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... All these values are within the acceptable range set by the WHO standard (6.5-8.5) (WHO, 2006;2017;USEPA, 1996;FAO, 1999;2008). This discovery is consistent with the studies conducted by Du et al. (2020) and Li et al. (2019), which highlighted the impact of soil characteristics like pH buffering capacity, organic matter, and texture on agricultural productivity. ...
... This discovery is consistent with the studies conducted by Du et al. (2020) and Li et al. (2019), which highlighted the impact of soil characteristics like pH buffering capacity, organic matter, and texture on agricultural productivity. The values of Electrical Conductivity (EC) in the locations ranged from 137 to 915 µS/cm (L12, L19) (L2, L18, L32, L40), all of which fall short of the recommended guidelines (USEPA, 1996;WHO, 2006;2017;FAO, 1999;2008). This suggests that soil salinity levels do not have a major effect on crop productivity. ...
... The bulk density values varied from locations 1.18 g/cm³ (L3, L34) to 1.74 g/cm³ (L8), retaining within the acceptable limits established by FAO (1999;2008), WHO (2006;2017), andUSEPA (1996;. The values imply that the soil's structure and porosity are appropriate for farming activities. ...
Soil salinity and Heavy metal contamination are key conservational challenges that disturb farming output besides environmental sustainability. This study examines the impact of soil salinization and heavy metal contamination accumulation on different land uses in Kurugu, Kwami Local Government Area, Gombe State, Nigeria. A total of 42 composite samples of soils were collected and analyzed for key physicochemical parameters, including pH, electrical conductivity (EC), bulk density, organic matter (OM), and organic carbon (OC). Additionally, heavy metal concentrations of arsenic (As), copper (Cu), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), and lead (Pb) were examined. The findings revealed that soil pH ranged from 6.87 to 7.99, while EC values varied between 137 and 915 µS/cm, signifying fluctuations in salinity levels. Bulk density ranged from 1.18 to 1.74 g/cm³, OM content varied between 3.26% and 4.50%, and OC levels were between 1.89% and 2.61%. Heavy metal concentrations were within regulatory limits, with As ranging from 0.000 to 0.550 mg/kg, Cu from 1.027 to 7.055 mg/kg, Cd from 0.039 to 0.710 mg/kg, Cr from 0.154 to 0.427 mg/kg, and Pb from 0.000 to 0.113 mg/kg. Though they have not exceeded the hazardous levels, long-term accumulation could pose risks to soil health and agricultural viability. The study highlights the emergent threat of soil degradation due to salinity and heavy metal contamination, which restricts land productivity and contributes to food insecurity. It recommend that policymakers incorporate soil health assessments into land management strategies, administer environmental regulations, and implement remediation measures. Continuous monitoring and sustainable soil management practices are essential to maintaining soil fertility, ensuring food security, and preserving ecosystem balance in Kurugu and beyond. ABSTRACT 22
... The soil textural class by layer was estimated in the field using the "Finger test to determine soil texture according to DIN 19682-2 and KA5" [37]. Soil carbonate presence was determined in the field using a 10% HCl solution directly applied to the soil [38]. Similarly, stone and mottle presence were estimated using the FAO guidelines [38]. ...
... Soil carbonate presence was determined in the field using a 10% HCl solution directly applied to the soil [38]. Similarly, stone and mottle presence were estimated using the FAO guidelines [38]. Afterward, two to four representative soil auger profiles for the 16 recorded points within each patch were chosen for further laboratory analysis. ...
... Simulated grain yield corresponds to the average of the 49 soil auger profiles for the patchCROP landscape laboratory field. Observations extracted from the Berlin-Brandenburg Office for Statistics [38]. Observed grain yield data for soybean not available. ...
Within-field soil physical and chemical heterogeneity may affect spatio-temporal crop performance. Managing this heterogeneity can contribute to improving resource use and crop productivity. A simulation experiment based on comprehensive soil and crop data collected at the patchCROP landscape laboratory in Tempelberg, Brandenburg, Germany, an area characterized by heterogeneous soil conditions, was carried out to quantify the impact of within-field soil heterogeneities and their interactions with interannual weather variability on crop yield variability in summer and winter crops. Our hypothesis was that crop–soil water holding capacity interactions vary depending on the crop, with some crops being more sensitive to water stress conditions. Daily climate data from 1990 to 2019 were collected from a nearby station, and crop management model inputs were based on the patchCROP management data. A previously validated agroecosystem model was used to simulate crop growth and yield for each soil auger profile over the 30-year period. A total of 49 soil auger profiles were classified based on their plant available soil water capacity (PAWC), and the seasonal rainfall by crop was also classified from lowest to highest. The results revealed that the spatial variability in crop yield was higher than the temporal variability for most crops, except for sunflower. Spatial variability ranged from 17.3% for rapeseed to 45.8% for lupine, while temporal variability ranged from 10.4% for soybean to 36.8% for sunflower. Maize and sunflower showed a significant interaction between soil PAWC and seasonal rainfall, unlike legume crops lupine and soybean. As for winter crops, the interaction was also significant, except for wheat. Grain yield variations tended to be higher in years with low seasonal rainfall, and crop responses under high seasonal rainfall were more consistent across soil water categories. The simulated results can contribute to cropping system design for allocating crops and resources according to soil conditions and predicted seasonal weather conditions.
... El análisis agroclimático se elaboró con base en datos de 1960 al 2000 de la estación meteorológica de Santa María Yucuhiti. En el software Clic-MD 3.0 se depuró la información de la estación meteorológica y se calculó el índice de humedad mensual y la longitud de periodo de crecimiento (evapotranspiración vs precipitación) con base en la metodología sugerida por la FAO (2006). ...
... Los perfiles de suelo se describieron de acuerdo con la FAO (2006), considerando el espesor de hojarasca, la profundidad de los horizontes minerales, la textura (al tacto), el volumen de fragmentos gruesos (en porcentaje), la estructura (forma y tamaño de agregados) y las raíces (cantidad y tamaño). La excavación de la calicata se realizó al centro de la parcela en un sitio apartado de los árboles y arbustos. ...
Selección de tierras para el cultivo de café en zonas con información escasa: análisis espacial del territorio y conocimiento local Land selection for coffee cultivation in areas with limited information: territory spatial analysis and local knowledge RESUMEN. La mayoría de los suelos de la Mixteca Alta presentan altos niveles de degradación. Una estrategia para su manejo y conservación es a través de integrar el conocimiento local y el análisis espacial para delimitar zonas aptas para la producción de café. El objetivo fue evaluar la aptitud de las tierras para cultivar café en la Mixteca Alta, del estado de Oaxaca considerando el conocimiento local y sistemas de información geográfica. Se desarrolló un modelo de aptitud de tierras para el cultivo de café con base en el análisis de la altitud, la inclinación de la pendiente y el suelo. Los cafetales no aptos se localizan en las zonas con menor altitud, la cuales también fueron las más cálidas y con la mayor presencia de roya. También la altitud del terreno mayor a 2 200 msnm no es apta para el cultivo del café debido a la presencia de heladas. La inclinación de la pendiente del terreno mayor a 80 o no es apta para el cultivo del café. Las tierras muy aptas ocupan solo 258.1 ha; las aptas 2 030.4 ha; las medianamente aptas 3 162.3 ha; marginalmente aptas ocupan 2 558.8 ha; y las no aptas 5 123.9 ha. Las tierras aptas para el cultivo del café tienen suelos profundos con texturas franco-arcillo-arenosas y un espesor de hojarasca promedio de 5 cm. Este trabajo puede servir de referencia para la evaluación de tierras en zonas con escases de información geográfica del medio físico. ABSTRACT. Most of the soils of the Mixteca Alta show high levels of degradation. A strategy for its management and conservation is through integrating local knowledge and spatial analysis to delimit areas suitable for coffee production. The objective was to evaluate the aptitude of the lands to grow coffee in the Mixteca Alta, Oaxaca State, considering local knowledge and geographic information systems. A land suitability model for coffee cultivation was developed based on the analysis of the altitude, the steepness of the slope and the soil. The unsuitable coffee plantations are located in the areas with the lowest altitude, which were also the warmest and with the highest presence of rust. Also, the altitude of the land higher than 2200 meters above sea level is not suitable for growing coffee due to the presence of frost. The slope of the land greater than 80 o is not suitable for growing coffee. The very suitable lands occupy only 258.1 ha; the suitable 2 030.4 ha; the moderately suitable 3 162.3 ha; marginally suitable occupy 2 558.8 ha; and the unsuitable 5 123.9 ha. Land suitable for growing coffee have deep soils with loamy-clay-sandy textures and an average leaf thickness of 5 cm. This work can serve as a reference for land evaluation in areas with scarce geographic information on the physical environment.
... The degree of land degradation was assessed following FAO instructions (FAO, 2006), which provided a systematic approach to evaluating the rating of soil properties based on key indicators such as ESP, CEC salinity levels, calcium carbonate CaCO₃, texture, soil depth, and drainage. The assessed degrees of deterioration were converted into a site rating system, enabling the classification of land quality and the identification of areas requiring management interventions (FAO 2006). ...
... The degree of land degradation was assessed following FAO instructions (FAO, 2006), which provided a systematic approach to evaluating the rating of soil properties based on key indicators such as ESP, CEC salinity levels, calcium carbonate CaCO₃, texture, soil depth, and drainage. The assessed degrees of deterioration were converted into a site rating system, enabling the classification of land quality and the identification of areas requiring management interventions (FAO 2006). The method employed for modeling land degradation followed the approach outlined by FAO/UNEP (1978) and UNEP (1991). ...
