Editorial

5 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Research on Soil Management and Conservation

by Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches Suzuki

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(2), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8020042 - 05 Apr 2024

Viewed by 488

The soil is the base of a sustainable agricultural system; it is the key for food and energy production, a reservoir of water and nutrients [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

18 pages, 13023 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Water Erosion Processes on the Geotouristic Trails of Serra da Bocaina National Park Coast, Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil

by Guilherme Marques de Lima, Antonio Jose Teixeira Guerra, Luana de Almeida Rangel, Colin A. Booth and Michael Augustine Fullen

Soil Syst. 2024, 8(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems8010024 - 17 Feb 2024

Viewed by 912

Abstract

Conservation units are strategic territories that have a high demand for public use, as they protect attractions of great scenic beauty, geodiversity sites, and numerous leisure areas. However, when carried out in an intensive and disorderly manner, tourist activity in these areas tends [...] Read more.

Conservation units are strategic territories that have a high demand for public use, as they protect attractions of great scenic beauty, geodiversity sites, and numerous leisure areas. However, when carried out in an intensive and disorderly manner, tourist activity in these areas tends to catalyze environmental degradation, triggering, for example, water erosion processes caused by intensive soil trampling on the trails. In this sense, the aim of this study was to determine the soil’s physicochemical characteristics, and to spatiotemporally monitor the microtopography of those areas degraded by erosion along two trails on Serra da Bocaina National Park coast of the Paraty Municipality. The findings verified that intensive trampling, the values of some soil physicochemical characteristics, and the specific meteorological conditions of the coastal region of this protected area were factors that contributed significantly to the evolution of erosion features monitored on these trails. Finally, strategies for appropriate management and recovery actions for these degraded areas are proposed in order to not only stop the erosive processes and re-establish the local ecosystem balance, but also avoid accidents involving the numerous tourists who visit the coastal region. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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16 pages, 320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Tracking Soil Health Changes in a Management-Intensive Grazing Agroecosystem

by Tad Trimarco, Joe E. Brummer, Cassidy Buchanan and James A. Ippolito

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(4), 94; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7040094 - 23 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1480

Abstract

Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) has been proposed to sustainably intensify agroecosystems through careful management of livestock rotations on pastureland. However, there is little research on the soil health impacts of transitioning from irrigated cropland to irrigated MiG pasture with continuous livestock rotation. We analyzed [...] Read more.

Management-intensive Grazing (MiG) has been proposed to sustainably intensify agroecosystems through careful management of livestock rotations on pastureland. However, there is little research on the soil health impacts of transitioning from irrigated cropland to irrigated MiG pasture with continuous livestock rotation. We analyzed ten soil health indicators using the Soil Management Assessment Framework (SMAF) to identify changes in nutrient status and soil physical, biological, and chemical health five to six years after converting irrigated cropland to irrigated pastureland under MiG. Significant improvements in biological soil health indicators and significant degradation in bulk density, a physical soil health indicator, were observed. Removal of tillage and increased organic matter inputs may have led to increases in β-glucosidase, microbial biomass carbon, and potentially mineralizable nitrogen, all of which are biological indicators of soil health. Conversely, trampling by grazing cattle has led to increased bulk density and, thus, a reduction in soil physical health. Nutrient status was relatively stable, with combined manure and fertilizer inputs leading to stabilized plant-available phosphorous (P) and increased potassium (K) soil concentrations. Although mixed effects on soil health were present, overall soil health did increase, and the MiG system appeared to have greater overall soil health as compared to results generated four to five years earlier. When utilizing MiG in irrigated pastures, balancing the deleterious effects of soil compaction with grazing needs to be considered to maintain long-term soil health. Full article

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Graphical abstract

15 pages, 1804 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Revealing the Combined Effects of Microplastics, Zn, and Cd on Soil Properties and Metal Accumulation by Leafy Vegetables: A Preliminary Investigation by a Laboratory Experiment

by John Bethanis and Evangelia E. Golia

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(3), 65; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7030065 - 17 Jul 2023

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1786

Abstract

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of polyethylene (PE), a broadly utilized polymer type, on soil properties and lettuce growth. Two Zn- and Cd-contaminated soil samples were obtained from urban and rural areas of Greece, respectively. PE fragments (<5 [...] Read more.

