Soil Health Research Articles

Potential of conservation agriculture practice in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia: a review

Land degradation is a major problem in Ethiopia, as it contributes to climate change by releasing greenhouse gases (GHG) and slowing carbon sequestration rates. The objective of this review was to assess the role of conservation agriculture (CA) in climate change adaptation and mitigation in Ethiopia. The critical review method processes for identifying and synthesizing peer-reviewed research and review articles, reports, proceedings, and book chapters were followed, with materials obtained from relevant search engines. The findings of the various reports revealed that minimum tillage assists in soil moisture conservation when compared to conventional tillage. Conservation tillage maintains crop residue, reduces soil temperature significantly, and increases nutrient buildup in the surface soil layer, all of which lead to higher crop growth and production thus help as adaptation to climate change. Furthermore, agriculture and other land uses significantly contribute to greenhouse gas emissions; nevertheless, conservation agricultural methods improve soil organic carbon (SOC), soil aggregation, and carbon in aggregate, as well as soil health that contribute to climate changing mitigation. Several studies found that soil health indicators such as soil aggregation, soil organic carbon storage, soil enzymes, and microbial biomass improved under conservation tillage practices, potentially improving the carbon-nitrogen cycle, soil stability, and overall crop productivity. In terms of climate adaptation and mitigation, CA is one of the non-substitutable choices for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Crop diversity, increased nitrogen consumption efficiency, crop rotation, improved soil carbon sequestration methods; crop residue retention, minimum soil disturbance, manure incorporation, and integrated farming systems are all important factors in minimizing GHG emissions. Moreover, factors impeding CA adoption include a lack of appropriate equipment and machinery, weed control methods, the use of crop residue for fuel wood and animal feed, a lack of awareness about the benefits of CA on soil health and sustainability, and a lack of government technical and financial support for smallholder farmers. Adoption and scaling up of CA practices are critical for ensuring a sustainable development goal and resilient future. Thus, relevant stakeholders should consider the aforementioned considerations while promoting the technology on a large scale through integration with enhanced technology.

Spatial Variability of Micronutrient Status in Miyawaki Forest Development

Aim: This study aims to quantitatively analyze the spatial variability in the micronutrient status of soil by conducting a comparative assessment of soil samples from Miyawaki forest and adjacent barren land. By focusing on key parameters such as soil pH, organic matter content and micronutrient levels, the changes brought by the Miyawaki method of afforestation is being studied. Study Design: Soil samples were collected from the first Miyawaki forest established in Kerala and a comparative study was done with neighbouring undisturbed plot to analyse the changes that was brought about by the establishment of Miyawaki forest in the area. Place and Duration of Study: The Miyawaki forests selected for study was located in Puliyarakonam in Thiruvananthapuram district of Kerala, India. Methods: Representative soil samples were collected from the Miyawaki forest lands and neighbouring undisturbed plot from two depths and was subjected to various analyses. Results: The various soil chemical parameters were found to be enhanced by this method of afforestation indicating an improved soil fertility and soil health. Conclusion: The study highlights the significant benefits of Miyawaki forest restoration techniques on soil properties, which have far-reaching implications for both soil health and biodiversity. A higher OM (4.13%), available micronutrients (B-0.83 mg kg-1, Fe- 39.65 mg kg-1, Mn-30.53 mg kg-1, Zn-12.44 mg kg-1, Cu-8.90 mg kg-1) and pH (5.35) was observed in the Miyawaki forest in the surface soil. It was found that while the pH increased in the subsurface soil all the micronutrient concentration decreased with depth.

