Soil Pore Research Articles

Long-Term Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Soil Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: Environmental Implications and Sustainability

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a dominant cropping system in Punjab Region, Northwestern India, overtime is believed to have negative effect on the soil and water quality. The present study was conducted in an ongoing long-term experiment at the research farm of the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to compare the effect of different cropping systems on soil physico-chemical properties. Ten treatments (cropping systems) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were rice-wheat (CS1), maize-wheat (CS2), basmati rice-wheat-cowpea green manure (CS3), maize-mustard-cowpea green manure (CS4), maize-potato-spring groundnut (CS5), maize-peas-spring groundnut (CS6), maize+ cowpea (fodder)-maize fodder-oats fodder-sathi maize fodder (CS7), sorghum multicut fodder-barseem fodder (CS8), maize (cobs/fodder)-potato-onion (CS9), and baby corn-potato-okra (CS10). Soil samples were collected from four soil depths (0-7.5, 7.5-15, 15-22.5, and 22.5-30 cm) under each cropping system and analyzed for particles size, soil pH, EC, soil organic carbon, aggregate associated carbon, bulk density, porosity, water stable aggregates, MWD, and penetration resistance. Significantly lower soil pH was reported in CS4 and CS8 compared to other cropping systems. Soil EC was significantly higher in CS5 and CS10 while lowest in CS4. Soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate-associated carbon (AAC), and mean weight diameter (MWD) were significantly higher in CS7 and CS4. Soil bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) were significantly higher in CS1 and lowest in CS4. SOC was 19% higher in CS7 and BD was 16% lower in CS4 compared to CS1. Soil porosity and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were also found significantly higher in CS4 and CS7 whereas lowest in CS1. The increase in soil depths significantly increased the soil pH, BD and PR, whereas decreased the soil EC, SOC, AAC, porosity, MWD, and WSA. The cropping systems (CS4, CS7, CS8, CS6, CS5, CS3) with green manure/legume/fodder crops in rotation resulted in better physico-chemical properties through the addition of organic matter to the soil compared to cereal-cereal rotations.

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

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

Effect of Speciation Transformation of Cadmium (Cd) on P-Wave Velocity Under Moisture Regulation in Soils

This study aims to investigate the influence of cadmium (Cd) speciation transformation on P-wave velocity under different soil moisture conditions, providing critical insights into the subsurface characteristics of contaminated soils. Taking Cd-contaminated soil as the research subject, P-wave velocity and the speciation distribution of Cd in soils with different moisture contents and Cd adsorption levels were measured. The results reveal that when the soil is contaminated by Cd, the porosity is altered and it eventually lead to change P-wave velocity. By increasing the moisture content of soils, the redox potential (Eh) rises and the pH decreases, which lead to the speciation transformation of Cd from carbonate-bound state (CAB), Fe-Mn oxide-bound state (FMO), and organic and sulfide-bound state (ORB) to the exchangeable state (EX). These transformations of Cd to EX result in the increase in soil porosity, which lead to the decrease in P-wave velocity. In addition, linear regression analysis was conducted the P-wave velocity (∆V) and the EX (∆EX) at various Cd adsorption levels. The analysis shows that there is a strong linear relationship between exchangeable Cd content and P-wave velocity, and the determination coefficient is about 0.9, which provides a reliable basis for monitoring soil Cd contamination by using P-wave velocity. This study provides valuable insights into the relationship between the speciation distribution of heavy metals in soil and the properties of acoustic wave.

Microtopography-induced hydrological heterogeneity promotes the co-assembly of vascular plant and biocrust communities, providing synergistic protective functions for the Great Wall.

The Great Wall in China, constructed from rammed earth, faces threats from natural erosion. Vascular plants and biocrusts have enhanced the stability of the Great Wall through various mechanisms; however, understanding of the colonization processes of vascular plants and biocrusts on the wall, as well as their protective mechanisms, remains limited. This study investigated the vascular plant communities, biocrusts, soil moisture content, soil properties, aggregate mechanical stability, aggregate water stability, and soil erodibility factors across seven fine-scale microtopographies of the Great Wall (lower, middle, and upper zones on the east and west faces, as well as the wall crest). After rainfall events and under no-rainfall conditions, soil moisture content was higher at the crest compared to the lower zones on both sides; this demonstrates that microtopography significantly influences soil moisture distribution through rainfall distribution. Soil moisture content was positively correlated with variables associated with vascular plant communities (except evenness) and moss crust (p<0.05). This suggests that the microtopography of the wall and its induced water heterogeneity drive the distribution pattern of vascular plant communities and moss crusts. Vascular plant communities and moss crusts significantly enhanced the mechanical and water stability of soil aggregates, reducing soil erosion susceptibility by providing physical protective cover, increasing the content of mechanically stable and water-stable macroaggregates, and enhancing soil silt and clay content, soil porosity, and water-holding capacity. Based on the regulation of vascular plant communities and biocrusts by microtopography, a restoration framework was proposed, offering a theoretical foundation and practical methods for the protection of the wall and similar earthen heritage sites.

