznych pierwiastków śladowych i materii organicznej w glebie miejskiej, miasto Koszyce, Słowacja

Urban soil survey is necessary in terms of asses the life quality of their inhabitants. From this point of view the detection of the ecological risk in urban soils was done. At first fifteen samples were collected from a depth 0-30cm, in Košice city, Eastern Slovakia around the lake located in the residential zone. In collected samples potential toxic trace elements were established and also the presence of soil organic matter (SOM) was studied, because at present the SOM was recognized as an indicator of sustainable development in the frame of the UN Agenda 2030. SOM and soil organic carbon (SOC) have a positive effect on soil chemical, physical and biological properties. The pH of all studied samples was estimated in the range 6.83-7.42. For rapid screening were used following methods: X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF) and total organic carbon (TOC) analysis. SOM was determined by calculation from the SOC amount. On the basis of XRF analysis it was found that the permitted limits for the elements Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As were largely exceeded.

Chemical and biological attributes of soil and soybean (Glycine max) yield in integrated systems in the Cerrado of north-east Brazil

Chemical and biological attributes of soil and soybean (Glycine max) yield in integrated systems in the Cerrado of north-east Brazil

Vermicompost Supply Enhances Fragrant-Rice Yield by Improving Soil Fertility and Eukaryotic Microbial Community Composition under Environmental Stress Conditions.

Heavy-metal contamination in agricultural soil, particularly of cadmium (Cd), poses serious threats to soil biodiversity, rice production, and food safety. Soil microbes improve soil fertility by regulating soil organic matter production, plant nutrient accumulation, and pollutant transformation. Addressing the impact of Cd toxicity on soil fungal community composition, soil health, and rice yield is urgently required for sustainable rice production. Vermicompost (VC) is an organic fertilizer that alleviates the toxic effects of Cd on soil microbial biodiversity and functionality and improves crop productivity sustainably. In the present study, we examined the effects of different doses of VC (i.e., 0, 3, and 6 tons ha-1) and levels of Cd stress (i.e., 0 and 25 mg Cd kg-1) on soil biochemical attributes, soil fungal community composition, and fragrant-rice grain yield. The results showed that the Cd toxicity significantly reduced soil fertility, eukaryotic microbial community composition and rice grain yield. However, the VC addition alleviated the Cd toxicity and significantly improved the soil fungal community; additionally, it enhanced the relative abundance of Ascomycota, Chlorophyta, Ciliophora, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta in Cd-contaminated soils. Moreover, the VC addition enhanced the soil's chemical attributes, including soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), total nitrogen (TN), and microbial biomass C and N, compared to non-VC treated soil under Cd toxicity conditions. Similarly, the VC application significantly increased rice grain yield and decreased the Cd uptake in rice. One possible explanation for the reduced Cd uptake in plants is that VC amendments influence the soil's biological properties, which ultimately reduces soil Cd bioavailability and subsequently influences the Cd uptake and accumulation in rice plants. RDA analysis determined that the leading fungal species were highly related to soil environmental attributes and microbial biomass C and N production. However, the relative abundance levels of Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Glomeromycta were strongly associated with soil environmental variables. Thus, the outcomes of this study reveal that the use of VC in Cd-contaminated soils could be useful for sustainable rice production and safe utilization of Cd-polluted soil.

SCIENTIFIC SUBSTANTIATION OF THE MAXIMUM PERMISSIBLE CONCENTRATION OF OIL IN THE SOIL FOR THE TERRITORY OF THE INDUSTRIAL ZONE OF THE UZEN DEPOSIT IN THE MANGYSTAU REGION

The development and operation of an oil field is accompanied by an oil spill and the formation of oil-contaminated soils. The process of natural restoration of oil-contaminated soils is extremely slow. Therefore, among environmental protection measures, the rationing of oil content in soils is extremely important. The purpose of the work is to develop a standard for the maximum permissible concentration of oil in the soil for the industrial zone of the Uzen field.Methods. The basis for the development of the maximum permissible concentration of oil in the soils of the studied field is the "Methodological recommendations for the hygienic justification of the maximum permissible concentration of chemicals in the soil". The determination of the mass fraction of oil in the studied media was performed by gas-liquid chromatography. The chemical composition of the soil was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry. The determination of the specific activity of radionuclides was carried out by gamma-spectrometric method on the «MKS 01A Multirad» spectrometer. Results and discussion. During the work for the field, in accordance with the requirements for substantiating the maximum permissible concentration, an assessment was made on the physico-chemical and biological properties of soils and oils. Based on the experimental data obtained, the maximum permissible concentration of oil in the soil of the industrial zone of the Uzen field at the level of 3 g/kg is justified and reflects the real conditions in which oil intake in the soil will not cause harmful effects on human health and the environment.

