Preserve Soil Quality Research Articles

Effect of Nutrient Management on Ricebean [Vigna umbellata (Thunb.) Ohwi and Ohashi]- linseed (Linum usitatissimum L.)

Background: Soil fertility depletion is a major constraint on agricultural production, necessitating a balanced application of inorganic and organic nutrients while effective crop residue management post-harvest enhances soil quality and structure, mitigates evaporation and aids carbon fixation. In Nagaland, agriculture faces challenges like nutrient loss from erosion and minimal use of external inputs while sustainable agriculture requires a viable cropping system and effective crop management; technological advancements in agro-techniques, particularly in cropping systems and nutrient management, are crucial for improving productivity in a ricebean-based linseed cropping system. Methods: A field experiment was conducted to focus on green manuring followed by cultivating a legume crop, rice bean and subsequently linseed in 2019-2021, the investigation would carry out to study the growth, yield and quality parameter and the study was laid in randomized block design with three replications and nine treatments with sources of organic manures and inorganic fertilizers. Result: The study revealed substantial influence of growth and yield which included a combination of poultry manure at 0.7 tons ha-1 along with 100% RDF exhibited superior performance in ricebean, a similar trend was also observed in the subsequent crop, which was linseed and also yielded promising results in terms of plant height, nodules, pods plant-1, seeds pods-1 and yield and concluded to achieve higher seed yield, improve seed quality, preserve soil quality.

Assessment of Land use System and its impact on Soil Properties of Indian Solonetz Soils

Land use system has a great impact on soil properties. The effect of land use on soil chemical, microbiological properties and soil moisture of salt-affected soils was investigated in India. Soil samples were collected from Solonetz soils under different land uses such as arable land (SnA), bare land (SnB) and pasture land (SnP). Results of the study showed that the chemical and microbiological properties of all three sites were statistically different from each other. The principal components (PC1 and PC2) retained for the analysis accounted for 86.26% of the total variance. The values of microbiological properties were the highest in SnA, intermediate in SnP and the lowest in case of SnB. Discriminant analysis of microbiological properties showed that 93.64% of variation and can be determined by MBC. The primary objective of our study was to ascertain how farmers' perceptions and decisions regarding land use systems, which are based on their experiences rather than laboratory results, align with soil physical, chemical and microbiological properties, and how they contribute to preserving soil quality. Overall, it was concluded that arable land (SnA) had more favorable chemical properties and it has been microbiologically more active in investigated salt affected (Solonetz) soils. Moreover, soil conservation and amelioration practices are suggested in bare land and pasture land to prevent further degradation and to improve the soil quality of the investigated salt affected areas. Also, it is important to educate and transfer knowledge to the farmers about the consequences of soil degradation and advocate good soil management practices (gypsum application, nutrient management, crop cover, tillage etc.).. KEYWORDS :Salt-affected soils, Arable land, Pasture land, Bare land, Farmers decision, Land use system, Soil properties.

Effect of Different Doses of Glyphosate on Soil Physical Parameters in the Prefecture of N'Zérékoré, Guinea

This study examines the effect of different glyphosate doses on the soil texture in four rural communes of the N'Zérékoré prefecture in Guinea. A complete randomized block design was used to assess the impact of glyphosate doses on several soil parameters, including granulometry, aggregate stability, bulk density, and porosity. The analysis of variance (ANOVA) revealed that glyphosate doses significantly influence Granulometry A (p = 0.02881) and show a trend toward affecting soil aggregate stability (SI) and overall stability (Sg), although these effects are not significant at the 0.05 threshold. Conversely, glyphosate doses had no significant effect on Granulometry Lf, Granulometry Lg, bulk density, and soil porosity, as these parameters were more influenced by soil type and year. These results suggest that higher doses of glyphosate can alter soil structure, but the effect varies depending on specific environmental conditions, particularly soil type and annual variations. Careful management of glyphosate doses is therefore recommended to preserve soil quality and support sustainable agricultural practices. Keywords: Glyphosate, granulometry, aggregate stability, bulk density, porosity, Guinea.

