Soil Quality Research Articles

Sugarcane biomass-derived biochar for soil quality enhancement in sugarcane-growing soil

This study explored the barrel technique for biochar production, comparing it with laboratory-prepared biochar by evaluating the effect on sugarcane-growing soil quality. Different sugarcane biomass (bagasse, trash, and mini mill waste) derived biochar was prepared using a muffle furnace at three different temperatures (300, 450, and 600 °C) and with the barrel technique. Biochar was characterized by yield, pH, electrical conductivity (EC), proximate and ultimate analysis, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) characterization. A pot experiment was conducted with soil amendments with biochar (bagasse biochar pyrolyzed at 450 °C–BBC-450 and bagasse biochar prepared from barrel technique–BBC-BT) at a 2.5% (w/w) rate. The initial, 45-day, and 90-day soil samples were analyzed by selected soil chemical and physical parameters. The soil quality index of the 90-day soil samples was determined. Sugarcane biomass-derived biochar was rich in carbon content (64.68%–85.43%). Biochar amendment led to significant enhancements in soil pH, EC, organic carbon (OC), water holding capacity, total N, available P and Zn, and exchangeable K, Ca, and Mg. The results of the 90-day soil samples indicated an increase in soil OC by 1.22% due to both biochar amendments relative to the controls. Available P increased by 2.59% in BBC-BT amended soil and by 23.05% in BBC-450 amended soil. The EC increment due to soil amendments with BBC-BT and BBC-450 was 33.33% and 16.67%, respectively, in the 90-day soil samples. The highest soil quality index was observed in BBC-BT. It can be concluded that BBC-BT enhances the soil quality of sugarcane-growing soil, and the barrel technique could serve as a viable option for small-scale farmers and for domestic use in producing biochar.Graphical

Long-Term Effect of Different Cropping Systems on Soil Physico-chemical Properties of Soil: Environmental Implications and Sustainability

Rice (Oryza sativa L.)-wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) a dominant cropping system in Punjab Region, Northwestern India, overtime is believed to have negative effect on the soil and water quality. The present study was conducted in an ongoing long-term experiment at the research farm of the School of Organic Farming, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, to compare the effect of different cropping systems on soil physico-chemical properties. Ten treatments (cropping systems) were laid in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). The treatments were rice-wheat (CS1), maize-wheat (CS2), basmati rice-wheat-cowpea green manure (CS3), maize-mustard-cowpea green manure (CS4), maize-potato-spring groundnut (CS5), maize-peas-spring groundnut (CS6), maize+ cowpea (fodder)-maize fodder-oats fodder-sathi maize fodder (CS7), sorghum multicut fodder-barseem fodder (CS8), maize (cobs/fodder)-potato-onion (CS9), and baby corn-potato-okra (CS10). Soil samples were collected from four soil depths (0-7.5, 7.5-15, 15-22.5, and 22.5-30 cm) under each cropping system and analyzed for particles size, soil pH, EC, soil organic carbon, aggregate associated carbon, bulk density, porosity, water stable aggregates, MWD, and penetration resistance. Significantly lower soil pH was reported in CS4 and CS8 compared to other cropping systems. Soil EC was significantly higher in CS5 and CS10 while lowest in CS4. Soil organic carbon (SOC), aggregate-associated carbon (AAC), and mean weight diameter (MWD) were significantly higher in CS7 and CS4. Soil bulk density (BD) and penetration resistance (PR) were significantly higher in CS1 and lowest in CS4. SOC was 19% higher in CS7 and BD was 16% lower in CS4 compared to CS1. Soil porosity and water-stable aggregates (WSA) were also found significantly higher in CS4 and CS7 whereas lowest in CS1. The increase in soil depths significantly increased the soil pH, BD and PR, whereas decreased the soil EC, SOC, AAC, porosity, MWD, and WSA. The cropping systems (CS4, CS7, CS8, CS6, CS5, CS3) with green manure/legume/fodder crops in rotation resulted in better physico-chemical properties through the addition of organic matter to the soil compared to cereal-cereal rotations.