Biosynthesis of copper nanoparticles using Bacillus flexus and estimation of their potential for decolorization of azo dyes and textile wastewater treatment

In many underdeveloped countries, textile industries discharge their effluents without any treatment. The untreated textile wastewater consists of both azo dyes and heavy metals which not only change the physicochemical and biological properties of soil and water but also affect human health. In recent years, copper-based nanomaterials have attained worldwide attention because of their unique properties and potential for decolorization of azo dyes and wastewater treatment. The present study demonstrates the bacterial synthesis of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NPs) using Bacillus flexus strain isolated from a textile wastewater followed by their application for photocatalytic degradation of various azo dyes and treatment of actual wastewater. The FT-IR analysis confirmed the presence of various functional groups including proteins on Cu-NPs which improved their stability. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images revealed the spherical shape of Cu-NPs with a size of range between 17–34 nm. Similarly, the XRD analysis of biosynthesized Cu-NPs showed various diffraction peaks at 44.5°, 51.5°, 74.75 which confirmed the crystalline nature of nanoparticles. While studying the photocatalytic decolorization of azo dyes by Cu-NPs, it was observed that 88.164 ± 0.19 %, 88.452 ± 1.89 %, 90.433 ± 1.81 %, 64.770 ± 1.02 %, 46.774 ± 1.61 %, and 67.274 ± 2.89 % of reactive black-5, congo red, malachite green, methylene blue, reactive red-2 and blue direct, respectively, were decolorized after 4 h of solar irradiation at 50 ppm concentration. Additionally, the biosynthesized nanoparticles also resulted in reduction of various parameters like EC, pH, TDS, COD, color intensity, sulphates, and phosphates in the textiles wastewater. The reduction of COD, sulfates, and phosphates was about 39.659 %, 43.157 %, and 49.493 %. The results of current work suggest that biosynthesized copper nanoparticles might serve as a potential green solution for the decolorization of various dyes including wastewater treatment.

Sewage Water Use in Crop Production and Its Effect on Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties of Soil: A Review

The availability of freshwater for irrigation is dwindling, prompting the need for innovative solutions to tackle this critical issue. This research delves into comparing sewage water with fresh water, recognizing the immense volume of wastewater generated daily due to rapid population growth and industrial expansion. The current state of sewage water in India presents a formidable challenge, highlighting the imperative for proactive management strategies moving forward. The study explores methods to harness sewage water for agricultural use, aiming to enhance productivity while acknowledging the global significance of wastewater management. Sewage water composition varies depending on local industrial activities, often containing higher levels of nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon, micronutrients, and soil microbial content compared to regular water sources. Utilizing sewage water for irrigation can positively impact soil chemistry and fertility, although it may increase electrical conductivity, albeit usually within acceptable limits to mitigate soil salinity risks. However, sewage water typically contains elevated concentrations of heavy metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Lead, and Nickel, posing potential hazards to soil and plant health if surpassing safety thresholds. Continuous use of sewage water may exacerbate the accumulation of these hazardous metals, posing risks to both soil quality and human health. Nonetheless, during periods of water scarcity crucial for crop growth, sewage water emerges as a vital resource, potentially saving agricultural productivity. In this context, sewage farming emerges as a promising approach to alleviate the demand for freshwater while addressing wastewater challenges. Embracing sewage water for irrigation holds the promise of significant advancements in curbing wastewater proliferation, underscoring its role as a sustainable solution for agricultural water requirements.

