Soil Features Research Articles

Crop Prediction and Recommendation Using Ensemble of DL Models

Agriculture remains the primary source of income in India and is characterised by a variety of crops, soil types and climatic conditions. This study suggests an additional ensemble model serving to give effective and speedy predictions and recommendations for crops. During the study data from nearly 8 distinct features was collected from various databases and 2201 instances were finalised. The data focussed on climatic conditions such as temperature, rainfall, crop type and soil features, particularly the ratio of nitrogen, potassium and levels of phosphorous. Research indicates that algorithms such as Neural Networks and XGBoost share high effectiveness and accuracy in developing crop yield prediction models. Extensive research conducted shows that the ensemble of XGBoost and MLP Classifier algorithms provide an accuracy of 99.39%. By predicting crop yield based on historical data, the study aims to give sound recommendations on the crops to be cultivated under various weather and soil conditions.

Degradation features of bioplastics-based disposable straws in soil and aerobic mineralization: Insight into final properties and chemical pathways.

The transition to a sustainable economy has led industries to seek new raw materials for the production of renewable-based plastics. The present work shows the confirmation of formulation and initial degradation features in non-controlled soil of five types of straws including bio- and fossil-based polymers demonstrating that those based on starch could contain bio-based polymers; bio-based-polyethylene (PE) and -poly(propylene) (PP). Biodegradation percentage, structural, thermal, morphological and visual analysis are discussed indicating that after twelve weeks there is low weight loss percentage which is higher for cellulose, followed by starch/low density poly(ethylene) (LDPE) (S/LDPE), corn starch/poly(propylene) (S/PP), poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PP. Selected avocado and corn-based straws (S/LDPE and S/PP) were subjected to controlled CO2 evolution test through ASTM D5338-15 essay to stablish the biodegradation percentage. Derived from CO2 evolution test of selected S/LDPE and –S/PP, it is established that the carbon present in the sample follows two possible routes; 1) Biomass growth, corroborated by the increase in colony-forming units in fungi and aerobic mesophilic bacteria, and 2) metabolization expressed in CO2 production. The S/LDPE straw presented higher biodegradability in both tests than S/PP. Insights of chemical pathways and final monitoring properties are discussed. These findings provide information to be used to support policies around the world to consider more sustainable materials that are not just bio-based materials but ensure their biodegradation into bioplastic products.

Comparative analysis of soil ecosystems of protected and artificially created beech forests

Peculiarities of soil ecosystems (algae, microbiocenosis, agrochemical and agrophysical characteristics) of the Uholsko-Shirokoluzhanskyi beech relict forests of the Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, as well as artificial European beech (Fagus sylvatica L.) plantations located on the botanical and geographical plots "Ukrainian Carpathians" of the M.M. Gryshko National Botanical Garden of NAS of Ukraine. Soil samples were collected from May to September during 2020–2021. The species composition of soil microalgae, the number of ecological and trophic groups of microorganisms, agrophysical and agrochemical characteristics of soils were analyzed. The predominance of green algae with a significant diversity of green flagellates and the complete absence of cyanobacteria are typical features of forest soils. The small number of detected species (12 in beech relict forests and 15 in artificial beech plantations) indicates shaded forest ecosystems which are typical for beech forests. Despite common features, the species composition of soil algae of both phytocenoses is quite different. The soils under the beech relict forests are characterized by a significant predominance of green algae, among which essential number of Trebouxiophyceae representatives with aerophytic ecology were found. It indicates the mountainous nature of the soil algal flora. Soils under artificial beech plantations are characterized by a richer species diversity and predominance of Chlorophyceae representatives, which is typical for lowland forests. A characteristic feature of protected and artificially created beech forests was the relative high number of micromycetes. Correlation analysis of research results showed a positive relationship between algal diversity and the abundance of two eco-trophic groups of microorganisms: actinomycetes and ammonifiers. In addition, the growth of algal diversity was positively correlated with the content of Ca and Mg, and negatively with the content of P.

