Soil Degradation Research Articles

Partial Organic Substitution Fertilization Improves Soil Fertility While Reducing N Mineralization in Rubber Plantations

Overuse of chemical nitrogen (N) fertilizers leads to N leaching and soil degradation. Replacing chemical N fertilizers with organic fertilizers can enhance soil nutrition, reduce N loss, and improve soil productivity. However, the effects of combining organic and chemical fertilizers on soil N components and N transformation remain unclear. A 12-year field study included four treatments: no fertilizer (CK), chemical fertilizer alone (CF), 50% chemical N fertilizer combined with co-composted organic fertilizer (CFM), and composted (CFMC) organic fertilizer. The results showed that CFM and CFMC significantly enhanced SOC, TN, LFON, DON, NH4+-N, and MIN levels compared to CF. The CFM and CFMC treatments enhanced the soil N supply capacity and N pool stability by increasing the N mineralization potential (N0) and decreasing the N0/TN ratio. The CFM and CFMC treatments decreased net N ammonification rates by 108.03%–139.83% and 0.44%–64.91% and net mineralization rates by 60.60%–66.30% and 1.74%–30.38%, respectively. Changes in N transformation have been attributed to increased soil pH, enzyme activity, and substrate availability. These findings suggest that partial organic fertilizer substitution, particularly with co-composted organic fertilizers, is a viable strategy for enhancing soil fertility, improving soil N supply and stability, and reducing N loss in rubber plantations.

Derivation of site-specific environmental quality guideline values for fuel-contaminated soils on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island.

Accidental fuel spills associated with the storage, transfer, and use of diesel fuel for power generation have occurred on sub-Antarctic Macquarie Island since the establishment of the island's research station in 1948. An extensive in situ remediation program was implemented by the Australian government from 2009 to 2016 that used nutrient addition and air sparging to enhance the microbial degradation of petroleum products. During this period, a range of ecotoxicological assessments were conducted to better understand the impacts of fuel in soils on native biota and their sensitivity. This study compiles this ecotoxicological data into a species sensitivity distribution (SSD) to establish environmental quality guideline values (EQGVs) for fuels in soils on Macquarie Island. The SSD model includes 13 critical effect concentrations (CECs) selected using an expert judgment approach. These include data from functional and community-based tests as well as traditional single-species toxicity tests using microbes, plants, and invertebrates and representing the range of carbon content (~3%-48%) and fuel composition at various stages of degradation (from fresh to 18 months aged) in soils as occurs at contaminated sites on the island. A protective concentration (PC80) of 97 mg/kg TPH C9-C40 (95% CI 24-283) was derived for special Antarctic blend diesel from the SSD and is recommended as an appropriate site-specific EQGV and potential remediation target for the immediate station area in the vicinity of infrastructure. More conservative PC values are also provided for areas with higher conservation values outside the station footprint. These EQGVs are the first to be produced for fuels in the sub-Antarctic and Antarctic regions. They will be used to inform ongoing environmental management on Macquarie Island and are likely suitable and recommended for use more broadly across the sub-Antarctic. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2024;00:1-13. © 2024 Commonwealth of Australia. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

Impact of biochar on the degradation rates of three pesticides by vegetables and its effects on soil bacterial communities under greenhouse conditions

A 28 days pesticide degradation experiment was conducted for broccoli (Brassica oleracea L. var. italica Planch) and pakchoi (Brassica chinensis L.) with three pesticides (chlorantraniliprole (CAP), haloxyfop-etotyl (HPM), and indoxacarb (IXB)) to explore the effects of biochar on pesticide environmental fate and rhizosphere soil diversity. Rice straw biochar (RB) was applied to soil at a 25.00 t ha−1 dosage under greenhouse conditions, and its effects on the degradation of three pesticides in vegetables and in soil were investigated individually. Overall, RB application effectively facilitated CAP and HPM degradation in broccoli by 13.51–39.42% and in broccoli soil by 23.80–74.10%, respectively. RB application slowed the degradation of CAP, HPM and IXB in pakchoi by 0.00–57.17% and slowed the degradation of CAP in pakchoi by 37.32–43.40%. The results showed that the effect of RB application on pesticide degradation in crops and soil was related to biochar properties, pesticide solubility, plant growth status, and soil characteristics. Rhizosphere soil microorganisms were also investigated, and the results showed that biochar application may be valuable for altering bacterial richness and diversity. The effect of biochar application on pesticide residues in crops and soil was influenced by the vegetable variety first, and the second was pesticide characteristics. RB applied to soil at a 25.00 t ha−1 dosage under greenhouse conditions is recommended for broccoli production to ensure food safety. Our results suggested that biochar application in soil could reduce pesticide non-point source pollution, especially for highly soluble pesticides, and could affect soil microorganisms.

