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18 pages, 3666 KB

Open AccessArticle

Application of Straw-Decomposing Microbial Inoculant JN01 Modifies Soil Microbial Communities, Enhances Nutrient Availability, and Improves Growth in a Pot-Based Early- and Late-Season Rice System with Straw Retention

by Kailun Song, Chulan Sun, Rong Hu, Ting Guo, Zhen Huang, Fei Wang, Xin Yin, Chunhuo Zhou and Guorong Ni

Agronomy 2026, 16(16), 1541; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16161541 - 12 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Purpose: The temporal effectiveness of double-cropping rice systems in southern China is limited by the slow natural decomposition rate of straw, which represents a crucial ecological bottleneck. This study reports on two consecutive pot experiments—one conducted in the 2019 late-rice season (cultivar: Tianyou [...] Read more.

Purpose: The temporal effectiveness of double-cropping rice systems in southern China is limited by the slow natural decomposition rate of straw, which represents a crucial ecological bottleneck. This study reports on two consecutive pot experiments—one conducted in the 2019 late-rice season (cultivar: Tianyou Huazhan) and the other in the 2020 early-rice season (cultivar: Taiyou 98)—to investigate how the straw-decomposing microbial inoculant JN01 influences rice growth, microbial community traits, and soil biochemical properties under equal-nutrient straw incorporation. Methods: This study conducted pot experiments from 2019 to 2020 using the self-developed straw-decomposing microbial agent JN01 (J) as the test material. Under the condition of equal nutrients, the experiment of conventional chemical fertilization (CK) and straw returning to field (SF) was set up. Results: The application of JN01 significantly boosted the soil’s capacity to transform nutrients, as indicated by the increases of 77.50% and 69.16% in soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen throughout the tillering and heading stages, respectively. It aided in the conversion of organic phosphorus in straw to effective phosphorus in soil, significantly increasing soil fungi (241.87%) and actinobacteria (93.10%) at maturity, optimizing the fungi/bacteria ratio, promoting the microbial community transition from bacterial to fungal dominance, improving soil cellulose degradation ability, and improving nitrogen transformation capability. Conclusions: This pot study clarifies the regulating mechanism of JN01 on soil microenvironment and offers theoretical support for the use of straw resources in southern double-cropping rice systems. Under controlled pot circumstances, the inoculant demonstrated potential to optimize straw-related nutrient transformation and coordinate rice yield components; nevertheless, field verification is necessary for large-scale practical implementation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)

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22 pages, 9203 KB

Open AccessArticle

Contrasting Shallow Soil-Moisture Dynamics Between Microtopographic and Flat Reclamation Areas in a Cold-Arid Abandoned Quarry: A One-Year Field Case Study

by Aishajiang Aili, Hailiang Xu, Abdul Waheed, Fabiola Bakayisire and Yongqiang Yang

Agronomy 2026, 16(15), 1502; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16151502 - 5 Aug 2026

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Abstract

Water scarcity strongly constrains the revegetation of disturbed mine substrates in cold-arid regions. This study compared soil-moisture dynamics between a microtopographic reclamation area and an adjacent flat reclamation area in an abandoned stone quarry within the Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, northwestern China. The [...] Read more.