A pot experiment was carried out to investigate the effects of polyethylene (PE), a broadly utilized polymer type, on soil properties and lettuce growth. Two Zn- and Cd-contaminated soil samples were obtained from urban and rural areas of Greece, respectively. PE fragments (<5 mm) were added at different concentrations (2.5%, 5% w/w). Lettuce seeds were then planted in the pots in a completely randomized experiment. Plant growth patterns and tissue metal accumulation were investigated. The presence of PE in soils resulted in a reduction in pH, significantly enhanced the organic matter content, and increased the cation-exchange capacity. The availability of both metals was also increased. Metal migration from soil to plant was determined using appropriate tools and indexes. A higher metal concentration was detected in lettuce roots compared with that in the edible leaves. The presence of PE MPs (2.5% w/w) increased the amount of available Zn more than that of Cd in highly contaminated soils. When PE MPs were added to agricultural soil, Zn concentrations increased in the plant leaves by 9.1% (2.5% w/w) and 21.1% (5% w/w). Considering that both metals and microplastics cannot be easily and quickly degraded, the fact that the less toxic metal is more available to plants is encouraging. Taking into account the physicochemical soil features, decision makers may be able to limit the risks to human health from the coexistence of heavy metals and microplastics in soils. Full article

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13 pages, 2217 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long Term of Soil Carbon Stock in No-Till System Affected by a Rolling Landscape in Southern Brazil

by Edivaldo L. Thomaz and Julliane P. Kurasz

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020060 - 07 Jun 2023

Viewed by 1204

Abstract

In the 1960s, a conservationist agricultural practice known as a “no-tillage system” was adopted. Several benefits such as soil erosion reduction and soil carbon sequestration, among others, could be ascribed to no-till systems. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the long-term sustainability of [...] Read more.

In the 1960s, a conservationist agricultural practice known as a “no-tillage system” was adopted. Several benefits such as soil erosion reduction and soil carbon sequestration, among others, could be ascribed to no-till systems. Therefore, it is important to evaluate the long-term sustainability of this agricultural system in different environments. This study has the objective to evaluate the soil organic carbon dynamic in a no-till system (40-year) and on a rolling landscape in Southern Brazil. A systematic grid with four transversal–longitudinal transects was used for soil sampling. Soil samples from 0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm depths were collected (16 trenches × 3 depths × 1 sample per soil layer = 48), and a forest nearby was used as control (4 trenches × 3 depths × 1 sample = 12). The soil at the forest site showed 20% more carbon stock than no-till at the 0–20 cm soil depth. However, the entire no-till soil profile (0–60 cm) showed similar soil carbon as forest soil. The soil carbon stock (0–20 cm) in no-till was depleted at a rate of 0.06 kg C m⁻² year⁻¹, summing up to a carbon loss of 2.43 kg C m⁻². In addition, the non-uniform hillslope affected the soil carbon redistribution through the landscape, since the convex hillslope was more depleted in carbon by 37% (15.87 kg C m⁻²) when compared to the concave sector (25.27 kg C m⁻²). On average, the soil carbon loss in the subtropical agroecosystem was much lower than those reported in literature, as well as our initial expectations. In addition, the no-till system was capable of preserving soil carbon in the deepest soil layers. However, presently, the no-till system is losing more carbon in the topsoil at a rate greater than the soil carbon input. Full article

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25 pages, 1018 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Long-Term Integrated Systems of Green Manure and Pasture Significantly Recover the Macrofauna of Degraded Soil in the Brazilian Savannah

by Carolina dos Santos Batista Bonini, Thais Monique de Souza Maciel, Bruno Rafael de Almeida Moreira, José Guilherme Marques Chitero, Rodney Lúcio Pinheiro Henrique and Marlene Cristina Alves

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020056 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1154

Abstract

Healthy soil biota is the key to meeting the world population’s growing demand for food, energy, fiber and raw materials. Our aim is to investigate the effect of green manure as a strategy to recover the macrofauna and the chemical properties of soils [...] Read more.

