Practices for Soil and Water Conservation in Horticulture
A special issue of Horticulturae (ISSN 2311-7524). This special issue belongs to the section "Plant Nutrition".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 25 February 2026 | Viewed by 29
Special Issue Editors
Interests: hydropedology; soil hydraulic properties; preferential flow
Interests: water-quality monitoring; water protection; assessment and monitoring of soil degradation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Soil and water are critical resources in horticulture, and, thus, their conservation is essential for ensuring sustainable productivity and environmental protection. These practices aim to maintain soil fertility, optimize water use, and reduce soil erosion. Soil is highly susceptible to degradation through processes such as erosion, compaction, contamination, and nutrient depletion, which in certain instances can lead to long-term or even irreversible damage. Furthermore, approximately 70% of the world’s freshwater is used for agricultural purposes. Considering that water availability on Earth is becoming increasingly limited, efficient water use and distribution are crucial, not only to minimize water waste but also to enhance crop yields. For instance, drip and sprinkler irrigation systems can minimize evaporation and surface runoff while ensuring sufficient water supply. Further, mulching serves a dual purpose by conserving soil moisture and suppressing weed growth, while also reducing surface erosion. Additional sustainable practices include cover cropping, reduced tillage, terracing, and ground cover. When combined, these methods support sustainable horticulture by enhancing soil health, reducing water consumption, and increasing resilience to climate stress. Sustainable horticulture not only improves productivity but also protects the environment, ensuring the availability of resources for future generations.
Dr. Jasmina Defterdarović
Dr. Monika Zovko
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 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.
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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 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
- soil conservation
- water management
- erosion protection
- sustainability
- irrigation
- mulching
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