Soil Physical Characteristics Research Articles

FARManalytics – A bio-economic model to optimize the economic value of sustainable soil management on arable farms

Soil quality is an important determinant of agricultural productivity and environmental quality. Despite its importance, few economic models incorporate sustainable soil management. The objective of this study is to develop and illustrate FARManalytics: a bio-economic model to gain quantitative insight in the economic value of sustainable soil management. First, we defined a comprehensive set of chemical, physical and biological soil quality indicators and quantitative rules on how these indicators respond to farmers’ production management over time. Second, we introduce an economic calculation framework that enables accurate calculation of the contribution of different production management decisions towards farm income using Activity-Based-Costing. The set of soil quality indicators and economic calculations serve as the basis for the bio-economic model FARManalytics, which consists of two modules: (1) the PMcalculator, a module that calculates the impact of current production management on soil quality and farm economics and (2) the PMoptimizer, a module that uses Mixed-Integer-Linear-Programming to maximize farm incomewithin predefined soil quality indicator constraints. The decision variables are the crop rotation, cover crops, manure & fertilizer application and crop residue management. We illustrate the added value of the model by applying it to an extensive and intensive farm type, both on clay and sandy soil. These farm types are derived from the Farm Accountancy Data Network (FADN) in the Netherlands. FARManalytics demonstrates that it is possible to increase farm income with up to €940 ha−1 year−1 on clay soil and up to €683 ha−1 year−1 on sandy soil, while meeting all soil quality targets except subsoil compaction vulnerability. The latter was among the most limiting soil quality indicators for the farm types in this study, together with soil organic matter input, wind erosion vulnerability and plant-parasitic nematodes. FARManalytics integrates the impact of production management decisions on soil quality and economics at farm level. Combined with representative farm types, the bio-economic modeling approach of FARManalytics can provide useful information for policy support. FARManalytics can also be tailored to provide decision support for individual farms, based on data that is commonly available on arable farms at low cost.

The Role of Organic Farming in Sustainable Agriculture

Organic farming, as a sustainable alternative to conventional high-input practices reliant on synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides, prioritizes the vitality of soil as a living ecosystem. Embracing practices such as crop rotation, animal manures, crop residues, green manures, and biological pest and disease control, organic agriculture aims to uphold soil health and productivity. By meeting present food demands in an environmentally conscientious manner, organic farming also safeguards the needs of future generations, thereby preserving and nurturing our ecosystem. Modern agriculture has detrimentally impacted the environment, leading to issues such as decreased soil fertility, elevated water hardness, insect resistance development, reduced genetic diversity in plants, heightened levels of toxic residues in the food chain and animal feed, contributing to health problems and environmental degradation. In contrast, organic farming nurtures plants with essential macronutrients and micronutrients while simultaneously enhancing soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Guided by the ethos of sustainability, organic farming prioritizes mitigating health risks linked to synthetic inputs and cultivating a healthier ecosystem. The minimal environmental footprint of organic farming positions it as a practical solution for tackling urgent concerns like soil degradation, water pollution, and global ecological well-being. Essentially, organic farming stands out as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, paving the way to reconcile food production with environmental conservation. Moreover, organic farming's low environmental impact presents an opportunity to rehabilitate and enhance degraded agricultural lands.

Biochar from cashew residue enhances silicon adsorption and reduces cohesion and mechanical resistance at meso- and micro-structural scales of soil with cohesive character

