The digital revolution in agriculture has introduced data-driven decision-making,where artificial intelligence,especially machine learning(ML),helps analyze large and varied data sources to improve soil quality and cr...The digital revolution in agriculture has introduced data-driven decision-making,where artificial intelligence,especially machine learning(ML),helps analyze large and varied data sources to improve soil quality and crop growth indices.Thus,a thorough evaluation of scientific publications from 2007 to 2024 was conducted via the Scopus and Web of Science databases with the PRISMA guidelines to determine the realistic role of ML in soil health and crop improvement under the SDGs.In addition,the present review focused to identify and analyze the trends,challenges,and opportunities associated with the successful implementation of ML in agriculture.The assessment of various databases clearly revealed that ML implementation depends on crop management,while its limited potential in terms of soil health was explored.ML models,such as random forest and XGBoost,have demonstrated high accuracies of up to 99%in crop yield prediction and disease detection.Advanced ML frameworks,including the SHIDS-ADLT and EfficientNetB3,have improved soil health monitoring and plant disease classification.Irrigation management using ML has achieved over 50%water savings and irrigation efficiency by 10%-35%.These findings highlight the potential of ML to improve sustainable agricultural practices and soil health.A significant improvement discussed in this review is AutoML,which simplifies ML model implementation by automating feature selection,model selection,and hyperparameter tuning,reducing dependency on ML expertise.The integration of ML with remote sensing,Internet of Things(IoT),and big data analytics is expected to further transform the precision agriculture and real-time decisionmaking approaches to optimize resource utilization.Conclusively,the present review offers a quantitative perspective on the evolution of ML in agriculture,soil health management,crop yield prediction,and resource optimization.展开更多
Intensive farming practices,aimed at maximizing crop yields through substantial inputs of labour,technology,and chemical fertilizers,have significantly transformed modern agriculture.However,these methods have raised ...Intensive farming practices,aimed at maximizing crop yields through substantial inputs of labour,technology,and chemical fertilizers,have significantly transformed modern agriculture.However,these methods have raised serious concerns regarding soil health,environmental sustainability,and long-term agricultural viability.This study examines the ecological impact of intensive farming on soil health in the KB Asifabad District of Telangana,India,where traditional and modern farming techniques coexist.The objectives include analysing socio-economic factors influencing farming methods,evaluating the impact of tilling techniques and fertilizer use on soil health,and promoting sustainable practices through education and policy recommendations.Findings reveal a strong reliance on chemical fertilizers,with 98.3% of farmers using them exclusively due to their perceived efficiency and rapid results.However,this overdependence has led to soil degradation,reduced microbial diversity,and environmental pollution.Conversely,despite its ecological benefits,natural manure remains underutilized due to scepticism and economic constraints.Mechanical tilling methods,while effective,have negatively impacted soil structure and fertility.The study highlights the necessity of transitioning to sustainable practices,integrating organic inputs,and adopting conservation techniques to restore soil health and ecosystem balance.This research provides practical pathways for achieving sustainable agriculture by integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices.It is particularly relevant for policymakers,agricultural extension services,and farming communities as it highlights the need for educational initiatives,financial incentives,and regulatory measures to ensure long-term soil fertility,environmental stewardship,and improved farmer livelihoods.展开更多
Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fun...Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fungal diseases can result in decreased quality and quantity of crops,which can have a negative economic impact on farmers and producers.Moreover,these diseases can cause environmental damage.Indeed,fungal diseases can directly affect crops by reducing plant growth and yield,as well as altering their quality and nutritional value.Although effective,the use of many chemical products is often harmful to health and the environment,and their use is increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity.To address this issue,it is becoming increasingly essential to replace these chemical products with products that respect the environment and human health,and for sustainable agriculture,such as regenerative agricultural practices.Regenerative agricultural practices such as crop rotation,intercropping,composting,and notill farming techniques can offer sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of plant fungal diseases.These regenratives approaches not only help to control fungal plant disease by strengthening plant disease resistance,but also significantly contribute to the improvement of sustainable agriculture,by restoring soil health,increasing biodiversity and reducing the use of harmful chemicals to the environment and human health in order to keep a long-termecosystem resilience,promote environmental sustainability,and support global food security.Using regenerative agricultural practices can provide a holistic and effective approach to controlling fungal plant diseases while improving the health and productivity of farming systems.展开更多
Soil health assessment is an important step toward understanding the potential effects of agricultural practices on crop yield, quality and human health. The objectives of this study were to select a minimum data set ...Soil health assessment is an important step toward understanding the potential effects of agricultural practices on crop yield, quality and human health. The objectives of this study were to select a minimum data set for soil health evaluation from the physical, chemical and biological properties and environmental pollution characteristics of agricultural soil and to develop a soil health diagnosis model for determining the soil health status under different planting patterns and soil types in Chongming Island of Shanghai, China. The results showed that the majority of the farmland soils in Chongming Island were in poor soil health condition, accounting for 48.9% of the survey samples, followed by the medium healthy soil, accounting for 32.2% of the survey samples and mainly distributed in the central and mid-eastern regions of the island. The indicators of pH, total organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and Cd exerted less influence on soil health, while the soil salinization and nitrate accumulation under a greenhouse cropping pattern and phosphate fertilizer shortage in the paddy field had limited the development of soil health. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes and Hg contributed less to soil health index (SHI) and showed no significant difference among paddy field, greenhouse and open-air vegetable/watermelon fields. The difference of the SHI of the three soil types was significant at P = 0.05. The paddy soil had the highest SHI values, followed by the gray alluvial soil, and the coastal saline soil was in a poor soil health condition, indicating a need to plant some salt-tolerant crops to effectively improve soil quality.展开更多
The effect of applying biological organic fertilizer(BOF)on bacterial wilt incidence of tomato and soil microbial community under continuous cropping was studied. The results showed that all the tomatoes were infected...The effect of applying biological organic fertilizer(BOF)on bacterial wilt incidence of tomato and soil microbial community under continuous cropping was studied. The results showed that all the tomatoes were infected by bacterial wilt in the control. The infection rates of tomatoes in the treatments with un-composted BOF and decomposed BOF were 55 and 50% respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters(FAME)analysis indicated soil microbial community changed sensitively after applying BOF. Soil FAME total content, relative fungi content and ratio of fungi to bacteria were significantly increased in both BOF treatments. The soil odd-number fatty acid proportion changed after applying BOF, aC15 : 0, iC17 : 0 decreased, while cyC17 : 0 increased in soil odd-number fatty acid proportion. BOF application would strengthen soil health and disease suppression. The content of C16 : 1 11c in soil microbial community was obviously increased after decomposed BOF application. It indicated that the growth of AM fungi could be enhanced with decomposed BOF application. FAME microbial biomarkers could be used for an indicator of soil health and disease suppression. Odd-number fatty acid proportion was a sensitive indicator of the effect of applying un-composted and decomposed BOF respectively on soil health regulating.展开更多
