Reduce Soil Erosion Research Articles

SOIL EROSION AND IMPACT ON RECREATIONAL RESOURCES IN THE SHYNGYRLAU BASIN, WESTERN KAZAKHSTAN: A MULTI-ANALYTICAL ASSESSMENT

Over the past decades, water erosion has increased significantly in the Shyngyrlau River basin. Recreational development, haphazard construction and operation of roads have led to increased water erosion and the formation of numerous linear erosion forms. Erosion reduces the natural resource status of the region. Water erosion develops in most cases along roads laid along the thalwegs of the ravine-hollow network. The light substrate along with sparse vegetation cover (the sparseness is aggravated by intensive grazing) predetermine its rapid development. Water erosion is an acute problem arising from the present climate change, agricultural intensification and diverse forms of anthropogenic land degradation. Assessment of present and potential soil erosion is useful for landscape preservation as well as development planning. Multi-analytical modeling can provide a quantitative and consistent estimation of soil erosion and sediment yield under locally specific environmental conditions. The soil loss model, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), integrated with GIS, has been used to estimate soil loss in the Shyngyrlau Basin (a left-bank tributary of the Ural River, NW Kazakhstan). The RUSLE model is based on remote sensing and field data; erosion probabilities were determined using GIS. The percentage ratio of the soil loss in the Shyngyrlau River basin shows erosion variation of 0.001–2.47 t/ha/yr. The degree of erosion increases with the length of the slope. A new factor Chip curvature (Cu factor), defining the accuracy of the soil loss results, was defined. According to this factor, soil erosion in the study area is 0.007–2.48 t/ha/yr within the low erosion class. The lowest indicator of the K factor is 0.2 in sandy clay soils used as pasturelands. The highest K factor (0.3) relates to clayey arable soils. The research results add to implementation of new strategies in soil management and conservation practices reducing soil erosion in the Shyngyrlau Basin. Both climate and anthropogenic factors are seen behind the activated ground erosion. The development of forms of water erosion leads to a violation of the integrity of modern natural complexes of the West Kazakhstan region, which significantly reduces their stability and recreational potential.

Participatory Demonstration of Pennisetum pedicelluatum and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) Strip as Biological Soil and Water Conservation Measures for Erosion Control

On three beneficiary farmer fields, prescaling up and participatory demonstration of biological soil conservation techniques using Desho (Pennisetum pedicelluatum) and Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were carried out in 2019/2020 in comparison with control (no grass) activities. Assessing the role of biological conservation techniques in reducing soil erosion and farmers' opinions of these techniques was the primary goal. A total of 132 m2 demonstration plots were used to collect and analyze the experimental data. Elephant grasses (134 tons/ha) and desho (61.1 tons/ha) differed significantly (P < 0.05) in the second year. Elephant grass provided an average soil loss of 6.6 tons/ha/yr-1, desho grass produced an average of 10.9 tons/ha/yr-1, and control provided an average of 13.4 tons/ha/yr.The elephant grass plots showed the least amount of nutrient loss, while the control plots showed the greatest amount.When compared to Desho grass, elephant grass has a higher potential to control soil loss due to its robust root system and to rebound quickly, even in the event of a severe drought.Furthermore, because elephant grass grows quickly and has the largest freshweight biomass of any grass, farmers gave it more consideration in their assessments of grass strips than they did Desho grass.In order to improve acceptability and spread of the technology in dry land areas with a 5% slope for managing soil and nutrient losses, it is best to scale up elephant grass on a bigger scale. The highest nutrient loss was observed on the control plots and the least on the elephant grass plots. Based on the study results, elephant grass has a high potential to control soil loss through a strong root system and recovery immediately, even under severe drought conditions, compared with Desho grass. Additionally, farmers' evaluations of grass strips showed a higher attention to elephant grass than Desho grass due to the fast-growing nature of the grass and their highest fresh-weight biomass. Finally, it is better to scale up elephant grass on a larger scale to enhance acceptance and diffusion of the technology in dry land areas on a slope of 5% for controlling soil and nutrient losses.
 Keywords: Biological soil and water conservation, Desho grass, soil and nutrient loss

Enhancing Organic Carbon Content in Tropical Soils: Strategies for Sustainable Agriculture and Climate Change Mitigation

