Soil Air Research Articles

Improved Agricultural Drought Monitoring with an Integrated Drought Condition Index in Xinjiang, China

Drought is a natural disaster with severe global agricultural and economic impacts. Accurate drought indices are needed for improved assessment and monitoring; however, most existing drought indices poorly represent agricultural drought due to complex interactions among meteorological factors, crop and soil conditions. Here, we compute an integrated drought condition index (IDCI) based on the 3-month standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI3), vegetation cover index (VCI) and soil moisture condition index (SMCI). We apply the IDCI to monitoring agricultural drought in Xinjiang, China. After regional evaluations with soil moisture, precipitation and air temperature observations, as well as with the scaled crop yields index, the IDCI was used to describe spatiotemporal changes in regional drought in Xinjiang during 2000–2018, revealing adverse impacts on crop yield (beet, wheat and vegetables). The IDCI is strongly correlated with observed soil moisture and performs better than SMCI, VCI or SPEI3, demonstrating that the IDCI is suitable for agricultural drought monitoring. The most severe drought occurred in the spring to autumn of 2008. Droughts before 2008 were more serious than those after 2008, in terms of both severity and frequency. Droughts in northern, southern and eastern Xinjiang, as well as in the Tianshan Mountains, were generally increasing before 2008 and then weakened after 2008.

Multimedia fate simulation of mercury in a coastal urban area based on the fugacity/aquivalence method

Due to intensive industrial production and living activities, urban areas are the main anthropogenic mercury (Hg) emission sources. After entering the environment through exhaust gases, wastewater or waste residues, Hg can migrate and transform among different environmental compartments in various species, such as elemental mercury (Hg0), divalent mercury (Hg2+) and methylmercury (MeHg). Studies have yet to report on the multimedia behaviors of Hg in urban areas due to the complexity of the processes involved. In this study, the atmospheric Hg emission in Dalian, a coastal city in Northeast China, was estimated by an anthropogenic emission inventory, and a Level III multimedia model was constructed based on the fugacity/aquivalence method to simulate the fate of Hg in air, water, soil, sediment, vegetation and film. The total annual atmospheric emission was 9.91 t, of which coal combustion and non-coal sources accounted for 70.1 % and 29.9 %, respectively. Atmospheric emission and advection were dominated by Hg0, and aquatic emission and advection were dominated by Hg2+. The migration of air–vegetation, vegetation–soil and soil–air were three important pathways of Hg in urban areas. The model was validated by collecting local soil and vegetation samples and regional air, seawater and sediment monitoring data. The scenario simulation indicated that the local load would decrease to different extents with a 21.0 % reduction in atmospheric Hg emission by implementing the “coal-to-gas” measures. Our developed model can characterize the fate of Hg in coastal urban areas and provide a reference for control strategies.

Multi-layered physical factors govern mercury release from soil: Implications for predicting the environmental fate of mercury

Despite the recognised risks of human exposure to mercury (Hg), the drivers of gaseous elemental mercury (GEM) emissions from the soil remain understudied. In this study, we aimed to identify the environmental parameters that affect the GEM flux from soil and derive the correlations between environmental parameters and GEM flux. Principal component analysis (PCA), factor analysis (FA), and structural equation modelling (SEM) were performed on samples from forest and non-forest sites. The associated results revealed the impact of each environmental parameter on GEM flux, either due to the interaction between the parameters or as a coherent set of parameters. An introductory correlation matrix examining the relationship between two components showed a negative correlation between GEM flux and atmospheric pressure at the two sites, as well as strong correlations between atmospheric pressure and soil temperature. In cases of non-forest open sites with no trees, the PCA and FA results were consistent, indicating that atmospheric pressure, solar irradiance, and soil moisture—defined as primary causality—are largely independent drivers of GEM flux. In contrast, the PCA and FA results for the forest areas with high humidity, tree coverage, and shade were inconsistent, confirming the hypothesis that primary causality affects GEM flux rather than consequent parameters driven by primary causality, such as air and soil temperature and atmospheric humidity. The SEM results provided further evidence for primary and consequent causality as crucial drivers of the GEM flux. This study demonstrates the importance of key primary parameters, such as atmospheric pressure, solar irradiance, and soil moisture content, that can be used to predict mercury release from soils, as well as the importance of consequent parameters, such as air and soil temperature and atmospheric humidity. Monitoring the magnitude of these environmental parameters alone may facilitate the estimation of mercury release from soils and be useful for detailed modelling of soil–air Hg exchange.

