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Land
Special Issues
Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination
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Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 6648

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Nick B. Comerford

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Soil, Water and Ecosystem Sciences Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32603, USA
Interests: forest soils and management; tropical/subtropical; soils; soil ecosystem services; soil organic carbon management
Dr. Paola Grenni

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
National Research Council of Italy (IRSA-CNR), Water Research Institute, Rome, Italy
Interests: microbial soils; soil; rivers; ecology; soil analysis; pesticides
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Dongxue Zhao

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
Interests: soil; soil and plant properties; agriculture; soil water content and crop water use
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Soil degradation represents the decline in the soil’s ability to deliver its ecosystem services. It modifies the soil's ability to support both plant and animal life and can be documented through defining the soil’s quality. Land contamination or soil pollution is another major soil-based concern found in all four corners of the world with different levels of severity.  Europe, Eurasia, Asia, and North Africa can present some of the most acute circumstances. Human activity, such as unsustainable agriculture methods, mining, waste disposal, and industrial operations, can lead to soil degradation and contamination. Pollution and degradation of soil have serious effects on both the environment and human health. Governments, organizations, communities, and individuals must work closely to improve soil quality and its ability to deliver ecosystem services. Ecosystem restoration, pollution reduction, and sustainable agriculture are only some of the methods available to increase soil health and thereby affect ecosystem and human health.

Soil contamination is a complex problem that requires joint measures from governments, institutions, communities, and individuals to improve soil health and quality in a sustainable way. The goal of this Special Issue is to collect papers (original research articles and review papers) to give insights into the clean-up and remediation of soil contamination, the reduction in chemical use, the application of reforestation and afforestation, recycling and reuse of resources, promotion of biodiversity, and prevention of littering.

This Special Issue will welcome manuscripts that link the following themes:

  • Soil quality monitoring, assessment, and soil ecosystem services;
  • Ways of preventing soil quality decline;
  • Preventing, minimizing, and remediating of soil contamination;
  • Sustainable solutions for enhancing soil quality;
  • The effect of different land use types on soil quality.

We look forward to receiving your original research articles and reviews.

Prof. Dr. Nick B. Comerford
Dr. Paola Grenni
Dr. Dongxue Zhao
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.

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 quality
  • soil contamination
  • soil degradation
  • land degradation
  • sustainable land