Background: Tropical soils are characterized by low soil organic carbon (SOC) contents, which can negatively impact soil fertility, water retention, overall agricultural productivity, and food security. Objective: This paper aimed to review and synthesize the current body of literature on the restoration of SOC in tropical soils. Methods: A total of about 152 related articles were downloaded from electronic journal databases using search keywords, such as organic carbon (OC), conservation tillage, intercropping, biochar, and tropical soil. We discussed conservation tillage practices, such as reducing soil disturbance and respiration from the soils, as a means to promote soil OC sequestration. We also highlighted the importance of crop residue retention, which not only increases organic matter inputs and soil nutrients but also promotes soil water retention and reduces soil erosion. Results: Cover crops and crop rotation are identified as effective practices to cover bare ground during planting seasons, reduce erosion, and prevent nutrient losses through leaching and runoff. Additionally, we review the role of fertilizer application, manure and compost application, intercropping, agroforestry, and biochar as strategies to enhance OC content in tropical soils. We highlight the benefits of incorporating organic amendments, such as manure and compost, to improve soil structure and water-holding capacity. Furthermore, we discuss the potential of biochar, a carbon-rich material produced from biomass pyrolysis, as a strategy to sequester OC in tropical soils. Conclusion: Overall, this review provides insights into various strategies that can be implemented to increase the OC content of tropical soils, which can have multiple benefits for soil health, agricultural productivity, and climate change mitigation. Further research and implementation of these practices can contribute to mitigating climate change, conserving soil resources, and promoting sustainable agriculture in tropical regions.

Including land management in a European carbon model with lateral transfer to the oceans

The use of cover crops (CCs) is a promising cropland management practice with multiple benefits, notably in reducing soil erosion and increasing soil organic carbon (SOC) storage. However, the current ability to represent these factors in land surface models remains limited to small scales or simplified and lumped approaches due to the lack of a sediment-carbon erosion displacement scheme. This precludes a thorough understanding of the consequences of introducing a CC into agricultural systems. In this work, this problem was addressed in two steps with the spatially distributed CE-DYNAM model. First, the historical effect of soil erosion, transport, and deposition on the soil carbon budget at a continental scale in Europe was characterized since the early industrial era, using reconstructed climate and land use forcings. Then, the impact of two distinct policy-oriented scenarios for the introduction of CCs were evaluated, covering the European cropping systems where surface erosion rates or nitrate susceptibility are critical. The evaluation focused on the increase in SOC storage and the export of particulate organic carbon (POC) to the oceans, compiling a continental-scale carbon budget. The results indicated that Europe exported 1.95 TgC/year of POC to the oceans in the last decade, and that CCs can contribute to reducing this amount while increasing SOC storage. Compared to the simulation without CCs, the additional rate of SOC storage induced by CCs peaked after 10 years of their adoption, followed by a decrease, and the cumulative POC export reduction stabilized after around 13 years. The findings indicate that the impacts of CCs on SOC and reduced POC export are persistent regardless of their spatial allocation adopted in the scenarios. Together, the results highlight the importance of taking the temporal aspect of CC adoption into account and indicate that CCs alone are not sufficient to meet the targets of the 4‰ initiative. Despite some known model limitations, which include the lack of feedback of erosion on the net primary productivity and the representation of carbon fluxes with an emulator, the current work constitutes the first approach to successfully couple a distributed routing scheme of eroded carbon to a land carbon model emulator at a reasonably high resolution and continental scale. Short abstractA spatially distributed model coupling erosion, transport, and deposition to the carbon cycle was developed. Then, it was used to simulate the impact of cover crops on both erosion and carbon, to show that cover crops can simultaneously increase organic carbon storage and reduce particulate organic carbon export to the oceans. The results seemed persistent regardless of the spatial distribution of cover crops.