Exploration of Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora.) Cultivation in Bengkulu: Conservation in an Optimized Environment

Jaboticaba (Plinia cauliflora) is a plant with numerous benefits. The destruction of its natural habitat and illegal logging in areas where Jaboticaba grows have led to concerns about population decline. Therefore, serious conservation efforts are necessary to protect this plant. This research aims to plant and conserve Jaboticaba in an optimal environment in Bengkulu. To maintain the viability of jaboticaba populations, it is essential to protect their natural habitat and implement conservation efforts. The methods used included seedling preparation, jaboticaba planting, and treatment and observation of soil conditions, air, light, and height gain. The results indicated that Jaboticaba can grow in areas with soil pH 5.5; 50% soil moisture, 28℃ air temperature, 69% air humidity, and 900 µmol/m²/s light intensity. The study employed an experimental approach to investigate the growth of Jaboticaba. The growth of Jaboticaba from 15 cm to 30 cm was promoted within the study period through continuous care, including watering and fertilization. The study results indicate that environmental factors play an important role in the growth of Jaboticaba. Therefore, protecting its natural habitat in Bengkulu, Indonesia is crucial for environmental sustainability and human health. Jaboticaba holds high ecological, economic, and health values. The study's findings regarding the cultivation, environmental requirements, and urgency of conservation are enlightening for safeguarding this species for future generations.

The Effect of Various Tillage Methods and Meliorants Application against their Background on the Dynamics of Macronutrients Accumulation in the Winter Wheat Plants and their Output via Crop Yield

The article presents the results of two-year investigations related to the effect of different soil cultivation methods, application times of equal doses of mineral and organic fertilizers and bio-humus with bentonite application against their background on the dynamics of macronutrients accumulation and their removal/ output through the crop yield. Considering the changes in the winter wheat growth, development, and yield capacity under the effect of different soil tillage methods, as well as the applied fertilizers and bentonite in rainfed conditions, and also the nutrition characteristics, to get high and sustainable yield the cultivation of winter wheat should be implemented only through loosening method, while fertilization should be implemented by introducing natural rock bentonite into the soil either on the background of mineral fertilizers (N60P60K60) or bio humus (3.5 t/հa) in autumn, as a result of which the soil air, nutrition and humidity regimes improve, favorable conditions are created for the regular growth and development of the plant and 48.8-52 c/ha grain and 89-96 c/ha straw yield is ensured.

IRRIGATION PROCEDURE (MODE) OF TOMATO GROWN BY THE LOW PRESSURE DRIP IRRIGATION METHOD

Presently, the Republic of Kazakhstan, particularly the Kyzylorda region, grapples with a significant water scarcity issue. In light of this, the utilization of the drip irrigation method plays a crucial role in the judicious management of water resources. In regions like Kyzylorda, characterized by pronounced drought conditions, the efficacy of employing a low-pressure drip irrigation system is notably high. This approach results in an augmented land utilization coefficient, savings in material and labor costs, and an enhanced efficiency in the utilization of irrigation water. The implementation of a drip irrigation system contributes to the improvement of soil nutrition, air circulation, and water-physical properties. It mitigates soil erosion risks, ensures optimal water utilization by supplying irrigation water directly to the roots of each plant, and thereby maximizes the plants' water utilization efficiency. The likelihood of achieving abundant, excellent, and consistent harvests from agricultural crops rises. This method offers several advantages compared to alternative irrigation techniques, including reduced labor costs, preservation of the soil's fundamental structure, prevention of surface soil folds, the ability to concurrently apply fertilizers to the root system area, a potential 30-100% increase in crop productivity, a 50-60% decrease in irrigation water usage, and suitability for use in areas with high slopes.