Chemical and Physical Analysis of Different Types of Soil in India

This study examines the chemical and physical properties of soils across various regions of India, focusing on their agricultural production and environmental sustainability. Chemical testing revealed notable variations in soil pH and nutrient content. Phosphorus ran from 15 to 47 ppm; potassium from 180 to 270 ppm; nitrogen from 12 to 22 ppm; and pH from 5.4 to 6.8. Revealing the intricate interactions among several components improves correlation analysis and offers important information for the development of concentrated soil management strategies. The soil structure determines water retention capacity and nutrient availability regardless of loam, sand, or clayey. Studies of heavy metals revealed varying degrees of mercury, cadmium, arsenic, and lead all around India. Since it shows the changes in easily available water over time, the moisture content of the soil is vital for irrigation planning and agriculture. Emphasising the need of soil porosity (28.45% to 40.17%) and permeability (7.83 to 11.23 cm/hr) for water movement and root penetration is absolutely vital. These findings support informed decision-making in soil management, promoting sustainable agricultural practices tailored to regional soil characteristics.

Coupled Electric‐Thermal Damage Model for Lightning Strikes on Buried Pipeline

ABSTRACTA coupled electrothermal damage theory model for pipelines is proposed to assess the failure behavior of buried pipelines under lightning strikes. This article considers local thermal nonequilibrium (LTNE) conditions in the soil–water porous medium and the nonlinear characteristics of lightning functions. The calculation results show that the proposed theoretical model has better applicability and accuracy compared with previous models. Parametric analysis shows that under lightning conditions of Im = 20 kA and T1/T2 = 1.2/50 μs, the maximum local temperature of the soil around the pipeline can reach 2160 K, leading to pipeline breakdown. Metal pipelines are shown to be more effective in conducting charges, which alters the electric field distribution in the soil and impacts the formation of plasma channels. The half‐peak value of the lightning waveform has a significant impact on pipeline breakdown, and its increase will increase the risk of pipeline breakdown gradually. When considering LTNE conditions, the change in the pipeline surface temperature becomes more pronounced. Under 8/30 and 8/40 μs lightning waveforms, the pipeline surface temperature is approximately 150 and 550 K higher, respectively, compared with the thermal equilibrium conditions. The thermal conductivity and porosity of backfill soil can also affect the thermal damage of lightning‐struck pipelines. With clay filling, the highest pipeline surface temperature can reach 2590 K, while with fine sand and coarse sand, it is 1980 and 1510 K, respectively. The pipeline lightning disaster model proposed in this article has engineering significance for the investigation of pipeline lightning failure and disaster prevention mechanisms.

A Pore-Scale Investigation of Oil Contaminant Remediation in Soil: A Comparative Study of Surfactant- and Polymer-Enhanced Flushing Agents

Pore-scale remediation investigation of oil-contaminated soil is important in several environmental and industrial applications, such as quick responses to sudden accidents. This work aims to investigate the oil pollutant removal process and optimize the oil-contaminated soil remediation performance at the pore scale to find the underlying mechanisms for oil removal from soil. The conservative forms of the phase-field model and the non-Newtonian power-law fluid model are employed to track the moving interface between two immiscible phases, and oil pollutant flushing removal process from soil pores is investigated. The effects of viscosity, interfacial tension, wettability, and flushing velocity on pore-scale oil pollutant removal regularity are explored. Then, the oil pollutant removal effects of two flushing agents (surfactant system and surfactant–polymer system) are compared using an oil content prediction curve based on UV-Visible transmittance. The results show that the optimal removal efficiency is obtained for a weak water-wetting system with a contact angle of 60° due to the stronger two-phase fluid interaction, deeper penetration, and more effective entrainment flow. On the basis of the dimensionless analysis, a relatively larger flushing velocity, resulting in a higher capillary number (Ca) in a certain range, can achieve rapid and efficient oil removal. In addition, an appropriately low interfacial tension, rather than ultra-low interfacial intension, contributes to strengthening the oil removal behavior. A reasonably high viscosity ratio (M) with a weak water-wetting state plays synergetic roles in the process of oil removal from the contaminated soil. In addition, the flushing agent combined with a surfactant and polymer can remarkably enhance the oil removal efficiency compared to the sole use of the surfactant, achieving a 2.5-fold increase in oil removal efficiency. This work provides new insights into the often-overlooked roles of the pore scale in fluid dynamics behind the remediation of oil-contaminated soil via flushing agent injection, which is of fundamental importance to the development of effective response strategies for soil contamination.