Assessment of Annual Leguminous Forage Varieties in Cotton Inter cropping: Evaluating Green Fodder Yield and Dry Matter Production

Intercropping is an agronomic technique and is considered to be an effective and potential mean of increasing crop production per unit area and time (Ahmad and Anwar 2001). Legume intercrops are included in cropping system due to their ability to reduce soil erosion, improving land productivity through soil amelioration, suppress weeds and fix nitrogen. Intercropping cotton is significant because of higher profit and stabilized yield advantage, especially under adverse climatic conditions (Aladakatti et al., 2011). In this aspect, intercropping of short duration legumes in cotton has no adverse effect on cotton performance but an additional yield of legume makes the system more profitable. Rochester et al. (2001) studied the contribution of legume crops such as faba bean (Vicia faba), field pea (Pisum sativaum) and lab-lab (Lablab purpureus) on nitrogen fertility of cotton cropping system. The present study was undertaken in order to develop a compatible, short duration legume fodder and to assess the feasibility of different annual legume fodders for higher green fodder production. The field experiments were conducted in Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Veterinary College and Research Institute Campus, Namakkal, under irrigated condition, during July-August of 2021-22 and 2022-23. Experimental procedures were adopted to analyze the effects of various fertilizer levels on green fodder yield of various leguminous fodder crops viz., fodder cowpea (var. CO (FC)-8), mothbean (var. TMV (mb)-1), horse gram (var. Paiyur-2) and pillipesera. The results indicated that green fodder yield recorded at harvest stage (55 Days After Sowing (DAS)) was influenced by various fertilizer levels of Bt cotton. With respect to green fodder yield fodder cowpea (17407 and 14431 kg ha-1), horse gram (4439 and 4662 kg ha-1), moth bean (10041 and 10010 kg ha-1) and pillipesera (3066 and 2720 kg ha-1) recorded higher yield with application of 150% RDF and it was followed by 125% RDF and 100 RDF during first- and second -year study. Similarly, application of 150% RDF (F3) recorded more dry matter production (DMP) value, for all leguminous fodder crops during first (184.8, 305.6 and 452.7 kg ha-1) and second year study (169.9, 291.2, 450.2 kg ha-1) at all growth stages viz., 20, 40 DAS and at harvest stage, respectively.

Spatioemporal dynamics and driving forces of soil organic carbon changes in an arid coal mining area of China investigated based on remote sensing techniques

Soil organic carbon (SOC) undergoes rapid changes due to human production activities, which have an impact on the land carbon cycle and ultimately global change. As one of the main human production activities, coal mining significantly impacts the soil carbon cycle. However, due to the lack of remote sensing modeling of soil carbon in mining areas, the spatio-temporal changes and driving mechanisms of SOC in mining areas remain unclear. Therefore, this study investigated and determined SOC data from 300 sampling points (depth of 0–20 cm) located in an arid mining area of China. Remote sensing images were then used to established a soil organic carbon density (SOCD) prediction model within the Random Forest (RF) model to achieve digital mapping of soil organic carbon stocks (SOCS). The spatiotemporal changes of SOCS were analyzed using SOCS digital mapping, and the influencing mechanism of SOCS was revealed using path analysis. The results showed that the constructed SOCD predictive model meets the demand for SOCD prediction (R2 ≥ 0.74, p < 0.01, RMSE ≤ 1.72 kg/m2). Under the combined influence of coal mining and land reclamation, the total amount of surface SOCS in the mining area exhibited a fluctuating upward trend from 1990 (6.34 Tg) to 2021 (7.73 Tg), with an annual growth rate of 0.038 Tg/a. The spatial distribution of SOCS generally increased from southeast to northwest. Precipitation, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), and land use were positively correlated to SOCS spatial distribution, while temperature, elevation, soil erosion, and mining intensity were negatively correlated to SOCS. The impact degree of factors on SOCS was as follows: NDVI > soil erosion > mining intensity > precipitation > elevation > land use > temperature. The negative impact of coal mining on SOCS was mainly indirect, through disturbance to elevation, vegetation, and soil erosion. The uneven ground subsidence and stretching caused by coal mining contribute to intensified soil erosion and vegetation degradation in the affected area, leading to a reduction in SOCS. However, SOCS did not decrease under high intensity mining, which was related to the increase in vegetation and the reduction in soil erosion in the mining area. In this study, a soil carbon prediction model was established based on remote sensing modeling to evaluate the temporal and spatial distribution of soil carbon in an arid mining area. The results can serve as valuable references for the scientific improvement of the ecological environment in mining areas, the rational planning of mining area construction, as well as low-carbon land reclamation and ecological compensation assessments.

