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The article presents the results of agrochemical survey of soils of the Dolyna territorial community of Ivano-Frankivsk region. The agro-productive grouping of all soils of the district was carried out. There are five agroproductive soil groups within the district: sod-podzolic soils on ancient alluvial, water-glacial deposits, moraine, and eluvium of magmatic rocks; sod-podzolic and podzolic-sod surface-gleyed medium-loamy soils; deep non-gleyed and gleyed medium-loamy sod soils and their podzolized variants on ancient alluvial, water-glacial deposits, moraine, and eluvium of magmatic rocks; brown-podzolic, sod-brown-podzolic, brown mountain-forest podzolized gleyed and surface-gleyed non-eroded and slightly eroded heavy loamy and light clayey soils; sod gleyed soils; sod-brown and meadow-brown gleyed soils on alluvial and deluvial deposits, medium-loamy stony soils. These soils exhibit acidic pH, are moderately deficient in available phosphorus, and have medium levels of potassium. They are potentially fertile but require liming and the application of organic-mineral fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The glomalin content is generally considered an indicator of the soil organic matter (SOM) quality. The content of easily extractable glomalin (EEG) and the total glomalin (TG) content was investigated across 71 different sites in the Czech Republic with arable soil and crop production (12 chernozems, 30 luvisols, 17 cambisols, and 12 fluvisols). The majority of the crops in the crop rotation were cereals (45.5%—mainly winter wheat, winter barley, and spring barley). The proportion of winter canola within the crop rotation was 15.9%. The contribution of other crops was substantially smaller (alfalfa, clover, potatoes, beet, silage maize, grain maize). The representation of crops in the crop rotation is standard for conventional farming in the Czech Republic. Based on the results of long-term field monitoring at 71 sites in different soil–climate conditions, we can state the following. The TG content was significantly correlated with the soil organic matter carbon content (CSOM), as well as another important indicator of SOM quality (humic and fulvic acid carbon content ratio—CHA/CFA). A significant and positive correlation was also determined for the TG and clay content (size < 0.002 mm), as well as particles smaller than 0.01 mm. The easily extractable glomalin content (EEG) did not differ based on the reference soil group (RSG). On the other hand, the total glomalin content (TG) was significantly higher in the chernozem RSG in comparison with other RSGs (luvisols, cambisols, fluvisols). There was no relationship between the pHCaCl2 and glomalin (EEG; TG). The same can be said about the relationship between glomalin (EEG; TG) and the bulk density and porosity. No link was established between the glomalin content (EEG; TG) and phosphorus plant-available content. There was no relationship between the amount of applied organic matter (carbon inputs) and the soil glomalin content (EEG; TG). This relationship was not influenced by the type of applied organic fertilizer. No significant relationship was found for either straw, manure, or compost. The data on the glomalin content are significantly influenced by the site (soil type and soil texture). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Stability analyses of tailings dams often utilize advanced constitutive models that require the calibration of many parameters. Yet, there remains limited research on the implications of parameter uncertainties within these constitutive models on the safety factor of tailings dams. This study successfully investigated the impact of uncertainty in critical state parameters of the NorSand model on the stability of a tailings dam. To achieve this goal, field and laboratory tests characterized the materials constituting the geotechnical profile of the dam, involving residual shale soils, alluvial soils, and granular-textured tailings. These tests were included in the finite element (FE) program PLAXIS 2D to estimate several parameters of the constitutive models that characterized the materials of the dam: Hardening Soil, Mohr–Coulomb, and NorSand. Monte Carlo simulations of FE analyses were conducted considering the construction period of the dam spanning 2500 days. Furthermore, the critical state line (CSL) parameters employed within the NorSand model were reconciled with void ratio data for the uncompacted tailings utilizing a Bayesian framework. The Bayesian framework allowed us to investigate: (i) the statistical distribution of the critical state parameters, (ii) confidence intervals for horizontal and vertical displacements, (iii) shear strains at various monitoring points across the tailings dam, (iv) and the marginal distribution of the factor of safety. The findings reveal a strong correlation between the three CSL parameters, which presented poorly defined statistical distributions. Nonetheless, the power law equation used to model the CSL closely matches laboratory data from triaxial tests (R2 = 0.97). Uncertainties in the CSL, especially at lower stress levels, contribute to settlement prediction uncertainties. Monitoring points at the structure's base showed strains that could induce downstream slope instability and potential liquefaction failure. The histogram of the safety factors remained narrow, normally distributed, ranging from 1.39 to 1.47. This work is important because it explicitly addresses the uncertainty in the critical state parameters of the NorSand model within geotechnical analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The expansion of Eucalyptus globules boundary plantations (EGBPs) along farm boundaries is considered to have effects on the yield of crops underneath them. We evaluated the orientation and root trenching effect of EGBP on barley yield and soil physicochemical properties in the Gummer District of Central Ethiopia. Two months before sowing, trenches were prepared on each side of the orientation of EGBP at distances of 0.5 m, 1 m, and 1.5 m using a split-split plot design with three replications. At a 1.5 m trench distance, the north-facing field showed 20.4% to 31.2% additional yield increment compared with the south-, east-, and west-facing fields. Additionally, 15.2% to 43% additional yield was observed as the field distance from the EGBP increased from 3 to 12 m. In comparison to un-trenched fields, trenched fields showed 31.9% to 73.4% additional yield variation. Regarding the soil physicochemical properties, the aspect of EGBP had no a significant effect. However, except for the texture, pH, and exchangeable K, the soil OM, TN, available P, and CEC status significantly differed among the trenches. On average, the root trench minimized the field distance effect of EGBP on barley yield by 24%. Tree root trenching is a potential tool for managing below-ground competition. Therefore, establishing a 0.5 m × 0.5 m trench at a 1.5 m distance from the EGBP is vital for maximizing barley yield and increasing land-use efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intercropping medicinal plants plays an important role in agroforestry that can improve the physical, chemical, and biological fertility of soil. However, the influence of intercropping medicinal plants on the Camellia oleifera soil properties and bacterial communities remains elusive. In this study, five intercropping treatment groups were set as follows: Curcuma zedoaria/C. oleifera (EZ), Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH), Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC), Fructus Galangae/C. oleifera (HDK), and Ficus simplicissima/C. oleifera (WZMT). The soil chemical properties, enzyme activities, and bacterial communities were measured and analyzed to evaluate the effects of different intercropping systems. The results indicated that, compared to the C. oleifera monoculture group, YDC and EZ showed noticeable impacts on the soil chemical properties with a significant increase in total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), available nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK). Among them, the content of TN and AK in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera in the YDC intercropping system was the highest, which was 7.82 g/kg and 21.94 mg/kg higher than CK. Similarly, in the EZ intercropping system, the content of NN and OM in the rhizosphere soil of Camellia oleifera was the highest, which was higher than that of CK at 722.33 mg/kg and 2.36 g/kg, respectively. Curcuma longa/C. oleifera (JH) and Clinacanthus nutans/C. oleifera (YDC) had the most effect on soil enzyme activities. Furthermore, YDC extensively increased the activities of hydrogen peroxide and acid phosphatase enzymes; the increase was 2.27 mg/g and 3.21 mg/g, respectively. While JH obviously increased the urease activity, the diversity of bacterial populations in the rhizosphere soil of the intercropping plants decreased, especially the Shannon index of YDC and HDK. Compared with the monoculture group, the bacterial community abundance and structure of JH and YDC were quite different. The relative abundance of Actinobacteriota and Firmicutes was increased in YDC, and that of Acidobacteriota and Myxococcota was increased in JH. According to the redundancy analysis (RDA), pH, total potassium, and soil catalase activity were identified as the main factors influencing the microbial community structure of the intercropping systems. In conclusion, intercropping with JH and YDC increased the relative abundance of the dominant bacterial communities, improved the microbial community structure, and enhanced the soil nutrients and enzyme activities. Therefore, in the future, these two medicinal plants can be used for intercropping with C. oleifera. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