Technology for detecting heavy metals in the soil using an ionometer

For the first time in the Article, new methods for determining heavy metals in the soil using an ionometer were covered, the acid-base properties of the soil were determined. It is known that with the formation of soil, rocks are destroyed under the influence of the environment. The environment ensures the circulation of chemicals in the human body. Soil is a place of accumulation and storage of large amounts of substances as a result of anthropogenic human activity and waste from natural sources. It is not characterized by the property of inactivity, as in other natural environments, and as a result is most susceptible to pollution. In addition, many compounds that fall into the soil can be more toxic than the original compounds as a result of chemical and microbiological reactions. As a result of soil contamination, water, air, food products and other elements of the biosphere can be contaminated with carcinogens and radioactive substances. Such harmful heavy metal ions have a huge impact on humanity, flora and fauna. Therefore, the article talks about constant monitoring.

A comparative study of thermal radiation model in Chinese solar greenhouse.

The performance of three widely used thermal radiation models, the P-1 model, the surface-to-surface (S2S) model and the Discrete-Ordinates (DO) model, were evaluated for simulation temperature in Chinses solar greenhouse. The thermal radiation models were evaluated by comparing the numerical results with experimental data at representative points in the CSG. For indoor rear wall, the indoor soil and indoor air, the models showed good agreement between the experimental data and the simulated results correspond to P1, S2S and DO respectively. This work provides information for simulate greenhouse temperature and use specific radiation models for the most suitable thermal environment for crop growth.

Particulate air pollution in Central Serbia and some proposed measures for the restoration of degraded and disturbed mining areas

Mining causes soil degradation, particle emission, and air and water quality deterioration. This study estimates some health risks in districts of Central Serbia affected by surface mining activities, and proposes measures for land restoration. The epidemiological risk assessment was based on data for seven cancers and three cardiovascular diseases during 2010 - 2020. Results showed a statistically significant increase in the incidence of lung and bronchial cancer in critical districts. Borski district stood out with the highest incidence rates for cardiovascular diseases. The suspected role of particulate air pollution from the mining industry in health deterioration calls for intensified air quality monitoring and development of mitigation technologies. A restoration strategy called the Pan-Life-Carpet technology is proposed for the restoration of mining areas and for air and water pollution control.

Cover Picture: Clean Soil Air Water. 1/2024

Cover Picture: Clean Soil Air Water. 1/2024

Design and Development of Smart Agricultural Greenhouse

Food insecurity across the globe has necessitated the need to optimize crops productivity through automation and Internet of Things (IoT). This research was carried out to develop a smart greenhouse system where the soil nutrient level, air temperature and soil moisture content can be closely monitored through sensors and the Internet. The sensors – major input components of the structure – sent information to a NodeMCU ESP8266 microcontroller for interpretation, configuration and necessary actions by the output components of the smart structure. The output components of the smart structure are the liquid-crystal display (LCD), water pump, fan, heater and relay modules, while the C++ programming language was used. Remarkably, the intelligence aspect of the smart greenhouse is built on the smart algorithm. Based on the performance evaluation of the various system units, the irrigation, cooling, heating and fertilization units have an accuracy of 85%, 90%, 90% and 85% respectively. Interestingly, the performance rating of the prototype was very encouraging, which makes this smart system a reliable material to combat global food insecurity.

Role of Rhizosphere on the Soil Fertility and Availability Nutrient

The review summarizes the literatures which focus on the role of rhizosphere at soil fertility and availability nutrient. Most researchers agreed that the rhizosphere could important in mediating the interactions between plant roots, soil, and microorganisms. Soil fertility and efficient nutrient acquisition are vital factors governing plant growth and productivity. The review begins by examining the physical and chemical attributes of the rhizosphere that influence nutrient availability and uptake. It delves into the intricate mechanisms of nutrient release, mobilization, and uptake, elucidating the impact of root exudates, symbiotic associations, and mycorrhizal networks on nutrient cycling. Therefore, the majority of researchers established that the rhizosphere has an equalizing influence on annual/seasonal changes regarding soil heat, air, and water balance, the availability of plant nutrients, and consequently, crop yields. Additionally, increasing soil microbial diversity through the rhizosphere and activity is explored, shedding light on the crucial symbiotic relationships that develop between plants and microorganisms to support nutrient acquisition and soil health. Furthermore, the review assesses the responses of the rhizosphere to various environmental factors such as soil types, moisture levels, and temperature fluctuations, and how these factors influence nutrient dynamics and availability.

