The intensification of land-use from natural forests to monoculture systems such as rubber and oil palm plantations alters soil structure and resource availability, thereby affecting fine root acquisition strategies. This study assessed the impact of land-use intensification on fine root morphology, water content, and acquisition strategies across different land-use types. Fine root samples were collected from four systems: natural forest, jungle rubber, rubber, and oil palm plantations (five plots per system). Fine roots were classified into absorptive (first–third order) and transportive (fourth–fifth order), and traits were analyzed using WinRHIZO Pro 2020a. The results showed a decline in absorptive root length along the intensification gradient, with oil palm significantly shorter than forest and jungle rubber. In contrast, root length per area (RLA) was higher in the forest than in rubber plantations. Absorptive root tip length was significantly greater in oil palm compared to rubber. Transportive root length also declined, with significant differences only between oil palm and jungle rubber. Fine root diameter (FRD) and root tissue density (RTD) tended to increase, while specific root length (SRL) and specific root area (SRA) tended to decrease in absorptive roots. In transportive roots, SRL was inconsistent, and SRA remained stable. Water content tended to decrease in absorptive roots but remained relatively stable in transportive roots.

Regulating water-salt transport in subsided soil reclamation: The mechanism of calcination-acid leaching activated coal gangue.

Soil science research in Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences: Review and outlook.

Consequences of natural vegetation conversion to cropland in semiarid regions: Evidence from soil multifunctionality indicators.

With the development of unconventional oil and gas resources (such as shale gas and tight oil/gas), the widespread application of multistage fracturing technology has significantly increased the difficulty of wellbore integrity maintaining. The cement sheath serves as the core barrier for preserving wellbore integrity, particularly at the first interface (cement–casing) and the second interface (cement–formation). The high temperature, high pressure, and cyclic dynamic loading imposed by multistage fracturing represent severe challenges to the integrity of cement sheath. To simulate underground conditions realistically, a high-temperature, complex stress path loading system coupled with real-time gas flow monitoring was developed. Using this system, gas leakage monitoring and displacement-controlled cyclic loading tests were conducted on cement–steel (simulating the first interface) and cement–shale (simulating the second interface) composite specimens. It focused on investigating the effects of different temperatures, cyclic stress levels, and cycle counts on the sealing performance of the cement–steel and cement–shale composites. The findings reveal that elevated temperatures significantly degrade cement properties and accelerate damage accumulation. Cyclic stress levels and cycle counts are core drivers of interface fatigue failure, exhibiting synergistic destructive effects with temperature. The first interface is more prone to seal failure due to material property differences and a relatively high stress level. This research elucidates the cumulative damage mechanism underlying interfacial seal failure. It is of significant engineering implications for enhancing well safety and development efficiency.

The Arctic region is rapidly emerging as a strategic frontier due to its vast untapped oil and gas reserves—estimated to contain about 30% of the world’s undiscovered natural gas and 13% of its undiscovered oil resources—as well as its potential to host future trans-Arctic shipping routes that could significantly reduce global maritime distances [...]

ABSTRACT Hydraulic fracturing is essential for developing unconventional oil and gas resources, yet the imbibition process within fracture–matrix systems during shut-in remains unclear. In this study, X-ray computed tomography was employed to reconstruct the pore structure of tight sandstone with embedded tree-shaped fractures, generating fractured porous media. A novel self-adjusting pressure boundary condition was proposed by setting two virtual buffers at the inlet and outlet to simulate pressure diffusion. Pore-scale simulations were conducted to examine the effects of initial pressure difference, wettability, viscosity ratio, and interfacial tension on dynamic imbibition. Results show that pressure release from the inlet to the outlet buffer gradually reduces the driving force for flow, shifting pore-scale displacement from viscous- to capillary-dominated flow. Two distinct local imbibition behaviors, including counter-current and forced imbibition, were simultaneously observed in the fractured medium, and their kinetic mechanisms were analyzed. Increasing the initial pressure difference from 2 × 105 Pa to 5 × 105 Pa enhanced water infiltration into fractures and matrix, raising water saturation from 0.30 to 0.62. Although fluid properties have limited influence on the overall water saturation profile, they significantly affect local imbibition processes, thereby altering oil–water distribution patterns, which may have notable implications for subsequent depressurization-induced production.