Assessing the influence of land use change on soil quality across different ecosystems in Kolli hills, Eastern Ghats

Soil quality indices (SQIs) assess an ecosystem’s susceptibility to land-use change (LUC), highlighting the impacts on soil parameters. This study developed an SQI for six ecosystems in the Kolli Hills (KH), Eastern Ghats (EG), India: evergreen forest (EF), deciduous forest (DF), thorn forest (TF), agricultural system (AS), horticulture system (HS), and plantation system (PS). Soil samples were collected at two depths, surface (15 cm) and subsurface (30 cm), from 240 sites (40 samples per depth per ecosystem) and analyzed. LUC altered the soil physical and chemical properties. AS and HS had higher sand content (54.63%), bulk density (1.47 Mg m−3), and particle density (2.48 Mg m−3), whereas EF and DF had higher clay content (63.91%), porosity (52.03%), and available soil moisture (18.33%), all of which decreased with depth. The organic carbon and nutrient levels were greater in EF, DF, TF, and PS, with EF having the highest values (soil organic carbon: 60.70 g kg−1; nitrogen: 322.21 kg ha−1; phosphorus: 80.54 kg ha−1; potassium: 617.06 kg ha−1, iron—83.16 mg kg−1, manganese—60.16 mg kg−1, zinc—5.16 mg kg−1 and copper—5.35 mg kg−1) at 15 cm and decreasing with depth. In conclusion, the SQI for surface soil was the maximum in EF (2.50), followed by DF, TF, PS, HS, and AS, with a similar pattern in subsurface samples, suggesting an urgent need for land management strategies to improve soil quality in these ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats.

Harnessing the synergy of Urochloa brizantha and Amazonian Dark Earth microbiomes for enhanced pasture recovery

Amazonian Dark Earths (ADEs) are fertile soils from the Amazon rainforest that harbor microorganisms with biotechnological potential. This study aimed to investigate the individual and potential synergistic effects of a 2% portion of ADEs and Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandu roots (Brazil’s most common grass species used for pastures) on soil prokaryotic communities and overall soil attributes in degraded soil. We conducted a comprehensive plant succession experiment in the greenhouse, utilizing vase soil samples for next-generation sequencing of 16 S rDNA, enzymatic activity assays, and soil chemical properties analysis. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to understand better the prokaryotic interactions within soil environments influenced by ADEs and U. brizantha roots, including differential abundance, diversity, and network analyses. Our findings reveal a complementary relationship between U. brizantha and ADEs, each contributing to distinct positive aspects of soil bacterial communities and quality. The combined influence of U. brizantha roots and ADEs exhibited synergies that enhanced prokaryotic diversity and enzyme activity. This balance supported plant growth and increased the general availability of beneficial bacteria in the soil, such as Chujaibacter and Curtobacterium while reducing the presence of potentially pathogenic taxa. This research provided valuable insights into the intricate dynamics of plant-soil feedback, emphasizing the potential for complementary interactions between specific plant species and unique soil environments like ADEs. The findings highlight the potential for pasture ecological rehabilitation and underscore the benefits of integrating plant and soil management strategies to optimize soil characteristics.

The impact of vehicular pollution on soil health in the forest ecosystem of Sonamarg Kashmir Himalayas

This study was taken to evaluate the influence of vehicular pollution on the accumulation of heavy metals and its impact on soil enzymatic activity along the roadside of the Sonamarg forest ecosystem. Soil samples were obtained from three different sites viz., Sonamarg, Baltal, and Thajwas, each comprises of disturbed area (10 mts.) close to roadside and undisturbed area (150 mts.) away from roadside in two seasons (spring and autumn). Soil heavy metal concentration significantly decreased with distance from the roadside. The decrease in the activities of dehydrogenase and urease and soil organic carbon were found in the disturbed area as compared to undisturbed areas. The concentration of zinc (Zn2+) was found to be maximum, followed by nickel (Ni2+), lead (Pb2+), copper (Cu2+), and cadmium (Cd2+) at all the sampling sites. Significant positive correlations were shown by pH with Pb (r = 0.782**), Zn (r = 0.805**), Cu (r = 0.773**), Cd (r = 0.672**) and negative correlations with dehydrogenase activity (r = −0.795**), urease activity (r = −0.825**) and organic carbon (r = −0.764**). Similarly Pb, showed negative correlation with dehydrogenase activity (r = −0.671**,), urease activity (r = −0.673**) and organic carbon (r = −0.860**). A negative correlation was found between Zn and organic carbon (r = −0.821**) as well as between Cu, urease activity (r = −0.632**) and organic carbon (r = −0.757**). The results indicate that vehicular pollution affects the soil quality due to heavy metal contamination in the fragile Sonamarg forest ecosystem.