Healthy soil biota is the key to meeting the world population’s growing demand for food, energy, fiber and raw materials. Our aim is to investigate the effect of green manure as a strategy to recover the macrofauna and the chemical properties of soils which have been anthropogenically degraded. The experiment was a completely randomized block design with four replicates. Green manure, Urochloa decumbens, with or without application of limestone and gypsum, composed the integrated systems. The macroorganisms as well as the soil fertility were analyzed after 17 years of a process of soil restoration with the aforementioned systems. The succession of Stizolobium sp. with Urochloa decumbens, with limestone and gypsum, was teeming with termites, beetles and ants. This integrated system presented the most technically adequate indexes of diversity and uniformity. Multivariate models showed a substantial increase in the total number of individuals due to the neutralization of harmful elements and the gradual release of nutrients by limestone and plaster. These conditioners have undergone multiple chemical reactions with the substrate in order to balance it chemically, thus allowing the macroinvertebrates to grow, develop, reproduce and compose their food web in milder microclimates. It was concluded that the integration of green manure together with grass is an economical and environmentally correct strategy to restore the macrofauna properties of degraded soil in the Brazilian savannah. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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15 pages, 3857 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Soil Water Retention and Micromorphological Properties Induced by Wetting and Drying Cycles

by Luiz F. Pires

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020051 - 17 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1420

Abstract

Wetting and drying (W-D) cycles are responsible for significant changes in soil structure. Soil often undergoes irreversible changes affecting infiltration and solute retention through W-D cycles. Thus, it becomes essential to evaluate how soils under natural conditions are altered by W-D cycles. This [...] Read more.

Wetting and drying (W-D) cycles are responsible for significant changes in soil structure. Soil often undergoes irreversible changes affecting infiltration and solute retention through W-D cycles. Thus, it becomes essential to evaluate how soils under natural conditions are altered by W-D cycles. This study analyzed two non-cultivated (from grassland and secondary forest) Oxisols (Typic Hapludox and Rhodic Hapludox) of different textures under 0 and 6 W-D cycles. The main results obtained showed that soil water retention was mainly affected in the driest regions (smaller pore sizes). The contribution of residual pores to total porosity increased with 6 W-D and transmission pores decreased in both soils. The Rhodic Hapludox presented differences in water content at field capacity (increase), while the Typic Hapludox showed alterations at the permanent wilting point (increase), affecting the amount of free water (Rhodic Hapludox) and water available to plants (Typic Hapludox). Both soils showed increases in imaged porosity with 6 W-D. Variations in the contribution of small and medium rounded pores, mainly large and irregular (with an increase in both soils not significant in the Rhodic Hapludox), could explain the results observed. The micromorphological properties were mainly influenced by changes in the number of pores, in which smaller pores joined, forming larger ones, increasing the areas occupied by larger pores. Overall, this study showed that the investigated soils presented pore systems with adequate water infiltration and retention capacities before and after continuous W-D cycles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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24 pages, 18892 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Robustness of Optimized Decision Tree-Based Machine Learning Models to Map Gully Erosion Vulnerability

by Hasna Eloudi, Mohammed Hssaisoune, Hanane Reddad, Mustapha Namous, Maryem Ismaili, Samira Krimissa, Mustapha Ouayah and Lhoussaine Bouchaou

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(2), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7020050 - 16 May 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1572

Abstract

Gully erosion is a worldwide threat with numerous environmental, social, and economic impacts. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance and robustness of six machine learning ensemble models based on the decision tree principle: Random Forest (RF), C5.0, XGBoost, treebag, [...] Read more.

Gully erosion is a worldwide threat with numerous environmental, social, and economic impacts. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the performance and robustness of six machine learning ensemble models based on the decision tree principle: Random Forest (RF), C5.0, XGBoost, treebag, Gradient Boosting Machines (GBMs) and Adaboost, in order to map and predict gully erosion-prone areas in a semi-arid mountain context. The first step was to prepare the inventory data, which consisted of 217 gully points. This database was then randomly subdivided into five percentages of Train/Test (50/50, 60/40, 70/30, 80/20, and 90/10) to assess the stability and robustness of the models. Furthermore, 17 geo-environmental variables were used as potential controlling factors, and several metrics were examined to evaluate the performance of the six models. The results revealed that all of the models used performed well in terms of predicting vulnerability to gully erosion. The C5.0 and RF models had the best prediction performance (AUC = 90.8 and AUC = 90.1, respectively). However, according to the random subdivisions of the database, these models exhibit small but noticeable instability, with high performance for the 80/20% and 70/30% subdivisions. This demonstrates the significance of database refining and the need to test various splitting data in order to ensure efficient and reliable output results. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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16 pages, 1929 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Silica and Biochar Amendments Improve Cucumber Growth under Saline Conditions

by Manar Al-Toobi, Rhonda R. Janke, Muhammad Mumtaz Khan, Mushtaque Ahmed, Waleed M. Al-Busaidi and Abdul Rehman

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010026 - 12 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1880

Abstract

Rapidly increasing salinization of arable land is a major threat to crop production globally, and the soil of regions with arid environments, such as Oman, are more prone to this menace. In this work, two complementary studies were carried out to evaluate the [...] Read more.