Co-composting fecal sludge and organic solid waste offers a sustainable solution to waste management challenges in developing nations like Bangladesh. This study evaluates the efficacy of co-composting two waste streams- organic solid waste and fecal sludge mixed in a 75:25 ratiousing fecal sludge with two different maturity periods: 14 days and 6 months. Using a bench-scale setup, critical parameters such as pH, temperature, moisture content, electrical conductivity, and the carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio were precisely monitored, while forced aeration was applied to optimize microbial activity and enhance the decomposition process. Results indicated that sludge maturity significantly influenced compost quality. Compost from sludge dried for 6 months showed superior degradation rates buthad lower nutrient content than that from 14-day dried sludge. Across all reactors, pH ranged from 7.7 to 8.2, supporting microbial activity, while moisture content decreased by 20-23%, indicating effective decomposition. The 14-day sludge compost achieved higher nitrogen content (3.2%) and an ideal C/N ratio (15.34-15.55). Co-composting enhanced nutrient levels, with fecal sludge-amended compost containing up to 3.2% nitrogen, 9,855.4 ppm phosphorus, and 7,961.1 ppm potassium, outperforming organic waste alone. Pathogen reduction during the thermophilic phase met Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI) and WHO safety standards. Overall, this study demonstrates that co-composting fecal sludge with organic solid waste can produce nutrient-rich, safe soil conditioners, reduce waste transport costs, mitigate pollution, and improve soil health, offering a decentralized and sustainable waste management strategy for urban settings.

The article presents the results of a comprehensive study of the risks associated with the implementation of agricultural policy for the development of farming households in North Africa under conditions of persistent import dependence and increasing external and internal challenges. The study identifies key directions of agricultural policy aimed at enhancing the resilience of farming households, including infrastructure and logistics modernization, development of cooperation, expansion of financial support instruments, technological and digital modernization, climate adaptation measures, and strengthened regional coordination. A structured and systematized register of policy implementation risks is developed, encompassing economic and financial risks (funding instability, rising prices and inflation), political and institutional risks (conflicts, corruption, and governance inefficiency), social risks (low involvement of local communities, cultural barriers, limited access to education), technological risks (limited access to agrotechnologies, particularly for farming households), environmental risks (climate change, degradation of soil and water resources), and external economic risks (external and internal protectionism). The risks are ranked by priority and assessed in terms of their probability under three scenarios (optimistic, neutral, and pessimistic), followed by the calculation of an integrated indicator of policy implementation risk. The results indicate that the overall level of risk is moderate, with economic and institutional risks making the largest contribution to the integrated assessment, alongside a significant role of climate-related factors. The study concludes that effective policy implementation requires a phased approach with regular monitoring, enhanced transparency and coordination, and the application of targeted support measures to reduce the likelihood of adverse scenarios. The main risk mitigation directions include phased and flexible program implementation with continuous monitoring, strengthened interagency and regional coordination, improved transparency and accountability of support mechanisms, engagement of key stakeholders (farmer associations, NGOs, and international organizations), and the development of adaptive technologies and sustainable farming practices.

