Soil Conservation Practices Research Articles

Soil Loss Estimation and Community Awareness Assessment on Integrated Watershed Management: The Case of Lake Hashenge Watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia

Ethiopia is recognized as one of the most severely affected regions by soil erosion globally, posing significant threats to its national economy. This study investigates soil loss estimation and community awareness within the framework of integrated watershed management in the Lake Hashenge watershed, Tigray, Ethiopia. The mean annual rainfall and total drainage area of Lake Hashenge watershed is 988.7 mm and 129km2 respectively. Utilizing the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) model, we quantified soil erosion rates and identified critical areas prone to severe soil loss. Our findings indicate significant soil degradation, exacerbated by both natural and anthropogenic factors. The estimated soil loss yield entering Lake Hashenge in the form of sheet and rill erosion was 61.94 tons/ha/year. According to the universal soil loss factsheet, the soil loss estimated in the watershed was categorized as severe, indicating that the lake is in danger. Concurrently, we assessed community awareness and participation in soil conservation practices through surveys and interviews with a multidisciplinary team of researchers. The results reveal a moderate level of awareness and engagement, highlighting the need for enhanced educational and participatory approaches to foster sustainable watershed management. This research underscores the importance of integrating scientific soil loss assessments with community-based integrated watershed management strategies to mitigate soil erosion, protect the lake from sedimentation, and promote environmental sustainability in the region.

Adoption of soil conservation practices by mandarin (Citrus reticulata B.) farmers in Gulmi, Nepal

Mandarin has a tremendous potential for export and increased income for farmers of Nepal. However, in the recent years, soil degradation and erosion are the major challenges faced by the citrus enterprises especially in the hilly region of Nepal. The declining status of production and productivity cannot be checked without the transfer of site-specific and commodity-based knowledge and skills to the corresponding farmers. A study was carried out in 2023 to examine the soil conservation practices and status of technology adoption among the mandarin farmers. A total of 80 households from three wards of Dhurkot rural municipality of Gulmi district were selected on purpose for the study. Data were collected through interviews, key informant interviews, and focus group discussion, using semi-structured questionnaire, then the descriptive analysis was done using MS Excel and SPSS (Version 23.0). The results revealed that mainly three types of soil were presented in the study areas viz. luvisols, cambisols and sandy gravel, which are highly prone to soil erosion. The average area under mandarin cultivation was reported to be 0.74 hectare, with an estimated productivity of 7.6 metric tons per hectare. Approximately 95% of the respondents were familiar with soil degradation and its consequences in mandarin production. Accordingly, 96.2% of the respondents had adopted some forms of soil conservation practices like sod culture (40%), minimum tillage (36.2%), liming (40%), terracing and cover cropping (95%) and integrated plant nutrient system (31.2%), alongside the traditional stone bunds and mulching. The findings suggested that an increased participation in trainings and contact with extension agents has a significant influence on the importance of capacity building of the farmers regarding sustainable soil conservation technology, innovative cultivation practices, and ensuring frequent extension services to the farmers. Implementing these measures is expected to enable mandarin farmers in Nepal to check annual losses of soil fertility due to soil erosion and landslides, thereby contributing to commercialization of citrus.

Meta-Analysis on Farmers’ Adoption of Agricultural Technologies in East Africa: Evidence from Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers

Farmers’ low agricultural productivity in East African countries is attributed to among other factors, the low application of modern agricultural technologies. Using meta-analysis this study intended to examine the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies in East African countries recipients of Chinese Agricultural Technology Demonstration Centers (ATDCs). A comprehensive review employed to gather 22 studies addressing the determinants of adoption of agricultural technologies such as improved varieties, agricultural mechanization, soil conservation, and animal breeding from Ethiopia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. The collected data were analyzed using STATA 17 software. The study used a random-effect model to estimate the determinants of agricultural technologies adoption. The findings demonstrated that access to credit, age, education, farming experience, farmer group membership, household size, and off-farm income have a significant influence on farmers ‘adoption of improved varieties. Age, farm size, and education have a significant influence on the adoption of agricultural mechanization. Soil conservation practices are influenced by age, household size, and sex. Moreover, age, education, extension services, and farming experience have a significant impact on the adoption of animal breeding. It is recommended that East African governments, policymakers, and agricultural practitioners to focus on these common variables when planning for the intervention of new agricultural technologies.

