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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, constituting the total dataset (TDS). Principal component analysis (PCA) was employed on TDS to identify the minimum data set (MDS), comprising dehydrogenase activity, diethylenetriaminpentahacetic acid (DTPA)-extractable iron, and bulk density, contributing 73%, 19%, and 8% to the overall SQI, respectively. Subsequently, different SQIs were estimated using linear/nonlinear and additive/weighted scoring functions. The results revealed substantial alterations in SQIs among the land use types, through NF exhibiting the highest soil quality. Notably, the nonlinear SQIs exhibited greater sensitivity to land use conversion compared to their linear counterparts, indicating their potential as a more robust tool for assessing soil quality changes. This study concludes that the transformation of land use in the hilly regions of subtropics of Arunachal Pradesh has led to the deterioration of soil quality. The proposed indexing framework, leveraging the sensitivity and clarity of nonlinear SQIs, can effectively evaluate and compare soil quality across different land use scenarios, thereby informing sustainable land management strategies.

Machine learning makes geochemical mapping highly adaptable, as its data-driven nature allows predictions to evolve with new information. In this study, topsoil nickel (Ni) data were compiled from various sources, each with different sampling times and analytical methods. To effectively use such imbalanced data into spatial modelling, it was necessary to test how the data uncertainty propagated through the final maps. A comprehensive benchmark of the quantile random forest algorithm was conducted to identify conditions under which the model performs optimally. Predictive maps of topsoil Ni at a 20-metre resolution were subsequently generated and compared using a multi-faceted evaluation strategy. This approach assessed how model adjustments – particularly those addressing the uncertainty introduced by the regression-based conversion of legacy measurements – affected the performance. Extensive benchmarking revealed that while out-of-sample validation showed only modest improvements (e.g., root mean square error (RMSE) reduced from 12.6 to 11.2 mg/kg) when modifying training data, covariates, or algorithm parameters, the resulting prediction grids differed substantially. The analysis also demonstrated that output variability across model scenarios occurred at different spatial scales: weighting approaches had localised effects, whereas high variability in the input data propagated more broadly across the region.

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) for chemical stabilization and labile nitrogen (N_L) for physical stabilization appear as the most suitable indicators. Higher values of HWEOC indicate the OC stabilization by decreasing decomposition, pH or by increasing carbonates, recalcitrant fractions, and higher values of N_L by OC incorporation into the silt fraction and larger macro-aggregates. In the AE with RT, these are the HWEOC for chemical stabilization and carbon pool index (CPI) or index of carbon lability (LI_C) for physical stabilization. Higher values of CPI and LI_C indicate the stabilization by the formation of size-optimal dry-sieved (DSA; 1–3 mm) and wet-sieved (WSA; 1–2 mm) soil aggregates. In the AE with CT, it was the N_L. Its higher values point to the stabilization through the carbonates, alkaline cations, size-fraction of > 0.01 mm and the formation of DSA (1–3 mm). For a depth of < 0.3 m in the AE, these are the C_L (for RT), higher value of which points to the stabilization by clay and alkaline cations, and HWEOC (for CT), higher value of which indicates the stabilization in the conditions of the soil acidification.

This study was conducted to find out the seasonal evapotranspiration (ET_c) and crop coefficient (K_c) for walnut trees (ages one to nine) that were grown with drip irrigation in Türkiye’s semi-arid climate. Three different irrigation levels were applied at five-day intervals based on cumulative Class A pan evaporation using irrigation treatment coefficients (K_t = 0.75, 1.00, and 1.25) during the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2021, 2022, and 2023 growing seasons. The amount of irrigation water applied to the treatments varied from year to year according to the measured Class A pan evaporation amounts. The total amount of irrigation water applied to the treatment subjects varied between 371.7 mm and 619.6 mm as an average of eight years. Total ET_c of walnut trees varied over the years depending on the applied irrigation water and measured rainfall. The total evapotranspiration estimated from the I₂ treatment, representing the irrigation regime in which 100% of Class A pan evaporation was applied, fluctuated between 676.5 and 585.9 mm over the study years. The daily reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) values are calculated as between 1.85 and 7.07 mm/day. The K_c values for walnut trees were calculated as 0.55 for April, 0.71 for May, 1.02 for June, 1.07 for July, 1.01 for August, and 0.74 for September on average. The research revealed that seasonal evapotranspiration and plant coefficient values can assist in calculating the water requirements of walnut trees and improve water management in semi-arid regions.

