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Agronomy
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Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration
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Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Soil and Plant Nutrition".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 May 2026 | Viewed by 4266

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Youjin Yan

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institute of Ecological Civilization Construction and Forestry Development, Co-Innovation Center of Sustainable Forestry in Southern China, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
Interests: soil erosion; soil management; soil and water conservation and ecological restoration
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Climate change exacerbates global threats including soil degradation, droughts, wildfires, and unpredictable precipitation, endangering ecosystems and food security. Historical poor land management has further intensified these issues. In this context of global change, soil management for sustainable agriculture has become a critical field of study, and there is a current and urgent need for agronomic research in this area.

This Special Issue calls for innovative research on soil management and ecological restoration to strengthen climate resilience. We welcome studies on soil management across diverse ecosystems, including farmland, grassland, and forests. Key topics of interest cover carbon sequestration, erosion control, microbial ecology, and rehabilitation after disturbances. We seek cutting-edge studies emphasizing AI-assisted soil monitoring, drought-adapted microbial consortia, biochar for carbon storage, root-based restoration, predictive resilience modeling, and nature-based solutions. Interdisciplinary contributions integrating advanced technology with traditional ecological knowledge are highly encouraged.

Dr. Youjin Yan
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. Agronomy 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

  • climate resilience
  • sustainable soil management
  • ecological restoration
  • nature-based solutions
  • remote sensing
  • AI-assisted