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

18 pages, 3238 KiB  
Article
Waterlogging Stability Identification: Ray-Based Model Application in Mining Areas with High Groundwater Levels—A Case Study of Huainan Coal Field
by Yueming Sun, Yanling Zhao, He Ren, Zhibin Li and Yanjie Tang
Land 2024, 13(12), 1975; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13121975 - 21 Nov 2024
Viewed by 317
Abstract
Surface subsidence and water accumulation are common consequences of underground coal mining in areas with high groundwater levels, leading to waterlogged zones. Predicting the stability of these subsidence-induced water bodies is critical for effective land reclamation, yet current methods remain inadequate, particularly when [...] Read more.
Surface subsidence and water accumulation are common consequences of underground coal mining in areas with high groundwater levels, leading to waterlogged zones. Predicting the stability of these subsidence-induced water bodies is critical for effective land reclamation, yet current methods remain inadequate, particularly when mining data are limited. This study addresses this gap by introducing a new approach to evaluate the stability of subsidence waterlogging zones. We developed a novel method based on the ray model to assess waterlogging stability in coal mining areas. Rays were cast from origins at 1° intervals to measure changes in water accumulation boundaries over time, using metrics like the Expansion Ratio Index and stability duration. The proposed method was applied to the Huainan coal field, a typical mining area with high groundwater levels in China. We studied 41 subsidence water patches, selecting ray origins for each patch and constructing a total of 14,760 rays at 1° intervals. (2) Out of all effective rays, 4250 (32.6%) were identified as stable. (3) Stability analysis classified 32.6% as “stable”, 66.4% as “observation required”, and 1.6% as “expanding.” Specific reclamation suggestions include filling shallow stable areas and developing permanent projects in larger stable zones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination)
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23 pages, 6249 KiB  
Article
Soil Degradation and Contamination Due to Armed Conflict in Ukraine
by Maksym Solokha, Olena Demyanyuk, Lyudmyla Symochko, Svitlana Mazur, Nadiya Vynokurova, Kateryna Sementsova and Ruslan Mariychuk
Land 2024, 13(10), 1614; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13101614 - 4 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1340
Abstract
The impact of the active hostilities associated with Russia’s large-scale armed invasion of the territory of Ukraine on soil degradation as a result of military actions has resulted in soil damage due to heavy military armored vehicles. Debris from destroyed military equipment, ammunition, [...] Read more.
The impact of the active hostilities associated with Russia’s large-scale armed invasion of the territory of Ukraine on soil degradation as a result of military actions has resulted in soil damage due to heavy military armored vehicles. Debris from destroyed military equipment, ammunition, and fuel remnants lead to multi-factor damage to the soil system, causing local and global pollution and losses of soil resources. In all the studied cases, mechanical, chemical, and physical soil degradation were observed. This was manifested in changes in granulometric fractions at explosion sites, burning areas, and locations with heavy-metal contamination. Equipment incineration has resulted in an increase in the sand fraction (2.0–0.05 mm) by 1.2–1.8 times and a decrease in the clay fraction (<0.002 mm) by 1.1–1.2 times. The soil contamination levels with regard to heavy metals significantly surpass health standards, with the highest pollution levels observed for Pb, Zn, and Cd. Across all affected areas, changes occurred in the microbiome structure (a 20.5-fold increase in the proportion of mycelial organisms), microbiological process activity was suppressed (a 1.2-fold decrease), microbial biomass (a 2.1-fold decrease) was reduced, and high soil toxicity (99.8%) was observed. Explosions and the pyrolysis of armored vehicles have a significant impact on soil mesobiota and plants. The results indicate the existence of complex interactions between various factors in the soil environment post-explosion, significantly affecting soil health. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination)
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22 pages, 5805 KiB  
Article
Examining the Impact of Coal Contamination on Soil Structural and Moisture Properties: A Comparative Study of Coal-Free and Coal-Impacted Soils
by Wenjing Zhang, Xiaoju Nie, Tongqian Zhao and Xuan Liu
Land 2024, 13(9), 1437; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13091437 - 5 Sep 2024
Viewed by 659
Abstract
Soil porosity and moisture are critical indicators of soil quality. In coal–grain intercropping areas, centuries of coal industry activities have resulted in coal particle contamination, which has affected soil properties; however, its impact on soil porosity and moisture remains underexplored. This study compares [...] Read more.
Soil porosity and moisture are critical indicators of soil quality. In coal–grain intercropping areas, centuries of coal industry activities have resulted in coal particle contamination, which has affected soil properties; however, its impact on soil porosity and moisture remains underexplored. This study compares coal-contaminated soils (CCS) and coal-free soils (CFS) in Jiaozuo, employing computed tomography (CT) scanning and moisture measurements to analyze how coal pollution influences soil porosity and moisture. Our findings indicate that CCS, compared to CFS, exhibit significant reductions in total porosity (TP), CT-measured porosity (CTP), number of pores (CTN), and the proportion and volume of water–air regulating pores (CTNWA/CTN and CTPWA). These results underscore that coal pollution substantially alters soil porosity and pore numbers. Additionally, coal pollution modifies soil pore morphology, leading to reductions in the number and length of pore throats (Nthroat and Lthroat) and causing the pores to become more flattened and rounded, with an increased inclination angle of interconnected pores (IAic). As coal pollution levels increase, interconnected porosity (Pic) and coordination number (CNic) decrease, while isolated porosity (Pisolated) increases. In terms of moisture parameters, coal pollution diminishes the maximum water holding capacity, soil permanent wilting point, saturated hydraulic conductivity, and moisture evaporation rate. In contrast, field water-holding capacity and maximum effective water content are enhanced. Furthermore, with increased coal pollution, maximum water holding capacity, soil permanent wilting point, and saturated hydraulic conductivity decreased, whereas field water-holding capacity and maximum effective water content increased. Correlation analysis reveals that changes in CTN, Nthroat, and Lthroat significantly influence moisture parameter variations, with most pore parameter changes affecting saturated hydraulic conductivity. The observed effects of coal pollution on soil pore parameters are attributed to the filling and clogging actions of coal particles, while its impact on moisture parameters primarily results from these particles filling and clogging soil pores. This study provides a scientific basis for managing soil moisture in areas affected by coal pollution, particularly in coal–grain intercropping regions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination)