Size Distribution and Habitat Characteristics of Coconut Crabs (Birgus latro) in Tomajiko, Hiri Island District, Ternate City, Province North Maluku

Coconut crabs (Birgus latro) is a fishery resource that is only found in eastern Indonesia, and the waters of Ternate City are an area that has this potential. This research aims to determine the size distribution and habitat characteristics of coconut crabs in Tomajiko, Hiri Island District. The data collection method consists of several stages, namely determining stations, distributing bait, catching coconut crabs, morphometric measurements, and observing environmental parameters. Determination of stations in this study was carried out based on topographic differences in Tomajiko (divided into two stations). Coconut crab catching uses the roaming survey method. The bait used is coconut meat that has been split into several parts and coconut meat that has been mashed. The morphometric dimensions measured were chest length (carapace length) and body weight. The habitat characteristics observed were the type and extent of vegetation, organic matter content and substrate texture, environmental parameter measurements (soil temperature, air humidity and soil pH). The results of the research showed that the coconut crabs caught at both stations had relatively the same length, but the largest weight was found at station 2. Habitat characteristics in Tomajiko, Hiri Island strongly support the survival of coconut crabs.

Enhancing crop resilience by harnessing the synergistic effects of biostimulants against abiotic stress.

Plants experience constant exposed to diverse abiotic stresses throughout their growth and development stages. Given the burgeoning world population, abiotic stresses pose significant challenges to food and nutritional security. These stresses are complex and influenced by both genetic networks and environmental factors, often resulting in significant crop losses, which can reach as high as fifty percent. To mitigate the effects of abiotic stresses on crops, various strategies rooted in crop improvement and genomics are being explored. In particular, the utilization of biostimulants, including bio-based compounds derived from plants and beneficial microbes, has garnered considerable attention. Biostimulants offer the potential to reduce reliance on artificial chemical agents while enhancing nutritional efficiency and promoting plant growth under abiotic stress condition. Commonly used biostimulants, which are friendly to ecology and human health, encompass inorganic substances (e.g., zinc oxide and silicon) and natural substances (e.g., seaweed extracts, humic substances, chitosan, exudates, and microbes). Notably, prioritizing environmentally friendly biostimulants is crucial to prevent issues such as soil degradation, air and water pollution. In recent years, several studies have explored the biological role of biostimulants in plant production, focusing particularly on their mechanisms of effectiveness in horticulture. In this context, we conducted a comprehensive review of the existing scientific literature to analyze the current status and future research directions concerning the use of various biostimulants, such as plant-based zinc oxide, silicon, selenium and aminobutyric acid, seaweed extracts, humic acids, and chitosan for enhancing abiotic stress tolerance in crop plants. Furthermore, we correlated the molecular modifications induced by these biostimulants with different physiological pathways and assessed their impact on plant performance in response to abiotic stresses, which can provide valuable insights.

