Soil Properties Research Articles

How elevation and soil properties affect plant distribution patterns and species diversity in the Mediterranean mountain ecosystem of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya

How elevation and soil properties affect plant distribution patterns and species diversity in the Mediterranean mountain ecosystem of Al-Jabal Al-Akhdar, Libya

Evaluating Wheat Cultivation Potential in Ethiopia Under the Current and Future Climate Change Scenarios

Land suitability analyses are crucial for identifying sustainable areas for agricultural crops and developing appropriate land use strategies. Thus, the present study aims to analyze the current and future land suitability for wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivation in Ethiopia. Twelve variables including soil properties, climate variables, and topographic characteristics were used in the evaluation of land suitability. Statistical methods such as Rotated Empirical Orthogonal Functions (REOF), Coefficient of Variation (CV), correlation, and parametric and non-parametric trend analyses were used to analyze the spatiotemporal variability in current and future climate data and identified significant patterns of variability. For future projections of land suitability and climate, this study employed climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) framework, downscaled using regional climate model version 4.7 (RegCM4.7) under two different Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) climate scenarios: SSP1 (a lower emission scenario) and SSP5 (a higher emission scenario). Under the current condition, during March, April, and May (MAM), 53.4% of the country was suitable for wheat cultivation while 44.4% was not suitable. In 2050, non-suitable areas for wheat cultivation are expected to increase by 1% and 6.9% during MAM under SSP1 and SSP5 climate scenarios, respectively. Our findings highlight that areas currently suitable for wheat may face challenges in the future due to altered temperature and precipitation patterns, potentially leading to shifts in suitable areas or reduced productivity. This study also found that the suitability of land for wheat cultivation was determined by rainfall amount, temperature, soil type, soil pH, soil organic carbon content, soil nitrogen content, and elevation. This research underscores the critical importance of integrating spatiotemporal climate variability with future projections to comprehensively assess wheat suitability. By elucidating the implications of climate change on wheat cultivation, this study lays the groundwork for developing effective adaptation strategies and actionable recommendations to enhance management practices. The findings support the county’s commitment to refining agricultural land use strategies, increasing wheat production through suitability predictions, and advancing self-sufficiency in wheat production. Additionally, these insights can empower Ethiopia’s agricultural extension services to guide farmers in cultivating wheat in areas identified as highly and moderately suitable, thereby bolstering production in a changing climate.

Temporal Trends in Soil Health and Productivity on Reclaimed Natural Gas Pipeline Rights‐of‐Way on Cropland

ABSTRACTThe construction of underground pipelines negatively impacts soil productivity in various ecosystems. However, the temporal progression in the recovery of soil productivity following the reclamation of cropland impacted by natural gas pipeline rights‐of‐way (ROWs) construction remains unclear. This study examined temporal, post‐reclamation changes in selected soil health indicators and productivity on reclaimed underground natural gas pipeline ROWs on cropland. Soil and crop samples were collected from ROWs ranging in time elapsed since reclamation (TSR) from 6 to 12 years and from adjacent undisturbed locations (off‐ROW) in the same field. The soil samples were analyzed for soil health indicators (permanganate‐oxidizable carbon (POXC), soil respiration, and autoclaved citrate‐extractable (ACE) protein) and selected chemical properties. Crop samples were assessed for grain and total biomass yields as well as grain protein content. Compared to the off‐ROW, soil organic C on the ROWs was 29% (6‐year ROW) and 33% (9‐year ROW) lower than on the off‐ROWs. Soil respiration recovered within 6 years of ROW reclamation, whereas it took 12 years for POXC and ACE protein to recover to off‐ROW levels. Grain and biomass yields 12 years post‐reclamation were still 42% and 36%, respectively, lower on the ROWs than on the off‐ROWs. However, measured soil attributes recovered faster than crop variables, indicating that pipeline construction on cropland has longer‐term impacts on crop yields than on soil attributes. These results indicate that, although underground pipeline construction has detrimental impacts on soil and crop attributes, these attributes would slowly recover to pre‐construction levels with increasing TSR.