Evaluating the trade-offs between nutrient and cadmium levels in soils in northeastern China: Accounting for variations in soil factors

Agricultural soils have relied on the application of fertilizers to enhance soil fertility and yields in response to increasing food demands. However, the potentially hazardous trace elements that accumulate in soils have been largely overlooked. In this study, we set out to determine the soil factor indicators in croplands using Exploratory Factor Analysis to illuminate the trade-off between surplus soil nutrients and cadmium (Cd) accumulation as a result of fertilizer application. The research in northeastern China highlights the fact that studies tend to ignore the accumulation and distribution of hazardous heavy metals in production fields in favor of an over-emphasis on soil fertility indicators; an ultimately unsustainable approach. The model showed that soil nutrient could be identified based on three soil factors: soil organic matter, soil available nutrients, and soil nutrient buffer structures. Fertilization enhanced the level of available nutrients and significantly increased both soil organic matter and available phosphorus by 0.71 % and 11 mg kg−1, respectively. However, the long-term application of phosphorus (P) leads to a P-surplus and leaves soils more susceptible to Cd accumulation. The 90th percentile estimate of soil Cd concentration was 1.4 times higher than the P-optimal level. Scenario analyses of long-term fertilizer management indicated that, over a 50-year simulation period, the impact of Cd accumulation in soils in traditional agriculture was insignificant. However, prolonged application of excess P-fertilizer would lead to a continuous increase in the concentration of accumulated Cd from 0.17 mg kg−1 to 0.40 mg kg−1. Trade-off and scenario analyses guide agricultural fertilization practices to preserve soil quality while sustaining productivity.

Economic optimization of sustainable soil management: a Dutch case study

Soil quality is pivotal for crop productivity and the environmental quality of agricultural ecosystems. Achieving sufficient yearly income and long-term farm continuity are key goals for farmers, making sustainable soil management an economic challenge. Existing bio-economic models often inadequately address soil quality. In this study, we apply the novel FARManalytics model, which integrates chemical, physical, and biological indicators of soil quality indicator, quantitative rules on how these indicators respond to farmers’ production management over time, and an economic calculation framework that accurately calculates the contribution of production management decisions towards farm income. This is the first study applying this model on existing arable farms. FARManalytics optimizes crop rotation design, cover crops, manure and fertilizer application and crop residue management. Nine Dutch arable farms were analyzed with a high variation in farm size, soil type, and cultivated crops. First, we assessed farm differences in soil quality and farm economics. Second, we optimized production management to maximize farm income while meeting soil quality targets using farm-specific scenarios. Third, we explored the impact of recent policy measures to preserve water quality and to increase the contribution of local protein production. The results show that the case farms already perform well regarding soil quality, with 75% of the soil quality indicators above critical levels. The main soil quality bottlenecks are subsoil compaction and soil organic matter input. We show that even in front-runner farms, bio-economic modeling with FARManalytics substantially improves economic performance while increasing soil quality. We found that farm income could be increased by up to €704 ha−1 year−1 while meeting soil quality targets. Additionally, we show that to anticipate on stricter water quality regulation and market shift for protein crops, FARManalytics is able to provide alternative production management strategies that ensure the highest farm income while preserving soil quality for a set of heterogenous farms.

