Soil Compaction Research Articles

Energy Intensity and Uplift Load Resistance of Novel Hybrid Pile, Driven with Additional Compaction: Comparative Field Study

The article presents the results of an experimental study on driven reinforced concrete piles with hybrid shaft, which incorporates several wedge-shaped elements with inclined side faces. A technology for the installing of these piles, involving the addition of loose materials to enhance soil compaction, is herein proposed. Field experiments were conducted to determine the energy intensity of driving and the uplift load resistance of these piles. It was found that the energy intensity of a driving hybrid pile with loose materials addition is 1.4–3.5 times greater compared to conventional driven piles. However, the uplift bearing capacity was 1.5–4.4 times higher than that of piles with a traditional shape. The efficiency of the experimental piles is attributed to an increase in the volume of wedge-shaped elements on the pile shaft and the incorporation of loose materials, such as gravel and sand. The uplift capacity of hybrid shaft piles improves with the increasing volume of the aforementioned parameters. The obtained correlation dependencies enable a reliable calculation of the energy intensity and uplift resistance of hybrid shaft piles installed with the addition of loose materials. These findings hold significant practical importance for foundation design using piles with non-traditional shaft shapes in variant design assessments.

Evaluation of Soil Physical Properties in Natural and Conventional Farming in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka, India

This study examines variations in soil properties resulting from natural and conventional farming (Farmer Practices) methods across three distinct duration categories (less than 5 years, 5 to 10 years and 10 to 15 years) in the Northern Dry Zone of Karnataka. The results revealed that natural farming consistently produced lower soil bulk density, higher soil porosity, greater water-holding capacity and improved aggregate stability when compared to conventional farming practices. Over time, natural farming led to a decrease in bulk density; however, conventional practices showed an increase. Soil porosity, water-holding capacity and aggregate stability also saw improvement with natural farming because of the incorporation of organic matter, no-tillage methods and minimal disturbance. Conventional farming practices, which involved intensive tillage and the application of chemical inputs, resulted in soil compaction and structural degradation. Additionally, soil color became darker over time under natural farming, indicating a higher organic matter content; whereas, conventional practices contributed to lighter soil hues.

Plants breathing under pressure: mechanistic insights into soil compaction-induced physiological, molecular and biochemical responses in plants.

This review highlights the molecular, biochemical and physiological responses of plants under soil compaction and presents suitable strategies for optimizing soil compaction for sustainable and intelligent plant production. Soil compaction (SC) increases the mechanical impedance of agricultural crops, which restricts plant growth, root elongation, and productivity. Therefore, exploring the impacts of SC-induced alterations in plants and developing optimization strategies are crucial for sustainable agricultural production and ensuring global food security. However, the regulation of molecular, biochemical and physiological responses to SC in plants has not yet been well explored. Here, we conducted a thorough analysis of the relevant literature regarding the primary factors behind SC in agricultural soils, mechanistic insights into SC-mediated molecular and physiological alterations in plants, the impact of SC on plant productivity, and SC-minimization strategies for eco-friendly and intelligent agricultural production. The existing information suggests that plant roots sense SC-induced changes in soil properties, including decreased soil water content, hypoxia, nutrient deficiency and mechanical stimuli, through altering the expression of membrane-located ion channel- or stimulus receptor-related genes, such as MSLs, MCA1, and AHK. After signal transduction, the synthesis and transport of several plant hormones, mainly ABA, ethylene and auxin, change and restrict root deepening but promote root thickening. In addition, the changes in plant hormones in combination with decreased water availability and decreased root hydraulic conductance induced by SC affect aboveground physiological responses, such as decreasing leaf hydraulic conductance, promoting stomatal closure and inhibiting plant photosynthesis. Comprehensive physiological insights into SC in plants and SC optimization strategies could be useful to soil biologists and plant eco-physiologists seeking to improve soil management and sustainable agricultural plant production to promote global food security.