Horizons with cohesive character impose physical restraints on plant development, particularly when it occurs near the soil surface. Howbeit, the genesis of cohesive character in soils is associated with temporary and reversible cementation by amorphous silica. Thus, we hypothesized that the biochar obtained from residues from cashew processing would improve soil porosity and promotes silicon adsorption, consequently reducing cohesion and mechanical resistance while improving the physical quality of soils with cohesive character. We collected soil samples with deformed structure from the Bt1 horizon of a Typic Haplustult with cohesive character in northeast Brazil. These samples were used to prepare test substrates by combining air-dried and sieved soil samples and biochar at application rates of 0, 5, 10, 20, and 40 Mg ha−1. All the samples in each treatment underwent ten cycles of wetting and drying (one cycle per week) to allow the manifestation of the cohesive character. Subsequently, we assessed silicon adsorption capacity, soil bulk density, porosity, soil penetration resistance, tensile strength, and rheometric properties. In the 5 and 10 Mg ha−1 doses, the physical quality remained like the control treatment (0 Mg ha−1). The 20 and 40 Mg ha−1 doses resulted in increased soil silicon adsorption capacity (+7.6 and +15.3%, respectively), total porosity (+2.0 and +1.9%, respectively), and macroporosity (+14.6 and +15.3%, respectively), compared to the treatment without biochar. Conversely, these doses led to a reduction in soil bulk density (-0.1 and −0.8%, respectively), penetration resistance (-16.2 and −16.1%, respectively), tensile strength (-24.2 and −36.5%, respectively), deformation at the end of the linear viscoelastic range (-6.3 and −10.5%, respectively), shear stress at the end of the linear viscoelastic range (-16.4 and −26.9%, respectively), and maximum shear stress (-13.7 and −22.3%, respectively). In conclusion, the application of biochar improved soil porosity and promoted silicon adsorption, thus reducing the bulk density, cohesion, and mechanical resistance, enhancing the physical quality of soils with cohesive character, especially for doses of 20 and 40 Mg ha−1.

Evaluating the Soil Quality Indicators in Various Yield Zones of Pulses in Tamil Nadu, India

Background: In recent years, there is growing demand for pulses in Tamil Nadu and the government has implemented various schemes and programmes to promote cultivation. However, the evaluation and categorization of soils for pulse production is crucial in determining the suitability of land for pulse cultivation and offer improvement through the adoption of improved crop management practices. Methods: A systematic soil quality assessment survey was taken up during 2020-2022 in the major pulse growing blocks of Virudhunagar district viz., Sattur, Aruppukottai and Thiruchuli based on past ten years yield data and it was classified into three categories viz., low yielding ( less than 400 kg ha-1), medium (400 to 700 kg ha-1) and high yielding ( greater than 700 kg ha-1) categories. Three hundred samples were collected from these zones. Results: The positive effects of soil physical, chemical, and biological qualities on the yield of pulse crops were justified through the yield data of the high yielding zone which ranged from 769 to 989 kg ha-1 with an average pulse yield of 880 kg ha-1. This may be attributed to more favourable soil physical environment in terms of soil texture (sandy clay loam), higher mean percentage of water stable aggregates (51%) and a favourable pH of 7.52. These parameters coupled with lower bulk density (1.23 Mgm-3), optimum infiltration rate (1.76 cm hr-1) and maximum mean organic carbon status (1.38 mg kg-1) contributed to higher range of soil cation exchange capacity (28.7 to 47.2 cmol p+ kg-1). In addition, the presence of avilable nitrogen and phosphorus, potassium, sulphur and availability of mean micronutrient contents viz., DTPA iron and DTPA zinc resulted in better quality of these soils contributing to maximum pulse productivity in this zone. Soil respiration rate with mean respiration rate of 4.48 mg CO2 kg-1 d-1 in high yield category compared to that of 2.34 mg CO2 kg-1 d-1 in low yield category, which is well correlated with better soil organic matter content in the former than the latter group of soil. Therefore, this study formulates a clear understanding of the variations in soil quality parameters for adopting efficient nutrient management practices towards obtaining maximum productivity of pulse crops.

A Review on Effect of Organic Conditioner on Physico-chemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil

The unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has caused adverse effects on the environment and human health, which has raised the focus on environmentally friendly agricultural techniques for sustainable farming globally. The article investigates the effects of organic conditioners on the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of soil, with focus on liquid organic conditioners such Panchagavya, Jeevamruth, and Beejamruth. In order to purify agricultural fields, the necessity of organic agriculture methods that are both commercially and environmentally feasible is emphasized. The advantages of applying Soil conditioners are explained, including increased crop production, quality, affordability, and safety for the environment in addition to increases in soil health, fertility, and pest resistance. An overview of the basic principles of liquid organic manures is provided, with a focus on their ability to release nutrients, stimulate microbial activity, and facilitate plant absorption. The review discusses how organic conditioners might improve the biological characteristics of soil, such as the presence of chemicals that promote plant growth and helpful microbes. Liquid organic manure adoption is essential for healthy ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and increased soil fertility and productivity. Because liquid organic manures may be applied in a variety of ways and used as soil drenches, foliar sprays, and seedling treatments, they are a crucial part of environmentally friendly farming methods. It is advised to combine liquid and solid organic manures to reduce negative effects and guarantee a robust and fruitful farming environment.

