Purpose Fallowing is an improvement process aimed at promoting the soil health and the sustainability of cultivated land. How it affects the soil health-related abiotic properties and microbial community composition under different levels of cadmium (Cd) contamination is not well known. Materials and methods This study involved applying consistent fallowing practices to paddy soils of low and high

Purpose The current study aimed to (1) investigate the responses of N gases (NO, N2O, and N2) and mineral N (NH4+, NO2−, and NO3−) to the different O2 availability; (2) better understand the importance of O2 availability on N2O production pathways; and (3) provide evidence for making N2O mitigation measures in this agricultural soil. Materials and methods An incubation experiment with a fluvo-aquic

Purpose Presence of heavy metals in urban agriculture is considered a major ecological risk. The aim of this research is to determine concentrations and background values of heavy metals in urban agricultural soils in Yaoundé (Cameroon), in order to assess the degree of soil pollution and to evaluate ecological risk. Methods Forty-five composite soil samples were taken from three market garden sites

Purpose Mineral-organic associations (MOAs) are the basic structural units of soil aggregates and are important reservoirs of nutrients for plants and soil microorganisms, determining the soil structure and fertility. However, the influence of exogenous dissolved organic matter (DOM) chemistry on the stability of MOAs is rarely reported. Materials and methods We first characterized different exogenous

Purpose A novel concept of suspended sediment (SS) routing through a small reservoir is proposed that relies on the particle properties in the reservoir inflow. Methods The SS routing through the reservoir is described following the single continuous stirred tank reactor concept with only one model parameter, the SS decay coefficient. This parameter is linked to the sediment settling velocity and water

Purpose Assessments of urban soil organic carbon stock (SOCS) are scant because citywide data are scarce. Moreover, we do not know which factors mostly explain SOCS spatial and temporal variations in urban open soils. Methods To fill these knowledge gaps, the present study focused on Paris (France): two periods (1993–2007 and 2008–2016) were compared to better understand SOCS changes at 0–30 cm depth

Purpose The organic components in fresh litters are important chemical traits for evaluating the initial quality that controls decomposition of plant litter. This study aimed to assess the seasonal dynamics and drivers of organic components in four dominant fresh litters and their variations at different gap positions in an alpine forest on the eastern Tibetan Plateau. Materials and methods We measured

Purpose Biochar can improve soil nutrient retention and alleviate salinity; however, use is not widespread due to cost. Biochar is usually co-applied with a full-rate of supplementary fertiliser before planting. This study investigated co-application of bamboo biochar with organic fertiliser and amendments on nutrient cycling, plant growth, yield and commercial value of ginger. Methods Four treatments

Purpose Loess in Northern Italy has been usually considered deposited during the MIS 4-2 period, which corresponds to the last Pleistocene glacial cycle. In particular, no absolute dating evidenced loess depositions older than ca. 89 ka. We investigated two strongly rubified soil profiles in the southern margin of the Alpine range in Lombardy to prove their aeolian origin and age of formation. Methods

Purpose Suspended particulate matter (SPM) transport through rivers is a major vector of nutrients and pollutants to continental shelf areas. To develop efficient sediment management strategies, there is a need to obtain quantitative information on SPM sources. For many years, the geochemical properties of SPM have been commonly used as tracers to identify sediment sources. In large watersheds, with

Purpose Phosphorus (P) loss from the soil due to leaching is affected by plant roots and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). This paper aimed to (i) analyze the effects of plant roots and AMF on P concentrations in interflow and P loss from the soil due to leaching and (ii) explain whether there were interaction effects between plant roots and AMF on the loss of P from soils due to leaching. Material

Purpose Sediment is a good substrate for microorganism colonization in aqueous environments. The secretion of metabolic products by microorganism induces biofilm growth on sediment surfaces, which further affects their interaction with pollutants and exerts important impacts on aqueous ecosystems. In this study, the effects of biofilm on the phosphorus (P) adsorption of sediment were quantified. Methods

Purpose The intensive cultivation of turfgrass requires a high quantity of water and fertilizer. The fertilizers can leach and reach groundwater or be transported by run-off to water surface. It is necessary to improve irrigation and fertilization techniques to guarantee water and fertilizer optimal use and avoid contamination. The objectives were to analyze water flow and nitrate transport using the

Purpose Organic amendments greatly influence soil functions and biochemical processes that are driven by soil active microbiota. Yet, how organic fertilization impacts transcriptionally active microbes and impacts soil ecosystem functions is still largely unknown. In this study, the variations of RNA-based soil active bacteria and multifunctionality in response to long-term organic fertilization were