Impact of Organic Farming in Economic Development in Agriculture

Organic farming is valued for its self-sustaining, environmentally friendly methods that protect surrounding ecosystems of plants and animals. It reduces weed growth through techniques like crop rotation and integrates traditional knowledge alongside natural processes. This approach optimizes inputs, strengthens regenerative abilities, and ensures effective conservation of resources and nutrients. The cost-benefit ratio in sustainable agriculture is notably better, as it requires fewer primary inputs compared to conventional methods, which often incur high costs for fertilizers and pesticides, lowering profit margins. Additionally, conventional farming's heavy reliance on chemicals can lead to significant health risks, both mental and physical. Organic farming, by following natural principles and using non-synthetic, traditional practices, creates a balanced environment that allows crops to thrive. This approach helps counteract the negative impacts of chemical-dependent agriculture, increasing production sustainably and supporting population growth without harming the ecosystem. Core principles of organic farming include health, ecology, fairness, and care. The benefits range from natural pest and disease resistance, specialization potential, healthier soil, support for pollinators, no GMO concerns, safer work conditions for farmers, and on-farm input production. Farmers and companies must meet stringent, government-approved standards, undergo regular certification, and comply with inspections to ensure the high quality of organic products produced with renewable resources. This paper aims to delve into the origins of organic farming, its environmental, social, economic, and agricultural advantages, and underscore its importance for the future. Similarly, on a larger scale, it can provide rural populations with greater earnings, better resource management and more chances to generate revenue Keywords: Organic Farming, Sustainability, Farmers, Health, Ecology.

Assessment of cover crop adoption and impact on weed management in Wisconsin corn‐soybean cropping systems

AbstractThe evolution and widespread occurrence of herbicide‐resistant weeds pose a major challenge for farmers and crop consultants across North America, warranting integrated management strategies. The adoption of cover crops offer weed suppression and soil health benefits but adds management complexity. A survey, targeting farmers and crop consultants, was conducted during the spring of 2023 to evaluate current cover crop management practices and perceptions in Wisconsin cropping systems. The survey included 26 questions across five sections: respondent profile, cover crop adoption and experience, cover crop management ahead of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], cover crop management ahead of corn (Zea mays L.), and general benefits and challenges of cover crop adoption. Farmers and crop consultants represented most respondents, influencing a total of 29,500 and 557,000 ha, respectively. Waterhemp (Amaranthus tuberculatus [Moq.] J.D. Sauer) and giant ragweed (Ambrosia trifida L.) were identified as the most troublesome weeds. Over 90% of respondents use herbicides to terminate their cover crops, and 68% of respondents agree that cover crops improved overall weed control in their farms/clients’ farms to some extent [cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) as main cover crop species]. Additionally, results demonstrate a strong consensus (85%) on cover crops positively influencing water retention, with 98% agreement on their efficacy in reducing soil erosion. Results from this survey can help guide farmers, agronomists, researchers, and policymakers with cover crop adoption, management, policies, incentives, and future research and education needs in Wisconsin and beyond to support the development of more sustainable and efficient weed and crop management strategies.

Applicability of soil health assessment dominated by biological indicators in facility agriculture

The minimum data set (MDS) is widely used for soil health index (SHI) assessment, with the selection of indicators being crucial. However, biological indicators are less frequently used compared to physical and chemical indicators. This study aimed to establish a biologically-centered MDS for assessing soil health in tomato facility agriculture in Ningbo. Using biochemical, microbiological, and nematode data from 60 continuous cropping soils, we identified key indicators for the MDS. Principal component analysis revealed a strong correlation between the MDS and the total data set (TDS), with the final MDS including available phosphorus, electrical conductivity, β-glucosidase, urease, bacterial Chao1 index, bacterial Shannon index, Ralstonia solanacearum, nematode Shannon index, structure index, and channel index. Random forest modeling showed that the predicted SHI had a high fit with the MDS-SHI, with bacterial and nematode Shannon indices being the most influential predictors, emphasizing the critical role of biological communities in maintaining soil health. Furthermore, the study identified three distinct phases in soil health during long-term continuous cropping: healthy (0–10 years), sub-healthy (11–15 years), and recovery (16–20 years), demonstrating the soil's potential for self-recovery. By incorporating biodiversity as a core component, this biologically-focused MDS provides a more comprehensive and precise method for evaluating soil health in facility agriculture. The findings suggest that this MDS could inform future research and applications in similar agricultural systems. Moreover, the results highlight the vital role of biodiversity in agroecosystem stability, suggesting that future soil health assessments should place greater emphasis on biological indicators to better capture the complexity of soil functions.