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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21 pages, 6278 KB  
Article
Vegetation Restoration Significantly Improved Soil Aggregate Stability in the East Qinling Mountains
by Xiaoming Xu, Yutong Xiao, Tao Huang, Xiaogang Li, Jiarong Zhang, Mingxu Gan and Yunpeng Xu
Agronomy 2026, 16(6), 657; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16060657 - 20 Mar 2026
Viewed by 357
Abstract
Although plant restoration is essential for improving soil structure and stability, there are still few systematic assessments of its impacts across various restored vegetation species, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like the East Qinling Mountains. In order to provide a scientific foundation for [...] Read more.
Although plant restoration is essential for improving soil structure and stability, there are still few systematic assessments of its impacts across various restored vegetation species, especially in environmentally sensitive areas like the East Qinling Mountains. In order to provide a scientific foundation for optimizing restoration tactics and enhancing soil erosion control and ecosystem services in the area, this study attempts to assess the impacts of different recovered plant types on soil aggregate stability and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. The Pinus tabuliformis Carrière, Quercus variabilis Blume, Robinia pseudoacacia L., Pinus tabulaeformis-Quercus variabilis mixed forest, Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco and abandoned grassland were the six vegetation types represented by the sixteen plots. Farmland was used as a control. Soil samples were taken from three depths (0–5 cm, 5–20 cm, and 20–40 cm) and evaluated for root biomass, soil organic matter (SOM), and water-stable aggregate dispersion. Mean weight diameter (MWD), fractal dimension (D), macroaggregate content of diameter > 0.25 mm (R0.25), and percentage of aggregate disruption (PAD) were used to evaluate aggregate stability. One-way ANOVA, LSD multiple comparisons, and Spearman correlation analysis were among the statistical analyses. In comparison to grassland and farming, forested regions, particularly mixed forests, showed considerably higher proportions of macroaggregates (>0.25 mm) and superior aggregate stability (higher MWD and R0.25, lower D and PAD). Increased litter and coarse root inputs, which encouraged big water-stable aggregates (WSAs) and reinforced their positive connection with SOM, were the driving forces behind this development. Robinia pseudoacacia L. and Platycladus orientalis (L.) Franco displayed the highest SOM concentration and root biomass (1201.45 and 679.66 g/m2, respectively). At all depths, mixed forests showed the most stable soil structure. In contrast to agriculture, vegetation restoration dramatically changed the mechanical composition of the soil, increasing the differentiation of particle-size fractions across soil layers and decreasing the amount of surface clay. Soil aggregate stability is greatly enhanced by vegetation restoration, with mixed forests offering the greatest advantages because of their varied root systems and increased input of organic matter. These results emphasize how crucial it is to choose the right vegetation types for restoration efforts in order to improve soil structure, reduce erosion, and promote ecological sustainability in the East Qinling Mountains. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)
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20 pages, 4098 KB  
Article
Effects of Fertilizer Types on Molybdenum Loss Characteristics in Purple Soil Sloping Cropland
by Xueqin Li, Xiaolin Sun, Chunpei Li and Gangcai Liu
Agronomy 2026, 16(4), 487; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16040487 - 22 Feb 2026
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Fertilization plays an important role in soil nutrient loss from sloping croplands. However, the effect of fertilization on Molybdenum (Mo) loss remains unknown. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of different fertilizers of purple soil on the characteristics of [...] Read more.
Fertilization plays an important role in soil nutrient loss from sloping croplands. However, the effect of fertilization on Molybdenum (Mo) loss remains unknown. The aims of this study were to explore the effects of different fertilizers of purple soil on the characteristics of soil molybdenum loss in surface, subsurface runoff and sediments. Five fertilizers treatments (3 replicates) were designed as following: no fertilizer (CK); conventional nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (NPK); organic fertilizers with livestock manure (OM); nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer plus organic fertilizers with livestock manure (OMNPK); and straw turnover plus nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (RSDNPK). The changes of runoff-related Molybdenum loss from June to September 2025 were studied. Results showed that fertilization significantly reduced surface runoff and sediment yield compared with CK (p < 0.05). The RSDNPK treatment exhibited the lowest surface runoff, while OM and OMNPK treatments most effectively decreased sediment loss. Dissolved Mo (DMo) was the predominant form of Mo loss across all treatments (50~70% of total loss), significantly higher than particulate Mo (PMo, 25~40%) and Mo of soil sediments (SEMo, 6.5~12.9%). Notably, the OM treatment uniquely shifted Mo loss toward subsurface flow (47.2% of total), whereas other treatments were dominated by surface runoff. Total Mo loss amount varied significantly among treatments (p < 0.05): CK (795 μg/m2) > OM (685 μg/m2) > NPK (596 μg/m2) > OMNPK (533 μg/m2) > RSDNPK (373 μg/m2). The RSDNPK treatment achieved the optimal performance, reducing total Mo loss by 53.1% compared with CK. Structural equation modeling revealed that soil organic matter indirectly controlled Mo loss by modifying soil physical properties and hydrological processes. The findings demonstrate that RSDNPK represents the most effective strategy for minimizing Mo loss in purple soil sloping croplands, outperforming sole organic manure application. This study highlights the importance of organic amendment and management in Mo loss control and provides a scientific basis for sustainable nutrient management in erosion-prone agricultural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)
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20 pages, 11466 KB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Dynamics and Driver Pathways of Soil Erosion in Qilian Mountain National Park (1990–2022) Under Ecological Restoration
by Xuexia Liu, Yuanyuan Hao, Zhe Meng and Limin Hua
Agronomy 2026, 16(2), 249; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16020249 - 20 Jan 2026
Viewed by 428
Abstract
Soil erosion in alpine ecosystems threatens biodiversity, ecosystem services, and SDGs, yet its spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers remain unclear. Using multi-source remote sensing (1990–2022), deep learning, and Random Forest, we assessed soil erosion in Qilian Mountain National Park, an ecotone between the Qinghai–Tibet [...] Read more.
Soil erosion in alpine ecosystems threatens biodiversity, ecosystem services, and SDGs, yet its spatiotemporal dynamics and drivers remain unclear. Using multi-source remote sensing (1990–2022), deep learning, and Random Forest, we assessed soil erosion in Qilian Mountain National Park, an ecotone between the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and northwestern arid regions, offering a natural laboratory for advancing understanding of water erosion in fragile alpine–arid ecosystems. Results show a mean annual erosion of 2.77 × 102 t·ha−1·yr−1 across the whole national park. Over the past three decades, the conversion of bare land to vegetated ecosystems (5355 km2) has reduced soil erosion by approximately 5.36 × 108 t. Bare land had the highest annual mean erosion (100.17 t·ha−1·yr−1), followed by cropland (10.03 t·ha−1·yr−1) and shrubland (7.58 t·ha−1·yr−1), while forest and grassland were <2.55 t·ha−1·yr−1. Slope and precipitation (contributing over 49.85% and 6.80% across ecosystems, respectively) were the dominant drivers of soil erosion, whereas vegetation covers consistently migrated erosion (−0.04 ≤ r ≤ −0.01). Human activity reduced vegetation cover (−0.15 ≤ r ≤ −0.08), thereby intensifying erosion. Overall, erosion intensity declined by 17.04% over the past three decades, yet management should prioritize bare land, cropland, and sensitive zones to strengthen restoration and prevent soil erosion. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)
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19 pages, 1716 KB  
Article
Residue Characteristics and Ecological Risks of Glyphosate and Aminomethylphosphonic Acid in a Karst Watershed: A Case Study of the Yangmei River Sub-Basin
by You Zhang, Youjin Yan, Quanhou Dai, Zhengchi Shi, Hong Zhou and Zeyin Hu
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2636; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112636 - 17 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 813
Abstract
This study investigates the residue characteristics and potential ecological risks of glyphosate (GLY) and its primary metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in the karst region, specifically focusing on the Yangmei River sub-basin. Water samples from the river were collected in April, June, August, and [...] Read more.
This study investigates the residue characteristics and potential ecological risks of glyphosate (GLY) and its primary metabolite, aminomethylphosphonic acid (AMPA), in the karst region, specifically focusing on the Yangmei River sub-basin. Water samples from the river were collected in April, June, August, and October of 2023, alongside 20 soil samples taken based on agricultural tillage practices. The residue characteristics of GLY and AMPA were analyzed, and their potential ecological risks were assessed using the Risk Quotient (RQ) method. The results indicated that the residues of GLY and AMPA in the soil of the Yangmei River basin exhibited spatial heterogeneity. The GLY content in the soil ranged from non-detectable (nd) to 888.85 μg/kg, with an average concentration of 262.53 μg/kg. The AMPA content varied from 47.90 to 2102.10 μg/kg, with an average of 465.52 μg/kg. Glyphosate pollution in the soil of the Yangmei River basin was determined to pose a moderate ecological risk. In the water of the Yangmei River basin, GLY concentrations ranged from 0 to 204.0 μg/L, with an average of 50.91 μg/L, while AMPA concentrations varied from 0 to 127.26 μg/L, averaging 26.51 μg/L. The highest GLY concentration was recorded in June, with detection rates for GLY being higher in April and June. The spatial distribution of GLY and AMPA was uneven. Glyphosate pollution in the water environment of the Yangmei River basin also presents a moderate ecological risk. Moreover, glyphosate has negatively impacted the aquatic environment, and its effects on water eutrophication should not be overlooked in efforts to prevent and control this phenomenon. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)
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Review