Vetiver [Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty]: An Aromatic Root Crop for Soil and Water Conservation

Khus grass or vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty) is a hardy perennial aromatic grass with long enormous tufted fibrous root system. Commercially, dry roots are used for extraction of essential oil that acts as a fixative in perfumery industry worldwide. Besides, vetiver roots are used in medicinal and pharmaceutical industries to treat rheumatism, arthritis, gouty joints, paralysis and indigestion. Roots and root oil have strong anti-oxidant, stimulant, carminative and cooling properties and used in Ayurvedic medicines. Traditionally, vetiver plants are being used to cultivate across hill slopes, waterways and wastelands to reduce runoff and soil conservation. During 1990’s World bank was promoting use of vetiver grass as contour vegetative barrier in upland farming systems of Asian and African countries. Further, recent studies report the use of vetiver in phytoremediation, reclamation of mined lands and soil and water detoxification in addition to carbon sequestration. Due to introduction of modern cultivation practices, traditional soil conservation practices are being vanished gradually over a period of time. In this regard, an attempt has been made to review the scientific evidence for use of vetiver grass as a soil and water conservation measure along with phytoremediation.

Exploring Potential Adaptation Strategies for Smallholder Farmers to Climate Change: A Case Study at Abala Abaya, Wolaita Zone, South Ethiopia

Background: The frequency and intensity of extreme weather events are expected to increase as a result of climate change, which will contribute to changes in precipitation and temperature, and therefore will affect food security. Research issues related to increasing the sustainability of the agricultural sector, eliminating climate risks in agriculture are coming to the fore. This is especially relevant in arid regions. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate change in Abela Abaya, Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia. Finding optimal practices adapted to random extreme events is fundamental for sustainable food production. In particular, the study attempted to understand the preferences of smallholder farmers in adaptation strategies to climate change in the study area; the main influencing factors determining the choice of adaptation strategies to climate change by smallholder farmers in the study area. Methods: To investigate this issue, qualitative and quantitative data were used within a descriptive research approach to assess potential adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers to climate change. Data on demographic, socio-economic, institutional, physical and psychological factors for adaptation strategies of smallholder farmers were collected through specially designed and pre-tested questionnaires, interviews and focus group discussions (FGDs). Rural counties for the study were selected using simple random sampling due to the same agroecology. The multivariate probit (MVP) model was used as it is a type of correlated binary response regression model that allows for the simultaneous identification and assessment of the impact of a set of independent factors on each of the possible approaches. Five adaptation methods are identified as dependent variables for the Multi-Variate Probit. These include Soil and Water Conservation (SWC) practices, use of drought-tolerant varieties, adjustment of planting dates, use of agroforestry, and implementation of water harvesting. The following were selected as independent variables for the current study. Results: Most farmers (96.7%) acknowledge the ongoing climate change and are concerned that their agriculture will not suffer under the new conditions. This is justified by the fact that farmers confirm their observations regarding the increase in air temperature, the increase in the frequency of plant diseases and the decrease in precipitation. At the same time, only 36.2% of the surveyed farmers reported that society is aware of the possible risks associated with global warming and is trying to adapt agricultural activities to new climatic conditions. In particular, the current study revealed for the first time that smallholder farmers in Abela Abaya primarily prefer approaches such as soil and water conservation (71.6%), adjustment of planting dates (59.4%), and agroforestry (44.5%). Conclusion: The study identified the most influential factors on the adoption of adapted agricultural practices in a specific region of Abala Abaya (Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia), namely, household heads’ access to education, frequency of extension visits, access to climate information and land slope. Thus, decision makers can design and adopt appropriate programs based on the current results to preserve smallholder farming and maintain food security at the national level.