Purpose Soil moisture is the main factor limiting the growth of vegetation in semiarid areas. A large area of the Loess Plateau has undergone vegetation restoration efforts following an afforestation program initiated in 1999. Understanding how soil moisture responded to afforestation is important for long-term sustainability of ecological restoration measures in this area, especially because the tree

Purpose It has been well reported in many studies globally that the increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration has positively influenced plant growth in the past century. However, it is crucial to understand how long the tree growth trend will remain alongside the rising CO2 concentration before it is tipped over. Methods In this study, we focused on studying the long-term tree growth

Purpose As soil hydraulic characteristics, including near-saturated hydraulic conductivity and water retention, influence slope stability and erosion development, this study aimed at the spatial distribution patterns of hydraulic properties along the Benggang slopes for a better understanding of the development mechanisms of Benggang erosion in southern China. Materials and methods Near-saturated hydraulic

Purpose Understanding the microbial linkages among the soils, plants, and animals is crucial for maintaining the balance of the grazed grassland ecosystem. However, previous studies always focused on the biotopes of soil, phyllosphere, and feces separately and little has been known about microbial distributions and migrations among these biotopes. In this study, systematic surveys about the overlap

Purpose Phosphorus (P) is often the main limiting factor for plant growth in highly weathered tropical soils. Phosphate use efficiency and crop yields could be increased in low-input agroecosystems through cropping systems that favor organic matter accumulation or regular additions of composts and manure. Our objective was to determine the amounts and forms of P according to companion crops (Brachiaria

Purpose Biochar amendment is commonly applied to ameliorate soil environment and alleviate nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, while our understanding of biochar effects on microbial community and nitrogen transformation traits of orchard root region soil is limited. Methods We observed the composition and diversity of bacterial, fungal, and archaeal communities in apple root region (non-rhizosphere, rhizosphere

Purpose Sustainable management of riparian zone soils is required to ensure the health of natural ecosystems and maintenance of soil nitrogen (N) pools and soil N cycling. However, the effect of revegetation type and age on soil N pools remains poorly understood. Materials and methods This study compiled data from published articles to understand the effects of revegetation types and age on soil total

Purpose Humic acid (HA) plays vital roles in controlling the conservation of soil and water in the forest soils. The structure of HA is closely related to its stability. A clear understanding of the structural difference of HA will facilitate the rational assessment and efficient regulation of forest soils. This study aimed to investigate the structural difference of HA in the forest soils, and the

Propose Soil organic matter (SOM) content is one critical indicator of agricultural sustainability. Analyzing the spatial distribution and temporal variation of SOM content and its influencing factors at the watershed scale is essential for maintain sustainable soil fertility and productivity in the Chinese Mollisol region. Materials and methods A total of 292 soil samples at the same sampling points

Purpose Land-use/cover management is one of the driven forces to induce soil erosion. Meanwhile, the loss of soil nutrients caused by soil erosion severely restricts soil fertility. However, the differences in soil nutrients under different land-use types in an erodible environment are complex and the factors are still unclear in tropical river basin. Methods In the Mun River basin of Northeast Thailand

Purpose Carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) soil profiles are influenced by several environmental factors. However, the contents and distributions of these elements in deep soils and sediments are largely underestimated. We aimed to estimate the stocks, patterns, and driving factors of deep soil C and N on the Chinese Loess Plateau (CLP) after large-scale ecological restoration projects. Materials and methods

Purpose This paper investigates the morphological and location features influencing the sediment texture of small reservoirs located within the embanked floodplain of a lowland river. Bed and suspended loads deposited in these reservoirs, settle as sediments, whose texture could indicate factors shaping processes within the embanked floodplains. Materials and methods Sediment samples were extracted

This article has been retracted. Please see the Retraction Notice for more detail: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-020-02853-3.

Purpose This study aims to evaluate temporal trends of Tantalum (Ta) and Niobium (Nb) concentrations in northern Baltic Sea sediments with focus on the potential impact from the Rönnskär sulfide ore smelter, located 15 km east of Skellefteå in northern Sweden. The potential of Ta or Nb to serve as tracers for environmental pollution caused by the electronic waste is compared. Lastly, correlations between

Purpose Although litter decomposition and nutrient release patterns have been studied in cocoa agroforestry systems in general, studies focusing on organic and conventional cocoa systems are lacking which is critical as organic farms are particularly dependent on nutrient returns from decomposing litter. Materials and methods Dynamics in leaf litter decomposition and the mineralisation of macro- and

An Editorial Expression of Concern to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11368-020-02823-9.

