Soil and Water Research - Latest articles
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Effects of variable rate fertiliser application on selected macronutrients leaching from the ploughed layer
Jan Vopravil, Pavel Formánek, Ondřej Holubík, Pavel Svoboda, Tomáš Khel
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):206-217 | DOI: 10.17221/28/2025-SWR 
In this study, the effects of standard fertilisation versus variable fertilisation with mineral and organomineral fertilisers on N, P, K, Ca and Mg leaching from the ploughed layer and yields of winter wheat and spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and spring barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) were studied. The losses of calcium were the highest, and phosphorus from phosphates was the lowest of all studied nutrients when simulated rainfall and lysimeters were used after the crops were harvested. The use of variable rate fertilisation reduced nitrates leaching in all the studied plots. Nevertheless, leaching of calcium, which is present in higher...
Comparison of the cadmium and lead removal from three soils by electrokinetic remediation
Mei Zhang, Chengdong Duan, Xinfu Wang
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):195-205 | DOI: 10.17221/140/2024-SWR
This study investigated, for the first time, the efficacy of citric acid (CA) and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) as electrolytes in electrokinetic remediation (EKR) for removing lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) from three distinct soils (Anthrosols soil, AT; Acrisols soil, AC; and Chernozems soil, CH). Under a voltage gradient of 2 V/cm and a remediation duration of 4 days, EDTA proved most effective for Anthrosols, achieving removal rates of 17.8% for Cd and 12.8% for Pb-lower than those observed for Acrisols and Chernozems, likely due to AT’s high pH background. These results suggest that combining EKR with other remediation techniques could...
Multivariate assessment of soil quality across different land use types in the hilly terrain of the subtropics of India
Jitendra Kumar, Homehswar Kalita, Rajesh A. Alone, Nishant K. Sinha, Alka Rani, Dhiraj Kumar, N. K. Lenka, Rajan Bhatt, Mohamed A. Yassin, Mohamed A. Mattar, Fülöp Attila, Ali Salem, Zoltan Orban
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):178-194 | DOI: 10.17221/6/2025-SWR
The unsustainable conversion of forest areas into agricultural land poses a serious danger to the soil eminence of Arunachal Pradesh’s environmentally delicate hilly topography. Understanding the impacts of this land-use change is crucial for preventing further degradation. This study aimed to develop soil quality indices (SQIs) for different land use types: natural forest (NF), current jhum cultivation (JC), fallow jhum land (FJC), and pineapple cultivation (PA). Samples of soil were taken at a depth of 0 to 15 cm and examined for 22 potential soil quality indicators, with 19 showing significant (P < 0.05) influence from land use,...
Annual dynamics of plant litter calcium and magnesium stocks in a subtropical forest headwater stream
Weikang Chen, Ling Xiong, Qiqian Wu, Petr Heděnec, Yan Peng, Zemin Zhao, Chaoxiang Yuan, Ji Yuan, Xiangyin Ni, Fuzhong Wu, Kai Yue
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):164-177 | DOI: 10.17221/7/2025-SWR
Forest headwater streams serve as critical interfaces between terrestrial forests and downstream aquatic ecosystems, playing essential roles in the storage and movement of carbon (C) and nutrients. However, despite their importance, our understanding of the dynamics of plant litter calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) stocks within these streams remains limited. In this study, we conducted a quantitative analysis of the spatiotemporal dynamics of plant litter Ca and Mg concentrations and stocks in a subtropical forest headwater stream from March 2021 to February 2022. We found that: (1) the average concentrations of litter Ca and Mg were 9.9 and 0.7 mg/g,...
Organic fertilizer and microbial agents increase soil quality and maize yield on coastal saline-alkali land
Zengjiao Wang, Yin Zhang, Deheng Zhang, Shenghao Zhang, Hongxiang Zhao, Zhen Liu*, Geng Li, Tangyuan Ning
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):153-163 | DOI: 10.17221/123/2024-SWR
To evaluate the effects of organic fertilizer and microbial agents on soil water and salt distribution, microorganisms, and crop yield on coastal saline-alkaline land, eight treatments were established, i.e., two maize varieties (Dajing Jiu 26 (J) and Quchen Jiu (Q)) and four organic fertilizer and microbial agent application methods (no organic fertilizer or microbial agent application (O0M0), single organic fertilizer application (O1M0), single microbial agent application (O0M1), and combined organic fertilizer and microbial agent application (O1M1)). The soil...