Correlation of Soil Chemical, Biological, and Physical Characteristics on Productivity of Maize in Cibugel District, Sumedang Regency

Maize as one of the national food commodities, experiences an increase in demand every year. Both internal and external factors influenced the growth of corn plants. Internal factors originated from the plant, such as inherited genetic traits, while external factors came from the environment, including soil properties and climate. External factors that affected plant growth included biological, physical, and chemical soil characteristics. This research aimed to understand the interrelation between soil acidity (pH), phosphorus availability (P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrogen-fixing bacteria, earthworm population, carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), and soil texture on the productivity of maize in Cibugel District and how these factors were interconnected to support plant growth. The research employed a descriptive survey and comparative method, with soil samples taken from 18 soil samples from six villages in the Cibugel Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency. The correlation analysis results showed a significant positive relationship between cation exchange capacity and corn productivity and a significant negative relationship between available phosphorus and corn productivity. This implied that increasing cation exchange capacity could enhance productivity while increasing available phosphorus could decrease productivity. The research aided in identifying soil characteristics influencing high land productivity in the area. 

Linking the humification of organic amendments with size aggregate distribution: Insights into molecular composition using FT-ICR-MS

Soil organic matter (SOM) plays a pivotal role in enhancing physical and biological characteristics of soil. Humic substances constitute a substantial proportion of SOM and their increase can improve crop yields and promote agricultural sustainability. While previous research has primarily assessed the influence that humic acids (HAs) derived from natural water have on soil structure, our study focuses on the impact of HAs on soil aggregation under different fertilizer regimes. During the summer cropping season, maize was cultivated under organic and synthetic fertilizer treatments. The organic fertilizer treatment utilized barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa R.) as an organic amendment five days prior to maize planting. The synthetic treatment included a synthetic fertilizer (NPK) applied at South Korea's recommended rates. The organic treatment resulted in significant improvements in the soil aggregates and stability (mean weight diameter, MWD; p < 0.05) compared to the synthetic fertilizer application. These improvements could be primarily attributed to the increased quantity and quality of HAs in the soil derived from the organic amendment. The amount of extracted HAs in the organic treatment was nearly twice that of the synthetic treatment. Additionally, the organic treatment had a 140 % larger MWD and a 40 % increase in total phenolic content compared to the synthetic treatment. The organic treatment also had an increased macronutrient uptake (p < 0.001), an 11 % increase in aboveground maize biomass, and a 21 % increase in grain yield relative to the synthetic treatment. Thus, the enhancement of HA properties through the incorporation of fresh organic manure can both directly and indirectly increase crop productivity.

Predicting soil parameters in Maroua 1st, Cameroon, using correlations of geophysical and geotechnical data

This study aims to predict specific soil parameters based on quantitative and qualitative correlations between electrical and geotechnical data. A total of 21 geotechnical boreholes followed by sampling, 21 light dynamic penetrometer tests, and 76 vertical electrical sounding surveys were carried out in Maroua 1st. The electrical resistivity data of the soil layers were obtained through 1D and 2D inversions of the ERT surveys. The geotechnical data were obtained from field tests and laboratory experiments. The statistical analysis of the entire dataset indicates that most of the samples are clay formations, as demonstrated by the means of variables and low variance coefficients, enabling qualitative identification. The distribution analysis of the parameters confirms the complexity of the physical characteristics of soils and the measurement procedures for each parameter. The Spearman's rank correlation matrix indicates that these observations can be used to propose predictive models for free swelling, allowable stress, natural water content, and electrical resistivity. Correlations between free swelling (εg) and other variables are not significant, as the degree of significance is lower than the fixed limit, except for models εg - W (R2 = 0.94), εg - ρ (Ώ.m) (R2 = 0.803), and εg - σ adm (R2 = 0.757). Grouping variables in multiple linear regression enables the development of a mathematical model. The predicted values of εg from this model demonstrate good agreement with the measured values for a validity domain of 0–16 %. The soil's natural water content has a strong correlation (R2 = 0.80 and rs = – 0.87) with electrical resistivity, meaning that an increase in water content results in a decrease in electrical resistivity. The permissible stress σadm has a strong correlation (R2 = 0.89 and rs = 0.85) with electrical resistivity. This indicates that changes in soil electrical resistivity are associated with soil stiffness.