AbstractApplication of high dose of phosphorus (P) changes the soil chemical properties which may lead to redistribution of Zn fractions in soil. A field experiment was conducted to study the effect of added zinc (Zn) and P on Zn transformations in a New Alluvial soil (Aeric Haplaquept), together with dry matter yield and Zn uptake by rice plants. The treatments included four levels of P (0, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha−1) and three levels of Zn (0, 5, and 10 kg ha−1). Although P application increased the dry matter yield of rice, Zn concentration and uptake was decreased significantly at higher dose of P application. Application of P caused a decrease in all the fractions of soil Zn except amorphous and crystalline Fe-oxide bound zinc. The order of preponderance of different zinc fractions followed the order, water soluble plus exchangeable (WE-Zn) < carbonate bound (Car-Zn) < organically bound (Org-Zn) < manganese oxide (MnOx-Zn) < crystalline sesquioxide (CFeOx-Zn) < amorphous sesquioxide (AFeOx-Zn) < residual Zn (Res-Zn). Residual Zn was the most dominant form of Zn, contributing about 69.07% to total Zn. Correlation data indicated that those fractions are in a state of dynamic equilibrium among different fractions and governs the plant-available Zn in soil. Path coefficient analysis of different Zn-fractions with Zn-uptake in rice plant showed that among the all pools of Zn, Org-Zn fraction plays the most vital role in contributing to Zn uptake by plants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the vertical distributions of organic carbon (OC) is crucial for predicting and simulating the influences of soil units on the terrestrial carbon cycle. The OC in the fine earth fraction was calculated for the soil units Anthrosols, Cambisols, Fluvisols, Leptosols, and Regosols in the municipality of Ponte de Lima, Portugal, at depths of 0–30 cm, 0–100 cm, 0–200 cm, and 0–2590 cm. In the study area, over 40% of the OC is concentrated in the Regosol unit, followed by the Anthrosols with over 23% OC at all depths, and the Leptosols with over 22% OC at all depths. The soil units Cambisols and Fluvisols have a lower representation in the territory, with values below 1.5% and 6.5% respectively at all depths. The obtained results contribute to assessing the potential of the soil units present in the municipality to sequester CO2, promoting the development of carbon inventories and analyzing the distribution of OC through accurate and reliable estimates of current C reserves as an essential tool for analyzing and modeling the effects of different factors involved in the potential of soil OC sequestration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ammonium nitrate and aluminium (AN–Al) has been used as a typical homemade explosive (HME) by non-state actors since the turn of the century. Despite the regulation applied to ammonium nitrate above 16% nitrogen content and an aluminium particle size below 200 µm, their use has been widespread in Afghanistan, Columbia, Iraq, Syria and Yemen. Containers used to utilise AN–Al as a man-portable improvised explosive device (IED) are typically hexahedral in shape, not the spherical or hemispherical geometries used to theorise risk mitigation. This is particularly important in post-blast investigation where explosives of a non-ideal nature are often used in non-spherical containers. Given the breadth of HME available to criminals, the explosion performance of forty hexahedral containers filled with AN–Al of unknown manufacture is examined. Performance of the AN–Al is determined through the surface detonation of these containers on alluvial soil, with apparent crater volume compared to theoretical calculations for spherical charges of TNT detonated in that same medium. A conversion factor for hexahedral main charges to spherical charges is then established to achieve more accurate predictions of the explosion risk using Kingery-Bulmash and Bowen curves. The paper provides worked examples for practical application and a methodology by which predictions of charge mass in other mediums such as asphalt can be determined. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Pulse production in Old Alluvial Zone, Malda is significantly low compared to their potentiality due to poor cultivation practices and adoption of traditional varieties by the farmers. Cluster Frontline Demonstration, which is a noble tool, was studied during 2017–2019 in two pulses viz. blackgram (var. PU-31) and greengram (var. PDM-139) to evaluate its impacts on technology adoption and bridge the gaps in yields among potential, demonstration, and farmers' plots. In this study, variation of technology index (TI) was observed between 23.6–32.33% and 26.07–31.67% for blackgram and greengram, respectively; whereas extension yield gaps varied by 458.0–522.0 kg ha−1 and 462.0–508.0 kg ha−1, respectively. It was inferred that blackgram and greengram productivity can be enhanced by 76.46–90.43% and 82.06–84.53%, respectively, by adopting an improved package of farm technologies. The BCR (benefit–cost ratio) of blackgram and greengram in demonstration plots varied between 1.99–2.18 and 2.03–2.61, respectively; whereas in farmers' plots they were 1.38–1.56 and 1.39–1.82, respectively, i.e., average BCR enhanced by 41.61% and 44.57% in demonstration plots over farmers' plots of blackgram and greengram, respectively, by adopting improved production technologies. During 2017–19, improved production technology in demonstration plots increased the average water usage efficiency of blackgram and greengram by 42.25% and 82.79%, respectively. The yield variations between farmers' plots and demonstration plots were statistically significant at p ≤.01 significance level. It is hypothesized that CFLDs are quite feasible and have enormous potential to enhance blackgram and greengram productivity in prevailing farming situations of socio-economically poor farming communities of this region in a sustainable manner. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Walnut trees on the Tibetan Plateau have sustainable and nutritious characteristics. They grow naturally without the use of any chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Therefore, the soil fertility of walnut orchards is a key factor influencing walnut yield and quality. This experiment measured and analyzed the basic soil nutrient content, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN), phosphorus (MBP), and leaf nutrient indicators in five types of representative walnut orchard soil parent materials in Gyaca County to clarify the fertility characteristics of different soil types and their correlations with walnut nutrients, providing a basis for the sustainable development of the plateau walnut industry. The results showed that there were significant differences in soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available nutrient contents, and microbial activity among soil types with different parent materials. The comprehensive representation of available nutrient levels in the soils is as follows: gray-cinnamon soil and calcareous alluvial soil > mountain meadow soil > plateau prairie soil and brush prairie soil. The average MBC, MBN, and MBP contents in the five soils were 368.8 mg/kg, 28.4 mg/kg, and 23.6 mg/kg, respectively, and the content in the topsoil (0–20 cm) was higher than that of the subsoil (20–40 cm). The total nitrogen (PN), total phosphorus (PP), and total potassium (PK) contents in walnut leaves were found to be closely related to the soil physicochemical properties and microbial activity, among which five indicators, including soil TN, available nitrogen (AN), SOM, MBC, and slowly available potassium (SAK), had the greatest impact on leaf nutrient levels. These findings are valuable for the future management and development of walnut orchards. Therefore, for different soil parent materials and soil types, improving the soil fertility and actively applying nitrogen-rich organic fertilizers should be prioritized to improve the yield and quality of Tibetan Plateau walnuts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Slow-release fertilizer (SRF) improves Kimchi cabbage (KC) productivity in the Highlands of Gangwon Province in South Korea; however, optimum rates for the region are not established. This study investigated the optimum and most economical rate of SRF that maximizes KC yield, nutrient uptake and nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) and enhances soil quality in two experiments at the Highland Agriculture Research Institute. Post-harvest soil N (mg kg−1), P2O5 (mg kg−1), K, Ca and Mg (cmolc kg−1), pH (1:5), electrical conductivity (EC; dSm−1) and organic matter (OM; g kg−1) were measured to assess soil quality. Added net returns (ANR) of treatments were evaluated. Recommended N rate (238 kg ha−1) for KC production was the basis for treatment applications. Treatments included no fertilizer control ('nf'), full N recommendation SRF (SF1), ½ N recommendation SRF (SF0.5), double N recommendation SRF (SF2) and full N recommendation conventional fast fertilizer (FF). Results showed that SF0.5, SF1 and SF2 influenced the highest KC marketable yield in both experiments (66–74 and 42–66 Mg ha−1, respectively). SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 times the N recommendation produced the highest possible linear increases in marketable yield; and the most economical, with ANR > KRW 83 million ha−1 in the first experiment and > KRW 22 million ha−1 in the second. Crop N, P, K, Ca and Mg uptakes were highest among the three SRF rates in both experiments. SF0.5 influenced the highest (91%) NUE in the first experiment; however, it left 8 mg kg−1 N by the end of this experiment compared to the start-up 27.2 mg kg−1 N. Thus, nutrient mining occurred. Soil N increased between 23 and 135 mg kg−1 by SF 1 and 2 in both experiments. Soil EC spiked to 0.6 dSm−1 from the initial level of 0.2 dSm−1 by SF2 in the first experiment. Soil pH, P2O5, K, Ca and