The effects of waterlogging duration on responses of above- and belowground organs of Pinus thunbergii seedlings after the release from waterlogging

ABSTRACT The tsunami in March 2011 heavily damaged the Pinus thunbergii Parlatore erosion-control coastal forests of northeastern Japan. The restoration is in process but has been challenged by waterlogging resulting from soil compaction of artificial growth bases. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted to elucidate the waterlogging responses of two-year-old P. thunbergii seedlings in terms of waterlogging duration. Three waterlogging durations were set (7 days, 17 days, and 32 days, water table at soil surface) during August, followed by a waterlogging-free recovery period (28 days) in September. In this experiment, the responses of both above- and belowground organs during waterlogging and after the release from waterlogging were elucidated, focusing on parameters, such as transpiration and photosynthesis rates, as well as fine root growth and morphology. As a result, we found that under the conditions of our experiment, if the waterlogging duration is within 17 days, P. thunbergii seedlings can recover physiological activity in about a week; however, if the waterlogging duration is over 32 days, recovery after the release from waterlogging largely varied among seedlings. For the seedlings that could recover, recovery took at least 2 weeks, which required new fine root growth. In cases where the damage was irreversible, seedlings showed an overall decline. These results suggest that it is important to manage the waterlogging conditions so that P. thunbergii seedlings can recover without prolonged negative effects.

Explainable Artificial Intelligence Estimation of Maximum Dry Density in Soil Compaction Based on Basic Soil Properties and Compaction Energy

Explainable Artificial Intelligence Estimation of Maximum Dry Density in Soil Compaction Based on Basic Soil Properties and Compaction Energy

Diametric splitting strength of compacted expansive soils and modified soils at different water contents

Diametric splitting strength of compacted expansive soils and modified soils at different water contents

THE ACCEPTABLE COMPACTION ZONE CRITERIA BASED ON HYDRAULIC CONDUCTIVITY FOR A COMPACTED MIXTURE OF RESIDUAL SOIL WITH BENTONITE AS A SOIL LINER

The significant criteria for compacted clay liner in landfill construction are the compaction characteristics and hydraulic conductivity value. The primary parameter for designing an efficient soil liner is ensuring a hydraulic conductivity value below 1x10-9 m/s to prevent contaminated seepage into the aquifer. Therefore, the compaction criteria are crucial in controlling the construction of hydraulic barriers for liners. In this study, laboratory testing such as permeability tests at varying compaction energies, were carried out on a blend of residual soil and bentonite. The aim was to establish an acceptable compaction zone based on the allowable hydraulic conductivity value and to outline suitable design considerations for compacted residual soil mixed with bentonite as a soil liner. The design parameters investigated included hydraulic conductivity at different compaction efforts. A comparison was made between traditional, common, and modern approaches to ensure construction quality assurance for compacted soil liners mixed with bentonite. The results indicated that all methods, traditional, common, and modern, successfully met the design objectives for hydraulic conductivity, creating acceptable compaction zones on the compaction plane curve. These acceptable zones for the mixture of residual soil with bentonite align with the lower bound limit of the compaction optimum line, with the shapes of the shaded zones influenced by the soil's moisture content and compaction characteristics.

Integrated Model to Reduce the Maneuver Time of the Harvester and Infield Wagon in Sugarcane Harvest

This study aims to enhance the efficiency of mechanized sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) harvesting by optimizing the maneuvers of the auxiliary vehicle (infield wagon) operating in tandem with the harvester. The optimization focuses on increasing productivity and reducing soil compaction in high-traffic maneuver areas. A comprehensive three-year experimental study was conducted in agricultural fields at a Brazilian mill, where extensive field data and economic parameters were collected to simulate and compare maneuvering techniques on both flat and sloped terrain. To evaluate the synchronization between the harvester and the infield wagon under non-optimized scenarios, a Maneuver Simultaneity Index (MSI) was developed. The results demonstrated that the optimized “P-optimized” technique, which utilizes dedicated maneuvering spaces, significantly increased economic returns per hour worked by reducing maneuver times across various terrain types. Additionally, fuel consumption decreased with the adoption of the optimized maneuver pattern, leading to lower operational costs and reduced environmental impact. These findings highlight the economic and operational feasibility of optimizing maneuver patterns, particularly in flat areas, and provide a sustainable framework adaptable for improving efficiency and productivity in diverse mechanized agricultural operations.