Long-term evolution of soil quality in citrus orchard terrace system: A whole life cycle perspective

Terracing is widely recognized as an effective strategy for mitigating soil erosion and preserving soil quality. This study aimed to evaluate the variations in soil aggregate C, N, and P composition, as well as the soil quality index (SQI), in subtropical citrus orchards of different plantation ages (PA) and across various terrace positions (TP). Surface soil samples (0–20 cm) were collected from four TP categories: terrace wall (TW), slub ditch (SD), under grove (UG), and between grove (BG), across varying PA (5, 15, 25, 35, and 45 years). The results showed the C, N, and P concentrations in most soil aggregates, along with the SQI of the slub ditch and under grove, increased significantly with plantation age. Compared to the 5-year-old plantations, the SQI of the slub ditch and under grove increased by 84 % and 66 % at 45 years, respectively. The aggregate stability and SQI of BG generally trended upwards but declined at 25 and 35 years. By 45 years, the SQI of the terrace wall was significantly lower than that of other positions, being 58 %, 61 %, and 39 % lower compared to the slub ditch, under grove, and between grove, respectively. Additionally, the C/P and N/P ratios of the terrace wall were higher than those of other positions, indicating phosphorus limitation in TW. Path analysis revealed plantation ages had greater effects on SQI. Aggregate stability and soil properties showed significant positive impacts on SQI. Overall, as plantation age increased, the differences in SQI among the slub ditch, under grove, and between grove decreased, while the terrace wall exhibited the weakest erosion resistance. Therefore, efforts should be made to restore the ecological function of the terrace wall, such as by colonizing it with moss. Additionally, reasonable tillage plans, including appropriate fertilization, should be formulated to enhance orchard soil quality.

Integrated nutrient management and agronomic zinc biofortification to improve wheat crop and soil health

It is possible to boost nutrient accumulation in grain, enhance grain production, and enhance the soil’s physical characteristics through the use of bio-fertilizers, zinc delivery methods, and organic and inorganic fertilizers integrated in a balanced manner. Often, zinc (Zn) is insufficient in soil due to a lack of organic matter additions to the soil. The world’s food supply is secured by Zn, a crucial micro nutrient. The effect of different zinc application methods and integrated nutrient management methods were tested on wheat crops based on crop production, nutrient uptake, and soil physico-chemical characteristics. Three distinct bio fertilizers, namely Azotobacter, Phosphate solubilizing bacteria, and Zn solubilizing bacteria were used in the experiment. There was a significantly greater number of effective tillers m−2 to the tune of 385 and 388 tillers m−2 and DTPA exchangeable Zn in the final soil of about 0.70 mg/kg with the soil and foliar application of zinc compared with the other treatments. A variety of integrated nutrient management treatments increased crop productivity and soil physico-chemical parameters by increasing soil nutrient availability. The current study indicates that adding organic manure is essential to sustainably preserving soil quality and crop productivity. It should therefore be included in nutrient management plans for crops that require a lot of nutrients.

Impact of Malayan Uniform System and Selective Management System of Logging on Soil Quality in Selected Logged-over Forest in Johor, Malaysia

Understanding the effects of various forest management systems, including logging practices, on soil properties is essential for implementing sustainable management strategies. In Malaysia, two types of forest management systems were commonly used: Malayan Uniform System (MUS) and Selective Management System (SMS) practices. However, their effects on soil quality remained elusive, especially after decades of recovery. To address this need, we selected three plots for the MUS and SMS in Johor, Malaysia, to assess soil properties in logged-over forest plots. All the plots were natural forest reserves. Soil properties analyzed include soil acidity, electrical conductivity, cation exchange capacity, selected nutrient contents, and soil compaction. Generally, the results of the study indicate that forests logged using the SMS exhibit superior soil quality compared to those logged using the MUS according to several key soil properties. Specifically, significantly higher cation exchange capacity, potassium content, calcium content, and magnesium content with lower soil compaction was observed in the SMS when compared to MUS plots. In short, the SMS enhances soil quality more effectively than the MUS, even with a shorter logging cycle. This is because the SMS does not harvest all trees and distributes the impact of harvesting more evenly over time, rather than concentrating it at a single time point. Ultimately, this highlights that the SMS can play a significant role in promoting sustainable forest management practices by preserving soil quality.

