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A special issue of Land (ISSN 2073-445X). This special issue belongs to the section "Land, Soil and Water".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2025) | Viewed by 18441

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Prof. Dr. Nick B. Comerford

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North Florida Research and Education Center, University of Florida, Quincy, FL32351, USA
Interests: forest soils and management; tropical/subtropical; soils; soil ecosystem services; soil organic carbon management
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil derives its importance from the fundamental role it plays in ecosystem science and human health. Soil supports climate regulation, food security, and biodiversity conservation, to name just a few factors. Mismanagement can result in compromising human and ecosystem health. It is a key aspect of defining critical ecosystem services and the benefits that people and ecosystems derive from the processes that define a healthy soil. Yet, as a famous soil scientist once said, “Science and Nature have conspired to keep soils in the dark”. Therefore, the "Land, Soil and Water" section of the Journal Land seeks to shine more light on key soil research topics. We are announcing a Special Issue that seeks to feature significant papers that define the most important soil research topics. A Feature Paper is defined as one that represents a team of accomplished scientists who bring their combined effort into producing a significant piece of work, and is an original research article or review paper that gives insights into current theories, delves into key topics or subtopics of soil, or is seminal in its nature. The topics that are welcome include, but are not limited to, the following:

Mechanisms of soil organic carbon storage and stability.
Impacts of warming and extreme weather events on soil processes.
Microbial and plant interactions in promoting soil fertility.
Integrative soil management for minimizing fertilizer and pesticide dependence.
Mapping and preserving soil microbial and faunal diversity.
Impact of biodiversity loss on soil functionality.
Role of soil in hydrological cycles under changing climate conditions.
Nature based solutions for enhancing soil resilience.
Applications of AI and machine learning in soil data analysis.
Impacts of nanoparticles, microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants on soil health.
Soil pedotransfer functions.

Prof. Dr. Nick B. Comerford
Guest Editor

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-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Land is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly 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

soil and climate change
soil health
sustainable agriculture
soil biodiversity
soil ecosystem service
artificial intelligence applications to soil
emerging soil contaminants

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Related Special Issue

Feature Papers for “Land, Soil and Water” Section, 2nd Edition in Land

Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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17 pages, 913 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Fertility Status and Its Implications for Sustainable Cocoa Cultivation in Ghana and Togo

by Afi Amen Christèle Attiogbé, Udo Nehren, Sampson K. Agodzo, Emmanuel Quansah, Enoch Bessah, Seyni Salack, Essi Nadège Parkoo and Jean Mianikpo Sogbedji

Land 2026, 15(1), 127; https://doi.org/10.3390/land15010127 - 9 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 920

Abstract

Soil fertility plays a crucial role in crop productivity, particularly in cocoa cultivation, which is highly dependent on soil quality that directly influences both productivity and sustainability. Understanding how to achieve and maintain soil fertility on cocoa farms is fundamental to sustaining higher yields. Cocoa production in Ghana and Togo remains low, at 350–600 kg/ha, compared to the potential yield of over 1–3 tons per hectare. Given the growing demand for cocoa and limited arable land, adequate soil nutrients are essential to optimise productivity. Soil fertility indices (SFIs) have been widely used as soil metrics by integrating multiple physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. In this study, standard analytical methods were employed to evaluate the SFI through laboratory analyses of 49 surface soil samples collected at a depth of 0–30 cm with an auger. Eleven soil chemical indicators were analysed: pH (water), organic matter (OM), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), available phosphorus (P), total nitrogen (N), cation exchange capacity (CEC), electrical conductivity (EC), and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio (C/N). Principal component analysis, followed by normalisation, was used to select a minimum dataset, which was then integrated into an additive SFI. Results indicated that N, Ca, Mg, CEC, and pH were within the optimal range for most surveyed locations (96%, 94%, 92%, 73%, and 63%, respectively), while OM and C/N were within the optimal range in approximately half of the study area. Available P, K, and C/N were highly deficient in 100%, 67%, and 96% of surveyed locations, respectively. Soil fertility varied significantly among locations (p = 0.007) and was generally low, ranging from 0.15 to 0.66. Only 20% of the soils in the study area were classified as adequately fertile for cocoa cultivation. Therefore, it is necessary to restore soil nutrient balance, especially the critically low levels of K and P, through appropriate management practices that improve fertility over time and help close the yield gap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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16 pages, 1572 KB

Open AccessArticle

Modeling Soil Organic Carbon Dynamics Across Land Uses in Tropical Andean Ecosystems

by Víctor Alfonso Mondragón Valencia, Apolinar Figueroa Casas, Diego Jesús Macias Pinto and Rigoberto Rosas-Luis

Land 2025, 14(12), 2425; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14122425 - 16 Dec 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 952