Organic Mulch Innovation from Straw Waste in the Context of Realizing Climate Smart Agriculture as an Acceleration of Green Economy Achievement

Purpose: The general aim of this research is to encourage sustainable agricultural practices through innovative practices of organic mulch materials. Theoretical Framework: The theoretical framework of sustainable agriculture provides a conceptual basis for understanding and implementing agricultural practices that seek to balance environmental, social, and economic dimensions. At its core, sustainable agriculture is guided by the principles of ecological integrity, economic viability, and social equity. Ecological integrity emphasizes the importance of maintaining and enhancing the health of ecosystems, recognizing the interconnectedness of soil health, biodiversity, and water resources. Method: This research method consists of three stages. The first step is identifying the characteristics of straw, the initial stage of organic mulch production. The second stage is testing the characteristics of mulch, organic mulch innovation, testing the effectiveness and efficiency of organic mulch. The third stage is a business feasibility study analysis, mass mulch production, promotion and marketing analysis. Results: The results showed that identifying the characteristics of straw and organic mulch production is an important step in sustainable farming practices. This initial stage involves determining the type of straw that will be used as organic mulch and preparing the mulch. During this entire process, it is important to consider the type of crop being planted, local climatic conditions, and available resources in order to choose the right straw and manage organic mulch effectively. This practice can help improve soil health, reduce soil erosion, and increase agricultural productivity in a sustainable way. Conclusions: Identification of straw characteristics and production of organic mulch are important steps in sustainable agricultural practices. This initial stage involves determining the type of straw that will be used as organic mulch and preparing the mulch. During this entire process, it is important to consider the type of crop being planted, local climate conditions, and available resources to select the right straw and manage organic mulch effectively.

Biocrust reduces the soil erodibility of coral calcareous sand by regulating microbial community and extracellular polymeric substances on tropical coral island, South China Sea.

Tropical coral islands assume a pivotal role in the conservation of oceanic ecosystem biodiversity. However, their distinctive environmental attributes and limited vegetation render them highly susceptible to soil erosion. The biological soil crust (biocrust), owing to its significant ecological role in soil stabilization and erosion prevention, is deemed an effective means of mitigating soil erosion on coral island. However, existing research on the mechanisms through which biocrusts resist soil erosion has predominantly concentrated on arid and semi-arid regions. Consequently, this study will specifically delve into elucidating the erosion-resistant mechanisms of biocrusts in tropical coral island environments, South China Sea. Specifically, we collected 16 samples of biocrusts and bare soil from Meiji Island. High-throughput amplicon sequencing was executed to analyze the microbial community, including bacteria, fungi, and archaea. Additionally, quantitative PCR was utilized to assess the abundance of the bacterial 16S rRNA, fungal ITS, archaeal 16S rRNA, and cyanobacterial 16S rRNA genes within these samples. Physicochemical measurements and assessments of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs) were conducted to characterize the soil properties. The study reported a significantly decreased soil erodibility factor after biocrust formation. Compared to bare soil, soil erodibility factor decreased from 0.280 to 0.190 t h MJ-1 mm-1 in the biocrusts. Mechanistically, we measured the microbial EPS contents and revealed a negative correlation between EPS and soil erodibility factor. Consistent with increased EPS, the abundance of bacteria, fungi, archaea, and cyanobacteria were also detected significantly increased with biocrust formation. Correlation analysis detected Cyanobacteria, Chloroflexi, Deinococcota, and Crenarchaeota as potential microbials promoting EPSs and reducing soil erosion. Together, our study presents the evidence that biocrust from tropical coral island in the South China Sea promotes resistance to soil erosion, pinpointing key EPSs-producing microbials against soil erosion. The findings would provide insights for island soil restoration.

Effect of Land Use and Land Cover Change on Soil Erosion in Alaba Sub-Watersheds of Central Rift Valley Basin, Ethiopia