Measuring the reference evapotranspiration (ET₀) is difficult and costly. Some regions can have variable microclimates and these can often be quite far from climate stations. Therefore, it is optimal to use local measurements rather than a regionally calculated ET₀. In this respect, one piece of equipment that provides cheap and reliable measurement results is ET_Gauge equipment. In this study, ET₀ values measured with ET_Gauge equipment were compared with daily and monthly ET₀ values calculated by five different commonly used empirical methods (Thornthwaite_Adj, Blaney-Criddle, Penman-Monteith = PM, Jensen-Haise and ASCE standardised Penman-Monteith = ASCE SZ PM). During the measurement period, daily ET₀ values measured with ET_Gauge varied between 0–10 mm/day and the average was determined as 4.5 ± 2.7 mm/day in the study area. In the calculations made with the empirical models, the change in Thornthwaite_Adj is 1.3–6.6 mm/day with an average of 3.8 ± 1.6 mm/day, the change in Blaney-Criddle is 1.8–7.2 mm per day with an average of 5.1 ± 1.4, the change in PM is 1.2–10.5 mm/day with an average of 5.8 ± 2.7 mm/day, the change in Jensen-Haise was 5.8 ± 2.7 mm/day with an average of 5.5 ± 2.7 mm/day, and the change in ASCE SZ PM was calculated as 1.0–10.1 mm/day with an average of 5.4 ± 2.5 mm/day. Considering the obtained results, the ET_Gauge equipment can be used safely in creating irrigation programmes.

Soil pore is an important part of soil structure. According to the causes of formation, soil pores can be divided into biological pores formed by animal movement and plant root development and non-biological pores formed by dry-wet and freeze-thaw alternation or artificial tillage. The soil pore structure affects the migration of water, gas, nutrients and so on in the soil, especially the macropores can also produce water or solute preferential migration. Studying soil pores is of great significance for predicting soil hydraulic properties, reducing groundwater pollution and soil nutrient loss. Based on previous studies on soil pore structure, this paper systematically summarized the role of soil pores, influencing factors and the advantages and disadvantages of various research methods. This paper not only introduces traditional methods (including direct and indirect methods), but also summarizes the new research on soil pores combined with computed tomography (CT) technology and other science and technology in recent years. Finally, the prospect and development trend of soil pore research in the future were predicted, so as to provide reference for further research on soil pore structure.

Wind erosion represents a locally significant soil degradation process in the Czech Republic, particularly in intensively farmed lowland regions. While areas susceptible to wind erosion have been previously identified, spatially explicit quantification of potential soil loss expressed in t/ha per year at the national scale has so far been lacking. This study presents a comprehensive assessment of potential wind-driven soil loss across the Czech Republic using the Wind Erosion Equation (WEQ). Special attention is given to the soil erodibility index (I), which was derived from extensive laboratory analyses of soil aggregates and evaluated using multiple statistical representations (Q₂₅, median, mean, Q₇₅, and Q₉₀). The resulting variants were used to quantify the sensitivity of modelled soil loss to erodibility assumptions and to compare exceedance of national (9 t/ha per year) and European (2 t/ha per year) reference limits. Results show substantial spatial variability in index I and associated soil loss estimates. Using the recommended median-based variant, approximately 10% of agricultural land exceeds the European reference limit, while only 0.8% exceeds the national threshold. Higher quantile scenarios (Q₇₅ and Q₉₀) identify erosion hotspots in dry lowland regions and are suitable for preventive planning. The presented outputs provide the first spatially consistent national framework for assessing potential wind erosion losses in the Czech Republic.

Sorption of organic contaminants in soils and sediments is a crucial factor affecting their mobility in the vadose zone environment. Freundlich sorption isotherms were evaluated for six micropollutants identified in areas irrigated with river-water and sixteen soils. The highest Freundlich sorption coefficients, K_F, were obtained for 1,3-diphenylguanidine (11.6 ± 5.0 cm^3/nμg^1−1/n/g) followed by triethyl citrate (4.57 ± 4.91), 4-acetamidoantipyrine (1.43 ± 0.24), 6 : 2 fluorinated telomer sulfonate (1.18 ± 0.42), benzo(d)thiazole-2-sulfonic acid (1.12 ± 0.33), and naphthalene-2-sulfonic acid (0.28 ± 0.17). The K_F values for the individual compounds were correlated with soil properties. Multiple linear regressions were used to derive equations for predicting the K_F values using the soil properties. Sorption of cationic molecules was positively affected by cation exchange capacity or clay content, indicating strong sorption of cations on negatively charged sorption sites. Sorption of anionic molecules was positively correlated with organic carbon content and wettability index, suggesting hydrophobic interactions with soil organic matter. Anion sorption was also positively influenced by magnetic susceptibility, which could indicate sorption of anions on the positively charged sorption sites. Sorption of acids was in some cases also positively affected by cation exchange capacity, which could imply their sorption via cation bridges.