Assessment of Waterlogging and Mitigation Strategies for Alanda Micro Watershed Using Remote Sensing in Akola District of Vidarbha Region, India

The socio-economic progress of Vidarbha, where 89% of the land is used for rainfed farming, is significantly influenced by water resources. Unfortunately, waterlogging, driven by insufficient drainage and erratic weather conditions, poses serious challenges to agricultural productivity and soil health. The Alanda micro watershed in Barshitakli tehsil, Akola district, Vidarbha region of Maharashtra, features hard basaltic terrain and clay soils primarily used for agriculture. Poorly drained soils have caused waterlogging and salinization, highlighting the need for assessment of mitigation measures for the waterlogging to improve agricultural productivity and address climate change impacts. Waterlogging can be effectively identified through remote sensing techniques like NDWI, NDMI and NDVI, using high-resolution Landsat 8 imagery processed in ArcGIS 10.8. These methods facilitate the analysis and management of waterlogged areas, which is critical for improving agricultural output. The NDVI, NDWI and NDMI maps of the Alanda micro watershed highlight vegetation health, moisture levels and waterlogging potential, with the northern regions showing higher moisture and increased waterlogging risk. Mitigating waterlogging in the area requires the implementation of efficient drainage systems, soil improvement through organic matter and deep tillage and precise water management practices, including levelling fields to prevent water accumulation and using drought-resistant crops.

Influence of Planting Distances, Boron Application and Varying Fertilizer Levels on the yield Performance of Shallot (Allium Cepa var. Aggregatum) Across Season in Ilocos Norte, Philippines

Shallots are gaining importance in the Ilocos region, due to their culinary uses in traditional cuisine, medicinal properties, and export potential. However, the reduction of inherent soil fertility and the manifestation of multiple nutrient deficiencies have led to low yields which is 13.70% lower than the national average. Consequently, researchers and farmers are aware in the improvement of shallot production in the region. This study, conducted from March, 2023 to February, 2024, at Mariano Marcos State University using a Strip-Split-Plot design with three replicates and analyzed using STAR. Planting distances as vertical plot, boron application as horizontal plot, and fertilizer level as the subplot. The study aimed to evaluate the influence of planting distances on yield performance of shallots, and to develop better nutrient management strategies for optimal shallot production. To optimized shallot productivity per land unit area, particularly during the off-season, it is recommended to adopt closer planting distances of 15cm x 10cm combined with the application of 30-30-30 kgha⁻¹ NP₂O₅K₂O and 5 tha⁻¹ of organic fertilizer. This technique has been shown to produce higher yields, reaching up to 17.39 tha⁻¹. Additionally, pure organic fertilizer application at a rate of 7.5 tha⁻¹ during the off-season is also recommended, as it has demonstrated high yields of 16.12 tha⁻¹ when using the same planting distance of 15 cm x 10 cm. This approach not only increases yield but also improves soil health, making it a sustainable option for long-term cultivation. For the regular season, planting distances of 20 cm x 10 cm and 15 cm x 15 cm, applied with 60-60-60 kg ha⁻¹ NP₂O₅K₂O and 2.5 tons ha⁻¹ of organic fertilizer, are recommended, as they have produced yields of up to 29.4 tons ha⁻¹. While pure inorganic fertilizer results in high yields during the regular season, a combination of organic and inorganic fertilizers is preferred to enhance soil health and prevent soil d

Use of Probes and Sensors in Agriculture—Current Trends and Future Prospects on Intelligent Monitoring of Soil Moisture and Nutrients

Soil monitoring is essential for promoting sustainability in agriculture, as it helps prevent degradation and optimize the use of natural resources. The introduction of innovative technologies, such as low-cost sensors and intelligent systems, enables the acquisition of real-time data on soil health, increasing productivity and product quality while reducing waste and environmental impact. This study examines various agricultural monitoring technologies, focusing on soil moisture sensors and nutrient detection, along with examples of IoT-based systems. The main characteristics of these technologies are analyzed, providing an overview of their effectiveness and the key differences among various tools for optimizing agricultural management. The aim of the review is to support an informed choice of the most appropriate sensors and technologies, thus contributing to the promotion of sustainable agricultural practices.