Farmers' Awareness of Land Degradation and Adoption of Soil and Water Conservation Practices in Hidebu Abote, Ethiopia

In Ethiopia, land degradation is a serious problem that affects both overall economic growth and agricultural output. Even while nutrient depletion, soil erosion, and deteriorating soil quality are serious issues, many land conservation initiatives today neglect to consider the expertise of farmers and local requirements. This study's primary goal was to evaluate farmers' knowledge of land degradation and their practice of soil and water conservation techniques in Ethiopia's Hidebu Abote. Data were gathered through focus groups, key informant interviews, household surveys, secondary data analysis, and focus groups. According to the findings, over 75% of the participants were aware of the factors that contribute to land degradation, such as poverty, rocky terrain, bad farming techniques, overgrazing, overcultivation, and soil erosion. Farmers used techniques such as contour farming, fallowing, fanyajuu, cut-off drains, soil bunds, and manure application in addition to more modern methods of conserving water and soil. The adoption of soil and water conservation methods by farmers was impacted by several factors such as age, gender, size of family, educational background, NGOs' incentives, farm size, land tenure, and distance from homestead. The study indicates that encouraging farmers to manage and conserve their land should be the priority for any policy or program aiming at land resource management and soil conservation. Policymakers and development professionals can use the findings as guidance to create efficient interventions to alleviate land degradation in the research area and other comparable contexts.

Assessing the Impact of Productive Safety Net Program on Soil and Water Conservation Practices in the Amhara Sayint Woreda, Ethiopia

Land degradation is a critical issue in Ethiopia, exacerbating food insecurity by reducing agricultural productivity. Soil and water conservation (SWC) practices are essential to control erosion and increase food production. However, there is a lack of comprehensive evaluations on the impact of Ethiopia’s Productive Safety Net Program (PSNP) on SWC practices. This study aimed to assess the contribution of the PSNP to SWC in the Amhara Sayint Woreda. The researchers used a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative data. Multistage sampling was used to select households, and data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, focus groups, and observations. The study provided empirical evidence that the PSNP has a positive impact on SWC practices. Key factors influencing SWC participation include age, family size, education, plot size, livestock ownership, credit service, and access to extension services. The results suggest that the PSNP should improve payment for public work participants implementing SWC, undertake institutional reform, and increase public awareness of the benefits of SWC in reversing land degradation and improving food security. This study uniquely contributes to the understanding of how the PSNP influences the varying degrees of participation in SWC practices, filling a critical research gap. The findings can inform policymakers and program managers to enhance the PSNP’s effectiveness in promoting sustainable land management and food security in Ethiopia.

Rainfall Erosivity over Brazil: A Large National Database

Rainfall erosivity (RE) represents the potential of rainfall to cause soil erosion, and understanding its impact is essential for the adoption of soil and water conservation practices. Although several studies have estimated RE for Brazil, currently, no single reliable and easily accessible database exists for the country. To fill this gap, this work aimed to review the research and generate a rainfall erosivity database for Brazil. Data were gathered from studies that determined rainfall erosivity from observed rainfall records and synthetic rainfall series. Monthly and annual rainfall erosivity values were organized on a spreadsheet and in the shapefile format. In total, 54 studies from 1990 to 2023 were analyzed, resulting in the compilation of 5516 erosivity values for Brazil, of which 6.3% were pluviographic, and 93.7% were synthetic. The regions with the highest availability of information were the Northeast (35.6%), Southeast (30.1%), South (19.9%), Central-West (7.7%), and North (6.7%). The database, which can be accessed on the Mendeley Data platform, can aid professionals and researchers in adopting public policies and carrying out studies aimed at environmental conservation and management basin development.