Impact of Bio-Organic Fertilizer Incorporation on Soil Nutrients, Enzymatic Activity, and Microbial Community in Wheat–Maize Rotation System

Excessive use of inorganic fertilizers disrupts soil nutrient balance and leads to soil degradation and a decrease in biodiversity. In contrast, bio-fertilizers enhance soil structure and fertility and promote plant growth and sustainable agriculture development. Therefore, this study focused on a rotation system of winter wheat and summer maize and aimed to explore the effects of applying chemical fertilizer (NPK) and bio-fertilizer (BF) in the winter wheat season on the sustainable soil development of current wheat and subsequent maize. Before sowing winter wheat four fertilization treatments were, respectively CK (100% NPK at 750 kg ha−1), A (60% NPK at 450 + 20% BF at 150 kg ha−1), B (60% NPK at 450 + 40% BF at 300 kg ha−1), and C (60% NPK at 450 + 60% BF at 450 kg ha−1), conducted. The results showed that treatment A (60% NPK + 20% BF) replacing the NPK at 300 kg ha−1 with BF at 150 kg ha−1 significantly soil nutrient contents, enzyme activity, and microbial metabolic activity. The study also found a positive correlation between soil parameters (total nitrogen, alkaline nitrogen, available phosphorus, organic matter, urease, and alkaline phosphatase in the winter wheat and maize cropping season). Furthermore, the soil microbial composition showed significant enrichment of Proteobacteria, Acidobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Firmicutes, and variations among treatments. Moreover, the application of biofertilizer enhanced the diversity of soil fungi species, particularly during the winter wheat season. This study highlights the importance of integrating biofertilizers with NPK fertilizer for agricultural system conversion and promoting agricultural production and sustainability.

Cardamom Pickering emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanostructures as disinfection agents against bacteria and SARS-CoV-2

This study introduces a new disinfectant agent utilizing cardamom essential oil stabilized by cellulose nanomaterials (CN). The Pickering emulsion technique prevented oil degradation and extended its storage duration. Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) or cellulose nanofibers (CNF) were utilized as stabilizers, and the emulsions were evaluated for surface tension, rheology, morphology, antimicrobial and antiviral activity against S. enterica, S. aureus, P. aeruginosa, E. coli, and SARS-CoV-2. Surface tension measurements indicated an electrostatic stabilization mechanism in CNC emulsions, exhibiting fluid behavior confirmed by rheological tests. On the other hand, CNF emulsions displayed drop packaging, characteristic of shear-thinning behavior, as confirmed by the Ostwald-de-Waele model. The emulsions exhibited antibacterial activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa, particularly the CNC samples, suggesting that nanocellulose alters the regulation of oil migration into the medium. Testing against SARS-CoV-2 revealed that cardamom essential oil required 30 min of contact for viral protein denaturation, while CNC and CNF emulsions took 60 and 50 min, respectively. This indicates that CN acts as an encapsulating agent, prolonging the oil’s release time and necessitating longer contact periods with the virus. These findings demonstrate the potential of these emulsions in developing new antimicrobial and antiviral products.

Partial organic substitution increases soil quality and crop yields but promotes global warming potential in a wheat-maize rotation system in China