МАТЕМАТИЧЕСКОЕ МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ПРОЧНОСТНЫХ СВОЙСТВ ЛЁССОВ МЕТОДОМ КОРРЕЛЯЦИОННО-РЕГРЕССИОННОГО АНАЛИЗА

The strength properties of subsiding loess soils are considered in the mathematical modeling of their compaction by deep explosions. Soil compaction is carried out in order to eliminate their subsidence properties. Correlation and regression analyzes of the dependences of strength on the physical characteristics of loess were carried out, using the soils of the North Caucasus as an example. The correlation dependence of the specific cohesion and the angle of internal friction on the physical characteristics of the subsidence soil is established. Correlation coefficients were obtained for various indices of moisture content and loess density. The studies were carried out before and after soil compaction in this way. Both positive and negative correlations between the studied characteristics of subsiding loess soil were recorded. With an increase in moisture, a high correlation was observed with the strength characteristics of the soil before and after its compaction by deep explosions. The equations of regression of specific cohesion and the angle of internal friction on soil moisture and density are constructed. The reliability coefficients of approximation of theoretical regression equations and experimental data demonstrate high values. The regression equations of specific adhesion and the angle of internal friction on soil moisture showed that the values of strength characteristics increase with decreasing values of soil moisture. The regression dependence of the specific cohesion and the angle of internal friction on the density of subsidence loess has been studied. It has been established that an increase in the values of strength characteristics was recorded with an increase in the density of loess soil before and after its compaction by deep explosions. The constructed regression equations make it possible to predict the strength characteristics of loess at the stage of designing the bases and foundations of construction objects.

Crop-livestock integration influenced soil profile organic carbon and hydro-physical properties in converted grasslands to row crops

Integrated crop-livestock systems (ICLS) can mitigate the impacts of cropping intensification by improving soil organic carbon (SOC) and associated hydro-physical properties. This study was conducted on three on-farm long-term (≥30 years) sites (Site 1, 2, and 3) and one short-term (4 years) experimental site (Site 4) to compare the SOC and hydro-physical properties to a depth of 40 cm for an intensive-cropland (CL), a native-grassland (NG) and cropland managed with ICLS. Data showed higher SOC, soil water retention (SWR), macroporosity, available water capacity (AWC), and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ksat) for the NG than the CL indicating the degradation of soil physical quality because of intensive agriculture. However, for sites 1 and 2, the ICLS had 27% and 46% more SOC than the CL in the 0–10 cm depth. In addition, the ICLS decreased bulk density (ρb) (sites 1 and 3) and increased the Ksat (sites 1, 2, and 3) at 0–10 cm depth as compared to the CL. No differences in SOC or hydro-physical properties were observed for the short-term ICLS (site 4) when compared to the CL. The impacts of ICLS were most prominent at the surface soil (0–10 cm) and no difference was observed for the deeper soil. The AWC showed a linear increase with the increase in SOC, however, soils under ICLS and CL showed a higher increase in AWC with an increase in SOC as compared to the NG. This study highlighted the negative impacts of grassland to cropland conversion and suggested the implementation of ICLS to improve organic carbon and other associated hydro-physical properties of soils.