Purpose: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the study and research outputs intented at the protection and development of agricultural biological diversity carried out at the Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute from its establishment (1925) until today. Method: In the preparation of this article, annual research reports and literature information regularly published by the Institute every year were taken as basis. Findings: Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute; Its works for the protection and development of agricultural biological diversity started on December 13, 1925 and it still continues its activities in a total area of 646 hectares in 3 separate campuses, including the Central Campus in Eskişehir Karagözler neighboorhood Karabayır Bağları location. The study area of the institute is a basin (region) research institute and covers a total of 12 provinces, including Eskişehir, Kütahya, Afyonkarahisar, Uşak, Burdur, Isparta, Denizli, Bilecik, Bursa, Kocaeli, Sakarya and Yalova. As a result of the studies carried out at the institute, 181 plant varieties and Türkiye's first broiler chicken breed, "Anadolu T", were registered. Seeds of high-yielding varieties developed through breeding studies were produced and delivered to seed producers. In addition, the Institute has completed many projects on the collection, preservation and use of genetic resources as genetic resources in breeding studies. Since our institute was founded, cool climate grains, edible legumes, oilseed plants, medicinal and aromatic plants, meadow-pasture and forage plants, biodiversity and genetic resources, vegetable growing, soil and water resources, Türkiye’s brood broiler chicken breeding project II. It continues its activities in the fields of meat brood breeding, education and extension activities.Conclusion: As a result, Eskişehir Transitional Zone Agricultural Research Institute continues its efforts to ensure the sustainable use of agricultural biodiversity and food security, and to produce solutions to nutritional problems in the country and around the world, with its studies.

Riparian forests play a critical role in protecting soil and water resources and maintaining ecosystem stability. In this study, we evaluated the response of soil chemical and microbial attributes to different stages of riparian forest restoration in the protection zone of the Itaipu Reservoir (Brazil). Soil samples were collected during summer and winter from sites representing four restoration stages (initial, 3, 19, and 30 years), as well as from an adjacent agricultural field and a native forest used as reference systems. We assessed soil chemical properties, microbial biomass carbon, basal respiration, enzymatic activities, and the soil microbial community structure using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Principal component analysis (PCA) revealed a clear restoration gradient, with older restored sites progressively converging toward the native forest condition. Soil chemical properties showed gradual recovery along the restoration trajectory, with increases in soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and base saturation. In contrast, the availability of P, K, Ca, and Mg declined at early restoration stages and increased with restoration age. Microbial biomass carbon increased by approximately 60% from early restoration to native forest conditions, while metabolic quotients (qCO2) decreased, indicating greater microbial efficiency and reduced metabolic stress. Enzyme activities related to C, P, and S cycling increased by 1.5- to 3-fold with restoration age. Sequencing analyses indicated a progressive convergence of microbial community composition toward that of the native forest, driven by shifts in relative abundance and the enrichment of forest-associated taxa, such as Verrucomicrobia and Acidobacteria, at advanced restoration stages. Overall, long-term riparian forest restoration promoted substantial recovery of soil chemical fertility and microbial community structure and functioning, reinforcing the role of soil microbiota as a sensitive indicator of ecosystem resilience and restoration success.

Understanding the differences in the infiltration processes of soda saline–alkali soils with varying degrees of salinization and their underlying mechanisms is of great significance for the rational use of regional soil and water resources. This study was conducted in the Songnen Plain, one of the world’s three major saline–alkali soil distribution areas, where the salt composition is dominated by sodium bicarbonate and sodium carbonate. Five types of soda saline–alkali soils with different degradation levels were selected from the study area. Using a one-dimensional vertical constant-head single-ring infiltration method, characteristic parameters of the infiltration process were measured through in situ experiments. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), a comprehensive multi-parameter infiltration capacity index (SICI) was constructed. Pathway analysis was further employed to explore the potential relationship between soil physical and saline–alkali characteristics and the infiltration process. The results showed that compared to the initial infiltration rate, the steady-state infiltration rates of the five soils decreased significantly by 41.81%, 64.87%, 97.20%, 99.24%, and 99.59%, respectively. Notably, the steady-state infiltration rate of the most severely degraded saline–alkali soil (Suaeda glauca) was only 0.13 mm·h−1. Correspondingly, Suaeda glauca soil exhibited the lowest SICI. Correlation and pathway analyses indicated that SICI was significantly associated with physical and saline–alkali parameters of the soda saline–alkali soils. Besides the direct associations of the fractal dimension of particle size distribution (D), non-capillary porosity (NCP), and salt content (SC) on SICI, D was also linked to lower SICI indirectly through its relationship with NCP, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), and SC. The findings suggest that soil physical structure, particularly the fractal dimension of particle size distribution and pore characteristics, appears to be a primary factor influencing the infiltration capacity of highly soda saline–alkali soils, and that improving soil texture structure and enhancing soil porosity could be prioritized in the restoration and management of severely degraded soda saline–alkali lands.