Experimental and modeled analysis of contaminant mobility in coal fly ash landfills under continuous rainfall regimes

In China, a significant amount of coal fly ash is stored or used for landfill reclamation. The contaminants in coal fly ash (CFA) leachate can cause regional soil and groundwater contamination during long-term storage. This paper focuses on a coal gangue comprehensive utilisation power plant in Fenyang City, Shanxi Province, China, where the leaching characteristics of CFA were investigated by leaching tests. Laboratory-scale long-term soil column leaching tests and long-term ash column leaching tests were conducted using compacted soil and compacted CFA, respectively, to simulate contaminant migration patterns from CFA during the early and later stages of landfill operation. Hydrus-1D simulation software was used to calculate contaminant transport from the CFA landfill. The test results indicate that the concentrations of six representative elements or compounds in the CFA leachate exceeded the Groundwater Standard Class III. Among these contaminants, Pb contamination was the worst, with concentrations 26.67 times above the standard. The flow rate of the leachate is lower when the degree of compaction of the Ma’lan loess and the CFA is higher, and it takes longer for the leachate to start flowing. The greatest release of the ions occurred at a Ma’lan loess compaction coefficient of 0.943 and a hydraulic conductivity of 6.031 × 10− 7. Under extreme rainfall conditions, the contaminants and heavy metals in the fly ash leachate migrate to a maximum depth of 56 cm in the compacted soil layer, with Pb reaching a depth of 28 cm, nickel 23 cm, cadmium 9 cm and hexavalent chromium 5 cm to meet Class III groundwater quality standards. These results indicate a potential risk of groundwater contamination in the vicinity of CFA deposits or land reclamation projects in long-term storage. To mitigate this risk, the Guofeng Power Plant may consider utilizing locally compacted Malan loess in combination with geosynthetic materials or implementing a liner much thicker than 1.5 m to enhance the impermeability of the fly ash landfill.

Effectiveness of agricultural BMPs on phosphorus load reduction for the Canadian Lake Erie basin: A literature review

Lake Erie, the shallowest and warmest of the Great Lakes, has been increasingly threatened by eutrophication and harmful algal blooms affecting economic growth in the region. Excess nutrients, particularly phosphorus, transported with agricultural runoffs have become a major issue of lake water quality. In response to this growing concern over the adverse environmental effects of agriculture, farmers, conservation authorities and governments have worked together to promote and implement best or beneficial management practices (BMPs) in the contributing watersheds that focus on maintaining agricultural activity and farm profitability while protecting the environment. This paper conducted a technical review of BMPs and their effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields for the Canadian Lake Erie Basin (CLEB). These BMPs include cover crop, conservation tillage, manure incorporation, crop nutrient planning, fragile land retirement, adding organic amendments, reducing soil compaction, controlled tile drain, grassed waterway, vegetative filter strip, riparian buffer, water and sediment control basin, and wetland restoration. Field experiments and modeling studies about BMP effectiveness on phosphorus load reduction from agricultural fields in the CLEB and the Great Lakes region were reviewed and assessed. Findings from other similar geographic regions were also documented for comparison and reference. Because BMPs are site-specific, their phosphorus load reduction effectiveness varied over a wide range in the literature depending upon characteristics of the BMP and local climate, slope, soil type, land use, and land management conditions. Based on the literature review, factors influencing BMP effectiveness were analyzed, and suggestions on research priorities for evaluating BMP effectiveness in the CLEB were provided. This study will benefit decision-makers, watershed conservation authorities, and other stakeholders in estimating phosphorus load reductions from agricultural landscapes and contribute to tracking progress toward achieving Canada’s phosphorus load reduction targets for Lake Erie.

Mitigating soil compaction and enhancing corn (Zea mays L.) growth through biological and non-biological amendments

Soil compaction is a pressing issue in agriculture that significantly hinders plant growth and soil health, necessitating effective strategies for mitigation. This study examined the effects of sugarcane bagasse, both in its raw form and as biochar, along with biological activators (Bacillus simplex UTT1 and Phanerochaete chrysosporium) on soil characteristics and corn (Zea mays L.) plant biomass in a compacted soil. Using a completely randomized factorial design, we assessed their impact on soil bulk density, porosity, nutrient concentrations, and plant growth parameters. Results indicated that combining organic amendments with microbial inoculation (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) significantly reduced soil bulk density (7–14%) (p < 0.05) and enhanced soil aggregate stability (38%), soil permeability coefficient (52%), and total porosity (40%) (p < 0.01) compared to controls. Notably, the application of biochar and microbial inoculants improved soil moisture retention (p < 0.05) and soil nutrient availability, particularly potassium and phosphorus, which increased by 18% and 23%, respectively. Plant biomass responses (10–35%) varied, with combined microbial treatments (B. simplex UTT1 + P. chrysosporium) yielding optimal outcomes (p < 0.01) compared to individual applications. The study emphasizes that integrating organic amendments with biological processes not only mitigates soil compaction but also fosters soil health and productivity. These findings support the need for sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the role of effective resource management in enhancing soil structure and crop yields. Future research should focus on understanding the underlying mechanisms of these interactions and their long-term implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability.Clinical trial number Not applicable.