Mg levels post-harvest were comparable among treatments in both experiments. SF0.5, 1 and 2 increased soil OM by 7–16% above pre-experimental levels in the second experiment. In conclusion, SRF rates between 0.5 and 1 for KC produced the maximum corresponding KC yield and were the most economical. SRF rates ≤ 0.5 pose risks of nutrient mining, which could jeopardise native soil fertility. SF1 and 2 improved some soil quality indices (N and OM). However, SF2 potentiates risks of soil salinity and large P losses, and it is less economical. Therefore, for holistic sustainability of the cropping system, the optimum SRF rate should lie between 0.5 and 1 N recommendation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient recycling is a fundamental process for the functioning of tropical forests; however, anthropogenic activities such as mining could affect this process in tropical ecosystems. Given that little is known about the effects of mining on nutrient recycling in tropical forests, the objective was set to evaluate the influence of mining on nutrient cycling in tropical rainforests of the Colombian Pacific. Additionally, the hypothesis that nutrient cycling could be lower in post-mining areas was evaluated. To evaluate the effect of mining on nutrient cycling, permanent plots were established in mature and post-mining forests. In both forests, soil acidity, aluminum (Al), organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (N), available phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) were considered. Likewise, the litter production, decomposition, and accumulation on the ground were determined; additionally, nutrient content and nutrient use efficiency (NUE) were determined. It was observed that mining influenced the nutrient contents of the soil in a different way. It was evident that total N and soil OM were similar in both forests, while the contents of P, K, Ca, Mg, Al, and ECEC available were higher in post-mining. The litterfall production and litter mass accumulation on the ground were greater in post-mining, while litter decomposition was greater in mature forests. In mature forests, there was higher foliar content of N, Ca, and B and, in addition, higher NUE of Ca. However, in post-mining, there was higher leaf content of K, Mg, P, Fe, Cu, Mn, and Zn and, in addition, greater NUE of N, P and K. In conclusion, an increase in post-mining nutrient cycling was noted as a strategy for nutrient conservation, and recovery of the functioning and maintenance of productivity in degraded Pacific ecosystems. Consequently, it is expected that in the future, if mining continues in the region, productivity and nutrient recycling will be altered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Engineering residue soil, a prominent type of construction solid waste, can offer considerable environmental and socioeconomic benefits if efficiently utilized. Unburned brick represents an environmentally friendly and high-value approach to reusing this residue soil. Mud, a primary constituent of residue soil, typically hinders the performance of unburned brick using cement-based materials. This study investigates the effects of mud on the performance of unburned brick made from engineering residue soil based on experimental tests and mechanism analysis. The residue soil is silty clay sourced from the alluvial soil layer in South China. A comprehensive analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the residue soil and mud is conducted to assess the feasibility of using them in unburned brick production. Using ordinary Portland cement as the cementitious material, the unburned residue soil bricks are produced via semi-dry static-press forming and natural curing. The influence of mud type and content on the compressive strength of the unburned brick made with engineering residue soil is investigated and discussed. This experimental study reveals that the influence of mud on unburned brick's compressive strength is negligible. However, excessively low mud content reduces brick compactness, impairs brick formation, and leads to lower compressive strength. Within the range of solidification, unburned brick's compressive strength initially increases and then decreases with increasing mud content, with an optimal mud content of approximately 25%. As engineering residue soil often contains a high mud content, reducing it effectively enhances the compressive strength of unburned bricks. Through experiments and mechanism analysis, this research clarifies the impact of mud on the strength and performance of unburned residue soil bricks, providing important theoretical insights and practical guidance for the production of unburned products and promoting the efficient and environmentally friendly resource utilization of engineering residue soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Comprehension of the long-term effects of irrigation on basic soil characteristics and quality is essential for sustainable land management and agricultural production, particularly in arid regions where water availability is limited. This study aimed to investigate long-term irrigation effects on soil quality, soil organic carbon (SOC), and nitrogen (N) stocks in the arid lands of Egypt. Seventy soil samples were collected and analyzed to determine various soil properties. A soil quality index (SQI), SOC, and N stocks were computed. ANOVA and PCA analyses were used to identify significant differences between alluvial soils in the southwest part of the investigated area and coastal marine soils in the northeast of the study area. The results demonstrated that most of the studied soil parameters had significantly greater values in alluvial compared to coastal marine soils. Long-term irrigation led to an 8.00% increase in SOC and 7.22% increase in N stocks compared to coastal marine soils production. Furthermore, a 39.53% increase was found in the SQI upon long-term irrigation practice. These results suggest that shifting from rain-fed in coastal marine areas to irrigated production systems in alluvial fields can improve soil quality, SOC, and N stocks. Therefore, further studies are required to investigate the impact of additional factors, such as irrigation method and salinity status of sub-surface soil layers, to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainable land use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Jute is a significant fibre found in India, particularly grown in the provinces of Bengal and Assam. The increasing demand for jute fibre in international markets encouraged the peasants of Bengal to grow jute for commercial purposes. Therefore, Bengal became a centre for globally recognised jute production and supplied to European nations. The discussion of jute trade in India would be lacking without referring to the Goalpara district of Assam, which shares a close flank with Bengal, where a plethora of jute had been grown. The damp alluvial soil of the Goalpara district became favourable for growing extensive jute. The affordable and cheap price of high-quality jute attracted many traders from Bengal and Central India. Besides, the Goalpara district had access to waterways in every nook and cranny, and the district's administrative centre had inland transportation connections to Bengal. The jute trade was extensively carried out in the Goalpara district, and all the jute fibre was transported to Bengal and then to European countries. The demand for jute in the international markets caused a huge number of peasants to migrate to Goalpara district from East Bengal to cultivate jute. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Durian is one of the most valuable and expensive fruits in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Leaf nutritional disorders are considered to be causes of reductions in fruit yield and quality. However, studies on the nutritional balance in durian leaf are limited. In this study, we used the DRIS method for leaf limitation nutrient diagnosis at the stage 2 months before durian flowering. Our objectives were to (i) establish DRIS norms for the macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, and S) in durian leaf and (ii) determine nutrient value ranges that are insufficient or excessive in durian production. A total of 180 leaf samples were collected and examined from 90 durian orchards cultivated on alluvial soils in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta. The results indicate that DRIS establishment for durian was highly reliable due to the significant positive correlation (r > 0.5) among nutrient indices. The limiting nutrients in durian leaf at the investigation stage were S, Mg, Ca, and P, where S and Mg were the most deficient. The optimal ranges of nutrients in durian leaf were determined and recommended in this study. Further studies are necessary to validate the efficiency of DRIS using nutrient omission trials under durian cultivation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, research on traditional villages mainly focuses on the current development status and evolutionary trends in specific regions, with relatively limited studies from a macroscopic and holistic perspective on the spatiotemporal evolution of traditional villages. Therefore, this study selects traditional villages in the Yellow River Basin (YRB) as the research object. By analyzing the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and driving factors of traditional villages (TVs) in the basin, it aims to further promote high-quality development in the YRB and protect traditional cultural resources. Based on data from 892 village points of the first to sixth batches of TVs in the YRB, ArcGIS 10.8 spatial analysis techniques were employed to analyze the overall spatial pattern of TVs in the YRB. The results indicate: (1) In the basin, TVs are more numerous in the east than the west and more in the south than the north, forming clusters and contiguous distributions, with