Ghana's water and soil resources face severe challenges due to heavy metal contamination from gold mining operations. Although Leucaena leucocephala exhibits potential for phytoremediation, little is known about the contribution of its rhizosphere microbiomes to metal uptake and tolerance in multiple-metal contaminated tailings in field conditions. We investigated the rhizosphere bacterial community dynamics in L. leucocephala across three soil treatments (garden soil, 1:1 soil-tailings mixture, and pure tailings) using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing and atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Briefly, transplanted seedlings of L. leucocephala were harvested at three-month intervals for three consecutive harvests to assess metal accumulation and changes in the microbiome. Leucaena leucocephala demonstrated notable tolerance to elevated metal concentrations (>10,000 mg/kg Fe and Mn) under acidic conditions (pH 4.57-5.97). Maximum metal uptake occurred at final harvest, with Fe reaching 14,605 ± 1.40 mg/kg in shoots and Mn reaching 12,279 ± 1.13 mg/kg in roots. The elevated concentrations of metals reduced overall bacterial diversity, except for selected metal-tolerant Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria, which dominated bacterial communities across all treatments. The initial proliferation of Nocardioides and Streptomyces corroborated nutrient and metal-induced stress, while key genera such as Arthrobacter, Gaiella, Skermanella, and Chelatococcus showed strong positive associations with metal accumulation and maintained essential ecological functions. Rhizosphere bacterial communities undergo stress-specific assembly processes, with specific taxa facilitating L. leucocephala's exceptional phytoremediation capacity. These findings provide insights into microbiome-enhanced strategies for mine site rehabilitation.

Abstract Saturated soil hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) is a key property for soil and water management in agricultural and environmental contexts. Due to the high cost and complexity of direct Ksat measurement, pedotransfer functions (PTFs) based on readily available soil variables are widely used. However, studies focusing on subtropical soils remain limited. This study aimed to develop PTFs for a monitored river basin with subtropical Brazilian soils and evaluate machine learning (ML) techniques for Ksat estimation. A dataset with 105 samples from the Ellert Creek watershed (Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil) was used. Twelve model sets were trained using different combinations of predictors, and six ML algorithms were tested: multiple linear regression, decision tree, random forest, support vector regression, artificial neural networks (ANN), and ANN combined with principal component analysis. Random forest and ANN showed the highest predictive performance, followed by linear regression and support vector regression. Decision trees performed least effectively. The best PTFs, using variables such as sand, clay, bulk density, and macroporosity, achieved R² = 0.75. These results represent a significant advancement for estimating Ksat in subtropical soils, supporting the use of ML-based PTFs where direct measurements are scarce. The developed models can improve hydrological simulations and contribute to sustainable water and soil resource management in subtropical regions. Graphical abstract