Root Penetration Is Associated with Root Diameter and Root Growth Rate in Tropical Forage Grasses

Soil compaction impedes root exploration by plants, which limits access to nutrients and water, ultimately compromising survival. The capability of roots to penetrate hard soils is therefore advantageous. While root penetration has been studied in various annual crops, the relationships between root growth and root penetration are poorly understood in tropical perennial grasses. This study aimed to compare root penetration capability in 10 tropical perennial forage grasses and identify relationships between root penetration, root diameter and vertical root growth. Root penetration of each species, namely Urochloa (syn. Brachiaria) brizantha cv. Mekong Briz, U. decumbens cv. Basilisk, U. humidicola cv. Tully, U. hybrid cv. Mulato II, U. mosambicensis cv. Nixon, U. ruziziensis cv Kennedy, Panicum coloratum cv. Makarikariense, Megathyrsus maximus (syn. Panicum maximum) cv. Tanzânia, Paspalum scrobiculatum (syn. Paspalum coloratum) cv. BA96 10 and Setaria sphacelata cv Solendar, was evaluated using wax layers of varying resistances, created from a mixture of 40% (1.39 MPa) and 60% (2.12 MPa) paraffin wax, combined with petroleum jelly. Reference root sizes were determined for the grass species by measuring root diameter and root lengths of seedlings grown in growth pouches. Vertical root growth rate for each species was measured in grasses grown in 120 cm deep rhizotrons. Species with greater root penetration at both resistances had significantly higher shoot growth rates (r = 0.65 at 40% wax and 0.66 at 60% wax) and greater root diameters (r = 0.67 at 40% wax and 0.68 at 60% wax). Root penetration was significantly higher in species with greater vertical root growth rate only in the 60% wax treatment (r = 0.82). Root penetration at higher resistance was correlated with the root diameter and rapid vertical root growth of the species. This may indicate a contribution of these traits to root penetration ability. The combination of greater root diameter and root vertical growth rate, as observed in M. maximus, may assist in the identification of perennial forage grasses suitable for agroecosystems challenged by soil compaction and rapidly drying soil surface.

Design and Optimization for Straw Treatment Device Using Discrete Element Method (DEM)

Due to the dense crop residue in the Huang-Huai-Hai region, challenges such as large resistance, increased power consumption, and straw backfilling arise in the process of no-till seeding under the high-speed operations. This paper presents the design of a straw treatment device to address these issues. The cutting edge of a straw-cutting disc is optimized using an involute curve, and the key structural parameters of the device are designed by analyzing the process of stubble cutting and clearing. In this study, the Discrete Element Method (DEM) was employed to construct models of compacted soil and hollow, flexible wheat straw, forming the foundation for a comprehensive interaction model between the tool, soil, and straw. Key experimental variables, including working speed, rotation speed, and installation centre distance, were selected. The power consumption of the straw-cutting disc (PCD) and the straw-clearing rate (SCR) were used as evaluation metrics. Response surface methodology was applied to develop regression models linking the experimental factors with the evaluation indexes using Design-Expert 12 software. Statistical significance was assessed through ANOVA (p &lt; 0.05), and factor interactions were analyzed via response surface analysis. The optimal operational parameters were found to be a working speed of 14 km/h, a rotation speed of 339.2 rpm, and an installation centre distance of 100 cm. Simulation results closely matched the predicted values, with errors of 1.59% for SCR and 9.68% for PCD. Field validation showed an SCR of 86.12%, improved machine passability, and favourable seedling emergence. This research provides valuable insights for further parameter optimization and component development.

Assessing the Impacts of Coal Mining on Soil Quality in Kogi East, Nigeria

This study investigates the effects of coal mining on soil physical and chemical properties in Kogi East, Nigeria, focusing on two mined sites (Ika-Ogboyaga and Okaba) and one unmined control site (Abache). Soil samples were collected from 32 plots across mined areas and 16 plots in the unmined site using a 200m x 200m belt transect method. Samples were analyzed for particle size, bulk density, soil pH, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, exchangeable cations, and heavy metal concentrations using standard laboratory methods. Results show minimal differences in soil texture (sandy clay loam) across all sites, with slightly higher bulk density in mined areas (1.89±0.2g/cm3, 1.87±0.6 g/cm3), indicating soil compaction from mining activities. Chemical properties, including pH, organic carbon, nitrogen, and cation exchange capacity, showed minor variations, while heavy metal concentrations (Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb) were within safe limits across all sites. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) (F-value=0.00449; F-crit=3.1907; P-value=0.995511) showed no significant differences in most soil properties between mined and unmined areas, suggesting limited impact of coal mining on soil quality in the region. To improve soil health and sustainability the study recommended mitigating soil compaction, implementing vegetation rehabilitation with native species, conducting continuous soil monitoring, raising community awareness, and promoting sustainable mining practices.