Advances in viticulture via smart phenotyping: current progress and future directions in tackling soil copper accumulation

Modern viticulture faces significant challenges including climate change and increasing crop diseases, necessitating sustainable solutions to reduce fungicide use and mitigate soil health risks, particularly from copper accumulation. Advances in plant phenomics are essential for evaluating and tracking phenotypic traits under environmental stress, aiding in selecting resilient vine varieties. However, current methods are limited, hindering effective integration with genomic data for breeding purposes. Remote sensing technologies provide efficient, non-destructive methods for measuring biophysical and biochemical traits of plants, offering detailed insights into their physiological and nutritional state, surpassing traditional methods. Smart phenotyping is essential for selecting crop varieties with desired traits, such as pathogen-resilient vine varieties, tolerant to altered soil fertility including copper toxicity. Identifying plants with typical copper toxicity symptoms under high soil copper levels is straightforward, but it becomes complex with supra-optimal, already toxic, copper levels common in vineyard soils. This can induce multiple stress responses and interferes with nutrient acquisition, leading to ambiguous visual symptoms. Characterizing resilience to copper toxicity in vine plants via smart phenotyping is feasible by relating smart data with physiological assessments, supported by trained professionals who can identify primary stressors. However, complexities increase with more data sources and uncertainties in symptom interpretations. This suggests that artificial intelligence could be valuable in enhancing decision support in viticulture. While smart technologies, powered by artificial intelligence, provide significant benefits in evaluating traits and response times, the uncertainties in interpreting complex symptoms (e.g., copper toxicity) still highlight the need for human oversight in making final decisions.

Socio-Economic and Buying Behavior of Groundnut Growers towards Micronutrient Fertilizer in Sabarkantha District of Gujarat, India

The study aims to analyze the impact of socio-economic, knowledge level and buying behavior of groundnut growers towards micronutrient in Sabarkantha district. This study employed a multistage sampling technique in the Sabarkantha district of north Gujarat, known for its high groundnut productivity. The focus was on three talukas-Himmatnagar, Idar and Talod-chosen for their extensive groundnut cultivation areas in 2024. From each taluka, five villages were randomly selected and eight growers from each village, totaling 120 growers, were selected. The study aimed to explore the socio-economic profiles of groundnut growers, assess their knowledge of micronutrient fertilizers, analyze their buying behavior. The majority of growers (55.83%) were between 36 and 50 years old, with more than 15 years of farming experience. Most belonged to nuclear families and had completed higher secondary education. Borewells and open wells were the main irrigation sources, with 57.50% also involved in animal husbandry. Annual incomes ranged between ₹1,44,901 and ₹6,72,800. Additionally, 73.33% between ₹3,38,501 and ₹8,26,500 from both farming and other sources. Groundnut growers demonstrated high awareness of the importance, access and benefits of micronutrients, though only 19.17% had soil health cards. Agro-input dealers (54.16%) were the primary information source and mixed micronutrients (49.16%) were most preferred. The study found a strong relationship between socio-economic variables and buying behavior, with 96.20% of the variation explained. Positive influences on purchasing included the price of micronutrients, growers’ income, farming experience and larger landholdings, while older growers and those with higher knowledge were less likely to purchase micronutrients. Most growers (75.00%) purchased from agro-service centers or dealers. This comprehensive analysis provides valuable insights into the socio-economic profiles, knowledge and buying behavior of groundnut growers in the Sabarkantha district.