In the U.S. biofuel industry is using corn (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) residue mix (CRM) consisting of corncob and stover for cellulosic ethanol and biogas production. The field storage method left different de...In the U.S. biofuel industry is using corn (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) residue mix (CRM) consisting of corncob and stover for cellulosic ethanol and biogas production. The field storage method left different depths of CRM on the field after its removal, where negative effects on plant growth were observed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CRM effect on selected soil health indicators. The field study conducted with four different depths of CRM, two tillage systems (no-till (NT) and chisel plow (CP), and three nitrogen (N) rates (0, 180, and 270 kg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>N<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>ha<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup>) in a randomized complete block design with split-split arrangements in three replications in a continuous corn system from 2010 to 2012 at the Agronomy Research Farm at Iowa State University. The findings of this study showed a negative effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) change across all treatments at 0 - 15 cm (<span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>0.35 to <span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>0.03 <span style="white-space:nowrap;">Mg⋅ha<sup>−1</sup>⋅yr<sup>−1</sup></span>), while at 15 - 30 cm there was an increase in SOC rate (0.13 to 0.40 Mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>ha<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>yr<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup>) after 2-yr. In addition, soil aggregate-associated C of macro-aggregates decreased by 8%, while micro-aggregates increased by 2%. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) across tillage and N rates for 2.5 & 7.5 CRM treatments increased by 14% in June to July 2011, while in 2012 increased by 9%. However, at the 15 cm soil depth, soil bulk density (<em>ρ</em><sub>b</sub>), soil penetration resistance (SPR), and soil pH showed no significant differences among CRM treatments. The findings of this study showed that in-field CRM management can affect certain soil health parameters in the short term.展开更多
Healthy soils are important to ensure satisfactory crop growth and yield. Poultry litter (PL), as an organic fertilizer, has proven to supply the soil with essential macro and micronutrients, enhance soil fertility, a...Healthy soils are important to ensure satisfactory crop growth and yield. Poultry litter (PL), as an organic fertilizer, has proven to supply the soil with essential macro and micronutrients, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop productivity. Integrating this treatment has the potential to improve soil physical and biological properties by increasing soil carbon, C. However, rapid decomposition and mineralization of PL, particularly in the hot and humid southeastern U.S., resulted in losing C and reduced its effect on soil health. Biochar and lignite have been proposed to stabilize and mitigate C loss through application of fresh manure. However, their combined effects with PL on C sequestration and soil health components are limited. A field experiment was conducted on Leeper silty clay loam soil from 2017 to 2020 to evaluate the combined effect on soil properties when applying biochar and lignite with PL to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experimental design was a randomized complete block involving nine treatments replicated three times. Treatments included PL and inorganic nitrogen, N, fertilizer with or without biochar and lignite, and an unfertilized control. Application rates were 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1</sup> for PL, 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1</sup></sup> for biochar and lignite and 134 kg⋅ha−1</sup><sup></sup> for inorganic N fertilizer. Integration of PL and inorganic fertilizer with biochar and lignite, resulted in greater soil infiltration, aggregate stability, plant available water, reduced bulk density and penetration resistance as compared to the sole applications of PL and inorganic fertilizer.展开更多
Soil aluminum phytotoxicity has been a major research area since the inception of modern soil science. Acid soils, which typically manifest plant aluminum toxicity, are frequently dedicated to food production, thus yi...Soil aluminum phytotoxicity has been a major research area since the inception of modern soil science. Acid soils, which typically manifest plant aluminum toxicity, are frequently dedicated to food production, thus yield and quality reductions influence food security. This manuscript reviews our modern understanding of 1) soil aluminum hydrolysis and polymerization, 2) aluminum complexation with inorganic and organic anions, 3) aluminum interference with vital plant physiological processes, 4) aluminum and forest ecosystem productivity, and 5) demonstrates the software simulation of aluminum reactivity and its role in predicting soil behavior. The manuscript also provides a perspective for future soil-aluminum research critical to maintaining food security and food quality.展开更多
The aim of the study was to assess the current state and development of the Soil Health Index (SHI) at 13 localities with various soil-ecological conditions in the Slovak Republic. The SHI was developed using a minimu...The aim of the study was to assess the current state and development of the Soil Health Index (SHI) at 13 localities with various soil-ecological conditions in the Slovak Republic. The SHI was developed using a minimum soil data set, physical and chemical soil parameters in combination with environmental parameters (land use, gradients). The SHI is one numerical value accumulates information about the state of soil health and its ability to provide soil functions and thus ecosystems in the optimal range. The highest SHI values were determined at model localities used as arable land (Haplic Chernozem, Fluvisol) located in a warm climate at altitudes up to 200 meters above sea level. Ecosystems with very low and low value are mostly grasslands with mildly cold climate (Cambisol) and considerable slope, agroecosystem on low organic matter (Arenosol). Arable ecosystem SHI is also reduced in areas of geochemical anomalies and areas with anthropogenic load, where there is a higher content of risk elements. The SHI changes are mainly the result of changes in dynamic indicators such as soil response and soil bulk density.展开更多
Identification of management practices that can improve soil health is critical to improving the sustainability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term ...Identification of management practices that can improve soil health is critical to improving the sustainability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term effects of continuous soybean, corn-soybean, and soybean-cotton rotations with chicken litter and cover crops (hairy vetch, wheat, fallow) on soil health parameters, including nutrient accumulation and soil organic matter dynamics under a split plot design. The depth intervals of soil sampling were 0 - 15, 15 - 30, 30 - 60, and 60 - 90 cm. Chicken litter resulted in 62.1% and 32.8% higher water extractable organic soil N content than fallow and wheat, respectively, in the surface 0 - 15 cm of soil only. However, there was no significant difference in 1-day Solvita respiration, water extractable organic C, C/N ratio, health score, moisture, earthworm, organic matter, pH, or CEC of soil among fallow, hairy vetch, chicken litter, and wheat regardless of soil depth. Unexpectedly, annual application of chicken litter at 4.4 Mg ha−1 as an N source or growing a winter-season cover crop such as hairy vetch or wheat for continuous 16 years did not significantly increase soil organic matter or water extractable organic soil C. Annual application of chicken litter at 4.4 metric tons (Mg) ha–1 for 16 years increased soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contents by 92%, 400%, 134%, 20%, 43%, 206%, and 430% in 0 - 15 cm depth compared with their initial soil values, respectively, extracted with Haney H3A-2 (2 g L–1 lithium citrate + 0.6 g L–1 citric acid + 0.4 g L–1 malic acid + 0.4 g L–1 oxalic acid) solution. The increases enhanced soil supply of these nutrients to following crops, but also increased the risks of losing them to the environment. Hairy vetch caused higher H3A extracted soil manganese (Mn) content than fallow and chicken litter in 0 - 60 cm. There was no significant difference in 1-day Solvita respiration, water extractable organic C and N, health score, moisture, organic matter, pH, CEC, or population of earthworm of soil among continuous soybean, corn-soybean, and soybean-cotton in any soil depth. Another major finding of this study was that continuous soybean exerted no adverse effect on soil health relative to the commonly used corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean and soybean-cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotations under no-tillage after 16 years. To mitigate the risks of nutrient runoff and leaching from long-term chicken litter application, we recommend reducing litter application rates and integrating cover crops into crop rotations to enhance nutrient cycling and reduce environmental impacts.展开更多
