Three decades of continuous warming in temperate forests destabilizes persistent forms of soil organic matter.

Influence of management practices on soil organic matter composition evaluated by complementary analytical techniques: XANES and mass spectrometry.

Plant rhizosphere enhances biochar's immobilization of cadmium: Divergent effects in flooded and unsaturated cultivation soils.

Reactive transport of Cd(II) and Cr(VI) in natural porous media: Influencing factors and mechanism.

Corrigendum to “Effects of fire severity on soil organic matter: a multi-isotope (C, N, H, O) comparison of wildfires and experimental burns” [CATENA 264 (2026) 109817

The Caatinga biome, Brazil, is an semi-arid zone with climatic and socioeconomic vulnerability, which makes the soils more susceptible to degradation under cultivation and management conditions that hinder the maintenance of soil organic matter (SOM). In this sense, the objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of converting native vegetation to pasture and agricultural cultivation on the levels and stocks of total organic carbon and granulometric fractions of SOM and the existing correlations between these parameters in the Caatinga biome, Brazil. Composite soil samples were collected from 11 agricultural crops (Cr) under conventional management with implementation times ranging from 2 to 90 years and six pasture areas (Pa) with implementation times from 4 to 30 years, in addition to nine areas of native vegetation (VN) used as the reference. The soil samples were physically fractionated to isolate the soil organic matter into two fractions, particulate organic matter – labile (POM > 53 μm) and mineral associated organic matter - stable (MAOM <53 μm). In the POM and MAOM the total carbon content was quantified and additionally, the sulfur content for the MAOM fraction was determined. The total carbon contents and stocks of the soil and the mineral-associated organic matter fraction (MAOM-C) and particulate organic matter (POM C), also, the total of the soil and the nitrogen of the mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM-N) followed the order VN = Pa > Cr. The conversion of native vegetation to conventional agriculture significantly reduces the stocks of POM-C and MAOM-C in the first 15 years. Pastures, on the other hand, show an initial increase in SOC, followed by a decline, while shows recovery in areas with longer cultivation periods. In addition to land use, factors such as soil texture and precipitation influence carbon dynamics in this region of Brazil, with clayey soils and areas with higher rainfall favoring the accumulation of organic matter. There is an emphasis on the duration of cultivation and management in the conservation of soil carbon, indicating the need for the application of practices with strategies aimed at the recovery of organic matter in agricultural systems. • Pasture management can contribute to the maintenance and recovery of carbon stocks. • Pasture renovation every 10 or 15 years is important for the recovery of SOM. • Conversion of NV to crop reduce the stocks of POM-C and MAOM-C in the first 15 years. • Soil texture and precipitation influence carbon dynamic in the Caatinga biome, Brazil.

Winter fallow straw–nitrogen co-application enhances rice yield and stability by regulating soil organic matter physical fractions and chemical composition

Natural weathering and plant regeneration accelerate soil restoration of fine particle mine tailings.

Occurrence, distribution and ecological risk assessment of soil pesticide residues in cotton areas of Xinjiang.

A transferable spatiotemporal deep learning framework integrating soil moisture dynamics for high-resolution cropland soil organic matter mapping across regions

Temperature and precipitation source variability and glacial dynamics in the southwestern United States at Fish Lake, Utah, since late MIS 4

Plant species specific effects of root exudates on the formation and destabilization of soil organic matter

Iron-modified cement hydration regulates DOM transformation and carbon stabilization in soil-concrete systems during rainfall-runoff.

The evaluation of potentially toxic element concentrations (PTEs) in soils and plants is essential for understanding environmental quality and potential human exposure in areas affected by intense anthropogenic activity. This study addresses a research gap in the Valencian Region, focusing on soil–plant interactions of PTEs in urban and industrial environments. We assess the status of the soil–plant system in a region of the Valencian Community (eastern Spain) subjected to strong urban, industrial and agricultural pressure. A total of 55 soil samples and 47 plant samples were collected from agricultural, urban and industrial sites and analysed for soil properties, major elements (Al, Mg, Fe) and PTEs (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Sr, V and Zn). Land use significantly influenced soil physicochemical characteristics, with clear differentiation among environments. Soil texture and organic matter were the main factors controlling element retention, while Al, Fe and Mg dominated the geochemical composition, consistent with Mediterranean calcareous soils. Correlation analyses revealed strong co-occurrence patterns among lithogenic elements (e.g., Fe-Al, r = 0.917 p &lt; 0.01), soil texture and chemical properties, indicating a shared origin and preferential retention in the fine fraction and soil organic matter. Contamination indices identified potential environmental risk mainly associated with Cu, Pb, Sr and Zn, particularly in densely populated areas. Mean concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb and Zn were, respectively, 0.63 mg kg−1, 42.25 mg kg−1, 31.49 mg kg−1, 56.91 mg kg−1 and 76.08 mg kg−1. These elements exceeded Spanish regulatory reference values in several soils. Bioaccumulation indices indicated notable plant uptake of As, Sr and Zn, highlighting their potential for trophic transfer.

