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Agriculture
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Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures
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Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Soils".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (10 January 2026) | Viewed by 8751

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Resources and Environment, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
Interests: soil environmental chemistry; soil fertility; soil chemistry; soil minerals; plant nutrition

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The theme of this Special Issue is the factors that affect soil fertility and their improvement measures. Investigating how these factors influence soil fertility and crop production is crucial for enhancing food security.

Understanding the changes in soil fertility in agricultural production can improve our knowledge of agriculture and crops. With the continuous growth of the global population, it is even more necessary to enhance soil fertility to produce more crops to meet human food demands. For thousands of years, soil fertility has been influenced by nature and human choices, leading to different fertility characteristics in various regions. However, the factors driving these changes have not been fully explored.

This Special Issue focuses on the factors affecting soil fertility and their improvement measures, exploring how these factors impact crop production. It can provide researchers with new insights and be applied to soil amendment. These developments help to address current challenges in agriculture, such as soil acidification, heavy metal pollution, and soil infertility. The call for manuscripts includes, but is not limited to, the following topics:

  • Soil acidification: Causes of soil acidification, mechanisms of acidification improvement, and the effectiveness of different soil amelioration.
  • Heavy metal pollution: Comparisons of the effects of different remediation technologies and their mechanisms.
  • Soil infertility: Analysis of fertility changes and influencing factors on a global scale; exploration of the interactions between soil minerals, microorganisms, moisture, and other factors at the micro level to identify factors affecting fertility and seek corresponding measures to enhance fertility.

Prof. Dr. Hongqing Hu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agriculture is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • soil fertility
  • acidification
  • heavy metal contamination
  • infertility
  • soil amelioration

