Interactions of Contaminants and Soil Biological Functions–Implications for Soil Quality

Dear Colleagues,

Since the 1980s, the management of soils in food and fiber production systems has evolved to address the global decline in soil quality. Soil management solutions to minimize physical disruption, to build/maintain organic matter and biodiversity, to retain surface cover, and to optimize or substitute conventional fertilizers and biocides, are increasingly embraced. Organic and no-till agriculture, biodynamic and conservation farming, and recently regenerative agriculture have adopted these strategies (amongst others) and in doing so have captured the attention of an increasingly discerning market. The avoidance of contamination of food and fiber systems is not only essential for human health but also for the maintenance of soil quality and ecosystem health. The interaction of contaminants and soil biota is necessary for remediation efforts and long-term agricultural sustainability. Key biological factors in contaminant remediation include bioavailability, bioaccumulation and biodegradation (or detoxification). Nutrient turnover and supply, soil borne disease suppression and soil structural maintenance are equally critical and likely to be impacted by exposure to soil contaminants. An evidence base highlighting both the central role of soil biota in mitigating contaminants and the impacts of contaminants on critical biological functions in global food and fiber production systems is urgently needed.

This special issue addresses this need and considers a broad definition of contaminants^a especially in relation to soil remediation potential and impacts on soil biological communities and associated functions and metabolic properties.

^a contaminants are defined broadly as any physical, chemical, biological or combination soil additive that is associated with a decline in soil quality. Examples include polymers, nanoparticles, poly-aromatic-hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, fertilizers, trace elements, heavy metals, biologicals, waste products, composts and effluent. It will focus on studies that have adopted novel and sensitive technologies to measure biological change and to detect contaminant concentrations.

Dr. Pauline Mele
Guest Editor

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• soil microbiome
• bioavailability
• bioremediation
• bioaccumulation
• biosensors
• detoxification
• polycyclic aromatic compounds (PAHs)