Soil Health Research Articles

Investigating the impact of soil properties, application rates and environmental conditions on pyroxasulfone dissipation and its ecotoxicological effects on soil health in aridisols of Punjab.

This study is to understand the fate and ecological consequences of pyroxasulfone in aridisols of Punjab, a detailed dissipation study in soil, its influence on soil enzymes, microbial count and succeeding crops was evaluated. Half-lives (DT50) increased with an increase in the application rate of pyroxasulfone. Dissipation of pyroxasulfone decreased with increase in organic matter content of soil and was slower in clay loam soil (DT50 12.50 to 24.89) followed by sandy loam (DT50 8.91 to 17.78) and loamy sand soil (DT50 6.45 to 14.89). Faster dissipation was observed under submerged conditions (DT50 2.9 to 20.99days) than under field capacity conditions (DT50 6.45 to 24.89days). Dissipation increased with increase in temperature with DT50 varying from 6.46 to 24.88, 4.87 to 22.89 and 2.97 to 20.99days at 25 ± 2, 35 ± 2 and 45 ± 2°C, respectively. Dissipation was slower under sterile conditions and about 23.87- to 33.74-fold increase in DT50 was observed under sterile conditions as compared to non-sterile conditions. The application of pyroxasulfone showed short-lived transitory effect on dehydrogenase, alkaline phosphatase and soil microbial activity while herbicide has non-significant effect on soil urease activity. PCA suggested that dehydrogenase and bacteria were most sensitive among enzymatic and microbial activities. In efficacy study, pyroxasulfone effectively controlled Phalaris minor germination, with higher efficacy in loamy sand soil (GR50 2.46µgmL-1) as compared to clay loam soil (GR50 5.19µgmL-1).

Exploring the Ecological Implications, Gastronomic Applications, and Nutritional and Therapeutic Potential of Juglans regia L. (Green Walnut): A Comprehensive Review

The green walnut, which is frequently overlooked in favor of its more mature sibling, is becoming a topic of great significance because of its unique ecological role, culinary flexibility, and therapeutic richness. The investigation of the bioactive substances found in green walnuts and their possible effects on human health has therapeutic potential. Juglans regia L. is an important ecological component that affects soil health, biodiversity, and the overall ecological dynamic in habitats. Comprehending and recording these consequences are essential for environmental management and sustainable land-use strategies. Regarding cuisine, while black walnuts are frequently the main attraction, green walnuts have distinct tastes and textures that are used in a variety of dishes. Culinary innovation and the preservation of cultural food heritage depend on the understanding and exploration of these gastronomic characteristics. Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals are abundant in green walnuts, which have a comprehensive nutritional profile. Walnuts possess a wide range of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and cognitive-function-enhancing properties. Consuming green walnuts as part of one’s diet helps with antioxidant defense, cardiovascular health, and general well-being. Juglans regia L., with its distinctive flavor and texture combination, is not only a delicious food but also supports sustainable nutrition practices. This review explores the nutritional and pharmacological properties of green walnuts, which can be further used for studies in various food and pharmaceutical applications.

Comparative Performance of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Methods on Growth and Yield of Rice (Oryza sativa) in Old Brahmaputra Floodplain Soils

Improving rice productivity is the challenge for the farmer due to rapid soil health deterioration in intensive agricultural system. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate comparative performance of different nutrient management practices in rice production in Bangladesh. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with three replications. There      were six treatments namely, T1 (Control-no fertilizer), T2 (Farmer’s Practice), T3 (Fertilizer Recommendation Guide-2018), T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit), T5 (Soil Test Basis) and T6 (Rice Crop Manager). The results revealed that all the treatments showed better performances over control (T1). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) produced the highest value of plant height (90.18 cm), panicle length (24.90), filled grains panicle-1 (122.60) and 1000-grain weight (26.67g) while T5 (Soil Test Basis) produced maximum effective tillers hill-1 (12.80). The highest grain yield (6.29 t ha-1) and straw yield (7.73 t ha-1) were recorded in treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit) also showed the highest grain yield increase (61.49%) and straw yield increase (90.49%) over control. The highest total N, P and K uptake (108.84 kg ha-1, 24.54 kg ha-1 and 128.17 kg ha-1) were obtained in the treatment T4 (BAU Soil Testing Kit). Control treatment T1 (No fertilizers) showed minimum performances in all the cases compared to other treatments. The overall result demonstrated that the application of fertilizers following BAU Soil Testing Kit method of fertilizer application system is a better option for rice production.