Impact of Wetting and Drying Cycles on the Hydromechanical Properties of Soil and Implications on Slope Stability

The soil-based infrastructure is the backbone of the global economy, connecting people, enhancing quality of life, and promoting health and safety. However, its vulnerabilities are becoming apparent due to climate change, mainly through frequent wetting and drying (wd) cycles. Despite few studies in the past, research showing the stability of flood embankments in the long term, incorporating the impact of wetting and drying cycles on the hydromechanical characteristics of soil, is scarce. This study aimed to assess the impact of controlled wd cycles on the hydromechanical properties of clay and silty sand soils and its implications for the stability of a typical flood embankment. Volumetric changes were monitored during the wd cycles. The soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), saturated hydraulic conductivity (ksat), effective cohesion (c′), and effective angle of internal friction (ϕ′) were measured at 1 and 10 wd cycles. The results indicated that the 10 wd cycles decreased the saturated moisture content and resulted in a flatter SWCC compared to the 1 wd cycle for clayey soil. The ksat value was also significantly higher at 10 wd cycles than 1 wd cycle for clayey soil. An insignificant difference was found in both the SWCC and ksat at 1 and 10 wd cycles for silty sand soil. The ϕ′ value for the clayey soil decreased from 28.5 to 20.1 as the wd cycles increased from 1 to 10, while c′ remained unchanged at 10 kN/m2. On the other hand, for the silty sand soil, ϕ′ increased from 34.6 to 37.5 with an increase in wd cycles from 1 to 10, and c′ remained constant at 1 kN/m2. Numerical modelling of transient water flow coupled with a slope stability analysis revealed that the stability of a flood embankment depends on the evolution of soil hydromechanical properties due to wd cycles and the duration of flooding. These findings underscore the need for proactive measures to mitigate landslide risks in regions prone to frequent wd cycles, thereby ensuring the safety and resilience of slopes and associated infrastructure.

Soil test crop response nutrient prescription equations for improving soil health and yield sustainability—a long-term study under Alfisols of southern India

IntroductionEnhancing soil health and nutrient levels through fertilizers boosts agricultural productivity and global food security. However, careful fertilizer use is essential to prevent environmental damage and improve crop yields. The soil test crop response (STCR) is a scientific approach to fertilizer recommendation that ensures efficient use, supporting higher crop production while protecting the environment and preserving resources.MethodologyA long-term field experiment on the STCR approach was initiated in 2017 at the Zonal Agriculture Research Station, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore, India. The experiment aimed to study the impact of STCR-based nutrient prescription along with farmyard manure (FYM) for a targeted yield of soybean (Glycine max), sunflower (Helianthus annuus), dry chili (Capsicum annuum), aerobic rice (Oryza sativa L.), foxtail millet (Setaria italica), okra (Abelmoschus esculentus), and kodo millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum) on yield and changes in soil health in comparison with other approaches of fertilizer recommendation.ResultsThe results showed a significant and positive impact of the integrated use of fertilizer with FYM based on the STCR approach on the productivity of all the crops and soil fertility. Significantly higher yields of soybean (23.91 q ha−1), sunflower (27.13 q ha−1), dry chili (16.67 q ha−1), aerobic rice (65.46 q ha−1), foxtail millet (14.07 q ha−1), okra (26.82 t ha−1), and kodo millet (17.10 q ha−1) were observed in the STCR NPK + FYM approach at yield level 1 compared to the general recommended dose and soil fertility rating approach. This approach outperformed the standard recommendations, enhancing nutrient uptake and efficiency across various crops. Utilizing the principal component analysis, the soil quality index effectively reflected the impact of nutrient management on soil properties, with the STCR NPK + FYM treatment at yield level 1 showing the highest correlation with improved soil physical and chemical parameters.DiscussionThe STCR approach led to improved yield, nutrient uptake, utilization efficiency, and soil health, thanks to a balanced fertilization strategy. This strategy was informed by soil tests and included factors like crop-induced nutrient depletion, baseline soil fertility, the efficiency of inherent and added nutrients through fertilizers and farmyard manure, and the success of yield-targeting techniques in meeting the nutritional needs of crops.

Sustainable Nitrogen Management in Rice Farming: Spatial Patterns of Nitrogen Availability and Implications for Community-Level Practices