Compost amendments have remarkable potential for improving soil structure, porosity and water holding capacity. Soil health is the ability to function as a living system, to sustain plant and animal productivity, to e...Compost amendments have remarkable potential for improving soil structure, porosity and water holding capacity. Soil health is the ability to function as a living system, to sustain plant and animal productivity, to enhance water and air quality, and to promote plant and animal health. Soil health can be estimated by measuring the total living microbial biomass, retained carbon, odor, and texture. Poor or deteriorating soil health is threatening food security. The potential for compost to reverse these negative trends is transformative if means and methods for large scale composting and compost amendments can be developed. A field-scale compost soil amendment project was implemented in Rapid City, South Dakota. The compost was added to a soil plot at 5 wt% and 10 wt% and the results were compared with an adjacent untreated plot without any compost addition. Measurements of soil health characteristics indicate that compost amendments improve soil health, crop yields, and soil water content. Treating soils with compost has the potential to reverse global deteriorating soil health.展开更多
Cover crops are the plants which are grown to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, enrichment and protection of soil, and enhance nutrient and water availability, and quality of soil. Cover crops provide seve...Cover crops are the plants which are grown to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, enrichment and protection of soil, and enhance nutrient and water availability, and quality of soil. Cover crops provide several benefits to soils used for agriculture production. Cover crops are helpful in increasing and sustaining microbial biodiversity in soils. We summarized the effect of several cover crops in soil properties such as soil moisture content, soil microbial activities, soil carbon sequestration, nitrate leaching, soil water, and soil health. Selection of cover crops usually depends on the primary benefits which are provided by cover crops. Other factors may also include weather conditions, time of sowing, either legume or non-legume and timing and method of killing of a cover crop. In recent times, cover crops are also used for mitigating climate change, suppressing weeds in crops and increasing exchangeable nutrients such as Mg2+ and K+. Cover crops are also found to be economical in long-term experiment studies. Although some limitations always come with several benefits. Cover crops have some problems including the method of killing, host for pathogens, regeneration, and not immediate benefits of using them. Despite the few limitations, cover crops improve the overall health of the soil and provide a sustainable environment for the main crops.展开更多
This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of Earth Observation(EO)applications for soil health assessment in Europe and abroad.The study explores the effectiveness of EOin capturing contextual information ...This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of Earth Observation(EO)applications for soil health assessment in Europe and abroad.The study explores the effectiveness of EOin capturing contextual information about various soil properties and conditions,as well as its role inmonitoring soil health over time.The authors examine the current state of operational,semi-operational,and developing EO products and services relevant to soil health indicators.These include vegetation cover,forest cover,soil organic carbon,soil structure,landscape heterogeneity,and the presence of soil pollutants,excess nutrients,and salts.The reviewidentifies gaps in existing knowledge and highlights potential areas for future research,such as improving spatial and temporal resolutions of EO products,developing better models for soil biodiversity assessment,and integrating EO data with ground-based measurements.The article discusses how contextual information derived from EO can contribute to sustainable soil management practices and policies in Europe.It also addresses technical challenges associated with EO applications in soil health assessment,including limitations in detecting subsurface soil properties and the need for improved data processing techniques.The authors conclude that while EOoffers significant potential for soil healthmonitoring,further research and development are needed to fully leverage its capabilities for comprehensive and accurate soil health assessment across Europe.展开更多
Global agrifood systems face three interconnected challenges:ensuring food security,promoting environmental sustainability,and restoring soil health in the face of climate change.Conventional practices have prioritize...Global agrifood systems face three interconnected challenges:ensuring food security,promoting environmental sustainability,and restoring soil health in the face of climate change.Conventional practices have prioritized productivity over ecological resilience,leading to soil degradation,increased greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,and inefficient resource utilization.Here,we introduce a“triple-goal”agrifood framework that enhances food production,soil health,and GHG mitigation simultaneously through integrated innovations.Using a second-order meta-analysis of 104 meta-analyses that cover 39,162 studies and 300,139 global field comparisons,we identified key interventions,including optimized fertigation,diversified cropping systems,organic amendments,and precision N management,that increased productivity by 14%–28%while reducing environmental impacts.Diversified systems boosted yields by 19.6%and reduced land use by 19%.Integrating legumes and cover crops lowered N2O emissions by 18%–65%,while organic amendments increased soil organic carbon stocks by 7%–13%.Structural equation modeling identified nitrogen use efficiency and microbial activity as central to the food-soil-emissions nexus.However,tradeoffs remain;yield-focused strategies can elevate emissions if not tailored to local conditions.By integrating agronomic,biological,and technological interventions such as conservation tillage,biofertilization,and digital agriculture,this triple-goal framework supports a 15%–30%reduction in anthropogenic CO2-equivalent emissions.These findings underscore the need for policy reform and multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale up the adaptation of integrated strategies in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the“One Health”initiative.The triple-goal framework provides a transformative pathway to climate-smart,equitable,and resilient agrifood systems that strike a balance between productivity and planetary health.展开更多
Biochar produced from pyrolysis of biomass such as wood,canopy,animal manure,and agricultural waste is recognized for its stability and for being a benefactor of soil health and plant growth.Its application in forestr...Biochar produced from pyrolysis of biomass such as wood,canopy,animal manure,and agricultural waste is recognized for its stability and for being a benefactor of soil health and plant growth.Its application in forestry is an area with growing research interest due to its ability to enhance soil physicochemical properties,including structure,water retention,and nutrient availability,thereby boosting plant growth,drought tolerance,and resistance to pests and diseases.However,the effectiveness of biochar varies based on factors like biochar type,application rate,soil type,and tree species.Potential risks associated with biochar use include nutrient immobilization,increased pH in alkaline soils,and enhanced leaching of toxic elements.Despite its promise,challenges such as knowledge gaps,lack of sitespecific studies,and concerns of economic viability hinder widespread adoption of biochar in forestry.This qualitative review compiles over 150 published works from the past two decades on biochar application in forestry.It assesses the impacts of biochar on soil health and tree crops,highlighting its potential to improve soil fertility and promote tree growth.The review identifies significant findings,such as the positive influence of biochar on soil and plant health and outlines existing knowledge gaps that need addressing.By synthesizing current research,the review proposes future directions to optimize biochar use in sustainable forestry management,emphasizing the need for tailored approaches and economic assessments to facilitate broader adoption.The findings underscore the potential role of biochar in enhancing forestry practices while calling for further studies to resolve uncertainties and improve its practical implementation.展开更多