Advanced Autonomous System for Monitoring Soil Parameters

Context: This research investigates the advantages of real-time monitoring of soil quality for various land management practices. It also highlights the significance of spatio-temporal soil modeling and mapping in providing a clear and visual understanding of how aridity changes over time and across different locations. Aims: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive guide to the key processes required for the development of a laboratory-based soil quality monitoring system. Methods: The applied methodologies involved the processes of sensor deployment, data acquisition infrastructure establishment, and sensor calibration. These procedures culminated in the development of a soil quality assessment model that was subsequently subjected to two months of laboratory testing using three distinct soil types. The analysis yielded a strong positive linear correlation between the measured and predicted soil quality values. Key Results: As expected, the assimilation of prior soil quality estimates within the modeling framework demonstrated a significant enhancement in the accuracy of real-time soil quality estimations. Conclusions: This research promotes the importance of iterative improvements of the soil quality monitoring system. The need for a long-term perspective and a plan for maintenance and continuous improvement of such systems in the ecosystem is important to improve the ease of making predictions to avoid soil aridization. The results of this research will be useful for researchers and practitioners involved in the design and implementation of soil monitoring systems.

Heavy metals impact environmental capacity of oasis soils in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau dry zone

The Tibetan Plateau is known as the “third pole of the world,” and plateau oases are a key component of plateau ecosystems. Under natural conditions, the ecosystems on the Tibetan Plateau contain relatively low levels of heavy metals. However, the overexploitation of resources by humans for production and living has affected the quality of soils in the Qinghai-Tibet region, whereby the environmental capacity is decreasing. The oases in the arid zone of Delingha-Wulan County were selected as the study area for determining the environmental capacity of soil heavy metals in the Tibetan Plateau. The results indicated that the six key heavy metals in the study region ranked in the following overall order of static environmental capacity: Zn > Pb > Cu > As > Hg > Cd. High values of the elemental residual capacity occurred mainly in the Chachaxiangka area, whereas low values occurred mainly in the Wulan area. The geological background of the research area had a statistically significant on the residual capabilities of all six elements. Except for Pb, the other five elements were significantly affected by soil type and land use. This study revealed the soil-carrying capacity of oases in arid zones. The findings reported herein provide a scientific foundation for safeguarding the ecosystem in the oases of the arid zone in the Qinghai-Tibetan region.

Assessing Radiological Risks of Natural Radionuclides on Sustainable Campus Environment

Soil samples were collected from a college campus in Taiwan to measure the levels of radionuclides, contributing to the sustainable management of campus environments. A high-resolution HPGe gamma spectrometry system was utilized to measure the activity concentrations of natural radionuclides (226Ra, 232Th, and 40K) and artificial radionuclide (137Cs). The activity concentrations of 137Cs were not detected in the campus soils, suggesting that artificial radionuclides did not contaminate the soil, supporting sustainable soil quality. However, the average concentrations of 232Th and 40K with mean values of 53.4 ± 5.1 and 504.5 ± 75.4 Bq/kg dw were higher than the global soil average of 45 and 420 Bq/kg dw, respectively. Meanwhile, the average concentration of 226Ra with a mean value of 30.1 ± 3.0 Bq/kg dw was similar to the global soil average of 32 Bq/kg. The average outdoor absorbed gamma dose rate (Dex) and annual effective doses (AEDex), with a mean of 67.2 nGy/h and 82.4 μSv/y, were found to be higher than the average world levels of 57 nGy/h and 70 μSv/y, respectively. Despite these findings, the radium equivalent activity Raeq and external hazard index Hex, with average values of 145.2 Bq/kg and 0.39, respectively, were below the recommended limit values of 370 Bq/kg and 1.0, respectively. This study provides useful information on the background radioactivity of the study campus, which is crucial for developing sustainable strategies to ensure a safe and healthy environment, indicating that there are no radiological hazards in the soil.