Quantitative characterization of soil micropore structure and pore water content using nuclear magnetic resonance: Challenges and calibration methods

Quantitative characterization of soil micropore structure and pore water content using nuclear magnetic resonance: Challenges and calibration methods

How Rilling and Biochar Addition Affect Hydraulic Properties of a Clay‐Loam Soil

ABSTRACTRill erosion is a significant problem worldwide as it determines relevant amounts of soil loss on hillslopes. Although, in the last few years, many studies have focused on rill erosion and biochar as soil amendment, their influence on soil hydrological properties and relevance on soil conservation strategies is still uncertain. In this paper, the effects of rill formation and biochar addition on the physical and hydraulic properties of a clay‐loam soil were assessed by laboratory measurements (water retention, hydraulic conductivity, minidisk infiltrometer data and 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) relaxometry with the fast field cycling (FFC) setup) and field tests (rill formation tests at the plot scale). The rilled and non‐rilled soils did not show any difference in the volume of pores with a diameter (d) &gt; 300 μm, but the former showed a smaller volume for the pores in the size range between 300 and 0.2 μm. As compared with an untreated rilled soil, the addition of 5% (w w−1) biochar in the soil in which the rill is incised did not change the volume of pores with d &gt; 300 μm, while there were more pores of both 30 ≤ d ≤ 300 μm and 0.2 ≤ d ≤ 30 μm. Moreover, there were less pores with d &lt; 0.2 μm. Shaping the rill did not influence the hydraulic conductivity of the nearly saturated soil (pressure head, h = −1 cm), while it determined a significant decrease of the soil ability to transmit water in more unsaturated conditions (h ≤ −3 cm). The addition of biochar to the soil improved, in general, the soil aptitude to transmit water, regardless of the pore size. However, this improvement was statistically irrelevant in the case of a transport process governed by larger pores. The hydrological measurements also demonstrated that the addition of a large amount of biochar (5%) impedes soil characteristics alteration as the changes due to rilling are balanced by adding biochar in the soil. NMR was also used to measure the structural and functional connectivity of the original soil, the biochar and a mixture with three biochar concentrations (i.e., BC = 1%, 3% and 5% w w−1) traditionally applied in agronomical activity. These measurements revealed that the mixture of soil and biochar was characterised by longitudinal relaxation time (T1) values, which are related to pore sizes, longer than those measured for the soil. In addition, the soil empirical cumulative frequency distribution of T1 was always skewed towards shorter T1 values, thereby suggesting that the macro‐pore component (i.e., the largest T1 values) was never dominant while biochar addition increased the size of mesopores and micropores. Biochar concentrations larger than 3% (w w−1) did not produce appreciable changes in the pore distribution inside the mixture. The biochar component improved the structural connectivity up to BC = 5%, while decreased the functional connectivity up to BC = 3%. A relationship between the water volume contained in soil pores and the NMR data were established for the micropores (d ≤ 0.2 μm). The biochar‐amended soil was characterised by fewer small pores, but these micropores were greater than those in non‐treated soil.

Treated swine water as amendment for coffee ground composting system

The rise in demand for coffee and pork has led to an increase in spent coffee grounds (SCG) and swine wastewater (SW) by-products. Commercial fertilizers, which harm the environment, need eco-friendly alternatives like compost. However, little research has focused on combining SCG and SW for composting. This study aims to characterize both SCG and SW and determine the optimal ratio for composting them, as well as their effectiveness when mixed with soil. Additionally, it examines the impact of using SW as a nutrient additive in SCG for organic fertilizer. SCG and SW were collected from local sources and characterized. Using the Berkeley Method, composting was conducted in a 1-meter-high and 0.6- meter-diameter cylindrical pile with a PVC net fence. After the mesophilic phase, the compost was mixed with organic soil and used to grow Bok Choy (Brassica rapa Chinensis) to assess its effects. Results showed that the CS 2 mixture (SCG, SW, and vegetable waste) provided optimal NPK nutrient concentrations and improved soil infiltration and porosity. However, further research is needed to confirm its impact on plant growth. In summary, combining SCG and SW offers a promising solution for reducing waste and commercial fertilizer use, supporting sustainable development goals.