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 4518 KB  
Article
Compartment-Specific Responses of Soil Bacteria and Metabolites to Biochar in Rhizosphere and Bulk Soils Under Continuous Cassava Cropping
by Yanmei Zhu, Xingming Qin, Yundong Wei, Yanjun He, Xiao Du, Shiyi Zhou, Jianbing Zhang and Ning Huang
Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 418; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040418 - 12 Feb 2026
Viewed by 492
Abstract
Continuous monocropping of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) often leads to soil degradation and yield decline, commonly referred to as continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs), which are closely linked to changes in soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities. Biochar has been widely used as [...] Read more.
Continuous monocropping of cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) often leads to soil degradation and yield decline, commonly referred to as continuous cropping obstacles (CCOs), which are closely linked to changes in soil physicochemical properties and microbial communities. Biochar has been widely used as a soil amendment to improve soil quality and microbial activity and is considered a potential strategy for alleviating CCOs. Understanding the effects of biochar on soil bacteria and metabolites under field conditions is essential, as it provides insights into its practical effectiveness in reducing CCOs and improving soil health in cassava cultivation systems. In this study, a field experiment was conducted in a continuous cassava system to investigate the effects of a single biochar application rate on soil bacterial diversity, community composition, and metabolite profiles in both rhizosphere and bulk soils. High-throughput 16S rRNA gene sequencing and UHPLC–MS/MS-based non-targeted metabolomics were employed to analyze soil bacterial and metabolic patterns. Biochar was associated with increased α-diversity in rhizosphere soil and distinct shifts in β-diversity. Biochar increased the relative abundance of Chloroflexi and Actinobacteriota in the bulk soil, while Cyanobacteria and Nitrospirota were more abundant in the rhizosphere. Network analysis revealed the compartment-specific differences after biochar application, with higher network complexity in the rhizosphere and lower complexity in the bulk soil relative to the control. Metabolomic profiling identified 402 metabolites in positive ion mode and 357 in negative ion mode. In the rhizosphere, biochar-treated soil exhibited higher relative abundances of alkaloids (e.g., trigonelline, berberine, vincristine) and flavonoids (e.g., catechin, naringin, rutin, and taxifolin), which are commonly linked to plant stress responses. In the bulk soil, biochar application resulted in lower levels of several anthropogenic organic compounds (e.g., monobutyl phthalate, terephthalic acid, and p–toluenesulfonic acid). These findings provide preliminary field evidence that biochar application can lead to compartment-specific changes in soil bacterial communities and metabolite profiles. Such changes are closely related to soil quality and nutrient cycling, pointing to a possible role of biochar in mitigating soil degradation under continuous cassava cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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18 pages, 2030 KB  
Article
Land Use Changes Influence Tropical Soil Diversity: An Assessment Using Soil Taxonomy and the World Reference Base for Soil Classifications
by Selvin Antonio Saravia-Maldonado, Beatriz Ramírez-Rosario, María Ángeles Rodríguez-González and Luis Francisco Fernández-Pozo
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1893; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171893 - 5 Sep 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1785
Abstract
The transformation of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems due to changes in land use/land cover (LULC) has been shown to significantly affect soil characterization and classification. The impact of LULC on soil taxonomy was assessed in a primary forest located in central–eastern Honduras, which [...] Read more.
The transformation of natural ecosystems into agroecosystems due to changes in land use/land cover (LULC) has been shown to significantly affect soil characterization and classification. The impact of LULC on soil taxonomy was assessed in a primary forest located in central–eastern Honduras, which had been deforested approximately forty years prior to the study. Morphological, physical, and physicochemical analyses were performed by describing 10 representative profiles, applying the Soil Taxonomy (ST) and World Reference Base for Soil Resources (WRB) nomenclatures. LULC resulted in physical degradation in agricultural areas, as evidenced by lighter-colored horizons (P02), reduced granular structure (P01, P02, P05), higher bulk densities (≤1.73 Mg m−3), and surface crusting (P02, P05); this phenomenon was also observed in pastures (P06–P09). SOC loss was 62% in croplands, 47–53% in agroforestry systems (P03) and fruit tree plantations (P04), and 25% in pastures. All profiles exhibited pH values between 6.5 and 8.4 and complete base saturation (BS), except for P08 and P09, which had pH values below 5.5, high levels of Al3+, and reduced BS (50–60%). Mollic epipedons and variability in the endopedons were also observed. According to the ST of the System of Soil Classification (SSC), the soils were classified as Mollisols, Entisols, Vertisols, and Alfisols; and as Phaeozems, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Anthrosols, Gypsisols, and Plinthosols by the WRB. We advocate for the inclusion of Anthropogenic Soils as a distinct Order within Soil Taxonomy (ST). The implementation of sustainable agricultural practices, in conjunction with the formulation of regulatory frameworks governing land use based on capacity and suitability, is imperative, particularly within the context of fragile tropical systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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15 pages, 1636 KB  
Article
Relative Phosphorus Fertilizer Efficiency of Rapeseed and Soybean Cakes Across Different Soils
by Yukun Li, Pu Wang, Qingling Fu, Jun Zhu and Hongqing Hu
Agriculture 2025, 15(17), 1857; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture15171857 - 31 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1057
Abstract
Cake fertilizers are phosphorus-rich organic fertilizers that are commonly used in horticulture. Soil plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizer. Comparative data on the relative phosphorus efficiency (rPE) of cake fertilizers across contrasting soils are scarce in the international [...] Read more.
Cake fertilizers are phosphorus-rich organic fertilizers that are commonly used in horticulture. Soil plays a crucial role in determining the effectiveness of phosphorus fertilizer. Comparative data on the relative phosphorus efficiency (rPE) of cake fertilizers across contrasting soils are scarce in the international literature. Information on the mechanisms that control phosphorus supply is also limited. This study examined the rPE of rapeseed and soybean cakes in three soils using ryegrass growth experiments and investigated the main factors affecting their phosphorus efficiency. The results showed that the rPE of rapeseed cake did not differ significantly among the three soils, with an average value of 71%. In contrast, the rPE of soybean cake showed a clear soil-dependent pattern, with the highest rPE in red soil (67%), followed by fluvo-aquic soil (47%), and the lowest in yellow-brown soil (32%). In red soil, there was no significant difference in rPE between the two cakes. Water-soluble phosphorus content of cake fertilizers and soil phosphatase activity are key factors affecting rPE. Owing to its low water-soluble phosphorus content, the phosphorus supplied by soybean cake is predominantly mobilized through soil phosphatase–mediated mineralization of organic phosphorus. In phosphorus fertilization practices, both cake water-soluble phosphorus content and soil phosphatase activity should be considered. In soils with low phosphatase activity, cake fertilizers with a higher water-soluble phosphorus content should be prioritized. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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Review