Soil-water characteristic curves and related properties of disturbed forest soils
Adela Joanna Hamerníková, Pavel Dlapa, Silvia Ihnačáková, Artemi Cerda, Róbert Kanka, Ľuboš Halada
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(3):143-152 | DOI: 10.17221/135/2024-SWR
Forest logging activities negatively affect various soil properties. In this study, we focus on the logging effects on soil water retention and associated pore size distribution. We measured the soil-water characteristic curves (SWCCs) on 21 undisturbed samples from three research plots: a reference area, a clear-cut area and a forest track. A total of 12 SWCC points between saturation and wilting point were determined for each sample with a sand box and pressure plate apparatus. The trimodal behaviour is highlighted by the dependence between soil moisture and suction. Therefore, we proposed a revised model by combining two exponential expressions...
The impact of periodic waterlogging on biochemical characteristics and mineralization of soil organic carbon in straw-return farmland
Yunxi Peng, Wenyu Shi, Ningning Zhao*
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):131-141 | DOI: 10.17221/149/2024-SWR
Periodic waterlogging is more common due to more frequent extreme precipitation but its impact on soil organic carbon (SOC) loss is obscure in straw-return farmland. We compared soil properties and biochemical characteristics of SOC (compositions of non-cellulosic and amino polysaccharides) in adjacent periodic waterlogged farmland (PWF) and non-waterlogged farmland (NWF) in a semi-humid warm temperate region. SOC mineralization was also measured at 60% (aerobic) or 100% (anaerobic) of field capacity at 25 °C for 82 days. The negative effect of periodic waterlogging on SOC contents and soil aggregate stability were observed in the 20–80 cm depth...
Contribution to the understanding of sediment transport during extreme flood event in Wei Laing watershed, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia
Muhammad Anggri Setiawan, Ratih Winastuti, Dimas Maula Hayat, Boma Karunia Dwi Putra, Djati Mardiatno, Nugroho Christanto, Meilinarti Meilinarti, Ida Ngurah
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):119-130 | DOI: 10.17221/147/2024-SWR
The 2021 Cyclone Seroja was a category 3 storm that made landfall on Lembata Island, causing extensive damage. This study aims to identify key interpretations of sediment transport related to tropical cyclones (TC) Seroja and past floods using a geopedological approach, estimate the return period through frequency analysis, and determine the rainfall threshold for flooding using HEC-RAS software. Extreme rainfall data from global precipitation model (GPM) (2000–2023) in Wei Laing watershed were analysed alongside LiDAR terrain data, physical and chemical properties of soil, and land cover data. Based on geopedological analysis, the result shows...
Biochar innovations for sustainable agriculture: Acidification and zinc enrichment strategies to improve calcareous soil fertility and wheat yield
Salih Demirkaya*, Coskun Gülser
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):105-118 | DOI: 10.17221/77/2024-SWR
Calcareous soils, typically characterized by low fertility, low organic matter and nitrogen content, and often deficient in phosphorus, zinc, and iron, as well as having low microbial activity, require the development of sustainable soil conditioners to improve fertility. To address these shortcomings and promote sustainable agriculture, biochar, especially with acidic character, may offer a promising solution. This study investigates the effects of modified biochar by H2SO4 and ZnSO4 on soil properties and wheat yield under field conditions. For this purpose, biochar (B), acidified biochar (AB), Zn enriched biochar...
Fractal parameters of soil particle size distribution in karst area, and implications of soil water repellency by plantations
Zhuo Tian, Haitao Deng, Shuaipu Zhang, Qinxue Xu, Xin Jin
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):93-104 | DOI: 10.17221/84/2024-SWR
As a critical and universal soil physical property, soil water repellency significantly affects soil and water erosion and vegetation restoration, particularly in the karst region. This study analysed soil properties, namely, particle size distribution (PSD) in abandoned farmland and different plantations in karst areas, and their impact on water repellency to provide references for its ecological restoration. First, for the shaddock plantation, citrus plantation, ginkgo plantation, Robinia pseudoacacia plantation, and abandoned farmland, the research objects, soil particle size and water drop penetration time were measured, and the fractal...
Understanding gully erosion development through a geomorphological approach
Edwin Maulana, Junun Sartohadi, Muhammad Anggri Setiawan
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):84-92 | DOI: 10.17221/92/2024-SWR
This study aims to identify the gully erosion typology and development using a geomorphological approach. Gully geomorphology features were executed using combined photogrammetric approaches: aerial photography (unmanned aerial vehicle, UAV) and terrestrial photo data (structure from motion, SfM). The UAV data are used to identify the gully orientation, while SfM derives the geomorphological features in the gully dimensions. Five canopy-free gully erosion points were selected for the UAV-SfM data acquisition. Typically, SfM data offer higher resolution (0.11–0.57 cm) than UAV data (0.61–2.08 cm). Modelling using SfM can provide an in-depth...