Excessive application of synthetic fertilizer has resulted in serious soil degradation and significant greenhouse gases (GHGs) fluxes in farmlands. Partial organic substitution for synthetic fertilizer was considered as a possible strategy for sustainable agricultural development, but its potential effects on soil quality, GHGs emissions, and crop productivity remain unclear. A field experiment across 3-year was conducted to evaluate the responses of soil quality, nitrous oxide (N2O), carbon dioxide (CO2), and methane (CH4) emissions, and crop yields to different ratios of organic fertilizer (OF) to synthetic fertilizer (SF). Six treatments were included: non-fertilization (CK); total SF; total OF; 15 %, 30 %, and 45 % organic substitution (LO, MO, and HO). Soil cumulative N2O emission was decreased with increasing organic substitution ratios, mainly attributing to the reducing soil NH4+ content. However, organic substitution increased soil CO2 and CH4 emissions due to the high manure-driven C input, consequently promoting global warming potential (GWP). Meanwhile, soil organic C, total N, P, available P, K, and C-acquisition enzyme activities were increased with organic substitution, resulting the higher soil quality index (SQI) under HO and OF. HO enhanced the annual yield of wheat and maize by 7.2 % and 13.0 % compared with SF and OF, respectively. The positive relationship between crop yield and SQI indicated that the yield-enhancing effect with partial organic substitution was mainly attributed to the improved synchronization in nutrient supply and soil fertility. Overall, partial organic substitution, especially 45 % organic substitution represents a viable strategy to improve soil quality and crop productivity while mitigating N2O emission in wheat-maize rotation systems. However, organic substitution promoted the GWP through stimulating soil CO2 and CH4 emissions. Further investigations of optimize fertilization managements are still needed to reduce manure-induced CO2 and CH4 emissions to achieve higher climate change mitigation.

Climate Change Adaptation Information Usability Among Maize Farmers in Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria

The availability of climate change information has not always led to more successful adaptation; even when climate change adaptation information is available, there are still obstacles to its efficient use. Furthermore, the tactics required to communicate climate information to end-users for successful adaptation have received less attention. This study focuses on utilization of available climate change adaptation information among maize farmers in the study area. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 203 respondents for data collection. The data were collected using a questionnaire and analysed through the use of the standard statistical package for social sciences. The communication strategies used include inter-personal, audio, visual and social media. The results revealed that the strategies used in communicating climate change adaptation information to maize farmers in the study area yielded great influence in terms of benefits to the farmers such as the increase in income, prevention of yield loss, reduced soil degradation, maintaining good human health status, and improved weed management. The information that is popularly utilised is mixed cropping (61.6%), water management (58.1%), and early warning (58.1%). A significant relationship existed between communication channels (r=0.8, p<.05) and respondents’ climate change adaptation information utilization. Poor understanding of the message and lack of funds to put the information into practice hinders some respondents from utilising adaptation information. Hence, extension agents need to locate these category farmers and link them with service providers that could provide incentives or credit facilities for sustainable utilisation of available information to combat climate change.

Unveiling the Opportunities of Unexplored Use of Cover Crop in Mediterranean Agriculture through Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Cover crops are multifunctional, and contribute to improving soil properties and reducing environmental impact compared to no-cover crops, thus could provide multiple soil, agricultural, and environmental benefits, and they are recognized as a valid strategy for the achievement of sustainable agriculture. However, cover crops’ impacts on subsequent cash crops and soil characteristics are dependent on several factors, such as pedoclimatic conditions, cover crop species, agricultural practices, method of termination, and irrigation management. The fact that cover crops are never applied as a single practice in the real agricultural sector, but are instead combined with other factors or agricultural practices, deeply affects their performance, but the scientific literature nevertheless keeps considering the use of cover crops alone. Moreover, the potential outcomes of cover crops that encompass other factors or agricultural practices affecting soil quality, weed control, and cash crops are still unclear. Additionally, cover crops are still poorly use in the Mediterranean type of climate. Therefore, this study reviewed the scientific literature to identify the most relevant factors or agricultural practices driving cover crops’ performance, and to outline future fields of investigation looking towards promising sustainable agriculture in Mediterranean areas with a view to minimizing the competition for soil water with the cropping systems and to reduce soil degradation. Furthermore, the investigation includes multiple factors or agricultural practices that better represent the real farming system, contributing to a comprehensive understanding of their interactions with cover crops, and suggests alternative strategies for reducing yield gap while seeking to achieve agricultural sustainability.

Potential of land degradation index for soil salinity mapping in irrigated agricultural land in a semi-arid region using Landsat-OLI and Sentinel-MSI data.