Pesticides and their transformation products are increasingly detected in agricultural soils and surface waters, raising concerns about their persistence, mobility, and ecological impacts. Irrigation with river water contaminated by agricultural runoff represents a significant but understudied pathway contributing to soil pollution. In this study, we investigated pesticide occurrence across soils, irrigation water, and groundwater in three intensively cultivated river basins. Soil samples from vegetable-producing fields exhibited complex contamination profiles, with 12–40 co-occurring compounds and total residues frequently exceeding levels reported for European arable soils. Several pesticides, including pendimethalin, mandipropamid, and azoxystrobin, were found at notably high concentrations, with some soils surpassing 5 000 µg/kg. Comparison of detection frequencies across matrices revealed diverse transport and retention behaviour: while certain legacy compounds (e.g., atrazine metabolites) were ubiquitous in both surface and groundwater, others showed strong soil accumulation with limited mobility. Irrigation water was identified as a non-negligible contamination source, particularly for persistent and mobile substances, although direct field applications remained the dominant contributor to peak soil concentrations. By integrating targeted and non-target screening, this study provides the most comprehensive assessment to date of pesticide burdens in riverirrigated agricultural soils and highlights the need for improved monitoring strategies in systems where soil and water pollution are tightly interconnected.

Reliable indicators of early soil biological change remain limited in tropical agroecosystems, where soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks may respond more slowly than microbial processes. We evaluated whether seasonal vegetation dynamics derived from Sentinel-2 fractional vegetation cover (FVC) are associated with spatial variation in SOC stock and microbial indicators in Jembrana, Bali, Indonesia. We mapped seasonal FVC from 2019 to 2024 and derived site-level metrics of mean cover and temporal variability (standard deviation, anomaly, coefficient of variation, and a temporal stability index). In July 2023, we sampled topsoil (0–30 cm) at 12 sites representing contrasting land uses and topographic settings. We calculated SOC stock from organic carbon concentration, bulk density, and sampling depth, and measured basal respiration and culturable microbial density (colony-forming units, CFU). Vegetation cover peaked consistently during the wet season (December to February), and mean site FVC ranged from 0.31 to 0.99. Mean FVC showed positive but non-significant associations with culturable microbial density (Spearman’s ρ = 0.48, P = 0.114) and basal respiration (ρ = 0.29, P = 0.361), whereas higher vegetation variability metrics tended to coincide with lower culturable microbial density (ρ = –0.43 to –0.51, P = 0.090 to 0.163). SOC stock showed near-zero coefficients and no statistical evidence of association with vegetation metrics (ρ = 0.09, P = 0.781) or microbial indicators (ρ = 0.01, P = 0.975). Principal component analysis of FVC traits explained 99.65% of the variance and separated sites along a gradient from stable, high cover to more variable, lower cover. Overall, FVC stability metrics captured spatial differences that were directionally consistent with microbial indicators, but associations were not statistically significant in this dataset (n = 12). Larger, replicated studies with repeated soil sampling are required to evaluate whether seasonal FVC metrics have robust predictive utility for SOC stock and soil biological indicators.

Rainfall is a major contributor to water erosion of sloping cropland in Northeast China. Identifying how rainfall and slope gradient (S) influence runoff depth (RD) and sediment yield (SY) is crucial for preventing water erosion. Field measurements from runoff plots were collected from 2023 to 2024, and K-means clustering was applied to clarify the rainfall patterns. Response of RD and SY to the rainfall pattern and S were analysed. Key factors impacting RD and SY were explored. The results showed that three rainfall patterns were identified for 34 erosive rainfall events: A (41.2%, medium duration, medium rainfall intensity, and medium rainfall amount (RA)). B (50.0%, short duration, high rainfall intensity, and low RA) and C (5.4%, long duration, low rainfall intensity, high RA). Furthermore, the cumulative RD and SY increased with S for the same rainfall pattern. The cumulative RD and SY responded similarly to rainfall patterns for the same S. The contribution of the rainfall pattern to the cumulative RD and SY decreased in the order of C, A, and B. In addition, rainfall duration (D) and maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity were the key factors affecting RD and SY for rainfall pattern A, respectively. Rainfall erosivity (R) was the key factor affecting RD and SY for rainfall pattern B and C. R and RD were the dominant factors influencing the RD and SY for all rainfall events, respectively.