Effect of surface-applied compost on soil properties
Markéta Miháliková, Kamila Báťková, Petr Dvořák, Recep Serdar Kara, Cansu Almaz, Martin Král, Barbora Badalíková, Květuše Hejátková, Vladimír Mašán, Patrik Burg, Petr Plíva
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(2):71-83 | DOI: 10.17221/148/2024-SWR
The positive influence of surface compost application without incorporation on soil physical properties is known but remains underexplored. This study evaluated the effects of surface-applied stable and mature compost on basic soil physical and chemical properties, including saturated hydraulic conductivity, aggregate stability, and penetration resistance. Conducted as a semi-operational field experiment in two Czech agricultural sites (A: Blatnice at Jaroměřice and B: Jevíčko; Cambisols with loam and silty clay loam textures, respectively), the plots were treated with compost (SCA) at rates of 4 × 30 t/ha (A) and 1 × 200 t/ha (B) or left untreated...
LIST OF REVIEWERS – 2024
Editorial Department
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):I
Corrigendum: Computed tomographic visualisation and 2D/3D microscopic evaluation of soil macro- and micromorphology
Lubica Pospíšilová, Jana Plisková, Victory Armida Janine Jaques, Tomáš Zikmund, Luboš Sedlák, Aleš Eichmeier, Aleš Klement, Radka Kodešová, Luboš Borůvka, Jozef Kaiser, Ladislav Menšík
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):69 | DOI: 10.17221/2/2025-SWR
Parameters of labile organic carbon as the indicators of the stability of soil organic matter under different land use
Erika Balontayová, Juraj Hreško, Viera Petlušová, Peter Petluš, Bożena Dębska, Tomáš Lošák
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):52-68 | DOI: 10.17221/119/2024-SWR
The labile fractions of organic carbon (OC), which are a reflection of the properties of soil and its use, appear to be suitable parameters for their use as indicators. The aim of this study was to determine the reliable and relatively simple indicators for detecting the chemical and physical stabilizations of OC, which would respond sensitively to land use. The study includes forest ecosystem (FE) and agroecosystem (AE) with different tillage intensities (reduced tillage, RT and conventional tillage, CT) on real farms. Parameters of the labile C and N were tested. For a depth of < 0.1 m in the FE, the hot water extractable organic carbon (HWEOC)...
Monitoring surface water pollution in Algeria using database indices
Ouahiba Bouchama, Lounes Amar
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):43-51 | DOI: 10.17221/83/2024-SWR
This study investigated how remote sensing techniques can pinpoint pollution in surface water areas. Researchers focused on the municipalities of Boumerdes, Corso, and Tidjalabine in Algeria’s Boumerdes province. The team used geographic information systems (GIS) to analyse pollution levels and their spatial distribution. Specifically, they employed the Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to identify areas teeming with biodiversity and healthy vegetation. Furthermore, the compactness index provided insights into the overall evolution of the drainage network. This data proved invaluable in identifying areas likely impacted by pollution....
Assessment of multivariate associations and spatial variability of forest soil properties and their stand factors in the Czech Republic
Vincent Oppong Sarkodie, Radim Vašát, Karel Němeček, Vít Šrámek, Věra Fadrhonsová, Kateřina Neudertová Hellebrandová, Luboš Borůvka
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):32-42 | DOI: 10.17221/114/2024-SWR
Knowing the relationship between forest soil properties and their stand conditions is relevant for the sustainable exploitation and management of forest soils. This study examines the influence of stand environmental factors on soil properties within forest environments. We further assessed the spatial variability of these soil properties and their controlling factors. A harmonised soil database on the entire forest areas of the Czech Republic was considered; however, only 851 sampling points with complete data on soil properties was used out of the more than 8 thousand sampling points in the database. The topsoil mineral layer of 0–30 cm was...
Approximation of the soil particle-size distribution curve using a NURBS curve
Adéla Marie Marhoul, Tomáš Herza, Josef Kozák, Jaroslava Janků, Jan Jehlička, Luboš Borůvka, Karel Němeček, Miroslav Jetmar, Petr Polák
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):16-31 | DOI: 10.17221/139/2024-SWR
Soil particle-size distribution or soil texture presents one of the most important physical properties. There are various systems of the classification systems for soil particle-size fractions with different boundaries. Our effort was concentrated on the mathematical approach to evaluate the existing data and convert it to the form of a reconstructed cumulative particle-size curve which will allow reading concentration of any desired particle size. Non-Uniform Rational B-Splines (NURBS) curves therefore represent a generalization of B-splines and Bézier curves by extending the definition by an element of rationality, which is represented by the...