Machine learning techniques and multivariable mathematical models for predicting modified soil compaction parameters based on particle size and consistency limits

Machine learning techniques and multivariable mathematical models for predicting modified soil compaction parameters based on particle size and consistency limits

Identification and Analysis on Surface Deformation in the Urban Area of Nanchang Based on PS-InSAR Method

Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) technology has emerged as a vital tool for monitoring surface deformation due to its high accuracy and spatial resolution. With the rapid economic development of Nanchang, extensive infrastructure development and construction activities have significantly altered the urban landscape. Underground excavation and groundwater extraction in the region are potential contributors to surface deformation. This study utilized Sentinel-1 satellite data, acquired between September 2018 and May 2023, and applied the Permanent Scatterer Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (PS-InSAR) technique to monitor surface deformation in Nanchang’s urban area. The findings revealed that surface deformation rates in the study area range from −10 mm/a to 6 mm/a, with the majority of regions remaining relatively stable. Approximately 99.9% of the monitored points exhibited deformation rates within −5 mm/a to 5 mm/a. However, four significant subsidence zones were identified along the Gan River and its downstream regions, with a maximum subsidence rate reaching 9.7 mm/a. Historical satellite imagery comparisons indicated that certain subsidence areas are potentially associated with construction activities. Further analysis integrating subsidence data, monthly precipitation, and groundwater depth revealed a negative correlation between surface deformation in Region A and rainfall, with subsidence trends aligning with groundwater level fluctuations. However, such a correlation was not evident in the other three regions. Additionally, water level data from the Xingzi Station of Poyang Lake showed that only Region A’s subsidence trend closely corresponds with water level variations. We conducted a detailed analysis of the spatial distribution of soil types in Nanchang and found that the soil types in areas of surface deformation are primarily Semi-hydromorphic Soils and Anthropogenic Soils. These soils exhibit high compressibility, making them prone to compaction and significantly influencing surface deformation. This study concludes that localized surface deformation in Nanchang is primarily driven by urban construction activities and the compaction of artificial fill soils, while precipitation also has an impact in certain areas.

Geotechnical Assessment of Foundation Stability for Preserving the Agrippa Monument at the Acropolis of Athens.

This study focuses on the geotechnical evaluation of the foundation conditions of the Agrippa Monument at the Acropolis of Athens, aiming to propose interventions to improve stability and reduce associated risks. The assessment reveals highly uneven foundation conditions beneath the monument. A thorough collection of bibliographic references and geotechnical surveys was conducted, classifying geomaterials into engineering-geological units and evaluating critical parameters for geotechnical design. Geotechnical models were developed and 3D finite element analyses were performed. The qualitative evaluation of the foundation under static conditions indicates no immediate risk of failure, as no accelerated movement has been observed and the monument's tilt remains well below critical values. Time-dependent settlements are not expected from any clay layers in the artificial fills. However, further soil compaction could occur due to seismic events, water action (causing erosion or voids), or changes in the monument's weight or tilt under static conditions. The study also proposes instrumental monitoring, foundation soil improvement, and water management strategies to enhance the monument's stability and mitigate potential risks.

Investigating the Compressibility of Sandy‐Clay Soil in the Laboratory Soil Bin Caused by Agricultural Tire Traffic and Analyzed by the Adaptive Neuro–Fuzzy Inference System