Impact of Micro-nutrients on Growth and Development of Fodder Crops under Water Stress Condition: A Review

This article delves into the critical significance of micronutrients specifically in fodder crop production, highlighting their profound impact on crop growth, yield, quality, and sustainable farming practices. Despite being required in trace amounts, micronutrients are essential for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as they serve as vital components of the forage consumed by animals. Micronutrients act as indispensable cofactors for enzymes involved in crucial metabolic processes essential for plant health and subsequent livestock nutrition. They play a pivotal role in enhancing fodder crop yield and improving its nutritional content, thus directly contributing to the overall health and productivity of livestock populations. Furthermore, proper management of micronutrients in fodder crop production is essential for ensuring the long-term sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Sustainable farming practices that prioritize micronutrient balance not only optimize crop yields but also promote soil health and environmental sustainability. This research aims to address the complex challenges of ensuring livestock health, meeting global food demands, and promoting responsible agricultural practices within animal agriculture. In conclusion, the role of micronutrients in fodder crop production is paramount for ensuring the health and productivity of livestock, as well as supporting sustainable farming practices. Recognizing the significance of micronutrients in fodder crop production and implementing tailored management strategies are essential steps toward achieving livestock health, sustainable farming practices, and ultimately, food security in the context of animal agriculture. .

Strategies and Public Policies for Soil and Water Conservation and Food Production in Brazil

There is an urgent demand to change our intensive crop production systems, replacing them with soil use and management systems that recover, preserve, or improve soil health and are environmentally sustainable, producing healthy and good-quality food. In this work, we compile and present strategies and public policies aimed toward soil and water conservation and food production in Brazil. The results presented may help Brazilian farmers adopt practices to recover, maintain, or improve soil health and politicians to create or modify public policies for healthy soil and food, without the necessity of increasing agricultural areas. Food insecurity was also addressed, with family farming playing an important role in food production and decreasing food insecurity. But these challenges need the combined efforts and engagement of the whole society.

Nanotechnology-based Sensors for Real-time Monitoring and Assessment of Soil Health and Quality: A Review

Soil health and quality are critical factors in maintaining sustainable agriculture, ecosystem stability, and global food security. Conventional methods for assessing soil properties are often time-consuming, labor-intensive, and lack real-time monitoring capabilities. Nanotechnology has emerged as a promising approach to develop advanced sensors for rapid, in-situ, and continuous monitoring of soil health parameters. This comprehensive review discusses the recent advancements in nanotechnology-based sensors for soil health assessment, their working principles, applications, challenges, and future prospects. We highlight the potential of various nanomaterials, such as carbon nanotubes, graphene, metal oxide nanoparticles, and quantum dots, in fabricating highly sensitive, selective, and robust soil sensors. The integration of these nanosensors with wireless communication technologies and data analytics enables real-time monitoring and precision agriculture practices. Furthermore, we discuss the environmental and ecological implications of deploying nanosensors in soil and the need for standardized protocols and regulations. This review provides valuable insights into the current state-of-the-art and future directions of nanotechnology-based sensors for soil health monitoring, promoting sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

Catalase activity as a diagnostic indicator of the health of oil-contaminated soils after remediation.

The work objective was to assess the ecological state of soils by changing the residual oil content and restoring catalase activity after remediation. The soils were selected in various ecosystems: a steppe of the Rostov Region (Haplic Chernozem), beech-hornbeam forests in the Republic of Adygea (Haplic Cambisols), and semi-desert of the Caspian province of the Republic of Kalmykia (Eutric Cambisols). Soil samples were polluted with oil at a concentration of 5% of the soil mass. After that, ameliorants (biochar, nitroammophoska, sodium humate, and Baikal EM-1) were introduced into the oil-contaminated soil. The catalase activity of Haplic Cambisols was stimulated only with the introduction of D2 biochar by 11% relative to the control, and in Haplic Chernozem, catalase was most stimulated with the addition of nitroammophoska D0.5 and D1 by 65% and 57% of the control, respectively. Nitroammophoska in all doses significantly stimulated the enzymatic activity, in Eutric Cambisols by four to six times compared to the control. The range of soil stability determined by catalase activity: Eutric Cambisols > Haplic Chernozem > Haplic Cambisols. Thus, it is most effective to apply biochar in doses of D and D2 and D0.5 and D nitroammophoska during the remediation of oil-contaminated Haplic Chernozem. For the remediation of Haplic Cambisols, it is effective to introduce biochar in dose of D2, and Eutric Cambisols-biochar and sodium humate in dose of D0.5 and nitroammophoska (all doses). The results of the study allow using catalase activity as a very informative and statistically significant diagnostical indicator of the health of oil-contaminated soils after remediation.