This study systematically investigated the synergistic improvement of expansive soil using organic fertiliser (OF), slow-release fertiliser (SRF), and rice straw (RS) through Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Key findings include: the quadratic models demonstrated high statistical significance (root density: R² = 0.765, F = 25.84; shear strength: R² = 0.885, F = 18.65; swelling rate: R² = 0.20, F = 15.23; all P < 0.001) with low prediction errors (root content: ± 0.08 mg/cm³; shear strength: ± 0.58 kPa; swelling rate: ± 0.38%); The combination of 12.30% OF + 0.7 kg/m³ SRF + 0.4% RS achieved 58% improvement in shear strength, 32% improvement in root content, 42.7% reduction in swelling rate; OF exhibited negative linear effects on root density (β = – 0.18, P = 0.002) with >10% dosage reducing root growth by 9.0%; SRF showed positive linear impacts on shear strength (β = +0.25, P = 0.001) and root density (β = + 0.12, P = 0.023); RS enhanced shear strength below 0.5% (β = + 0.08, P = 0.042) but impaired root density due to pore clogging (β = – 0.15, P = 0.008). The optimised formulation, validated by triplicate centre-point tests (coefficient of variation ≤ 2.1%), is recommended for slope stabilisation while limiting OF to ≤ 10% to prevent performance degradation. This data-driven approach provides actionable insights for balancing agricultural waste utilisation and geotechnical performance in expansive soil improvement.

Alpine meadows, one of the most widespread and important vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, are facing severe degradation. This study examines how degradation affects soil medium and trace elements in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, along with their relationships with plant traits and soil properties. Results indicate that alpine meadow degradation significantly reduces vegetation coverage, height, biomass, soil water content (SWC), and the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), while increasing soil bulk density (BD), pH, and potassium (K) content. Soil Ca, Zn, and Mo decrease with degradation, whereas Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Co increase, with Ca, Fe, and Mn showing the strongest changes. Correlation and redundancy analyses indicate that aboveground biomass, SWC, SOC, N, and P positively correlate with Ca, Mo, and Zn, while pH, BD, and K associate with Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Mg, and Cu. Therefore, alpine meadow degradation significantly influences the distribution of certain soil physicochemical properties and medium and trace elements in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Meanwhile, these medium and trace elements are also affected by specific soil physicochemical properties. Future grassland restoration should consider not only macronutrients and basic soil properties but also key elements like Ca, Fe, and Mn. This study provides foundational data for the ecological restoration of degraded alpine meadows.

This research focuses on the effects of large-scale clearcuts resulting from salvage logging after spruce (Picea abies) forest dieback caused by an extreme bark beetle infestation, and on the effect of logging residues management (chopping vs. clearing) on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Pseudo-total contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in soil samples collected separately from the organic (F+H) and mineral (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm depths) soil layers. The distribution of elements was influenced mainly by sampling locality and position in the soil profile. In general, the contents of Cd, Ni and Cr were higher in the mineral layers, whereas Pb was more concentrated in the FH layer. A significant effect of logging residues management on the distribution of PTEs was observed only for Pb and Zn. We expect that the relative decrease of Pb and increase of Zn contents in the “chopped” treatment was mostly due to the higher input of mineral soil and wood residues to the FH layer. Since the stand was harvested relatively recently, the effects of soil preparation have probably outweighed those of spreading or removing logging residues.