The magnitude of soil erosion rates has been accelerating in the Central Rift Valley Area of Ethiopia due to land use and land cover change (LULCC). This study aimed to analyze the trends and changes in land use and land cover dynamics and to analyze the impact of LULC change on soil erosion over the Alaba Sub-Watershed, Central Rift Valley Area of Ethiopia. This study would help to plan and use appropriate land use planning, soil, and water conservation practices, thereby reducing soil erosion in the study area. The soil loss rates were estimated using an empirical prediction model of the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) outlined in the ArcGIS environment. During the study period between 1987 and 2018, the rate of change in cultivated land and bare land was raised by 9.09% and 1.08%, respectively. On the contrary, vegetation cover and grasslands had dropped by –2.03%, and -1.42% respectively. From trends of LULC changes, cultivated land revealed an increasing trend increasing from 181.28 hectares to 351.23 hectares for the period 1987 to 2018, respectively. On the other hand, vegetation and grasslands showed a declining trend from -271.92,-22.66 hectares to -305.91, -124.63 hectares, respectively. The findings of the study generally elucidate that the LULCC has a detrimental impact on soil erosion. The estimated total annual actual soil loss in the study landscape was 25707.77 tons in 1987, 29310.71 tons in 2000, and 31769.32 tons in 2018. It was also found that the mean annual soil loss rate of the study catchment was 22.69t/ha/yr., 25.87t/ha/yr. and 28.04t/ha/yr. in 1987, 2000, and 2018 respectively. About 35% and 42% of the Sub-watershed experienced high to very severe soil erosion in 1987 and 2018, respectively. The results indicate that the estimated erosion rate for about 39 % of the sub-basin area exceeds the maximum tolerable soil erosion threshold and this shows that the erosion risk condition is deteriorating in the study landscape. The top three priority levels delineated for urgent SWC measures represent those areas within the large increase in erosion risk levels, with an area of 188 hectares and accounting for 17 % of the sub-watershed area. Therefore, further detailed investigations based on data from primary and secondary sources would be important in identifying driving socioeconomic forces and consequences of LULCCs and suggesting possible alternative options to establish sustainable resource management practices in the study area.

Rainfall–runoff process and sediment yield in response to different types of terraces and their characteristics: A case study of runoff plots in Zhangjiachong watershed, China

AbstractA field experiment was conducted in the Zhangjiachong watershed to analyze the characteristics of rainfall–runoff process and sediment yield under different types of terraces. Various runoff plots were utilized, and a two serial tank model was employed to simulate runoff generation and concentration processes, taking into account vegetation interception. A soil erosion model incorporating raindrop erosion and sheet erosion was established to replicate sediment yield and concentration process. The parameters of the rainfall–runoff model and soil erosion model were calibrated and validated using observed runoff and sediment yield data. The controlling factors on runoff and sediment yield were explored and compared. The results indicate that both calibration and validation outcomes were acceptable. The earth‐banked terraces–citrus demonstrated the largest coefficients of upper and lower surface runoff, while its upper runoff threshold of the upper tank and the runoff threshold of the lower tank were the lowest, suggesting that it was more likely to produce surface and subsurface runoff. On the other hand, the stone dike terraces–crops exhibited the smallest coefficients of upper and lower surface runoff, while its upper runoff threshold of the upper tank was the highest. The lower runoff threshold of the upper tank was the same across different types of terraces. Compared to the earth‐banked terraces, the stone dike terraces have a larger infiltration coefficient in the upper tank and a smaller infiltration coefficient in the lower tank. Sensitivity analysis indicates that the most sensitive factors affecting runoff simulation results are the runoff threshold and the infiltration coefficient of the lower tank. Terraces, whether constructed with earth banks or stone dikes, are effective in reducing soil erosion. However, during storm rainfall events, these terraces may be partially destroyed, resulting in a higher sediment yield than that of the same vegetation cover on slope land. Terraces with hedgerows have a more significant effect on reducing runoff and sediment than those without hedgerows.

From grapes to getaways: Unraveling the residential tourism impact on land use change and soil erosion processes in Menfi district

The Mediterranean basin has experienced widespread changes in land use and, along with this, changes in geomorphological and hydrological processes and erosion risks. The Menfi area (Italy) has been no exception, and residential tourism has played an unexplored role. Using satellite images in 2007 and 2022, the main changes in land use were determined comparatively, and the variation in soil erosion levels was calculated using the RUSLE equation. The contribution of residential tourism to these processes was also analyzed. The results show a substantial decrease in the area occupied by vineyards and a increase in the site devoted to residential tourism (second homes) with olive orchards. Erosion values have also decreased. The results allow us to conclude that the decrease in the area with vineyards results in a reduction in soil erosion. The main drivers of the change in land use are socioeconomic factors, including the aging of farmers, the shift of subsequent generations to alternative activities, and the overall decrease in agricultural income. In addition, the expansion of tourist infrastructure was accentuated in the new land with olive orchard groves in south-faced, medium-altitude, and lower slope areas, which together provide landscape value and contribute to the reduction of soil erosion.