Mechanical properties of soil reinforced by fiber and alkaline-activated rice husk ash, and rainfall erosion model tests.

Rice husk ash is an industrial waste produced by biomass power plant to generate electricity, which contains a lot of silica. The accumulation of rice husk ash not only consumes land resources, but also causes environmental pollution. It is an urgent problem to explore the resource utilization of rice husk ash. In order to reuse rice husk ash, this study focuses on the application of polypropylene fiber and alkaline activated rice husk ash to slope reinforcement. Polypropylene fiber has the advantages of good toughness and corrosion resistance. Reinforced soil can effectively improve soil toughness and mechanical properties of soil engineering. NaOH solution was selected as the alkaline activator, and rice husk ash and polypropylene fiber were used to stabilize and strengthen the clay, which was consistent with the principles of sustainable development and circular economy. Through unconfined compressive strength test, the effects of ash content, polypropylene fiber content, NaOH concentration and curing age of rice husk on soil strength characteristics were studied. In addition, the mechanical properties and curing reinforcement mechanism of alkali-activated rice husk ash fiber-reinforced soil were studied by using dry-wet cycle test, rainfall erosion model test and microstructure analysis. The results show that the curing effect is best when 5 % rice husk ash is used, and the unconfined compressive strength of rice husk ash reinforced soil is the highest when the fiber content is 0.7%. NaOH solution improve soil strength, with maximum strength observed at a concentration of 0.6mol/L. The resistance to dry-wet damage of rice husk ash fiber reinforced soil is better than that of unreinforced soil, but the strength loss after dry-wet cycle by alkali activation is greater. In addition, the surface erosion of fibrous soil slope is the smallest, and the erosion amount is much lower than that of unreinforced soil. Fiber can effectively improve the erosion resistance and slip resistance of slope. The microscopic test analysis confirms the strength test results, and the addition of 5% rice husk ash will produce more hydration products, reduce soil porosity and improve soil strength. NaOH can effectively stimulate the active ingredients in soil particles, and the hydration products produced by the reaction can effectively fill the soil pores and significantly enhance the soil strength. The staggered network structure of polypropylene fibers improves the integrity of the soil, providing significant reinforcement.

Avaliação da alteração da propriedade do solo causada por atividades de recuperação insustentáveis

ABSTRACT Unsustainable reclamation activities (URAs) have been increasingly conducted to respond to the rising global food demand, leading to severe repercussions on land environments. A total of 120 soil samples representing 12 sites were randomly selected in the three distinct land types (PMFs, PALs, and BHLs) to a depth of 60 cm. The impacts of URAs on soil properties and functions (SPFs) across the Nghe An mountainous province, Vietnam were assessed using the SPSS software (version 26.0) through a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings indicated the distinct differences in soil particle size (SPS) among different land types (DLTs). Pristine and mixed forests (PMFs) exhibited the lowest sand ratios, ranging from 31.4 to 35.2%, while bare hills and lands (BHLs) recorded the highest sand ratios, ranging from 49.7 to 55.1%. High bulk density (BD) was observed in BHLs (1.36 ± 0.07 kg dm-3) and PMFs (0.89 ± 0.02 to 1.13 ± 0.03 kg dm-3) while perennial and annual lands (PALs) varied from 1.17 ± 0.04 to 1.25 ± 0.08 kg dm-3. PMFs showed low values for total soil porosity (TSP), and soil water content (SWC) with respective ranges of 32.97-36.18% and 4.72-6.15% while PALs and BHLs exhibited high values for TSP (39.25-43.19%; 43.97-49.62%), and SWC (7.39-10.07%; 9.98-12.74%). Cation exchange capacity (CEC), Ca2+, K+, and Mg2+ were recorded higher in PALs compared to PMFs and PALs while total organic contents (TOCs) detected little variation among DLTs. Overall, the URAs enhanced the adverse effects on the SPFs across the study area.