Agricultural soil compaction caused by tractors and heavy farm machines has a direct impact on farm productivity. Therefore, the effect of influencing parameters on soil compaction was studied and evaluated using a wheel tester device in the soil bin environment. Experiments were carried out at 3 levels of vertical load (170, 250, and 320 kg), 3 levels of tire inflation pressure (10, 15, and 20 psi), 3 levels of soil moisture content (2%, 7%, and 13% wet basis), and 2 levels of forward speed (0.386 and 0.879 km/h) in the form of a factorial design and a randomized complete block design in 3 replications. Next, soil compaction was predicted under the influence of investigated parameters using ANFIS. The results showed that the advance of the wheel at low speed and high soil moisture content significantly increases soil compaction. The present findings showed that the soil compaction increases linearly with the relative increase of the vertical load on the tire. Meanwhile, the relative increase of soil compaction in wet soil (7%–13% relative humidity, wb) was relatively 9.93 times higher than the soil compaction in low humidity (2%–7%). The results also show that reducing tire inflation pressure from 20 to 15 psi reduces soil compaction by 12.94%. The correlation coefficient between the measured and predicted data using ANFIS for soil compaction was equal to 1, which showed the high accuracy of ANFIS models in predicting the studied parameters. This approach provides criteria for a more appropriate selection of agricultural tires.

Soil Health and Challenges to Sustainable Soil Management in Denmark: Stakeholder Perceptions

ABSTRACTMaintaining soil health is essential to ensuring an adequate food supply and preserving the environment. Insights from multiple stakeholder inquiries can provide a more nuanced understanding of conditions for soil health to support the adoption of sustainable soil management practices to meet national and regional goals. This article aimed to gather insights from stakeholders' perceptions of soil health and the state of soil knowledge in Denmark. Seven stakeholder inquiries, collected through a series of recent European soil research activities, were synthesised to identify perceptions of soil health, concerns about soil challenges and needs for harmonising production and use of knowledge related to sustainable soil management. Each inquiry was analysed individually, and common themes were discussed across topics. The data showed that the ecosystem service framework related to soil health was not evenly familiar across stakeholder categories. Identified concerns for soil health included climate change effects, knowledge transfer, economic pressure/risk, and soil challenges. The top ‘priority’ soil challenges identified were improving soil organic matter/peat soil, avoiding soil compaction and improving nutrient retention/use efficiency. Soil knowledge gaps related to soil challenges included: multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary long‐term experiments, site‐specific measures, science–policy–stakeholder interactions and knowledge feasibility at the farm level. Identified barriers preventing wider adoption of sustainable management practices included farm applicability of practices, farmers' engagement, knowledge sharing and lack of regulations for challenges such as soil compaction. Farmers were also concerned about the time and effort required to learn new practices, especially as it relates to their work/life balance and the challenge of implementing sustainable practices on commercial farms while ensuring profitability. These concerns might partially arise from knowledge gaps between stakeholder categories. Raising awareness of sustainable practices and addressing current and future risks such as pests and weather extremes are crucial for policy and stakeholder engagement.

The Golden Afromontane ecosystems at cross-road: Wetland-based upstream-downstream linkage in Genale Dawa River Basin.

Understanding the relationship between land use and land cover (LULC) change and wetland-based ecosystem services (WESs) is crucial for sustaining wetlands and maintaining hydrological connectivity in the Genale-Dawa River Basin (GDRB). While the quantification of LULC change has received considerable emphasis, WESs are often overlooked in this region. This research aims to analyze LULC change and estimate the potential ecosystem services (ESs) provided by the GDRB. Data were collected through field observations, focus group discussions, and key informant interviews, with respondents selected using simple random and purposive sampling techniques. Landsat images between 2005 and 2020, along with documents review, were utilized to generate datasets. A stakeholders' consultation forum and expert judgment were employed to understand the historical ecology of WESs in the GDRB. Results showed that: (1) LULC change occurred non-linearly in the GDRB, with agricultural land continuously increasing while forestland, woodland, and grassland decreased between 2005 and 2020; (2) the estimated ecosystem service value (ESV) of the GDRB was approximately US $10,360.28 million in 2005 and US $9033.06 million per year in 2020, indicating a decline of 12.81%, resulting in a total net loss of US $1327.22 million from the basin. Although provisioning ESV has increased, regulating, supporting, and cultural ESVs have experienced significant losses. The increase in provisioning ESV does not compensate for the overall decline in ESVs in the GDRB. Soil compaction in the upstream part of the GDRB has diminished recharge potential and enhanced flooding downstream, jeopardizing sustainable hydrological connectivity in the basin. This situation has placed the basin at risk and at a critical crossroads. Notably, the upstream landscape is now more exposed to anthropogenic pressures than in the past, with clear impacts observed both locally and downstream. Therefore, robust law enforcement and awareness-raising efforts are essential, along with targeted rehabilitation initiatives in the GDRB.