Pedological formations on old mountain geomorphological surfaces of central Spain

The chemo-morphological properties of soils on ancient landforms (quarzitic pliocene alluvial fans, pleistocene terraces), namely “rañizos”, on middle-high mountains (Eastern-Central System, Iberian Peninsula, Rio Negro, Cogolludo) were investigated. Several properties were analyzed by standard procedures. A detailed soil diagnostics and classification on “rañizos” were done, unlike those widely studied on “rañas” (similar landform), by identifying parallel pedogenetic processes in both formations. The genetic and geographic features of Alfisols, Ultisols and Inceptisols are closely related to the nature of their parent materials, based on quartzite and quartz conglomerates, sometimes with an arkosic matrix, red shale, polygenic gravels and pebbles. Soil features were determined by genuine soil-forming inherent lithological rock properties. Other driving factors were flat topography and enough soil formation time to allow intense pedogenesis. The main soil-forming processes were intense weathering, clay enrichment horizons with illuviation, red color caused by iron oxide dehydration and signs of pseudogleyzation processes. Such pedological formations can be considered endemisms; that is, “rare” soils and, up to a point, “relict”. The soil reaction is acid/slightly acid with low base saturation. Despite lying on mountains, soils are characterized by moderate-low organic matter content. Soil conditions and climate provide good vine production requirements despite acidity levels. A common feature of all Rio Negro soils is the presence of gravel (size up to 3–5 cm), which is evenly distributed on arable layers. The results can be used to assess vineyard soil use in a potential Pago (Protected Denomination of Origin) and to extend the database of vineyard soils from poorly studied Mediterranean continental mountain regions.

Переработка отходов металлургической промышленности для стабилизации и укрепления проблемных грунтов

Purpose: To examine existing methods of processing and recycling waste from the metallurgical industry, to elucidate their classification. To touch upon the negative impact of the metallurgical industry, in particular, of the waste generated from its activities on geosystems. To present technological solutions for addressing the issue of weak soils through their initial stabilization and subsequent reinforcement, specifically for urban infrastructure objects in the Russian Federation. Methods: Various technologies for the complex processing of solid waste from metallurgy have been developed, some of them have been implemented on an industrial scale abroad. We develop such technologies at the level of research and semi-industrial tests. Results: A distinctive feature of soils reinforced with solid wastes of metallurgy is that structure formation and strength development occur both in air-dry and in humid environments. These wastes effectively strengthen soils of different granulometric and chemical-mineralogical composition. As shown by laboratory studies and supporting construction, soils reinforced with this complex waste are suitable for constructing pavement structural layers. When strengthening sandy soils, a purely mechanical penetration and enveloping of soil particles (due to the small amount of clay particles) occurs without the formation of a strong spatial structure. Practical significance: The possibility of using waste from metallurgical production to strengthen weak soils is shown, and these new methods can be recommended for practical use.

Complex field survey of the Tyatinskiy part of the “Kurilskiy” state nature reserve, Kunashir island, Kuril islands

The study describes the results of field expeditionary research conducted by the authors on the territory of the Tyatinskiy cluster of the “Kurilskiy” state nature reserve (Kunashir island, the Great Kuril Ridge). The nature of the island is distinguished by its bright originality and is interesting for research both from the point of view of increasing the tourist, recreational and education attractiveness, and from the point of view of the implementation of environmental activities. During the research, a study of soils, vegetation cover and some climatic characteristics of the territory was carried out. It was revealed that the soils of the study area are mainly soils that combine the features of brown soils and volcanic soils; local plant communities are represented mainly by dark coniferous forests with a rich and varied admixture of broad-leaved species in the forest stand, the absence of pronounced undergrowth, a diverse grass-shrub canopy and a well-developed moss-lichen layer.

Investigating the Effect of Polypropylene Fiber on Mechanical Features of a Geopolymer-Stabilized Silty Soil

This study investigates the stabilization of silty soil using alkali-activated fly ash and fibers with lengths of 3 mm and 12 mm. The study examines the effects of hybrid fiber length, fiber content, fly ash content, and activator content on the mechanical properties of the geopolymerstabilized samples. The objectives of this paper are 1) to examine the effect of activator content and fly ash content on the UCS, Al/Si ratio, and SiO2/Na2O ratio of the stabilized samples using a statistical approach, 2) to investigate the effect of hybrid fiber length on UCS, secant modulus, flexural strength, toughness, and flexural load-deformation characteristics of the stabilized soil. A statistical approach was employed to investigate the relationship between fly ash content, alkali activator content, and UCS value. Optimal fly ash content and alkali activator content were determined based on the statistical model. The geopolymer structure of the stabilized soil was characterized via SEM, EDS, XRD, and FTIR analyses. The effects of fly ash and alkali activator content on UCS, Al/Si ratio, and SiO2/Na2O ratio were determined using the derived statistical model. The study demonstrated that activator content, a critical factor in compaction, significantly influences the UCS value, as much as the effect of the Si/Al and SiO2/Na2O ratios. Additionally, variations in fly ash content led to an increase in the UCS value of up to 15%. Moreover, changing the activator content resulted in a maximum 12-fold increase in UCS value. Incorporating hybrid fibers for stabilization led to higher secant modulus (up to 30%), flexural strength (up to 6%), and ductility without compromising UCS.