Coal remains central to India's energy mix, yet the rapid expansion of surface (opencast) mining has imposed severe environmental costs, particularly on soil resources. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed studies and official reports to assess the physical, chemical, and ecological degradation of soils in India's coal mining regions, along with restoration strategies and policy frameworks. Findings reveal consistent patterns of topsoil loss, increased bulk density, reduced moisture retention, and significant depletion of soil organic carbon. Widespread contamination by potentially toxic elements such as Cr, Pb, Cd, Ni, and Cu, coupled with acid mine drainage, further degrades soil quality and mobilizes metals. At the landscape scale, multi-decadal land-use and land-cover changes across central Indian coalfields show marked declines in forests and water bodies, accompanied by growth of mining pits, overburden dumps, and transport corridors that fragment habitats and disrupt hydrology. A case study from the Raniganj Coalfield illustrates the severity of impacts, with soils exhibiting broad pH and EC variability and elevated trace-element concentrations above regional baselines. Evidence indicates that the construction of Technosols, integrated multi-tier revegetation with native grasses and trees, combined with phytoremediation, bioremediation, microbial inoculants, biochar amendments, and constructed wetlands, can substantially improve soil structure, enhance nutrient availability, stabilize toxic metals, and accelerate ecological recovery. Although policy instruments such as Environment Impact Assessment/Environment Management Plan requirements, mine-closure guidelines, and restoration norms exist, enforcement and ecological performance monitoring remain inconsistent. This synthesis proposes an integrated framework combining geospatial monitoring, soil-biota indicators, and community participation to restore soil functionality, biodiversity, and climate resilience in India's coal mining landscapes.

Understanding the crack development and rainfall infiltration in loess under wetting–drying cycles is crucial for assessing slope stability and promoting sustainable land management in ecologically vulnerable regions. This study employed a three-dimensional column model (Φ24 × 50 cm) with 64 buried electrodes to simulate short-term heavy rainfall by changing the light duration (10 h/d and 5 h/d) and using 100 mm rainfall water. Results indicate that dry–wet cycles cause cumulative damage, significantly altering soil infiltration properties. After four cycles, the rainfall infiltration recharge coefficient increased from an initial 0.44% to 45.58%, a more than 100-fold rise. Resistivity imaging revealed a shift in water transport mode: from uniform matrix flow initially to preferential flow dominated by crack networks as cracks developed. During drying, crack zones exhibited high resistivity (ρ > 150 Ω·m), while water-filled cracks during infiltration showed low resistivity (ρ < 50 Ω·m). Resistivity is an excellent comprehensive index to quantify multi-field coupling damage, and its change (ρ∝ 1/w1.86 × 1/(1 + 0.032 width)) synchronously responds to water content, crack development and dry–wet process. Low water content (w < 15%) and medium crack width (4–6 mm) are the most sensitive states. Longer illumination (10 h/d) promoted greater crack development and higher infiltration capacity compared to shorter cycles (5 h/d). The developed resistivity–moisture relationship provides a non-destructive monitoring tool for slope moisture dynamics, supporting not only geotechnical stability assessment but also optimized irrigation scheduling and adaptive land-use planning. These insights contribute directly to the sustainable management of soil and water resources in loess landscapes, aligning with sustainability goals in fragile ecosystems.

Abstract The effective translation of Earth observation (EO) measurements into actionable information for agriculture and land monitoring is critical to support policy implementation on climate, environment, and sustainable development. However, this translation remains challenging, as EO evolves from an awareness-raising instrument into an operational tool for evidence-based policymaking. To address this gap, we systematically link, for the first time, European Union (EU) land-related agricultural and environmental policies to EO-derived variables that can be generated from enhanced optical satellites expected in the next decade. We present a comprehensive framework for assessing the technology readiness levels (TRLs) of EO variables used to map, monitor, and manage crop, forest, soil, mineral, and water resources, thereby facilitating policy implementation and compliance. Upcoming Copernicus Hyperspectral Imaging Mission for the Environment (CHIME), and the Sentinel-2 Next Generation (S2NG) missions, both developed by the European Space Agency (ESA), will deliver substantial technological advancements for high-level EO-based products, enabling applications such as plant nitrogen and soil organic carbon content (SOC) estimation, species identification, and water quality characterization. Realizing the full potential of CHIME and S2NG for agricultural and environmental policy implementation will require advancing current products from prototype stages (TRL 4–6) to full operational readiness (TRL 9) through robust science-policy interfaces. Within such interfaces, we recommend exploiting existing (hyperspectral) EO data and time series, strengthening in-situ observations for robust model development and validation, and testing synergies between systems. Co-design of tailored products with policymakers is then essential to refine algorithms and align EO outputs with regulatory needs and scales. Upcoming spaceborne imaging spectroscopy and enhanced multispectral data streams thus have the potential to become game-changers and indispensable tools for EU policy implementation, providing greater traceability of key environmental and agricultural processes.