Enhanced Nitrogen Fertilizer Input Alters Soil Carbon Dynamics in Moso Bamboo Forests, Impacting Particulate Organic and Mineral-Associated Carbon Pools

The application of nitrogen fertilizer is crucial in the cultivation of bamboo forests, and comprehending the alterations in soil organic carbon (SOC) due to nitrogen application is essential for monitoring soil quality. Predicting the dynamics of soil carbon stock involves analyzing two components: particulate organic carbon (POC) and mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). This study aimed to investigate the impact of high nitrogen inputs on SOC stock in Moso bamboo forests located in southwestern China. The research focused on analyzing changes in soil chemical properties, SOC content, and its components (POC and MAOC), as well as microbial biomass in the surface layer (0–10 cm) under different nitrogen applications (0, 242, 484, and 726 kg N ha−1 yr−1). The results indicate that nitrogen application significantly reduced the SOC content, while concurrently causing a significant increase in POC content and a decrease in MAOC content within the Moso bamboo forest (p < 0.05). The HM treatment notably increased the NO3−-N content to 2.15 mg/kg and decreased the NH4+-N content to 11.29 mg/kg, although it did not significantly influence the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN). The LN and MN treatments significantly reduced the MBC and MBN contents (71.6% and 70.8%, 62.5% and 56.8%). Nitrogen application significantly increased the Na+ concentration, with a peak observed under the LN treatment (135.94 mg/kg, p < 0.05). The MN treatment significantly increased the concentrations of Fe3+ and Al3+ (p < 0.05), whereas nitrogen application did not significantly affect Ca2+, Mg2+ concentration, and cation exchange capacity (p > 0.05). Correlation and redundancy analyses (RDAs) revealed that the increase in annual litterfall did not significantly correlate with the rise in POC, and changes in extractable cations were not significantly correlated with the decrease in MAOC. Soil nitrogen availability, MBC, and MBN were identified as the primary factors affecting POC and MAOC content. In conclusion, the application of nitrogen has a detrimental impact on the soil organic carbon (SOC) of Moso bamboo forests. Consequently, it is imperative to regulate fertilization levels in order to preserve soil quality when managing these forests. Our research offers a theoretical foundation for comprehending and forecasting alterations in soil carbon stocks within bamboo forest ecosystems, thereby bolstering the sustainable management of Moso bamboo forests.

Влияние горных факторов на избыточность солей и токсичность почвы в горных условиях

Introduction. The study of soil composition in mountainous areas is important for assessing its suitability for agriculture, land use planning and mining, influencing environmental policy and socio-economic development. Exploration of the composition of surface soil in these conditions is necessary to understand the specific factors affecting the formation and properties of soils. The study allows us to determine the physical-chemical properties of the soil, identify toxicity and problems with salt, which is important for preserving the quality of the soil and the environment in the mining industry. Research methods and materials. In the study of soil composition in mountainous areas, methods were used: sample collection taking into account geological features, physical-chemical analysis, measurement of mountain factors and data analysis using machine learning methods. This made it possible to identify the influence of mountain conditions on soil properties, to identify factors associated with salt excess and toxicity, and to develop approaches to preserve soil quality, important for environmental sustainability and socio-economic development of mountain Research results. Studies of salt redundancy and toxicity in the soil in mountainous areas, especially in the context of the mining industry, are extremely important. These studies help to assess soil pollution, identify sources of harmful substances and develop measures to prevent negative consequences, such as deterioration of soil quality and a threat to human health. The analysis of mountain factors plays a key role in risk assessment and the development of strategies to minimize the negative impact on the environment and preserve biological diversity in mountain ecosystems. Discussion of research results. The most important factor from the entire data set is the «Nutrient Availability Indicator in the soil», which has a significant impact on salt excess and soil toxicity. However, when only mountain factors are taken into account, «Slope 2» becomes the key for salt redundancy, and «Aspect B» and «Slope 2» for soil toxicity, simplifying modeling and allowing more accurate analysis of chemical properties associated with mountain features. Conclusion. Mountain conditions significantly affect the composition and properties of the soil, which can lead to excess salts and toxicity of substances, having a serious impact on the ecosystem and human health. Soil slope plays an important role in this context and can be key in determining risk and developing strategies for managing soil conditions in mountainous conditions. Risk assessment and environmental impact forecasting allow mining companies to create effective measures to reduce harm and increase the sustainability of production. Conclusions on the article. The article presents the results of research demonstrating that mountain conditions have a significant impact on the composition and properties of the soil. It was found that the features of the mountain relief can lead to the accumulation of toxic substances and excess salts, which have serious consequences for the ecosystem and human health. It has been established that the slope of the soil plays a key role in the formation of these phenomena, which can be useful for strategies for managing the soil condition in mountainous areas and reducing the negative impact on the environment. Suggestions for practical application and direction of future research. Research can be aimed at developing more sustainable management strategies for mountainous regions, taking into account the influence of geological factors on soil composition and possible environmental consequences. As well as the development of models that will allow to anticipate and assess potential risks to ecosystems and human health associated with the accumulation of toxic substances in mountain conditions, may be a direction for future research.