ABSTRACT Push‐pull technology is increasingly promoted in sub‐Saharan Africa, particularly for pest management and enhancing crop productivity. However, its influence on soil properties remains understudied, despite its potential implications for soil health and sustainable soil fertility management. This study examines soil properties in push‐pull and conventional non‐push‐pull cropping systems. Soil samples were collected from push‐pull and conventional plots in Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda. We examined the associations between soil physicochemical properties and cropping systems, along with key components of push‐pull, namely Desmodium coverage and plot age, and manure and mineral fertiliser application. Overall, there were a few differences in soil properties between push‐pull and conventional cultivation. In Kenya and Uganda, where Desmodium cover varied considerably, higher cover was positively associated with soil organic matter, cation‐exchange capacity, and multiple nutrients. In Rwanda, Desmodium cover was positively associated only with phosphorus. Plot age in Kenya was negatively associated with pH and potassium, suggesting acidification from N 2 fixation and potassium mining in the system. In Kenya, manure application was negatively associated with soil pH, CEC and several nutrients, while in Uganda, it was positively associated with calcium, sodium and zinc. In Ethiopia, manure application was positively associated with potassium and zinc, but only when testing the push‐pull systems separately. Mineral fertiliser use was negatively associated with potassium and pH in Kenya, the only country with considerable use of mineral fertilisers. The data highlight a need for adaptive soil and crop management, including affordable non‐acidifying N fertilisers and liming products for long‐term sustainability of the push‐pull system. The complexity in farmer adoption and practices, and the underlying soil and climate conditions, limit our ability to disentangle the contribution of system components to the effects of the push‐pull system. Nevertheless, our findings highlight the complex and context‐dependent associations of push‐pull cropping and soil properties, underscoring the need for site‐specific management to sustain soil health and crop productivity across sub‐Saharan Africa.

To elucidate the sources and spatial variations in organic matter in surface sediments from Lingdingyang of the Pearl River Estuary, 18 surface sediment samples were collected and analyzed for obtaining total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), atomic TOC/TN ratio (C/Natom), stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes (δ13C, δ15N), and glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraethers (GDGTs). A three-endmember framework was constructed using the BIT and δ13C to constrain the sources of the organic matter. The results showed a significant positive correlation between TOC and TN, with relatively higher values in Jiaoyi Bay and western Lingdingyang, lower values in eastern Lingdingyang, and intermediate values in Shenzhen Bay. The C/Natom, δ13C, and δ15N results revealed that the sedimentary organic matter in the study area exhibits mixed-source characteristics, influenced by soil, C3 plants, and marine autochthonous organic matter. Among the subregions, Jiaoyi Bay is more strongly influenced by terrestrial inputs, while Shenzhen Bay receives relatively higher contributions from marine autochthonous organic matter. The GDGTs results showed that Jiaoyi Bay is characterized by elevated abundances of both brGDGTs and isoGDGTs, whereas isoGDGTs were also relatively enriched in Shenzhen Bay. brGDGTs exhibited a significant negative correlation with δ13C, whereas BIT showed no significant correlation with either brGDGTs or δ13C, indicating that BIT cannot be simply regarded as a unique proxy for soil input, but rather reflects the combined effects of in situ production, changes in archaeal lipids, and sedimentary preservation. The three-endmember model further revealed significant spatial variations in the sources of organic matter in surface sediments from Lingdingyang. Overall, the combined use of multiple proxies is more effective than any single proxy in revealing the sources and spatial differentiation of sedimentary organic matter in this subtropical, complex estuarine environment.

Introduction Phosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations for wheat are still largely based on soil test P (STP) classes and fixed fertilization grids. While simple to apply, these approaches often fail to reflect field-level variability and the combined influence of soil and climate factors on crop response. As a result, recommendations can be inconsistent and poorly aligned with actual yield potential. This study explores whether a data-driven, multifactorial approach can better explain and predict wheat yield response to P across diverse agroecological conditions. Methods We compiled a global meta-dataset including 294 field trials and 927 observations from 41 peer-reviewed studies. Yield response to P (ΔY = Y fertilized − Y unfertilized ) was modeled using a Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The model incorporated applied P rate, soil organic matter, soil pH (pH water ), annual precipitation, soil texture, P fertility class, and application method. Model performance was evaluated using separate training and testing datasets. RF-derived response curves were then used to estimate economically optimal P rates and compared with reported field optima. Results The conventional STP-based approach explained only a small portion of the observed yield response variability (R 2 = 5–9%) and produced highly variable recommendations across fertility classes. In contrast, the RF model showed strong predictive performance (R 2 = 89% for training and 78% for testing data) and reproduced site-specific response curves in 80% of cases. Economically optimal P rates derived from the RF model closely matched observed optima (R 2 = 93%, slope = 1.02). Discussion The findings indicate that wheat's response to P depends on several interacting factors that are not adequately represented in static STP-based recommendation systems. By jointly considering soil characteristics, climatic conditions, and management practices, the RF model generates more consistent and flexible response curves. This approach provides a practical basis for site-specific, economically optimized P management, advancing precision agriculture and more sustainable nutrient use.