Irrigated agricultural lands in arid and semi-arid regions are prone to soil degradation. Remote sensing technology has proven useful for mapping and monitoring the extent of this issue. To accurately discern soil salinity, it is essential to choose appropriate spectral wavelengths. This study evaluated the potential of the land degradation index (LDI) using the visible and near infrared (VNIR) and the short wavelength infrared (SWIR) spectral bands compared to that of soil salinity indices by integrating only the VNIR wavelengths. Landsat-OLI and Sentinel-MSI data, acquired 2weeks apart, were rigorously preprocessed and used. This research was conducted over irrigated agricultural land in Morocco, which is well known for its semi-arid climate and moderately saline soil. Furthermore, a field soil survey was conducted and 42 samples with variable electrical conductivity (EC) were collected for index calibration and validation of the results. The results showed that the visual analysis of the derived maps based on the examined indices exhibited a clear spatial pattern of gradual soil salinity changes extending from the elevated upstream plateau to the downstream of the plain, which limits agricultural activities in the southwestern sector of the study area. The results of this study show that LDI is effective in identifying soil salinity, as indicated by a coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.75 when using Sentinel-MSI and 0.72 with Landsat-OLI. The R2 value of 0.89 and root mean square error (RMSE) of 0.87 dS/m for soil salinity maps generated from LDI with Sentinel-MSI demonstrate high accuracy. In contrast, the R2 value of 0.83 and RMSE of 1.24 dS/m for maps produced from Landsat-OLI indicate lower accuracy. These findings indicate that high-resolution Sentinel-MSI data significantly improved the prediction of salinity-affected soils. Furthermore, this study highlights the benefits of using VNIR and SWIR bands for precise soil salinity mapping.

Degradation and Migration in Olive Oil Packaged in Polyethylene Terephthalate under Thermal Treatment and Storage Conditions

The research addresses challenges in food safety related to the migration of contaminants from plastics to food. It focused on the physicochemical and sensory degradation of olive oils packaged in polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and subjected to thermal exposure at 40 °C and 60 °C for several weeks and a subsequent 12 months of storage, as well as the stability and migration of compounds from the PET packaging itself. Olive oils (OO) from Spanish supermarkets (a mixture of refined and virgin, with commercial identifications of mild and intense) were selected and subjected to thermal treatments at 40 °C and 60 °C for 1, 2, and 3 weeks, followed by 12 months of storage. The treatments were conducted through the following two independent experiments: Experiment A focused on immediate analysis post-thermal treatment, while Experiment B included a 12-month storage period post-thermal treatment. The presence of antimony (Sb) was analyzed using acid digestion with nitric acid (HNO3) and high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HR-ICP-MS), while the metals cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), and iron (Fe) were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The PET characterization was assessed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the mid-infrared range (FT-IR/MIR), carbonyl index, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The results showed increases in the acidity index by 0.29%, the peroxide value by 25.92%, and the K268 coefficient by 51.22% between the control sample and the most severe treatments, with more pronounced effects observed after 12 months. Sensory quality declined, with reduced intensity of the “fruity” attribute and increased presence of the “rancid” defect. PET degradation was reflected in an increase in the carbonyl index and greater structural amorphization. Fe was the predominant metal, and Sb concentration increased after thermal treatments. The lack of studies on the raw consumption of oils packaged in PET and the concerns about the migration of compounds from the packaging to the food highlight the relevance of this research. This study provides new insights into the effects of thermal exposure and storage on the migration of PET contaminants into oils, contributing to the development of strategies to ensure food safety and product quality.

Leaf gas exchange, water use, and yield of Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Kei Apple (Dovyalis caffra): South African indigenous fruit trees with domestication potential

Conventional crop production is expected to decline in the future in sub-Saharan Africa due to the rising costs of inputs, soil degradation, and increasing water scarcity related to climate variability and change. South Africa has more than 30 species of indigenous fruit trees that are adapted to grow under harsh conditions, yet these species are currently underutilized. Their cultivation is constrained by the lack of detailed ecophysiological information required to develop effective management strategies that optimize tree performance. In this study we investigated how two species with domestication potential namely Marula (Sclerocarya birrea) and Kei apple (Dovyalis caffra) responded to climate and soil factors over a period of two years (2019–2021). Photosynthesis, transpiration, and yield were quantified for mature trees growing in experimental orchards in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa. Leaf gas exchange data were collected at selected intervals during the growing season using an infrared gas analyser while whole tree transpiration rates were quantified using the heat ratio method of monitoring sap flow. These data were used to parameterize a big leaf Penman-Monteith (PM) model to estimate the transpiration dynamics of individual trees at the daily time step. S. birrea's transpiration responded strongly to both climatic and soil water content variations while the water use of D. caffra was driven mostly by climatic factors. Transpiration rates averaged 0.30 L/m2 of leaf area for S. birrea while that of D. caffra was around 0.45 L/m2. Both species exhibited significant alternate bearing with yield of individual trees fluctuating by more than 50 % between successive years. For the 2019/20 season, water productivity (grams of fruit per litre of water transpired) varied between 6.2 and 17.4 g/L for S. birrea and between 24.3 and 41.7 g/L for D. caffra. Whole tree transpiration by both species were accurately predicted using the PM model albeit with different parameters for each species. This study demonstrates that a simple PM model can accurately estimate the water requirements of these species in other growing regions.