Impacto da contaminação por derivados de petróleo no crescimento vegetal e indicadores microbiológicos do solo

ABSTRACT Oil-derived compounds present in the soil can compromise plant growth and inhibit the development of the microbial population. These contaminants reduce soil porosity, hinder water absorption, and can disrupt plant metabolic processes. The aim of this research was to evaluate the effects of the presence of three hydrocarbons in the soil on the growth and development of forage species and on soil microbiological indicators. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a randomized block design with four replications. Treatments were arranged in a 5×4 factorial, with the first factor consisting of the species evaluated (Pennisetum glaucum, Zea mays, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Panicum maximum and Sorghum bicolor) and the second factor corresponding to the presence of contaminants: benzene, toluene or xylene and soil without contaminants. The species were grown for 42 days. The tolerance of the species depended on the type of contaminant present in the soil. The total dry matter of P. glaucum was reduced by 26%, 10% and 32% for toluene, benzene and xylene, respectively. Z. mays had its growth reduced in the presence of toluene (13%) and benzene (21%). S. bicolor had its dry matter increased by 58% with xylene. B. ruziziensis and P. maximum were tolerant to all contaminants. The magnitude of the effects of contaminants on soil microbiological indicators depended on the species grown. The tolerance of plants and soil microbial community to contaminants depends on the forage species used and should be an important aspect when selecting plants to restore degraded areas.

Agregação do solo e carbono orgânico sob diferentes sistemas de manejos no cerrado mato-grossense

ABSTRACT Soil organic matter is one of the most important indicators of the quality and sustainability of native and cultivated ecosystems, as it influences the chemical and physical properties of the soil, such as cation exchange capacity, aggregation, water retention, and supply of nutrients to plants. This study evaluated the physical properties and distribution of organic carbon in soil aggregates under different management practices. Disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected in the 0.0-0.1 m, 0.1-0.2 m, and 0.2-0.3 m layers under conservationist (rainfed and irrigated) and conventional (rainfed) management. The chemical properties and particle size, soil density, and organic carbon content in macro and microaggregates were assessed for the three management types. For conservationist management, in addition to these analyses, the weighted mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, aggregate stability index, and total soil porosity were determined. The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the t-test, as there was no experimental design, and some of the data did not meet the normality test (Shapiro-Wilk). Soil density and total porosity did not differ for conservationist management (rainfed and irrigated). The irrigated conservationist management exhibited aggregates with larger weighted and geometric mean diameters and a higher aggregate stability index. Conservationist management (rainfed and irrigated) showed higher organic carbon contents in macro and microaggregates.

Soil Pore System Functionality in a Micro‐Watershed Formed by Wet Meadows (Vegas) in the Southernmost Chilean Patagonia

Soil Pore System Functionality in a Micro‐Watershed Formed by Wet Meadows (Vegas) in the Southernmost Chilean Patagonia

Investigating effects of thermokarst lakes on permafrost under equilibrium conditions.

The degradation of permafrost due to climate change has significant effects on the hydrological processes and ecosystems in arctic and subarctic regions. Thermokarst lakes, formed from permafrost thaw and subsidence, play a crucial role in this process by influencing heat storage and exchange and accelerating the thaw rate of the surrounding permafrost. A direct effect of these lakes is the formation of taliks, perennially thawed soil. We present a two-dimensional coupled thermodynamic equilibrium model that is used to study the influence of thermokarst lakes on talik size and stability. Factors such as lake size, temperature and pressure boundary conditions, and geothermal heat flux are investigated to determine their relative effect on thaw depth and average soil pore ice fraction. Results show that air temperature and lake size primarily dictate talik thickness and shape, not pressure-induced refill. Additionally, for lakes with a depth of over 2.5m, the thaw is predicted to extend to the permafrost base, creating an open talik for all realistic air and water equilibrium temperatures. These findings underscore the importance of considering temperature trends and establishing tools to understand permafrost dynamics through remote monitoring of lake size and depth. Understanding these processes allows us to assess permafrost stability and informs land management and infrastructure planning in cold regions.

Free Convection inside Greenhouse Cavity Partially Filled with Bottom Porous Layer: The Influence of Soil's Porosity and Permeability

Free Convection inside Greenhouse Cavity Partially Filled with Bottom Porous Layer: The Influence of Soil's Porosity and Permeability