Rapidly increasing salinization of arable land is a major threat to crop production globally, and the soil of regions with arid environments, such as Oman, are more prone to this menace. In this work, two complementary studies were carried out to evaluate the effect of soil amendments on soil physicochemical properties and growth of cucumber seedlings. In the first study, high- and low-saline soils were used with or without perlite. The amendments tested included mango wood biochar, silica, and biochar + silica, while no amendment was taken as the control. The second study included two cucumber cultivars and irrigation water with two salinity treatments, along with the same four soil amendments. The results showed that soil amendment with biochar alone or with silica enhanced the soil organic matter and NO₃, P, and K concentration, while silica amendment substantially enhanced the soil Si level in both studies. Saline soil and irrigation water inhibited seedling emergence and plant growth in both experiments. However, the addition of biochar and silica alone or in combination increased the cucumber seedling dry weight from 39.5 to 77.3% under salt stress compared to the control. Likewise, silica and biochar + silica reduced the sap Na accumulation by 29–31.1% under high salinity. Application of biochar under high salinity resulted in 87.2% increase in sap K. Soil amendments with biochar and silica or their combination have the potential to reduce the adverse effect of salt stress on cucumber. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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24 pages, 3519 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Challenges in the Management of Environmentally Fragile Sandy Soils in Southern Brazil

by Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches Suzuki, Fabrício de Araújo Pedron, Rodrigo Bomicieli de Oliveira and Ana Paula Moreira Rovedder

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 9; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010009 - 02 Feb 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1746

Abstract

Quartzipsamments are environmentally fragile soils, being highly susceptible to water and wind erosion. Despite this, it seems that political and economic issues favor the advancement of agriculture in these soils. Therefore, studies are necessary for a better understanding of these soils and to [...] Read more.

Quartzipsamments are environmentally fragile soils, being highly susceptible to water and wind erosion. Despite this, it seems that political and economic issues favor the advancement of agriculture in these soils. Therefore, studies are necessary for a better understanding of these soils and to minimize the impacts of land use. This work aims to characterize the morphological, physical–hydric, and chemical properties of Quartzipsamments under sandyzation in southwest Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. Soil morphology was evaluated in six profiles in areas under native field with the presence of gullies, and soil samples with preserved and non-preserved structures were collected to evaluate the physical–hydric and chemical properties. We verified that these soils have high macroporosity (0.253 to 0.373 m³ m⁻³) and saturated hydraulic conductivity (127.85 to 672.26 mm h⁻¹), and predominantly low organic matter (0.05 to 2.36%) and clay (23.03 to 126.29 g kg⁻¹) content, but correlation analysis showed that increasing pH and organic matter can improve the fertility of these soils. Quartzipsamments have a low volume of available water to plants (0.006 to 0.038 m³ m⁻³) and have a potential risk of leaching and aquifer contamination. The use of these soils demands the adoption of conservation practices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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19 pages, 3147 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Oat Straw Mulching Reduces Interril Erosion and Nutrient Losses Caused by Runoff in a Newly Planted Peach Orchard

by Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches Suzuki, Rodrigo de Lima do Amaral, William Roger da Silva Almeida, Mariana Fernandes Ramos and Márcio Renato Nunes

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010008 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2029

Abstract

Soil erosion is one of the major problems in the agricultural areas in the world, and straw mulching is a conservation practice that may reduce soil runoff. How much straw mulching is necessary to reduce soil runoff? The objectives of this study were [...] Read more.

Soil erosion is one of the major problems in the agricultural areas in the world, and straw mulching is a conservation practice that may reduce soil runoff. How much straw mulching is necessary to reduce soil runoff? The objectives of this study were to quantify and characterize the runoff under different levels of oat straw mulching, as well as to analyze the cost of soil erosion. An experiment was performed in a site with the soil recently tilled for peach orchard implementation. In the ridges in the row of the peach orchard, plots were placed in order to quantify soil and nutrient losses by surface runoff due to interril erosion on the dates 23 August 2015 and 13 March 2016, considering the treatments were composed of different amounts of oat straw mulching (0, 1, 2, 4 and 8 Mg ha⁻¹). The results showed that the use of oat straw mulching decreased soil runoff, especially the doses ≥2 Mg ha⁻¹, and the cost to replace the available nutrients P, K, Ca and Mg via mineral fertilizer varies from US$ 75.4 (no mulching) to US$ 2.70 per hectare (8 Mg ha⁻¹ oat straw mulching). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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27 pages, 9664 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Spatial Optimization of Conservation Practices for Sediment Load Reduction in Ungauged Agricultural Watersheds

by Racha ElKadiri, Henrique G. Momm, Ronald L. Bingner and Katy Moore

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 4; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010004 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1841

Abstract

Conservation practices (CPs) are used in agricultural watersheds to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, leading to a sustainable management of natural resources. This is especially important as more pressure is applied on agricultural systems by a growing population and a changing [...] Read more.

