Fertilizer Use, Soil Health and Agricultural Sustainability

Dear Colleagues,

Humankind has been using chemical (mineral) fertilizers to improve soil fertility and productivity for millennia. Since the 19th century, industrial mineral fertilizers have been increasingly used in agriculture. Their application is believed to be responsible for at least a 50% increase in crop yield in the 20th century. However, the inappropriate use of chemical fertilizers had negative effects on soil health and soil-related ecosystem services. Soil health is defined as the capacity of soil to function as a vital living system, within ecosystem and land-use boundaries, to sustain plant and animal health and productivity, and maintain or improve water and air quality. The major challenge for agricultural sustainability is to conserve ecosystem service delivery while optimizing agricultural yields. This Special Issue addresses the task to find a balance between increasing yields through the use of conventional and novel fertilizers, and the maintenance of soil and environmental health as a basis for the sustainable intensification of the agricultural sector.

Original research and review papers are invited. Papers chosen for publication will be selected by a rigorous peer-review procedure with the aim of the rapid dissemination of the research results.

Key topics in this Special Issue include but are not limited to the following:

• The effect of chemical fertilizers (major and micro nutrients) on soil properties, functions, and biodiversity;
• The effect of efficiency-enhancing fertilizers (e.g., nano-fertilizers, nitripyrins, coated ureas) on soil health and productivity;
• The effect of biofertilizers (beneficial microbes) on soil health and productivity;
• The effect of organic fertilizers (crop residues, animal manures, compost, biochar, ashes) on soil health and productivity.

Kind regards,

Dr. Pavel Krasilnikov
Dr. Miguel A. Taboada
Dr. Amanullah
Guest Editors

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