This study reports layered double hydroxides (LDHs) modified wheat straw biochar (W-B), denoted as (LDH/W-B), as an efficient adsorbent material for removal of lead (Pb²⁺) ions from aqueous solution. This study also juxtaposes the adsorptive performance of LDH/W-B with W-B for Pb²⁺ removal. W-B was prepared via pyrolysis of wheat straw in a muffle furnace, using a controlled heating rate of 5 °C per min to reach 600 °C over a duration of three hours. Subsequently, LDH/W-B was synthesised using the co-precipitation method. Both resulting adsorbents were characterised for surface morphology and functional groups by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), respectively. The influence of key adsorption parameters on the adsorption efficiency of W-B and LDH/W-B was systematically evaluated. At 60 min, the maximum Pb²⁺ removal efficiency was observed to be 78.21% for W-B and 92.4% for LDH/W-B. An increase in adsorbent dosage from 0.05 to 0.7 g and at a contact time of 1 h further enhanced Pb²⁺ removal, achieving efficiencies of 97% for W-B and 99% for LDH/W-B. The optimal conditions for maximum Pb²⁺ removal were determined to be 0.3 g of adsorbent (W-B and LDH/W-B), an initial heavy metal concentration of 10 mg/L, and a contact time of 1 h. Pb²⁺ removal data of W-B and LDH/W-B best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model, which confirmed the dominance of chemisorption of Pb²⁺ ions. Additionally, the maximum theoretical adsorption capacity for Pb²⁺ is close to the experimentally obtained values, suggesting that the adsorption of Pb²⁺ primarily occurs through monolayer formation on the surface of both adsorbents. Overall, this study demonstrates that LDH/W-B is a highly promising adsorbent for Pb²⁺ removal in wastewater treatment applications.

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 to the first years, which indicates that the attention to the topic has increased in recent years. The purpose of this article is to get accurate information about the state of soil erosion in the countries of Central Asia and to get acquainted with the practical works carried out against erosion in these countries. For this aim, the contents of the articles were reviewed and the results of the scientific works conducted on the topic of erosion in each country were presented. According to the content of the articles, the use of modern techniques and technologies in the evaluation and prevention of soil erosion gives effective results.

Wildfires can greatly impact the hydraulic properties of soil. This study aims to utilise laboratory experiments to simulate burned soil conditions under a range of slope angles and rainfall intensities to address the research question: How does the presence of ash after the first rainfall event impact the hydraulic properties of burned soil in complex terrain? Sandy loam soils for this study were sourced from a mixed conifer forested area in the San Juan Mountains of southern Colorado, USA. Measurements of soil hydraulic properties in experimental microplots were taken (1) before burning, (2) after burning, and (3) 24 hours after a rainfall simulation. A total of 15 experimental microplots with ash applied were run through rainfall simulations at slope angles ranging from 10° to 30°. Results found ash eroded had no significant relation to slope angle, but there was a significant reduction in field saturated hydraulic conductivity of samples with ash after rainfall simulations. To build on the findings presented here, future research should conduct field-based studies across various ecosystems and soil types to observe post-fire soil changes over time.

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 Republic exist also other soil information systems. In this work we also tried to show the practical exploitation of the large soil database. We applied many approaches to assess bulk density of the soil. It was calculated for the main soil groups and it could be applied on every soil profile in PUGIS system. We also showed different possibilities of mapping soil organic concentration or amount in soils.

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 with the van Genuchten model. The exponential terms describe the influence of macro-and-structural porosities, and the latter is used to calculate textural porosity. This new model with eight independent parameters was suitable to fit trimodal SWCCs in all samples. Results revealed that logging had the most destructive effect on large pores, and the soil on the forest track was the most affected. Both soil-air and available water capacity were reduced and the permanent wilting point increased as a result of damage to the soil structure and pore system. Observed increased organic carbon content in compacted soils can be attributed to slowed decomposition due to reduced air capacity and increased waterlogging susceptibility of damaged soils.

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 parameters of soil PSD were computed. Soil PSD characteristics’ influence on water repellency was inferred according to, for example, correlation, redundancy, and stepwise regression analyses. Sand content in the shaddock plantation and clay content in the citrus plantation was the highest. The soil particles of abandoned farmland and plantations were primarily sand. The values of volume dimension D(0) in descending order were citrus plantation, shaddock plantation, ginkgo plantation, R. pseudoacacia plantation, and abandoned farmland. The values of information dimension D(1), correlation dimension D(2), and information dimension/volume dimension D(1)/D(0) in descending order were R. pseudoacacia plantation, ginkgo plantation, citrus plantation, abandoned farmland, and shaddock plantation. No significant differences were found in the symmetry degree Df, the spectral width Da of the singular spectral function, and the single fractal dimension D among the abandoned farmland and different plantations. Slight water repellency was observed in the abandoned farmland and different plantations. The degree of water repellency in descending order was R. pseudoacacia plantation > ginkgo plantation > abandoned farmland > citrus plantation > shaddock plantation. Significant correlations were found between fractal parameters and water repellency, and fractal parameters were suitable potential indicators for soil water repellency.