Abstract

Soil organic carbon (SOC) plays a crucial role in climate change mitigation by regulating atmospheric CO₂ and maintaining ecosystem balance; however, its stability is influenced by land use in anthropized areas such as the tropical Andes. This study developed a dynamic compartmental model based on ordinary differential equations to simulate carbon fluxes among litter, humus, and microbial biomass under four land uses in the Las-Piedras River basin (Popayán, Colombia): riparian forest (RF), ecological restoration (ER), natural-regeneration (NR), and livestock (LS). The model includes two decomposition rate constants: k₁, for the transformation of fresh organic matter, and k₂, for the turnover of humified organic matter. It was calibrated using field data on soil physicochemical and biological properties, as well as carbon inputs and outputs. The results showed clear differences in SOC dynamics among land uses: RF had the highest SOC stocks (148.7 Mg ha⁻¹) and microbial biomass, while LS showed the lowest values and the greatest deviation due to compaction and low residue input. The humus fraction remained the most stable pool (k₂ ≈ 10⁻⁴ month⁻¹), confirming its recalcitrant nature. Overall, the model reproduced SOC behavior accurately (MAE = 0.01–0.30 Mg ha⁻¹) and provides a framework for improving soil carbon management in mountain ecosystems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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17 pages, 2955 KB

Open AccessArticle

Chromium Species and Fractions in Agricultural and Urban Mediterranean Soils: Effects of Aging and Soil Properties on Soil Cr (III) and Cr (VI) Availability

by Evangelia E. Golia, Fotis Bilias, Eleni Gouliou, Sotiria G. Papadimou, Ioannis Papadopoulos, Dimitrios Alexiadis and Stella Girousi

Land 2025, 14(11), 2157; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14112157 - 29 Oct 2025

Viewed by 1146

Abstract

In this study, both trivalent and hexavalent forms of chromium were examined in urban and agricultural Mediterranean soils. Chromium partitioning in different soil fractions was studied. Pot experiments included contamination of soil samples using Cr solutions, as well as a further study regarding Cr distribution in naturally contaminated soils. The soils were subjected to quantitative determination of both the available and total Cr concentration, as well as Cu and Zn, which were naturally present in the soil samples. Metal concentrations in the soil fractions were quantified after the application of the BCR fractional extraction method. The numbers of both trivalent and hexavalent Cr ions in each extract were determined. Considerable discrepancies were noticed regarding the Cr content of each soil fraction in both municipal and cultivated soils, indicating the possible origin of the pollution. The increasing impact of pollution is a significant parameter for the availability of chromium ions in both agricultural and urban soils. Increased pollution durations resulted in a significant increase in the non-available fraction of toxic Cr (VI), mainly in urban soil. Variations were also observed in the chromium species, as changes in soil parameters and in the conditions of the experiment seem to affect the conversion of the less harmful trivalent chromium to the toxic hexavalent chromium. In urban soils, the amount of toxic Cr (VI) bound to iron and manganese oxides exceeds 37.8%, while in agricultural soils, the amount of Cr (VI) associated with soil organic matter reaches 35%. Knowing the mechanisms and variables influencing Cr availability in agricultural and urban Mediterranean soils is desirable, as safe living in ecologically acceptable fields and producing safe goods in healthy soil systems are paramount goals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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24 pages, 2726 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria from Different Genera, Host Plants, and Climates: Influence of Soil pH on Plant Growth and Biochemistry

by Jacinta Santos, Paulo Cardoso, Ricardo Rocha, Ricardo Pinto, Tiago Lopes, Carla Patinha, Rosa Guilherme, António Ferreira and Etelvina Figueira

Land 2025, 14(10), 2065; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14102065 - 16 Oct 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2861

Abstract

Phosphorus (P) is an essential element for plant growth, yet it is only available to plants in the form of orthophosphate. In most soils, P occurs predominantly in insoluble forms, such as calcium phosphates in alkaline soils and aluminum/iron phosphates in acidic soils, limiting plant uptake. Fertilization is commonly used to overcome this limitation; however, large fractions of applied P rapidly become unavailable. Phosphorus-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) are a sustainable alternative to enhance P availability. This study evaluated the P-solubilization capacity of bacterial strains belonging to different genera isolated from different host plants, soil types, and climates (mainland Portugal, Cape Verde, and Angola). Following initial screening, the most efficient strains were tested under greenhouse conditions in soils with pH 7 and 8. Strains exhibited diverse solubilization capacities, with highly efficient PSB (phosphate solubilization index ≥ 2) accounting for 5% of the total isolates, predominantly originating from the Namib Desert (Angola) and Southern Portugal, and mainly belonging to the genera Pseudomonas, Flavobacterium, Enterobacter, Chryseobacterium and Pantoea. At pH 7, most PSB promoted maize growth, with strain C11 increasing plant P content around 2-fold compared to the control. At pH 8, fewer strains were effective, but strains F and C11 enhanced shoot weight and M shoot length by 28%, 27%, and 10%, respectively. These findings highlight the potential of selected PSB strains as next-generation bioinoculants for sustainable agriculture. However, strain selection must consider geography, crop type, and management practices to ensure consistent efficacy, thereby supporting the broader application of PSB as a precision tool for improving food security. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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20 pages, 1678 KB