The Effect of Remediation of Soil Co-Contaminated by Cu and Cd in a Semi-Arid Area with Sewage Sludge-Derived Biochar

In this study, biochar derived from sewage sludge was applied to remediate Cu and Cd co-polluted soil in semi-arid areas for the first time, in which the effects of biochar on the improvement of soil physicochemical and biological properties as well as the immobilization of Cu and Cd were investigated. Soil water holding capacity increased by 0.22–2.74%, soil CEC increased by 0.52–4.06 units, soil SOM content increased by 1.41–5.97 times, and urease and catalase activities increased by 0.012–0.032 mg·g−1·24 h−1, 0.18–2.95 mg H2O2·g−1, but soil pH increased only slightly by 0.69 units after biochar application. In addition, although the total content of these two metals in the soil increased with the use of biochar, the content of DTPA-Cu and Cd decreased by −0.128–0.291 mg/kg, 0–0.037 mg/kg, with the increase in biochar application, and the content of acid-soluble Cu in the soil decreased from 27.42 mg/kg to 3.76 mg/kg, the mobility and bioavailability of these two metals in the soil decreased. Finally, the complexation of organic functional groups with the soil dominates the immobilization process of metals, especially Cu. These findings suggest that biochar from sewage sludge can effectively improve soil quality and remediate heavy metal-contaminated soils in semi-arid regions. Meanwhile, the use of sludge-based biochar for the remediation of contaminated soils also provides a new method for the safe disposal of sewage sludge and a new way for sustainable development. In subsequent studies, methods such as modification are recommended to improve the efficiency of sludge-based biochar for the removal of Cu and Cd.

Mitigation of salinity stress in ‘Chandler’ walnuts through the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts to soil: effects on growth, yield, and its impact on physical and biological soil properties

Mitigation of salinity stress in ‘Chandler’ walnuts through the application of Ascophyllum nodosum extracts to soil: effects on growth, yield, and its impact on physical and biological soil properties

Application of modified drastic model for oil spills pollution affecting water quality system in part of Niger delta region of Nigeria

Extensive environmental pollution has affected the water resource, agricultural lands, economy and health of the inhabitants of Ahoada communities of the Niger Delta region, Nigeria. The main sources of pollution are oil spills emanating from pipeline interdiction and production-related spillages. Oil spills in the Niger Delta adversely affects the physical, chemical and biological properties of soil, which subsequently results in food shortages due to the reduction of nutrient contents of soils. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the patterns and the types of contaminants for appropriate remediation of the polluted areas. This study applied a novel DRASTIC model approach, incorporating a data-driven method Weight of Evidence (WoE) to examine subsurface aquifer vulnerability to oil spills contamination and present same as in the maps. Geographic Information System (GIS) in combination with DRASTIC and a modified DRASTIC model called DRAPSTIC were used in assessing the extent and vulnerability of the aquifers of the area to contamination. The maps of the DRAPSTIC show similarity in terms of the distribution and classification of the vulnerability index. Very high and high vulnerability classes covered larger areas in Ahoada east under DRAPSTIC compared to DRASTIC. However, under the same DRAPSTIC, larger areas were covered by low vulnerability class in Ahoada West.

Relationship between chlorophyll and yield of two rice varieties in different farming systems

Abstract Rice is the staple food of Indonesian society which continues to increase in demand due to population growth. Currently, there are 3 agricultural systems in rice cultivation, namely organic, semi-organic, and conventional. The three systems provide changes in soil physical, chemical, and biological properties, but there is not much information related to chlorophyll levels in plants. This study aims to assess chlorophyll levels and their relationship with the yield of two rice varieties in various farming systems, especially the IR64 and Mentik Wangi varieties. This research is a field survey study followed by laboratory analysis. Determination of sampling locations by purposive sampling on organic, semi-organic, and conventional rice fields with two varieties of rice. Observation parameters include chlorophyll content, harvest dry grain weight, and milled dry grain weight. The results showed that the levels of chlorophyll A in IR64 and Chlorophyll B in IR 64 and Mentik Wangi varieties with organic farming systems were higher than in semi-organic and conventional farming systems. There was a positive correlation between chlorophyll levels and the yield of two rice varieties in different farming systems.