This study employs geospatial technologies, including remote sensing and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to evaluate land resources for rice cultivation in the northwestern coastal region. The analysis incorporates field investigations and laboratory tests to examine key soil properties such as salinity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium carbonate content, and soil depth. These parameters are critical for assessing land suitability for rice cultivation. The study area includes diverse geomorphological units like aeolian, coastal, deltaic, and lacustrine plains, as well as pediment and plateau landscapes. Findings reveal significant limitations to rice cultivation due to salinity, alkalinity, and poor drainage, especially in deltaic and lacustrine plains, where land is predominantly classified as unsuitable (N). Moderately suitable (S2) and marginally suitable (S3) lands were identified, covering 37% and 35% of the total area, respectively. The Current Capability Index (CCI) and Potential Capability Index (PCI) indicate opportunities for enhancing soil productivity through targeted interventions, such as salinity mitigation, soil amendments, and optimized irrigation systems. The integration of GIS and remote sensing enables detailed spatial mapping of land degradation and potential improvements, offering a comprehensive framework for sustainable agricultural development. By promoting the use of rice varieties and advanced farming practices, this study provides actionable insights for addressing food security challenges in arid and semi-arid environments. These findings are pivotal for policymakers and planners to optimize land use and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability in the region.
... Nineteen soil profiles were dug for detailed study. They were described morphologically and analyzed according to (FAO, 1990 andFAO, 2006). Previous studies on soil classification were referenced to conduct a semi-detailed assessment of soil patterns (Schoeneberger et al., 2002;FAO, 2006 andUSDA, 2014). ...
... They were described morphologically and analyzed according to (FAO, 1990 andFAO, 2006). Previous studies on soil classification were referenced to conduct a semi-detailed assessment of soil patterns (Schoeneberger et al., 2002;FAO, 2006 andUSDA, 2014). Laboratory analysis was conducted on samples taken from the different soil layers, research was conducted on-site using a map of the land's physical features, a hand GPS device was used to pinpoint exact locations in the field. ...
Degradation of crop productivity and soil fertility and fails to meet the demands of it is growing population
in the study area. The image was enhanced using ENVI 5.1 software from Landsat ETM+ soil fertility and
productivity assessment using remote sensing and GIS. Soil productivity and fertility assessment are important for
to a sustainable ecosystem. Soil fertility and productivity indicators according to Riquier et al., (1970).The
landscape area includes High river terrace (HRT), low river terraces (LRT), Overflow basin (OB), Overflow
mantle (OM), Decantation basin (DB), Sand sheet (SS), Hammock area (H), Costal sand bar (CSB) ,Relatively
low clay flats (RLC) Wet Sabkha (WS), Gypsiferrous flats (GF), Swamps (S) and Water bodies (WB). About
63.68% of the area is highly fertile, (class I), Soils in this area have been categorized into five mapping units: HRT,
LRT, OB, OM and RLC. Approximately 6.86% of the area, is of Good fertility (class II), the soils of SS mapping
unit, Class III, VI, and V soils not available. The Land Productivity index classification, outcome, about 29.13%
of the total area are classified as excellent productivity class (I). It is made up of units LRT and RLC.
Approximately 12.53% of the total area, falls under the good productivity category class (II). It consists of unit
HRT. Approximately 22.02% of the total area fall under average class (III), it consists of units OB and OM.
Approximately 6.86% of the area, classified as Low Productivity class(IV), it consists of unit SS.
... The methodological workflow comprised five main phases: (1) pre-field analysis, (2) fieldwork, (3) laboratory analysis, (4) soil classification, and (5) definition of soil units. A total of 133 soil profiles were excavated and described following FAO guidelines [27] at representative points within each landscape unit. Horizon-based soil samples were collected from each pedon for subsequent laboratory analysis. ...
... The methodological workflow comprised five main phases: (1) pre-field analysis, (2) fieldwork, (3) laboratory analysis, (4) soil classification, and (5) definition of soil units. A total of 133 soil profiles were excavated and described following FAO guidelines [27] at representative points within each landscape unit. Horizon-based soil samples were col- ...
This study assesses the current status of selected soil properties of an expanding equatorial agricultural region (Arauca, Colombia) across six landscapes, with the final focus being on evaluating overall soil quality. Field surveys, morphological descriptions, and laboratory analyses of 133 soil profiles were investigated. The landscapes include mountains (25 profiles), foothills (17), hills (11), alluvial plains (43), alluvial plains with dunes (21), and alluvial valleys (16). Soils are classified into six Reference Soil Groups (WRB FAO): Gleysols, Acrisols, Arenosols, Ferralsols, Leptosols, and Cambisols. The findings indicate high acidity, low fertility, and deficient exchangeable bases. Indeed, pH ranges from extremely acid to slightly acid (3.5–6.4), and exchangeable acidity saturation percentage (%SAI) values reach 100% in some areas. Soil textures vary from clay loam to sandy loam and clay. Nutrient contents are ranked in the order Cambisols > Gleysols > Arenosols > Ferralsols > Acrisols > Leptosols. Correlation analysis reveals that clay content positively influences the exchangeable basis percentage, while organic matter (OM) negatively correlates with the nutrients phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. This study highlights that landscape position influences soil quality, with lower landscape positions having better quality than upper ones. These results provide insights into soil fertility and nutrient availability, which helps to predict suitable plant cultivation areas when increasing areas for agricultural use versus forestry in Arauca. The inclusion or maintenance of diverse tree species is a key element in maintaining the production of organic matter and, consequently, generating better soil quality.
... land [21]. Another study demonstrated a 50% increase in extracellular enzyme activity related to OC cycling and a corresponding rise in microbial biomass [25]. Conversely, relatively less attention has been directed toward soil aggregate stability or OC and N dynamics. ...
... The average annual sunshine duration is 2158.7 h, and the annual total solar radiation is 6194 MJ m −2 . The soil is classified as a Cambic Arenosol, which is sandy in texture, loose in structure, and low in nutrients [25]. Due to the long-term impact of human factors such as population increase and overgrazing as well as the impact of natural factors such as global warming and damage by rats and insects, the alpine grassland in northwest Sichuan has been severely degraded, and desertification has occurred in some areas. ...
Soil aggregate stability and carbon–nitrogen content are critical indicators for assessing the vegetation restoration effects. Salix cupularis plays a vital role in rehabilitating desertified alpine meadows on the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. However, research remains limited about how afforestation influences the soil aggregate stability and associated carbon and nitrogen dynamics. In this study, sandy land (0 years) served as the control, and the spatial time replacement method was used to examine changes in the soil water-stable aggregate composition, stability, organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN) contents, and density at a 0–60 cm depth after 5 and 10 years of afforestation restoration (Salix cupularis). Ecological restoration significantly enhanced the proportion of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) in the topsoil (0–20 cm), and improved aggregate stability. After 10 years of restoration, macroaggregates increased by 45.04% and 51.32%, respectively. The average weight diameter and geometric mean diameter of the aggregates increased by 51.32% and 59.53%, respectively. Following restoration, there was a gradual increase in the OC and TN contents in the soil, with the highest increase observed in the 0–10 cm layer (266.67% and 391.67%). The OC and TN of the aggregates also displayed a similar trend. Correlation analysis results indicated a significant positive relationship between the soil OC and TN contents and density, OC content in aggregates of various diameters, and the stability of these aggregates. The Pearson’s correlation coefficient for OC in aggregates > 1 mm was the highest. Compared with 5 years, 10 years of recovery were more conducive to the formation of macroaggregates, enhancement in aggregate stability, and the accumulation of OC and TN. Therefore, vegetation restoration on the Zoige Plateau can significantly enhance the soil water-stable aggregate composition and stability and can also increase the soil and OC and TN contents and density, thereby enhancing the soil ecological quality. This study provides fundamental data and theoretical support for rehabilitating desertified grasslands on the eastern Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.
... Additionally, climate, vegetation, and land use were reported. This process is described in the Guidelines for soil description [24] and the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) field survey [25]. ...
... Calcium carbonate levels CaCO 3 T are relatively constant in the Ah and Bt horizons (~ 2.16%) but increase significantly in the C horizon (2.83%). This elevation suggests secondary carbonate accumulation, possibly due to leaching from upper horizons and precipitation at greater depths [24]. The higher carbonate content in the C horizon indicates the influence of parent material on soil formation [44]. ...
Soil profiling is important for understanding soil evolution in space and time and its ability to deliver ecosystem services. It reflects the soil's physical, chemical, and biological, along with its management history. As a fundamental step in assessing soil health, it helps determine the soil’s potential for the provision of ecosystem services and its suitability for various agricultural and land-use applications. Soil profiling allows for the classification of soil types across different regions, contributing to soil mapping and enabling informed decisions for sustainable soil and land management. This study describes and classifies four soil profiles in Tunisia using the WRB classification system. The main areas of the WRB soil classification are soil Reference Soil Groups (RSG) mainly defined by diagnostic horizons, and qualifiers used to provide additional information about the soil's characteristics. The four soil profiles analyzed are Luvisol, Cambisol, Vertisol, and Fluvisol each exhibiting distinct physical, chemical, and morphological properties. Luvisol in Cap Negro (northern coast) is moderately fertile but vulnerable to erosion, necessitating protection measures. Cambisol in Oued Zarga (northern continental area) supports field crops but faces threats such as soil compaction and erosion, which can be mitigated by reduced tillage and providing soil cover after the harvest. Vertisol in Béja (northern continental area), characterized by high clay shrink-swell activity, is cultivated with winter cereals, where appropriate tillage and irrigation practices help manage soil stability. Lastly, Fluvisol in Oued Meliz (north-western continental area) benefits from high fertility due to alluvial deposits but requires careful water management to erosion. By providing detailed soil classification and management insights, this study contributes to deepen our understanding on soil classification, sustainable land use planning in Tunisia.