An assessment of Organic and Conventional Farming Practices for Yield, Pest Management and Soil Health

This study contrasts and compares conventional and organic farming. The purpose of the study is to assess the effectiveness and impact of each practice before deciding on the best crop-growing approach. Despite their agricultural systems can be categorized as conventional or sustainable depending on the techniques employed. Organic farming which cultivates a range of crops without the use of synthetic manures, the agricultural method that is most sustainable. While producing enough food, organic farming improves soil composition and supports biodiversity by relying on ecosystem services. The review compares the long-term effects of conventional and alternative organic farming practices on yield in which in short term organic yields were found to be 19.2% lower than conventional yield while in long term yields were lower in conventional systems by 31% and 50%, respectively, due to the long-term improvement in soil health. In soil health point of view long term practices of organic farming improves physical, chemical and biological properties of soil by increase soil carbon stock by 12 %, more nutrient release and microbial activity. Pest management is effectively controlled by crop rotation, increase beneficial population of pest in organic farming which reduce the dependency on chemical pesticides and maintain the sustainability of soil health and ecology. As a result, organic farming methods are being evaluated in a large number of research worldwide as an alternative due to their better physical, chemical and biological qualities than conventional farming methods.

Combining Soil Immobilization and Dressing Techniques for Sustaining the Health of Metal-Contaminated Arable Soils

The combination of lime immobilization of metals and soil dressing has been a prevalent practice in Korea for remediating metal-contaminated arable soils. However, there have been limited reports on whether this method effectively sustains soil health after remediation, particularly in arable soils. This study undertook a comparative assessment of the soil health index (SHI) across metal-contaminated arable lands, arable soils remediated with lime immobilization and soil dressing, and uncontaminated soils. A total 389 soil samples were collected from these sites and analyzed for nineteen indicators encompassing physical, chemical, and biological properties. To assess soil health, these indicators were screened using principal component analysis, yielding five minimum data set (MDS) indicators: total nitrogen, clay content, dehydrogenase activity, bacterial colony-forming units, and available phosphorus. Among these MDS indicators, total nitrogen exhibited the highest value as the principal component contributing to soil health assessment. Scores of the MDS indicators exhibited significant correlation with those of total data set indicators, affirming the appropriateness of the soil health assessment adopted in this study. The SHI of the remediated arable soils (0.48) surpassed those of the contaminated soils (0.47) and were statistically comparable to those of the uncontaminated forest (0.51) and upland (0.51) soils. The health of the contaminated soils demonstrated a high dependence on soil properties rather than metal concentrations. These findings underscore the robustness of the combined immobilization and soil dressing method for sustaining the health of contaminated arable soils post-remediation.

Sandy soil reclamation technologies to improve crop productivity and soil health: a review

Sandy soils are characterized by low soil moisture content and nutrient retention due to high permeability, limiting crop productivity and threatening food security in arid and semi-arid regions worldwide. Various reclamation technologies have been developed to address these challenges, but their effectiveness has not been comprehensively evaluated. This systematic review evaluated the performance of 42 sandy soil reclamation technologies reported in 144 studies from 27 countries that met specified selection criteria. Performance was evaluated based on response ratio (RR) of aboveground biomass and grain yield, as indicators of productivity, and soil moisture content and soil organic carbon (SOC), as indicators of soil health. The 42 technologies employed four main soil amendments: biochar, organic amendments, organic amendments combined with biochar, and soft rock. Overall, all technologies increased productivity and improved soil health. Biochar application was found to be the most effective technology, increasing grain yield by 51.6%, aboveground biomass by 67.4%, soil moisture content by 17.3%, and SOC by 74.2%. Soft rock application increased grain yield by 20.3%, aboveground biomass by 27.6%, soil moisture content by 54.5%, and SOC by 12.8%. Organic amendments increased grain yield by 48.7%, aboveground biomass by 45.6%, soil moisture content by 20.8%, and SOC by 36.7%. However, the combination of biochar and organic amendments showed lower improvements, with increases of 25.4%, 15.6%, 1.3%, and 25.4% for grain yield, aboveground biomass, soil moisture content, and SOC, respectively. Our conclusion is that the findings provide strong evidence that sandy soil reclamation technologies can significantly improve crop productivity and food security. Considering the variability in technologies responses across continents, there is need for further research to determine the optimal technology for specific locations, crops, and management practices.