Impact of Inter-Row Cultivation on Potato Tuber Yields in Organic Farming

The paper highlights the surging interest in organic agriculture among both food producers and consumers in Russia. However, when transitioning from intensive agricultural production to organic technologies, certain problems arise. This applies to crop cultivation, especially potatoes, as the ban on traditional mineral fertilizers necessitates the search for rational and science-based alternative methods. (Research purpose) The study aims to investigate the impact of deep inter-row potato cultivation on tuber yield without using fertilizers. (Materials and methods) To adapt crop cultivation practices in the North-West region to organic production requirements, a six-field crop rotation, including potatoes, was implemented at the Institute of Agroengineering and Environmental Problems of Agricultural Production. The experimental field soil is characterized as soddy-podzolic and light loamy. For the experiment, the domestic potato variety Udacha was used. Continuous monitoring was conducted for the soil’s physical parameters. Inter-row cultivation was performed in two ways: hilling with harrowing using the row-crop cultivator KON-2.8 + BRU (control planting) and deep cultivation to 27 centimeter depth with the KNO-2.8 + BRU (test planting). (Results and discussion) Digital agromonitoring of environmental climatic parameters and soil physical characteristics, including hardness and moisture content, was conducted. The study examined the impact of inter-row-cultivation method on potato yields over three years. In three-year retrospective study, the highest yield of 20.57 tons per hectare was achieved in 2022, while adverse soil and climatic conditions in 2021 led to the lowest yields of 12.8 tons in the control planting and 14.19 tons in the experiment planting. (Conclusions) By creating favorable soil conditions for potato development through eliminating compaction in the rows, the increase in yield can reach 27 percent due to deep row cultivation, improved soil moisture, and moisture retention.

Computed tomography scanning revealed macropore-controlled N2O emissions under long-term tillage and cover cropping practices

Microscale alterations in soil physical characteristics resulting from long-term soil health practices can contribute to changes in soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions. In this study, we investigated soil N2O emissions in relation to pore characteristics influencing soil gas diffusivity under long-term tillage and cover cropping practices. Intact soil cores from tillage (conventional tillage, Conv. T versus no tillage, NT) and cover crop (hairy vetch, HV versus no cover crop, NC) treatments were used for N2O measurements and computed tomography (CT) scanning. Using X-ray CT technique with a resolution of 59 μm, pore structure parameters including macroporosity, number of macropores, anisotropy, fractal dimension, tortuosity, and connectivity were determined. The results showed that Conv. T and HV emitted significantly higher N2O than NT and NC, respectively. A similar trend was observed for macroporosity, Conv. T soils had 27.4 % higher CT-derived macroporosity than the NT soils and HV increased macroporosity by 31.1 % over the NC treatment. The number of macropores and fractal dimension were significantly higher whereas degree of anisotropy was significantly lower under HV compared to NC. In the upper 3 cm of soil, HV had a connected porosity, whereas the pores were disconnected and isolated in NC. These CT-derived properties; however, were not impacted by tillage treatments. N2O emissions were positively and significantly correlated to relative soil gas diffusivity, CT-derived macroporosity, number of macropores, and fractal dimension. Our results demonstrated that soil macroporosity and relative gas diffusivity could lead to improved understanding and predictability of N2O emissions under high soil moisture conditions.

Agricultural limitations to soil carbon sequestration: Plant growth, microbial activity, and carbon stabilization

Soil carbon (C) sequestration is an important process for mitigating climate change while improving soil productivity. At the same time, it presents challenges for nutrient availability and changing agricultural practices. The aim of this study was to survey the challenges and limitations found on pioneering farms testing C sequestration using a Finnish network of farmers testing carbon farming practices. A combination of satellite monitoring, on-site measurements and soil analysis was used to quantify and evaluate soil physical, chemical, and biological quality indicators and plant productivity on 20 farms (40 fields). The indicators were assessed through a conceptual C sequestration model, classifying them into limitations for three stages of plant growth, microbial activity or C stabilization. Based on the results, there are limitations in all three stages: plant growth is constrained by crop choices which limit leaf area and sunlight capture, microbial processing of C is limited by poor soil structure and moisture stress, and C stabilization is limited by waterlogging and sulfur deficiency. These problems were found to be widespread, but not present on all the farms. Bringing all the farms to the levels of the best performing farms could reduce the considerable gap between potential productivity and C sequestration and that achieved in practice.

Exploring the viability of Organic Farming for Sustainable Agriculture in India

Organic farming commonly known as ecological or biological farming is a type of farming that emphasises methods like crop rotation and companion planting and employs organic fertilisers including compost manure, crop residues, mineral grade rock additives, green manure, and bone meal. Organic farming is an agricultural system that creates safe, healthy or environmentally friendly products and works in the protection of nature. It excludes the use of synthetic inputs such as fertilizers; hormones feed additives, herbicides, pesticides. In order to preserve ecological balance and safeguard the environment, organic farming was adopted. It supports and improves the health of the agro-ecosystem, including the biodiversity, biological cycles, and soil biological activity. This paper aims to delve into the principles of organic farming and the concept of organic products. It also undertakes an analysis of the opportunities within the domain of organic farming and evaluates potential markets for organic products. Furthermore, the paper scrutinizes the challenges associated with marketing organic products. Organic farming provides nutrients to the plants and improves the physical and biological quality and characteristic of soil.