Purpose In urban areas, humans shape the surface, (re-)deposit natural or technogenic material, and thus become the dominant soil formation factor. The 2015 edition of the World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) describes anthropogenic urban soils as Anthrosols or Technosols, but the methodological approaches and classification criteria of national soil classification systems are rather inconsistent

Purpose The palygorskite-coated nanoscale zero-valent iron (PAL-nZVI) was synthesized and used in the remediation of Cd-contaminated soils. The function of PAL-nZVI on fraction of Cd in soils, the growth, Cd translocation, and accumulation in corn (Zea mays L.) were investigated using a pot experiment. Materials and methods Cd-contaminated soils were amended with palygorskite, nanoscale zero-valent

Purpose Soil matric suction, or negative water potential, contributes to soil physical stability (e.g., slope). Plants retain soil matric suction as they take up and transpire water in soil. This study investigated the effects of the common plant root-fungi symbiosis on the changes of the low-range matric suction (i.e., 0–100 kPa), which is relevant to slope stability. Methods Bermuda grass (Cynodon

Purpose The proportion of people living in urbanised areas is predicted to rise to > 65% by 2050, and therefore, more humans than ever will be exposed to urban environmental pollution. Accumulation of organic and inorganic substances on street and road surfaces is a major global challenge requiring scientifically robust methods of establishing risk that inform management strategies. This aim of this

Purpose This review of sediment source fingerprinting assesses the current state-of-the-art, remaining challenges and emerging themes. It combines inputs from international scientists either with track records in the approach or with expertise relevant to progressing the science. Methods Web of Science and Google Scholar were used to review published papers spanning the period 2013–2019, inclusive

Purpose This paper describes the efforts made by SedNet—the European Sediment Network—to generate attention for the inclusion of sediment in River Basin Management Plans (RBMPs) under the European Water Framework Directive (WFD). Materials and methods The SedNet response to key WFD implementation events is described using the “three-streams and windows-of-opportunities model” published by John Kingdon

Purpose Adequate karst rocky desertification control measures are very important in enhancing the soil quality and soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in the karst regions of Southwest China. This study aims to assess the responses and sensitivity of SOC and its components to karst rocky desertification control measures in degraded karst ecosystems. Materials and methods Two karst rocky desertification

Purpose The purpose of this study is to study the major sources, concentrations, and distributions of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in three different types of green space in Shanghai. In addition, we will quantitatively assess the burden of PAHs in the soil, as well as the potential carcinogenic risk of PAHs in humans. These results will provide valuable information for soil remediation

Purpose Both earthworm (Eisenia fetida L.) and phosphorus (P)-releasing (PR) bacteria, including organic P-mineralizing (OPM) and inorganic P-solubilizing (IPS), are able to convert difficult-to-use P into phytoavailable P. However, there is a undesirable gap between soil P mobilization and root P acquisition when mycorrhization is enhanced. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effects

Purpose Sediment oxygen demand (SOD) measurement currently requires a long preparation time and bulky experimental equipment, which represent major obstacles to conducting SOD measurements. We developed a new SOD measurement method that can be easily conducted in a shorter time than the existing laboratory method. Materials and methods The undisturbed sediment core was transferred into the custom-made

Research question Soil organic matter (SOM) addition has been shown to be effective for improving physicochemical and hydrological properties, but its effectiveness may be improved if amended with certain agro-industrial byproducts with cations and high carbon. Purpose This study was conducted to determine the quantitative effect of poultry litter (PL) amended with inorganic agro-industrial byproducts

Purpose In recent decades, riparian floodplains have undergone intensive reclamation worldwide, which has potential to influence soil carbon (C) accumulation. Such influence generally varies based on reclamation duration. Therefore, a study on changes in soil C stock along the reclamation chronosequence can help reveal the impact of reclamation on terrestrial C cycling. Materials and methods We chose

Purpose Soil erosion and loss threatens vast tracts of agricultural and non-agricultural land, worldwide. High soil erosion severely affects establishment of vegetation via effects on plant growth and productivity on already degraded lands. However, information on soil loss impact on tree plantation and their relationships is scarce in the ravine lands. Therefore, we assessed soil loss effects on tree

Purpose We investigated the magnetic properties (abundance, grain size, and mineralogy) of iron oxides present in Lake L-55 sediments, Schirmacher Oasis, East Antarctica, with an aim to understand their spatial distribution and the underlying mechanisms that control their formation and distribution. Methods Twenty-five surficial sediments retrieved from different parts of Lake L-55 were subjected to