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 weights of the control points, and a nodal vector of parametrization, which represents the element of uniformity. The NURBS curve was used for smooth (depending on the degree of the curve used) and as tight as possible approximation of the arranged control points, the connecting lines of which forms a convex envelope for its individual parts. The NURBS approximation curve is therefore determined by the ordered control points and their connecting lines, the weights of these points, the degree of the curve and the nodal vector of parametrization. However, the construction of the approximation curve is primarily dependent on a limited number of points of the experimentally determined particle-size distribution curves, and for curves with significant breaks in the course, one must consider either a lower accuracy of the approximation or the necessity of “improving” the approximation using the weights of individual points, inserting additional points or working with a nodal vector of parametrization. For basic approximation, the PUGIS system (Czech soil information system) offers automatic approximation using all variants mentioned in the article as well as the possibility of individual changes in the weights of control points, in their number and position, and in the nodal vector of parametrization.

Evapotranspiration (ET) is one of the main components of the hydrological cycle and plays a crucial role for water resources. It is sensitive to climate change, and therefore, estimating ET under changing climatic conditions is essential in comprehending hydrological processes, particularly in agricultural water management. In this study, the impact of climate change on ET in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye was assessed. For this purpose, RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 climate change scenarios based on two Earth System Models, HadGEM2-ES and MPI-ESM-MR, were employed for three future time periods: 2025–2049, 2050–2074, and 2075–2098. As a baseline period for comparison, the time interval spanning 1980–2000 was considered. ET values were computed by using the Penman-Monteith equation, recommended by the Food and Agriculture Organization, along with five widely utilized methods. The study revealed a consistent increase in ET depending on the employed methods for the future period in response to climate change. The average of the ET amounts for the region was determined as 1089 mm for the reference period 1980–2000. As the average of the six methods utilized, amounts estimated by HadGEM RCP4.5, HadGEM RCP8.5, MPI RCP4.5, and MPI RCP8.5 models for the future period were obtained as 1 199, 1 285, 1 166, and 1 248 mm, respectively. Considering the results, it is found that the ET amount in the Central Anatolia region of Türkiye will increase by up to 11% by the end of this century under the optimistic RCP 4.5 scenario and by up to 19% under the extreme RCP 8.5 scenario. These findings regarding increased evapotranspiration play a significant role in water resource management and agricultural production planning in the region, holding crucial implications for sustainable agriculture.

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 that the erosional-transfer zone of Wei Laing Watershed has thin, loamy, and slightly sandy soils due to erosion and limited pedogenesis. The depositional zone contains flood deposits with abrupt vertical texture changes, reflecting transported coarse grains and finer in-situ sediments. The modern flood deposit (TC Seroja flood deposit) was identified by texture, CaCO₃ content, organic matter, and coarse organic material. The fine-grained flood deposits (≤ 4 cm) are classified as slackwater deposits, consist of silty clay loam and silt loam textures, reflecting deposition under slow-flowing conditions. TC Seroja corresponds to a 50-year return period. Hydrological modelling indicates a 60 mm/day rainfall threshold for flooding, with 77 flood events recorded between 2000–2023. The model is confirmed by thick past flood deposits enriched with coarse organic materials. These findings provide insight into flood dynamics and sedimentary responses, supporting future flood risk mitigation efforts.

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 (BZn), and acidified-Zn enriched biochar (ABZn) were applied to the field at two different doses (0.5 and 1.0%) together with the control treatment (Ck) without biochar application. AB_1.0% was determined as the most effective treatment in decreasing soil pH (0.15 units), while B1.0% was determined as the most effective treatment in increasing organic carbon and cation exchange capacity, 13% and 32%, respectively. The effect of the treatments varied for specific nutrients. The highest antioxidant enzyme activities were found in acidified biochars where the lowest yields were obtained. Compared to the Ck, the highest catalase (CAT) (32%) was determined in ABZn_1.0%, ascorbate peroxidase (APX) (56%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) (36%) were determined in ABZn_0.5%, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (28%) was determined in AB_0.5%. The highest proline (PRO), with the least decrease in yield, was found in the AB_1.0% application, which is 205% more than Ck. B and BZn treatments all increased the grain yield, and the highest increase was 20% in B_1.0% when compared to the Ck.