Soil organic carbon in tropical shade coffee agroforestry following land‐use changes in Mozambique

AbstractCoffee (Coffea L.) agroforestry systems (CAFS) and wooded grasslands (WG) have been pointed out as having high soil organic carbon (SOC) storage potential compared to monoculture systems. Studies analyzing the response of soil bulk density (BD) and SOC to the conversion of WG to slash‐and‐burn agriculture (SBA) and to CAFS are lacking in southern Africa. This study was conducted in the buffer zone of Gorongosa National Park (Mozambique), where depth profiles of BD and SOC were estimated to 0‐ to 100‐cm soil depth in WG, SBA, and CAFS sites, with coffee shrubs aged 3, 5, and 8 years after planting. The stratification ratio (SR) was used as an indicator of soil quality and recovery from disturbance. BD and SOC stocks varied significantly among land use systems and coffee ages only in the surface soil layer (0–20 cm). SOC stocks of the surface soil and SR increased with increasing coffee age. Compared to SBA, significant increases in SOC stocks were only observed 5 years after implementation of CAFS. WG conversion to SBA did not alter SOC stocks in any soil layer; however, it led to decreased SR. Surface SOC stocks were 25.6 and 33.7 Mg ha−1 in WG and SBA, and 28.0, 41.9, and 61.1 Mg ha−1 in 3‐ and 5‐ and 8‐year‐old CAFS (mean SOC accumulation of 6.65 Mg ha−1 year−1). This study reveals that CAFS have the potential to increase belowground carbon sequestration when compared to SBA and WG over comparable soils, making it a practical option for climate change mitigation.

Enhancing Clay Soil Productivity with Fresh and Aged Biochar: A Two-Year Field Study on Soil Quality and Wheat Yield

Biochar application has gained attention as an effective soil amendment for improving soil quality and increasing crop productivity, particularly in clay-rich soils facing challenges such as compaction, poor drainage, and nutrient limitation. This two-year field study evaluated the effects of fresh and artificially aged biochar on soil chemical, physical, and biological properties and wheat (Triticum aestivum) yield. The experiment was conducted on clay soil with treatments including no biochar application as a control (CK), 5 and 10 t ha−1 fresh biochar (B5, B10) and 5 and 10 t ha−1 aged biochar (AB5, AB10). The results showed significant improvements in soil pH, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, total nitrogen, and plant-available water capacity, particularly with higher doses of biochar. In both years, the effects of the treatments on the soil quality index area (SQI-area) were found to be statistically significant. The AB10 treatment increased SQI-area by 19% compared to the CK in the first year and by 33% in the second year. In the first year, the highest grain yield was obtained from the AB10 treatment, reaching 5.25 t ha−1, which was 13% higher than the CK. In the second year, the highest yield was obtained from the B10 treatment, reaching 4.09 t ha−1, which was 24% higher than the CK. Despite these positive changes, the correlation between SQI and yield was not statistically significant, suggesting that crop yield may also depend on other interacting variables. These results highlight the potential of biochar, particularly aged biochar, as a sustainable practice to improve soil health and productivity in clay soils.

Long-Term Intercropping With Nitrogen Management to Improve Soil Quality and Control Crop Diseases.

Long-term positioning experiments have demonstrated significant benefits in agricultural production and environmental protection. Faba bean-wheat intercropping with nitrogen fertiliser can effectively mitigate the occurrence of faba bean wilt disease. Identifying the optimal nitrogen application rate is essential for enhancing the disease control efficacy of intercropping. This study aimed to investigate the long-term effects of varying nitrogen application levels on the physical, chemical, and biological changes in the rhizosphere soil of faba bean under intercropping conditions and to examine their relationship with the incidence of faba bean wilt disease. In a 9-year field experiment, two treatments of faba bean-wheat intercropping for 1 year (IF-1) and 9 years (IF-9) were established to investigate the incidence of faba bean wilt under four nitrogen levels (N0: 0 kg ha-1; N1: 45 kg ha-1; N2: 90 kg ha-1; N3: 135 kg ha-1). Rhizosphere soil from faba bean plants was collected to assess the corresponding physical, chemical, and biological indicators. Long-term intercropping promoted the growth of faba bean plants and effectively controlled faba bean wilt disease by improving soil structure and fertility and soil quality (SQI). Under different nitrogen application levels, certain soil physical properties (moisture content, macroaggregate proportion, MWD, and GMD) and chemical properties (SOM, total carbon, SOC, total nutrients, and available nutrients) peaked under N2 (90 kg ha-1), with SQI showing a similar trend. Additionally, long-term intercropping enhanced enzyme activity in the faba bean rhizosphere, reshaped microbial community composition, maximised the benefits of beneficial microbes, reduced the abundance of the pathogenic fungus Fusarium, and achieved optimal disease control under N2. Under long-term intercropping with nitrogen fertiliser application at N2 (90 kg ha-1), the physical structure of the faba bean rhizosphere soil was significantly improved, soil quality and fertility were enhanced, and the abundance of plant pathogens was reduced by modifying the microbial community composition. This effectively alleviated faba bean disease, promoted healthy plant growth, and maintained soil function.