... The soil is an important economic resource, ( Deshmukh ، N.D. 2016) as it is considered one of the most important basic elements in agricultural production, especially with the increasing population and pressure on ground resources. Accordingly, FAO (1985) considered land evaluation as one of the important technologies to determine the soil capabilities for certain cultivations or using them for certain purposes, The study used the merge between dimension and GIS, as multispectrum satellite images reflecting great analytical potential. GISs have effective tools for determining the land's capacity and suitability for agriculture and natural resource management (AbdelRahman et al., 2016). ...
... This analysis aims to clarify some geomorphological characteristics, in addition to the characteristics of slopes and curvature rates that are useful in identifying the prevailing slope shapes and the factors that shape them and determine their development stages. We note from Figures (7,8,9,10) that the mountain edges surrounding the alluvial fan are characterized by a steep slope, as their slope angles ranged between 60 and 40 degrees in their upper and middle sectors, respectively. While the angles of its slope ranged between 25 and 40 degrees in its lower sections at the foot of the slope, which is covered with sediments of stubble cones and blocks falling from the tops of the slopes, a group of watercourses descending from the edge are spread throughout it, which are characterized by their narrowness and straightness. ...
... The seven sites were selected based on geomorphological features, soil forming factors, and pedogenic processes as depicted in previous studies by ORSTOM in the study area [19]. For each of the sites, a soil profile was realised under natural vegetation and described according [20]. Soil samples were collected following diagnostic horizons, and stored in polythene bags prior to laboratory analyses. ...
... NB: FI = fine (for structure) and firm (for consistence). Source: FAO[20]. ...
... Additional observations were made by coring to establish the nature and composition of the dumps and undisturbed subsoil (residual peat and stagnant podzol). Soil horizon designations are according to the FAO Guidelines for profile descriptions (FAO 2006), whereas the terminology used for describing mire and peatland types is according to Joosten and Clarke (2002). ...
... The soil texture (clay, silt, and sand particles) was determined by the laser diffraction method (LDM) using a laser diffractometer, Mastersizer 3000 (Malvern Instruments, Malvern, UK) as described by [51]. The soil texture classes were subsequently determined using the soil texture classification triangle [52]. ...
Understanding how elevation gradients and soil depths influence soil organic
carbon stocks (SOCS) and total nitrogen stocks (TNS) is essential for sustainable forest management (SFM) and climate change mitigation. This study investigated the effects of elevation and soil depth on SOCS and TNS in the Mount Kenya East Forest (MKEF). A stratified systematic sampling approach was applied, involving collection of 38 soil samples from two depths (0–20 cm and 20–40 cm) across three elevation zones: Lower Forest (1700–2000 m), Middle Forest (2000–2350 m), and Upper Forest (2350–2650 m). Samples were analysed for bulk density (BD), pH, texture, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total nitrogen (TN), using standard laboratory methods. In topsoil (0–20 cm), SOCS ranged from 109.28 ± 23.41 to 151.27 ± 17.61 Mg C ha−1, while TNS varied from 8.89 ± 1.77 to 12.00 ± 2.46 Mg N ha−1.
In subsoil (20–40 cm), SOCS ranged from 72.03 ± 19.90 to 132.23 ± 11.80 Mg C ha−1, with TNS varying between 5.71 ± 1.63 and 10.50 ± 1.90 Mg N ha−1. SOCS and TNS increased significantly with elevation (p < 0.05), exhibiting the following trend: Lower Forest < Middle Forest < Upper Forest. Topsoil consistently stored significantly higher SOCS than subsoil (p < 0.05), emphasizing the critical role of surface soils in carbon sequestration. Regression analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between SOCS and TNS (R2 = 0.84, p < 0.001). Both SOCS and TNS were positively correlated with elevation, SOC, TN, and total annual precipitation (TAP), but negatively correlated with BD and mean annual temperature (MAT). These findings provide baseline data for monitoring SOCS and TNS in the MKEF, offering insights into sustainable forest management strategies to improve soil health and enhance climate change mitigation efforts.
... Initially, a reconnaissance survey was conducted to identify the major land use types and slope gradients within the study area. Then, the study watershed was classified into three slope gradients namely gentle (2%-5%), sloping (5%-10%), and strongly sloping (10%-15%) following the guideline of FAO (2006). In each slope gradient, three land use types (natural forest, cropland, and grazing lands) were identified. ...
Soil quality degradation has become a major problem that results in low agricultural productivity and increasing food insecurity in sub‐Saharan Africa. Improving our understanding of how different land uses and slope positions affect soil properties is critical for developing best land management practices. The objective of this study was to examine effects of land uses and slope gradients on physicochemical properties of the soil in the Woynwha watershed, Northwest Ethiopia. Composite soil samples were collected from 0‐ to 20‐cm depth in three major land uses (natural forest, cultivated, and grazing lands) and three slope positions (upper, middle, and lower) with three replications using an auger. In addition, undisturbed soil samples were collected using a core sampler for bulk density analysis. The collected soil samples were analyzed following standard procedures. The variation in soil properties among land uses and slope positions on soil properties was determined using analysis of variance. Means comparison was performed using the least significant difference test at a 5% significance level. The results revealed that land use types and slope gradients showed statistically significant (p < 0.01) differences in sand, silt, clay, bulk density, pH, available phosphorus (Av P), total nitrogen (TN), organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), and exchangeable bases of the studied soil. The highest mean values of bulk density (1.64 g cm⁻³) and lowest total porosity (37.67%) were measured under grazing lands at steeper slopes. On the other hand, the highest total porosity (64.30%), clay (59.33%), silt (21.33%), soil pH (6.62), OC (3.58%), TN (0.32%), CEC (51.20 cmolc kg⁻¹), Ca²⁺ (11.27), Mg²⁺ (2.50), K⁺ (1.63), and Na⁺ (0.43 cmolc kg⁻¹) were observed in the lower slopes of natural forest. The highest (6.0 mg kg⁻¹) and lowest (2.33 mg kg⁻¹) contents of Av P were recorded in croplands of lower slopes and grazing lands of upper slopes, respectively. Hence, we conclude that integrated nutrient management and sound land use planning should be implemented for improving soil fertility and crop productivity in the study area and others having similar environment. However, soil properties variability under different depths and agroecologies needs to be examined through further research.
... Soil texture refers to the percentage or relative proportion of sand, silt, and clay present in a soil and is a critical physical parameter that enhances water permeability, porosity, aeration, and water-holding capacity (FAO, 2006), with a positive impact on soil fertility, plant growth, and overall productivity. Table 3 depicts the results of the soil texture of the marginal soils at the pre-and post-Jatropha planting periods in the SF, CF, SO, and CO treatments, respectively, with increasing and decreasing trends in the concentration of the soil texture parameters. ...
An attempt to provide solution to rapid soil fertility decline using biological inputs has led to the investigation of the influence of jatropha on improving soil fertility in the Sudan Savannah region of Nigeria. The excessive and unskilled use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides adversely affects the soil ecosystem, leading to a decrease in crop productivity and the production of potentially harmful food unsafe for human consumption. Thus, in this study, a nursery experiment was conducted at the Department of Forestry and Wild Life Management, Aliko Dangote University of Science and Technology, Wudil to assess the influence of Jatropha curcas plant on fertility improvement of degraded alfisol. The experiment was arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 replications and controls. Pre- and post-Jatropha planting soil samples of Jatropha seeds and cuttings with and without organic amendment were analyzed for soil physicochemical fertility parameters. Findings indicated that at the pre- and post-Jatropha planting periods, the pH of the soils was within the range of 6.77-7.02 and their texture was sandy loam and loamy sand, respectively. Moreover, Jatropha cuttings and seeds with organic amendments (CO and SO) improved major soil fertility parameters; nitrogen content N, exchangeable bases (EB), organic carbon (OC), phosphorus (P), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) higher than Jatropha cuttings and seeds without organic amendments at the post-jatropha planting period compared with the pre-planting period. In addition, cuttings with organic amendment (CO) recorded the highest concentration of fertility improvement parameters compared with the latter and other treatments during the post Jatropha planting period. Statistically, both physical and chemical soil fertility parameters showed significant variation (P<0.05) with Jatropha plants in SO and CO treatments with major soil fertility parameters; OC, P, EB, and CEC at the post Jatropha planting period. Overall, the research findings have shown that Jatropha curcas is capable of improving the fertility of degraded marginal soils in the Sudan Savannah ecological zone, particularly if grown with cuttings and amended with organic amendments.
... Soil depth, horizon boundaries, root abundance and coarse fragments. All investigated pedons were classified as deep (100-150 cm) according to FAO [19] and exhibited A-B horizons. Horizon boundaries varied in distinctness from abrupt to clear to gradual and in topography from smooth to wavy. ...
Soil survey offers a precise and comprehensive database of various soil types, their nature and the extent of their spread so that predictions about their characteristics and potentialities can be made. In order to enlighten the key processes controlling the underground ecosystem, a study was conducted at Deen Dayal
Upadhyay Centre of Excellence for Organic Farming in Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University, Hisar during 2022–2023. Seven representative pedons were characterized for morphological and physicochemical properties and classified according to USDA Soil Taxonomy and World Reference Base system. All the pedons were deep with A-B horizons and sand dominated the soil’s mechanical composition. Soils were characterized as neutral to alkaline, non-saline and calcareous with low to medium levels of soil organic carbon and phosphorus, low nitrogen and low to high potassium content. All pedons exhibited sufficient levels of copper and manganese but were lying in deficient to sufficient range in iron and zinc. Exchangeable cations followed the order Ca2+ > Mg2+ > Na+ > K+. As per USDA Soil Taxonomy, soils of study area were classified under Inceptisols as Typic Haplustepts and under WRB system, soils were classified as Haplic Cambisols (Ochric). As per land capability classification, pedons of the study area were classified as class I (minimal or no limitations for agricultural use), class IIs (low fertility limitations) and class IIIes (low fertility with erosion).