dense areas primarily in the upstream regions dominated by Qinghai Province and the midstream areas along the Shanxi-Shaanxi coast. (2) The number and scale of TVs in the basin generally exhibit an increasing trend, with imbalanced provincial distribution. More recent years show a more balanced distribution of villages and proportions, with a higher number of villages in the mountainous and plateau regions of the basin. (3) The layout center of TVs within the basin evolves with each batch, showing a migration pattern from north to south, back to north, and finally east to west. (4) The interaction of natural and social factors plays a synergistic role in driving the spatiotemporal distribution pattern of TVs. Among these, natural geographical factors are the primary factors. TVs are more commonly found in regions with low altitude sunny slopes, mild climate, abundant precipitation, proximity to ancient roads and rivers, gentle slopes, and soil predominantly comprising loess, brown earth, and alluvial soils. The cultural environment is a secondary factor, with TVs often located in areas with larger populations, developed economies, and rich cultural heritage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The intercropping system is a promising approach to augmenting the soil nutrient status and promoting sustainable crop production. However, it is not known whether intercropping improves the soil phosphorus (P) status in alluvial soils with low P under subtropical climates. Over two growing seasons––2019–2020 and 2020–2021––two experimental fields were employed to explore the effect of durum wheat (Dw) and chickpea (Cp) cropping systems on the soil available P. A randomized complete block design was used in this experiment, with three blocks each divided into three plots. Each plot was used for one of the following three treatments with three replications: Dw monocrop (Dw-MC), Cp monocrop (Cp-MC), and Dw + Cp intercrop (CpDw-InC), with bulk soil (BS) used as a control. A reduction in the rhizosphere soil pH (-0.44 and -0.11 unit) was observed in the (Cp-MC) and (CpDw-InC) treatments over BS, occurring concomitantly with a significant increase in available P in the rhizosphere soil of around 28.45% for CpDw-InC and 24.9% for Cp-MC over BS. Conversely, the rhizosphere soil pH was significantly higher (+0.12 units) in the Dw-MC treatments. In addition, intercropping enhanced the soil microbial biomass P, with strong positive correlations observed between the biomass P and available P in the Cp-MC treatment, whereas this correlation was negative in the CpDw-InC and Dw-MC treatments. These findings suggested that Cp intercropped with Dw could be a viable approach in enhancing the available P through improved pH variation and biomass P when cultivated on alluvial soil under a subtropical climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to understand the problem of sediment sources in the Xujiahe Formation of the Central Sichuan Uplift, high-density two-dimensional seismic data was used, and LCS2 (the second section of the Xujiahe Formation) was taken as the research object. Combined with logging interpretation results, typical seismic facies were identified within the sequence, including clinoform seismic facies, progradational reflection seismic facies, and incised valley seismic facies. The progradational reflection seismic facies can be divided into two types: S-shaped and oblique progradational reflection facies. The oblique progradational reflection seismic facies representing the rapid filling environment of sediments are mainly distributed in the southeast of the study area, while the northwest mainly develops relatively low-energy sedimentary mechanisms of S-shaped seismic facies. The incised valley seismic facies are mainly distributed in the eastern and southeastern parts of the work area. On the plane, the incised valley seismic facies have a trend of gradually widening and shallowing towards the northwest direction. In addition, the distribution of sedimentary facies was analyzed using seismic attributes. The southeastern and central parts of the study area are mainly composed of proximal sand-rich braided river alluvial plains, while the northwestern part is mainly composed of distal mud-rich braided river alluvial plains. The distribution of sedimentary facies generally shows a southwest to northeast distribution. From southeast to northwest, the sedimentary facies show a clear trend of changing from sand-rich to mud-rich. Based on the comprehensive distribution characteristics of seismic and sedimentary facies, it is believed that the river in the Central Sichuan Uplift basically enter the region from the south or southeast, and transport sediments from southeast to northwest. Based on the above evidence, it is inferred that the sedimentary material of the Xujiahe Formation in the Central Sichuan Uplift mainly comes from the «Qianzhong Ancient Uplift» or «Fanjing Mountain Ancient Land» on the southern and southeastern of the Sichuan Basin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to identify the source and bioavailability of soil Cd in the alluvial geological high background area, 3799 topsoil samples and 140 root soil samples were collected from the Jiulong area on the south bank of Poyang Lake, Jiangxi Province. The results confidently indicate that the range of topsoil Cd content is 0.02~8.12 ppm, with an exceedance rate of 14.6%. It is noteworthy that exceedance points were mostly distributed in quaternary sediments. The geostatistical analysis clearly shows that the spatial distribution characteristic of topsoil Cd is higher in the north and lower in the south. The area with extremely high values (>90% quantile) is predominantly located in the tidal flat and low-lying areas of the mainstream of the Xinjiang River. The PCA analysis confirms that the main source of topsoil Cd is man-made activities related to industry and mining. Soil Cd is primarily derived from upstream industrial and mining discharge (58.5%), as revealed by the PMF model analysis. The active Cd content in root soil is 77 ppb, with higher levels observed in the north and lower levels in the south. These findings suggest a significant risk of Cd diffusion along the upstream stream and deposition in the low-lying parts of the north. It is worth noting that Cd's bioavailability and active forms in paddy fields are the highest, which can have a detrimental effect on food security. The correlation analysis suggests that genetic sources primarily control the bioavailability of soil Cd, followed by soil physicochemical properties such as SOC, Fe-Al oxides, and soil texture. Preventing source pollution and cutting off water system transmission are effective methods for preventing and controlling soil Cd pollution. These methods ensure the safety of cultivated land in the lakeside area of Poyang Lake Plain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The coupling interactions between flood propagation, sediment transport, and river morphology in alluvial rivers are mathematically described by the high-order dynamic wave model. The coupling capability of currently used dynamic wave models is systematically conducted. The results indicate that the propagation of a dynamic flood wave only depends on the Froude number, but is independent of the coupling of sediment transport and river mobility. Furthermore, based on the continuum hypothesis, the dynamic equations describing the motion of the active bed layer are obtained. A renewed dynamic wave model is established. Four families of asymptotic solutions to the eigenvalues of the renewed four-order hyperbolic system are obtained by means of the singular-perturbation technology. The results demonstrate that the interactions between flood propagation, sediment transport, and riverbed mobility are coupled. Propagation of the main dynamic flood wave and the dynamic sediment wave will be slower with the increasing deposition rate, but will be faster when the erosion intensity is enhanced. These mainly occur in the lower flow regime. In the process of deposition, the second dynamic flood wave and the dynamic bed wave will propagate both upward and downstream. Besides, the dynamic bed wave will propagate downstream and the second dynamic flood wave will only propagate upstream, regardless of the flow regime. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vitis vinifera L. subsp. sylvestris (sylvestris) is the only native wild grapevine in Eurasia (Europe and western Asia) and is the existing ancestor of the grapevine varieties (for wine and table grape production) belonging to the subsp. sativa. In Slovenia, the prevailing opinion has been that there are no Slovenian sylvestris habitats. This study describes sylvestris in Slovenia for the first time and aims to present an overview of the locations of the wild grapevine in the country. In this project, a sample set of 89 accessions were examined using 24 SSR and 2 SSR markers plus APT3 markers to determine flower sex. The accessions were found in forests on the left bank of the Sava River in Slovenia, on the border between alluvial soils and limestone and dolomite soils, five different sites, some of which are described for the first time. The proportion of female to male accessions differed between sites. At two sites, female plants dominated; at others, the ratio was balanced. The plants' genetic diversity and structure were compared with autochthonous and unique varieties of subsp. sativa from old vineyards in Slovenia and with rootstocks escaped from nature from abandoned vineyards. Sylvestris was clearly distinguishable from vinifera and the rootstocks. Based on genetic analyses, it was confirmed that Slovenian sylvestris is closest to the Balkan and German sylvestris groups. Meanwhile, a safety duplication of the wild grapevine accessions has been established at the University Centre of Viticulture and Enology Meranovo, Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the University of Maribor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the ground-motion analysis and local site effects in Kahramanmaras city during the 6 Feb 2023 Turkey–Syria earthquake sequence. The damage distribution was non-uniform, concentrated in an area with 8–10-story buildings on alluvial soil. Comparison between the recorded data and several ground-motion models examined in this study indicates that ground-motion models predict the spectral accelerations around 3 times less than what observed during the first event. Site response analyses are carried out for three sequential earthquakes with magnitudes greater than 6.5 occurred on 6th of February 2023. Deconvolution analysis shows that the peak ground acceleration of bedrock motions correlates with distance: 0.1 g farthest, 0.3 g nearest, and ~ 0.2 g intermediary stations in Kahramanmaras city. The results of convolution analysis indicate that the ground surface spectral acceleration of the first event is the dominant spectra compared to the second and third events for periods less than 4 s. The results of site response analysis show that the 10-story buildings tolerated a spectral acceleration upto 0.85 g which is ~ 1.8 times greater than what is recommended by the available national design spectrum (i.e., the 2007 Turkey seismic design code). This means that the recorded motions in Kahramanmaras city have return periods larger than the 475 years of the Turkish seismic design code. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic matter (OM) shows a critical role in mobilization and uptake of arsenic (As) by rice, and water management practice can mitigate this problem. However, very few research highlighted the impact of management of water on rice as influenced by OM amendment. Therefore, this study has evaluated the changes in As mobilization in paddy soil under different OM amendment and water management practices. Here, rice was grown to maturity in a two-factorial pot experiment comprising two different water management practices [continuous flooding (CF) and alternate wetting drying (AWD)] and eight combinations of As and OM amendment [comprising two As treatments (0 and 20 ppm) and four OM amendments (0, 0.25%, 0.5% and 5.0% w/w)]. Application of OM in As contaminated soil caused a significant increase in As accumulation in rice, and exhibited decreased growth and yield of rice. However, the results showed that rice growth and yield was significantly higher under AWD practice compared to CF. Arsenic concentration in rice was the lowest in As and OM control pots (44.67 μg/kg in AWD and 62.13 μg/kg in CF), and higher in As treated pots. Moreover, As concentration in rice grain increased with increasing levels of OM amendment. The As concentration in rice grain (168.44 μg/kg in AWD and 183.85 μg/kg in CF) was significantly higher in As treated pots with 0.5% OM amendment compared to other treatment combinations. Application of 5% OM in As contaminated soil did not produce any grains due to extreme toxicity. Thus, As accumulation in rice can be decreased by AWD water management technique without compromising yield. The findings suggest that applying OM in paddy soils with high soil As content should be done with caution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in the yield and quality of sweet corn. A field experiment was conducted in consecutive two kharif seasons in 2018 and 2019 to investigate the effect of various organic sources of nutrients in combination with inorganic sources on the yield and quality of sweet corn under new alluvial soils of West Bengal, India. Treatments were: T1: Control (without fertilizers); T2: 100% recommended dose (RDF) of chemical fertilizers (CF) (RDF CF100%); T3: 100% recommended dose of N (RDN) through vermicompost (VC) (RDN VC100%); T4: 50 RDN through CF + 50% RDN through VC (RDN CF50% + RDN VC50%); T5: 50% RDF through CF + 50% RDN through organic source (OS)1, Soligro (Ascophyllum nodosum) granular (RDN CF50% + RDN OS150%); T6: 50% RDN through CF + 50% RDN through OS 2, Bioenzyme (liquid) (RDN CF50% + RDN OS250%); T7: 50% RDN through CF + 50% RDN through OS 3, Opteine (Ascophyllum nodosum) filtrate [RDN CF50% + RDN OS350%]; T8: 50% RDN through VC + 50% RDF through OS 1, Soligro (Ascophyllum nodosum) granular (RDN VC50% + RDN OS150%). The OS of fertilizers were VC, SoliGro Gr (OS1) (Ascophyllum nodosum), Bioenzyme liquid (OS2), and Opteine (Ascophyllum nodosum) filtrate (OS3). The inorganic source was traditional CF applied at the RDF (150:75:75 kg ha-1 of N: P2O5:K2O). The VC was used to supply 100% RDN as one source or 50% RDN when combined with CF or OS. Maximum fruit yield (10.75 and 10.79 t ha-1 in 2018 and 2019, respectively) was recorded when RDF was substituted through CF only, being statistically at par with 50% CF + 50% VC on a nitrogen equivalent basis (9.92 and 10.00 t ha-1 in 2018 and 2019, respectively) and 100% VC (8.22 and 8.32 t ha-1 in 2018 and 2019, respectively). Compared to chemical sources of nutrients, VC-based treatments produced a larger percentage of large-size cob (>25 cm). The 100% VC increased antioxidant (8.35 and 8.45 mg g-1 ), carotenoid (0.59 and 0.61 mg/100 g), and phenol (55.06 and 55.02 mg 100 g-1 ) content compared with its 50% dose in combination with other sources. The study revealed the potentiality of organic sources towards achieving improved cob quality of sweet corn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Roman chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile (L.) All.) is a perennial herbaceous medicinal plant species that has not yet been thoroughly researched in terms of the influence of growing conditions on its morphological characteristics, flower yield, and the content and quality of its essential oil (EO). The plant material was harvested in the subsequent two production years at three localities in Southeast Serbia, differing in soil type (Alluvial soil, Rendzina, and Calcomelanosol). Based on two-year average values, the best results were obtained from plants grown on Rendzina, including the yield of fresh flowers (1850.2 g/m2), the highest plant height (49.3 cm), the number of branches (4.1), leaves (11.6), and flower heads (3.6), the flower diameter (1.6 cm), and the essential oil content (1.6%). The major EO constituent obtained from the plants growing on Rendzina and Calcomelanosol was 3-methyl pentyl angelate (20.8% and 15.2%, respectively). In the EO obtained from the plants growing on Alluvial soil, the major EO constituent was isobutyl angelate (13.0%), while the content of 3-methyl pentyl angelate was close to it (12.2%). The outcomes of this study provide guidelines for further research related to the cultivation of a Roman chamomile genotype on various soil types in a hilly region of Southeast Serbia, where most cultivated plants cannot be grown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-performance sequencing using the Illumina technology has been used to investigate the diversity of prokaryotes in three soil samples (Technosols) selected on the territory of the former tailings of liquid waste of chemical production near the city of Kirovo-Chepetsk, Kirov oblast. The taxonomic richness and phylogenetic diversity of microbial communities formed in the process of regenerative succession of the technogenic landscape, in comparison with alluvial soil (Fluvisols)—a natural analogue of the one that was disturbed as a result of the disposal of waste from a chemical enterprise—is assessed. The analysis of the indicators of taxonomic richness and diversity demonstrate their lower values in the soils formed on waste in comparison with the natural soil of the background site. Twenty-six bacterial and 2 archaeal phyla of prokaryotes are identified, accounting for more than 95% of the number of classified sequences. The phylum Actinobacteria (22–41%) and Proteobacteria (20–26%) dominate. At the level of higher taxa in disturbed soils, compared with the community of natural alluvial soil, trends in the representation of phylum are revealed: a decrease in the proportion of Verrucomicrobia and an increase in the proportion of Cyanobacteria. The greatest differences between the communities of technosols and background soil are revealed at the levels of orders, families, and genera. Common and unique genera have been identified for each of the four microbiomes. The detected differences in the composition and structure of the prokaryotic component of microbial communities of disturbed soils are related to the complex of their physicochemical properties (granulometric composition, pH of soil solution, Corg content, composition of toxicants of industrial origin, humidity regime, etc.) and the nature of vegetation cover. The results are of interest for the development of new approaches in future studies of the relationship of soil microbiota with ecosystem changes caused by human activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The bioaccumulation of selenium (Se) and heavy metals (HMs) in plants is important because it can affect plant health and human nutrition. Recognizing the factors affecting Se accumulation in plants may have important implications for agricultural practices and human health in selenium-rich regions. The study primarily focused on the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system of the Lower Dniester Valley. Total concentrations of HMs (Cu, Mn, Zn) were determined by atomic absorption spectrometry, while Se concentrations were determined by a sensitive single-test-tube fluorometric method in solutions and extracts. Water-soluble Se (0.09 ± 0.03 mg·kg−1) in soils was 32.1% of the total Se (0.33 ± 0.13 mg·kg−1) and increased with the total rising Se content (r = 0.845). The results indicated that plants had a greater Zn accumulation capacity than that of the other HMs, suggesting its importance as a trace element for plant requirements. Se also had a high bioaccumulation