Sustainable nitrogen management is crucial for long-term food security and environmental protection in rice farming systems. However, the spatial patterns of nitrogen availability at the community level remain poorly understood, hindering the development of effective sustainable management strategies. This study introduces a novel application of spatial autoregressive analysis to investigate available nitrogen distribution in paddy soils across a rice farming community in Kyoto, Japan. Soil samples from 61 plots, including organically farmed ones, were analyzed for available nitrogen and various physicochemical properties. Contrary to the hypothesis of high variability between adjacent plots, significant positive spatial autocorrelation in available nitrogen was observed, revealing previously unrecognized community-level patterns. The spatial Durbin model outperformed traditional regression approaches and revealed complex spatial interactions in soil properties. Water-soluble organic carbon and humus content showed strong but opposing effects, with a positive direct impact but negative spatial interaction, suggesting topography-driven accumulation processes. Water-soluble nitrogen exhibited reverse patterns with negative direct effects but positive spatial interaction, indicating potential nutrient transport through water movement. These findings highlight the importance of considering both direct and indirect spatial effects in understanding soil fertility patterns, challenging the conventional plot-by-plot management approach. This methodological advancement provides new perspectives for more effective, community-scale soil management strategies in rice farming systems. Moreover, it demonstrates an innovative approach to maximizing the value of outsourced soil analysis data, providing a model for more comprehensive utilization of such data in agricultural research. By enabling more targeted and efficient nitrogen management practices that consider both plot-level processes and landscape-scale interactions, this study potentially contributes to the development of more sustainable and resilient rice production systems.

Enhancing the use of phosphate rock through microbially-mediated compost transformation to improve agronomic and economic profitability in Sub-Saharan Africa

Soil degradation and limited access to chemical fertilizers partly explain the persistently low crop yields in Sub-Saharan Africa. To provide local farmers with alternative fertilizer options, this study examined the impact of locally sourced fertilizers on sorghum productivity and soil health. Treatments were set up in a completely randomized block design with five replications each. These treatments included Burkina phosphate rock (BPR), calcined BPR (Cal-BPR), triple super phosphate (TSP), four types of phosphocomposts, and an unfertilized phosphate control (Control). The phospho-composts, prepared during 4 months in advance, were as follows: Comp-1 (sorghum straw + BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-2 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + sorghum rhizosphere soil and roots), Comp-3 (sorghum straw + BPR + chicken manure), and Comp-4 (sorghum straw + Cal-BPR + chicken manure). They were applied at a rate of 2.5 t ha−1 at sowing, alongside BPR, Cal-BPR, and TSP that provided 23 kg P2O5 ha−1. Urea and potassium chloride were added 15 days after sowing (DAS) to all treatments to standardize nitrogen and potassium levels to 37 kg N ha−1 and 14 kg K2O ha−1. Soil properties were evaluated using the samples collected at 42, 70, and 120 DAS. Rhizosphere soil showed higher bacterial and fungal abundance than bulk soil, particularly in compost treatments. Comp-4 notably improved soil properties, including increased phosphorus-cycling microbial genes, available phosphorus, cation exchange capacity, and pH, and it produced the highest sorghum grain yield. However, Comp-3 offered superior economic benefits, with higher net returns from grain sales. Overall, phosphocomposts improve soil health and boost sorghum yield in Sub-Saharan Africa. Calcined BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost may be used to increase crop yields. However, the study shows that BPR-chicken manure-enriched compost provides a more cost-effective solution for soil revitalization and sustainable food production in infertile soils in the region.

Effects of different sand fixation plantations on soil properties in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, Eastern Inner Mongolia, China

Effects of different sand fixation plantations on soil properties in the Hunshandake Sandy Land, Eastern Inner Mongolia, China

Continuous planting American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius L.) caused soil acidification and bacterial and fungal communities’ changes

Abstract Background American ginseng is an important herb crop and is widely cultivated in China. However, continuous cropping seriously affects the production of American ginseng, and the reason is still unclear and needs more research. We analyzed the soil microbial alpha diversity and community composition as well as soil physicochemical properties in bulk soils to assess the changes in soil associated with planting American ginseng. Results The cultivation of American ginseng resulted in a significant decrease in soil pH value. The alpha diversity of soil bacteria and fungi was significantly reduced with the increase of American ginseng planting years. Planting American ginseng also largely altered the community composition of soil bacteria and fungi, in particularly, increased the relative abundance of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium, and reduced the relative abundance of some beneficial microorganisms, such as KD4-96, RB41 and Sphingomonas. Conclusions Soil acidification, reduction of beneficial taxa and accumulation of fungal pathogens, therefore, may lead to the replantation problem of American ginseng.