A Framework for Upgrading Contaminated Urban Land and Soil by Nature-Based Solutions: Demonstration with a Swedish Case

To move towards a circular economy and to meet the upcoming EU soil health legislation, both contaminated land and contaminated soil should be acknowledged as fragile and valuable resources to be restored and recycled to provide essential ecosystem services to humans. Underused, often contaminated land can be returned to beneficial use as urban greenspace (UGS) with the help of gentle remediation options (GROs). GROs are plant-, fungi-, bacteria-, and soil amendments-based risk management mechanisms that can also simultaneously improve soil functions and the provision of ecosystem services. This study (i) presents a framework including tools and methods for exploring opportunities for transforming brownfields to UGS using GROs to deal with soil contamination, (ii) demonstrates its application for a case study site in Gothenburg, Sweden, and (iii) presents stakeholders’ views on the suggested framework. This framework can support the transition of brownfields to UGS while recycling both land and soil and increasing the market value of the site and its surroundings. Stakeholders found the suggested framework useful but identified some challenges for its practical implementation, mainly associated with financial aspects and the existing practice and level of knowledge. Stakeholders also identified the need for additional practical tools to (a) make predictions about the time required for GROs to reach acceptable risk levels, (b) monetize non-market benefits such as ecosystem services for communicating benefits to decision-makers, and (c) provide support for plant and soil amendment selection for various GROs and contaminants.

Management of soil phosphorous using phosphate solubilizing microorganisms: A sustainable approach

Phosphorus is crucial for plant growth and productivity, and its scarcity in soil negatively affects crop yields. A major portion of chemical phosphate fertilizer precipitates with soil minerals, making it unavailable for plant growth. Phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms play a pivotal role in enhancing phosphorus availability, facilitating better nutrient absorption, and ultimately boosting plant growth. This article presents a brief overview of the phosphorus status in Indian soil, discusses the various forms of phosphorus and its dynamics across different soil types, and analyses the factors involved, highlighting the importance of phosphorus management for sustainable agriculture. Physiological and molecular mechanisms of microbial phosphate solubilization provide deep insights into exploring PSMs for managing phosphorous in different soil types. It also provides a path for the necessity to explore the multifarious plant growth-promoting traits of PSMs underscoring its applicability for sustainable agricultural practices with viable economy. The mechanism of solubilization of phosphorus has been discussed to understand the role of microorganisms in different soils. The study highlights the role of significant microorganisms in developing tailored consortia of PSMs and other plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) based on the chemical composition of the soil, along with an integrated nutrient approach incorporating PSMs. This review offers valuable insights into harnessing PSMs and their practical applications, facilitating their broader adoption in agricultural systems to maintain soil health.

Ecological influences of sulfadiazine on rhizosphere soil microbial communities in ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)-soil potting systems: Perspectives on diversity, co-occurrence networks, and assembly processes

Microorganisms in the soil are crucial constituents of land ecosystems, significantly influencing their structure and functionality. However, the accumulation of antibiotics in agricultural practices may negatively affect these microbial communities. The objective of this study was to explore the ecological effects of the sulfonamide drug sulfadiazine (SDZ) on the rhizosphere soil microbial communities of ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.). A potting system experiment was constructed by exposing for 45 days after treatments with different initial concentrations of SDZ (0, 1, 10, and 30 mg/kg) to assess the effects of SDZ on soil microbial diversity, bacterial-fungal co-occurrence networks, and community assembly processes. The findings indicated that SDZ treatment significantly altered the community composition, especially for bacteria in the phylum Proteobacteria and Gemmatimonadota and fungi in the phylum Mortierellomycota and Aphelidiomycota. Network analysis revealed that SDZ stress caused alterations in microbial interaction patterns, especially at high treatment concentrations, and reduced network connectivity. In addition, SDZ significantly affected microbial community assembly processes, where stochastic processes were enhanced in bacterial communities, while fungal communities showed a balance of stochastic and deterministic processes. Analysis of environmental variables revealed that the presence of SDZ may disrupt the link between soil microorganisms and soil nitrogen compounds. The results provide new perspectives for understanding the ecological impacts of antibiotic residues in agroecosystems and provide a scientific basis for soil health management.