Purpose The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of long-term organic materials incorporation on the soil aggregate and density-based fractions, and associated soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) conversion in the rice fields. Materials and methods A long-term located experiment was conducted to study the effects of continuous application of organic materials (milk vetch, rice straw,

Purpose Engineering and dredging strategies to manage sediment, along with river-scouring, can reveal older sediments. These present a unique opportunity to assess past sources of phosphorus (P) inputs into river sediments. We used the sediment concentrations of P, lead (Pb) and 206/207Pb isotopes to produce ‘first-order’ estimates of the source (diffuse agricultural or sewage treatment) of phosphorus

Purpose Broflanilide (BFL) is a new type of pesticide with broad prospects. However, it is not yet fully understood. With its wide application in the paddy field, it might pose a threat to the environment. Therefore, it is necessary to research its environmental behaviors including adsorption-desorption and leaching behaviors in the soil to evaluate its risks on that basis. Materials and methods Soil

Purpose With increasing urban area and population, global cities are playing a more important role in the alteration of the global biogeochemical cycles. The aims of this study are to understand the concentrations and stoichiometric relations of biogenic elements (C, N, and P) in urban soils, further to reveal the effects of C, N, and P accumulation on the urban environment. Materials and methods We

Purpose Urban roadside soils are important growth media for roadside trees. However, typical assessment variables are limited in describing the characteristics of roadside soils. We assessed the characteristics of roadside soils using the pre- and new suggested variables and recommended optimal soil variables that are representative of roadside tree health. Materials and methods Seventy-three roadside

Purpose Soil organic carbon (SOC) is an important parameter determining soil fertility and sustaining soil health. How C, N, and P contents and their stoichiometric ratios (C/N/P) regulate the nutrient availability, and SOC stabilization mechanisms have not been comprehensively explored, especially in response to long-term fertilization. The present study aimed to determine how the long-term mineral

Purpose Humanity has been modifying the planet in a measurable way for thousands of years. Recently, this influence has been such that some feel we are in a new geological epoch, the Anthropocene. This review will describe how soil erosion and sediment dynamics have (i) been used to assess the impact of humans on the planet and (ii) affected the global climate and influenced water security. Emphasis

Purpose To better control and manage phosphorus (P) in the aquatic environment of the Qiuxi River, a typical river severely influenced by anthropogenic activities in southwest China, the morphological characteristics and the release potential of P in sediments during different water seasons were determined. Materials and methods The overlying water and sediment samples were collected from the Qiuxi

Purpose After the greatest environmental disaster in the history of Brazil and the deposition of the iron ore tailings in alluvial regions, the process of revegetation for environmental recovery becomes essential. A greenhouse experiment was carried out to evaluate the biomass production and nutrient accumulation by jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC) and vetiver grass (Chrysopogon zizanioides

Purpose Electrokinetic (EK) soil remediation is significantly affected by the electrode configurations. Therefore, this study was conducted to compare the performance of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) arrays with respect to the remediation of heavy metal-contaminated soils. Materials and methods A series of laboratory-scale experiments were carried out using two types of soils: kaolinite

Purpose Understanding the soil nitrogen (N) mineralization potential (N0) and crop N availability during the growing season is essential for improving nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and preventing over-fertilization, which lead to negative environmental impacts. Methods Five black soils with different levels of fertility were selected in Northeast China. The N0 and kinetics of these soils were estimated

Purpose Contaminated sediments in rivers, lakes, and harbors around the world result in diminished ecological health, degradation of environmental resources, economic losses, and, in rare cases, impacts on human health. Despite the ongoing interest in the cleanup of contaminated sediments in rivers and harbors, little progress has been made in reducing the number of contaminated sites worldwide. Proponents

Purpose This study investigated the C and N mineralisation potential of solid fractions (SFs) from co-digestated pig manure after P-stripping (P-POOR SF) in comparison with P-rich SFs, as a means to estimate their organic matter stability in soil. Compost (COMP) and biochar (BCHR) (made from P-POOR SF) were also included in the study as reference biosolids. Methods The SFs were incubated in a sandy-loam

Purpose Recently, the cadmium (Cd) accumulation in the black shale area has attracted increasing attentions, due to its extensive distribution and extremely high background values. The aim of our study is to explore the impacts of soil properties on Cd uptake by rice, and identify the key factors of Cd transfer from soil to rice in the black shale area. Materials and methods A total of 40 pairs of