Long-term hydrological monitoring of soils in the terraced environment of Cinque Terre (north-western Italy)

Terraced landscapes represent one of the most widespread human-induced/man-made transformations of hilly-mountainous environments. Slope terracing produces peculiar morphologies along with unusual soil textures and stratigraphic features, which in turn strongly influence slope hydrology. The investigation of the hydrological features of terraced soils is of fundamental importance for understanding the hydrological dynamics occurring in these anthropogenic landscapes, especially during rainfall events. To this purpose, the availability of extensive field monitoring data series and of information on subsoil properties and structure is essential. In this study, multi-sensor hydrological data were acquired over a period longer than 2 years in the experimental site of Monterosso al Mare, in the Cinque Terre National Park (Liguria region, Italy), one of the most famous examples of terraced landscape worldwide. Monitoring data were coupled with accurate engineering-geological investigations to achieve the hydro-mechanical characterization of backfill soils and to investigate their hydrological response at both the seasonal and the single rainstorm scale. The results indicated that the coarse-grained, and anthropically remolded texture of the soils favors the rapid infiltration of rainwater, producing sharp changes in both soil volumetric water content and pore water pressure. Furthermore, the pattern of hydrological parameters showed seasonal trends outlined by alternating phases of slow drying and fast wetting. The study outcomes provide useful insights on the short and long-term evolution of hydrological factors operating in agricultural terraces. These findings represent a useful basis for a better understanding of the time-dependent processes that guide water circulation in terraced systems, which have a key role in controlling the occurrence of erosion and landslide processes.

Spatial Variability in Soil Micronutrients and Soil Separates of Ujjain Tehsil of Ujjain District of Madhya Pradesh, India

Mapping of soil properties is an important operation as it plays an important role in the knowledge about soil properties and how it can be used sustainably. Knowledge of soil variability of any region is crucial for development of site-specific management practices for that region as this will enhance the crop productivity and maintain the good soil health. With this background, present study was conducted to quantify the spatial variability of different soil physical properties and soil available micronutrients in Ujjain tehsil (Ujjain) district of Madhya Pradesh state, India. A total one hundred fifty geo-coded surface (0-15 cm depth) soil samples, were collected across the study area. These samples were analyzed using standard method for different some soil properties viz: soil texture (sand, silt and clay) and soil available micronutrients, viz. extractable zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn) and iron (Fe) in laboratory. The range of sand, silt, clay, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in the study region were varied from 9.15 to 24.06 %, 24.00 to 41.55 %, 40.20 to 58.60 %, 0.12 to 1.66 mg kg-1, 2.06 to 6.22 mg kg-1, 3.70 to 10.40 mg kg-1, and 2.41 to 14.64 mg kg-1, respectively. The data were analyzed using standard statistical methods and geostatistics, which included creating semi-variograms and mapping by standard kriging procedures. Semi-variograms were produced for soil properties and their regional distributions were plotted. The observed soil parameters were best represented by four models: Exponential, Circular, Gaussian, and Hole effect. The modelled variables showed strong and moderate spatial dependencies, as demonstrated by the Nugget/Sill (Co/Co+C) ratio. The distribution maps of soil features may serve as a reference for implementing site-specific crop management in soils with comparable characteristics. Further, this research indicates the relevance of GIS- application in soil variability investigations.

Uncovering root compaction response mechanisms: new insights and opportunities.

Compaction disrupts soil structure, reducing root growth, nutrient and water uptake, gas exchange, and microbial growth. Root growth inhibition by soil compaction was originally thought to reflect the impact of mechanical impedance and reduced water availability. However, using a novel gas diffusion-based mechanism employing the hormone ethylene, recent research has revealed that plant roots sense soil compaction. Non-compacted soil features highly interconnected pore spaces that facilitate diffusion of gases such as ethylene which are released by root tips. In contrast, soil compaction stress disrupts the pore network, causing ethylene to accumulate around root tips and trigger growth arrest. Genetically disrupting ethylene signalling causes roots to become much less sensitive to compaction stress. Such new understanding about the molecular sensing mechanism and emerging root anatomical traits provides novel opportunities to develop crops resistant to soil compaction by targeting key genes and their signalling pathways. This expert view discusses these recent advances and the molecular mechanisms associated with root-soil compaction responses.