●Long-term tea planting practices caused strong soil acidification across all soil layers.●All tea gardens showed much lower Gram-positive and-negative bacteria,fungi,and total microbial biomass relative to natural ...●Long-term tea planting practices caused strong soil acidification across all soil layers.●All tea gardens showed much lower Gram-positive and-negative bacteria,fungi,and total microbial biomass relative to natural forests.●The relative abundance of bacteria related carbon and nitrogen cycling functions predicted by FAPROTAX was much lower in all tea plantations compared with natural forest.●Soil acidification was the main reason in affecting microbial community and functions by selecting a large number of microbial tax and causing remarkable decline in alpha-diversity.Tea(Camellia sinensisL.)is a globally cultivated beverage crop,but long-term cultivation may degrade soil health by altering biological properties.We used high-throughput sequencing,phospholipid fatty acid(PLFA)analysis,and the Quantitative Microbial Ecology Chip(QMEC)to compare soil microbial structure and function in tea gardens and adjacent natural forests.Soil pH was significantly lower in tea gardens across all depths compared to natural forests.PLFA analysis showed reduced Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial,fungal,and total microbial biomass in tea gardens.High-throughput sequencing revealed distinct bacterial and fungal communities,with tea gardens exhibiting lower alpha-diversity than natural forests.Unique bacterial operational taxonomic units(OTUs)in tea gardens were negatively correlated with key functional genes(e.g.,carbon and nitrogen cycling),whereas natural forest OTUs showed positive correlations.Soil pH decline,driven by long-term tea cultivation,was the primary factor shaping these microbial shifts.These findings indicate that extended tea planting impairs soil functions,compromising soil health.The observed deterioration underscores the need for targeted management to address the interplay between land use,soil health,and microbial dynamics,highlighting avenues for future research to enhance soil resilience in tea gardens.展开更多
Assessment of soil health requires complexevaluation of properties and functions responsible for abroad range of ecosystem services. Numerous soil qualityindices (SQI) have been suggested for the evaluation ofspecific...Assessment of soil health requires complexevaluation of properties and functions responsible for abroad range of ecosystem services. Numerous soil qualityindices (SQI) have been suggested for the evaluation ofspecific groups of soil functions, but comparison of variousSQI is impossible because they are based on a combinationof specific soil properties. To avoid this problem, wesuggest an SQI-area approach based on the comparison ofthe areas on a radar diagram of a combination of chemical,biological and physical properties. The new approach isindependent of the SQI principle and allows rapid andsimple comparison of parameter groups and soils. Anotherapproach analyzing the resistance and sensitivity ofproperties to degradation is suggested for a detailedevaluation of soil health. The resistance and sensitivityof soil properties are determined through comparison withthe decrease of soil organic carbon (SOC) as a universalparameter responsible for many functions. The SQI-areaand resistance/sensitivity approaches were tested based on quences after the ab and on ment of agricultural soils. Both the SQI-area and the resistance/sensitivity approaches areuseful for basic and applied research, and for decisionmakersto evaluate land-use practices and measure thedegree of soil degradation.展开更多
Healthy soils are essential for sustainableagricultural development and soil health requires carefulassessment with increasing societal concern over envir-onmentally friendly agricultural development. Soil healthis th...Healthy soils are essential for sustainableagricultural development and soil health requires carefulassessment with increasing societal concern over envir-onmentally friendly agricultural development. Soil healthis the capacity of soil to function within ecologicalboundaries to sustain productivity, maintain environmentalquality, and promote plant and animal health. Physical,chemical and biological indicators are used to evaluate soilhealth;the biological indicators include microbes, proto-zoa and metazoa. Nematodes are the most abundantmetazoa and they vary in their sensitivity to pollutants andenvironmental disturbance. Soil nematode communitiesare useful biological indicators of soil health, withcommunity characteristics such as abundance, diversity,community structure and metabolic footprint all closelycorrelated with the soil environment. The community size,complexity and structure reflect the condition of the soil.Both free-living and plant parasitic nematodes are effec-tive ecological indicators, contributing to nutrient cyclingand having important roles as primary, secondary andtertiary consumers in food webs. Tillage inversion,cropping patterns and nutrient management may havestrong effects on soil nematodes, with changes in soilnematode communities reflecting soil disturbance. Somefree-living nematodes serve as biological models to testsoil condition in the laboratory and because of theseadvantages soil nematodes are increasingly being used asbiological indicators of soil health.展开更多
The sustainability of prevailing maize-fallow system in rainfed ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayan region(EHR)of India is often questioned due to poor economic return and negative impact on soil health.Hence,the six ...The sustainability of prevailing maize-fallow system in rainfed ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayan region(EHR)of India is often questioned due to poor economic return and negative impact on soil health.Hence,the six cropping systems,maize-fallow(M-F),maize t cowpea-rapeseed(M t C-Rs),maize t cowpea-buckwheat(M t C-Bw),maize t cowpea-barley(M t CeB),maize t cowpea-garden pea(M t C-GP)and maize t cowpeaerajmash(M t C-R)in the main plot and three soil moisture conservation measures,no-mulch(NM),maize stover mulch(MSM)and maize stover t weed biomass mulch(MSM t WBM)in sub-plot were evaluated for four consecutive years(2014-18)at a Research Farm in fixed plot fashion.Results indicated that cowpea co-culture with maize and inclusion of winter crop increased maize yield by 6.2e23.5%over M-F.Among the systems,the M t C-GP recorded the highest crop productivity.The residual effect of MSM t WBM increased maize grain yield by 19.1%over NM.Cultivation of maize t cowpea-winter crops significantly improved the available N(3.2e12.9%),P(3.6 e12.7%),K(1.9e26.3%),organic carbon(9.2e16.8%),microbial biomass carbon-MBC(15.2e43.9%)and dehydrogenases-DHA(17.2e42.3%)in soil at 0e15 cm depth as compared to M-F.The M t C-GP also recorded maximum net return(US$2460 ha1),benefit:cost(B:C)ratio(2.86)and energy use efficiency(7.9%).The MSM t WBM recorded higher net return(US$1680 ha1)and B:C ratio(2.46)over NM.Hence,cowpea t maize-garden pea(M t C-GP)along with the application of MSM t WBM is a sustainable production practice to intensify the organically managed maize-fallow system in rainfed regions of the EHR of India and other similar ecosystems.展开更多
Background:Soil organic C and N data from privately managed pastures in the southeastern United States are relatively scant.Methods:A paired-farm approach was deployed to determine how a variety of soil health paramet...Background:Soil organic C and N data from privately managed pastures in the southeastern United States are relatively scant.Methods:A paired-farm approach was deployed to determine how a variety of soil health parameters related to nutrient and water cycling might be altered under grazed,botanically diverse perennial pastures compared with annual monoculture croplands in three Major Land Resource Areas of the southeastern United States.Results:Soil stability index averaged 0.64 and 0.91mm mm^(-1) under cropland and grazed pasture,respectively,suggesting that pastures had a more stable soil surface that was resistant to erosion and allowed rapid water infiltration.Surface-soil organic C and N fractions(i.e.,total,particulate,and mineralizable fractions at 0-10 cm depth)were greater under pasture than under cropland.Across locations,root-zone enrichments(0-30 cm depth)of organic C and N fractions were greater under pasture than under cropland.Within locations,root-zone enrichment of total soil N was greater(p<0.05)under pasture than under cropland in the Blue Ridge(2.87 vs.1.10 MgN ha^(-1),respectively)and the Piedmont(2.80 vs.2.10 MgNha^(-1)),but not in the Blackland Prairie(2.40 vs.2.12 MgNha^(-1)).Conclusions:This study provides evidence that rotationally grazed,perennial grasslands can store more soil organic C and N and improve soil surface stability conditions compared with neighboring croplands producing commodity feed grains for feedlot finishing.展开更多
基金supported by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation(no.FENW-2023-0008)the Strategic Academic Leadership Program of Southern Federal University,known as“Priority 2030”.