The relationship between soil biomass and soil quality index for Kafr El-Dawar region, Beheira Governorate

The current investigation was conducted in the Kafr El-Dawar region to study the relationship between soil microbial biomass and soil quality index. Thirty-nine soil samples were taken for the chemical characteristics used to determine the soil quality index by the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) procedures. Pearson correlation relationship and Principal components analysis (PCA) between soil quality index and soil parameters were done as well as regression between soil quality index and microbial biomass. For the soil microbial biomass, the lowest value was about 186 mg kg-1 (5% of the total samples). The highest value was about 387 mg kg-1 (5% of the total samples). The average microbial biomass of the samples was about 299 mg kg 1. Approximately 50% of the total samples have a value equal to the average sample value. Higher significant correlation was observed among soil pH with CaCO3 content. Significant correlation was observed among soil pH with Fe and Mn. Soil quality index had a higher significant correlation with Ca, Mg, N, K, Cu, and Zn. P was a more effective factor on soil quality index. The chemical properties had the most impact on the soil quality index. All samples have a soil quality index score of less than 50%. About 69.2% were poor quality (SQI less than 40%), and the rest were moderate quality (SQI between 40 and 60%). Microbial biomass is a key soil characteristic that influences soil quality according to the regression result. Further research should include biological and other physicochemical soil properties to enlarge soil quality index.

Plant diversity effects on soil multistability

Soil is the basis for life on Earth as we know it. Healthy and stable soil is a prerequisite for well-functioning terrestrial ecosystems and has, thus, been proposed to play a key role in plant diversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. The overall objective of this sub-project is to study multidimensional soil stability as affected by plant diversity in a long-term plant diversity experiment. We designed three coordinated work packages (WPs) to comprehensively assess soil multistability to environmental fluctuations and climate extremes by considering the biological, chemical and physical dimensions that are key for soil functioning. We will use all unique facilities and approaches of the Jena Experiment Research Unit by combining synthesis of long-term data in the Main Experiment and the ΔBEF Experiment with performing new soil analyses in the DrY Experiment, the ResCUE Experiment and a joint CoMic Experiment, to gain a better mechanistic understanding of plant diversity–ecosystem functioning relationships. In close collaboration with other sub-projects, we will assess biological, chemical and physical soil properties and stability indicators that will be used to calculate soil multifunctionality and multistability indices. In WP1, we will build on three unique datasets to explore short-term and long-term effects of plant diversity on the stability of soil (microbial) properties. In WP2, we will combine different datasets and approaches to explore if plant diversity effects on the magnitude and stability of soil properties increase with abiotic and biotic stresses. In WP3, we will combine measurements of the above-mentioned dimensions of soil stability to explore if plant diversity increases the stability of multiple soil properties under hot drought. This sub-project is at the heart of the Research Unit by testing the overarching hypotheses outlined in the Coordination Proposal of the Jena Experiment, contributing to all main experiments, sharing data and performing joint sampling campaigns with all sub-projects and, at the same time, introducing a novel concept of soil multistability as affected by plant diversity and climate extremes. We propose to use a combination of simple, high-throughput (e.g. bait-lamina test) and more sophisticated methods (e.g. extracellular polymeric substances analyses) to be able to investigate temporal dynamics of soil processes and their mechanistic basis. Taken together, the results of the three WPs will provide new insights into the stabilising mechanisms of soil properties in the long term and in relation to climate extremes through plant diversity.

Long-term impact of wildfire on soil physical, chemical and biological properties within a pine forest

AbstractAnthropogenic fires pose a serious threat to many terrestrial ecosystems because they can cause loss of biodiversity and carbon stocks in the biosphere. Specifically, wildfires impacting natural conservation areas such as European Natura 2000 sites (N2K) are of particular concern. The main study objective was to evaluate the long-term effects of wildfires on the organic layer and some physical, chemical and biological properties of the underlying soil mineral layer, linked to soil quality. Here, we studied two coastal Mediterranean Aleppo pine stands within an N2K site differing for the fires’ years of occurrence, the time between fires (TBF) and the time since last fire (TSLF) throughout 24 years. Furthermore, in each stand, differences in fire frequency (FF) were considered by selecting three sites—double-fire, single-fire and control (unburnt). Our results show the absence of the O-layer in double-fire sites, indicating a loss of this organic carbon (if compared to control) pool of 204 g m−2 in R2F and 139 g m−2 in M2F. Despite this loss being offset by the Corg increase in soil mineral layer, the disappearance of O-layer may compromise the ecosystem services provided by soil. In each stand, long-term fire effects were evident at both single-fire and double-fire sites for some chemical as well as biological soil properties and depended on TSLF. Increased rates of nitrogen mineralization and nitrification were found at all burned sites, persisting up to 24 years post-fire. Soil quality indicators data highlighted the recovery handicap of the microbial community within the considered period. Since our outcomes showed wildfires enduring consequences, mainly relating to TSLF and FF, on different organic and mineral soil properties, we advocate employing prompt strategies to mitigate recurring fires.