Open AccessArticle

Soil C-CO₂ Emissions Across Different Land Uses in a Peri-Urban Area of Central Croatia

by Marija Galic, Aleksandra Percin and Igor Bogunovic

Land 2025, 14(9), 1876; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14091876 - 13 Sep 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1395

Abstract

Soils play an important role in the global carbon cycle by storing organic carbon and releasing carbon dioxide (CO₂) through biological processes. Land use management practices influence soil CO₂ emissions by changing physical, chemical, and biological soil properties. Seasonal soil C-CO₂ emissions (soil CO₂ efflux expressed as C-CO₂ in kg ha⁻¹ day⁻¹) were analyzed under cropland, orchard, grassland, forest, and abandoned land, in a peri-urban area in central Croatia in 2021 and 2023. Emissions were measured using the static method in a closed chamber, accompanied by measurements of soil temperature, moisture, and total porosity. In both years, grassland and orchards had the highest average soil C-CO₂ emissions, whereas cropland showed consistently lower values. However, total soil C-CO₂ emissions were significantly lower in 2023, probably influenced by higher precipitation and changes in soil moisture. The seasonal trends differed from year to year, with the highest emissions recorded in fall 2021 and spring 2023. In both years, there was a positive correlation between average soil C-CO₂ emissions and soil temperature/moisture, while soil porosity also contributed to the observed emission variations. The results show the significant influence of land use types on soil C-CO₂ emissions and emphasize the importance of seasonal and environmental factors in assessing soil carbon cycling. This research enhances understanding of soil contributions to climate change and supports the development of sustainable land management practices aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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19 pages, 2721 KB

Open AccessArticle

Land Unit Delineation Based on Soil-Forming Factors: A Tool for Soil Survey in Mountainous Protected Areas

by William Trenti, Mauro De Feudis, Massimo Gherardi, Gilmo Vianello and Livia Vittori Antisari

Land 2025, 14(8), 1683; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081683 - 20 Aug 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1731

Abstract

The present study applied a GIS-based methodology for assessing soil diversity in a protected mountain area of Italy. Using QGIS, morphological (i.e., altitude and slope), lithological, climatic, and land use layers were intersected to delineate 16 land units (LUs), each representing relatively homogeneous conditions for soil formation, according to Jenny’s equation. To obtain the soil map units, a total of 112 soil profiles were analyzed, including 79 from previous studies and 33 that were newly excavated during 2023–2024 to fill gaps in underrepresented LU types. Most soils were classified as Inceptisols/Cambisols, occurring in both Dystric and Eutric variants, mainly in relation to lithology (i.e., arenaceous or pelitic facies). Alfisols, Umbrisols, and hydromorphic soils were also identified. The physicochemical properties showed marked variability among LUs, with sand content ranging from 39 to 798 g kg⁻¹, pH from 4.4 to 7.9, and organic carbon content from 1.6 to 6.1%. This LU-based framework allowed efficient field sampling, if compared to grid-based surveys, while retaining information on fine-scale pedodiversity. No quantitative accuracy assessment (e.g., boundary precision, internal homogeneity metrics) was conducted, even if the spatial coherence of the delineated LUs was supported by the distribution of soil profiles, which provided empirical validation of the LU framework. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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13 pages, 1249 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Pinelands: Impacts of Different Long-Term Land Uses on Soil Physical Properties in Red Ferrosols

by Ana Carolina de Mattos e Avila, Jackson Adriano Albuquerque and Gunnar Kirchhof

Land 2025, 14(7), 1471; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14071471 - 15 Jul 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1416