rate. Se and Zn accumulation varied in different soil types, reflecting differences in bioavailability. In contrast, Mn and Cu showed low bioaccumulation, which varied with soil conditions and anthropogenic Cu pollution. Despite the Cu contamination of the soils in the investigated region, it can be inferred that the hydrogeochemical province with high Se content in groundwater has favorable conditions for Se mobilization in soils. The absence of antagonistic interactions with HMs in the soil–plant system contributes to the enhanced Se accumulation in plants in the Lower Dniester Valley. These results emphasize the complexity of the interactions between Se and HMs in the soil–plant system and their potential impact on agricultural practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Solid-liquid partition coefficients (Kd) of Ra-226 and Po-210 were measured for five agricultural soils in five fields in the south of Vietnam. Rice, maize, water spinach and tomato were grown on Fluvisols, while sweet potato – on Arenosols. The obtained values were very different between radionuclides, cultivation types, and agricultural practices. For Ra-226, they were 2783, 1189, 907, 431, and 1117 L kg–1 in soils under rice, maize, water spinach, sweet potato, and tomato, respectively. The values of 826, 332, 409, 217, and 451 L kg–1 were estimated for Kd in soils under rice, maize, water spinach, sweet potato, and tomato. For a particular soil, the Kd of Ra-226 was higher than that of Po-210. It proves that in the solid phase of the soil, Po-210 was absorbed more strongly than Ra-226. In this study, a new method for determining the leaching rates of Ra-226 and Po-210 from the topsoil to the deeper layer of soil was introduced. It was based on the Kd value and the leaching rate of water for a specific soil type. The leaching rates of 7.4, 37, 63, 36.6, and 61 were estimated for Ra-226 in rice, maize, water spinach, sweet potato, and tomato soils respectively. Similarly, the leaching rates of 22.1, 111, 111, 69.1, and 133 were estimated for Po-210 in rice, maize, water spinach, sweet potato, and tomato soils respectively. The long-term assessment of Ra-210 and Ra-226 in the selected soil was based on the mass balance between the daily input and output of radionuclides in topsoil. It was found that activity concentrations of Ra-226 and Po-210 increase significantly in some soil soils for example under sweet potato and tomato soil. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies on the impact of human agricultural activities on the soil microbiome and soil quality are extremely important, but such studies on floodplains in river valleys are lacking. The aim of this preliminary study was to determine the impact of blackcurrant cultivation on Fluvisols located in the Vistula River valley (Poland). The dehydrogenases (DHa) and phosphatases (acid-AcP, and alkaline-AlP) activities, carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN) contents of the microbial biomass, the metabolic potential of the microbial community (EcoPlate™ Biolog) and taxonomic diversity of the soil microbiome were determined (next-generation sequencing (NGS) of the 16S rRNA gene). Enzymatic activity and metabolic potential and diversity (EcoPlate™) were higher in the soils from meadows, but MBC and MBN and biodiversity indices derived from NGS were higher in the cultivated soils. It can be confirmed that human activities affect the physicochemical, biological and microbiological parameters of Fluvisols. This may indicate that microorganisms are numerically more abundant and taxonomically more diverse in the cultivated soils, but are more active in the soils from meadows. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rock fracturing sets the pace for a range of geomorphic processes. While experimental studies and modeling have provided invaluable insights into the mechanisms and rates of rock fracturing as a function of stress, time, and environmental conditions, fieldbased observations of subaerial fracturing evolution over geologic time are scarce. To address this knowledge gap, we conducted a systematic study of fractures that developed subaerially and in situ within clasts perched on abandoned late Quaternary alluvial surfaces (ca. 0, ca. 14, and ca. 62 ka in age) in the hyperarid Dead Sea Rift Valley, Israel. Using quantitative field observations, petrographic, and scanning electron microscopy, and micron-scale laser scans of fracture surfaces we found that fractures exhibit a consistent pattern of three distinctive weathering zones: (1) an "Outer Zone," where fracture surface morphology resembles the clast exterior; (2) an "Accumulation Zone," where fractures are infilled by "loose" accumulated particles; and (3) an "Inner Zone" where fractures extend inward to the crack-tip and preferentially follow grain boundaries. Crack-tips are characterized as a distinct micro domain that consists of fracture-parallel microcracks, chemical alteration, and dissolution morphologies. Altogether, the laboratory results indicate chemically enhanced fracturing and infiltration of water ahead of traction-free, open crack-tips. Field measurements also revealed an increase in fracture number density over geologic time. Our results highlight new details regarding the progressive nature of mechanical weathering through geologic time and the role of moisture as a potential rate-setting factor in the fracturing that allows mechanical weathering. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Soils develop via a complex interaction of time, environment, climate, and human activity. As a proxy for paleoclimate reconstruction, soils have received less attention than other geological systems, and the limited attention was concentrated in loess sequences. Fluvisols form a subrecent natural archive that documents mid-term pedogenic processes and environmental change in floodplains. We investigated the pedological characteristics and pedogenesis of fluvisols in the Beijing region and presented a Late Holocene paleoenvironmental reconstruction based on it. Methods: We applied the radiocarbon dating method to investigate soil formation in the floodplain of the North Canal in Beijing's southeast suburbs. Soil morphology, soil texture, and environmental physical–chemical indicators (calcium carbonate, organic matter, total phosphorus, and total potassium) were selected for comprehensive analysis. Results and discussion: Thorough integrated interpretation of soil development processes in the fluvisols sequence revealed regional paleoenvironmental and climatic developments. The paleoclimate of Beijing underwent a transition from warm and humid to temperate and dry, as well as multiple cold fluctuations. Multiple humic burial horizons in the fluvisol sequence were overlain by a mineral soil horizon with weak soil formation, indicating that fluvic geology processes interrupted the process of the fluvisol formation, corresponding to cold-dry fluctuations in a warm-humid paleoclimatic context in Beijing floodplain. There is a correlation between paleoclimatic environmental conditions and soil texture, organic matter, calcium carbonate, and other physical and chemical properties in the soil chronology. Conclusions: As an emerging paleoenvironmental proxy, the geological process and soil-forming process of fluvisols inferred from soil properties can reconstruct the variation of paleoclimatic-environmental conditions. Fluvisol sequence build-up and illuviated accumulation of mineral material in the soil complex were more pronounced in warm and humid climatic conditions. Millennia of farming practices dominate the development of the uppermost fluvisols. Environmental reconstruction based on fluvisol soil properties is complementary to reconstruction drawing on other prevalent paleoclimate proxies. Fluvisol characterisation allows to disentangle gradual paleoenvironmental developments, including changes of climate, vegetation, and topography. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zanthoxylum armatum (Z. armatum) is an economic crop widely planted for both spice and medicinal purposes in Southwest China. Soil is a key environmental condition that affects seedling growth and development, and screening suitable soil types is of great significance for the large-scale cultivation of crops. This study designed growth experiments of Z. armatum seedlings in red soil (RS), yellow soil (YS), acidic purple soil (ACPS), alkaline purple soil (ALPS), and alluvial soil (AS) to screen for more suitable soil types. The growth traits of Z. armatum seedlings and the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), C:N:P stoichiometry, and non-structural carbohydrate (NSC) content of different organs were comparatively analyzed. The results showed that the morphological indexes of Z. armatum seedlings cultured in AS were better than those in the other four soils.AS and RS may be beneficial for the culture of Z. armatum seedlings due to higher nutrient levels in three organs. Two-factor ANOVA and PCA analysis showed that C, N, and P and their proportions would affect the uptake and distribution of NSC in various organs of Z. armatum seedlings. These results showed that soil types and plant organs significantly affected the accumulation and distribution of N, P, and NSC in Z. armatum seedlings. These results are conducive to screening soil types suitable for the growth and development of Z. armatum and provide data support for further large-scale cultivation of Z. armatum in suitable areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the effect of upland crop rotation on soil bacterial community in bulk soil and rice straw residues in the alluvial soils. Soil samples and rice straw residues in two crop rotation models including triple rice and rice-upland crops were collected for incubation under anaerobic and aerobic conditions. Data were analyzed from Denaturing Gradient Gel Electrophoresis band patterns. The