Cellulose-based fertilizers for sustainable agriculture: Effective methods for increasing crop yield and soil health

The increasing demand for sustainable agricultural practices has led to a growing need to develop novel eco-friendly fertilizers that can improve crop productivity and preserve soil quality. Research uses the distinctive characteristics of cellulose as a decomposable, and versatile biopolymer and presents an effective approach to producing fertilizers based on cellulose. This paper describes the synthesis, characterization and evaluation of fertilizers, with a specific emphasis on their ability to improve soil structure, water retention, and nutrient accessibility. Cellulose-based fertilizers are produced utilizing diverse chemical and physical procedures, incorporating nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, along with trace elements and beneficial microorganisms. Cutting-edge analytical techniques help to rigorously investigate the properties of materials such as shape, porosity and surface chemistry. The effectiveness of cellulose-based fertilizers in terms of nutrient release, crop development and yield is evaluated in laboratory and greenhouse environments. The results indicate that cellulose fertilizers can increase crop productivity, nutrient accessibility and soil health and promote sustainable agricultural practices by influencing soil quality parameters such as organic content, microbial activity and water retention abilities. These findings help advance the corpus of knowledge on cellulose-derived products and their uses in agriculture and environmental management, laying the foundation for a more sustainable and fruitful future.

Modeling the Impacts of Soil Management on Avoided Deforestation and REDD+ Payments in the Brazilian Amazon: A Systems Approach

An Integrated Assessment Model (IAM) was employed to develop a Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) and a quantitative model to investigate the changes in land use within the Brazilian Amazon. The process began by creating a theoretical NPF using a ‘systems thinking’ approach. Subsequently, a ‘system dynamic model’ was built based on an extensive review of the literature and on multiple quantitative datasets to simulate the impacts of the NPF, specifically focusing on the conversion of forests into open land for ranching and the implementation of soil management practices as a macro-level policy aimed at preserving soil quality and ranching yields. Various fallow scenarios were tested to simulate their effects on deforestation patterns. The results indicate that implementing fallow practices as a policy measure could reduce deforestation rates while simultaneously ensuring sustainable long-term agricultural productivity, thus diminishing the necessity to clear new forest land. Moreover, when combined with payments for avoided deforestation, such as REDD+ carbon offsets, the opportunity costs associated with ranching land can be utilized to compensate for the loss of gross income resulting from the policy. A sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the significance of different model variables, revealing that lower cattle prices require resources for REDD+ payments, and vice-versa. The findings indicate that, at the macro level, payments between USD 2.5 and USD 5.0 per MgC ha−1 have the potential to compensate the foregone cattle production from not converting forest into ranching land. This study demonstrates that employing an IAM with a systems approach facilitates the participation of various stakeholders, including farmers and landowners, in policy discussions. It also enables the establishment of effective land use and management policies that mitigate deforestation and soil degradation, making it a robust initiative to address environmental, climate change, and economic sustainability issues.