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34 pages, 1639 KB  
Review
From Microbial Functions to Measurable Indicators: A Framework for Predicting Grassland Productivity and Stability
by Yishu Yang, Xing Zhang, Xiaoxuan Du, Yuchuan Fan and Jie Gao
Agronomy 2025, 15(12), 2765; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15122765 - 29 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1674
Abstract
Grassland ecosystems play a key role in global carbon and nutrient cycling, yet their productivity is increasingly affected by changing climate, land use, and nutrient inputs. Recent studies have identified plant–microbe interactions as a crucial biological mechanism regulating these changes. However, comprehensive research [...] Read more.
Grassland ecosystems play a key role in global carbon and nutrient cycling, yet their productivity is increasingly affected by changing climate, land use, and nutrient inputs. Recent studies have identified plant–microbe interactions as a crucial biological mechanism regulating these changes. However, comprehensive research across different biomes remains insufficient. This review focuses on the functional characteristics and physiological processes of microorganisms to explore how they influence grassland productivity and stability in the context of global change, and proposes quantifiable indicators to improve model predictions. By integrating evidence from alpine, temperate, and arid grasslands, we summarize how microbial carbon use efficiency(CUE), nutrient cycling enzyme activity, and symbiotic capabilities affect plant nutrient acquisition, carbon allocation, and stress resistance. Meta-analytical data indicate that microbial processes can explain a substantial proportion of productivity variation beyond climatic and edaphic factors. We further outline methodological progress in linking molecular mechanisms with ecosystem dynamics through multi-omics, stable isotope tracing, and structural equation modeling. This synthesis highlights that incorporating microbial mechanisms into grassland productivity frameworks enhances predictive accuracy and provides an empirical basis for sustainable management. Across global grasslands, microbial processes account for roughly 40–50% of the explained variance in productivity beyond abiotic drivers, underscoring their predictive value in ecosystem models. Thes study underscores the broader significance of recognizing soil microbes as active drivers of ecosystem function, offering a biological foundation for carbon sequestration and grassland restoration strategies under global environmental change. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)
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