Pertubations of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal in the Soil of Coastal Areas of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

This study aimed at assessing the concentrations and perturbations of the physicochemical properties and heavy metals in the soil of the coastal regions of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. Sampling was carried out across three mangrove locations (Iko Town, Okoroutip and Uta Ewa) in Eastern Obolo, Ibeno and Ikot Abasi Local Government Areas respectively. Four vegetation plots were randomly selected, and within each plot, three belt transects were established. Physicochemical properties [Sand, Clay, Silt, organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen, sulphate and chlorine content] and heavy metals (Arsenic, Silver, Chromium, Copper, Nickel, Lead, Mercury, Cadmium, Titanium, Vanadium and Zinc) were analyzed using standardized methods. Results from this study revealed considerable variations in the physicochemical properties of soil in the study area. The aforementioned heavy metals were present in both wet and dry seasons in considerable concentrations in the soil samples within the study areas. However, were within and below WHO limits. The variations in the physicochemical properties and the presence of these heavy metals in the samples are indicative of an impacted environment unsuitable for the growth and survival of the endemic flora and fauna species of this unique ecosystem. In view of the current knowledge of the role of mangrove ecosystems in blue-economy of the nation and mitigation of ongoing climate change, we advocate a tripartite alliance between the government, multinational companies operating within the area and the various impacted communities that leads to a concerted efforts of constant monitoring and remediation in the reduction of current and future pollutant levels.

Karst Ecosystem: Moso Bamboo Intercropping Enhances Soil Fertility and Microbial Diversity in the Rhizosphere of Giant Lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum)

Intercropping affects soil microbial community structure significantly; however, the effects on understory medicinal plants in karst areas remain unclear. We investigated the effects of four intercropping systems (Moso bamboo, Chinese fir, bamboo-fir mixed forest, and forest gap) on the rhizosphere microbial communities of giant lily (Cardiocrinum giganteum), an economically important medicinal plant in China. We assessed the intercropping impact on rhizosphere microbial diversity, composition, and co-occurrence networks and identified key soil properties driving the changes. Bacterial and fungal diversity were assessed by 16S rRNA and ITS gene sequencing, respectively; soil physicochemical properties and enzyme activities were measured. Moso bamboo system had the highest fungal diversity, with relatively high bacterial diversity. It promoted a distinct microbial community structure with significant Actinobacteria and saprotrophic fungi enrichment. Soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and available potassium were the most influential drivers of microbial community structure. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed that the microbial network in the Moso bamboo system was the most complex and highly interconnected, with a higher proportion of positive interactions and a greater number of keystone taxa. Thus, integrating Moso bamboo into intercropping systems can enhance soil fertility, microbial diversity, and ecological interactions in the giant lily rhizosphere in karst forests.

Biochar co-compost increases the productivity of Brassica napus by improving antioxidant activities and soil health and reducing lead uptake

Lead (Pb) is a serious toxic metal without any beneficial role in the biological system. Biochar (BC) has emerged as an excellent soil amendment to mitigate Pb toxicity. The impact of BC co-compost (BCC) in mitigating the toxic impacts of Pb has not been studied yet. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the potential of BC and BCC in improving the growth, physiological, and biochemical traits of Brassica napus and soil properties and reducing health risks (HR). The study was comprised of different Pb concentrations (control and 100 mg kg-1) and organic amendments (control, BC, compost, and BCC). The results indicated that Pb stress reduced the growth, photosynthetic pigments, seed yield, and oil contents by increasing hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) production and Pb uptake and accumulation in plant tissues and decreasing photosynthetic pigment and nutrient availability. The application of BCC alleviated the adverse impacts of Pb and improved seed production (40.24%) and oil yield (11.06%) by increasing chlorophyll a (43.18%) and chlorophyll b (25.58%) synthesis, relative water content (23.89%), total soluble protein (TSP: 23.14%), free amino acids (FAA: 26.47%), proline (30.98%), APX (40.90%), CAT (32.79%), POD (24.93%), and SOD (33.30%) activity. Biochar co-compost-mediated increase in seed and oil yield was also linked with a reduced accumulation of Pb in plant parts and soil Pb availability and improved the soil-available phosphorus, potassium, total nitrogen, soil organic carbon (SOC), and microbial biomass carbon (MBC). Furthermore, BCC also reduced the bioaccumulation concentration, daily metal intake, hazard index, and target hazard quotient. In conclusion, application of BCC can increase the growth, yield, and oil contents of Brassica napus by improving the physiological and biochemical traits and soil properties and reducing the Pb uptake.

