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Agronomy
Special Issues
Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health
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Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 12 July 2026 | Viewed by 7602

Editors

Dr. Marco Pittarello

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Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural Sciences, Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: phytoremediation; soil chemistry; sustainable and conservative agriculture
Dr. Emilio Lo Presti

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department Agraria, University Mediterranea of Reggio Calabria, Feo di Vito, 89122 Reggio Calabria, Italy
Interests: agroecology; ecosystem services; intercropping; root interactions; cover cropping; legumes; wheat; phosphorus availability; root exudates (carboxylates and phosphatase activity)
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Paolo Carletti

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Guest Editor
Department of Agronomy, Food, Natural Resources, Animals and Environment, Università degli Studi di Padova, Viale dell'Università, 16, I-35020 Legnaro, Italy
Interests: plant biostimulants; soil humic substances; soil science and plant nutrition; plant physiology; soil enzymatic activity
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

After decades of soil overexploitation in the past century due to conventional intensive agriculture, sustainable and conservative agricultural practices—such as intercropping, a practice almost entirely abandoned due to main-crop competition—are experiencing revisited and new adoption. Due to increasingly extreme climate phenomena related to global warming (such as soil erosion and widespread soil contamination) and accompanying challenges, such as the need to properly feed a growing world population, it is now essential to maintain and restore the fertility of agricultural soils while also making marginal and/or moderately contaminated soils characterized by low microbial diversity and enzymatic activity and low organic matter storage suitable for low-intensity agriculture.

Based on the above, this Special Issue will focus on the following:

  • Short-term effects (maximum 3 years) of different crop rotations on the enzymatic activity of sandy soils.
  • Short- and long-term effects of intercropping on the availability of heavy metals and their accumulation in moderately contaminated soils.
  • Cover crops and organic matter storage in marginal and sloping grounds.
  • Cover cropping and intercropping effects on weed infestation and the accumulation of high-molecular-weight allelochemicals in soil.
  • Management of phytochemical degradation in soil under cover cropping and intercropping.
  • Phosphorus availability in marginal soils under cover cropping and intercropping (with a special focus on tropical and subtropical soils).

The overall aim of this Special Issue is to encourage the development of practices focused on restoring fertility with the goal of “conquering and re-conquering” new lands for sustainable agriculture.

Dr. Marco Pittarello
Dr. Lo Presti Emilio
Dr. Paolo Carletti
Guest Editors

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-anonymized 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

  • enzymatic activity
  • organic matter
  • soil fertility
  • sustainable agriculture