Meghalaya has significant potential for horticultural diversification, particularly for temperate fruit crops. This study evaluates site suitability for apple, pear, and peach cultivation in Meghalaya using geospatial techniques, with a specific focus on sustainable land use and soil conservation in a landscape prone to degradation. Key parameters considered include soil depth, drainage, texture, pH, organic matter, nutrient availability (P and K), climatic variables (temperature, rainfall, and chilling hours), and topographic variables (slope, elevation, and slope aspect). Suitable areas were classified into highly suitable (S1), moderately suitable (S2), marginally suitable (S3), and not suitable (N) zones using the FAO Land Evaluation Framework. The suitability model was validated against 785 ground-truth observations, yielding an overall accuracy of 90% and a Kappa coefficient of 0.86, confirming its predictive reliability. West Khasi Hills emerges as the district with the highest concentration of suitable land for all three crops, particularly in the blocks of Mawthadraishan, Nongstoin, and Mairang. A total of 64,485.92 hectares were identified as suitable for at least one crop, of which 24,259.52 hectares are highly suitable for all three simultaneously — representing the most promising zones for integrated orchard development and long-term soil stabilization. By providing a spatially explicit framework, this study supports evidence-based planning for nursery development, cold-chain infrastructure, marketing linkages, and climate-resilient horticultural diversification in Meghalaya.

Abstract Background and aims Solubilisation of poorly available micronutrients in the rhizosphere by root-derived carboxylates is crucial for plant uptake. Citrate and malate are especially important because they can solubilise Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu. We quantified micronutrient solubilisation by citrate and malate at high but realistic rhizosphere concentrations and tested whether citrate—despite its higher metabolic cost—provides greater plant-cost–adjusted solubilisation efficiency (PACE) than malate. Methods Batch extractions were performed on three soils using 500 µmol L⁻ 1 citrate, malate, or their combination in 10 mmol L⁻ 1 KNO₃ or NaN₃ (biocide). Controls contained only water or KNO₃/NaN₃. Carboxylates were measured by HPLC–DAD, total soil elements by XRF, and solubilised micronutrients by ICP–OES. We then developed and applied a new framework to calculate PACE, linking solubilisation outcomes to plant metabolic investment. Results Citrate and malate solubilised only per-mille fractions of total soil Fe, Zn, Mn, and Cu, with soil organic matter strongly influencing release. Citrate generally solubilised more micronutrients than malate, reflecting its higher complexation capacity, particularly when microbial degradation was prevented by NaN₃. When normalized to plant energetic and carbon costs, citrate remained the most efficient ligand for all four micronutrients—as long as it was not rapidly degraded. In one soil where citrate was fully decomposed, its advantage disappeared, showing that microbial turnover can negate its effectiveness. Conclusion Overall, both soil properties and microbial degradation determine whether a carboxylate benefits micronutrient acquisition. PACE provides the first quantitative framework linking carboxylate efficiency to metabolic cost.

Saharan dryland systems in southern Tunisia are characterized by severe environmental constraints, including saline and waterlogged soils due to poor drainage and compacted textures. Agroecological practices such as intercropping and crop rotation offer sustainable alternatives to intensive monoculture for improving soil health and productivity. This study, conducted in southern Tunisia, evaluated the agroecological performance of different quinoa genotypes under varying planting densities, comparing monocropping, intercropping with oat, and rotation with traditional cereals such as wheat and oat. Seed rate (sowing density) significantly influenced growth, yield, and seed quality. A 6 kg ha-1 seed rate produced the highest stem diameter, plant height, and biomass. A 12 kg ha-1 seed rate reduced growth and yield, with harvest index (HI) and seed yield declining by up to 76%, depending on genotype. Saponin content increased by up to 25% with a high seed rate, whereas protein content decreased. Quinoa-oat intercropping enhanced plant height, stem diameter, and dry weight, but reduced quinoa HI by up to 53%. In contrast, oat HI, seed yield, and thousand-kernel weight (TKW) increased under the intercropping system. Land equivalent ratio values ranged from 1.5 to 2.14, indicating improved system productivity, whereas competitive ratio (CRq) values confirmed that quinoa was less competitive than oat. Rotation with quinoa increased oat harvest index by 95% but reduced wheat harvest index by 22%. Both intercropping and rotation improved soil organic matter, nitrogen, and phosphorus availability while reducing salinity, enhancing soil fertility. These results highlight the potential of quinoa-based cropping systems for sustainable production and soil management in arid and saline environments. © 2026 Society of Chemical Industry.