Exploring botanical diversity, ecological traits, and edaphic determinants in Kala Chitta National Park, Pakistan: Implications for conservation and management

Globally, environmental degradation has prompted several countries to strengthen their protected area networks to halt biodiversity loss. National parks incorporate into their design, are based on scientific evidence, and offer a complete management mechanism to enable successful conservation for the most ecologically critical and vulnerable ecosystem. However, managing these protected areas effectively requires a grasp of the complex dynamics of plant ecosystems and edaphic factors. Nevertheless, Pakistan's protected areas have seen the least investigation of these relationships. To fill this knowledge gap, this study investigates the vegetation dynamics and edaphic factors that influence plant distribution in Kala Chitta National Park of Pakistan. A comprehensive botanical survey documented 203 plant species across 60 study sites, revealing a diverse flora comprising species from 160 genera and 54 families. The most abundant families were Poaceae (34 species) and Fabaceae (21 species), Amaranthaceae (13 species) and Asteraceae (15 species). The majority of species were herbaceous (49.2%), followed by grasses (16.7%) and shrubs (15.2%). Climbers and ferns constituted 1.4% and 1.9% of the total, respectively, with co-dominant habits of tall reed and sedge accounting for 2.9% of the vegetation. Ecologically, Therophytes emerged as the most numerous life forms (42.8%), followed by hemicryptophytes (17.7%) and megaphanerophytes (8.3%). Analysis of leaf spectra revealed Nanophylls as the dominant type (36.9%), followed by Microphylls (33%). Phytogeographical distribution highlighted three major clusters, with Asia Tropical, Asia Temperate, and Europe accounting for 45% of species. Four distinct plant communities were identified using TWINSPAN analysis: Senegalia-Dichanthium-Justica (SDJ), Neltuma-Lantana-Cannabis (NLC), Prosopis-Saccharum-Desmostachya (PSD), and Dodonaea-Alhagi-Oxalis (DAO). Each community exhibited unique species compositions and ecological gradients influenced by edaphic factors. PCA revealed associations between specific edaphic variables and plant communities, with available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK) linked to the NLC community. At the same time, total nitrogen (TN) was predominantly associated with the DAO community. These findings highlight the importance of soil conservation and sustainable land management practices for preserving biodiversity and ecosystem integrity within Kala Chitta National Park. Future research should focus on long-term monitoring of vegetation dynamics and collaborative conservation initiatives involving local stakeholders to promote ecosystem resilience in the face of environmental change.

Remote Sensing and Field Data Analysis to Evaluate the Impact of Stone Bunds on Rainfed Agriculture in West Africa

This study evaluates the effectiveness of stone bunds in enhancing soil moisture, vegetation health, and crop yields in Ghana’s semi-arid Upper East Region, an important area for agricultural productivity in West Africa. In this region, agricultural practices are heavily impacted by erratic rainfall and poor soil moisture retention, threatening food security. Despite the known benefits of traditional soil conservation practices like stone bunds, their effectiveness in this context has not been fully quantified. Field and remote sensing data were used to evaluate the influence of stone bunds on soil moisture dynamics, vegetation growth, and crop yield. Experimental plots with and without stone bunds were monitored for climate, soil water infiltration, and soil moisture and analyzed using the NDVI from Sentinel-2 satellite imagery over two growing seasons under sorghum production (2022–2023). The results indicated that stone bunds enhanced soil moisture retention and increased infiltration rates. The NDVI analysis consistently revealed higher vegetation health and growth in the plots with stone bunds, particularly during critical growth periods. The intermediate results of the conducted experiment indicated that stone bunds increased sorghum yields by over 35% compared to the control plots. The substantial agronomic benefits of stone bunds as a soil and water conservation strategy were evident, improving soil water infiltration, water retention, vegetation health, and crop yields. The findings support the broader adoption of stone bunds in semi-arid regions to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience against climate variability. Further research is recommended to explore the long-term impacts and the integration of stone bunds with other sustainable farming practices to optimize rainfed agricultural outcomes.