No tillage and leguminous cover crop improve soil quality in a typical rainfed Mediterranean system

Soil and crop management influence soil organic carbon (SOC), chemical composition, and overall soil quality. In a Mediterranean region, a study initiated in 1994 examined the long-term effects of conventional tillage (CT) versus no-tillage (NT) practices. Initially focusing on continuous durum wheat cultivation until 2009, the experiment later introduced a two-year rotation of durum wheat and Vicia faba L. cover crops in half of the CT and NT fields. SOC was monitored from 2008 to 2018, while microbial biomass (as dsDNA), soluble nitrogen (N), and enzyme activities (EAs) were monitored from 2011 to 2014 to evaluate the rotation's impact.
 Between 2009 and 2018, CT yields were on average 15% higher than NT, especially during high rainfall years. NT significantly increased SOC content in the 0-30 cm soil layer, along with higher levels of soluble N, dsDNA, and EAs at 0-10 cm depth. NT led to a 23% and 10% increase in SOC stock and SOC stock per equivalent soil mass respectively compared to CT. EAs increased by over 50% under NT, indicating enhanced biological activity. The SOC increase due to NT was limited to the top 10 cm, with a decrease at deeper depths (up to 50 cm). Introducing cover crops over four years did not yield significant impacts, suggesting the need for a longer period to observe noticeable effects.
 Overall, adopting NT practices resulted in higher SOC concentration, enhanced soil biological activity, and improved biogeochemical cycles, emphasizing the positive impact of no-tillage on soil health and sustainability.

Pigeonpea Productivity and Soil Health as Influenced by Phosphorus Levels and AM Fungi under Different Planting Methods

A field experiment was conducted at ARS, Bheemarayarnagudi, Karnataka to study the effect of phosphorus graded levels and inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi under different establishment techniques in pigeonpea during kharif season of three years (2010-13) in Upper Krishna Project command area of Karnataka. The treatment consists of   phosphorus graded levels (0, 12.5, 25, 37.5 and 50kg ha-1) with inoculation VAM fungi under two establishment techniques (Transplanted and dibbled) with randomized block design.  Three-year pooled data indicated that, Application of 50 kg P + VAM under transplanting technique recorded significantly higher pigeonpea yield (1510 kg ha-1) and it was on par with application 37.5 kg P + VAM under transplanting method over rest of the treatment. The economics and nutrient uptake also noticed similar trend. It proved that pigeonpea could be successfully transplanted in the UKP command area of Karnataka by applying 37.5 kg of phosphorus ha-1 in conjunction with VAM fungus inoculation. This boosted crop productivity, nutrient availability, and net returns.

From science to practice: The AGSUS protocol for monitoring and certification of sustainable soil management and carbon sequestration

Sustainable soil management is indispensable for achieving the UN Sustainable Development goals and soil carbon sequestration for climate change mitigation has gained importance in recent years, yet there are few examples of projects carried out to this purpose, and protocols that facilitate this task. Here we present a monitoring system that relies on sampling soils in the field, as opposed to a modeling approach. The high spatial variability of SOC was addressed by requiring that the participating farms divide their land according to management zones, based on soil type, slope position and land use history, and the sampling density was established as one sampling point per one hundred hectares, while for environments smaller than 500 ha minimum of five points must be used. These points are georeferenced and will be revisited for annual monitoring of sustainable soil management, and every five years for soil sampling for SOC, texture, bulk density, pH, electric conductivity (if indicated), and available phosphorus determinations. The monitoring of sustainable soil management will be carried out through a visual evaluation of 12 soil quality parameters, as described in the handbook published by the AGSUS group. The data obtained from the visual evaluation and the soil analyses (bulk density, particle size fractions, C content, and pH) in the baseline monitoring of Argentinean and Brazilian farms during 2022 were analyzed for the relation between visual evaluation score and the means of these soil parameters. The organic matter indicator (OMI)was calculated by the formula OMI = OM/clay plus silt*100. The data base contained visual soil evaluation scores at 80 georeferenced sampling points, representing 12 farms located in different agroecological zones of the Argentinean Pampas, and 47 sampling points on two farms in Mato Grosso, Brazil. Our results showed a relationship between the VE (Visual Evaluation) score and SOC contents of the soils, especially when these were expressed in relation to their fine mineral particles as with the OMI for the soils of the Argentinean Pampa and the Brazilian Mato Grosso. The OMI showed differences between the three VE scores ranging from 4.7 to 6.7 and from 3.1 to 5.1 in the 0–0.1 m and 0.1–0.2 m depths, respectively. Relationships between the VE score and SOC, OMI, Sand, Silt and Clay plus Silt were only found for the 39 cases of VE “moderate” score in Pampas soils, whereas for the 39 cases of “good” scores no significant relations were encountered. These soils had high SOC and OMI, indicating that they are healthy soils, near saturation level, with low C sequestration potential.