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37 pages, 1334 KB  
Review
Mechanism and Application of Microbial Amendments in Saline–Alkali Soil Restoration: A Review
by Xiaoxue Zhang, Zhengjiaoyi Wang, Ming Zhang, Shaojie Zhang, Rong Ma and Shaokun Wang
Agriculture 2026, 16(4), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16040452 - 14 Feb 2026
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3626
Abstract
Saline–alkali soil salinization is a global ecological crisis affecting 932 million hectares of land worldwide, posing a severe threat to food security and ecological sustainability. Traditional improvement methods, such as chemical amendments and hydraulic engineering, are limited by high costs and environmental risks, [...] Read more.
Saline–alkali soil salinization is a global ecological crisis affecting 932 million hectares of land worldwide, posing a severe threat to food security and ecological sustainability. Traditional improvement methods, such as chemical amendments and hydraulic engineering, are limited by high costs and environmental risks, whereas microbial amendments have emerged as eco-friendly and sustainable alternatives due to their ability to regulate soil microenvironments and enhance plant stress resistance. However, a comprehensive synthesis of their core mechanisms, global application progress, and regional adaptation characteristics is still lacking, hindering the standardization and promotion of related technologies. This review, conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines, systematically synthesizes 112 core studies (1990–2025) retrieved from Web of Science, Scopus, and CNKI databases, focusing on three core research objects: salt-tolerant microbial communities in saline–alkali soils (dominant taxa, functional genes, metabolic characteristics), development and optimization of microbial amendments (strain screening, composite formulation, carrier selection), and mechanisms and application effects of microbial remediation (soil–plant–microbe interactions, physicochemical improvement, crop growth promotion). Key findings include the following. (1) Dominant microbial taxa (e.g., Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria) exhibit region-specific adaptation strategies, with salt tolerance thresholds and functional characteristics varying by soil type (coastal vs. inland saline–alkali soils). (2) Composite microbial amendments, especially those combined with biochar or organic fertilizers, achieve synergistic effects in desalination, alkali reduction, and fertility improvement. (3) Core mechanisms involve organic acid-mediated pH regulation, EPS-driven ion adsorption, and plant hormone-induced stress tolerance. (4) Microbial remediation technologies have been successfully applied globally (e.g., China, Africa, Americas), resulting in average crop yield increases of 15–42% and soil salinity reductions of 30–50%. This review provides a standardized technical framework for the development and application of microbial amendments, offers theoretical support for region-specific remediation strategies, identifies key challenges (e.g., strain stability, cost control) and future research directions (e.g., gene-edited strains, smart monitoring integration), and thus facilitates the industrialization and large-scale promotion of microbial remediation technologies to address global saline–alkali soil issues. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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Other

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30 pages, 1376 KB  
Systematic Review
Monitoring Soil Fertility Trends Linked to Arable Land-Use Change in Hungary, 2000–2020: A Systematic Review Integrating Field and Remote Sensing Data
by Ronald Kuunya, Magdoline Mustafa Ahmed Osman, Brian Ssemugenze, András Tamás and Péter Ragán
Agriculture 2026, 16(8), 876; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture16080876 - 15 Apr 2026
Viewed by 623
Abstract
Quantifying the effects of land-use changes on soil fertility is essential for agricultural planning, yet long-term analyses combining field and remote sensing data remain scarce in Hungary. This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines to assess arable land fertility trends between 2000 and [...] Read more.
Quantifying the effects of land-use changes on soil fertility is essential for agricultural planning, yet long-term analyses combining field and remote sensing data remain scarce in Hungary. This systematic review followed PRISMA 2020 guidelines to assess arable land fertility trends between 2000 and 2020. A comprehensive search of WoS, Scopus, and Google Scholar identified 202 records, with 106 studies meeting inclusion criteria. Eligibility required empirical soil data collected from Hungarian arable lands. Among these, 17% reported declines in SOC, 13% indicated nutrient depletion, 36% observed stable or lost fertility, and 34% documented improvements. Regarding monitoring methods, 41% relied solely on field sampling, 44% applied GIS or spatial analyses, and 15% incorporated remote sensing indices such as NDVI. Evidence revealed spatial–temporal heterogeneity: fertility declines occurred in intensively cultivated regions, while western Transdanubia showed stability. Trends were linked to land-use intensification and intermittent reductions in agricultural area. Integration of remote sensing indices, such as NDVI, with field observations enhanced detection of spatial and temporal patterns. These findings underscore the need for harmonised monitoring frameworks, precision agriculture tools, and predictive modelling to support sustainable soil management. Identifying fertility-decline zones informs policy aligned with the EU Soil Strategy 2030 and supports Hungary’s agricultural resilience. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Factors Affecting Soil Fertility and Improvement Measures)
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