Harnessing the Power of Remote Sensing and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: A Comparative Analysis for Soil Loss Estimation on the Loess Plateau

This study explored the innovative use of multiple remote sensing satellites and unmanned aerial vehicles to calculate soil losses in the Loess Plateau of Iran. This finding emphasized the importance of using advanced technologies to develop accurate and efficient soil erosion assessment techniques. Accordingly, this study developed an approach to compare sinkholes and gully heads in hilly regions on the Loess Plateau of northeast Iran using convolutional neural network (CNN or ConvNet). This method involved coupling data from UAV, Sentinel-2, and SPOT-6 satellite data. The soil erosion computed using UAV data showed AUC values of 0.9247 and 0.9189 for the gully head and the sinkhole, respectively. The use of SPOT-6 data in gully head and sinkhole computations showed AUC values of 0.9105 and 0.9123, respectively. The AUC values were 0.8978 and 0.9001 for the gully head and the sinkhole using Sentinel-2, respectively. Comparison of the results from the calculated UAV, SPOT-6, and Sentinel-2 data showed that the UAV had the highest accuracy for calculating sinkhole and gully head soil features, although Sentinel-2 and SPOT-6 showed good results. Overall, the combination of multiple remote sensing satellites and UAVs offers improved accuracy, timeliness, cost effectiveness, accessibility, and long-term monitoring capabilities, making it a powerful approach for calculating soil loss in the Loess Plateau of Iran.

Carbonate morphological features of vineyard soils in a semiarid Mediterranean environment

AbstractMany vineyard soils in semiarid Mediterranean environments develop from carbonated materials and often show very diverse forms of pedogenic calcium carbonate accumulations. Based on 275 vineyard soil profiles in the Castilla La Mancha (CLM) territory (Spain), this paper presents an in‐depth comprehensive study of a large number of morphological expressions of these carbonate distributions, while exploring various pedogenesis formation hypotheses. The interactions among the calcareous nature of parent material, surface topography and climate are the factors that most affected their morphology and pedogenesis. The occurrence and distribution of carbonate features in CLM vineyard soils can be more complex than in other areas. Many accumulations are relatively ancient, which is the case of petrocalcic horizons, and in‐keeping with conservative means, which reveals the occurrence of successive carbonate accumulation cycles. More recently dissolved and precipitated seasonally pedogenic carbonates (sometimes as coatings) have appeared, which are nothing more than a simple recent redistribution of carbonates. A structural imprint is observed: pedogenic carbonates appeared much more abundantly on the lowermost horizons, which can be related to the repeated redistribution phases that occurred in different pedogenesis stages. The data provided herein help to improve the understanding of the nature of viticultural calcareous soils in semiarid Mediterranean regions.

PECULIARITIES OF THE PROPERTIES OF SOIL INVOLVED IN MUDFLOW PROCESS IN CHUKOTKA

During laboratorial study we have get data about mineral and granulometric composition, some physical and physico-chemical parameters of mudflow deposit, which made it possible to identify soil features in mudflows in Chukotka. Made a try to estimate influence this influence of these features on the formation of mudflow suspension, which is the transport substance of mudflow. In terms of structural rheological movement model, mostly cohesionless mudflow suppose to be formed within reviewed territory, in which main mass of water is in free state. However, laboratory investigations have shown high contain of fine-grained particles in samples of mudflow deposit, which is in aggregated state. When flooded, these particles saturate water flow with clay suspension that allows classification this flows as cohesive. The cohesion of mudflow mass is acquired by flows in the process of movement at the expense of aggregates destruction that leads to changing physical characteristics of the mudflow.

Evaluation of Unsaturated Water Flow Features of Compacted Soil Subjected to Horizontal and Vertical Water Infiltration

Evaluation of Unsaturated Water Flow Features of Compacted Soil Subjected to Horizontal and Vertical Water Infiltration

Impact of Ecological Factors on Water quality goals

A deeper knowledge of the processes that influence environmental elements in areas such as water management, consumer services, water reuse acceptability, and risk communication, among others. Also, as a result of the unique climate, soil features, and agricultural idiosyncrasies, water quality and water management for human welfare and the natural environment. Also, various kinds of contamination may also have an impact on aquatic habitats across the world. Trace metals are one of the most major pollutants that have harmed marine environments. Its release into the marine environment is caused by both natural and human activities. Erosion and pollution are two of the negative repercussions of agricultural operations on soil quality. Pollution from nutrient leaching and intrusion is one of the consequences for water resources. To choose the best long-term solutions for mitigating these effects, researchers should focus on developing an accurate water and soil quality monitoring system at many scales based on a functional evaluation. On the other hand, the review focuses on the influence of metals and nutrients on water quality for water usage and its impact on agricultural output. Its mean water quality great impact on natural and human on the other hand effect on environment and ecosystem. finally this review indicated that many ecological factors positive effects on water quality goals.