... The field survey is based on the geomorphic units that have been established in the research region, and 20 soil profiles that reflect these units were excavated to a depth of 150 cm or less depending on the presence of water table In the field, soil profile descriptions were completed using (FAO, 2006). One composite sample was taken from each soil profile layer to ensure adequate representation. ...
SOIL degradation poses a threat to ecosystem health, sustainable development, and global food security. This study intends to measure land degradation in the north of the Nile Delta, Egypt using GIS spatial modelling based on data from field surveys and remotely sensed data. The degree of degradation was evaluated using a spatial degradation model. It was feasible to create a geomorphological map using the digital elevation model (DEM) and the sentential 2 image, which demonstrated that the area under study is divided into three landscapes: the flood plain, the lacustrine plain, and the marine plain. The results of the spatial model showed that the research region had two degrees of degradation. First, a high degree was found in the low old river terraces (RT1) soils, which occupied 79.08 km 2 (7.57%). Second, a moderate degree encompasses all of the remaining research area i.e., 956.19 km 2 (92.43%) of the study region. The danger of chemical degradation was considered low for all landform units, except for, decantation basins (DC), depression (DP), and coastal plain (CP) units. Of the research region, these soils make up 24.34%. The risk of physical degradation was graded as very high for every landform. The findings showed that alkalinity, soil compaction, and waterlogging are the primary common degradation hazards. The model offers a comprehensive overview of land degradation in the study area and is readily applicable in comparable situations to pinpoint the factors that contributed to the land degradation, in addition to attaining environmental sustainability. The efficient use of GIS spatial modelling techniques in the assessment of land degradation may help decision makers take the appropriate steps to preserve the most deteriorated areas, implementing practical measures to lessen the effects of land degradation and accomplish the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
... Te mean annual rainfall is 1591 mm, and the mean monthly temperatures vary from 20°C to 26°C [40][41][42]. Dominant reference soil groups in the area are Ferralsols, Nitisols, Luvisols, Alisols, and Leptosols [43,44]. From a geological point of view, the area exhibits metamorphic, plutonic, volcanic, and sedimentary rocks [45]. ...
To effectively address land degradation, a clearer understanding of changes in soil quality indicators within agroecosystems is necessary, along with insights into how these indicators with land characteristics. This study aims to identify the minimum dataset (MDS) required to assess the soil quality index (SQI) across different land uses in the Guinean High Savana agroecological zone of Cameroon specifically in the Faro and Deo subdivision. A total of 100 topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, with 70 in GL, 22 in CL, and eight in NF. One-way ANOVA results clearly show significant differences across land use for N (p<0.0001), OC (p<0.0001), C:N ratio (p<0.0001), K (p<0.0001), Al (p<0.05), and silt fraction (p<0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to determine key soil indicators. These indicators were used to evaluate and compare the SQI across various land uses. The identified MDS includes organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH (water), silt fraction, sum of exchangeable bases (SEBs), total nitrogen (N), and magnesium (Mg). The different land use systems significantly influenced the variation of these soil parameters. The SQI was highest (0.55–0.60) in native forests (0.59), moderate (0.45–0.54) in grazing (0.50) land, and lowest (0.38–0.44) in cultivated lands (0.43), with the sequence of soil quality across land uses following the order: native forest > grazing land > cultivated lands. This study highlights the critical role of land use practices in influencing soil properties, soil quality, and the intensity of degradation. Therefore, the sustainable land management practices (agroforestry) are essential for maintaining and improving soil health, particularly in cultivated and grazing lands. Additionally, spatial and temporal variation of the selected MDS and SQI can offer further agricultural land use planning insights.
... Soil characteristics were estimated directly from a pickaxe and a hand-dug trial pit at the center of each plot. By horizon, soil texture was estimated with the feel method (FAO 2006), and the water content was estimated using the protocol of Baize and Jabiol (1995) and the pedotransfer functions developed by Jamagne et al. (1977). Lastly, the available water capacity (AWC; mm) was computed for each plot by multiplying the water content by soil depth considering the proportion of coarse elements. ...
Fagus sylvatica L. is a main forest tree species in Europe but has been subjected to massive decline events over the last decades. This phenomenon has been mainly attributed to the increase in drought frequency and intensity, but it is unclear how the local specificities in stand structure, climatic, soil and topographic conditions interact, and if statistical models are able to capture the high spatial and temporal variability in tree decline. To address this challenge, we measured 5380 Fagus sylvatica trees from 308 plots distributed in four regions of France with contrasting environmental conditions, and designed models predicting decline at both regional and national scales. These models aimed at assessing the percentage of stems by plot with at least 50% crown biomass loss based on 229 dendrometric, topographic, soil and climatic variables.
The climatic factors explained most of the variability in stand decline, especially the interannual climate variability from the 30-years mean in maximal temperature and in hydric deficit. Regional models were the most efficient in predicting beech decline in their calibration areas (Q² Stone-Geisser coefficient varied from 0.26 to 0.42) as they better consider the local environmental factors. They were less effective in the other regions, and the national model was an acceptable compromise on a larger scale. These statistical models provide valuable insights for forest managers and could be improved through a more detailed temporal stand monitoring to control the effects of management and decline dynamics.
... Root samples were obtained by excavating around the sample trees to a depth of 40 cm. Collected roots were classified into three diameter classes: fine (< 2 mm), medium (2-5 mm), and coarse (> 5 mm) (FAO, 1990). Although dry mass of the whole root biomass was measured, the chemical composition analysis was performed only on the coarse roots. ...
A rapid land use change from cropland to short-rotation forestry (SRF) with black wattle (Acacia mearnsii De Wild.) has taken place in northwest Ethiopia. The market demand for charcoal in urban areas is the main driver of the SRF expansion. Farmers grow A. mearnsii in 5-6 years rotations and they use the wood for charcoal production and fuel wood. We investigated the sustainability of the land use change through comparing nutrient budgets for the A. mearnsii plantations with teff (Eragrostis tef (Zucc.) Trotter) cultivation. We considered two harvest scenarios for A. mearnsii: whole biomass harvest and leaves retained on site. The average symbiotic nitrogen (N) fixation in the A. mearnsii stands was 175 kg N ha − 1 y − 1. However, we did not observe any net accumulation of total N in the soil. The results suggest that the A. mearnsii cultivation depends on soil organic matter mineralization to mobilize organically bound phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S), in order to sustain the biomass production. Furthermore, A. mearnsii cultivation increased the net excess export of base cations by 110 % compared to E. tef, even when leaves were retained on the site. This export further increased to 155 % under the whole biomass harvest scenario. Thus, the land use change to SRF will lead to an intensified soil acidification. The findings highlight the need for improved nutrient management practices. These include the recycling of biomass residues and ash and potentially P and S fertilization to ensure the long-term sustainability of A. mearnsii cultivation in the region.
... Soil samples were collected from open woodland (control; 26.39 ha) and exclosures for ten (EX10; 55.48), twenty (EX20; 368 ha), and thirty (EX30; 181.62 ha) years from December 2022 to February 2023, which were selected with the help of district agricultural officials, farmers, and satellite imagery. Soil samples were collected from each exclosure and an open woodland area using a random sampling (FAO, 2006). Accordingly, forest soil samples were taken from the four corners and the center in each plot at the depths of 0-25 and 25-50 cm. ...
Restoration through exclosure is an effective approach in the rehabilitation of degraded land and improves the resilience of ecosystems. Thus, the study aimed to analyze the effects of ages of exclosure on soil properties, evaluate associations between soil variables, and estimate the soil carbon and nitrogen storages in the North-eastern highlands of Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from four forest exclosure ages, viz., exclosure for 30 years (EX30), 20 years (EX20), and 10 years (EX10), and open woodland (OWL) as a control group across three slope positions (3–8%, 10–15%, and 15–30%). Seventy-two disturbed composite and undisturbed core soil samples were collected from two soil depths (0–25 cm and 20–50 cm) from all ages of exclosure. The variation and relationship in soil properties between ages of exclosure within slope positions and soil depths were analyzed using a General Linear Model (GLM) of multivariate analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), and Pearson correlation. We found significant (p < 0.001) differences in clay fraction and moisture content (MC %) among exclosures, slope positions, and soil depths, while silt content varied only by exclosure ages. However, sand content and bulk density (BD) decreased significantly with exclosure ages and slope position, while soil depth affected sand content. The study found significant (p < 0.001) differences in soil pH, organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorous (Av. P), exchangeable bases (Ex. Ca²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺, and Mg²⁺), and cation exchange capacity (CEC) across exclosure ages, slope positions, and soil depths, but no effect of soil depth on pH and Av. P. The correlation and principal component analyses revealed a strong and significant relationship between the increasing exclosure ages and critical soil parameters. Positive loadings were found for moisture content, soil organic carbon, available phosphorous, pH, total nitrogen, and basic cations, particularly over twenty years of exclosure. The present study revealed significant differences (p ≤ 0.001) in soil organic carbon (SOCs) and total nitrogen (TNs) content between exclosures, slope positions, and soil depths, with exclosure over 20 years had increased soil organic carbon stocks by over 30% and nitrogen stocks by 65% compared to open woodland. In general, it can be concluded that area exclosure results in better soil quality and carbon and nitrogen stocks than open woodland. Therefore, this assessment can provide essential insights into the effectiveness of conservation efforts and land management strategies in mitigating deforestation and land degradation, and serve as a benchmark for assessing progress towards national forest restoration targets by 2030.