Principles and Applications of Agroecology: A Review

Agroecology is a holistic approach to agriculture that combines ecological principles with farming systems. Its primary goal is to create sustainable, resilient, and productive agricultural ecosystems. In this review, we will explore the fundamental ideas and various applications of agroecology. We will delve into the biological components of agricultural landscapes, focusing on natural pest control, biodiversity, and nutrient cycling. Furthermore, we will showcase successful case studies from different regions, demonstrating how agroecology benefits smallholder farmers, food security, and climate resilience. However, we will also address obstacles to its widespread adoption, such as technological and regulatory challenges. Additionally, we will examine the environmental impacts of agroecology compared to traditional agriculture, emphasizing how it promotes soil health, conserves biodiversity, and mitigates climate change. Taking into account its social and economic aspects, we will underscore the importance of preserving indigenous knowledge while highlighting the economic feasibility of agroecology and its empowering effects on local communities. The review will conclude by emphasizing the need for scalable techniques, improved research, and supportive policies to fully integrate agroecology into mainstream agricultural practices, thereby creating a resilient and sustainable agricultural environment. We will also propose potential pathways towards achieving this goal.

Understanding and exploring the diversity of soil microorganisms in tea (Camellia sinensis) gardens: toward sustainable tea production

Leaves of Camellia sinensis plants are used to produce tea, one of the most consumed beverages worldwide, containing a wide variety of bioactive compounds that help to promote human health. Tea cultivation is economically important, and its sustainable production can have significant consequences in providing agricultural opportunities and lowering extreme poverty. Soil parameters are well known to affect the quality of the resultant leaves and consequently, the understanding of the diversity and functions of soil microorganisms in tea gardens will provide insight to harnessing soil microbial communities to improve tea yield and quality. Current analyses indicate that tea garden soils possess a rich composition of diverse microorganisms (bacteria and fungi) of which the bacterial Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria, Firmicutes and Chloroflexi and fungal Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Glomeromycota are the prominent groups. When optimized, these microbes’ function in keeping garden soil ecosystems balanced by acting on nutrient cycling processes, biofertilizers, biocontrol of pests and pathogens, and bioremediation of persistent organic chemicals. Here, we summarize research on the activities of (tea garden) soil microorganisms as biofertilizers, biological control agents and as bioremediators to improve soil health and consequently, tea yield and quality, focusing mainly on bacterial and fungal members. Recent advances in molecular techniques that characterize the diverse microorganisms in tea gardens are examined. In terms of viruses there is a paucity of information regarding any beneficial functions of soil viruses in tea gardens, although in some instances insect pathogenic viruses have been used to control tea pests. The potential of soil microorganisms is reported here, as well as recent techniques used to study microbial diversity and their genetic manipulation, aimed at improving the yield and quality of tea plants for sustainable production.

Cropping system typologies perform differently under climate stress in Manitoba, Canada: Multi-criteria assessment.

Information is required to understand how novel biodiversity strategies can improve cropping system resilience to climate change. A “business as usual” (BAU) rotation (wheat-canola-wheat-soybean) was compared with a “warm-season crop” (WS) rotation (corn-sunflower-dry bean-canola); a “biodiverse” (BD) rotation (fall rye with cover crop- corn/soybean intercrop - pea/canola intercrop- green fallow mixture); a “perennial grain” (Kernza) rotation (Kernza grain intermediate wheatgrass); and an organic (ORG) rotation (millet-green fallow mixture-wheat). Drought conditions prevailed in both study years. The BAU rotation had the lowest average yield (1821 kg ha-1 compared with 2533 and 3083 kg ha-1 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively), less post-harvest residual biomass and a lower net return than the WS rotation. The WS rotation was limited by herbicide resistant weeds in dry beans. Kernza seed yield was five times lower than for spring wheat. ORG wheat yielded the same as other wheat and had a higher net return. Live roots days, a measure of soil health potential, were 95 for the BAU rotation, and 174 and 113 for the BD and WS rotations, respectively; the most were recorded for Kernza (365). Seasonal crop growth duration was increased by including Kernza and fall rye for early season growth, and corn, sunflower, a corn-soybean intercrop, a cover crop and fall seeded rye for late season growth. WS and BD rotations outperformed the BAU rotation and the BD system accomplished this with half the N fertilizer. Results demonstrate the potential of biodiverse rotations; barriers to their adoption should be addressed.