文摘The digital revolution in agriculture has introduced data-driven decision-making,where artificial intelligence,especially machine learning(ML),helps analyze large and varied data sources to improve soil quality and crop growth indices.Thus,a thorough evaluation of scientific publications from 2007 to 2024 was conducted via the Scopus and Web of Science databases with the PRISMA guidelines to determine the realistic role of ML in soil health and crop improvement under the SDGs.In addition,the present review focused to identify and analyze the trends,challenges,and opportunities associated with the successful implementation of ML in agriculture.The assessment of various databases clearly revealed that ML implementation depends on crop management,while its limited potential in terms of soil health was explored.ML models,such as random forest and XGBoost,have demonstrated high accuracies of up to 99%in crop yield prediction and disease detection.Advanced ML frameworks,including the SHIDS-ADLT and EfficientNetB3,have improved soil health monitoring and plant disease classification.Irrigation management using ML has achieved over 50%water savings and irrigation efficiency by 10%-35%.These findings highlight the potential of ML to improve sustainable agricultural practices and soil health.A significant improvement discussed in this review is AutoML,which simplifies ML model implementation by automating feature selection,model selection,and hyperparameter tuning,reducing dependency on ML expertise.The integration of ML with remote sensing,Internet of Things(IoT),and big data analytics is expected to further transform the precision agriculture and real-time decisionmaking approaches to optimize resource utilization.Conclusively,the present review offers a quantitative perspective on the evolution of ML in agriculture,soil health management,crop yield prediction,and resource optimization.
文摘Intensive farming practices,aimed at maximizing crop yields through substantial inputs of labour,technology,and chemical fertilizers,have significantly transformed modern agriculture.However,these methods have raised serious concerns regarding soil health,environmental sustainability,and long-term agricultural viability.This study examines the ecological impact of intensive farming on soil health in the KB Asifabad District of Telangana,India,where traditional and modern farming techniques coexist.The objectives include analysing socio-economic factors influencing farming methods,evaluating the impact of tilling techniques and fertilizer use on soil health,and promoting sustainable practices through education and policy recommendations.Findings reveal a strong reliance on chemical fertilizers,with 98.3% of farmers using them exclusively due to their perceived efficiency and rapid results.However,this overdependence has led to soil degradation,reduced microbial diversity,and environmental pollution.Conversely,despite its ecological benefits,natural manure remains underutilized due to scepticism and economic constraints.Mechanical tilling methods,while effective,have negatively impacted soil structure and fertility.The study highlights the necessity of transitioning to sustainable practices,integrating organic inputs,and adopting conservation techniques to restore soil health and ecosystem balance.This research provides practical pathways for achieving sustainable agriculture by integrating traditional knowledge with modern practices.It is particularly relevant for policymakers,agricultural extension services,and farming communities as it highlights the need for educational initiatives,financial incentives,and regulatory measures to ensure long-term soil fertility,environmental stewardship,and improved farmer livelihoods.
基金provided by SIRAM project within the framework of PRIMA,a program supported by H2020,the European Program for Research and Innovation and the Tunisian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research(MERS).
文摘Fungal plant diseases are infections caused by pathogenic fungi that affect crops,ornamental plants,and trees.Symptoms of these diseases can include leaf spots,fruit rot,root rot,and generalized growth retardation.Fungal diseases can result in decreased quality and quantity of crops,which can have a negative economic impact on farmers and producers.Moreover,these diseases can cause environmental damage.Indeed,fungal diseases can directly affect crops by reducing plant growth and yield,as well as altering their quality and nutritional value.Although effective,the use of many chemical products is often harmful to health and the environment,and their use is increasingly restricted due to their high toxicity.To address this issue,it is becoming increasingly essential to replace these chemical products with products that respect the environment and human health,and for sustainable agriculture,such as regenerative agricultural practices.Regenerative agricultural practices such as crop rotation,intercropping,composting,and notill farming techniques can offer sustainable solutions for the prevention and control of plant fungal diseases.These regenratives approaches not only help to control fungal plant disease by strengthening plant disease resistance,but also significantly contribute to the improvement of sustainable agriculture,by restoring soil health,increasing biodiversity and reducing the use of harmful chemicals to the environment and human health in order to keep a long-termecosystem resilience,promote environmental sustainability,and support global food security.Using regenerative agricultural practices can provide a holistic and effective approach to controlling fungal plant diseases while improving the health and productivity of farming systems.
基金Supported by the Major National Science and Technology Project of Water Pollution Control and Treatment,China(No.2009ZX07317-006)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40971259)the Shanghai Excellent Academic Leaders Plan,China(No.10XD1401600)
文摘Soil health assessment is an important step toward understanding the potential effects of agricultural practices on crop yield, quality and human health. The objectives of this study were to select a minimum data set for soil health evaluation from the physical, chemical and biological properties and environmental pollution characteristics of agricultural soil and to develop a soil health diagnosis model for determining the soil health status under different planting patterns and soil types in Chongming Island of Shanghai, China. The results showed that the majority of the farmland soils in Chongming Island were in poor soil health condition, accounting for 48.9% of the survey samples, followed by the medium healthy soil, accounting for 32.2% of the survey samples and mainly distributed in the central and mid-eastern regions of the island. The indicators of pH, total organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and Cd exerted less influence on soil health, while the soil salinization and nitrate accumulation under a greenhouse cropping pattern and phosphate fertilizer shortage in the paddy field had limited the development of soil health. Dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethanes, hexachlorocyclohexanes and Hg contributed less to soil health index (SHI) and showed no significant difference among paddy field, greenhouse and open-air vegetable/watermelon fields. The difference of the SHI of the three soil types was significant at P = 0.05. The paddy soil had the highest SHI values, followed by the gray alluvial soil, and the coastal saline soil was in a poor soil health condition, indicating a need to plant some salt-tolerant crops to effectively improve soil quality.
基金supported by Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region Youth Fund(00007019)National 863 Program,China(2001AA246023)
文摘The effect of applying biological organic fertilizer(BOF)on bacterial wilt incidence of tomato and soil microbial community under continuous cropping was studied. The results showed that all the tomatoes were infected by bacterial wilt in the control. The infection rates of tomatoes in the treatments with un-composted BOF and decomposed BOF were 55 and 50% respectively. Fatty acid methyl esters(FAME)analysis indicated soil microbial community changed sensitively after applying BOF. Soil FAME total content, relative fungi content and ratio of fungi to bacteria were significantly increased in both BOF treatments. The soil odd-number fatty acid proportion changed after applying BOF, aC15 : 0, iC17 : 0 decreased, while cyC17 : 0 increased in soil odd-number fatty acid proportion. BOF application would strengthen soil health and disease suppression. The content of C16 : 1 11c in soil microbial community was obviously increased after decomposed BOF application. It indicated that the growth of AM fungi could be enhanced with decomposed BOF application. FAME microbial biomarkers could be used for an indicator of soil health and disease suppression. Odd-number fatty acid proportion was a sensitive indicator of the effect of applying un-composted and decomposed BOF respectively on soil health regulating.