Characterization and Classification of Soils in Agroecosystems in a Moist Enclave in Northeastern Brazil

Modern times have required studies that take into account the main soil features, aligning the use of land with the protection of more sensitive environments. From this perspective, this study aimed to perform a morphological description and determine the physical and chemical attributes for soil classification in the community of Poção, located in the municipality of Martins/RN, by highlighting the more sensitive attributes in the differentiation of environments through multivariate analysis. Nine soil profiles were identified to perform the morphological description and collect samples for physical and chemical analyses. The study updates the soil classes found in the study area: Acrisols, Planosols, and Cambisols, with the relief being the main factor responsible for the difference between soil attributes. The influence of organic matter on the soil attributes highlights the importance of its maintenance. Aluminum and the clay fraction are responsible for the distinction of the Acrisol class, whereas silt, potassium sodium, total organic carbon, the electrical conductivity of the saturation extract, and the cation exchange capacity allow the differentiation of Fluvisols.

Genetic Features of Soils on Dense Parent Rocks of the Donetsk Ridge

The present study investigates morphological, physical and chemical properties of Chernozems at dense parent rocks. The research was carried out on the protected areas native soils of the north-west of the Rostov region. This territory is representing eastern slopes of the Donetsk Ridge, which predetermines the dense rocks release to the surface. It has been found that morphological, physical and chemical properties of Chernozems on dense rocks have emphasized their originality and uniqueness, and at the same time clearly have indicate their classification as Chernozem order. In comparison with the zonal soil – Calcic Chernozem – Chernozems on dense rocks are characterized by a reduced thickness of humus-accumulative layers, an increased of humus content, the presence of gravel in profile bottom half, a weak expression of calcareous accumulations, features of the particle-size distribution of soil components, even if it belongs to the same soil texture class. Chernozems on dense carbonate rocks either do not have accumulation or are characterized by a weak manifestation of secondary carbonates (pseudomycelia and nodules). This fact has differed such soil from the same order Chrernozems on fine-grained rocks (Calcic Chernozems) for which it is diagnostic criteria. Therefore, the mention of the suborder of these soils is incorrect in the designation. In the soil covering of the spurs of the Donetsk Ridge, dark humus soils are also occure, previously classified as incomplete developed chernozems, differing from chernozems by the absence of medium part of soil profiles.

Genetic Features of Soils on Hard Rocks of the Donetsk Ridge

Genetic Features of Soils on Hard Rocks of the Donetsk Ridge

Physico-chemical Features of Water and Soil in Rural Fish Ponds and its Relationship with Pond Productivity

Samples of water and soil were collected at. monthly and bimonthly intervals, respectively from four different rural fish ponds of Bhadrak District, Orissa for three years (1994-1997) and were subjected to analysis for different physicochemical parameters. The values obtained for different parameters were subjected to analysis of variance and multiple correlation to establish the interrelationship of some important hydrobiological parameters. The parameters like pH, dissolved oxygen, nitrate-nitrogen, phosphate-phosphorus and organic carbon were positively correlated to the plankton production which influences the productivity of the fish ponds.

Hybrid Whale Archimedes Optimization-based MLPNN model for soil nutrient classification and pH prediction.

Soil fertility and environmental factors play an important role in improving productivity and cropland quality in the agricultural sector. A new prediction and classification model for the potential of soil nutrients and hydrogen (pH) levels is proposed. The proposed model, Hybrid Whale Archimedes Optimization-based Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (HWAO-MLPNN), is utilized for soil features classification of pH levels, and the soils are collected from the villages such as phosphorous (P), organic carbon (OC), boron (B), and potassium (K). The village-wise soil fertility prediction and classification model aims to improve soil health, reduce harmful fertilizer usage, enhance environmental quality, and achieve more profits. The proposed model combines the Multilayer Perceptron Neural Network (MLPNN) model and the Hybrid Whale Archimedes Optimization (HWAO) algorithm to enhance the classification performance on the validation data. The Marathwada dataset is selected to validate the soil nutrient prediction and classification model, and various measuring units such as cross-validation accuracy, Area Under Curve (AUC), accuracy, Mean Squared Error (MSE), G-mean, precision, specificity, and sensitivity are used for evaluation. The comparative study of this paper shows that the proposed HWAO-MLPNN achieved more classification accuracy of 98.1%, cross-validation accuracy of 98.3% for pH classification, and cross-validation accuracy of 97.9% for soil nutrient classification. The proposed model can be utilized to accurately classify soil nutrients and pH levels, which can have a significant impact on improving soil health, reducing harmful fertilizer usage, enhancing environmental quality, and ultimately increasing profitability in the agricultural sector.