Increasing Productivity and Recovering Nutritional, Organoleptic, and Nutraceutical Qualities of Major Vegetable Crops for Better Dietetics

The intensive use of chemical fertilizers for vegetable cultivation to achieve higher productivity causes soil degradation, resulting in an alarming decline (25–50%) in nutritional quality and a reduction in a wide variety of nutritionally essential minerals and nutraceutical compounds in high-yielding vegetable crops over the last few decades. To restore the physio-chemical and biological qualities of soil as well as the nutritional and nutraceutical qualities of fresh produce, there is a growing desire to investigate the remedial impacts of organic sources of nutrition. This study specifically focused on the impact of six different ratios of chemical fertilizers and organic sources with microbial inoculation on vegetable productivity, nutrition quality, and soil health parameters. Results show that replacing chemical fertilizers with organic sources in the presence of a microbial consortium supports the proliferation of the microbial population in the soil rhizosphere and improves the nutritional status and physico-chemical quality of soil, which is the area around the roots of plants where maximum nutrient uptake occurs. This combination of factors significantly recovers overall soil quality, increasing crop productivity by 13.58 to 18.32 percent in tomato, brinjal, and okra. Experimental findings likewise indicate that an assortment of organic sources with a microbial consortium significantly recovers the abundance of beneficial microbes and earthworms in the rhizosphere, which leads to an improvement in nutritional, organoleptic, and nutraceutical quality, with higher antioxidant contents in all three vegetables grown in arid climate conditions.

Soil quality indicator-based land productivity modelling for agricultural sustainability.

Rapid population expansion has made food security a global concern for humanity, necessitating a sustainable assessment of natural resources. Well evaluated and managed soil is one of the most significant resources that can assist close the gap between supply and demand for food to attain food security. A precise assessment of land productivity (LP) is essential for sustainable land use management. The primary aim of this research is to predict the land productivity index (LPI) for certain locations on Egypt's northwest coast under current conditions using soil quality indicators (SQIs). Additionally, the study proposed relevant management actions to boost land productivity in the future. To achieve this aim, a spatial model was created to assess LPI for some areas in the north western coast of Egypt. LP equation was used to estimate current land productivity index (CLPI) and potential land productivity index (PLPI). Results found that the study area mainly located under two classes of CLPI, e.g., average (class ⅡⅠ) represents an area of 13322.63 ha (67.55%) and good grade (class Ⅱ) covers an area of 4339.78 ha (22%). PLPI grades were good (II) and average (III) with an area of 16192.54 ha (82.10%) and 1903.23 ha (9.65%), respectively. The finding showed that more than 60% of the studied area was converted from poor and average class to good class after applying the proposed solutions of soil improvement. The methodology presented here can easily be replicated under similar circumstances in arid zones, allowing local governments and decision-makers to utilize the quantitative results obtained to ensure sustainable development.

Opportunities, Technological Challenges and Monitoring Approaches in Agrivoltaic Systems for Sustainable Management

In the context of climate change and the increasing demand for innovative solutions in agriculture and energy, agrivoltaic systems (AVSs) have emerged as promising technologies. These systems integrate photovoltaic panels with agricultural practices, optimizing both food and energy production. This study provides a comprehensive review focused on monitoring techniques applicable to AVS, including fixed sensors and remote monitoring tools. Bibliographic analysis revealed a significant increase in scientific interest in AVSs since 2019, with most publications focusing on technological, agronomic, and environmental aspects. Key findings highlight environmental benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, improved water efficiency, and enhanced soil quality. Otherwise, challenges including high initial costs and the persistence of technical complexities. Innovative configurations such as semi-transparent or vertically bifacial panels enable resource optimization and improved agricultural yields if combined with advanced monitoring systems. This study highlights the importance of incentive policies and further research to maximize the potential of AVSs in promoting sustainable land management.