Study on the Greenhouse Gas (Ghg) Emissions from Rice Field Under Various Nutrient Management Practices

Modernizing traditional farming practices and intensive cultivation on limited land has increased the reliance on fertilizers to maintain soil health. The study was conducted on rice crop from 2022 to 2023. The seven treatment combinations in which recommended dose of nitrogen applied through neem coated urea (NCU) and nano urea, viz., T1:Control (No nitrogen), T2: 1/3rd as (NCU) as basal) + 1/3rd NCU at active tillering (AT)) + 1/3rdNCU at panicle initiation (PI)), T3: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 1/3rd NCU at AT + 2sprays of NU at maximum tillering -MT and PI) @ 2 ml / litre), T4: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 1/3rd NCU at AT + 1 spray of nano-urea at PI @ 4 ml / litre), T5: 1/4 NCU as basal + 1/4 NCU at AT +2 sprays of nano-urea (at MT and PI) @ 2 ml / litre), T6 :1/3rd NCU as basal + 2 sprays of nano-urea (at AT& PI) @ 2 ml / litre), and T7: 1/3rd NCU as basal + 3 sprays of nano-urea (at AT, PI, and heading) @ 2 ml / litre). The study revealed significant differences in GHG emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N₂O) and carbon dioxide (CO₂), among the different fertilizer management practices. The highest (p=??) N₂O emissions were observed in the T2 treatment {1/3rd RDN (NCU as basal) + 1/3rd RDN (NCU at active tillering) + 1/3rd RDN (NCU at panicle initiation)} at 352 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, while the lowest emissions were recorded in the T1 treatment (Control – without nitrogen) at 88.4 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. Similarly, CO₂ emissions were also the highest in the T2 treatment at 1376 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, with the control (T1) recording the lowest at 1165 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. Methane emissions, mainly influenced by water regimes, remained consistent across all treatments, each contributing 2112.3 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, due to similar water management across all treatments. Overall, total GHG emissions were significantly higher in fertilized treatments, with the T2 treatment exhibiting the highest total emissions of 3841 kgCO₂eha⁻¹, while the control had the lowest at 3366 kgCO₂eha⁻¹. These findings highlighted the complex trade-offs between enhancing rice yields through improved nutrient management and the associated increase in GHG emissions, emphasizing the need for strategies that balance productivity with environmental sustainability.

A Study on Future Population Dynamics of Indigenous Earthworm Species in Golaghat District of Assam, India

This study presents a pioneering exploration into the population dynamics of indigenous earthworm species in the Golaghat district of Assam, India, through the lens of mathematical modeling. Recognizing the integral role of earthworms in enhancing soil productivity and ecosystem health, we embarked on a detailed longitudinal analysis spanning from 2018 to 2023 to assess their population trends across different seasons and subdivisions within the district. Utilizing the principles of Mathematical Biology, we employed the Malthus Growth model and the Logistic Growth model to estimate future population trajectories of earthworm species, integrating biological insights with mathematical rigor. Our methodology, combining extensive field data collection with sophisticated mathematical modeling, provides a replicable framework for similar ecological studies. This study contributes to the growing field of Mathematical Biology, offering a novel approach to understanding the complex interactions within ecosystems and the impact of environmental changes on key species. The outcomes offer valuable insights into sustainable agricultural practices and biodiversity conservation in tropical and subtropical regions, emphasizing the critical role of indigenous earthworm species in maintaining soil health and ecosystem services. Our findings reveal significant seasonal variations and highlight the resilience of these species in the face of ecological changes. The models suggest distinct population growth patterns, with the Logistic model providing a more realistic projection considering environmental constraints and resource availability. The bifurcation diagram is drawn for the Logistic map that presents the phenomena inside the chaotic region.