... The stone content of the arable layer can also be determined using dimensionless values. Toscano et al. [7] citing also other works [8][9][10][11], propose to use the following relationships for this purpose: 1) Stoinees Degree (SD): ...
The current importance of using various methods of mechanical weed control. These methods are based on the action on the growing undesirable plants (weeds) in the soil of the working elements of tools carrying out mechanical weed elimination (knives, wide blades, chisels) used, for example, in weeders. Their direct contact with stones deposited in the cultivation layer of the field results in excessive, faster frictional wear or even destruction. Other machines at risk of damage from contact with stones are, for example, the cutting units of crop harvesting machines and the working units of combine harvesters for harvesting winter squash and sugar beet. The article identifies the hazards caused by stones in agricultural fields, related to hampering field work and worsening plant vegetation and harvesting conditions. Various stone removal methods are described and illustrated with technical examples. Spot removal of large stones and two-stage and one-stage harvesting from the entire field area are discussed. It was pointed out that the diverse range of machines available on the market makes it possible to fully mechanise the removal of stones, and that the high costs of such a procedure can be fully compensated by the removal of hazards to the working units of the machines and an increase in the quality of the crop.
... Horizon description characterizes soil genesis and structure providing standardized information on features such as soil colour (Kirillova et al. 2018) as well as physical (e.g., soil aggregation, texture, moisture, and air) (Iversen et al. 2001) and chemical constitution (redox reactions, composition and displacement of minerals) (Chadwick and Chorover 2001;Zhang and Furman 2021). However, the recording of soil profile information follows mainly national standards such as KA5 in Germany (Sponagel et al. 2005), USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service in the USA (Soil Survey Staff 2024), the Référentiel pédologique in France (Baize and Girard 2009) or, on an international scale, the FAO Guideline for Soil Description (FAO 2006) and is often still documented in field books or locally in digital storage with limited accessibility (Campbell et al. 2017). ...
Soil plays a paramount role in addressing complex challenges related to climate change, the agri‐food system, and ecosystem services. This importance makes soil research data highly relevant for meta‐analysis, research synthesis, modelling, and assessment. As data‐intensive techniques proliferate in studying global change impacts on agricultural systems, effective data management and reuse are essential. Repositories that adhere to the FAIR (Findability, Accessibility, Interoperability, and Reusability) principles are crucial for maximizing the value and efficiency of research data. While publishing in an Open Access repository is necessary for data reusability, it alone is not sufficient. Specialized repositories enhance data reuse potential by addressing discipline‐specific needs through targeted metadata and technical frameworks. The BonaRes Repository was developed for agricultural soil research data and is guided by the FAIR principles, with a focus on data reusability. Here, we introduce the repository's infrastructures and services, including specialized tools for data quality assurance and the management of soil profile as well as long‐term field experiment data. We emphasize the ability of these infrastructures and services to promote data publication and reuse specifically in soil and agricultural sciences. We review examples of data reuse, highlighting their scientific contributions to the understanding of soil and agricultural systems. Finally, we discuss the remaining challenges in achieving FAIR and open soil data publication and reusability. From 2018 to date, the BonaRes Repository has facilitated 815 data publications; 62 papers have reused the published data. Reuse applications range widely—from extracting study site metadata or environmental covariates to reanalysing (meta)data in light of new research questions, to developing scenarios and conducting model calibration and evaluation. A key insight from our review of data reuse is that researchers frequently apply reused data to advance method development. Initiatives such as reciprocal metadata harvesting and integration into larger national and international research data infrastructure will further expand the scope and reuse of the repository's data, including in broader agrosystems science.
... Their location was selected to cover the main morpho-pedological characteristics identified within the study area (Fig. 1). The soil profile in each pit was divided into horizons using the soil description method (FAO 2006) and a soil type according to the WRB classification was assigned to each soil profile (i.e., 4 in Cambisols, 3 in Calcisols, and 3 in Vertisols). The current and past cultivated layers were assigned to Ap horizons, the well-developed subsoil layers with evident pedological features were assigned to B horizons, and the poorly developed underlying layers with some characteristics similar to parent material were assigned to C horizons as illustrated in Figure 2. ...
Soil represents a significant reservoir of organic carbon within terrestrial ecosystems. Despite considerable research efforts, the factors that control the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) remain insufficiently understood, particularly in calcareous soils where recent studies have indicated potential interactions between inorganic and organic carbon pools. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of topography and physico-chemical soil properties on the distribution of soil organic carbon (SOC) in a small calcareous catchment cultivated with annual crops under a semi-arid Mediterranean climate (Kamech, Cape Bon, Northeast Tunisia). Soil samples were gathered from all horizons of ten soil profiles, selected to encompass the three primary soil types identified within the study catchment. As anticipated, the SOC contents were found to be low and to decrease significantly with increasing soil depth. It is noteworthy that significantly higher SOC levels were observed in Vertisols in comparison to Cambisols and Calcisols. The results indicated that clay content was the primary factor influencing SOC distribution in the studied soils. In addition, the topographical location of the profile was identified as a secondary factor in explaining lateral SOC distribution within the catchment. Furthermore, the study demonstrated a negative correlation between SOC and soil inorganic carbon (SIC), which is an unexpected result for semi-arid environments and requires further investigation.
... Target soil sampling technique was used and two profiles each dug across the four study sites. Soil sampling involved profiles as described by Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO, 2006). Thirty-seven (37) soil samples were collected, air-dried, sieved, and analyzed for physical and chemical properties. ...
... The samples were analysed in the laboratory to derive bulk density (BD), organic carbon (OC) content, and soil texture through the cylinder, loss on ignition (LOI) (Nelson and Sommers, 1982), and Bouyoucos (hydrometer) (Bouyoucos, 1962) methods, respectively. We derived percentages of sand, silt and clay using grain size distribution curves and FAO's textural classes (FAO, 2006). In some cases, BD could not be determined due to disturbances in the original sample. ...
... The slope of the watershed was reclassified based on the FAO (2006) guidelines to see evaluate the impact of slope class on erosion intensity and to ensure methodological consistency and comparability with global and regional erosion studies. The finding shows that the higher soil loss rate was noticed in areas where relatively large LS values were recorded (Figure 4g). ...
Soil erosion has emerged as a significant global concern, posing a critical challenge particularly affecting natural resources and agriculture in emerging nations. Understanding the extent and spatial pattern of soil erosion is vital for effective planning and the implementation of targeted soil conservation strategies, especially under limited resource conditions. This research was carried out in the Gununo watershed, where soil erosion endangers agricultural productivity and environmental health. Primary and secondary datasets such as coordinate points, soil samples, digital soil map, meteorological data, digital elevation model (DEM), and Landsat images were collected. Using RUSLE model in the GIS environment, this study calculated a mean annual soil loss, identified high-risk areas, and prioritized subwatersheds (WHs) for intervention. The overall analysis was carried out by multiplying input factors together in a raster calculator to quantify soil loss of the entire watershed. The analysis revealed that annual erosion varied between 0 and 360 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ , with an average of 22 t ha ⁻¹ yr ⁻¹ . Approximately 36% of the area was classified as experiencing moderate to very severe classes, contributing 72.2% of the annual soil loss. The finding indicated that cultivated and bare lands are the most vulnerable land use classes which comprise 73% of the annual loss. The northeast and central-west zones of the study area emerged as erosion hotspots. Based on average annual erosion rate, the subwatersheds WH-4, WH-5, WH-7, WH-8, WH-3, WH-9, WH-6, WH-2, WH-10, and WH-1, were assigned sequential priority levels from 1–10. Among these, the first six consecutive WHs, covering 57.5% of the total landmass, exceeded tolerable soil loss rates, highlighting their urgent need for intervention. This research highlights the significance of earth observation in advancing sustainable land management and contributing to the goals of the SDG 2030 agenda.
... The dominant textural classes were clay (30 samples), sandy clay loam (12 samples), sandy loam (12 samples), loam (6 samples), sandy clay (5 samples), loamy sand (4 samples), and silt loam (1 samples). The CaCO 3 content ranging from 48.0 to 146.7 g kg −1 , indicates that the soils are moderately to strongly calcareous[34]. ...
The concept of metal bioavailability in soils is increasingly becoming the key to addressing potential risks. Yet, space–time variations of heavy metal concentrations in salt-affected soils is still vague. The current work, therefore, is the first attempt to address spatial and seasonal analyses of heavy metals in a Mediterranean arid agroecosystem. This study was conducted in a coastal area in northeastern Egypt as an example. The DTPA-extractable concentrations of Cr, Co, Cu, Fe, Pb, Mn, Ni, and Zn in addition to the main properties of 70 georeferenced soil samples (0–30 cm) were determined during the wet (March) and dry (September) seasons. The results revealed that except for Cu, the concentrations of all the determined metals stood below the safe limits. On average, the concentrations of Cu were 4.1- and 5-fold the acceptable limit of 0.20 mg kg⁻¹, respectively. The statistical analysis indicated that seasonal variations greatly affect the concentrations of Mn, Ni, and Zn. Compared with the wet season, significant increases of 1.25, 1.50, and 1.28-fold in the concentrations of these metals occurred during the dry season, respectively. The principal component analysis affirmed that the presence of Cr, Co, Fe, and Ni was closely related to geogenic factors; meanwhile, agronomic practices were likely the main inputs of Cu, Pb, and Zn. The geostatistical analysis illustrated that the geographic variability of Cr, Fe, Mn, and Zn was due to interactions of natural and stochastic processes. Farming practices controlled the spatial variability of Ni, Pb (in the wet period), and Co (in the dry period). The effect of natural processes during the wet period was evident for Cu, which showed strong spatial variability. The kriged maps showed that the concentrations of Co, Fe, and Ni tended to increase seaward and were found to be affected by pH, salt ions, and exchangeable Na⁺. Moreover, both silt and organic matter content had profound impacts on the spatial distribution of Cr, while the distributions of Cu, Pb, and Zn were linked to that of CaCO3 content. The suggested mechanisms governing metal bioavailability were sorption and complexation with ligands (for Co, Fe, and Ni), redox potential (for Cr), dissolution–precipitation (for Mn), and ion exchange (for Cu, Pb, and Zn). The results of this study affirm that drying–wetting cycles and spatial distribution affect the bioavailability of heavy metals in coastal salt-affected soils of arid regions. These findings imply that seasonality (wet and dry) and spatiality should be considered for monitoring and rehabilitation of degraded soils under similar ecological conditions.