New version of PUGIS - Soil information system of the Czech Republic
Adéla Marie Marhoul, Tomáš Herza, Josef Kozák, Jaroslava Janků, Jan Jehlička, Luboš Borůvka, Karel Němeček, Miroslav Jetmar, Petr Polák
Soil & Water Res., 2025, 20(1):1-15 | DOI: 10.17221/138/2024-SWR
The creation of the database system represents a complex task which is difficult to coordinate. In this work, a method of the logic framework was used for the coordination of each particular step to one integral part. In the Czech Republic, most of the information about soil was gathered within a systematic soil survey (KPP) in the period 1961–1970. Information about genetic and agronomic characteristics of agricultural soils was gathered for the whole Czech Republic. The other part of the data is coming from the databases of forest soils. This contribution is a continuation of the previous research. We are aware of the fact that in the Czech...
INDEX OF VOLUME 19
Editorial Department
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):I-II
A comprehensive review of soil erosion research in Central Asian countries (1993–2022) based on the Scopus database
Mukhiddin Juliev, Madinabonu Kholmurodova, Bekmurat Abdikairov, Jilili Abuduwaili
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):244-256 | DOI: 10.17221/82/2024-SWR
Soil is a valuable resource for food production, and it demands a long time to recover itself. Soil erosion is one of the most important issues for countries based on agriculture. This review article analyzed articles published on the topic of general soil erosion in Central Asian countries in 1993–2022. More than 50% of the articles reflect the results of the conducted practical work. The main content of these scientific works is aimed at the prevention of erosion processes, their evaluation and the development of countermeasures. During the considered period, the number of publications on soil erosion has increased in the last years compared...
How to measure soil quality? A case study conducted on cropland in the Czech Republic
Lenka Pavlů, Jiří Balík, Simona Procházková, Ivana Galušková, Luboš Borůvka
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):229-243 | DOI: 10.17221/118/2024-SWR
This work presents the advantages and risks of selected soil quality criteria using data from the monitoring of agricultural soils in the Czech Republic. Soil samples were taken from 71 sites covering various soil types. Basic soil parameters and mid-infrared spectra were measured. Indicators describing the quality of soil organic matter (SOM), and soil were calculated. The results show that soil types differ significantly in the qualitative indicators of soil organic matter. More acidic soils with lower clay content contain lower proportions of aromatic and higher proportions of aliphatic organic compounds than neutral soils with higher clay particles...
Impact of winter conditions on wind erosion susceptibility of clay soils
Josef Kučera, Martin Blecha, Jana Podhrázská, Jan Szturc, Petra Fukalová, Hana Středová
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):218-228 | DOI: 10.17221/90/2024-SWR
Wind erosion primarily affects sandy soil in arid areas. However, the specific winter meteorological conditions (freeze-thaw cycles) lead to the disintegration of aggregates into erosion-risk fractions even on clay soils. These changes in the winter erodibility of clay soils were investigated in an area with frequent occurrences of wind erosion in southeastern Moravia (Czech Republic, Central Europe) between the years 2014/2015 and 2020/2021. The percentage of non-erodible fraction (NEF) before and after winter was assessed. NEF was set as particles larger than 0.84 mm and also larger than 2.00 mm (based on field observations), while...
Determining saturated hydraulic conductivity of a repacked loam soil by the simplified falling-head technique: Impact of sieving duration and scraping of exposed surfaces
Dario Autovino, Vincenzo Bagarello, Gaetano Caltabellotta, Mariachiara Fusco, Massimo Iovino
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):210-217 | DOI: 10.17221/79/2024-SWR
Many methods are used in a laboratory for packing sieved soil. Determination of soil properties is expected to vary with the applied packing method. The objective of this investigation was to test the impact of initial soil sieving duration and scraping of exposed soil surfaces on saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of an initially air-dry loam soil determined by the simplified falling-head technique. Two sieving durations (5 and 30 min) were considered. A brush was used to scrape exposed surfaces for half of the tested soil columns. A long sieving yielded finer soil than a short sieving and 9–22% smaller values of Ks....