results showed that the composition and diversity of communities colonizing the rice straw residues differed from those inhabiting the bulk soil. The bacterial community composition and diversity were only moderately affected by rice straw residues in the bulk soil. Especially, this study indicated that the composition of the bacterial community associated with the bulk soil and rice straw residues was dynamic in two incubation conditions (aerobic or anaerobic) and the different crop rotation models. The findings of this study demonstrated that the bacterial diversity was not affected by the difference in continuous paddy rice cultivation compared to the upland crop rotation system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The structural and functional state of microbial communities of different-aged buried ancient soloids (soil-like bodies lacking genetically distinct horizons) have been comprehensively assessed in open archaeological pits of ancient human sites in the middle reaches of the Mzymta River on the Sochi Black Sea coast in the Akhtsu grotto and Akhshtyrskaya cave. A number of changes in the functional biodiversity of ancient soloids as compared with the background soils (alluvial soils formed immediately near the studied soloids with similar mesomorphological properties) are observed. They include a 1.2-fold decrease in the specific metabolic activity of microbial communities assessed by multisubstrate testing and an increased instability of paleomicrobial systems according to the coefficient of rank distribution of the range of substrate consumption d > 1, which is typical of irreversibly damaged systems. The microbial community of ancient soloids has undergone a number of changes associated with anthropogenic activity. According to the analysis of the main range of consumed substrates (multisubstrate testing), the microbial community of the Akhtsu grotto soloid displays a more intensive consumption of alcohols and amino acids, which suggests the supply of the organic matter of an animal origin to the cultural layer of ancient human site. Lactococci and bifidobacteria are identified in the Akhshtyrskaya cave soloid; they are extremely rare in soil and develop under conditions of excess carbohydrates on rich complex media, such as fermented meat and plant residues. In addition, an increased content of keratinolytic fungi capable of decomposing the keratin of hair, wool, feathers, and so on has been found in the cultural layer of the cave site. A comparative analysis of the prokaryotic taxonomy demonstrates the prevalence of the members of the Thermoleophilia class, family Gaiellaceae, order Solirubrobacterales in all the studied soils and soloids. These microorganisms require only positive temperatures for their development, suggesting a mild climate during the soil formation. The Akhtsu grotto paleosols are a promising source of bacteria (genera Janthinobacterium, Lysobacter, and Chitinophaga) that may possess biotechnological potential and useful properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methods for determining the thermal diffusivity coefficient from point temperature records in soil of a given thickness have been developed. Data on the dynamics of soil temperature measured at the same depth eight times per day with an interval of 3 hours are used. The proposed methods are based on solving inverse problems of the heat transfer equation (with two harmonics on the soil surface). Experimental studies on the temperature of the layers (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, and 40 cm) of gley alluvial soil (Calcaric Gleyic Pantofluvic Fluvisol) in the Igdır region (eastern Turkey) were carried out using Elitech RC-4 sensors during the summer season. Using the obtained data, various methods were used to calculate the thermophysical properties of the soil, namely thermal conductivity, thermal diffusivity, attenuation depth, heat transfer, and heat flux. Based on statistical criteria, it has been proven that the proposed point model is the best one. It has been established that for the studied soil, the thermal diffusivity κ is 1.1035×10–6 m2/s, thermal conductivity λ is 1.7612 W/(m оС), damping depth d is 17.42 cm, and thermal effusivity e is 27.9431 W h0.5/m2 °C. In addition, in accordance with the model obtained, it was determined that the largest heat flux on the soil surface occurs at 12:00 pm (q = 106.85 W/m2), and the lowest heat flux, at 03:00 am (q = –64.62 W/m2). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pedodiversity is generally neglected in studies concerning soil organic carbon (SOC). Therefore, this investigation aimed to explore the effect of soil types on the following: (1) soil processes related to organic matter (OM) dynamics along the profile; and (2) the microbial community and functionality within the uppermost horizon. Humic Dystrudepts (HD), Typic Dystrudepts (TD), and Humic Lithic Dystrudepts (HLD) were selected in beech forests of the Apennine ridge in the Emilia-Romagna Region (Italy). Soils were sampled by horizons until parent material, and physico-chemical and functional analyses were performed. The results showed that both HD and HLD soils had a higher SOC accumulation than TD, particularly within the deeper horizons. Such accumulation might be due to the lower turnover rate of soil OM forms, namely fulvic acid-like substances, humic acid-like substances, and non-extractable OM. Noteworthy, the A horizons showed slight differences in SOC among the soil types, suggesting similar SOC decomposition processes. This fact was confirmed by the lack of differences in microbial DNA-based diversity and functionality. This study highlighted the importance of combining pedodiversity and microbial diversity for a wider perspective on SOC dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: This paper presents comparative studies on the content and structure of organic matter (OM) and the activity of microbiological cellulose destruction in three types of Ukrainian soils intensively used in agricultural production. Methods: The highest content of humus in the arable layer (4.9%), OM (410 t ha-1), and total carbon (30.9 mg C g-1 soil) was determined in chernic phaeozems, which is 2.2-2.5 times higher than in albic retisols. The soil of natural ecosystems is characterised by a high content of microbial carbon (Cmic) in the carbon fraction of organic soil compounds. Results and discussion: In arable soils, the content and reserves of humus and soil organic matter (SOM) have decreased by an average of 1.5-2 times. The most considerable loss of humus reserves in the soil profile was identified in albic retisols (1.96-1.44 times) and the smallest in chernic phaeozems (1.27-1.81 times). During the long-term systematic application of mineral fertilisers, the Corg content decreased by 8-21% in chernic phaeozems, 12-33% in greyzemic phaeozems, and 6-38% in albic retisols. A significant difference of 2.1-8.0 times was determined regarding the number of aerobic cellulolytic microorganisms and 1.3-3.3 times in the potential cellulolytic activity of the studied soils. The high number of cellulose-destroying microorganisms is characteristic of chernic phaeozems with a high content of OM in the soil; the advantage over other types of studied soils was 1.4 times and 7.8 times for greyzemic phaeozems and albic retisols, respectively. Among the studied soil types, high values of CO2 emissions were identified in chernic phaeozems. Intensive agricultural practices in Ukrainian soils have significantly altered the content and composition of organic matter, leading to reduced humus and soil organic matter reserves. The study also underscores the importance of considering the abundance of cellulose-destroying microorganisms and their potential activity in assessing soil health and sustainability. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was aimed to evaluate the effects of nitrogen (N) fixing Rhodopseudomonas palustris strains, VNW64, VNS89, TLS06 and VNS02 on soil fertility, growth and yield of hybrid maize cultivated on in-dyke alluvial soil (IDAS). The pot experiment followed a completely randomized block design with 10 treatments, 4 replicates for each treatment. The treatments comprised of (i) fertilization with 100% N following recommended fertilizer formula (RFF), (ii) fertilization with 85% N, (iii) fertilization with 70% N, (iv) fertilization with 55% N, (v) treatment i plus a mixture of four purple nonsulfur bacteria (MFPNSB), (vi) treatment ii plus MFPNSB, (vii) treatment iii plus MFPNSB, (viii) treatment iv plus MFPNSB, (ix) no chemical fertilization, and (x) Treatment ix plus MFPNSB. The result indicated that treatments supplied with MFPNSB enhanced soil properties, including soil pHWater, NH4+ content and total N uptake, in comparison with no supplemented bacteria, 6.11–6.15, 16.4–17.7 mg NH4+ kg-1 and 1.43–5.02 mg N pot-1 in comparison with 5.74–5.99, 11.3–12.7 mg NH4+ kg-1 and 0.82–3.11 mg N pot-1, respectively, for hybrid maize cultivated on IDAS. Inoculation of MFPNSB on maize seeds contributed to reduce 45% N of RFF, but still caused no decline in the grain yield of maize. At 100% N of RFF, the treatment supplemented MFPNSB possessed a grain yield of 20.2% higher than the treatment without supplemented MFPNSB. Additionally, the treatment fertilized with 85% N of RFF plus MFPNSB, the maize grain yield was increased by 12.5% compared to the treatment fertilized with 100% N of RFF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the current situation regarding global warming, we intend to establish a forest plantation in the Cunești area of Călărași County, on a sandy land, prone to deflation, with accentuated climate deficit. According to the records of the Călărași Meteorological Station, four of the ten years analyzed have an average temperature of over 13 0C, higher by two degrees compared to the average of 1961-2000, of 11.20C. The physical and geographical