Harnessing the Experience of Research and Indigenous Knowledge for Sustainable Agricultural Transformation in Arunachal Pradesh, India

Traditional knowledge includes methods for nutrient management that rely on natural resources and minimize reliance on artificial inputs. Techniques such as using botanical extracts like Bilb Rasyan and Gaajar Ghaas Svaras, as well as incorporating organic materials like cow urine and plant residues, help enrich the soil with essential nutrients. Farmers in various regions have implemented ITK practices for soil conservation. For instance, the use of Vetiver grass as a vegetative barrier helps prevent soil erosion and stabilizes slopes. This method is cost-effective and adaptable to different environmental conditions. Advocating for policies that recognize and support the integration of ITKs into mainstream agricultural research and extension services is crucial. The Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers' Rights Act (PPVFR Act) in India provides legal recognition and protection for traditional knowledge and farmer innovations. The synthesis of Indigenous Technical Knowledge and modern agricultural research not only supports the livelihoods of local farmers but also contributes to environmental health and cultural preservation. This approach holds the promise of a more sustainable and prosperous future for Arunachal Pradesh and can serve as an inspiring model for other regions seeking to harmonize tradition with innovation.

Farmland Degradation in the Czech Republic: Drivers and Barriers of Mitigation Strategies in Agricultural Soils

ABSTRACTIn line with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 15.3, which aims to restore degraded land and soil, and the priorities of the Common Agriculture Policy (CAP) to mitigate environmental issues caused by intensive agriculture, understanding the factors influencing farmers' adoption of soil conservation practices (SCPs) is crucial. However, there is still a limited understanding of these specific factors, particularly in the context of the Czech Republic. This study investigates the perceptions and determinants influencing the adoption of SCPs among farmers in the Czech Republic. We analyzed 358 randomly selected farm households using probit and multivariate probit models. Our results show that a significant number of farmers perceive soil degradation as an important problem, attributing it to factors such as low soil nutrient content, declining soil humus, water and wind erosion. The results of our analysis showed positive associations for perceived effectiveness and profitability, indicating that farmers tend to adopt practices such as minimum tillage, mulching, mixed cropping, cover cropping, and continuous soil cover when these methods are perceived to be effective and profitable. Conversely, negative associations are found for perceptions of soil degradation and education, suggesting potential barriers to adoption with higher levels of perceived soil degradation and education. The study also highlights the complex interplay of information sources on adoption, with both positive and negative trends. In light of these findings, we propose recommendations, including that awareness campaigns should be tailored to address perceptions of soil degradation, and that the use of peer networks and information dissemination from research institutions can bridge the gap between scientific recommendations and on‐farm practices. Policy makers and agricultural extension services should work together to develop targeted strategies that take into account regional differences in the factors influencing adoption and ultimately promote widespread adoption of SCPs.

Detection of Hydrological Alteration and soil erosion in a conserved tropical sub-humid ecosystem of Ethiopia

Soil erosion poses a significant challenge in the sub-humid Ethiopian highlands, yet research on the long-term effectiveness of soil and water conservation (SWC) practices in this region using pre- and post-conservation approaches remains limited. This study addresses this knowledge gap by evaluating the impact of SWC practices on water balance and soil erosion in the Debre Mawi watershed. The study covers two-period analyses: pre-conservation (2010–2014) and post-conservation (2015–2022) using the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) to simulate hydrological water balance. Hydrological changes were assessed with the Indicators of Hydrological Alteration (IHA) software. Spatial and weekly sediment distribution were also computed. Results showed the SWAT effectively simulated stream flow, though sediment yield estimation was less accurate. The data demonstrated a reduction in surface runoff by 18% and a decrease in sediment yield by 75%. Conversely, evapotranspiration and groundwater storage experienced increases of 13% and 34%, respectively. The decrease in runoff and sediment can be attributed to the implementation of SWC structures with infiltration furrows, which are presently filled with sediment. Moreover, the expansion of eucalyptus tree acreage may deplete soil water during dry periods, thereby prolonging the time needed for the soil to become saturated and produce runoff, but the impact has yet to be quantified. The IHA analysis confirmed a decrease in mean annual flow from 0.06 m3/s to 0.02 m3/s, and sediment concentration decreased from 831.2 mg/l to 285 mg/l between the pre-and post-conservation periods. The study detected that soil erosion is higher than the allowable limits recommended for Ethiopia even after implementing SWCPs. Additionally, sediment transport reduced after the first three weeks due to improved ground cover and soil stability, although significant amounts were recorded until the end of the rainy season, primarily from gullies. The study found significant hydrological alterations in flow and sediment dynamics following the implementation of SWC practices, particularly pronounced in the early years post-conservation (2015–2018). However, the effectiveness of SWC practices diminished over time, with conditions beginning to revert to pre-conservation levels after 10 years. This suggests that these techniques (infiltration furrows) may be unsuitable for sub-humid watersheds, or that they require improved design and major maintenance beyond the third year. This study offers valuable insights into the dynamics of SWC interventions, underscoring the importance of integrating agronomic practices with SWC efforts to sustain long-term soil and water conservation in Ethiopia's sub-humid highlands. Future research should explore the hydrological effects of eucalyptus expansion and refine SWC practices suited to these unique conditions.