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22 pages, 26163 KiB  
Article
Spatiotemporal Analysis of Soil Quality Degradation and Emissions in the State of Iowa (USA)
by Elena A. Mikhailova, Hamdi A. Zurqani, Lili Lin, Zhenbang Hao, Christopher J. Post, Mark A. Schlautman and Gregory C. Post
Land 2024, 13(4), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13040547 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1529
Abstract
The concept of soil quality (SQ) is defined as the soil's capacity to function, which is commonly assessed at the field scale. Soil quality is composed of inherent (soil suitability) and dynamic (soil health, SH) SQ, which can also be analyzed using geospatial [...] Read more.
The concept of soil quality (SQ) is defined as the soil's capacity to function, which is commonly assessed at the field scale. Soil quality is composed of inherent (soil suitability) and dynamic (soil health, SH) SQ, which can also be analyzed using geospatial tools as a SQ continuum (SQC). This study proposes an innovative spatiotemporal analysis of SQ degradation and emissions from land developments using the state of Iowa (IA) in the United States of America (USA) as a case study. The SQ degradation was linked to anthropogenic soil (SD) and land degradation (LD) in the state. More than 88% of land in IA experienced anthropogenic LD primarily due to agriculture (93%). All six soil orders were subject to various degrees of anthropogenic LD: Entisols (75%), Inceptisols (94%), Histosols (59%), Alfisols (79%), Mollisols (93%), and Vertisols (98%). Soil and LD have primarily increased between 2001 and 2016. In addition to agricultural LD, there was also SD/LD caused by an increase in developments often through urbanization. All land developments in IA can be linked to damages to SQ, with 8385.9 km2 of developed area, causing midpoint total soil carbon (TSC) losses of 1.7 × 1011 kg of C and an associated midpoint of social cost of carbon dioxide emissions (SC-CO2) of $28.8B (where B = billion = 109, USD). More recently developed land area (398.5 km2) between 2001 and 2016 likely caused the midpoint loss of 8.0 × 109 kg of C and a corresponding midpoint of $1.3B in SC-CO2. New developments are often located near urban areas, for example, near the capital city of Des Moines, and other cities (Sioux City, Dubuque). Results of this study reveal several different kinds of SQ damage from developments: loss of potential for future C sequestration in soils, soil C loss, and “realized” soil C social costs (SC-CO2). The state of IA has very limited potential land (2.0% of the total state area) for nature-based solutions (NBS) to compensate for SD and LD. The results of this study can be used to support pending soil health-related legislation in IA and monitoring towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) developed by the United Nations (UN) by providing a landscape-level perspective on LD to focus field-level initiatives to reduce soil loss and improve SQ. Future technological innovations will provide higher spatial and temporal remote sensing data that can be fused with field-level direct sensing to track SH and SQ changes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination)
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16 pages, 2087 KiB  
Article
Assessment of Soil Quality of Smallholder Agroecosystems in the Semiarid Region of Northeastern Brazil
by Rodrigo Santana Macedo, Renato Pereira Lima, Kalline de Almeida Alves Carneiro, Letícia Moro, Daiana Caroline Refati, Milton Cesar Costa Campos, Raphael Moreira Beirigo, Gislayne Kayne Gomes da Cruz, Antonio Augusto Pereira de Sousa, José Félix de Brito Neto, Josivânia Araújo Duarte and Deibson Teixeira da Costa
Land 2024, 13(3), 304; https://doi.org/10.3390/land13030304 - 29 Feb 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1531
Abstract
The assessment of soil quality is crucial for the sustainable development of agriculture in semiarid regions. Due to their sensitivity to management practices, soil chemical and physical quality indicators are used for investigating soil quality. This study aimed to assess the soil quality [...] Read more.
The assessment of soil quality is crucial for the sustainable development of agriculture in semiarid regions. Due to their sensitivity to management practices, soil chemical and physical quality indicators are used for investigating soil quality. This study aimed to assess the soil quality of smallholder agroecosystems from the Brazilian semiarid region. Soil physical and chemical attributes were screened using principal component analysis (PCA) and integrated into a weighted additive soil quality index (SQI). Soil quality was obtained using linear and non-linear scoring methods, a total data set (TDS), and a minimum data set (MDS). The soil quality of the agroecosystems was designated as being of moderate grade. The MDS for soil quality assessment includes cation exchange capacity, C stock, exchangeable sodium percentage, flocculation degree, pH, electrical conductivity, available P, and K+ from twenty-five indicators of the TDS. This MDS mainly reflects the input of manure and crop residues associated with moderate weathering of easily weatherable minerals given the semiarid conditions. The SQI obtained can be used to synthesize the information of the TDS and is a valuable tool to indicate the soil quality of agroecosystems; thereby, it can be used with indicators of sustainable management for application at a regional scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Challenges and Solutions for Sustainable Land: Soil Quality and Contamination)
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