Evaluating Daylighting and Preservation in Heritage Halls: Shading Retrofit Case Study at Chengdu Jiangnan Pavilion Street Site Museum

Site museums, focusing on immovable relics, are crucial for preserving unearthed artifacts by controlling their microenvironment. Artifacts are typically found in air–soil coupled environments. Current environmental control standards, designed for artifacts preserved in air, lead to diseases in soil artifacts due to inappropriate storage conditions. Taking Chengdu’s Jiangnan Guan Street as a case study, this research, through monitoring the on-site artifact environment and analyzing the correlation between diseases and the environment, proposes a tensioned membrane sunshade for the protection of artifacts under exposed roofs. Utilizing computational fluid dynamics and lighting simulations, we compared the environmental changes before and after the implementation of the plan. The results indicate: (1) direct sunlight from the exposed roof is the main cause of instability and disease in the soil–air coupled environment of the artifacts; (2) the sunshade significantly improves the storage environment of the artifacts, reducing the temperature difference at various locations from 12.8 °C to 0.3 °C and decreasing direct solar exposure by over 90%. Our proposed solution effectively improves the preservation environment of unearthed artifacts, offering new insights for the protection of the Chengdu Jiangnan Pavilion Street site.

Multifaceted impacts of moss-dominated biocrusts on dryland soils: From soil pore structure to aeration and water infiltration

Biocrusts are a crucial living cover of dryland soils that alter near-surface soil structure and properties. To date, it is still unclear how biocrusts affect soil pore structure, and subsequently alter gas and water transport processes. In this study, we investigated aeolian sand and loess soil colonized with moss-dominated biocrusts and in bare state of the Chinese Loess Plateau. X-ray computed tomography (CT) was used to quantify and visualize the pore characteristics for all considered scenarios. In addition, the soil air permeabilities and relative gas diffusivities were measured together with infiltration rates. CT imaging and reconstruction showed 102–107%, 56–87%, and 72–203% higher macroporosities, surface area densities, and mean pore volumes, respectively, for soils colonized with biocrusts when compared to their bare counterparts. The biocrusts also increased the ratio of connected and isolated porosities as well as pore node densities, while decreasing Euler numbers and tortuosity when compared to the bare soils. This suggests that the pore networks in biocrust-colonized soils exhibit higher continuity and less tortuosity. In addition, the biocrusts increased air permeability by 277–301% and relative gas diffusivity by 47–59%, which is attributable to more air-filled pores and better pore connectivity. However, when compared with bare soils, the biocrusts reduced steady state infiltration rates by 41–50% and the 60 min cumulative infiltration amount by 33–54%. The decrease in infiltrability is attributable to the higher fine particle content and the enhanced water holding capacity of biocrusts. In summary, the biocrusts improved soil pore structure and soil aeration, and reduced infiltrability when compared to bare soils. This implies that biocrusts play a multifaceted and complex role in the transport of gases and water, and as a consequence significantly impact near-surface hydrological and biochemical processes, such as soil evaporation and respiration in drylands.

Noble gases in groundwater reflect wet-season temperature in an arid, monsoonal, and mountainous environment

Comparing directly measured soil temperatures with noble gas recharge temperatures (NGTs) inferred from noble gas concentrations indicates that the infiltrating soil water equilibrates with soil air near the soil surface during the rainy season. Therefore, NGTs of groundwater recently recharged by the Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM) in the Dhofar Mountains in southern Oman reflect the soil temperatures of the 3-month period and do not represent an annual mean. This finding highlights the need to account for seasonality when interpreting NGT data in regions with pronounced dry and wet seasons.We extend the observations from the southern flank of the Dhofar Mountains to three wells situated on the northern flank of the Dhofar Mountains. Two of these wells yield water of Holocene age that was recharged by the monsoon, their NGT signals are therefore classified as seasonal. The NGT calculated from a third well for recharge conditions during the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), when the ISM was absent, is approximately 3 °C lower than that of the two Holocene wells. The lower LGM noble gas temperature corresponds well with the lower annual Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the nearby Arabian Sea.NGTs from published studies from northern Oman are 1–3 °C higher when compared with our data of the same period in the southern Oman. We explain this regional difference of reconstructed temperatures for the LGM and Holocene groundwater with a more continental climatic influence on the infiltration conditions further to the north. The published NGTs from northern Oman show a large temperature difference between the late Holocene and the LGM. In view of our finding of seasonal NGT signals under monsoonal climate, part of this difference may reflect a change in the precipitation regime rather than in air temperature.