Impact of Soil Amendments and Improved Alkaline Water on the Physico-chemical Characteristics of the Soil, the Distribution of Salt in the Soil, the Growth, and the Yield of Hybrid Cotton Grown in Sodic Soil with Drip Irrigation

The effects of ameliorated alkali water and soil amendments on the soil properties, growth, and yield of hybrid cotton in sodic soil under drip irrigation were investigated in this field experiment at Anbil Dharma lingam Agricultural College and Research Institute, Trichy, using cotton (RCH-20) as a test crop. The main-plot treatments included drip irrigation with gypsum treatment water and drip irrigation with spent wash treatment water; the sub-plot treatments included soil application of gypsum @ 50% GR (5.2 t ha-1) and a one-time soil application of distillery spent wash at 5 lakh liters ha-1. The treatment without amendments under main plot and sub-plots was used as a control. The experiment was designed in a strip-plot design with four replications. The application of additives through irrigation water or soil dramatically lowered the post-harvest soil's pH. Plots applied with wasted wash had the greatest pH reduction (M1S1) 7.81, followed by those applied with gypsum (M2S2) 7.90 and control (M3S3) 8.15. Because there was more soluble salt present in the spent wash treated plots, there was a little rise in EC. Drip irrigation with distillery spent wash (DSW) treated water and drip irrigation with gypsum treated water, respectively, resulted in ESP decreases of (M2S2) 0.97 and (M1S1) 0.61 over control. Similarly, ESP decreased by 2.63 and 1.31 when gypsum and DSW were applied to the soil, respectively, compared to the control. The organic carbon values ranged from (M3S3) 0.47 to (M2S2) 0.92 percent. In general, an increase in organic carbon content was observed in all the treatments that received amendments (Gypsum& DSW) compared to control. Salt distribution pattern conducted in treatment of distillery spent wash @ 5.0 lakh liters ha-1 significantly increased vertical depth of soil pH ranges (7.56,7.68,7.80,8.30) and decreased EC ranges (1.05,1.02,1.00,0.95) followed by horizontal line soil pH ranges (7.54,7.51,7.49,7.50) and EC ranges (1.04,1.02,1.00,1.02) at 120 DAS after application. In the experimental field recorded vertical depth of soil increased pH and decreased electrical conductivity compared to horizontal distances of soil pH and EC. The physico- chemical properties reduced in treatment one time application of DSW @ 5 lakh liters ha-1 recorded the highest physico -chemical properties followed by the treatment receiving irrigation with gypsum bed treated alkali water and lowest was recorded in the untreated alkali water irrigated through drip system in non- amended soil.

Effect of FYM and Inorganic Fertilizers on Growth, Yield of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and Soil Properties of Red Alfisol

The soil multi-nutrient deficiency is not only a problem for soil quality, but also for crop productivity. In problematic soils, in particular acid soils, where low nutrient availability is a concern for general soil use, organic fertilizers are important. The importance of FYM is not limited to their role as accessibility, cost-effectiveness, soil nutrient reservoirs, moisture and ameliorating soil properties that determine soil fertility and productivity status. A pot experiment was conducted on wheat crop at Banaras Hindu University, India, to investigate the effect of FYM and inorganic fertilizers on growth, yield of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and soil properties of red Alfisol. The results revealed that maximum number of tiller pot-1 (17.0), plant height (78.0 cm), grain yield (27.4 g pot-1), straw yield (9.98 g pot-1), biological yield (67.5 g pot-1), harvest index (40.6%), were recorded in 1.5RF+FYM1applied pots. The correlation study revealed a significant positive correlation of soil organic carbon with biological yield, and soil available N, P and K. The integration of FYM along with 1.5 times RF significantly enhanced wheat productivity, quality, and soil nutrient availability, indicating the potential of this integrated approach for restoring soil fertility in degraded soils to sustainable crop production in red Alfisol.

Enhancing Mechanical Properties of Expansive Soil Through BOF Slag Stabilization: A Sustainable Alternative to Conventional Methods

This study investigates the stabilization of expansive soil using basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag, an eco-friendly steel by-product, as an alternative to conventional stabilizers like ordinary Portland cement. By evaluating varying concentrations of BOF slag and lime as an activator, the research aims to improve the soil’s mechanical properties, addressing issues like low bearing capacity and high shrink–swell potential. Bentonite clay was treated with different BOF slag ratios (10%, 20%, and 30%) and activated with lime (1%, 3%, and 5%). After mixing and compaction, samples were cured and tested for unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear wave velocity (BE), and free swell. Microscopic analyses (SEM) provided insight into structural changes post-stabilization, revealing improved properties with increased BOF and lime concentrations. Notably, stabilization with 30% BOF slag and 5% lime achieves a compressive strength of 810 kPa, meeting the minimum subgrade soil stabilization requirement (700 kPa) set by the Federal Highway Administration. This research underscores the potential of BOF slag as a sustainable and practical material for bentonite clay stabilization, offering a promising solution for enhancing soil properties while contributing to environmental sustainability through industrial by-product repurposing.