conditions of the investigated area are characteristic for the Danube floodplain, where alluvial soils predominate, which in certain periods benefit from phreatic moistening. In order to determine the type and subtype of soil, its morphological and physico-chemical characterization, a soil profile and three pedological surveys were carried out, from which soil samples were collected on pedogenetic horizons up to the phreatic level (0-300 cm). Based on the local pedoclimatic conditions, the formula for afforestation with xerophyte species was established, with fast growth and low requirements in terms of soil trophicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the development and spatial distribution of alluvial patches in mixed bedrock‐alluvial rivers is necessary to predict the mechanisms of the interactions between sediment transport, alluvial cover, and bedrock erosion. This study aims to analyze bedrock alluviation patterns using a 2D morphodynamic model, and to use the model results to better understand the mechanisms responsible for alluvial patterns observed experimentally. A series of simulations are conducted to explore how alluvial patterns in mixed bedrock‐alluvial channels form and evolve for different channel slopes and antecedent sediment layer thicknesses. In initially bare bedrock low‐slope channels, sediment cover increases with increasing sediment supply because areas of Froude‐subcritical flow enable sediment deposition, while in steep‐slope channels the flow remains fully supercritical and the model predicts so‐called runaway alluviation. For channels initially covered with sediment, the model predicts a slope‐dependent sediment supply threshold above which sediment cover increases with increasing sediment supply, and below which the bedrock becomes fully exposed. For a given sediment supply, the fraction of bedrock exposure and average alluvial thickness converge toward the equilibrium value regardless of the initial cover thickness as long as it exceeds a minimum threshold. Steep channels are able to maintain a continuous strip of sediment under sub‐capacity sediment supply conditions by achieving a balance between increased form drag as bedforms develop and reduced surface roughness as the portion of alluvial cover decreases. In lower‐slope channels, alluvial patches are distributed sporadically in regions of the subcritical flow. Plain Language Summary: Bedrock rivers may have patches of alluvial sediment that cover some or all of the underlying bedrock. The amount of this sediment cover can change dynamically over time depending on the flow, upstream sediment supply, channel morphology, and antecedent sediment conditions. Here, we use a numerical model to simulate flow and sediment transport so that we may better understand what controls sediment cover in mixed bedrock‐alluvial rivers. We used the model to simulate channels of varying slopes, sediment supplies, and initial sediment cover, and we analyze the model's output to gain insight into how alluvial patches form and what controls their extent and dynamics. Our numerical model results produce phenomena that have been observed in physical experiments, and they show that the channel slope and initial sediment thickness play an important role in determining whether and how much sediment can be deposited. Our results also show that flow transitions provide critical locations where sediment deposits can start to form. Persistent sediment cover in bedrock channels can develop when a delicate equilibrium is reached between sediment roughness and the flow field. Key Points: Numerical simulations are conducted in mixed bedrock‐alluvial channels to analyze controls on alluvial patternsPartial alluvial cover over steep slopes requires roughness from bedforms and sediment transport to prevent sediment washoutTranscritical flow produces zones of deposition over otherwise exposed bedrock beds [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mixed bedrock‐alluvial rivers can exhibit partial alluvial cover, which plays an important role in controlling bedrock erosion rates and landscape evolution. However, numerical morphodynamic models are generally unable to predict quasi‐steady persistent patches of depositional alluvial features under conditions where the sediment supply is less than the sediment transport capacity of the channel. Hence, we present a new two‐dimensional depth‐averaged morphodynamic model that can be applied to both fully alluvial and mixed bedrock‐alluvial channels, and we use the model to gain insight into the mechanisms responsible for the development of sediment patches and patterns of bedrock alluviation. The model computes hydrodynamics, sediment transport, and bed evolution using a roughness partitioning that accounts for differential roughness of sediment and bedrock, roughness due to sediment transport, and form drag. The model successfully replicates observations of bar development and migration from a fully alluvial flume experiment, and it models persistent sediment patches observed in a mixed bedrock‐alluvial flume experiment. Numerical experiments in which the form drag, sediment transport roughness, and bedform stress correction were neglected did not successfully reproduce the observed persistent sediment cover in the mixed bedrock‐alluvial case, suggesting that accounting for these different roughness components is critical to successfully model sediment dynamics in bedrock channels. Plain Language Summary: Some rivers have patches of sediment intermittently distributed among areas of bare bedrock. These sediment patches can influence flow conditions and patterns of bedrock erosion in these channels. Flume experiments and field studies have shown that the amount of sediment cover and the pattern of sediment patches in mixed bedrock‐alluvial rivers can sometimes stabilize over time, but numerical models have been largely unable to replicate those observations. Here, we present a new numerical model for mixed bedrock‐alluvial rivers that explicitly accounts for how the bedrock and sediment affect the flow. We show that the model can successfully simulate observations from flume experiments conducted with and without exposed bedrock, and it is able to simulate persistent partial sediment cover. These conditions develop because of the way the bedrock and sediment interact with the flow, which we demonstrate through simulations where some of those feedback are "turned off," resulting in completely exposed bedrock without sediment cover. Key Points: A new model is developed to predict the dynamics of alluvial patterns in mixed bedrock‐alluvial channelsModel‐predicted alluvial patterns are similar to those observed in fully alluvial and semi‐alluvial flume experimentsAccounting for differential roughness and shear stress correction are important for model prediction of the degree of exposed bedrock [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The capacity of nano-zero-valent iron (nZVI) and soil animals to remediate heavy metal–contaminated soil has been widely studied. However, the synergistic effect of soil animals and nZVI has not been thoroughly investigated. Here, we studied the combined effect of earthworms and nZVI on soil physicochemical properties and microecology during remediation of cadmium (Cd)–contaminated soil. The results showed that although amendment with nZVI reduced earthworm survival and biomass, the combination of nZVI and earthworms was effective at reducing the available Cd (ACd) content of soil and improving its quality. ACd most effectively reduced by 75.3% in the presence of earthworms under the 0.25% nZVI combination. Meanwhile, the combined action of earthworms and nZVI significantly improved soil properties and increased the diversity of soil microorganisms. In the earthworm-free system, nZVI reduced ACd by increasing soil pH and the abundance of Stenotrophobacter in Cd-contaminated soil, in addition to the co-precipitation and adsorption reported in previous studies. Correlation analysis revealed that the combination of nZVI and earthworms synergistically decreased ACd by decreasing soil OM and increasing the relative abundance of Opitutus and Gemmatta. Overall, our study indicates that the combination of nano-zero-valent iron and earthworms is a potential system for in situ remediation of Cd-contaminated soils and provides a deep understanding of the mechanisms involved in remediation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evaluating soil quality in the alluvial plains of the semi-arid tropics is vital to understand the impact of existing land management practices, thus facilitating the adoption of more sustainable agricultural methods. We analysed soil profiles using 146 horizon-specific samples from 24 pedons, representing seven soil series from the sub-tropical to semi-arid River Cauvery Delta basin, Tamil Nadu, India. Using principal component analysis (PCA), we identified minimum datasets (MDS) from 30 different soil properties. The plough layer's MDS were clay content, exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), very coarse sand content, soil pH and soil organic carbon (SOC). For the subsurface layer, sand content, ESP, SOC, diethylene-triamine-pentaacetic acid extractable zinc (DTPA-Zn), and very coarse sand content were identified as the MDS. Soil quality index (SQI) values were 0.47-0.72 for the plough layer and 0.46-0.56 for the subsurface soil, suggesting limited soil function support in subsurface soils. Surface soil-site suitability criteria displayed a moderate correlation with SQI values derived via PCA, with additive (R2 = .545) and weighted additive indices (R2 = .659). Both simple additive index and weighted derived SQIs demonstrated a moderate association with rice yield (R2 = .50 and .55, respectively). This research indicates the potential to identify soil quality indicators in alluvial plains of semi-arid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]