Water saving and soil amendments: advances in research, use and optimization and testing of innovative materials.

It has been widely proven that amendments have beneficial effects on soil quality and water availability, thus resulting in higher crop yields. Depending on the agricultural sectors considered, i.e., conventional open-field or greenhouse agriculture, or plant type, i.e., food crops or ornamental plants, several organic soil amendments are available to increase soil water availability.

Organic amendments refer to varied materials, including animal manure, crop residue, plant leaves, grass clippings, food processing by-products, and sewage sludge, all of which may arise as the residues or by-products of agricultural and industrial processes. Compost and biochar are widely used organic amendments that can be expected to improve the physico-chemical properties of coarse soils. Also, coconut fiber, sphagnum, and peat represent the basis for substrate creation in nurseries and for high-income ornamental crops.

Under extensive field crops, traditional amendments such as aged manure and compost, or more innovative ones such as biochar, are generally reported as effective at improving the physical–chemical soil properties. Therefore, they can be used to improve the soil's water reserve. However, although much progress has been made on this topic, some areas remain barely explored. Despite being the subject of several studies, thorough evaluations of the impact of amendment addition on the soil hydraulic and water retention properties under different application rates and contrasting soil textures are lacking.

This Special Issue focuses on applications of standard and innovative soil amendments to improve soil water use efficiency and soil health, particularly in the face of water scarcity and climate change. These advancements will optimize water retention, reduce evaporation, and enhance plant resilience to drought.

Dr. Mirko Castellini
Guest Editor

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• Soil water retention
• Capacitive-based soil indicators
• Plant available water capacity
• Soil water content at field capacity
• Soil water content at permanent wilting point
• Soil amendments
• Bio-based and organic amendments
• Compost
• Biochar
• Superabsorbent hydrogel.