Implications of Climate Change and Food Crisis on Women Farmers in Contemporary Nigeria

Agriculture and food security are two important components of a sustainable future and wellbeing of the people that are adversely affected by climate change and global warming, especially in the growing economies of the world. While agriculture is the mainstay of most of such economies, it serves as an important employer of labour and source of income for the people, and provides the foundation for food security which is the state of having reliable access to sufficient, affordable, safe and nutritious food supply that adequately meets the needs of its users. Climate change and global warming are two important challenges adversely affecting the people (especially the poor and the highly vulnerable female-headed farming households in Africa and particular in Nigeria), as a result of which their livelihoods and wellbeing are increasingly endangered by the scourge and related challenges of low disposable income; poor soil quality (nutrients); high levels of poverty, illiteracy and unemployment; feminization of agriculture; and lack of opportunities for meaningful development. This study examines the inter-links between climate change and food crisis, which breeds food insecurity among the people, especially female-headed farming households in Nasarawa State. The study is a descriptive survey which utilized primary and secondary sources of data, using questionnaires, FGD (Focus Group Discussion), and elite interviews. It posits that climate change is an important driver of socio-economic challenges that affects female-headed farming households more disproportionately than their male counterparts. The study suggests that though climate change is an important global challenge, it is more so among resource-poor farmers that must be appropriately responded to, especially in Africa where its effects are most harsh. The study recommends that gender friendly policies and practices will ensure effective and equitable gender participation in sustainable agriculture essential in food security and wellbeing of the people.

Autonomous, Multisensory Soil Monitoring System

The research investigates the advantages of real-time soil quality monitoring for various land management applications. We emphasize the crucial role of soil modeling and mapping by visualizing and understanding aridity trends across different regions. The primary objective is to develop an innovative soil monitoring system utilizing Internet of Things (IoT) technology. This system, equipped with intelligent sensors, will operate autonomously, collecting real-time data to identify key trends in soil conditions. Our system employs smart soil sensors to measure macronutrient values up to a depth of 80 cm. These sensors will transmit data wirelessly. Laboratory research involved a two-month evaluation of the system’s performance across three distinct soil types collected from diverse geographical locations. Analysis of the three soil types yielded a model accuracy estimate of 0.01. A strong positive linear correlation (0.92) between moisture and macronutrients has been observed in two out of the three soil types. The results, particularly related to soil moisture, were averaged over the testing period. While precipitation values were not directly integrated into the modeling framework, they were calculated in l/m2 to ensure accurate real-time estimates. The need for such advanced monitoring systems is critical for optimizing key soil macronutrients and enabling spatiotemporal mapping. This information is essential for developing effective strategies to mitigate soil aridification and prevent desertification.

Molybdenum Can Regulate the Expression of Molybdase Genes, Affect Molybdase Activity and Metabolites, and Promote the Cell Wall Bio-Synthesis of Tobacco Leaves

Molybdenum (Mo) is widely used as a micronutrient fertilizer to improve plant growth and soil quality. However, the interactions between cell wall biosynthesis and molybdenum have not been explored sufficiently. This study thoroughly investigated the regulatory effects of different concentrations of Mo on tobacco cell wall biosynthesis from physiological and metabolomic aspects. The results indicate that Mo treatment increased the Mo content of tobacco variety K326. Moreover, it significantly up-regulated the gene expression levels of molybdases (NR, AO, SO, XDH) and molybdate transporters in tobacco, whereby the gene expression levels of NR were upregulated by 28.48%, 52.51%, 173.05%, and 246.21%, respectively; and MOT1 and MOT2 were upregulated by 21.49/8.67%, 66.05/30.44%, 93.05/93.26%, and 166.11/114.29%, respectively. Additionally, Mo treatment regulated the synthesis of related enzymes, effectively promoted plant growth, and significantly increased biomass and dry matter accumulation, with the biomass in the leaves increasing significantly by 30.73%, 40.72%, 46.34%, and 12.88%, respectively. The FT-NIR spectroscopy results indicate that after Mo was applied to the soil, the quantity of C-O-C, -COOH, C-H, and N-H functional groups increased. Concurrently, the contents of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, protopectin, and soluble pectin in the leaves significantly increased, wherein the content of soluble pectin and hemicellulose increased significantly by 31.01/288.82%, 40.69/343.43%, 69.93/241.73%, and 196.88/223.26%, respectively. Furthermore, the cell walls thickened, increasing the ability of the plant to withstand disturbances. The metabolic network diagrams indicate that Mo regulated galactose metabolism, and arginine and proline acid biosynthesis. The contents of carbohydrates, spermidine, proline, quinic acid, IAA, flavonoids, and other substances were increased, increasing the levels of polysaccharides and pectin within the cell wall, controlling lignin production, and successfully enhancing resistance to abiotic stress. These results offer important perspectives for further investigations into the role of trace elements.