Thermal degradation of coconut oil with free fatty acid, peroxide value, and moisture content indicators

Coconut oil is consumed by people for cooking purposes. It is usually subjected to long heating at high temperatures and often reheated and reused. There is a need to investigate the degradation of coconut oil without a food matrix to determine its inherent degradation properties if it is subjected to long thermal stress. This study investigates the thermal degradation of refined, bleached, and deodorized coconut oil (RBDCO). The RBDCO samples were heated at three different temperatures (150, 175, and 200 °C) for 12 hours continuously. Samples were collected every hour interval and analyzed for free fatty acid (FFA), peroxide value (PV), and moisture contents (MC). Results reveal that increased temperature and heating time lead to higher FFA, PV, and MC, indicating significant oil degradation. The findings suggest that maintaining optimal processing conditions is crucial for preserving oil quality and safety standards.

“A quantitative analysis on the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation technologies in the upper Gelana watershed, Northeast Ethiopian highlands”

Globally, the degradation of soil, water, and forests has had a significant impact on both livelihoods and the environment. This issue is particularly severe in developing countries, including Ethiopia. Despite extensive efforts to implement conservation measures for soil, water, and forests in the highlands of Ethiopia, there has been a lack of thorough evaluation and documentation regarding the adoption of these practices by rural households. It is crucial to have scientific and up-to-date information at various spatial scales in order to effectively monitor existing practices, scale up successful initiatives, and promote sustainable regional development. Therefore, this paper focuses on analyzing the adoption of soil, water, and forest conservation activities by households in the upper Gelana watershed, South Wollo zone, Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. The field data collection for this study took place from January to March 2022, from 150 rural household heads. Data analysis was carried out using SPSS software version 23. Descriptive statistics, Pearson bivariate correlation, and multinomial logistic regression were used. The survey findings revealed that 69 % of the respondents had implemented various soil, water, and forest conservation measures at different stages. The Pearson correlation results indicated a positive relationship between the adoption of soil, water and forest conservation practices. The multinomial logistic regression analysis has revealed that age, gender, access to credit, and access to extension services, significantly influenced the households’ decision behaviour to adopt soil conservation practices. Age, access to extension service, and access to water resource were significant predictors of adoption of water conservation practices; whereas age, educational status, and access to extension service were significant predictors of adoption of forest conservation practices. This study underscores the significance of institutional factors in driving the adoption of technology in the research area. It further recommends policies that prioritize the dissemination of information on effective strategies, improvement of access to extension services, water resources, and credit facilities to promote sustainable watershed management. This study is exceptional in its innovative approach, which explores the convergence of these vital conservation domains within the distinct setting of the upper Gelana watershed. Studying the adoption of these technologies is crucial for informing policy-making and designing effective interventions that promote sustainable watershed practices. In this case, the Ministry of Agriculture, and development agents should scale up the adoption of these practices and take remedial actions for those not yet adopted.

Assessment of seasonal variations in soil heavy metal concentrations and potential health risks in Gujarat, India.

This study investigates the prevalence, distribution, and ecological consequences of 21 heavy metals (Ag, Al, As, B, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, and Zn) in the soils between the Mahi and Dhadhar rivers in Gujarat, India. It aims to assess the seasonal variations in soil contamination and the potential human health risk associated with the heavy metal exposure through ingestion, inhalation, and dermal contact pathways. Soil samples were collected from 57 sites across three distinct seasons and analyzed using indices such as the geo-accumulation index, contamination factor, pollution load index, ecological risk factor, and global potential ecological risk. Human health risks were also evaluated for carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects. The findings reveal significant soil contamination, especially during the Monsoon and Post-Monsoon seasons, with heavy metals like Ag, Cd, Cr, Cu, Co, Ni, and Pb posing considerable ecological threats. Cr and Ni were identified as presenting the highest carcinogenic risks, while Fe and Cr posed major non-carcinogenic challenges. Seasonal variations significantly influenced heavy metal concentrations and distribution patterns. The study highlights the urgent need for comprehensive policies and sustainable practices to mitigate soil contamination and protect environmental health. It emphasizes the critical role of human activities, such as industrial, agricultural, and mining operations, in soil degradation and calls for increased community awareness and action to address these challenges.