... Their location was selected to cover the main diversity of morphopedological characteristics identified within the study area (Fig. 1). Each soil pit was described in terms of a sequence of horizons according to the guidelines for soil description (FAO, 2006). We sampled 3 profiles in the Calcisols, 4 in the Vertisols and 4 in the Cambisols. ...
... For the mineral soil, we used samples from the 0-10 cm depth interval. The soil organic carbon (SOC) concentrations were determined for both, humus and mineral soil samples by ignition at approximately 500 °C (Davies 1974;FAO 2006). The total nitrogen (N) content of both samples was analysed using the semimicro Kjeldahl method (Bremner 1960). ...
Aims: To explore the relationship between plant communities and key environmental drivers in the Andes of northwest Patagonia, Argentina, and to evaluate the applicability of traditional phytosociological definitions to this region. Methods: We conducted 141 vegetation samples using a stratified systematic sampling design. This was done along two steep gradients of aridity and temperature, which are further modified by local factors that include successional changes due to fire and soil variation. We employed a series of multivariate approaches, including hierarchical clustering, Indicator Species Analysis (ISA), restricted Monte Carlo permutation tests, and both constrained and unconstrained ordinations, to identify (a) the main plant community types, (b) their representative species, and (c) the primary drivers of variation in species composition. Finally, we compared the obtained groups and species to associations described by earlier expert-based classifications. Results: From the set of analyses, we identified six different plant community types with 241 recorded species. We found significant differences across communities’ species composition and their environmental indicators. Among the considered environmental variables, elevation and annual precipitation had the strongest effect on species composition. Additionally, variation in composition was significantly related to forest structure, land use and soil characteristics. We further outlined the influence of locally biased classifications based on a predominance of sampling in areas western to the Andes in classification systems developed in the region. Conclusion: Our analysis allowed us to identify the most relevant environmental drivers and indicator species of the six classified plant communities based on numerical methods. The findings highlight the importance of considering full ecological gradients and communities’ responses for developing stable classification approaches.
Taxonomic reference: Anton and Zuloaga (2023).
Abbreviations: db-RDA = distance-based Redundancy Analysis; ISA = Indicator Species Analysis; NMDS = Non-metric Multi-Dimensional Scaling.
... All genetic horizons of the investigated paleosols were studied in accordance with the "Guidelines for Soil Descriptions" (FAO, 2006). Field interpretation of paleosols was performed according to IUSS Working Group WRB (2022). ...
The central European loess-paleosol sequence (Marine Oxygen Isotope Stage (MIS) 6-2) at three sites located in northwestern Ukraine, in the transitional area between the oceanic and continental climates, has been studied using micromorphological, grain-size, pollen, and magnetic methods. The sequence is characterized by a well-developed pedocomplex S1 (correlative of MIS 5), comprising four soils, and three interstadial soils within loess L1 (MIS 4-2). The soils of S1 are synsedimentary, indicating a dynamic depositional environment with pulses of aeolian sand sedimentation from late MIS 6 to MIS 5a. From various cryogenic features, the permafrost aggradation for MIS 6, 4, and 2, and deep seasonal freezing for MIS 5d and 5b were reconstructed. Distinct redoximorphic features of the loess units, widespread solifluction, well-developed periglacial phenomena, and very low magnetic susceptibility values for the loess-paleosol sequence of northwestern Ukraine reveal its similarity to those of the central European loess subdomain of the northern European loess belt. The low concentration of fer-rimagnetic minerals in the parent material and intensive processes of physical and chemical weathering are reflected in the specific model of magnetic enhancement of the studied sequence, which is transitional between the "Chinese" (pedogenic) and "Alaskan" (reducing-pedogenic) models.
... The color was evaluated using a wetted and mixed soil sample with the Munsell soil color chart [45]. Stone content (based on visual evaluation), CaCO 3 (droplet application of 10% HCl, visual and sound evaluation for foam presence or effervescence) and mottle presence (visual evaluation) were assessed following the FAO procedure [46]. Up to December 2023, 256 locations were sampled; out of these, 50 locations were resampled to collect soil material for laboratory analysis of particle size distribution (sand, silt and clay content according to DIN ISO 11277 [47] using the SEDIMAT 4-12 (Umwelt-Geräte-Technik GmbH, Müncheberg, Germany)), total organic C and N, pH and extractable P and K. ...
Agro-ecosystem models are useful tools to assess crop diversification strategies or management adaptations to within-field heterogeneities, but require proper simulation of soil water dynamics, which are crucial for crop growth. To simulate these, the model requires soil hydraulic parameter inputs which are often derived using pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Various PTFs are available and show varying performance; therefore, in this study, we calibrated and validated an agro-ecosystem model using the Hypres PTF and the German Manual of Soil Mapping approach and adjusting bulk density for the top- and subsoil. Experimental data were collected at the “patchCROP” landscape laboratory in Brandenburg, Germany. The daily volumetric soil water content (SWC) at 12 locations and above ground biomass at flowering were used to evaluate model performance. The findings highlight the importance of calibrating agro-ecosystem models for spatially heterogeneous soil conditions not only for crop growth parameters, but also for soil water-related processes—in this case by PTF choice—in order to capture the interplay of top- and especially subsoil heterogeneity, climate, crop management, soil moisture dynamics and crop growth and their variability within a field. The results showed that while the impact of bulk density was rather small, the PTF choice led to differences in simulating SWC and biomass. Employing the Hypres PTF, the model was able to simulate the climate and seasonal crop growth interactions at contrasting soil conditions for soil moisture and biomass reasonably well. The model error in SWC was largest after intense rainfall events for locations with a loamy subsoil texture. The validated model has the potential to be used to study the impact of management practices on soil moisture dynamics under heterogeneous soil and crop conditions.
... The soil drainage classes observed ranged from moderate to imperfectly drained and poorly drained. In each pit, soil profiles were morphologically described, and both disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected following FAO guidelines (FAO 2006). ...
Globally speaking, academic research assumes that soils affected by water stagnation have a significant constraint, especially concerning their productivity and environmental benefits. In the surrounding landscape of northern Ávila Province (northern Spanish Central System), where many small farmers and livestock breeders of the region live, there are areas that are periodically flooded. This study examines the impact of hydromorphism on soil features and formation in La Moraña, a region with arkosic and aeolic sands; it also investigates the soil's role in sustainable waterlogged agro‐silvopastoral development. The main land uses are agriculture, pastures or pine forests. The soils show acidic to alkaline reaction (pH 5.6 to 9.1), with sandy to loamy textures, and contain moderate to high levels of organic matter (1.7% to 8.0%) and total nitrogen (0.01% to 0.26%) contents. A moderate to medium cation exchange capacity (CEC) (3.13 to 15 cmol kg⁻¹) and high base saturation status (72% to 81%) were observed. In both soil groups (Cambisols and Arenosols), the predominant soil cations were Ca²⁺ (0.7 to 25.7 cmol kg⁻¹) and Na⁺ (0.19 to 9.5 cmol kg⁻¹), while K⁺ was present in minor amounts. Given the nature of the original material, although the carbonate content of the parent material lay below the detection limit, high carbonate contents greater than 25% were observed in certain horizons (Bkg of profiles 1 and 2). Weak gleization was observed in all profiles, with grey colours (light to dark) in the subsurface horizons, denoting some effects of iron reduction, resulting from a dual action of pluviometry and a practically flat topography; and occasionally flooding or water‐table rise. In addition, hydromorphic conditions can also develop due to soil compaction. So, the major soil‐forming processes are accumulation of organic matter and brunification in drained conditions. While litter formation in conditions of high moisture, and weak gleization against excessive moisture are the dominant processes. La Moraña's soils stay productive through agroforestry and crop rotations, preserving their potential despite their hydromorphic nature.
... Samples were taken from the top of the organic layer down to a depth of up to 30 cm. The samples were separated into soil horizons OL, OF, OH (Zanella et al. 2019), A, B w and C w (IUSS Working Group WRB 2015, FAO 2006 in situ. The respective soils are characterized by a high fine scale variability as described by Kolb and Kohlpaintner (2018) for similar situations. ...
... The morphological characteristics of each pedon are described (CBDSA, 1983;FAO, 2006), as the colour (dry and moist), structure, consistence and accumulations in each genetic horizon. The following soil properties are analysed: granulometry, stoniness, aggregate stability, organic matter, pH, electrical conductivity of saturated paste extract (ECe), total nitrogen, Olsen phosphorous (P-Olsen), cation exchange capacity (CEC) and base saturation. ...