Conservation practices (CPs) are used in agricultural watersheds to reduce soil erosion and improve water quality, leading to a sustainable management of natural resources. This is especially important as more pressure is applied on agricultural systems by a growing population and a changing climate. A challenge persists, however, in optimizing the implementation of these practices given their complex, non-linear, and location-dependent response. This study integrates watershed modeling using the Annualized Agricultural Non-Point-Source model and a GIS-based field scale localization and characterization of CPs. The investigated practices are associated with the implementation of riparian buffers, sediment basins, crop rotations, and the conservation reserve program. A total of 33 conservation scenarios were developed to quantify their impact on sediment erosion reduction. This approach was applied in an ungauged watershed as part of the Mississippi River Basin initiative aiming at reducing one of the largest aquatic dead zones in the globe. Simulation results indicate that the targeted approach has a significant impact on the overall watershed-scale sediment load reduction. Among the different evaluated practices, riparian buffers were the most efficient in sediment reduction. Moreover, the study provides a blueprint for similar investigations aiming at building decision-support systems and optimizing the placement of CPs in agricultural watersheds. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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11 pages, 2105 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

CO₂ Emissions in Layered Cranberry Soils under Simulated Warming

by Wilfried Dossou-Yovo, Serge-Étienne Parent, Noura Ziadi and Léon E. Parent

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010003 - 09 Jan 2023

Viewed by 1366

Abstract

Sanding to bury the overgrowth of uprights and promote new growth results in alternate sand and organic sublayers in the 0–30 cm layer of cranberry soils contributing to global carbon storage. The aim of this study was to measure CO₂ emission rates [...] Read more.

Sanding to bury the overgrowth of uprights and promote new growth results in alternate sand and organic sublayers in the 0–30 cm layer of cranberry soils contributing to global carbon storage. The aim of this study was to measure CO₂ emission rates in cranberry soil sublayers under simulated warming. Soil samples (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) were incubated in jars for up to 105 days at 10, 20 and 30 °C. The CO₂ emission rate was measured biweekly by gas chromatography. The CO₂ emission rate increased with temperature and decreased in deeper soil sublayers. Linear regression relating CO₂ efflux to soil sublayer and temperature returned R² = 0.87. Sensitivity of organic matter decomposition to temperature was estimated as activation energy and as Q₁₀ coefficient, the increase in reaction rate per 10 °C. Activation energy was 50 kJ mol⁻¹, 59 kJ mol⁻¹ and 71 kJ mol⁻¹ in the in the 0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm sublayers, respectively, indicating higher molecular-weight compounds resisting to decomposition in deeper sublayers. The Q₁₀ values were significantly higher (p < 0.01) in the 10–30 cm (2.79 ± 0.10) than the 0–10 cm (2.18 ± 0.07) sublayers. The 20–30 cm sublayer where less total carbon was stored was the most sensitive to higher temperature. Cranberry soils could be used as sensitive markers of global warming. Full article

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19 pages, 4287 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Structure under Forest and Pasture Land-Uses Affecting Compressive Behavior and Air Permeability in a Subtropical Soil

by Luis Eduardo Akiyoshi Sanches Suzuki, Dalvan José Reinert, Deonir Secco, Paulo Torres Fenner and José Miguel Reichert

Soil Syst. 2022, 6(4), 98; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems6040098 - 15 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2516

Abstract

Machinery traffic and animal trampling can deform the soil and, consequently, impair soil pore functioning. This study aimed to evaluate how soil structure affects the compressibility, physical properties and air permeability of a Typic Paleudalf under forest, pasture and eucalyptus. Soil samples with [...] Read more.