Influence of the Surrounding Environment Steam Power Plant (PLTU) Kema Satu Village, Kema District, North Minahasa District

In today's era, it is important to understand the impact of Steam Power Plant (PLTU) operations on the environment and economy around the plant site, especially in Kema Satu Village. PLTUs, which harness the kinetic energy of steam from geothermal heat, are widely used due to their ease of operation and accessibility of fuel. However, they also have significant impacts, both positive and negative, on local communities. This study aims to assess the environmental and economic impacts of PLTU Sulut 3 on the surrounding area, evaluate its operational efficiency, and determine its contribution to stabilizing and improving electricity supply in North Sulawesi and Gorontalo. The research method used was a combination of qualitative and quantitative techniques to ensure a comprehensive analysis. Data was collected through observation, interviews, and analysis of relevant secondary data. The results show that the PLTU in Kema Satu Village has significant impacts on the local environment, including air and water pollution, soil degradation, and ecosystem disruption. In addition to providing electricity supply and employment opportunities for the local community, the PLTU has also triggered property price inflation and shifts in the local economy. Other negative impacts include damage to the local agricultural sector and increased greenhouse gas emissions. The implications of this study emphasize the need for careful planning, community involvement, and the implementation of sustainable practices to mitigate negative effects on residents and the environment.

Research on collaborative management technology of deep multi-coal seam mining and pre-reclamation in coal-grain composite area

Subterranean coal mining results in the occurrence of surface subsidence, soil degradation, and damage to agricultural lands, which is especially severe in regions with high groundwater levels. The collaborative reclamation scheme combining surface pre-reclamation and underground mining layout optimization can effectively control the problem of damage to farmlands. Hence, it is imperative to study the collaborative management technology. The research area for this study is Jiulishan Mine, located in coal-grain composite areas with a high groundwater table. Initially, a combined UAV and USV measuring system was utilized to acquire spatial data of the proposed reclamation area. Furthermore, we examined the evolution features of the subsidence ponding related to various mining methods using FLAC3D numerical modeling. Ultimately, the ArcGIS spatial analysis module was utilized to model and calculate the reclamation volume and rate for each plan. Our findings indicate that: (1) The extent of damage caused by shallow coal seam mining includes an area of 50.67 hm2 for farmland damaged area (FDA), 31.49 hm2 for seasonal subsidence ponding (SSP), and 23.51 hm2 for perennial subsidence ponding (PSP). Additionally, the boundary subsidence values for each damaged area are 0.8 m, 1.6 m, and 2.8 m, respectively. (2) Through the optimization of deep coal seam mining designs, the spatial configuration of the subsidence basin is successfully altered, creating the necessary condition for the development of a dynamic pre-reclamation plan. (3) The reclamation rate of the optimized pre-reclamation (PR) scheme is significantly higher, ranging from 40 % to 44 %, compared to the reclamation rate of 24 % of the traditional reclamation (TR). The choice of a suitable land reclamation and ecological restoration strategy was determined by optimizing mining plans and considering the characteristics of the subsidence area. This offers empirical evidence and specialized assistance for the ecological rehabilitation of coal-grain composite areas with high groundwater levels.

Contribution to the analysis of the physico-chemical and rheological degradation of 15w40 lubricating oils for the optimization of drain intervals

Degradation of engine oil can lead to a reduction in its effectiveness in reducing friction, which has a negative impact on engine durability and performance. This research examined in detail the physico-chemical and rheological properties of new and used motor oils, divided into three groups (A, B and C) and subjected to different driving distances (0 km, 4000 km and 7000 km). The main findings include: Progressive degradation of kinematic viscosity at 40°C with increasing distance travelled, with greater degradation in group A. A similar degradation in kinematic viscosity at 100°C, with Group A showing the greatest degradation, suggesting a loss of efficiency at higher temperatures. A progressive decrease in viscosity index with increasing distance travelled. Significant changes in the total acid number (TAN) and total base number (TBN) of the oil with increasing distance travelled, with the greatest decrease in TBN observed in group C, suggesting acidification of the used oil. A progressive decrease in the sulfur content of used oil compared to new oil, mainly in group C. A progressive deterioration in dynamic viscosity with increasing distance travelled, particularly at higher temperatures. These results highlight the importance of regular maintenance and servicing of thermal engine lubricating oils particularly in an urban driving. future work Develop a predictive model using neural networks to analyze physical, chemical, and rheological properties, and monitor it online.