Montes de Zuera has been catalogued within Natura Network because are composed of a dense and divers forest of Aleppo pine, very unusual in the context of the semiarid Ebro Valley. Because the lack of soil information in this area, a toposequence of forest soils developed on limestones and marls of Aragonian (middle-upper Miocene) has been studied. The morphological, physical and chemical properties of five soil profiles were determined along a hillslope using official methods. Soils were classified using the Soil Taxonomy System (STS) and the World Reference Base (WRB). The soils have a fine texture, mainly clay-loam in surface horizons and silty-clay-loam in subsurface horizons. The water holding capacity of soil profile increases gradually from the upper part to the base of the hillslope. Soils have a high percentage of organic matter at surface, which decreases gradually with depth. Soil organic matter is significantly and positively correlated with soil aggregate stability and water holding capacity, at various tensions. The calcium carbonate content is higher than 40% in all the surface horizons, and increases with depth. Dense forest cover facilitates the accumulation of organic matter at surface and, in spite of high carbonate content, a mollic horizon can be defined in the different profiles studied. These mollic epipedons are thiner in the upper part than in the base of the hillslope. Secondary accumulation morphologies, specifically pseudomycelia, were only found in profiles at the base of the hillslope. With these properties, the soils mainly belong to Haploxerolls group (Rendzic Phaeozem by WRB) with differences at subgroup level (STS) related to its position along the slope: mollic on a lithic contact in the headslope (Lithic Haploxeroll), a mollic horizon of variable thickness in the rectilinear slope (Pachic or Entic Haploxeroll), with secondary carbonates in the footslope (Pachic Calcixeroll) or fluventic properties in the contact with bottom valley (Fluventic Haploxeroll).
... Soil survey was conducted according to the Soil Evaluation and Classification Manual and the Guidelines for Soil Profile Description (12). According to the instruction document, the profile was excavated and described in detail and soil samples were analyzed according to the generation layer. ...
This study aims to assess the potential of soil and its constraints for production to meet economic needs and diversify types of crop models of Vinh Long province in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region. Identifying the main constraints of the soil is the basis for reasonable land arrangement and proposing measures to maintain and improve the soil characteristics suitable for each crop type and purpose of use. The study used survey methods, interviewed farmers about the current farming situation and collected soil samples to analyze physical and chemical properties. Research results show that in Vinh Long, for three main crops, namely rice, fruit trees (grapefruit trees) and sweet potatoes, the primary constraints are a potential and active acid sulfate and low pH soil. In addition, Al toxicity causes phosphorus fixation, the exchangeable K content is low and the organic matter is only moderate. These limitations have affected crop productivity, especially for fruit trees. The research results also recommended improving soil properties suitable for the cultivation of major crops, including controlling the water level so as not to oxidize the sulfidic material to active acid sulfate soils, draining the water at the beginning of the season rain to leach the toxicity in the soil and need to fertilize with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium supplements for a long time, divided into several times of application.
This book discusses indigenous practices and obstacles faced by farmers conducting shifting cultivation (jhum) in North-east India and suggests methods of soil fertility improvement through e.g. microbial-mediated rejuvenation of forest fallows as a sustainable approach for mitigating deteriorating jhum lands and enhancing their productivity. Shifting cultivation has experienced a decline in crop productivity due to high population density and shortened fallow length that has impacted upon farmers' socio-economic status, and raised concerns regarding food security and environmental conservation. As shifting cultivation is conducted in moist tropical forests globally supporting millions of people, there is the potential to benefit many populations. This book is suitable for researchers, policy makers, development agencies, NGOs and farmers to formulate strategies that conserve the biodiversity, environment, soil health and traditions of tribal farming communities.
Flood risk in West Africa, particularly Nigeria, has significantly increased over the past five decades due to changing hydrological conditions, insufficient mitigation measures, and limited adaptation efforts. This study addresses the need for accurate and high-resolution data to support effective disaster risk management. Leveraging open-access remote sensing and geospatial data, we trained machine learning models to produce 30-meter resolution flood susceptibility maps for Nigeria. We compared four Digital Elevation Models (DEMs) and four hydrological methods (D8, D-inf, FD8, and Rho8) to model water flow direction and accumulation. Additional flood-influencing factors, such as land cover, soil characteristics, and proximity to water bodies, were also incorporated. Three models were developed and evaluated: random forest (RF), binary logistic regression (LG), and linear discriminant analysis (LDA). Across all models, the highest accuracy was achieved using the Copernicus DEM in combination with the D8 and FD8 methods. Model performance was validated against a major flood event in 2022, demonstrating a strong predictive capability. To reconcile differences among model outputs, we created an ensemble map that consolidates their strengths while accounting for uncertainty. We also estimated the population exposed to flood risk and found that approximately 11 million people in Nigeria currently live in flood-prone areas. This approach offers valuable insights for stakeholders seeking to strengthen localized disaster risk management. We discuss study limitations and outline directions for future research. To promote transparency and reproducibility, we provide the scripts used to generate the flood susceptibility maps, along with our final output maps for Nigeria: https://figshare.com/s/dc2318c9884f57b22c0d.
Soil nitrogen (N) is critical for crop yield. Although previous studies have shown that straw return enhances soil mineral N availability, the response of soil aggregate microbes to straw return and its impact on soil mineral N availability remains unclear. We conducted a 13-year experiment to explore how soil N mineralization potential, fungi, and bacteria within soil aggregates responded to straw return. Our findings indicated that straw return significantly increased mineral N concentrations in soil macroaggregates, with no statistically significant effect observed on microaggregate composition. We observed increased microbial community α-diversity, enhanced co-occurrence network stability, and an increase in functional groups associated with N (nitrate respiration, denitrification, nitrite denitrification) and carbon (saprotrophs, saprotroph–symbiotrophs, patho-saprotrophs) cycling within the aggregates. Additionally, microorganisms in macroaggregates were influenced by total N, while those in microaggregates were affected by soil total organic carbon and C–N ratio. A sensitivity network analysis identified specific microorganisms responding to straw return. Within macroaggregates, microbial community shifts explained 42.88% of mineral N variation, with bacterial and fungal β-diversity contributing 27.82% and 12.58%, respectively. Moreover, straw return upregulated N-cycling genes (N ammonification: sub, ureC, and chiA; nitrification: amoA-AOB; denitrification: nirK, nirS, nosZ, norB, and narG; and N fixation: nifH) in macroaggregates. Partial least squares path modeling revealed that N availability in macroaggregates was mainly driven by ammonification, with bacterial β-diversity explaining 23.22% and fungal β-diversity 15.16% of the variation. Our study reveals that macroaggregates, which play a crucial role in soil N supply, are highly sensitive to tillage practices. This finding provides a practical approach to reducing reliance on synthetic N fertilizers by promoting microbial-mediated N cycling, while sustaining high crop yields in intensive agricultural systems.
This study evaluated soil organic carbon stocks under different agricultural land uses (cacao, oil palm, fallow, and secondary forest) with a view to understanding the impact of land use management practices and soil depth on soil organic carbon stocks. The research focused on Ultisols (USDA Soil Taxonomy), a highly weathered soil type classified as Ferric Acrisol (WRB) from Ile-Ife, Nigeria, in the year 2022. Soil samples were collected to analyze particle size distribution, bulk density, pH, and organic carbon content, while soil organic carbon stocks were calculated using a standard equation. The results showed that land use had a more pronounced effect on the upper soil horizon compared to deeper layers, with oil palm plantations exhibiting the highest soil organic matter content and soil organic carbon stock concentration in surface soils. These findings suggest that cultivating tree crops and implementing afforestation contribute to carbon storage and protection within the soil. Additionally, the study identified the potential of subsoil horizons to account for more than half of the total soil organic carbon stocks, underscoring the importance of further investigations into deeper tropical soil layers.
Fertilization plays a crucial role in enhancing pomegranate production; however, studies on the nutrient dynamics in pomegranate leaves and the influence of genotype-specific factors remain limited. This study investigated the nutrient content of leaves from a Moroccan ex-situ collection of pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) cultivars, focusing on both macro-elements (total nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg)) and micronutrients (sodium (Na), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), and copper (Cu)), and explored their correlation with potential fruit yield, vegetative traits, and fruit quality. The results revealed significant variations in leaf nutrient content among the pomegranate cultivars. Notably, 'Zheri Precoce' and 'Godro de Jativa' demonstrated the highest macronutrient levels, averaging 1.31% nitrogen, 0.35% phosphorus, and 0.74% potassium. In contrast, 'Sefri' and 'Mollar Osin Hueso' recorded the lowest values, with 0.77%, 0.23%, and 0.69% for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, respectively. A strong positive correlation was found between the leaf nitrogen content and shoot length (r = 0.791), and fruit amino acid levels (r = 0.620). In addition, fruit cracking was significantly correlated with leaf calcium (r = 0.753), nitrogen (0.662), and potassium contents (r = 0.578). These findings suggest that leaf nutrient status can serve as a reliable indicator of fruit yield, vegetative growth, and biochemical quality. This research provides valuable insights into optimizing fertilization strategies for improved pomegranate production and highlights the importance of leaf nutrient composition in breeding and cultivation practices.
Soil degradation has continued to increase in recent decades, affecting their productivity and jeopardizing food security as a result. Agroforestry is among the recommended practices to restore soil fertility. In Morocco, this practice is generally based on the olive tree and annual crops. Furthermore, the olive tree occupies an important and exceptional place in the national agricultural strategy. However, the olive yields remain below the potentialities of the sector. Therefore, this work aimed to investigate the effects of different intercropping systems: olive-chickpea, olive-faba bean, olive-lentil, and olive-soft wheat, on cv. Haouzia olive tree productivity and quality in the Saiss region of Morocco. Indeed, soil samples (0–30 cm) and olive leaves were taken during 4 stages of olive cultivation to monitor soil fertility and the nutritional status of the olive tree in the four intercropping systems studied as well as in monoculture. The results showed that all intercropping crops did not decrease the olive tree yield compared to the olive tree in monoculture. However, olive leaf potassium levels were higher for olive trees without intercropping in the olive fruit growth stage. Soil organic matter content significantly improved for olive-chickpea and olive-lentil treatments compared to monoculture and to the other intercropping. The findings suggested that using agroforestry intercropping systems can be an effective practice for the sustainable production of olive orchards. Legumes, especially chickpeas, could present good crops to associate with the olive tree. It could optimize olive trees productivity, preserve soil fertility, and ensure more returns to farmers.