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

17 pages, 1897 KB  
Article
Effect of Green Compost Application on the Soil Characteristics and the Dissipation of Iodosulfuron-Methyl-Sodium Under Pea–Wheat Field Crop Rotation
by Jesús M. Marín-Benito, Jesús Gómez-Ciudad, María Ángeles Gómez-Sánchez, María Remedios Morales-Corts and María Sonia Rodríguez-Cruz
Agronomy 2026, 16(7), 710; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy16070710 - 28 Mar 2026
Viewed by 871
Abstract
The application of organic residues in agriculture helps to replenish soil organic carbon (OC), improve soil fertility and biodiversity, reinforce aggregate stability, and favour water infiltration. Moreover, its application as a soil amendment alters the fate of herbicides applied to the soil. The [...] Read more.
The application of organic residues in agriculture helps to replenish soil organic carbon (OC), improve soil fertility and biodiversity, reinforce aggregate stability, and favour water infiltration. Moreover, its application as a soil amendment alters the fate of herbicides applied to the soil. The objective here was (i) to evaluate soil quality by determining the physicochemical and biological parameters of an agricultural soil (Soil) amended with green compost (Soil + GC) over an arable pea–wheat crop rotation in a short-term experiment; and (ii) to study the dissipation and persistence of iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium applied in field plots sown with winter wheat under real field conditions. The experimental field design consisted of 24 plots (10 m2) involving 12 with control and 12 with GC-amended soils. The plots were sown with pea after GC application (~11 t ha−1) in February 2023, and with winter wheat in October 2023. Iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium (Hussar® Plus, Bayer CropScience S.L., Barcelona, Spain) was applied in post-emergence at the agronomic dose (D1 = 176 mL ha−1) and double dose (D2 = 352 mL ha−1). Soil samples were taken from the plots to assess the soil physicochemical and biological parameters at six sampling times after GC application, with extraction and determination of residual herbicide and metabolite (metsulfuron-methyl) concentrations. In addition, the yield and characteristics of the pea and wheat grain crops were determined. The application of GC to the soil significantly increased pH (0.5 units by July 2024) and electrical conductivity (up to 5.2 times) compared to control soil, which remained constant throughout the experiment. The OC in Soil + GC increased by 40% in July 2024 compared to control soil. Total nitrogen content increased up to 2.0 and 1.3 times during the pea–wheat growing seasons in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil. Soil dehydrogenase activity, respiration, and biomass increased by up to 1.4, 2.2 and 1.4 times, respectively, in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil over the growing seasons. The soil microbial structure, determined by phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA) analysis, recorded no significant differences between the microbial groups in both soil treatments. A non-significant increase in pea and wheat yield was observed in Soil + GC compared to unamended soil. The results revealed an increase in the residual amounts of herbicide and metabolite, being slightly more persistent, with DT50 and DT90 values up to 1.6 times higher, in the Soil + GC plots over time. Much higher amounts of metabolite (DT50 = 24.8–29.7 days) than iodosulfuron-methyl (DT50 = 5.2–8.8 days) were found in all the treatments. This may be due to wheat plants intercepting the herbicide initially at the time of application in post-emergence, the rapid dissipation of the herbicide reaching the soil, and/or the higher persistence of the metabolite compared to that of the herbicide. Overall, the soil’s physicochemical and biological properties were improved in GC-amended soil, and organic amendment increased slightly the persistence of iodosulfuron-methyl-sodium and its metabolite in the soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health)
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21 pages, 2972 KB  
Article
The Topographic Template: Coordinated Shifts in Soil Chemistry, Microbiome, and Enzymatic Activity Across a Fluvial Landscape
by Anastasia V. Teslya, Darya V. Poshvina, Artyom A. Stepanov and Alexey S. Vasilchenko
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2588; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112588 - 10 Nov 2025
Viewed by 831
Abstract
The soil microbiome is an essential component of agroecosystems. However, managing it remains a challenge due to our limited knowledge of how various environmental factors interact and shape its spatial distribution. This study presents a hierarchical ecological model to explain the assembly of [...] Read more.
The soil microbiome is an essential component of agroecosystems. However, managing it remains a challenge due to our limited knowledge of how various environmental factors interact and shape its spatial distribution. This study presents a hierarchical ecological model to explain the assembly of the microbiome in sloping agricultural landscapes. Through a comprehensive analysis of bacterial and fungal communities, as well as the examination of metabolic and phytopathogenic profiles across a topographic gradient, we have demonstrated that topography acts as the main filter, structuring bacterial communities. Land use, on the other hand, serves as a secondary filter, refining fungal functional guilds. Our results suggest that hydrological conditions in floodplains favor the growth of stress-tolerant bacterial communities with low diversity, dominated by Actinomycetota. Fungal communities, on the other hand, are directly influenced by land use. Long-term fallow periods lead to an enrichment of arbuscular mycorrhiza, while agroecosystems shift towards pathogenic and saprotrophic niches. Furthermore, we identify specific topographic positions that may be hotspots for phytopathogenic pressure. These hotspots are linked to certain taxa, such as Ustilaginaceae and Didymellaceae, which may pose a threat to plant health. The derived hierarchical model provides a scientific foundation for topography-aware precision agriculture. It promotes stratified management, prioritizing erosion control and soil restoration on slopes, customizing nutrient inputs in fertile floodplains, and implementing targeted phytosanitary monitoring in identified risk areas. Our research thus offers a practical framework for harnessing soil spatial variability to improve soil health and proactively manage disease risks in agricultural systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health)
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20 pages, 2396 KB  
Article
Organic Carbon Input to an Abandoned Rural Residential Land Improves Soil Carbon Fractions, Enhances Nitrogen Availability, and Increases Rice Yield
by Xianlong Zhao, Shuai Chai, Wenjie Song, Tianpeng Li, Wei Mao, Haitao Zhao and Jing Ju
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2575; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112575 - 9 Nov 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1005
Abstract