Intercropping Perennial Fruit Trees and Annual Field Crops with Aromatic and Medicinal Plants (MAPs) in the Mediterranean Basin

The Mediterranean basin (MB), a “climate hotspot”, is experiencing faster than average increases in global temperature and water deficit, as well as soil degradation, with detrimental impacts on food crop yield and pest/pathogen incidence. Hence, there is an urgent requisite for sustainable crop diversification strategies to promote crop resilience, soil quality conservation and pest/pathogen control. Intercropping is a strategy that has yet to be widely adopted. Presently, cereal–legume combinations represent the most common intercrops. Of relevance, a large number of medicinal and aromatic plants (MAPs), native to the MB, serve as potentially profitable indigenous resources for intercropping with food crops. Environmentally sustainable benefits of MB MAP intercropping with food crops have ironically been reported largely from research outside the MB. The present study aims to review the published literature from 2003 to 2023 on MAP intercropping with perennial nut/fruit crops and annual field crops in the MB. Published research is scarce but shows a promising upward trend, with 70% and 47% of intercropping studies with perennials and annual field crops, respectively, dated between 2020 and 2023. MAP intercropping shows potential in augmenting yield, pest/pathogen and weed control, soil health and cash crop quality, warranting further research with more widespread adoption in the MB.

DYNAMICS OF ECOLOGICAL AND AGRO-ECOLOGICAL INDICES (UNDER CONDITIONS OF PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL DEGRADATION) OF SOILS RESEARCHED ON THE GENETIC HORIZONS

The basic concept of land degradation, as outlined in different definitions, refers to the loss of real or potential productivity and utility of land and the decrease in its quality. Due to various farming methods that decarbonize soil and make it less robust and poor in nutrients, soil is being lost at a rate 10 to 40 times higher than it can be naturally replenished. From the above, many questions arise regarding the sustainability of today's agriculture on the territory of the Republic of Moldova and this is due to several reasons: loss of biodiversity, loss of land quality through the process of soil erosion, pollution from chemical fertilizers and pesticides administered inadequately, non-compliance with the employment contracts, etc. The main purpose consists in the comparative assessment of the indices modified by the agropedogenetic process of the soils evolved under natural and arable conditions, as well as their qualitative state in Tîrnova commune, Dondușeni district. Physical soil disturbance caused by anthropogenic activities, sometimes inappropriate, is a crucial factor in the conservation of soil quality, moisture availability and crop diversity in agroecosystems. However, the development of agroecological technologies and systems that emphasize the conservation-regeneration of biodiversity, soil, water and other resources is an urgent necessity for both urban and rural areas to cope with an increasing range of socioeconomic and environmental challenges.

Sustainable Viticulture in the Valdepeñas Protected Designation of Origin: From Soil Quality to Management in Vitis vinifera

Historically, the productivity–quality dualism has been fundamentally oriented toward productivity in Castilla-La Mancha (Spain), and more specifically, in the Valdepeñas Protected Designation of Origin (PDO). Today this trend is balanced and involves another factor: the environment. From this perspective, soil quality conservation and enhancement is one of the major sustainable viticulture goals today. This study explores soil characteristics and identifies the diversity in soils in the study area for vineyard production in the terroir context, synthesizing old and new trends in applying vineyard cultivation techniques in relation to their sustainability and identifying knowledge gaps in the management of novel practices to improve soil productivity and grape quality. The effects of integrated, organic, and traditional biodynamic management are discussed. The main conclusion is that a careful retrospective analysis of the grape-growing techniques that have dominated in the past century (soil cultivation, fertilization, etc.) is not unfavorable from a sustainability point of view. The study outlines and emphasizes that, despite the suitability of soils, it is necessary to evolve with new methodologies, but without forgetting ancestral techniques.