The Effect of Organic Amendments and Minerals on Increasing Soil Fertility (A review )

Sustainable agriculture emphasizes the maintenance and improvement of soil, water, and biodiversity reserves. Cover cropping, conservation tillage, and agroforestry are all examples of soil conservation practices that serve to reduce soil erosion, preserve soil fertility, and enhance soil health. Organic additions and minerals can help the soil produce grapes. Organic fertilizers and minerals can boost grape soil productivity. Organic additions improve physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. These chemicals include a lot of natural nutrients including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients. Organic additions include compost, manure, and cover crops. Organic grape additions have many benefits. They improve soil structure and porosity, improving root growth and water penetration. Organic additives promote soil fertility through improving water, nutrient, and other element retention. Minerals may improve soil fertility as much as organics. Minerals are essential to plant growth. Minerals include calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. Magnesium creates chlorophyll for photosynthesis, whereas calcium builds strong cells. Proteins and amino acids, necessary to plant growth, require sulphur. Organic additions and minerals boost grape soil fertility. These compounds improve soil structure, nutrient absorption, and root growth, increasing grape yields and vine health. Remember that minerals and organic additions differ. It’s important to use high-quality materials that meet your soil and crop needs because these resources differ in quality and nutrition. Organic additions and minerals boost grape soil fertility. These compounds improve soil structure, nutrient absorption, and root growth, increasing grape yields and vine health. High-quality merchandise and expert agriculture assistance usually provide the best yields.

PREDIKSI KERENTANAN EROSI DAN SEDIMENTASI DAS SEMARANG TIMUR

The East Semarang watershed is an area with diverse land conditions and the majority of the upstream and downstream areas are converted into settlements. This results in an increase in the rate of erosion which erodes the land and causes sedimentation in the downstream watershed. The higher the erosion rate, the higher the sedimentation, therefore the prediction of the erosion value is important as an indicator to recommend natural resource conservation activities. The purpose of this study is to predict erosion and sedimentation rates, and to recommend good conservation methods in an effort to reduce soil erosion. Land erosion analysis was obtained from the overlay of erosion parameter layers with the help of the ArcGIS program using the USLE (Universal Soil Loss Equation) method. Not all of the eroded soil surface in the watershed will be transported to the river, but some will settle on the watershed surface due to the interaction between the flow and the watershed surface. Sediments carried by measured river flows at the outlet were analyzed using the SDR (Sediment Delivery Ratio) method. Then it can be known the amount of sediment per year in the East Semarang watershed or by the term SY (Sediment Yield). Based on the calculation of land erosion in the East Semarang watershed, as big as 816,910.81 tons/year, which resulted in a total sedimentation of 4,641.39 tons/year. Erosion hazard classifications vary from very light to very severe, with the majority of the class being very severe in the upstream region with an area of ​​7,003.55 Ha. The recommendation proposed to overcome or reduce erosion is technical conservation, namely terracing and check dam techniques.

Effects of sewage sludge application methods on the transport of heavy metals with runoff and their mechanisms

Woodland utilization is a promising disposal method for sewage sludge (SS). However, the potential risk of heavy metals (HMs) transport with runoff must be considered. Among the various factors influencing HMs loss, SS application methods (Holing application, HA; Broadcasting and mixing application, BM; Broadcasting application, BA) are likely to cause significant effects by altering soil erosion and soil aggregates. This study aimed to determine how SS application methods affect HMs loss, soil aggregates erosion, and how they are related. Accordingly, the losses of HMs in surface runoff, interflow, and sediment were quantified during six simulated rainfalls. The results demonstrated that all methods reduced surface runoff, but BA was the most effective. Additionally, BA significantly reduced the total sediment yield and the total proportion of the <0.05 mm fraction aggregates. Moreover, BA had the smallest cumulative losses of Pb and Cd through surface runoff and Cu, Pb, and Cd through sediment. Sediment was the most important pathway for HMs loss, through which over 76.56 % of HMs were lost. In BA, the <0.05 mm fraction aggregates had the lowest HMs load, whereas in other treatments had the highest (54.33 %–80.33 %). The potential ecological risk coefficient of Cd was beyond “moderate” in all the pathways of BM and “high” in the interflow of each SS treatment. Nonetheless, when the multi-elements were evaluated collectively, the potential ecological risk index for each SS treatment was categorized as “low”. Overall, BA not only reduced soil erosion but also posed no risk of HMs pollution. It should be noted that the loss of Cd in the interflow had a great impact, while the <0.05 mm fraction aggregates played a significant role in the HMs load. Thus, the current study not only provides an effective approach for the environmentally safe disposal of SS but also proposes a scientific method for the application of SS in woodlands.