Assessment of the capability of Landsat-8 satellite imagery for predicting soil organic carbon distribution

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important component of soil and plays a crucial role in addressing climate change. As a key component of soil organic matter, SOC directly impacts soil fertility, water retention, nutrient cycling, and overall soil health. The determination of SOC concentrations in soil often relies on costly physical sampling and chemical analysis. The aim of this research was to build a predictive model of SOC using satellite imagery of Landsat 8 OLI/TIRS over an agricultural area (Oued El Alleug) in the north of Algeria. The statistical correlations between the spectral bands (B2 and B6) and chemically measured SOC concentrations showed that it is possible to predict spatially the SOC concentrations. The results also showed that the topographic variables are not determinant in the spatial prediction of SOC concentrations. The predicted model showed an acceptable performance with a coefficient of determination (R2) = 0.7 and a root mean square error (RMSE) = 7.08 g/kg during the validation phase. The results of this study are important, as they will facilitate decision-making in soil conservation practices and enhance land management, especially in areas facing increasing agricultural and environmental pressures.

Evaluating Effect of Climate Smart Agricultural Practices Adoption on Productivity of Drought-Tolerant Pulses: Insights from Dryland Areas of Makueni County, Kenya

Increased productivity of drought-tolerant pulses could potentially reduce household food insecurity, particularly in developing countries. This paper examines the effect of socioeconomic and institutional factors and the adoption of climate smart agriculture (CSA) practices on productivity of green gram, pigeon pea and cowpea in Makueni County, Kenya. We consider six common CSA practices namely: benches, soil conservation practices, minimum tillage, agroforestry, irrigation practices, and crop diversification. Using data from 384 randomly selected farmers, we use Sseemingly Unrelated Regression (SUREG) model to estimate factors influencing productivity of drought-tolerant pulses. The results showed that soil conservation practices were the most adopted (72%), while irrigation practices were the least adopted (9.6%). Among the CSA practices, crop diversification and benches were key to significantly affect the productivity of the three pulses, while agroforestry did not affect productivity of any of the selected pulses. Farming experience, number of extension contacts, and years of schooling were key socioeconomic and institutional factors that significantly affected the productivity of drought-tolerant pulses considered. Results showed that the impact of CSA practices on productivity differed among the pulses, since the soil conservation practices affected the productivity of both green gram and pigeon pea, while other practices including minimum tillage soil and irrigation practices affected the productivity of cowpea and green gram, respectively. Consequently, policies should consider promoting the adoption CSA practices among smallholder famers in Sub-Saharan Africa to improve farm level crop productivity and ensure household food security. Furthermore, Sub-Saharan Africa governments and agricultural sector policy makers should promote sustainable financial incentives such as establishment of farmer-friendly credit financing schemes to enhance CSA adoption and in-turn boost smallholder farmers farm net returns.