Machinery traffic and animal trampling can deform the soil and, consequently, impair soil pore functioning. This study aimed to evaluate how soil structure affects the compressibility, physical properties and air permeability of a Typic Paleudalf under forest, pasture and eucalyptus. Soil samples with preserved structure were used to determine soil physical (bulk density, porosity, degree of water saturation at 33 kPa-tension, air permeability) and mechanical properties (soil deformation, precompression stress, compressibility index). After these evaluations, each soil sample was fragmented, sieved, and the metal rings filled with structureless soil, and underwent the same determinations as the samples with preserved structure. For loads greater than the precompression stress (load greater than 200 kPa), soil with non-preserved structure had the largest deformation. An increase in bulk density decreased macropores linearly (R² = 0.77 and 0.87, respectively, to preserved and non-preserved soil structure) and air flow exponentially. The soil with preserved structure was less susceptible to further compaction. Air flow was greatest in soils with lower bulk density, microporosity and water saturation degree, and a high volume of macropores. Soil structure (preserved and non-preserved) had more significative differences in microporosity, compressibility index, soil deformation, and bulk density at the end of the compression test. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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Review

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17 pages, 2797 KiB

Open AccessReview

Soil Health Assessment and Management Framework for Water-Limited Environments: Examples from the Great Plains of the USA

by Rajan Ghimire, Vesh R. Thapa, Veronica Acosta-Martinez, Meagan Schipanski, Lindsey C. Slaughter, Steven J. Fonte, Manoj K. Shukla, Prakriti Bista, Sangamesh V. Angadi, Maysoon M. Mikha, Olufemi Adebayo and Tess Noble Strohm

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010022 - 02 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3173

Abstract

Healthy soils provide the foundation for sustainable agriculture. However, soil health degradation has been a significant challenge for agricultural sustainability and environmental quality in water-limited environments, such as arid and semi-arid regions. Soils in these regions is often characterized by low soil organic [...] Read more.

Healthy soils provide the foundation for sustainable agriculture. However, soil health degradation has been a significant challenge for agricultural sustainability and environmental quality in water-limited environments, such as arid and semi-arid regions. Soils in these regions is often characterized by low soil organic matter (SOM), poor fertility, and low overall productivity, thus limiting the ability to build SOM. Soil health assessment frameworks developed for more productive, humid, temperate environments typically emphasize building SOM as a key to soil health and have identified the best management practices that are often difficult to implement in regions with water limitations. This study reviewed existing soil health assessment frameworks to assess their potential relevance for water-limited environments and highlights the need to develop a framework that links soil health with key ecosystem functions in dry climates. It also discusses management strategies for improving soil health, including tillage and residue management, organic amendments, and cropping system diversification and intensification. The assessment of indicators sensitive to water management practices could provide valuable information in designing soil health assessment frameworks for arid and semi-arid regions. The responses of soil health indicators are generally greater when multiple complementary soil health management practices are integrated, leading to the resilience and sustainability of agriculture in water-limited environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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34 pages, 2167 KiB

Open AccessReview

Conservation Agriculture and Soil Organic Carbon: Principles, Processes, Practices and Policy Options

by Rosa Francaviglia, María Almagro and José Luis Vicente-Vicente

Soil Syst. 2023, 7(1), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems7010017 - 22 Feb 2023

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 7971

Abstract

Intensive agriculture causes land degradation and other environmental problems, such as pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, biodiversity decline, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which exacerbate climate change. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as reduced tillage, growing cover crops, and implementing crop residue retention measures, [...] Read more.

Intensive agriculture causes land degradation and other environmental problems, such as pollution, soil erosion, fertility loss, biodiversity decline, and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, which exacerbate climate change. Sustainable agricultural practices, such as reduced tillage, growing cover crops, and implementing crop residue retention measures, have been proposed as cost-effective solutions that can address land degradation, food security, and climate change mitigation and adaptation by enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in soils and its associated co-benefits. In this regard, extensive research has demonstrated that conservation agriculture (CA) improves soil physical, chemical, and biological properties that are crucial for maintaining soil health and increasing agroecosystem resilience to global change. However, despite the research that has been undertaken to implement the three principles of CA (minimum mechanical soil disturbance, permanent soil organic cover with crop residues and/or cover crops, and crop diversification) worldwide, there are still many technical and socio-economic barriers that restrict their adoption. In this review, we gather current knowledge on the potential agronomic, environmental, and socio-economic benefits and drawbacks of implementing CA principles and present the current agro-environmental policy frameworks. Research needs are identified, and more stringent policy measures are urgently encouraged to achieve climate change mitigation targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Soil Management and Conservation)

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