Water scarcity strongly constrains the revegetation of disturbed mine substrates in cold-arid regions. This study compared soil-moisture dynamics between a microtopographic reclamation area and an adjacent flat reclamation area in an abandoned stone quarry within the Kalamaili Ungulate Nature Reserve, northwestern China. The integrated restoration treatment, established in 2018, combined linear trenches 30–40 cm deep and spaced 60 cm apart, native seed sowing, transferred seed-bank topsoil, and water-retaining material. From January to December 2024, sensor-derived apparent volumetric water content was monitored at five depths—0–10, 10–20, 20–30, 30–40, and 40–50 cm—at 10 min intervals using sensors operated with the manufacturer’s standard calibration. Following quality control and temporal synchronization, 41,475 valid timestamps were retained for each monitored profile. The study provides a continuous full-year, multi-depth record from an unirrigated, cold-arid reconstructed quarry substrate, a setting that remains underrepresented in previous micro-catchment and dryland-restoration research. However, this study is based on a single hydrological year and does not directly measure plant physiological responses or long-term restoration outcomes. Therefore, elevated soil moisture should be interpreted as a preliminary indicator of restoration potential rather than a definitive measure of ecological recovery success. The monitored microtopographic profile maintained higher mean apparent water content than the flat profile during most of the year. The largest annual relative profile difference occurred at 10–20 cm depth, reaching 18.0%, followed by 11.7% at 0–10 cm, whereas differences decreased below 20 cm and reached 1.9% at 40–50 cm. During selected rainfall and probable snowmelt periods, the microtopographic profile exhibited larger wetting responses and slower post-event recession. These patterns indicate contrasting upper-profile wetting and drying dynamics between the two monitored reclamation configurations. However, runoff, infiltration, evaporation, snow accumulation, soil-water potential, and vegetation responses were not measured directly. Moreover, monitoring began several years after vegetation establishment, and trenching, seed addition, seed-bank transfer, and water-retaining material were not evaluated independently. The findings should therefore be interpreted as a site-specific post-establishment comparison rather than evidence of the isolated effect of microtopography. Replicated, multi-year studies are required to determine the mechanisms, effectiveness, and broader transferability of this integrated reclamation configuration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)

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27 pages, 9100 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ensemble Learning-Based Assessment of Soil Salinization at the Agricultural Parcel Scale in Arid Regions: A Case Study of Delingha City in the Qaidam Basin, China

by Yan Su, Tianhong Mu, Wei Wang, Guanlin Li, Shaoquan Xu and Xianwei Zhao

Agronomy 2026, 16(14), 1336; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16141336 - 13 Jul 2026

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Abstract

Soil salinization is a major constraint on sustainable agricultural development in arid regions, yet soil salinity dynamics are commonly assessed using pixel-based remote sensing products that are difficult to relate to agricultural management units. To solve this problem, we developed an agricultural parcel-scale [...] Read more.

Soil salinization is a major constraint on sustainable agricultural development in arid regions, yet soil salinity dynamics are commonly assessed using pixel-based remote sensing products that are difficult to relate to agricultural management units. To solve this problem, we developed an agricultural parcel-scale framework for soil salinity monitoring and mitigation assessment in Delingha City, Qinghai Province, China. Cropland parcels were extracted using a Recurrent Residual U-Net (R2U-Net) model, and soil salinity inversion for April during 2021–2025 was conducted by integrating Sentinel-1/2 imagery with a stacking ensemble learning model. The model incorporated Random Forest Regression (RFR), Gradient Boosting Regression (GBR), Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP), and Support Vector Regression (SVR) to improve prediction accuracy and robustness. The selected features included vegetation indices, salinity indices, and SAR backscatter parameters. Among them, the Soil Adjusted Vegetation Index (SAVI) showed the strongest correlation with soil salinity, while Salinity Index 2 (SI2) exhibited the highest contribution to model performance. The R2U-Net achieved an F1-score of 0.8574 for parcel extraction. The ensemble model produced the best inversion results with an R² of 0.52 and reduced prediction errors compared with individual models. Results indicated an overall decline in soil salinity from 2021 to 2025, suggesting an improvement in soil salinity conditions during the study period. Parcel-scale aggregation reduced spatial noise; improved temporal stability; and revealed heterogeneous field responses, including salinity-declining, fluctuating, and increasing trends. The proposed framework enhances the interpretability and management relevance of soil salinity monitoring and provides practical support for precision agricultural management in arid regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)

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24 pages, 7590 KB

Open AccessArticle

Integrated Assessment of Stabilization in As- and Pb-Contaminated Mine Soils Using Fishery By-Product Shells: Implications for Soil Health and Crop Safety

by Se Hyun Park, Deok Hyun Moon, Sang Hyeop Park, Min-Wook Kim, Eunchul Jeong and Cheolyong Kim

Agronomy 2026, 16(12), 1183; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16121183 - 17 Jun 2026

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Abstract

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) contamination of soils surrounding abandoned mines threatens environmental safety and limits their potential for agricultural reuse. Although calcium-based materials are widely used for heavy metal stabilization, integrated assessments of shell-based stabilizers considering both contaminant immobilization and soil functionality [...] Read more.