Governance and degradation of soil in the EU. An overview of policies with a focus on soil erosion

Healthy soils provide critical ecosystem services, addressing modern societal challenges such as human health safeguarding, food security, climate change adaptation, etc. Unfortunately, 60–70 % of soils in the European Union (EU) are in an unhealthy state, due to various natural and socio-economic factors. Degradation is the most severe threat, impairing soil quality, hindering the full delivery of its functions, jeopardizing its productivity, and constituting a monetary hazard. This is why the European Commission (EC) has put soil health at the epicenter of several EU policies, in different, yet inter-connected domains (e.g., agriculture, climate, etc.). Soil governance has gained increasing interest over the years, with the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) and the European Green Deal (EGD) being frontrunners in the attempt to achieve climatic neutrality, zero pollution, and sustainable food provision. These times call for a holistic revision of our production systems, consumption patterns, and the management of soil. However, a significant gap between soil conservation science and practice raises concerns about the effectiveness of soil-related policies. With a focus on soil erosion, this review provides an overview of such policies and how they promote soil restoration and preservation, underlining in parallel the importance of public awareness and participatory engagement in achieving their objectives.

Regenerative soil management practices no‐till and sheep grazing induce significant but contrasting short‐term changes in the vineyard soil microbiome

Societal Impact StatementWinegrape production is an essential cultural heritage and economic engine of many regions of the world. Regenerative management, which is gaining traction with industry and consumers alike, relies on soil biodiversity for agroecosystem function, reducing external inputs and increasing ecosystem resilience to climate change. We evaluated the effects of no‐till and sheep integration on vineyard soil biodiversity and soil ecosystem function. No‐till had stronger effects on microbial diversity, while sheep grazing stimulated microbial functioning. By providing a better understanding of the practices, we provide fundamental information for growers that want to embrace regenerative principles, ultimately contributing to the sustainability and resilience of the winegrape industry.Summary Regenerative management aims to optimize soil microbial function and diversity for enhanced agroecosystem functionality. Understanding the effects of management practices on soil microorganisms is crucial in the context of growing societal interest in this type of management. This study evaluated the short‐term effects of two soil conservation practices: sheep grazing and no‐till, on abundance, diversity, activity, and network complexity of prokaryotes and fungi in a vineyard soil. Four treatments were applied for 3 years: (1) grazed and tilled, (2) grazed and non‐tilled, (3) non‐grazed and tilled, and (4) non‐grazed and non‐tilled. We hypothesized that stacking of conservation practices (grazing and no‐till) would increase microbial diversity, function, and network complexity. Grazing had strong effects on microbial function, increasing the α‐glucosidase, β‐glucosidase, cellulase, phosphatase, and β‐xylosidase enzymatic activity by 82%, 48%, 61%, 39%, and 55%, respectively, compared to non‐grazed soils, while not causing significant changes in soil microbial diversity. Tillage had strong effects on soil prokaryotic and fungal diversity. For prokaryotes, significant interactions in alpha diversity were found between tillage and grazing, and between tillage and sampling location (tractor row and under vine). Fungal Shannon diversity index was higher in the subsoil (15–30 cm) while a significant interaction between depth, location, tillage, and grazing was found for the Chao‐1 index. Microbial network properties were only significantly affected by sampling depth. This study shows that the lack of disturbance in non‐tilled and non‐grazed soils resulted in a more diverse soil community, while grazing stimulated microbial function, thus showing a decoupling between diversity and function in vineyard soil ecosystems.

Carbon sequestration through conservation tillage in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid climates: A meta-analysis