Soil Health and Nutrient Management

Soil health and appropriate nutrient management are critical components of sustainable agriculture, influencing crop yield, environmental sustainability, and overall food security. The ability of soil to function as a living ecosystem is referred to as soil health.  supports plant and animal life while protecting the environment.  It refers to how physical, chemical, and biological activity interact in the soil. Mineral matter, organic matter, water, and air are all critical components of soil health, and each contributes to plant growth. Soil health indicators include physical, chemical, and biological factors that help assess the soil's state. For optimal soil health, these indicators must be balanced.
 However, there are significant issues to address, such as decreased soil organic matter, declining soil fertility due to nutrient deficits, physical soil degradation, and chemical soil degradation caused by excessive chemical use. Practices for sustainable soil management are critical for addressing these concerns. Balanced fertilization, organic matter incorporation, crop rotation, cover cropping, reduced tillage, and precision nutrient delivery are examples of these. Mitigating issues such as nutrient pollution, soil erosion, and soil deterioration is critical to maintaining agriculture's long-term viability.

SHAPEv1.0 Scoring curves and peer group benchmarks for dynamic soil health indicators

AbstractThe soil health concept has evolved over the past several decades, recognizing that the response of dynamic soil properties to management is dependent on site‐specific factors. The Soil Health Assessment Protocol and Evaluation (SHAPE) tool provides scores and benchmark values by forming soil peer groups based on site‐specific, climate‐edaphic characteristics. Data for model development were compiled from the Cornell Soil Health Laboratory and the Kellogg Soil Survey Laboratory databases. The SHAPEv1.0 interpretation curves produce scores between 0% and 100% for measured laboratory values that reflect the quantile within a population conditional cumulative distribution function along with measures of uncertainty. The original SHAPE tool was developed for soil organic carbon and has been expanded to include two wet aggregate stability methods, permanganate oxidizable organic carbon, autoclaved citrate extractable protein, and 4‐day microbial respiration. In addition, SHAPE provides site‐specific benchmark values at user‐defined percentiles within a given soil peer group. The difference between the actual measured value and the selected benchmark value represents the soil health opportunity gap. Case studies in Missouri and Texas show that the SHAPE scoring curves are sensitive to land‐use and management practices across multiple soil types and provide a regionally relevant interpretation of key soil health indicators.

Fishpond Water Potential on Vineyard Soil Health: An Exploratory Study of a Circular System

Climate variabilities continue to hinder sustainable food production with an increasing need to use resources such as water and soil efficiently. The quest for these efficiencies in agriculture systems drives innovations among farmers. However, limited data on farm practices, such as irrigating with fishpond water and their effects on soil health, hinder their adoption as climate-smart innovations. In a nearly twenty-year-old vineyard with two distinct irrigation practices (irrigation with recycled fishpond water and irrigation with ditch water), this study was carried out as an exploratory study to investigate the influence of recycling fishpond water on soil health parameters and yield. Soil samples were taken from two different irrigation fields in summer and winter for lab analysis on soil health parameters (organic matter and carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, microbial biomass, and microbial respiration). Averages over the two seasons of field measurements indicate that long-term irrigation using recycling fishpond water increased the measured soil health parameters (organic matter (13%), organic carbon (30%), nitrogen (17%), phosphorus (46%), microbial biomass (18%), and microbial respiration (56%)) in both summer and winter months when compared to fields receiving just ditchwater irrigation. Using water in a way that can improve soil health increases biodiversity and improves the efficiency of our limited water resources in semi-arid agricultural lands, and this strategy is a climate-smart tool that can help reduce water risks in dry agricultural regions such as Arizona.

A historic landmark for the role of soil health in climate and food security: “Soil health” in COP28 UAE Declaration

A historic landmark for the role of soil health in climate and food security: “Soil health” in COP28 UAE Declaration