Principles, barriers and enablers to agroecological animal production systems: a qualitative approach based on five case studies

Agroecology is among the most promising options to alleviate the negative impacts of animal farming on the environment and build local food systems based on ethically-acceptable production methods. So far, most of the research on agroecological animal production systems was conducted at farm scale, and the potential of agroecological principles addressing social dimensions and food system level approaches has been underexplored. Here, we analyze how the whole set of agroecological principles was mobilized in five case studies on grassland-based, silvopastoral or integrated crop-livestock systems in Switzerland, Guadeloupe, French uplands, Bulgaria and Andalucía. Following a multilevel perspective, we propose a new eight-category framework to categorize barriers and enablers in these different socioecological contexts, and discuss the implications of these results for scaling out and scaling up agroecological niche innovations in animal production areas. Though we could observe activities related to each agroecological principle in each case study, the relative importance of each principle differed. For instance, in Switzerland the focus was on ecological processes operating in multi-species mixtures, and therefore on mobilizing principles of input reduction, synergy, soil health and biodiversity, while in Andalucía, a civil society organization, a regional agricultural office, researchers, and farmers mainly mobilized transformational principles at the food system level, e.g. social values, connectivity and participation. Such contrasts highlight how agroecology allows different equilibria among principles, adapting to the needs of farmers and local communities. Inadequate infrastructure and lack of technology were frequently reported as barriers to agroecological transitions. Policy needs to go beyond the mere support of agroecological practices on livestock farms and adopt a systems approach looking downstream and upstream if it is to enable a large-scale agroecological transition with EU public policies. Market as an enabler was linked to direct sales and short distribution circuits, generating added value to the benefit of local communities. Most agroecological systems benefited from a positive image among citizens and consumers, but cultural barriers resulted from change in product characteristics, e.g. veal meat color in dairy system that promote long-lasting cow-calf contact. All case studies were very advanced in the social dimensions of agroecology, and cooperation networks were always reported among the enablers for scaling out. The multi-actor network approach fostered knowledge exchange between farmers, researchers and citizens, and allowed participants to share values. Long-term commitment from local practitioners is required so that co-designed solutions are implemented, which can strengthen the economic and social viability of animal production areas.

Effects of Cover Crop on Selected Abiotic and Biotic Soil Health Indicators

Current cropping systems, like cover cropping, aim to improve soil health and crop productivity, with the former a more sustainable route to the latter. This can be done by evaluating the influence of cover crops (CCs) on soil health indicators, both abiotic and biotic, as is the objective of this study. Several CCs (crimson clover [Trifolium incarnatum L.], oats [Avena sativa], hairy vetch [Vicia villosa Roth.], winter wheat [Triticum aestivum L.], winter peas [Lathyrus hirsutus L.], flax [Linum usitassimum L.], triticale [Triticale hexaploide Lart.], cereal rye [Secale cereale], and barley [Hordeum vulgare L.]) were used across two research sites, set up using a completely randomized design with two levels of CCs (CC vs no cover crop [NC]) and three replicates during 2023. Soil samples were collected at 0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm depths and analyzed for soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass and composition. Results showed significantly lower bulk density values, greater water content (at 0 kPa soil water matric potential), greater volume-specific heat capacity (at 0 and -33 kPa soil water matric potential), greater total nitrogen, and numerically greater soil organic carbon under CC compared with NC management. This led to numerically greater microbial biomass and community composition (e.g., arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, gram-negative and gram-positive bacteria, eukaryotes, and fungi), and slightly lower microbial stress indicators (genotypic and chemical structure categorizations) under CC compared with NC management. However, the lack of significant differences between treatments suggests that three years is insufficient to detect improvements in measured soil health indicators. Further, the significant differences in measured soil health indicators between study sites suggests an influence of soil texture and order, and this warrants further investigations.