Integrated crop‐livestock versus conventional systems: Effects on the chemical and physical characteristics of an Oxisol

AbstractStudies have reported improvements in soil quality in integrated crop‐livestock systems (ICLS) when compared to conventional systems. The hypothesis of this study was that ICLS improve Oxisol quality due to the use of intercropping, adding pasture and cattle to the systems. The aim of the study was to evaluate the chemical and physical characteristics of an Oxisol and pasture production in the integrated system versus conventional system. We compared two conventional systems: crop system (maize grain production) and livestock system (beef cattle on single pasture) and, four ICLS: maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously without herbicide (ICLS‐1); maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously with herbicide (ICLS‐2); maize plus Marandu palisade grass in lagged sowing (ICLS‐3); and maize plus Marandu palisade grass sown simultaneously in maize rows and inter‐rows with herbicide (ICLS‐4). A randomized block design with six treatments and three replicates was used. The results suggest improvements in soil quality, including soil organic carbon (ICLS‐4), total nitrogen, and nitrogen stocks (ICLS‐1, ICLS‐2, and ICLS‐4). The intercropping technique influenced pasture production and soil quality during the implementation of integrated systems. The lowest soil strength was obtained for the crop system compared to systems with grazing animals but there were no changes in the soil physical characteristics that could compromise the production system.

Effects of Biochar and Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Soil Physical Quality and Productivity Index Under Sorghum Cultivation Irrigated with Saline Water

ABSTRACT Amending soil with different materials is gaining acceptance as an effective and inexpensive technique for reclamation of salt-affected soils. The main idea of this study was to investigate the effects of biochar, compost of municipal solid waste and different water salinities level on soil physical quality (SDexter) and soil productivity index (SPI). The treatments were as followed: Control: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with tap water, S1: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), S2: Soil without biochar or compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1), B: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with tap water, B+S1: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), B+S2: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w biochar and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1), C: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with tap water, C+S1: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 4.5 dS m−1), C+S2: Soil amended with 1.5%w/w compost and irrigated with saline water (EC = 9 dS m−1). Soil water characteristic curve (SWCC), Field capacity (FC), Plant wilting point (PWP), Plant available water (PAW), Dexter’s index of soil physical quality (SDexter) and SPI were examined in a greenhouse experiment. The SPI was calculated by integrating the effects of six soil quality indices: plant available water, organic matter (OM), Electrical conductivity (EC), pH, Bulk density (BD) and Root weighting factor (RF) for all treatments were calculated. The results showed that the B treatment had a slightly higher effect on SWCC. The applied B and C treatments caused insignificant increase in PAW relative to the control. In addition, application of biochar or compost to soil significantly increased the SDexter. The application of C treatment had insignificantly higher value of SDexter compared to other treatments. Compared with the control, SPI was significantly higher for the B and C treatments. Overall, the application of biochar/compost minimized the destructive effects of saline irrigation water and improved the quality of the salt-affected fine-textured soil.

Influence of Conservation Agriculture on Certain Soil Qualities Both Physical and Chemical in Relation to Sustainable Agriculture Practices a Review

Conventional tillage raises the possibility of soil erosion and degrades crucial physical characteristics of the soil, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) reduction. Additionally, ineffective management techniques result in a decrease in soil organic matter, a breakdown of the soil&amp;apos;s structure, and more erosion. As a result, crop yields have decreased. Conservation agriculture (CA) is being considered as a potential system having the capability of improving soil quality and providing stable yields. This review&amp;apos;s primary goal is to demonstrate how conservation agricultural practices affect certain physical and chemical characteristics of soil in order to support sustainable agriculture. So as to produce production system that are sustainable, conservation agriculture refers to cropping system management approaches that support permanent soil cover, low soil disturbance, and appropriate crop rotation. With the use of conservation agriculture techniques, it is possible to enhance the physical and structural health of the soil (by reducing bulk density and improving soil aggregation), in addition to increase soil water infiltration, decrease water runoff and soil loss, decrease evaporation loss, decrease soil organic carbon, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. These factors are crucial for maintaining soil health and sustainable crop production. In general, applying the conservation agriculture concepts of limited tillage, soil cover, and legume integration would promote the development of soil microorganisms and organic matter by decreasing erosion. Conservation agriculture is therefore regarded as one of the agricultural systems that have the ability to favorably contribute to soil physical and chemical improvement as well as techniques for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Temporal variability of physical quality of a sandy loam soil amended with compost