The potential of alluvial geoarchives for revealing the Holocene landscape history of a Central European low mountain range was systematically evaluated. Sedimentary stream sections and their surroundings in the headwaters of the Izera river at an altitude of approx. 830 m a.s.l. were analysed. An interdisciplinary approach was applied, using data from sedimentology, geochemistry, applied geophysics, palaeobotany, dendrochronology, and historical sciences. Two 250 cm-thick profiles show a variety of alluvial sediment types, including fluvial gravel, sand and silt, lacustrine silt, and peat. Subfossil wood, i.e. coarse woody debris consisting of spruce, was found in certain layers in the profiles as well as in the surrounding stream sections. It dates from the mid-to the late Holocene. Palynological and radiometric data show that the alluvial fillings were formed since the turn of the early to the mid-Holocene. Forest phases were synthesised from the locally available pollen data, which prove a local dominance of spruce forests since the Atlantic biozone. First anthropogenic impulses became evident in the Subboreal in the form of grazing indicators. Human-induced changes in the tree species composition did not take place before the late Subatlantic, i.e. in the 13th century. Historical documents point to the very late clearing of the local mountain forest in the 17th century and the establishment of a scattered settlement. The obtained chronologically long alluvial record since the mid-Holocene represents a new feature compared to the stream fillings previously investigated in the adjacent low mountain ranges. The studied alluvial geoarchive complements well the long-term environmental record derived from peat-bogs in the region.
Soil salinity is a major global challenge, reducing fertility and crop productivity. This study evaluated the effects of various soil management practices on the physical, chemical, and microbial properties of saline soils. Six treatments, combining loosening, ploughing, disking, and gypsum amendment, were applied to solonetzic meadow soil with high sodium levels. Soil penetration resistance was measured using a Penetronik penetrometer, while chemical analyses included pH, total salt content, calcium carbonate (CaCO3), humus, and exchangeable cations (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺). Microbial composition was determined through DNA extraction and nanopore sequencing. The results showed that level A had the lowest penetration resistance (333 ± 200 N/m²), indicating better conditions for plant growth. Gypsum and loosening treatment significantly improved penetration resistance (141 N/m², p < 0.001), while gypsum amendment enhanced chemical properties (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, and p < 0.001). Gypsum application balanced soil parameters and influenced microbial communities. Reduced tillage favored functionally important microbial genera but did not support fungal diversity (p > 0.05). These findings highlight the effectiveness of gypsum amendment and tillage practices, like loosening and disking, in mitigating salinity stress and fostering beneficial microbial communities. Combining gypsum with these tillage methods proved most effective in enhancing soil health, offering insights for sustainable soil management in saline environments.
A well-calibrated and evaluated GROPGRO module of the Decision Support System for Agro-technological Transfer (DSSAT) was used to simulate productivity of soybean in northern Nigeria under climate change. Both historical (1990–2019) and projected climate scenarios from 5 general circulation models (GCMs) under two representative concentration pathways (RCP 4.5 and RCP 8.5) in the mid-century (2040–2069) and end of the century (2070–2099) periods were used. Depending on climate scenario, the minimum temperature is expected to rise by 1.7–4.4oC at Kano in the Sudan savanna (SS) agroecological zone (AEZ) and 1.4–4.0oC at Zaria in the northern Guinea savanna (NGS) AEZ, while maximum temperatures are projected to increase by 1.7–4.1oC in the SS and 1.3–3.6oC in the NGS. Seasonal average rainfall will increase by 4.8–14.5% in the SS and decrease by 2.6–3.8% in the NGS, relative to the baseline climate. The model predicted delaying trends for days to flowering and maturity for both varieties in all climate scenarios in the two AEZs. Despite the delay in flowering and increase in crop cycle length, climate change will result in grain yield reduction in most of the future scenarios. Across location, variety and time slice, the grain yield will decline by between 8.4 and 23.6% under RCP4.5 scenario, with much higher decline by between 28.7 and 51.4% under RCP 8.5 scenario. However, using the early maturing variety can reduce the adverse effects of climate change on grain yield. On average, the yield of the early-maturing TGX1835-10E is predicted to be 15.2% higher under RCP4.5 scenario and up to 21.7% under RCP8.5 than that of the medium-maturing TGX1951-3F for both centuries in the SS AEZ. In the NGS, the average yield of TGX1835-10E is predicted to be 9.0% and 7.5% higher than that of TGX1951-3F under RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, respectively. Using early-maturing soybean varieties is a key management strategy to boost the resilience of soybean production in Nigeria’s savannas under climate change conditions.
Forest and land fires are still a major issue in Indonesia, especially in Riau Province, where they have a negative influence on economic productivity, environmental
stability, and public health. These problems still exist despite the implementation of corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs and government regulations. This
research investigates the strategic role of CSR communication by PT Kilang Pertamina Internasional RU I I in empowering communities to prevent and manage forest
fires. The study aims to analyze the effectiveness of CSR communication in building community resilience and promoting sustainable environmental practices. Using a
mixed-methods approach, data were collected through surveys and interviews involving 145 community members actively participating in CSR programs, selected
through purposive sampling. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, while qualitative insights were processed with Huberman and Miles’ inter�active model. The findings demonstrate that CSR communication significantly enhances community awareness, participation, and preparedness in preventing forest
fires. The study also emphasizes how crucial it is to build enduring relationships between communities and businesses in order to successfully address environmental
issues. Through the provision of an organized framework for business initiatives aimed at environmental stewardship, this research adds to the conversation on CSR
communication. The study offers practical insights for stakeholders, emphasizing the potential of CSR communication to drive meaningful and sustainable community
action in high-risk regions. The findings contribute to the global discourse on CSR by demonstrating the transformative potential of localized innovations, such as the
Nozzle Gambut, in addressing environmental challenges while fostering economic resilience
In the south of the East European Plain, within the boundaries of the city of Elista, a loess-paleosol sequence has been discovered in which the Late Pleistocene of the Salyn interglacial paleosol has been uncovered. The aim of the study is to obtain new knowledge about pedogenesis and conditions of paleosol formation in one of the poorly studied regions of the East European Plain during the Late Pleistocene. Multi-proxy analysis (particle-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, loss on ignition, color, and micromorphology) with high-resolution sampling along the Elista section was applied to reconstruct the paleosol cover. Two OSL dates were obtained to refine the age, which confirmed the paleosol age consistent with MIS 5e. In the loess-paleosol sequence of the Elista section, the Salyn interglacial paleosol (MIS 5e) is morphologically similar to Calcic Kastanozems (or Aridisols), characteristic of the modern soil cover in the study area. It is revealed that the interglacial soil formation was passing into the «waning» stage, which was a precursor of climate change and the onset of the ice age. In this transitional interval, the Salyn interglacial paleosol, due to increased climate aridization, developed according to the type of modern Calcic Gypsic Kastanozems (or Gypsids). In hyperarid conditions, its profile corresponded to Calcisols (or Calcids).
Purpose
When sediments are deposited on land, large themodynamic disequlibria are induced. We studied early pedogenesis of sediments deposited between 1971 and 2016 in a depot with a well-known history to characterize transformation processes and estimate their rate of transformation into Technosols.
Methods
Total and extractable concentrations of elements were determined in samples from several depths of four sampling pits. Surface samples were subjected to mineralogical investigations and weathering cell test. Investigations focused on sulfur (S) dynamics, but iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) transformation and trace metals were also studied.
Results
Concentrations of soluble salts were low in leachates from older sediments. Oxidation progressed downwards through the profiles converting sulfides to sulfates (SO4²⁻) at a rate of about 6–10 cm per year and this was faster in sediments with high sand content. There were significant amounts of S left in the sediments also after depletion of leachable SO4²⁻ but weathering cell tests indicate that this pool is not reactive. Leaching of trace metals was generally low and did not increase with sulfide oxidation, indicating that released metals redistributed quickly to scavengers, probably newly formed Fe and Mn (hydr)oxides and organic matter.
Conclusion
The first processes occurring after sediment deposition are the release of soluble salts, including SO4²⁻ kinetically controlled by the oxidation of sulfides. The evolution during this critical stage may not be fully captured by the total trace metal content and simple leaching tests. For sediment managers, we recommend complementing sediment assessment with analysis of total S and in the case of high S content with the weathering cell test.
As the mass of human-made materials now surpasses that of Earth’s total dry biomass, there is a critical need for sedimentologists to account for anthropogenic materials when analyzing depositional environments. To address this, a classification scheme is presented that extends traditional sedimentological models to encompass the diversity of modern sediments and their complex dynamics. Through relying on established sedimentological principles, the framework incorporates bed-scale, grain-scale, and sedimentary structure descriptors, as well as a methodology for describing the composition of a deposit and flexible nomenclature. It is designed to be integrative and adaptable, permitting the incorporation of additional descriptions as necessary, and is applicable across depositional settings that are dominated by either natural or anthropogenic processes. The scheme offers a practical, systematic approach to categorize and analyze the textures and structures of anthropogenic sediments, facilitating the reconstruction of modern and geologically recent environments. This unifying starting point enables more detailed predictions of material behavior and their environmental impacts, with implications for recycling, reuse, and management strategies. Furthermore, standardized nomenclature will enhance the capacity for data comparability across field sites, facilitating further understanding of our environment. Applications of this classification scheme include many interdisciplinary possibilities, overlapping with archeology, environmental monitoring, and engineering. By adopting this classification, sedimentologists can forge a deeper understanding of the stratigraphic record of the Anthropocene, contribute to developing more comprehensive strategies to manage Earth’s changing landscapes, and better understand our future geological record.
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