Watershed management intervention on land use land cover change and food security improvement among smallholder farmers in Qarsa Woreda, East Hararge zone, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT Natural resource bases are the basic foundations of food security. However, they are facing problems both in quantity and quality, leading to decreased land productivity and societal issues. Watershed management is the most effective technique for managing and utilising these resources while improving food security. The study evaluated the effectiveness of the watershed management approach using Arc GIS 10.5 to track changes in land use cover for the years 2009, 2014, and 2020 and surveyed 337 households in three different Programmes. The findings showed six land-use land cover areas, where the proportion of farmland and bare land decreased while the proportion of settlements and shrub land increased in the three micro-watersheds. Population pressure and exotic species' invasion were significant factors contributing to the decline in farmland, while a decrease in bare land and an increase in shrub land were the results of successful watershed management interventions. Survey results showed that approximately 93.4% and 84.9% of respondents reported reduced soil erosion and deforestation, respectively. Further, the integrated watershed approach implemented in the area improved water availability, reduced dependency on single crops, and increased off-farm activity. Thus, scaling up an integrated watershed approach can enhance food security and protect natural resources.

The deep soil water dynamics and its environmental controls after long-term revegetation

The increase in the extreme drought trend, reduction in soil erosion, and acceleration of deep soil desiccation are renewing interests in soil water dynamics and its environmental controls after long-term (>30 years) grass and shrub revegetation on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP). However, inconsistent findings have been reported on soil water dynamics in these typical land uses due to the multi-dependent environmental controls. The objectives of this study are to identify the spatial variability of soil water dynamics and its controls in a small watershed. For this purpose, spatiotemporal soil water storage in 1 m interval to a depth of 5 m was decomposed into a temporal mean (i.e., time-stable pattern) and temporal anomaly (Atn), which varies over time and is related to soil water dynamics. Atn was then decomposed into a space-invariant temporal anomaly (i.e., spatial mean of Atn) and a space-variant temporal anomaly (Rtn), which reflects the spatial variability of soil water dynamics. The Rtn was further decomposed using the empirical orthogonal function (EOF) to identify its major controls. Results showed that soil water dynamics (gain and loss) decreased from grassland to abandoned cropland followed by shrubland after long-term revegetation. The hot spots in deep soil water dynamics (2–5 m) were identified in layered soils with an overlying sand layer and underlying silt layer, and grassland with the coexistence of tree-shrub-grass and high deep soil organic carbon (SOC) content. 50–70% of the total variations of Rtn were explained by the first two spatial patterns (EOFs). Silt and SOC content controlled EOF1 of Rtn at 0–2 and 2–5 m, respectively. Plant canopy and soil profile properties (e.g., layered soils with an overlying sand layer and underlying silt layer) controlled EOF2 of Rtn at 0–1 and 2–5 m, respectively. The EOF analysis suggests that silt and SOC dominated soil water storage capacity, plant canopy regulated water flux, and variations of hydraulic properties in soil profiles may jointly drive spatial variability of soil water dynamics.

PASTURE-BASED POULTRY FARMING: APPROACH FOR ANIMAL WELFARE, NUTRITIONAL QUALITY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY

Pasture-based poultry farming has emerged as a promising sustainable alternative to conventional indoor farming methods, offering potential benefits in terms of animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and nutritional quality of poultry products. This comprehensive review aims to summarize and analyze the existing literature on pasture-based poultry farming, providing insights into its advantages, challenges, and future research directions. Numerous studies have consistently reported pasture-based system in promoting animal welfare by allowing chickens to exhibit their natural behaviors, reducing stress levels, and enhancing overall health. Moreover, pasture-raised poultry products have demonstrated superior nutritional profiles, characterized by elevated levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and antioxidants. The environmental benefits of pasture-based systems include enhanced soil fertility, reduced soil erosion, and lower greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional indoor systems. However, successful implementation of pasture-based systems requires careful management practices, addressing concerns related to predator control, disease risks, and labor requirements. This review underscores the importance of further research to optimize pasture-based poultry farming, fill knowledge gaps, and promote its sustainable adoption in meeting consumer demand for ethically and sustainably produced poultry products.&#x0D;