Impacts of soil de-sealing practices on urban land-uses, soil functions and ecosystem services in French cities

Soil sealing has been recognised as one of the main causes of urban soil degradation in Europe. To tackle this issue, de-sealing measures have recently been promoted in cities to increase the sustainability of soil ecosystem services. To our knowledge, very few evaluations of de-sealing projects have as yet been done to assess the current framework of these urban planning practices. Therefore, we conducted an online survey to collect and analyse soil de-sealing projects throughout mainland France. A 60-question survey was run over a 4-month-period, and data about 57 projects were collected. The answers covered a diversity of projects, structures and stakeholders and included data such as the location / objectives / costs and benefits of the projects implemented in cities of various sizes. A typology of urban land-uses before and after de-sealing was defined. Among the diverse objectives of de-sealing, rainwater management, reducing urban heat, and greening were most frequent. More than half of the respondents (64%) indicated that ecosystem services were used to drive their de-sealing project. The methods usually required excavation of the sealing cover and road layers being replaced by newly imported fertile materials. Recent de-sealing projects have reused derelict materials from the site (soil-material inventory) and/or local urban waste for soil construction, which can help minimise both the economic and environmental costs of urban greening projects. The results of this study provide quite an exhaustive view of current French de-sealing practices and could provide guidelines for improving soil functions by applying soil engineering processes to construct sustainable fertile soils for urban greening.

Enhancing soil health, microbial count, and hydrophilic methomyl and hydrophobic lambda-cyhalothrin remediation with biochar and nano-biochar

Pesticide contamination and soil degradation present significant challenges in agricultural ecosystems, driving extensive exploration of biochar (BC) and nano-biochar (NBC) as potential solutions. This study examines their effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and the fate of two key pesticides: the hydrophilic methomyl (MET) and the hydrophobic lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT), at different concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5% w w−1) in agricultural soil. Through a carefully designed seven-week black bean pot experiment, the results indicated that the addition of BC/NBC significantly influenced soil dynamics. Soil pH and moisture content (MC) notably increased, accompanied by a general rise in soil organic carbon (SOC) content. However, in BC5/NBC5 treatments, SOC declined after the 2nd or 3rd week. Microbial populations, including total plate count (TPC), phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB), and nitrogen-fixing bacteria (NFB), showed dynamic responses to BC/NBC applications. BC1/NBC1 and BC3/NBC3 applications led to a significant increase in microbial populations, whereas BC5/NBC5 treatments experienced a decline after the initial surge. Furthermore, the removal efficiency of both MET and LCT increased with higher BC/NBC concentrations, with NBC demonstrating greater efficacy than BC. Degradation kinetics, modeled by a first-order equation, revealed that MET degraded faster than LCT. These findings underscore the profound impact of BC/NBC on pesticide dynamics and microbial communities, highlighting their potential to transform sustainable agricultural practices.

The Sustainable Use of Halophytes in Salt-Affected Land: State-of-the-Art and Next Steps in a Saltier World.

Salinization is a major cause of soil degradation that affects several million hectares of agricultural land, threatening food security and the sustainability of agricultural systems worldwide. Nevertheless, despite the negative impact of salinity, salt-affected land also provides several important ecosystem services, from providing habitats and nurseries for numerous species to sustainable food production. This opinion paper, written in the framework of the EU COST Action CA22144 SUSTAIN on the sustainable use of salt-affected land, therefore, focuses on the potential of halophytes and saline agriculture to transform and restore key functions of these salt-affected and marginal lands. As the current knowledge on sustainable saline agriculture upscaling is fragmented, we highlight (i) the research gaps in halophyte and salinity research and (ii) the main barriers and potentials of saline agriculture for addressing food security and environmental sustainability in terms of population growth and climate change.