Multifractal Analysis of Temporal Variation in Soil Pore Distribution

Soil structure, a critical indicator of soil quality, significantly influences agricultural productivity by impacting on the soil’s capacity to retain and deliver water, nutrients, and salts. Quantitative study of soil structure has always been a challenge because it involves complex spatial-temporal variability. This study employs multifractal analysis to assess the temporal variation in soil pore distribution, a pivotal factor in soil structure. Field observation data were collected in a sandy loam area of the People’s Victory Canal Irrigation scheme in Henan Province, China. A 200 m × 200 m test plot with five sampling points was used to collect soil samples at three depth layers (10–30 cm, 30–50 cm, and 50–70 cm) for soil water retention curve and particle size composition analysis, with a total of seven sampling events throughout the growing season. The results revealed that while soil particle-size distribution (Particle-SD) showed minor temporal changes, soil pore-size distribution (Pore-SD) experienced significant temporal fluctuations over a cropping season, both following a generalized power law, indicative of multifractal traits. Multifractal parameters of Pore-SD were significantly correlated with soil bulk density, with the strongest correlation in the topsoil layer (10–30 cm). The dynamic changes in soil pore structure suggest potential variations during saturation–unsaturation cycles, which could be crucial for soil water movement simulations using the Richards equation. The study concludes that incorporating time-varying parameters in simulating soil water transport can enhance the accuracy of predictions.

Effects of a Multifunctional Cover Crop (LivinGro®) on Soil Quality Indicators in Zaragoza, Spain

Soil degradation is a significant threat to agricultural systems and contemporary societies worldwide, especially in the context of climate change. Proper management of agricultural systems is a priority for maintaining food security and achieving sustainable development. It is therefore important to assess the efficacy of different interventions that are designed to improve the quality of agricultural soils. Measurements of physical, chemical, and biological indicators of soil quality can be used to examine the efficacy of strategies or methods that were designed to prevent soil degradation. We measured seven physicochemical indicators of soil quality at a representative experimental plot of nectarines in the province of Zaragoza (Spain) over three years (2020–2023) and compared the effect of a multifunctional cover crop (LivinGro® MCC, Basel, Switzerland) with conventional treatment (control) on soil quality. Soil samples were collected every two months from the treelines and inter-rows (paths for farming vehicles). In general, the MCC zones in the treelines and inter-rows had better soil health, especially in key indicators such as basal soil respiration, organic matter, nitrogen, and porosity. Climatic variability, especially seasonal differences in rainfall, also affected multiple soil indicators. During many sample periods, the MCC zones of the treelines and inter-rows had significantly increased soil organic matter, basal respiration, total nitrogen, nitrate, total porosity, and available water content, but the MCC and control zones had no significant differences in bulk density. The differences between the MCC zones and control zones, especially in basal soil respiration, were greater during the wet seasons. Our results indicate that the LivinGro® MCC prevented degradation of agricultural soils in a region with a continental Mediterranean climate.

The effect of soil cultivation systems on agronomic and physical properties of dark gray soil and productivity of the field crop rotation link

The purpose of the research is to identify the most effective and preferable variant of the basic autumn tillage for inclusion of dark gray forest soil into the tillage system when sowing spring crops. The research was carried out in 2021–2023 in the conditions of the Chuvash Republic in the link of the field crop rotation "barley–peas–oats". Moldboard and non-moldboard autumn soil tillage methods were compared: plowing (26–28 cm) – control; cultivation (15–17 cm); disking (12–14 cm); without tillage. The tillage system was completed by surface early pre-sowing cultivation to a depth of 6 cm. During the studied years, the average soil density in the 0–30 cm layer was within the optimal values: after moldboard plowing it was 0.93–1.09 g/cm3 , after cultivation – 0.98–1.13 g/cm3 , without basic tillage– 1.05–1.20 g/cm3 . The average values of the soil porosity after plowing were in the range of 50.4–62.5 % and decreased with the abandonment of the basic tillage to 52.0–57.4 %. In arid conditions of 2021 growing season, the total supply of productive moisture in the 0–30 cm soil layer was 12–14 % higher after cultivation than after plowing. The analysis of the structural and aggregate state of the soil (0–20 cm) revealed an increase in the proportion of dusty particles by the end of the experiment after plowing from 3.9 to 6.9 %. When using a stubble cultivator as the basic tillage unit, the proportion of the lumpy fraction increased. The average annual productivity of the crop rotation link during moldboard plowing was the highest – 20.5 c/ha of grain units per 1 ha, after cultivation – 19.5 c of grain units per 1 ha. At the same time, plowing is the most expensive and economically unprofitable way of basic soil preparation. After cultivation with a KOS-3.0 combined stubble cultivator, the profitability of crop cultivation was significantly higher – 9.4–18.1 % after cereals in dry years and 96.9 % after peas under optimal hydrothermal conditions (for plowing – 8.3–4.2 % and 73.7 %, respectively).