Application of LiDAR visualisations for mapping the tillage direction
Juraj Lieskovský, Tibor Lieskovský, Svetlana Košanová, Lucia Bírová
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):200-209 | DOI: 10.17221/70/2024-SWR
Contour tillage is an agricultural practice that significantly contributes to enhancing water retention, reducing the risk of flooding, and mitigating soil erosion. Information about the tillage direction is used for modelling water and tillage erosion. In our study, we used Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) visualizations, originally developed for archaeological research, to visualise tillage traces and map tillage direction in the Nitra district (SW Slovakia). The tillage traces were visible in all agricultural parcels, on various agricultural fields, under various agricultural crops. The LiDAR visualisations also revealed pre-collectivization...
Assessment of soil salinity and environmental factors in the Kesem irrigation scheme, Afar Region, Ethiopia
Mengistu Jiru, Boja Mekonnen, Henk Ritzema, Fentaw Abegaz
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(4):191-199 | DOI: 10.17221/37/2024-SWR
Soil salinity is a growing problem for agricultural production in irrigated areas of arid and semi-arid regions. The extent of salinity levels has not been fully studied in the Kesem irrigation scheme in Ethiopia's Afar region. The objective of the study was to identify the main issues related to soil salinity and their variations, and to assess the influence of environmental variables on soil salinity using multivariate analysis (MVA). The dominant cations in the soil were found to be soluble Na+, Ca2+ and K+ while SO42-and Cl- were the dominant anions. These ions are responsible for the salinity...
Computed tomographic visualisation and 2D/3D microscopic evaluation of soil macro- and micromorphology
Lubica Pospíšilová, Jana Plisková, Victory Armida Janine Jaques, Tomáš Zikmund, Luboš Sedlák, Aleš Eichmeier, Aleš Klement, Radka Kodešová, Luboš Borůvka, Jozef Kaiser, Ladislav Menšík
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(3):176-189 | DOI: 10.17221/47/2024-SWR
Erratum in: Soil & Water Res., 20: 69. Doi: 10.17221/2/2025-SWR Soil organic matter and pores distribution within aggregates were studied using X-ray computed tomography (XCT; Nikon XT H 225ST and GE Phoenix L240) and advanced 2D/3D measurements by the digital Keyence VHX-6000 microscope (Japan). A new methodological approach with computed tomography involvement for studying the spatial arrangement of pores, porosity, and soil morphology is presented. Changes in studied parameters are documented along the transect of intensively used Haplic Chernozem. Soil disturbance due to erosion and colluvial soil profile formation is reported....
Impact of intercrops on soil loss and surface runoff from sloping maize fields
Jan Gregar, Jan Petrů, Jana Kalibová, Věra Ürge, David Kincl, Jan Vopravil
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(3):168-175 | DOI: 10.17221/43/2024-SWR
Water erosion poses a significant threat to more than 50% of agricultural land in the Czech Republic. Maize (Zea mays L.) is particularly susceptible to soil erosion, with the bare soil space between maize rows exposed to erosive agents. Intercropping has emerged as a potential solution to mitigate soil erosion risks in maize cultivation. A series of soil erosion field experiments were conducted from 2022 to 2023 using natural rainfall to investigate the influence of selected intercrop mixtures during the growing season on sediment yields and surface runoff volume. The results revealed a gradual decrease in surface runoff volume and sediment...
Does no-till cover crop influence in situ measured soil water potential and saturated hydraulic conductivity?
Olivia Peters, Samuel I. Haruna
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(3):154-167 | DOI: 10.17221/27/2024-SWR
Soil water energy determines soil water balance, plant water uptake, and soil thermal properties, but the effects of cover crops (CCs) on in situ measured soil water energy and temperature are not well understood. This study investigated how CCs affect in situ measured soil water potential (SWP), temperature, and saturated hydraulic conductivity (Kfs) during 2 years, with the hypothesis that CC-induced water transpiration can lower SWP. The CCs used included crimson clover (Trifolium incarnatum L.), winter wheat (Triticum aestavum L.), hairy vetch (Vicia villosa), oats (Avena sativa), triticale...
The water repellency of earthworm (Lumbricus terrestris) casts depends on their particle size composition, organic carbon content and calcium carbonate content
Madalina Iordache, Liliana Brei, Isidora Radulov, Ioan Gaica, Daniel Dicu, Codruta Chis
Soil & Water Res., 2024, 19(3):144-153 | DOI: 10.17221/93/2023-SWR
At the soil level, earthworms are key indicators of water-related processes which help soils to accept, retain, release and transmit water by influencing the soil structure through their burrowing, casts, and drilosphere. The water repellency is an indicator of soil structure stability both for the natural soil and for the earthworm casts (bioturbated soil). The water repellency of earthworm casts is a complex property that should be approached both at ecological and functional level in earthworm categorization because this cast property influences the transport and flow processes in soil, such as those of water, nutrients, pollutants, and gas...