Study of the Impact of Climatic Changes in 1980–2021 on Railway Infrastructure in the Central and Western Russian Arctic Based on Advanced Electronic Atlas of Hydrometeorological Parameters (Version 2, 2023)

Arctic zone of the Russian Federation (AZRF) is the region of intensive economic development. In this regard, it is critical to give an adequate assessment of natural factors that may have a negative impact on the growing technological infrastructure. Rapid climate change effects show a significant influence on this activity, including the railway network development. Hence, the decision-making community requires relevant information on climatic variations that can put at hazard the construction and operation of railway facilities. This paper presents the analysis of climatic changes within the region of Central and Western Russian Arctic in 1980–2021. It was performed using the new electronic Atlas of climatic variations in main hydrometeorological parameters, created for the Russian Railways in 2023. This geoinformatic product includes about 400 digital maps reflecting the variability of seven climatic parameters over more than four decades within the studied region. These parameters are air temperature, total precipitation, wind speed, soil temperature, soil moisture content, air humidity, and snow cover thickness. The analysis of climatic maps and their comparison between selected periods showed spatial and temporal heterogeneity of climatic variations in this region. This justifies the feasibility of further research using additional analytical instruments, such as Hovmöller diagrams, time series graphs, etc. The implementation of advanced geoinformatic products in the practice of the Russian Railways will facilitate sustainable development of its infrastructure in rapidly altering climatic conditions.

Soil and air radon/thoron exhalation rates and radon activity concentrations in the vicinity of Lake Monoun, West region of Cameroon

ABSTRACTOne crucial element to determine the radon amount in the environment is the rate at which radon is exhaled from the subsurface. To assess the radon and thoron potential exhalation in the vicinity of Monoun Lake in the West Region of Cameroon, 28 soil samples were collected around the lake. Radon activity concentration in soil gas and air and the related risk to radon inhalation were evaluated. Radon and thoron exhalation rates, mass exhalation rates, and radon soil gas activity concentrations were derived from a mathematical model as a function of radium content and soil parameters. Radium activity concentrations were estimated using a gamma-ray spectrometry technique with a High Purity Germanium detector (HPGe). The average radon exhalation rate, thoron exhalation rate, radon mass exhalation rate, and thoron mass exhalation rate were found to be 22.7 mBq.m−2.s−1, 5348 mBq.m−2.s−1, 0.018 mBq.kg−1.s−1, and 321 mBq.kg−1.s−1, respectively. The registered radon and thoron exhalation rates were above the world average values of 16 Bq.m−2.s−1 and 1000 Bq.m−2.s−1 published by UNSCEAR, respectively. The calculated thoron exhalation in the study area was about 75.3 times higher than that of radon, which suggests probably more exposure to thoron gas than the radon in the area, despite its shorter half-life. A good positive correlation was found between radon and thoron exhalation rates. The obtained average values of radon activity concentrations in air and annual effective dose were above the world average values of 10 Bq.m−3 and 0.095 mSv published by UNSCEAR, but still below the threshold values of 148 Bq.m−3 and 1.4 mSv set as action levels by USEPA, respectively.

Reagentless reduction of hydrogen carbonate-calcium hardness of water: equilibrium states and kinetics

The equilibrium states and kinetics of changes in the concentrations of carbonate system components in water with different calcium hardness are analyzed and the possibility of reducing this indicator by an environmentally friendly method, aeration, is evaluated. Changes in the concentrations of dissolved carbon dioxide, calcium ions, hydrogen ions (pH), bicarbonate and carbonate ions in water depending on the partial pressure of carbon dioxide in soil and atmospheric air and the kinetics of reducing the bicarbonate-calcium hardness of water during its natural and forced aeration were traced. It is shown that water purification by a stream of atmospheric air microbubbles with an average radius of 50 m and a flow rate of 10 l/min can reduce the hydrogen carbonate-calcium hardness from 8 mg-eq/l to 1 mg-eq/l in 100 liters of water in 20 minutes. In the paradigm of "green chemistry", this method is more rational, environmentally friendly, and economical than ion exchange or reverse osmosis, which are currently practiced to reduce hardness in decentralized water supply systems.