Effects of the application of biochar on the soil erosion of plots of sloping agricultural and with silt loam soil

Abstract The application of biochar is considered to be a beneficial strategy for improving soil ecosystem services. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the differences in the soil erosion of silt loam soil with or without the application of biochar and to compare the impact of the application of biochar on soil erosion for different agricultural practices, namely, bare soil, silage corn, and sown peas. Specifically, the physically-based EROSION 3D model was used to estimate the soil erosion of small plots of sloping agricultural land. In considering various combinations of agricultural practices and rainfalls with different durations and intensities, several scenarios were used to assess the impact of the application of biochar on soil erosion. The results of this study demonstrate that the highest mean values of mean soil erosion in the case study area were simulated without using any biochar on bare soil. The values of the mean soil erosion were reduced with the use of biochar. The effect of the application of biochar was shown for all types of agricultural practices; above all, it reduced soil erosion that occurred above high values (over 30 t ha–1). Although the application and reapplication of biochar showed promise in reducing soil erosion, further research is needed to gain a deeper understanding of its total effects.

Balancing Livestock Environmental Footprints with Forestry-Based Solutions: A Review

Livestock production, as one of the oldest and most significant human activities, plays a vital role in fulfilling the global demand for human nutrition and other animal-related products while contributing to poverty reduction. However, it is also important to address the environmental impact of livestock animals. Over 60% of the global biomass harvested annually to support human activity is directed towards this sector, raising concerns about its sustainability. In addition to substantial water and fertilizer usage reported in recent years, it is estimated that 14.5% of global greenhouse gas emissions are generated by the livestock sector. Furthermore, the increasing amount of manure resulting from intensive animal farming raises concerns about its disposal and potential water pollution. The degradation of pasture and rangeland is another significant contributor to soil erosion. Multiple approaches are being studied to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production, but a sustainable alternative may be through forestry. Forests play a vital role in countering livestock emissions by absorbing billions of tons of carbon dioxide each year, and they act as a crucial carbon sink. Furthermore, the diversity and age of forests impact the carbon sequestration process. Forests also help to combat climate change by reducing soil erosion and regulating the water cycle. As such, sustainable forest management is essential as forests provide multiple benefits, including economic, environmental, and social benefits, while also sequestering carbon. In this review, the current impact of modern livestock production is described, along with the potential for mitigating it through forestry-based solutions.

Spatial variations in soil erodibility induced by rock outcropping on sloping cropland in the karst region of Southwest China

Sloping croplands in karst areas of Southwest China usually contain a multitude of rock outcrops with diameters larger than 25 cm. Rock outcrops and spatial location have substantial effects on soil properties and thus likely affect soil erodibility. Moreover, rock outcropping is a indicator of rocky desertification and has an important impact on soil erosion and soil formation processes. However, the potential effects of spatial location and rock outcrops on the soil erodibility of sloping cropland in karst areas are still unclear. This study was performed to explore the variations in soil erodibility reflected by saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS), mean weight diameter (MWD), soil structural stability (SSI), soil erodibility factor (K) and soil organic carbon content (SOC) at three spatial locations in sloping cropland with rock outcrops on the karst hillside. The results showed that the soil erodibility indicators KS, MWD, SSI and SOC declined with increasing soil depth for all tested sites. SSI and SOC were predominant factors contributing to the variation in soil erodibility, which were 34.9 % and 35.1 % at the upper spatial location, 31.4 % and 30.9 % at the middle spatial location, and 32.1 % and 32.6 % at the lower spatial location, respectively. There were significant variations in the K factor between the sloping cropland with rock outcrops and the control group. The variations in soil erodibility indicators with rock outcrops and spatial locations were attributed to the changes in soil particle distribution, soil bulk density and SOC. There was a significant linear correlation between the K factor and spatial location, slope gradient, coverage and height of rock outcrops. These results indicated that rock outcrops and their characteristics can reduce soil erosion intensity by redistributing precipitation and runoff, thus further affecting infiltration and soil erodibility. These findings are helpful to comprehend the processes and mechanisms of the spatial variation in soil erosion on sloping cropland with rock outcrops.