Analysis of Development Strategy for Ecological Agriculture Based on a Neural Network in the Environmental Economy

Ecological agriculture (E.A.) protects soil, water, and the climate, ensuring nutritious food. It encourages biodiversity and prohibits chemical inputs or hybrids. Agricultural development strategy should prioritize the development of water, land, forests, biodiversity, agricultural infrastructure, research and extension, technology transfer, investment, and unified management to bring about significant changes in agriculture. Agricultural practices have resulted in deforestation, biodiversity loss, ecosystem extinction, genetic engineering, irrigation issues, pollution, degraded soils, and related waste. Food producers increasingly use artificial neural networks (ANN) at most agricultural production and farm management stages. A new EA-ANN method, including agriculture, has been widely employed to solve categorization and prediction tasks. In addition to maintaining natural resources, sustainable agriculture helps preserve soil quality, reduces erosion, and conserves water. Ecological farming uses ecological services, including water filtering, pollination, oxygen generation, and disease and insect management. ANN increases harvest quality and accuracy of evaluating the economy by enhancing productivity. Agriculture’s prediction and economic profitability are focused on the energy optimization afforded by ANN. Ecological knowledge is assessed in light of commercial markets’ inability to provide sufficient environmental goods. Future agriculture can include robotics, sensors, aerial photos, and global positioning systems. The proposed method uses supervised artificial learning to read the data and provide an output based on effectively classifying the natural and constructed environment. The probability distribution implemented in ANN is a function specifying all possible values and probabilities of a random variable within a specific range of values. The mathematical model assumes that EA-ANN utilizes machine learning on an internet of things platform with bio-sensor assistance to achieve ecological agriculture. Microbial biotechnology is activated, and the best option for EA-ANN is calculated for an effective data-driven model. This ensures profitability and limits the impacts of manufacturing, such as pollution and waste, on the environment. Various agricultural strategies can result in environmental concerns. The EA-ANN methodology is used to make accurate predictions using field data. Agricultural workers can use the results to plan for the future of water resources more effectively.

Unearthing soil-plant-microbiota crosstalk: Looking back to move forward.

The soil is vital for life on Earth and its biodiversity. However, being a non-renewable and threatened resource, preserving soil quality is crucial to maintain a range of ecosystem services critical to ecological balances, food production and human health. In an agricultural context, soil quality is often perceived as the ability to support field production, and thus soil quality and fertility are strictly interconnected. The concept of, as well as the ways to assess, soil fertility has undergone big changes over the years. Crop performance has been historically used as an indicator for soil quality and fertility. Then, analysis of a range of physico-chemical parameters has been used to routinely assess soil quality. Today it is becoming evident that soil quality must be evaluated by combining parameters that refer both to the physico-chemical and the biological levels. However, it can be challenging to find adequate indexes for evaluating soil quality that are both predictive and easy to measure in situ. An ideal soil quality assessment method should be flexible, sensitive enough to detect changes in soil functions, management and climate, and should allow comparability among sites. In this review, we discuss the current status of soil quality indicators and existing databases of harmonized, open-access topsoil data. We also explore the connections between soil biotic and abiotic features and crop performance in an agricultural context. Finally, based on current knowledge and technical advancements, we argue that the use of plant health traits represents a powerful way to assess soil physico-chemical and biological properties. These plant health parameters can serve as proxies for different soil features that characterize soil quality both at the physico-chemical and at the microbiological level, including soil quality, fertility and composition of soil microbial communities.