文摘In the U.S. biofuel industry is using corn (<em>Zea mays</em> L.) residue mix (CRM) consisting of corncob and stover for cellulosic ethanol and biogas production. The field storage method left different depths of CRM on the field after its removal, where negative effects on plant growth were observed. The objective of this study is to evaluate the CRM effect on selected soil health indicators. The field study conducted with four different depths of CRM, two tillage systems (no-till (NT) and chisel plow (CP), and three nitrogen (N) rates (0, 180, and 270 kg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>N<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>ha<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup>) in a randomized complete block design with split-split arrangements in three replications in a continuous corn system from 2010 to 2012 at the Agronomy Research Farm at Iowa State University. The findings of this study showed a negative effect on soil organic carbon (SOC) change across all treatments at 0 - 15 cm (<span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>0.35 to <span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>0.03 <span style="white-space:nowrap;">Mg⋅ha<sup>−1</sup>⋅yr<sup>−1</sup></span>), while at 15 - 30 cm there was an increase in SOC rate (0.13 to 0.40 Mg<span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>ha<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">⋅</span>yr<sup><span style="white-space:nowrap;">−</span>1</sup>) after 2-yr. In addition, soil aggregate-associated C of macro-aggregates decreased by 8%, while micro-aggregates increased by 2%. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC) across tillage and N rates for 2.5 & 7.5 CRM treatments increased by 14% in June to July 2011, while in 2012 increased by 9%. However, at the 15 cm soil depth, soil bulk density (<em>ρ</em><sub>b</sub>), soil penetration resistance (SPR), and soil pH showed no significant differences among CRM treatments. The findings of this study showed that in-field CRM management can affect certain soil health parameters in the short term.
文摘Healthy soils are important to ensure satisfactory crop growth and yield. Poultry litter (PL), as an organic fertilizer, has proven to supply the soil with essential macro and micronutrients, enhance soil fertility, and improve crop productivity. Integrating this treatment has the potential to improve soil physical and biological properties by increasing soil carbon, C. However, rapid decomposition and mineralization of PL, particularly in the hot and humid southeastern U.S., resulted in losing C and reduced its effect on soil health. Biochar and lignite have been proposed to stabilize and mitigate C loss through application of fresh manure. However, their combined effects with PL on C sequestration and soil health components are limited. A field experiment was conducted on Leeper silty clay loam soil from 2017 to 2020 to evaluate the combined effect on soil properties when applying biochar and lignite with PL to cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). The experimental design was a randomized complete block involving nine treatments replicated three times. Treatments included PL and inorganic nitrogen, N, fertilizer with or without biochar and lignite, and an unfertilized control. Application rates were 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1</sup> for PL, 6.7 Mgkg⋅ha−1</sup></sup> for biochar and lignite and 134 kg⋅ha−1</sup><sup></sup> for inorganic N fertilizer. Integration of PL and inorganic fertilizer with biochar and lignite, resulted in greater soil infiltration, aggregate stability, plant available water, reduced bulk density and penetration resistance as compared to the sole applications of PL and inorganic fertilizer.
文摘Soil aluminum phytotoxicity has been a major research area since the inception of modern soil science. Acid soils, which typically manifest plant aluminum toxicity, are frequently dedicated to food production, thus yield and quality reductions influence food security. This manuscript reviews our modern understanding of 1) soil aluminum hydrolysis and polymerization, 2) aluminum complexation with inorganic and organic anions, 3) aluminum interference with vital plant physiological processes, 4) aluminum and forest ecosystem productivity, and 5) demonstrates the software simulation of aluminum reactivity and its role in predicting soil behavior. The manuscript also provides a perspective for future soil-aluminum research critical to maintaining food security and food quality.
文摘The aim of the study was to assess the current state and development of the Soil Health Index (SHI) at 13 localities with various soil-ecological conditions in the Slovak Republic. The SHI was developed using a minimum soil data set, physical and chemical soil parameters in combination with environmental parameters (land use, gradients). The SHI is one numerical value accumulates information about the state of soil health and its ability to provide soil functions and thus ecosystems in the optimal range. The highest SHI values were determined at model localities used as arable land (Haplic Chernozem, Fluvisol) located in a warm climate at altitudes up to 200 meters above sea level. Ecosystems with very low and low value are mostly grasslands with mildly cold climate (Cambisol) and considerable slope, agroecosystem on low organic matter (Arenosol). Arable ecosystem SHI is also reduced in areas of geochemical anomalies and areas with anthropogenic load, where there is a higher content of risk elements. The SHI changes are mainly the result of changes in dynamic indicators such as soil response and soil bulk density.
文摘Identification of management practices that can improve soil health is critical to improving the sustainability of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production. The objective of this study was to examine the long-term effects of continuous soybean, corn-soybean, and soybean-cotton rotations with chicken litter and cover crops (hairy vetch, wheat, fallow) on soil health parameters, including nutrient accumulation and soil organic matter dynamics under a split plot design. The depth intervals of soil sampling were 0 - 15, 15 - 30, 30 - 60, and 60 - 90 cm. Chicken litter resulted in 62.1% and 32.8% higher water extractable organic soil N content than fallow and wheat, respectively, in the surface 0 - 15 cm of soil only. However, there was no significant difference in 1-day Solvita respiration, water extractable organic C, C/N ratio, health score, moisture, earthworm, organic matter, pH, or CEC of soil among fallow, hairy vetch, chicken litter, and wheat regardless of soil depth. Unexpectedly, annual application of chicken litter at 4.4 Mg ha−1 as an N source or growing a winter-season cover crop such as hairy vetch or wheat for continuous 16 years did not significantly increase soil organic matter or water extractable organic soil C. Annual application of chicken litter at 4.4 metric tons (Mg) ha–1 for 16 years increased soil nitrate-nitrogen (NO3−-N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) contents by 92%, 400%, 134%, 20%, 43%, 206%, and 430% in 0 - 15 cm depth compared with their initial soil values, respectively, extracted with Haney H3A-2 (2 g L–1 lithium citrate + 0.6 g L–1 citric acid + 0.4 g L–1 malic acid + 0.4 g L–1 oxalic acid) solution. The increases enhanced soil supply of these nutrients to following crops, but also increased the risks of losing them to the environment. Hairy vetch caused higher H3A extracted soil manganese (Mn) content than fallow and chicken litter in 0 - 60 cm. There was no significant difference in 1-day Solvita respiration, water extractable organic C and N, health score, moisture, organic matter, pH, CEC, or population of earthworm of soil among continuous soybean, corn-soybean, and soybean-cotton in any soil depth. Another major finding of this study was that continuous soybean exerted no adverse effect on soil health relative to the commonly used corn (Zea mays L.)-soybean and soybean-cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) rotations under no-tillage after 16 years. To mitigate the risks of nutrient runoff and leaching from long-term chicken litter application, we recommend reducing litter application rates and integrating cover crops into crop rotations to enhance nutrient cycling and reduce environmental impacts.