Effects of soil compaction on above- and belowground interactions during the early stage of forest development

Forested green spaces in urban and peri-urban areas are expected to serve multiple roles, including providing ecosystem services and maintaining species diversity and soil health, both of which are particularly important for human health. However, soil compaction is a major cause of soil degradation in urban areas and brownfields (abandoned, previously developed land). We examined the effects of compaction on soil physicochemical properties, tree species richness, tree basal area, and the functional diversity of microbial communities in an immature volcanic soil through a long-term (14-year) field experiment. Our experimental results showed that soil compaction reduced not only both tree species richness and biomass but also the multifunctionality of soil microbial communities. Furthermore, tree species richness was significantly positively related to soil microbial decomposition activity. These findings provide evidence of above- and belowground interactions and underscore their importance in the design of urban forests using ecosystem-based solutions.

Cover crops and P‐fertilizer management affect microbial activity in a US Midwest corn and soybean rotation

AbstractMicroorganisms can have a substantial effect on labile phosphorus (P), which may be lost from the soil surface and impact water quality. Changes in nutrient availability and soil health from agricultural management can affect microbial biomass carbon (MB‐C), microbial biomass phosphorus (MB‐P), and the expression of P cycling enzymes. The objective of this research was to investigate biological mechanisms affecting P availability and potential loss to runoff in a no‐till, corn (Zea mays)–soybean (Glycine max) cropping system with two cover crops (cover crop [CC] and no cover crop [NC]) and three P management treatments (fall broadcast [FB], spring injected ammonium polyphosphate [SI], and no phosphorus application [NP]). Treatments were applied to a randomized block design with three replicates. Soil samples were analyzed for MB‐P, MB‐C, phosphatase activity, and Mehlich‐III P (PM). The P supply to the soil solution was measured using diffusive gradient thin film P (PDGT). In Spring 2018, Fall 2018, and Spring 2019, all phosphatase activity was greater in CC versus NC (p < 0.01). Microbial biomass C was greater in CC compared with NC in spring but not fall samplings. On average, MB‐P was fivefold greater in the P fertilized than unfertilized treatments (p < 0.001). CCs did not change MB‐P, PM, or PDGT within FB or NP, but did affect SI fertilizer treatments. Our results suggest CC can increase potential for organic P mineralization, application of P fertilizer increases MB‐P, and an interaction between SI P fertilizer management and CC may increase P supply to the soil solution.

Effects of salvage logging after forest fire on Siberian larch regeneration and ecosystem carbon stocks at the drought limit of the boreal forest in Mongolia

Post-fire salvage logging is widely applied in Mongolia's boreal forests with the intent to prevent intact forests from logging. The rationale behind this approach is the assumption that the additional disturbance caused by the removal of standing deadwood after stand-replacing fire is of no further significance for the already heavily disturbed ecosystem. However, while there is a global debate on effects of salvage logging for regeneration success, biodiversity, and soil health, little evidence has been collected from strongly drought-limited southern boreal forests of Central Asia. Comparing sites with and without salvage logging, we investigated forests of Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) ca. 20 years after stand-replacing fire and asked whether postfire salvage logging affected regeneration density, terminal shoot length and radial stem increment, ecosystem carbon stock densities, and reduced organic layer depth and compacted the soil. The biomass of the larch regeneration was significantly reduced by salvage logging, while tree growth was not affected. The ecosystem carbon stock density of burnt forest without salvage logging was 202 Mg C ha−1 and thus even in the lower range of intact larch forests from Mongolia, whereas burnt forests with salvage logging had organic carbon stock densities (104 Mg C ha−1) that were lower than those of unburned grasslands in the forest-steppe. These results show that removing deadwood from burnt forest is not insignificant, but has the potential to delay forest recovery and strongly reduces organic carbon storage. However, we did not find significant reductions in soil organic carbon stocks or soil compaction. Nonetheless, our findings raise the question of whether careful management of intact forests (especially by selective felling under a continuous-cover forestry regime) would be a more ecologically sustainable alternative than post-fire salvage logging.