AbstractCompost can enhance the soil's ability to retain water, resulting in an overall improvement of soil physical quality (SPQ). The purpose of this study was to evaluate the temporal variability of physical and hydraulic properties of a sandy loam soil amended with a compost obtained from orange juice processing wastes and garden cleaning. The soil water retention curve of repacked soil samples at varying compost to soil ratios, r, was determined at the time of compost embedding (M0) and after six months (M6), and twelve months (M12). Indicators of SPQ linked to soil water retention curve such as air capacity (AC), macroporosity (Pmac), plant available water capacity (PAWC), relative field capacity (RFC) and Dexter S-index (S), were estimated. The effect of compost addiction of the pore volume distribution function was also evaluated.The elapsed time from compost application influenced all SPQ indicators but the maximum beneficial effects of compost amendment were achieved within approximately the first six months. Indicators linked the macro- and mesoporosity (Pmac and AC) decreased with r whereas indicators linked to plant water availability (PAWC and RFC) increased with r. The combined effect of time and rate was statistically observed only for Pmac, PAWC and S.Compost addiction reduced the soil compaction and modified the pore system, as the fraction of structural porosity (i.e., macropores) decreased and the fraction of textural porosity (i.e., micropores) increased. It was concluded that even a single application of compost could have a significant impact on soil water retention and microstructure with positive implications for soil health, precision agriculture and crop productivity.

Under pressure: elucidating soil compaction and its effect on soil functions

Abstract Background Modern agricultural practices have exacerbated soil compaction, largely due to the intensification of operations involving heavier machinery and tillage practices. Soil compaction increases soil bulk density and reduces porosity, limiting water and nutrient diffusion within the soil matrix. Soil compaction also alters bacterial and fungal communities in agroecosystems by favouring, for example, anaerobic prokaryotes and saprotrophic fungi. Under these conditions crop yields are reduced, affecting food security. Scope We review recent advances in understanding the impact of compaction on soil physical and chemical characteristics and plant physiological response to this stress, with special emphasis on the effect of soil compaction on bacterial and fungal communities and their interaction with the plant. Additionally, we discuss recent findings on plant responses to compacted soils that affect the recruitment of root microbiota and how the microbiota could help the plant cope with this stress. We also discuss possible strategies to mitigate the consequences of soil compaction in agricultural settings. Conclusions Research in soil compaction is far from conclusive about the mechanisms that plants use to respond to compaction. It is also not well understood how the microbiota inhabiting the roots participate in the plant response mechanisms to this stress. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive the selection and establishment of the plant microbial community at the root-soil interface in compacted soils could help find new strategies that, together with existing ones, could improve crop production in compacted soils.

Evaluation of the impact of wastewater irrigation on the soil's dielectric parameters

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil dielectric parameters, focusing on the often‐overlooked aspect of dielectric properties in contaminated soil. Wastewater, a significant contributor to soil and groundwater degradation, has long‐term effects on soil physical, chemical, and dielectric characteristics. Experimental measurements conducted overtime at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz frequencies reveal a correlation between wastewater irrigation and changes in dielectric properties. Emphasizing time variation as a pivotal independent variable, the study sheds light on its substantial influence on soil dielectric behavior. Notably, the research introduces an alternative methodology for the comprehensive evaluation of wastewater‐induced pollution effects on soil properties. This approach is substantiated by meticulous physicochemical analyses conducted on both pollution sources and the affected soil. The study further presents a robust response surface method‐based model, showcasing impressive accuracy with dielectric properties (ε′ and ε″) and penetration depth with R2 values of 0.9845, 0.9831, and 0.9528, respectively. Beyond unveiling crucial insights into the intricate interplay of wastewater and soil dielectric behavior, this research contributes to the development of effective strategies for pollution monitoring and management in soil ecosystems.