China possesses abundant shale oil resources, which, despite their overall low maturity, hold significant development potential. In situ conversion technology is the key to the efficient development of these medium-low maturity shale oil resources. Research in this area is a focal point in the oil and gas sector. Studying the phase behavior evolution of organic components during the heating process is crucial for both laboratory simulation and guiding extraction operations. However, comprehensive research methodologies specifically targeting phase behavior evolution during in situ conversion remain scarce, with no mature approach established. This paper begins by reviewing previous explorations and studies on predicting the phase behavior of oil and gas in low-maturity source rocks, detailing the principles, technical key points, and application cases of the Phase Kinetics method, as well as the advantages and improvements of the PhaseSnapShot method. Building upon the previously proposed two methods and considering the reservoir characteristics and hydrocarbon generation features of medium-low maturity shale oil, this paper introduces suitable hydrocarbon generation thermal simulation experiments, pyrolysis product analysis techniques, and equations of state for simulating the in situ conversion process. Finally, it proposes a research methodology for predicting phase behavior tailored to the in situ conversion of medium-low maturity shale oil.

This paper examines the current state and future prospects of economic diversification policy in Azerbaijan’s economy, which remains highly dependent on oil and gas resources. Based on time-series data covering the period 2014–2024, trend analysis was conducted to visualize structural changes and identify intersectoral dynamics. Using ARDL (Autoregressive Distributed Lag) and VAR (Vector Autoregression) models, the short- and long-term interactions between the share of oil in GDP, non-oil exports, innovation and research expenditures, and fiscal revenues were empirically assessed. The findings indicate that the share of the oil sector in GDP decreased from 41% to 27.5%, while non-oil exports and R&D expenditures demonstrated upward trends. However, the high share of oil revenues in the state budget persists, confirming that sustainable diversification within the fiscal structure has yet to be fully achieved. Strategic investments by SOCAR and other energy enterprises in non-oil sectors play a crucial role in this transition process, providing additional impetus to industrial transformation. A comparative analysis with Norway, the United Arab Emirates, and Kazakhstan, based on panel data, revealed the potential for local adaptation of international experiences in this area. Applying SWOT and GAP analysis approaches, Azerbaijan’s economic strengths and weaknesses were systematized, leading to the conclusion that institutional reform is necessary within the framework of strategic planning. The main conclusion of the paper is that Azerbaijan, in the course of its transition to the post-oil stage, must strengthen its innovation policy and improve institutional mechanisms aimed at developing non-oil sectors.

Acoustic logging tools, deployed thousands of meters underground to detect geological structures and evaluate reservoir fluids, are essential for oil and gas exploration and development. These tools generate acoustic signals through piezoelectric ceramic transducers. The material properties of piezoelectric ceramics are significantly affected by the high-temperature downhole environment, leading to a failure in impedance matching between the transducer and its excitation circuit. This results in a substantial degradation of the tool's performance. This paper experimentally obtains the electrical parameters and excitation energy of commonly used monopole transducers at different temperatures. Based on this data, the optimal matching inductance values at various temperatures are calculated. A temperature-adaptive transducer excitation circuit is then designed and implemented. This circuit can adjust the excitation frequency according to the measured temperature to compensate for resonant frequency drift and select the optimal inductor tap via a programmable multiplexer. Experimental results demonstrate that this circuit significantly enhances the transducer's excitation energy at high temperatures. This technology is expected to markedly improve the operational stability of acoustic logging tools and facilitate the exploration and development of deep and ultra-deep oil and gas resources.