Abstract

Century-long land-use practices have a profound impact on soil physical and chemical properties, with direct implications for soil health and agricultural sustainability. This study aimed to assess the effects of four contrasting land uses—remnant vegetation, pasture, cultivated areas, and loafing areas—on the physical and chemical properties of Red Ferrosols in the Toowoomba region, Queensland, Australia. Soil samples were collected from upper and lower slope positions for each land use. Physical properties, including bulk density, porosity, water retention, and permeability, as well as chemical properties such as organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, were analysed. The results showed that remnant vegetation preserved the most favourable soil conditions, with lower bulk density, higher porosity, and greater water retention. Cultivated areas exhibited significant soil degradation, marked by compaction, reduced infiltration, and depleted organic matter. Loafing areas displayed localised nutrient enrichment but higher compaction due to livestock trampling. Pastures maintained intermediate conditions, retaining some beneficial soil characteristics. These findings emphasise the critical need for sustainable land management strategies to protect soil structure and function, supporting the long-term productivity and resilience of Red Ferrosols. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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23 pages, 6507 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Revitalizing Marginal Areas of Basilicata (Southern Italy) with Saffron: A Strategy Approach Mixing Alternative Cultivation System and Land Suitability Analysis

by Nunzia Cicco, Vincenzo Candido, Rosa Coluzzi, Vito Imbrenda, Maria Lanfredi, Michele Larocca, Annarita Lorusso, Carla Benelli and Adriano Sofo

Land 2025, 14(4), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14040902 - 19 Apr 2025

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3138

Abstract

The abandonment of farmland in Europe is a significant issue due to its environmental, socio-economic, and landscape consequences. This tendency mainly impacts marginal and inner areas, located far from large urban districts, because of biophysical and/or socio-economic factors. Although European and national regulations try to turn the fragility of these territories into an opportunity for sustainable development, many of these areas, especially in southern Europe, continue to suffer socio-economic disparities. For this reason, it is necessary to consider regional and district-wide initiatives that can economically revitalize marginal areas while safeguarding their natural capital. Alternative cropping systems, capable of optimizing the quality of some food crops, can play an essential role in the economic development of populations living in marginal areas. These areas, represented by inland zones often abandoned due to the difficulty of applying mechanized agriculture, can represent an opportunity to rediscover sustainable and profitable practices. Among the high-value crops, saffron (Crocus sativus L.), “red gold” and “king of spices”, stands out for its potential. Indeed, thanks to the use of tuff tubs, a more eco-sustainable choice compared to the plastic pots already mentioned in the literature, it is possible to improve the quality of this spice. Furthermore, Crocus sativus L. not only lends itself to multiple uses but also represents a valid opportunity to supplement agricultural income. This is made possible by its high profitability and beneficial properties for human health, offering a way to diversify agricultural production with positive economic and social impacts. It is known that the saffron market in Italy suffers from competition from developing countries (Iran, Morocco, India) capable of producing saffron at lower costs than European countries, thanks to the lower cost of labor. Therefore, this study seeks to identify marginal areas that can be recovered and valorized through an eco-sustainable cultivation system with the potential to enhance the quality of this spice, making it unique and resilient to competition. Specifically, this paper is organized on a dual scale of investigation: (a) at the local level to demonstrate the economic-ecological feasibility of saffron cultivation through the adoption of an alternative farming technique on an experimental site located in Tricarico (Basilicata—Southern Italy, 40°37′ N, 16°09′ E; 472 m. a.s.l.) that, although fertile, is not suitable for mechanized cropping systems; (b) at the regional level through a spatially explicit land suitability analysis to indicate the possible location where to export saffron cultivation. The final map, obtained by combining geo-environmental variables, can be considered a precious tool to support policymakers and farmers to foster a broad agricultural strategy founded on new crop management systems. The adoption of this alternative agroecological system could optimize the use of land resources in the perspective of increasing crop productivity and profitability in marginal agricultural areas. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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Review

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27 pages, 3561 KB

Open AccessReview

Permafrost Degradation: Mechanisms, Effects, and (Im)Possible Remediation

by Doriane Baillarget and Gianvito Scaringi

Land 2025, 14(10), 1949; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14101949 - 26 Sep 2025

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3718

Abstract

Permafrost degradation, driven by the thawing of ground ice, results in the progressive thinning and eventual loss of the permafrost layer. This process alters hydrological and ecological systems by increasing surface and subsurface water flow, changing vegetation density, and destabilising the ground. The thermal and hydraulic conductivity of permafrost are strongly temperature-dependent, both increasing as the soil warms, thereby accelerating thaw. In addition, thawing permafrost releases large quantities of greenhouse gases, establishing a feedback loop in which global warming both drives and is intensified by permafrost loss. This paper reviews the mechanisms and consequences of permafrost degradation, including reductions in strength and enhanced deformability, which induce landslides and threaten the structural integrity of foundations and critical infrastructure. Permafrost has been investigated and modelled extensively, and various approaches have been devised to address the consequences of thawing permafrost on communities and the built environment. Some techniques focus on keeping the ground frozen via insulation, while others propose local replacement of permafrost with more stable materials. However, given the scale and pace of current changes, systematic remediation appears unfeasible. This calls for increased efforts towards adaptation, informed by interdisciplinary research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers for "Land, Soil and Water" Section)

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