Arsenic (As) and lead (Pb) contamination of soils surrounding abandoned mines threatens environmental safety and limits their potential for agricultural reuse. Although calcium-based materials are widely used for heavy metal stabilization, integrated assessments of shell-based stabilizers considering both contaminant immobilization and soil functionality remain limited. This study assessed the effectiveness of shell-based stabilizers derived from fishery by-products, namely cockle and manila clam shells, which are primarily composed of calcium carbonate (CaCO₃), and their influence on soil health and crop safety. The shells were processed into natural and calcined forms and applied to As- and Pb-contaminated soils. Stabilization was evaluated using extraction tests, soil health indicators, and a lettuce cultivation experiment. The natural and calcined shell treatments reduced the extractable concentrations of As and Pb. Calcined shells exhibited higher immobilization efficiency due to Ca–As precipitation and the formation of calcium silicate hydrate and calcium aluminate hydrate phases. However, these treatments induced excessive alkalinity, negatively affecting soil chemical properties and overall soil functionality. In contrast, natural shell treatments provided a more balanced performance by reducing heavy metal mobility while maintaining favorable soil conditions. Lettuce grown under the stabilization–cover soil system showed at least an 87.4% reduction in As concentration compared with the control, while Pb was not detected in any stabilization-cover soil treatment. These results highlight the importance of evaluating shell-based stabilizers within an integrated framework that considers both contaminant immobilization and soil health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)

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21 pages, 6278 KB

Open AccessArticle

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

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 780

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 (R_0.25), 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 R_0.25, 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

Open AccessArticle

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 688

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

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

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

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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

Open AccessArticle

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 1047

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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24 pages, 11223 KB

Open AccessReview

Risk Assessment and Sustainable Management of Cadmium in Paddy Fields of the Southwestern Karst Region

by Hao Cui, Ranling Zhou, Qiaoling Zeng, Qian Luo, Xiaoling Liu, Fan Yang, Tao Han, Weijie Li, Bing He and Shiqiang Wei

Agronomy 2026, 16(12), 1149; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16121149 - 11 Jun 2026

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Abstract

The karst region of Southwest China represents a typical high geological background area characterized by extensive carbonate bedrock and secondary enrichment of heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), in residual soils. Under natural carbonate-buffered conditions, Cd is largely immobilized through mineral associations and surface [...] Read more.

The karst region of Southwest China represents a typical high geological background area characterized by extensive carbonate bedrock and secondary enrichment of heavy metals, particularly cadmium (Cd), in residual soils. Under natural carbonate-buffered conditions, Cd is largely immobilized through mineral associations and surface complexation, resulting in elevated total concentrations but low bioavailability. However, intensified anthropogenic pressures–including acid deposition, mining, excessive fertilization, and improper irrigation—have accelerated soil acidification in paddy fields. Acidification disrupts carbonate geochemical equilibria, weakens buffering capacity, and drives Cd speciation shifts toward more labile forms, thereby enhancing plant uptake and accumulation. These effects are especially pronounced in paddy fields and other systems subject to hydrological and redox fluctuations that further increase Cd mobility. To evaluate these coupled geogenic and anthropogenic controls, we conducted a structured literature synthesis (2016–2026) focusing on peer-reviewed studies of Cd dynamics in Southwestern China’s karst agroecosystems. We critically examine (i) the formation mechanisms and spatial heterogeneity of high-background Cd, (ii) acidification-driven speciation transformation and soil–crop transfer pathways, and (iii) in situ remediation and precision risk assessment strategies. By integrating geological inheritance, geochemical activation, and ecological risk perspectives, this review proposes a conceptual framework to support soil quality standard refinement and adaptive risk management in high-background karst regions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Soil Management and Ecological Restoration)

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34 pages, 1639 KB

Open AccessReview

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 8 | Viewed by 2117

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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