Influence of Agro-Industrial Waste Composts on Soil Characteristics, Growth Dynamics, and Yield of Red Cabbage and Broccoli

In this work, environmentally sound technologies for converting organic wastes into fertilizers to improve soil sustainability and crop yield have been identified and assessed. Wet wastes were combined with 50% wood sawdust and 50% wet wastes (Compost 1) or (10% Straw + 90% wet wastes) (Compost 2) to produce soil improvers with a balanced level of nutrients, and their effectiveness on soil ecosystem functioning have been tested and compared to horse manure (HM) and nitrogen–phosphorous–potassium (NPK) fertilizers. Unfertilized soil was used as a control. Soil chemical and biological properties have been detected after the harvesting of broccoli and red cabbage (90 days from the initial treatments). Three independent experiments have been conducted in an open field in a randomized complete block design with three replications (n = 9). The results showed that Compost 1 had the highest C/N ratio and cation exchange capacity (CEC), indicating a better humification of the wet material. Compost 1, even if it contained a minor amount of organic carbon, as well as less activity of fluorescein diacetate (FDA) and dehydrogenase (DHA) than Compost 2, was the most effective in improving soil quality, significantly increasing the labile fraction of organic matter, the oxidative enzyme (DHA), microbial biomass, and crop yield. Both composts increased crop productivity.

Green Manure for Sustainable Crop Production: A Review

Green manuring is an economical and eco-friendly scientific approach to achieve more resilient and sustainable food production for agricultural systems. Incorporation of green manure improves soil condition by increasing soil physical, chemical and biological properties such as organic matter, availability of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium and also improves soil structure by preventing soil erosion, increasing water holding capacity etc. Green manure acts as a natural fertilizer, releasing nutrients into the soil as it decomposes and increases the nutrient content in the soil and shows positive effect on plant growth and development. Addition of green manure crops contribute to greater fixation of atmospheric nitrogen, and when decomposed, makes the nitrogen availability in the soil, reducing the need for synthetic nitrogen fertilizers in crops. Furthermore, it has a significant impact on several plant growth and yield parameters, resulting in increased agricultural productivity and ecosystem health.

Improving stormwater infiltration and retention in compacted urban soils at impervious/pervious surface disconnections with biochar

Urban development often results in compacted soils, impairing soil structure and reducing the infiltration and retention of stormwater runoff from impervious features. Biochar is a promising organic soil amendment to improve infiltration and retention of stormwater runoff. Soil at the disconnection between impervious and pervious surfaces represents a critical biochar application point for stormwater management from urban impervious features. This study tested the hypothesis that biochar would significantly improve water retention and transmission at four sites, where varying percentages (0%, 2%, and 4% w/w) of biochar were amended to soils between impervious pavement, and pervious grassed slopes. Field-saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) and easily drainable water storage capacity were monitored at these sites for five months (two sites) and 15 months (two sites). At the end of the monitoring periods, the physical, chemical, and biological properties of each site's soil were assessed to understand the impact of biochar on soil aggregation, which is critical for improved soil structure and water infiltration. Results indicated that the field Ksat, drainable water storage capacity, and plant available water content (AWC) were 7.1 ± 3.6 SE, 2.0 ± 0.3 SE, and 2.1 ± 0.3 SE times higher in soils amended with 4% biochar, respectively, compared to the undisturbed soil. Factor analysis elucidated that biochar amendment increased the organic matter content, aggregate mean weight diameter, organo-mineral content, and fungal hyphal length while decreasing the bulk density. Across the 12 biochar/soil combinations, the multiple linear regression models derived from factor analysis described the changes in Ksat and AWC reasonably well with R2 values of 0.51 and 0.71, respectively. Using soil and biochar properties measured before biochar addition, two recent models, developed from laboratory investigations, were found helpful as screening tools to predict biochar's effect on Ksat and AWC at the four field sites. Overall, the findings illustrate that biochar amendment to compacted urban soils can significantly improve soil structure and hydraulic function at impervious/pervious surface disconnections, and screening models help to predict biochar's effectiveness in this context.