This meta-analysis assessed soil organic carbon (SOC) percent changes in sandy soils, transitioning from conventional tillage (CT) to conservational tillage (CST) in arid and semi-arid climates. High levels of SOC in sandy soils are difficult to attain especially when precipitation levels are very low, contributing to low biomass production, and increased decomposition of organic matter. While CT practices are known to reduce SOC through the breakdown of soil aggregates, accelerated decomposition of soil organic matter, and promote erosion, CST methods (i.e., mulch tillage, no tillage, reduced tillage, ridge tillage, etc.) offer the potential to preserve soil aggregates and increase SOC concentration. Analyzing 55 peer-reviewed publications in arid and semi-arid climates with ≥ 45 % sand content, this study compared SOC content between CST and CT over short- and long-term periods (349 paired observations). Results showed that CST increased SOC in sandy soils, with an estimated 12.74 ± 1.46 % increase. Specifically, reduced tillage (RdT), mulch tillage (MchT), and no tillage (NT) exhibited the highest increases of SOC by 18.94 ± 2.48 %, 11.45 ± 2.46 %, and 10.06 ± 2.46 %, respectively, compared to CT. Studies with durations of up to 15 years (n = 297) showed a progressive increase in SOC concentrations under CST; however, the long-term stability of the accrued carbon content in sandy soils of arid and semi-arid climates is still uncertain, as studies extending beyond 15 years (n = 52) did not demonstrate significant changes in SOC levels. CST significantly raised SOC concentrations in precipitation up to 600 mm, though no significant changes were observed for precipitation over 600 mm. In soils with over 56 % sand content, CST increased SOC by approximately 13 %. This study highlights both positive and limited impacts of CST practices for soil conservation and climate change mitigation, emphasizing their significance for both existing agricultural areas in arid regions and those in parts of the world where aridity is on the rise.

Mapping and modeling of water erosion in the Revubué river Sub-Basin, Moatize, Mozambique

This study investigated water erosion in the Revubué River Sub-Basin, Moatize, Mozambique, utilizing advanced mapping and modeling techniques. Through detailed land use surveys and application of the Potential Erosion Model (EPM), we identified areas with moderate to severe erosion rates (φ = 0.54), particularly in zones of intensive agriculture (15% of the study area) and mining (1% of the study area). The results highlighted the influence of undulating topography (average slope of 9%) and intensive agricultural practices on erosion rates (0 – 25 ton/ha). Urgent implementation of soil conservation practices, such as contour plowing and terracing, was recommended to mitigate soil loss, improve agricultural productivity, and promote environmental sustainability. Agricultural sustainability was emphasized, focusing on investments in sustainable agricultural practices to preserve long-term soil health. Raising awareness among farmers about the impacts of soil erosion and implementing effective management practices were considered crucial. Extension services were recognized as key agents in disseminating knowledge for promoting eco-friendly agricultural practices.

Changes in rill detachment capacity after deforestation and soil conservation practices in forestlands of Northern Iran

Rill erosion is particularly intense after deforestation on hillslopes with steep and long profiles. Since the rill detachment capacity (“Dc”) shows a noticeable variability resulting from different soil properties and vegetation characteristics, there is a need to explore the changes in key soil properties and rill erosion rates under different natural or planted species and a variety of soil conservation practices after deforestation. This study evaluates the changes in four key soil properties (organic carbon content, bulk density and water-stable aggregates of soil, and weight density of plant roots) and rill detachment capacity in forest sites with natural tree species as well as in areas subjected to reforestation and soil conservation treatments in comparison to deforested sites. To this aim, 2000 soil samples have been collected in forestlands of Northern Iran. Sampling was done in deforested areas (assumed as reference condition), and in forest sites 14 plant species (natural or after reforestation). Deforested samples were subjected to five soil conservation treatments (using additives or hydromulching). On all soil samples, Dc has been measured in a laboratory flume at five water flow rates (0.27 to 0.69 L/m s−1) and five soil slopes (5.9 to 31.7 %). All soil properties, when compared to the reference condition, were significantly different (between −50 % to 124 %) among the three soil conditions (natural forests, reforested soils and deforested and treated sites), the natural forests and the treated sites showing a better quality compared to planted forests. Dc was noticeably lower in all conditions (0.022 ± 0.021 kg m−2 s−1) compared to the deforested and untreated sites (0.046 ± 0.023 kg m−2 s−1). Natural and planted forests showed a similar decrease in rill erodibility (−70 to 80 %), while a much lower reduction in Dc (−36 %) was measured for the treated areas. Overall, the study demonstrates that the changes in soil properties due to plant species and soil management as well as the associated variability in rill detachment are noticeably site-specific, and greatly depend on soil conservation treatments. The results of this study may give landscape planners clear indications about the relationships between rill detachment and the associated soil properties among treated and untreated (natural or reforested) soils.