Grazing-Induced Habitat Degradation: Challenges to Giant Panda Survival Resulting from Declining Bamboo and Soil Quality

Grazing is the primary human-induced disturbance affecting giant panda (Ailuropoda melanoleuca) habitats and has a severe impact on the long-term sustainability of the giant panda population. To address the lack of quantitative studies on grazing’s impact on habitat quality, we selected China’s most heavily grazed giant panda nature reserve. Utilizing the Maxent model and stoichiometric analysis, we investigated habitat quality degradation caused by grazing and quantified changes in bamboo nutritional quality and soil physicochemical properties. The results indicate that grazing has significantly reduced the suitable habitat area for giant pandas from 101.87 km2 to 80.64 km2. Specifically, high-suitability habitats declined by 14.14%, moderate-suitability habitats declined by 22.70%, and low-suitability habitats declined by 22.88%. Grazing has forced pandas to move to higher altitudes (2650–3057 m) with taller (12–20 m) trees, denser (28–55 plants) shrubs, and sparser (30–69%) bamboo. Additionally, the soil water content has decreased, while soil bulk density, total N, available N, and pH have significantly increased. Reductions in crude protein and ether extract, along with increased crude fiber and ash, have lowered bamboo’s nutritional value and palatability. This study elucidates how grazing degrades giant panda habitat quality and provides a scientific basis for its conservation management.

Comparative effects of Serendipita indica and a mix of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi on the growth, photosynthetic capacity, and proteomics of Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi.

Both, Serendipita indica and AMF, show promise as sustainable biofertilizers for reforestation, improving nutrient uptake and stress tolerance, despite contrasting effects on photosynthetic capacity and biomass allocation. Reclaiming degraded areas is essential for biodiversity conservation and enhancing ecosystem services enhancement, especially when using native species. This study investigated Schinus terebinthifolius Raddi, a native Brazilian species, and its compatibility with plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPM), including an endophytic fungus (Serendipita indica) and a consortium of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF), to identify effective strategies for reforestation in nutrient-poor environments. We observed growth stimulation by both PGPMs; however, S. indica primarily enhanced root weight, whereas AMF improved shoot weight. S. indica's positive effects on root systems could be attributed to increased auxin levels and altered root architecture, which are critical for seedling establishment in reforestation programs. In terms of nutritional status, both treatments increased the content of most nutrients, with higher micronutrient contents in the shoots and higher macronutrient content in roots of inoculated plants. Despite AMF's role in enhancing photosynthesis, plants inoculated with these fungi showed reduced photosynthetic capacity traits, possibly due to lower leaf nitrogen content. The proteomic analysis of Schinus terebinthifolius leaf extracts revealed that, despite the upregulation of several proteins associated with the photosynthetic apparatus in response to S. indica treatment, no enhancement in photosynthetic capacity was observed. We also found several proteins related to oxidative stress in plants inoculated with both fungi, indicating a greater tolerance to adverse environmental conditions. These findings underscore the potential of both, S. indica and AMF, as sustainable alternatives to chemical fertilizers in reforestation efforts, enhancing seedling quality and survival in nutrient-poor soils.

Comparative Analysis of Ecological Restoration Methods Applied to Rehabilitate Mining Sites: A Case Study of the Fushun and Pingshuo Mining Sites in China Using Remote Sensing Techniques Between 2000 and 2024

This study presents a comparative analysis of ecological restoration methods employed to rehabilitate mining sites, focusing on the Fushun and Pingshuo mining areas in China. Given the significant environmental degradation which has resulted from the mining activities. Effective restoration strategies are essential for enhancing biodiversity and ecological integrity. This research evaluates changes in vegetation cover and environmental health at both sites while employing metrics such as the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and land cover classification utilizing remote sensing techniques. This study addresses three primary objectives which are: assessing vegetation recovery post-restoration, analyzing soil and water quality improvements, and comparing the effectiveness of various restoration methods. Preliminary findings indicate that while both sites have achieved notable vegetation recovery, differences in restoration techniques, regulatory frameworks, and environmental conditions influence outcomes. This research takes into account the important role of remote sensing in monitoring restoration success and informs best practices for future ecological restoration initiatives in mining-affected regions.