The soil of abandoned rural residential land is often deficient in organic matter and low in nutrient content, which limits agricultural productivity. Organic carbon input (OCI) is recognized as an effective strategy to enhance soil quality, yet it remains unclear which active carbon [...] Read more.
The soil of abandoned rural residential land is often deficient in organic matter and low in nutrient content, which limits agricultural productivity. Organic carbon input (OCI) is recognized as an effective strategy to enhance soil quality, yet it remains unclear which active carbon and nitrogen fractions drive yield enhancement and how their cycles are coupled. A three-year field experiment included five treatments: an unfertilized control (CK) and four OCI levels applied at an equal total N rate of 270 kg N ha−1: 0.51 t ha−1 (T1), 0.77 t ha−1 (T2), 1.02 t ha−1 (T3), and 2.56 t ha−1 (T4). Compared with CK, T1–T4 treatments significantly increased dissolved organic carbon (DOC) by 56.04–137.25%, readily oxidizable organic carbon (ROC) by 56.46–85.29%, particulate organic carbon (POC) by 35.26–50.17%, microbial biomass carbon (MBC) by 33.87–49.90%, acid-hydrolyzable ammonium nitrogen (AN) by 21.54–30.66%, acid-hydrolyzable amino sugar nitrogen (ASN) by 11.05–24.21%, acid-hydrolyzable amino acid nitrogen (AAN) by 23.56–31.92%, and rice yield by 44.50–69.56%. Overall, among T1–T4 treatments, T2 and T3 treatments performed best in improving soil fertility and rice yield in the current study. Structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis indicated that ROC significantly influenced total hydrolyzable nitrogen (THN), which in turn was the main direct determinant of rice yield. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that a medium OCI rate (0.77–1.02 t ha−1 in the current study) at 270 kg N ha−1 delivers the most balanced improvement in soil C-N cycling and yield formation, providing a sound theoretical and practical basis for optimizing organic fertilization strategies in abandoned rural residential land soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health)
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17 pages, 1659 KB  
Article
Response of Soil Microbial Biomass and Activity to Cover Crop Incorporation Methods
by Caterina Lucia, Vito Armando Laudicina, Sara Paliaga, Luciano Gristina and Sofia Maria Muscarella
Agronomy 2025, 15(11), 2504; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15112504 - 28 Oct 2025
Viewed by 2098
Abstract
Cover crop management in vineyards under a semiarid Mediterranean environment needs strategies that enhance soil C and N status and microbial functioning without increasing disturbance. This study compared cover crops biomass incorporation (harrowing, HR; rotary tillage; RT) and non-incorporation (NI, residues left on [...] Read more.
Cover crop management in vineyards under a semiarid Mediterranean environment needs strategies that enhance soil C and N status and microbial functioning without increasing disturbance. This study compared cover crops biomass incorporation (harrowing, HR; rotary tillage; RT) and non-incorporation (NI, residues left on the topsoil) into the soil in a 12-year Grecanico dorato vineyard. Traditional vineyard soil management (continuously tilled for weeds control) was also used as a control. Soil samples from 0 to 20 and 20 to 40 cm were analyzed for total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and nitrogen (MBN), and enzyme activities. NI and HR raised TOC and TN in the topsoil versus TR, with NI frequently maintaining advantages at depth. NI also maximized MBC/MBN and reduced the metabolic quotient (qCO2), indicating improved microbial C-use efficiency; RT showed intermediate chemistry but depressed subsoil MBC and altered MBC/MBN. Enzyme profiles reflected contrasting mechanisms: RT boosted β-glucosidase in the topsoil, TR peaked for urease and arylsulfatase but alongside lower biomass and higher specific enzyme activities, while NI supported greater overall functioning via larger biomass and lower per-C enzyme demand. The calculated geometric mean enzyme (GMea) index emphasized transient TR flush versus steadier conservation functioning. Strong vertical stratification occurred for all indices, yet NI transmitted some benefits to 20–40 cm. We conclude that residue retention or moderate incorporation promotes larger, more efficient microbial population and more balanced nutrient cycling, whereas repeated rotary tillage risks subsoil inefficiencies. In semi-arid Mediterranean vineyards, low-disturbance cover-crop incorporation (HR) or, preferably, residue retention at the topsoil (NI) offer a simple, scalable route to sustain soil quality and long-term fertility. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health)
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19 pages, 5327 KB  
Article
Effects of Sanqi Cultivation on Soil Fertility and Heavy Metal Content in the Sanqi–Pine Agroforestry System
by Keyu Liu, Xiaoyan Zhao, Rui Rui, Yue Li, Jingying Hei, Longfeng Yu, Shu Wang and Xiahong He
Agronomy 2025, 15(9), 2123; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15092123 - 4 Sep 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1414
Abstract
The Sanqi–pine agroforestry (SPA) system is considered a sustainable agroforestry model. However, empirical studies that clearly elucidate the impact of Sanqi cultivation on soil fertility and the heavy metal content within the SPA system are still lacking. This study established monoculture Pinus armandii [...] Read more.
The Sanqi–pine agroforestry (SPA) system is considered a sustainable agroforestry model. However, empirical studies that clearly elucidate the impact of Sanqi cultivation on soil fertility and the heavy metal content within the SPA system are still lacking. This study established monoculture Pinus armandii (MPA) and SPA systems to conduct a comparative analysis of dynamic changes in soil physicochemical properties and the heavy metal content of Sanqi and pine over one year (with semi-monthly sampling), followed by a comprehensive evaluation of soil fertility and heavy metal pollution. Following the land use conversion from MPA to SPA, there was a notable increase in soil moisture (SM), total nitrogen (TN), and nitrate nitrogen (NO3−-N) levels within Sanqi soil. Conversely, total potassium (TK), ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N), plumbum (Pb), and chromium (Cr) levels experienced a significant reduction. In the case of pine soil, soil moisture (SM), pH levels, and ammonium nitrogen (NH4+-N) content exhibited an increase. However, soil organic carbon (SOC), total phosphorus (TP), total potassium (TK), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn), plumbum (Pb), and chromium (Cr) contents all significantly decreased. The Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) demonstrated that Sanqi cultivation not only significantly enhanced soil fertility for Sanqi rather than pine but also reduced the heavy metal content in the soil of both Sanqi and pine within the SPA system. Furthermore, the Nemerow pollution index for both Sanqi and pine soils has decreased, transitioning the pollution status from relatively safe to safe. This suggests that the introduction of Sanqi promotes the sustainable development of the SPA system. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Agronomic Practices on Soil Properties and Health)
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