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. Our study is part of a scientific approach to detecting, monitoring, and intervening in water pollution. The core objective was to develop an alternate approach to protecting productive farmland and populated areas by mitigating pollution in these susceptible zones. The NDVI and compactness index, along with their associated database, hold significant promise for environmental preservation efforts. This spatial procedure effectively maps the spatial temporal distribution of pollutants, providing targeted management strategies. The method’s user-friendly nature makes it easily applicable in other African countries.

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 analysed. Principal component analysis was used to determine the relationships between the forest soil properties and their stand controlling factors. The nugget ratios for the semivariograms and cross-variograms were used to evaluate the spatial dependence of soil properties, and their relevant controlling factors. Forest types influence soil reaction and the availability of cations within the topsoils. Phosphorus is influenced by aluminium and cation exchange capacity. There are higher concentrations of total phosphorus and aluminium under broadleaved forest.

Although it is known that land cover affects soil water and thermal regimes, the influence of different land covers on soil water content and temperature in urban areas is rarely explored. Five soil surface treatments were selected in this study: bare soil, concrete paving, bark mulch, mown grass, and unmown grass. Soil water contents and temperatures were measured at five depths (5, 10, 25, 50, and 80 cm) over one year. The highest water contents were recorded under mulching. Under grass, water contents were lower and showed greater oscillations due to precipitation and evapotranspiration, while under mown grass, values were higher than under unmown grass. Similarly, near-surface bare soil water contents also fluctuated. The water content under the concrete remained almost constant. While the soil under concrete paving, bare surfaces and even mown grass warmed up considerably during the day because of the absorption of solar radiation and cooled down at night due to the emission of stored heat, the soil under bark mulch and unmown grass cover showed smaller temperature fluctuations, mainly due to the low thermal conductivity of the surface layer and surface shading. The effects revealed throughout the entire soil profiles decreased with depth.

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 as controls (CON). The crops were wheat (A), maize (A, B) and intercrops. Surface compost application began in 2022, and soil sampling and field measurements were conducted during the 2023 and 2024 growing seasons. Results showed significant positive changes (P < 0.05 or lower) in SCA plots compared to CON. Soil organic matter content increased by 27.8% at locality A and by 58.1% at locality B, while saturated water content increased by 5.3% (A) and 11.0% (B) in the latter season. Similarly, pH and electrical conductivity showed increases. Water-stable aggregate ratios increased by 6% to 30% at both localities. Dry bulk density decreased by 10.5% (A) and 15.7% (B). Improvements in saturated hydraulic conductivity (by 28.6%) and penetration resistance were observed only at locality B. These findings show the potential of surface-applied stable and mature compost to enhance soil properties effectively.

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 water content in the 40–50 cm soil layer under JO₁M₁ was 3.35% greater than that under JO₀M₀ at the mature stage. The soil organic carbon (SOC) and soil total nitrogen (STN) in the 0–10 cm soil layer under JO₁M₁ were 16.69% and 21.37% greater, respectively, than those under JO₀M₀ at the jointing stage. The actinomycete content was 58.79% greater in QO₁M₁ than in QO₀M₀. The urease activity was greater in O₁M₀ than in the other management practices. Compared with that in JO₀M₀ and QO₀M₀, the alkaline phosphatase activity in JO₁M₁ and QO₁M₁ was 47.36% and 33.97% higher, respectively. Compared with those of JO₀M₀, the catalase activity and sucrase activity of JO₁M₁ were 57.62% and 22.78% higher, respectively. Compared with JO₀M₀ and QO₀M₀, JO₁M₁ and QO₁M₁ increased the grain yield by 20.69% and 16.42%, respectively, and increased the biomass by 23.36% and 26.45%, respectively. In summary, organic fertilizer and microbial agents provide a scientific model for the rational use of saline soils and the development of their potential.

In order to remove soil tetracycline residue and identify the effect of tetracycline on soil nematode community, agricultural waste returning was applied in a maize monocropping field, northeast China. The results showed that plant parasites were the dominant genera in high concentration of soil tetracycline; however, bacterivores were the dominant genera in all organic matter amendments. Maturity index, structure index and enrichment index showed the highest values in biochar and compost mixed amendments and these treatments had the highest tetracycline removal rate and the highest concentration of macro-aggregates, total organic C and available N, followed by biochar seperate amendments. Overall, biochar and compost mixed amendments efficiently reduced the risk of soil tetracycline pollution below the threshold, with the characteristics of cheap, improving soil fertility and above all, environmentally friendly.