Land degradation resistance potential of a dry, semiarid region in relation to soil organic carbon stocks, carbon management index, and soil aggregate stability

AbstractDry stable aggregates, soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks, and aggregate‐associated carbon are measured as vital factors for preserving soil quality. Different land use systems strongly impacts the services of the ecosystem to influence soil degradation and loss of carbon. Little is known about the dry aggregates stability and SOC stocks in the dry, semiarid region of Balochistan, Pakistan or how these resist land degradation. This study aimed to assess the impact of several land‐use systems on SOC stocks, the distribution of soil aggregates, and the carbon management index. The treatments consisted of five land‐use systems, namely, grassland, cropland, fallow land, forests, and vegetation, typically prevail in the region. Three layers of soil were used to sample it (0–15, 15–30, and 30–45 cm) and sieved into five aggregate classes (>8, 8–5, 5–2, 2–0.25, and <0.25 mm). The grasslands had significant higher SOC concentrations (12.83 g kg−1), SOC stocks (19.44 mg ha−1), liability index (0.89 g kg−1), nonlabile C (9.56 g kg−1), labile C (0.35 g kg−1), carbon management index (204.6), and easily oxidizable carbon (3.27 g kg−1), when compared with fallow land. Moreover, grassland and forestland soils contained larger macroaggregates (>0.25 mm), although the fallow land‐use system had a higher degree of micro aggregates (<0.25 mm). We found strong relationship of soil SOC with SOC concentration of soil aggregates and other labile fractions of carbon. Therefore, grassland and forestland promotes the aggregate‐associated SOC and carbon management index by enhancing the soil aggregation and is therefore a possible managing option to develop the SOC sequestration potential of eroded dry soils.

Influence of Agronomic Factors on Mycotoxin Contamination in Maize and Changes during a 10-Day Harvest-Till-Drying Simulation Period: A Different Perspective.

Agronomic factors can affect mycotoxin contamination of maize, one of the most produced cereals. Maize is usually harvested at 18% moisture, but it is not microbiologically stable until it reaches 14% moisture at the drying plants. We studied how three agronomic factors (crop diversification, tillage system and nitrogen fertilization rate) can affect fungal and mycotoxin contamination (deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2) in maize at harvest. In addition, changes in maize during a simulated harvest-till-drying period were studied. DON content at harvest was higher for maize under intensive tillage than using direct drilling (2695 and 474 μg kg−1, respectively). We found two reasons for this: (i) soil crusting in intensive tillage plots caused the formation of pools of water that created high air humidity conditions, favouring the development of DON-producing moulds; (ii) the population of Lumbricus terrestris, an earthworm that would indirectly minimize fungal infection and mycotoxin production on maize kernels, is reduced in intensive tillage plots. Therefore, direct drilling is a better approach than intensive tillage for both preventing DON contamination and preserving soil quality. Concerning the simulated harvest-till-drying period, DON significantly increased between storage days 0 and 5. Water activity dropped on the 4th day, below the threshold for DON production (around 0.91). From our perspective, this study constitutes a step forward towards understanding the relationships between agronomic factors and mycotoxin contamination in maize, and towards improving food safety.

Compressibility Parameters Associated to State of Soil Compaction and Moisture of Two Oxisols

ABSTRACT Improving and preserving soil quality in areas managed under no-tillage, especially in clayey soils, is extremely important for achieving high productivity along with environmental preservation. In this study, we evaluated the effect of three states of soil compaction and initial water saturation on pre-consolidation pressure (σp) and compaction index (CI) of two Oxisols, in order to estimate maximum loads to be applied by pneumatic machinery and agricultural implements without causing irreversible damage to soil structure. Oxisol-LVd (0.55 kg kg−1 clay) and Oxisol-LVdf (0.62 kg kg−1 clay) soils from the plateau region of Rio Grande do Sul were studied. An isoline map was generated for soil penetration resistance in the 0.07–0.12 m soil layer, with the highest state of compaction. Soil bulk density was used to characterize three state of compaction, used as treatments. Statistical analysis consisted of comparing soil σp and CI means for state of compaction, initial water saturation, and soil layers. Increase in clay content and bulk density and reduction in soil moisture is associated with increase in soil σp and decrease in CI. Average values of critical σp of the three states of compaction at field capacity are 245 kPa for Lvd, and 347 kPa for LVdf. In an annual timeframe for already consolidated no-tillage Oxisols, further soil wheeling and natural reconsolidation does not affect soil pre-consolidation and compaction susceptibility.