文摘Compost amendments have remarkable potential for improving soil structure, porosity and water holding capacity. Soil health is the ability to function as a living system, to sustain plant and animal productivity, to enhance water and air quality, and to promote plant and animal health. Soil health can be estimated by measuring the total living microbial biomass, retained carbon, odor, and texture. Poor or deteriorating soil health is threatening food security. The potential for compost to reverse these negative trends is transformative if means and methods for large scale composting and compost amendments can be developed. A field-scale compost soil amendment project was implemented in Rapid City, South Dakota. The compost was added to a soil plot at 5 wt% and 10 wt% and the results were compared with an adjacent untreated plot without any compost addition. Measurements of soil health characteristics indicate that compost amendments improve soil health, crop yields, and soil water content. Treating soils with compost has the potential to reverse global deteriorating soil health.
文摘Cover crops are the plants which are grown to improve soil fertility, prevent soil erosion, enrichment and protection of soil, and enhance nutrient and water availability, and quality of soil. Cover crops provide several benefits to soils used for agriculture production. Cover crops are helpful in increasing and sustaining microbial biodiversity in soils. We summarized the effect of several cover crops in soil properties such as soil moisture content, soil microbial activities, soil carbon sequestration, nitrate leaching, soil water, and soil health. Selection of cover crops usually depends on the primary benefits which are provided by cover crops. Other factors may also include weather conditions, time of sowing, either legume or non-legume and timing and method of killing of a cover crop. In recent times, cover crops are also used for mitigating climate change, suppressing weeds in crops and increasing exchangeable nutrients such as Mg2+ and K+. Cover crops are also found to be economical in long-term experiment studies. Although some limitations always come with several benefits. Cover crops have some problems including the method of killing, host for pathogens, regeneration, and not immediate benefits of using them. Despite the few limitations, cover crops improve the overall health of the soil and provide a sustainable environment for the main crops.
文摘This review article provides a comprehensive analysis of Earth Observation(EO)applications for soil health assessment in Europe and abroad.The study explores the effectiveness of EOin capturing contextual information about various soil properties and conditions,as well as its role inmonitoring soil health over time.The authors examine the current state of operational,semi-operational,and developing EO products and services relevant to soil health indicators.These include vegetation cover,forest cover,soil organic carbon,soil structure,landscape heterogeneity,and the presence of soil pollutants,excess nutrients,and salts.The reviewidentifies gaps in existing knowledge and highlights potential areas for future research,such as improving spatial and temporal resolutions of EO products,developing better models for soil biodiversity assessment,and integrating EO data with ground-based measurements.The article discusses how contextual information derived from EO can contribute to sustainable soil management practices and policies in Europe.It also addresses technical challenges associated with EO applications in soil health assessment,including limitations in detecting subsurface soil properties and the need for improved data processing techniques.The authors conclude that while EOoffers significant potential for soil healthmonitoring,further research and development are needed to fully leverage its capabilities for comprehensive and accurate soil health assessment across Europe.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32472826)the Leading Project of the“Three Agri-Priorities with Nine Directions”Science and Technology Collaboration Plans in Zhejiang Province(2025SNJF016)the Wenzhou University research start-up fund(QD2024084),and the Wenzhou City Talent Introduction fund(R20241101)。
文摘Global agrifood systems face three interconnected challenges:ensuring food security,promoting environmental sustainability,and restoring soil health in the face of climate change.Conventional practices have prioritized productivity over ecological resilience,leading to soil degradation,increased greenhouse gas(GHG)emissions,and inefficient resource utilization.Here,we introduce a“triple-goal”agrifood framework that enhances food production,soil health,and GHG mitigation simultaneously through integrated innovations.Using a second-order meta-analysis of 104 meta-analyses that cover 39,162 studies and 300,139 global field comparisons,we identified key interventions,including optimized fertigation,diversified cropping systems,organic amendments,and precision N management,that increased productivity by 14%–28%while reducing environmental impacts.Diversified systems boosted yields by 19.6%and reduced land use by 19%.Integrating legumes and cover crops lowered N2O emissions by 18%–65%,while organic amendments increased soil organic carbon stocks by 7%–13%.Structural equation modeling identified nitrogen use efficiency and microbial activity as central to the food-soil-emissions nexus.However,tradeoffs remain;yield-focused strategies can elevate emissions if not tailored to local conditions.By integrating agronomic,biological,and technological interventions such as conservation tillage,biofertilization,and digital agriculture,this triple-goal framework supports a 15%–30%reduction in anthropogenic CO2-equivalent emissions.These findings underscore the need for policy reform and multi-stakeholder collaboration to scale up the adaptation of integrated strategies in alignment with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals and the“One Health”initiative.The triple-goal framework provides a transformative pathway to climate-smart,equitable,and resilient agrifood systems that strike a balance between productivity and planetary health.
文摘Biochar produced from pyrolysis of biomass such as wood,canopy,animal manure,and agricultural waste is recognized for its stability and for being a benefactor of soil health and plant growth.Its application in forestry is an area with growing research interest due to its ability to enhance soil physicochemical properties,including structure,water retention,and nutrient availability,thereby boosting plant growth,drought tolerance,and resistance to pests and diseases.However,the effectiveness of biochar varies based on factors like biochar type,application rate,soil type,and tree species.Potential risks associated with biochar use include nutrient immobilization,increased pH in alkaline soils,and enhanced leaching of toxic elements.Despite its promise,challenges such as knowledge gaps,lack of sitespecific studies,and concerns of economic viability hinder widespread adoption of biochar in forestry.This qualitative review compiles over 150 published works from the past two decades on biochar application in forestry.It assesses the impacts of biochar on soil health and tree crops,highlighting its potential to improve soil fertility and promote tree growth.The review identifies significant findings,such as the positive influence of biochar on soil and plant health and outlines existing knowledge gaps that need addressing.By synthesizing current research,the review proposes future directions to optimize biochar use in sustainable forestry management,emphasizing the need for tailored approaches and economic assessments to facilitate broader adoption.The findings underscore the potential role of biochar in enhancing forestry practices while calling for further studies to resolve uncertainties and improve its practical implementation.