Negative impact of alluvial sediments on physical properties of agricultural soils affected by flooding in May 2023 in Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy)

Negative impact of alluvial sediments on physical properties of agricultural soils affected by flooding in May 2023 in Emilia Romagna Region (Northern Italy)

Atractylodes macrocephala Root Rot Affects Microbial Communities in Various Root-Associated Niches

Atractylodes macrocephala, a perennial herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, is highly prone to root rot, which significantly reduces its yield and quality. This study compared the physicochemical properties of soil from healthy and diseased A. macrocephala plants and analyzed the microbial diversity in the endophytic, rhizosphere, and root zone soils. The results showed that the diseased plants had higher levels of available potassium and electrical conductivity in the rhizosphere, both positively correlated with the severity of root rot, while soil pH was negatively correlated. The diversity and richness of endophytic bacterial and fungal communities were significantly reduced in diseased plants. Additionally, root rot led to major changes in the rhizosphere microbial community, with an increased abundance of Proteobacteria and Ascomycota, and a decrease in Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes, Actinobacteria, and Basidiomycota. Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium solani, and Fusarium fujikuroi were identified as key pathogens associated with root rot. This study enhances our understanding of the microbial interactions in soils affected by root rot, offering a foundation for developing soil improvement and biological control strategies to mitigate this disease in A. macrocephala cultivation.

Advanced nonlinear soil-structure interaction model for the seismic analysis of safety-related nuclear structures

AbstractThis article proposes an advanced nonlinear soil-structure interaction methodology, for the seismic analysis of a nuclear structure. To do so, a study is performed on a nuclear reinforced concrete structure considering the effects of the nonlinearity due to the sliding and rocking at the soil-structure interface, under a Beyond Design Basis Earthquake. A tridimensional numerical model based on the Finite Element Method is developed for the structure and the soil. The model of the structure considers composite materials to describe all the structural members, taking full advantage of the modelling capabilities of the finite element method. The soil layers are modelled assuming their degraded properties due to the propagation of the seismic ground motion. An innovative approach to achieve spectral matching at the surface of the FEM soil model after propagation from the bedrock has been successfully implemented. The seismic analysis on the structure has been performed by considering three hypotheses for the contact between soil and structure: fixed-base, fixed contact and sliding-rocking contact. Insights are provided after comparing floor spectra for the contact approaches assessed in this research, calculated at the systems and components’ locations at the nuclear structure. Finally, a statistical approach for the soil properties allows to study the effects of these uncertainties on the structural response.

Effects of Bio and water-soluble fertilizers on sweet potato yield, quality and soil properties in a continuous cropping system under plastic film-mulched drip-fertigated field conditions

Effects of Bio and water-soluble fertilizers on sweet potato yield, quality and soil properties in a continuous cropping system under plastic film-mulched drip-fertigated field conditions

Response of Alfalfa Leaf Traits and Rhizosphere Fungal Communities to Compost Application in Saline–Sodic Soil

Soil salinization is considered a major global environmental problem due to its adverse effects on agricultural sustainability and production. Compost is an environmentally friendly and sustainable measure used for reclaiming saline–sodic soil. However, the responses of the physiological characteristics of alfalfa and the structure and function of rhizosphere fungal communities after compost application in saline–sodic soil remain elusive. Here, a pot experiment was conducted to explore the effect of different compost application rates on soil properties, plant physiological traits, and rhizosphere fungal community characteristics. The results showed that compost significantly increased soil nutrients and corresponding soil enzyme activities, enhanced leaf photosynthesis traits, and ion homeostasis compared with the control treatment. We further found that the rhizosphere fungal communities were dominated by Sodiomyces at the genus level, and the relative abundance of pathogenic fungi, such as Botryotrichum, Plectosphaerella, Pseudogymnoascus, and Fusarium, declined after compost application. Moreover, the α-diversity indexes of the fungal community under compost application rates of 15% and 25% significantly decreased in comparison to the control treatment. The soil SOC, pH, TP, and TN were the main environmental factors affecting fungal community composition. The leaf photosynthetic traits and metal ion contents showed significantly positive correlations with Sodiomyces and Aspergillus. The fungal trophic mode was dominated by Pathotroph–Saprotroph–Symbiotroph and Saprotroph. Overall, our findings provide an important basis for the future application of microbial-based strategies to improve plant tolerance to saline-alkali stress.