基金supported by Starting Research Fund from Hangzhou Normal University(Grant No.2018QDL006)。
文摘●Long-term tea planting practices caused strong soil acidification across all soil layers.●All tea gardens showed much lower Gram-positive and-negative bacteria,fungi,and total microbial biomass relative to natural forests.●The relative abundance of bacteria related carbon and nitrogen cycling functions predicted by FAPROTAX was much lower in all tea plantations compared with natural forest.●Soil acidification was the main reason in affecting microbial community and functions by selecting a large number of microbial tax and causing remarkable decline in alpha-diversity.Tea(Camellia sinensisL.)is a globally cultivated beverage crop,but long-term cultivation may degrade soil health by altering biological properties.We used high-throughput sequencing,phospholipid fatty acid(PLFA)analysis,and the Quantitative Microbial Ecology Chip(QMEC)to compare soil microbial structure and function in tea gardens and adjacent natural forests.Soil pH was significantly lower in tea gardens across all depths compared to natural forests.PLFA analysis showed reduced Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacterial,fungal,and total microbial biomass in tea gardens.High-throughput sequencing revealed distinct bacterial and fungal communities,with tea gardens exhibiting lower alpha-diversity than natural forests.Unique bacterial operational taxonomic units(OTUs)in tea gardens were negatively correlated with key functional genes(e.g.,carbon and nitrogen cycling),whereas natural forest OTUs showed positive correlations.Soil pH decline,driven by long-term tea cultivation,was the primary factor shaping these microbial shifts.These findings indicate that extended tea planting impairs soil functions,compromising soil health.The observed deterioration underscores the need for targeted management to address the interplay between land use,soil health,and microbial dynamics,highlighting avenues for future research to enhance soil resilience in tea gardens.
基金We are most grateful for the state assignment AAAA-A18-118013190177-9the Russian Foundation for Basic Research(18-04-00773 and 19-29-05260).
文摘Assessment of soil health requires complexevaluation of properties and functions responsible for abroad range of ecosystem services. Numerous soil qualityindices (SQI) have been suggested for the evaluation ofspecific groups of soil functions, but comparison of variousSQI is impossible because they are based on a combinationof specific soil properties. To avoid this problem, wesuggest an SQI-area approach based on the comparison ofthe areas on a radar diagram of a combination of chemical,biological and physical properties. The new approach isindependent of the SQI principle and allows rapid andsimple comparison of parameter groups and soils. Anotherapproach analyzing the resistance and sensitivity ofproperties to degradation is suggested for a detailedevaluation of soil health. The resistance and sensitivityof soil properties are determined through comparison withthe decrease of soil organic carbon (SOC) as a universalparameter responsible for many functions. The SQI-areaand resistance/sensitivity approaches were tested based on quences after the ab and on ment of agricultural soils. Both the SQI-area and the resistance/sensitivity approaches areuseful for basic and applied research, and for decisionmakersto evaluate land-use practices and measure thedegree of soil degradation.
基金the National KeyResearch and Development Program of China (2017YFD0202102,2016YFD0200405, and 2016YFE0101100).
文摘Healthy soils are essential for sustainableagricultural development and soil health requires carefulassessment with increasing societal concern over envir-onmentally friendly agricultural development. Soil healthis the capacity of soil to function within ecologicalboundaries to sustain productivity, maintain environmentalquality, and promote plant and animal health. Physical,chemical and biological indicators are used to evaluate soilhealth;the biological indicators include microbes, proto-zoa and metazoa. Nematodes are the most abundantmetazoa and they vary in their sensitivity to pollutants andenvironmental disturbance. Soil nematode communitiesare useful biological indicators of soil health, withcommunity characteristics such as abundance, diversity,community structure and metabolic footprint all closelycorrelated with the soil environment. The community size,complexity and structure reflect the condition of the soil.Both free-living and plant parasitic nematodes are effec-tive ecological indicators, contributing to nutrient cyclingand having important roles as primary, secondary andtertiary consumers in food webs. Tillage inversion,cropping patterns and nutrient management may havestrong effects on soil nematodes, with changes in soilnematode communities reflecting soil disturbance. Somefree-living nematodes serve as biological models to testsoil condition in the laboratory and because of theseadvantages soil nematodes are increasingly being used asbiological indicators of soil health.
文摘The sustainability of prevailing maize-fallow system in rainfed ecosystems of the Eastern Himalayan region(EHR)of India is often questioned due to poor economic return and negative impact on soil health.Hence,the six cropping systems,maize-fallow(M-F),maize t cowpea-rapeseed(M t C-Rs),maize t cowpea-buckwheat(M t C-Bw),maize t cowpea-barley(M t CeB),maize t cowpea-garden pea(M t C-GP)and maize t cowpeaerajmash(M t C-R)in the main plot and three soil moisture conservation measures,no-mulch(NM),maize stover mulch(MSM)and maize stover t weed biomass mulch(MSM t WBM)in sub-plot were evaluated for four consecutive years(2014-18)at a Research Farm in fixed plot fashion.Results indicated that cowpea co-culture with maize and inclusion of winter crop increased maize yield by 6.2e23.5%over M-F.Among the systems,the M t C-GP recorded the highest crop productivity.The residual effect of MSM t WBM increased maize grain yield by 19.1%over NM.Cultivation of maize t cowpea-winter crops significantly improved the available N(3.2e12.9%),P(3.6 e12.7%),K(1.9e26.3%),organic carbon(9.2e16.8%),microbial biomass carbon-MBC(15.2e43.9%)and dehydrogenases-DHA(17.2e42.3%)in soil at 0e15 cm depth as compared to M-F.The M t C-GP also recorded maximum net return(US$2460 ha1),benefit:cost(B:C)ratio(2.86)and energy use efficiency(7.9%).The MSM t WBM recorded higher net return(US$1680 ha1)and B:C ratio(2.46)over NM.Hence,cowpea t maize-garden pea(M t C-GP)along with the application of MSM t WBM is a sustainable production practice to intensify the organically managed maize-fallow system in rainfed regions of the EHR of India and other similar ecosystems.
基金USDA-Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education,Grant/Award Number:2020-38640-31521USDA—Agricultural Research Service。
文摘Background:Soil organic C and N data from privately managed pastures in the southeastern United States are relatively scant.Methods:A paired-farm approach was deployed to determine how a variety of soil health parameters related to nutrient and water cycling might be altered under grazed,botanically diverse perennial pastures compared with annual monoculture croplands in three Major Land Resource Areas of the southeastern United States.Results:Soil stability index averaged 0.64 and 0.91mm mm^(-1) under cropland and grazed pasture,respectively,suggesting that pastures had a more stable soil surface that was resistant to erosion and allowed rapid water infiltration.Surface-soil organic C and N fractions(i.e.,total,particulate,and mineralizable fractions at 0-10 cm depth)were greater under pasture than under cropland.Across locations,root-zone enrichments(0-30 cm depth)of organic C and N fractions were greater under pasture than under cropland.Within locations,root-zone enrichment of total soil N was greater(p<0.05)under pasture than under cropland in the Blue Ridge(2.87 vs.1.10 MgN ha^(-1),respectively)and the Piedmont(2.80 vs.2.10 MgNha^(-1)),but not in the Blackland Prairie(2.40 vs.2.12 MgNha^(-1)).Conclusions:This study provides evidence that rotationally grazed,perennial grasslands can store more soil organic C and N and improve soil surface stability conditions compared with neighboring croplands producing commodity feed grains for feedlot finishing.
