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Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N,...
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Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling

A special issue of Soil Systems (ISSN 2571-8789).

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2027 | Viewed by 6244

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Angélica Vázquez-Ortega

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
School of Earth, Environment and Society, College of Arts and Sciences, Bowling Green State University, Bowling Green, OH 43403, USA
Interests: geochemistry; soil health; water quality; agricultural best management practices

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Coupled biogeochemical mechanisms are involved in the cycling of nutrients, such as carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus, in soils and sediments influencing the nutrients’ partitioning between biotic and abiotic compartments. Soil–plant–microbial interactions mediate nutrients’ mineralization/immobilization, sorption/desorption, precipitation/dissolution, and leaching. Plants and soil microbes co-evolve to maintain an ecological balance which is critical to optimal soil function and biomass production.

This Special Issue, ‘Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling’, invites authors to submit their manuscripts addressing new findings in soil nutrient cycling. Some potential topics include the effects of agricultural management practices on nutrient cycling, impacts of soil amendments (organic and/or inorganic) on nutrient dynamics, soil microbial gene expression regulating enzyme activity involved in nutrient cycling, role of minerals (Fe- and Mn-(oxy)hydroxides, aluminosilicate clays) on nutrient stabilization and leaching, and nutrient association with supramolecular humic substances. Papers describing nutrient dynamics in agricultural, wetland, and other natural ecosystems are encouraged for submission.

Dr. Angélica Vázquez-Ortega
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. Soil Systems 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 1800 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

  • nutrient cycling
  • carbon
  • phosphorus
  • nitrogen
  • soil microbiome
  • gene expression
  • mineral association
  • agricultural soil systems
  • natural soil systems

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

23 pages, 4299 KB  
Article
Soil Organic Matter Dynamics in the Ericaceous and Afroalpine Belts of the Bale Mountains, Ethiopia: Influence of Vegetation, Fire, and Topographic Factors
by Zerihun Asrat, Mekbib Fekadu, Zerihun Woldu, Sebsebe Demissew, Betelhem Mekonnen, Lars Opgenoorth, Georg Miehe and Wolfgang Zech
Soil Syst. 2026, 10(5), 58; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10050058 (registering DOI) - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 146
Abstract
Soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in tropical montane ecosystems remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the relative importance of particulate versus mineral-associated fractions under varying disturbance regimes. This study investigated SOM fraction distribution across the Ericaceous and Afroalpine belts of Bale Mountains National Park, [...] Read more.
Soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in tropical montane ecosystems remain poorly understood, particularly regarding the relative importance of particulate versus mineral-associated fractions under varying disturbance regimes. This study investigated SOM fraction distribution across the Ericaceous and Afroalpine belts of Bale Mountains National Park, Ethiopia, an Andosol-dominated landscape subject to recurrent fire. Using a stratified sampling design (n = 30 plots) across four vegetation classes (Ericaceous belt, fragmented Ericaceous belt, herbaceous and heathland, and giant Lobelia areas), three fire history categories (<10, 10–25, and >25 years since fire), and three topographic positions (northern slopes, southern slopes, and central plateau), we quantified coarse particulate organic matter (cPOM: 149–2000 μm), fine particulate organic matter (fPOM: 53–149 μm), and mineral-associated organic matter (MAOM: <53 μm). Particulate fractions dominated the SOM pool, with cPOM and fPOM together accounting for >99% of measured organic carbon. Multivariate ordination revealed a primary gradient (PC1, 61.7%) contrasting particulate-dominated soils in less disturbed areas with relatively MAOM-enriched soils in fire-impacted and fragmented zones. A global comparison reveals a profound stability gap: the Bale Mountains utilize <2% of the mineral stabilization potential of comparable Andosols, demonstrating that extreme fire frequency (<25 yr return interval) overrides even the most reactive mineralogy. We critically evaluate whether standard size-based fractionation adequately captures mineral-associated carbon in volcanic soils and discuss methodological limitations. These results provide baseline data for conservation planning in this biodiversity hotspot and underscore the need for fire management strategies that balance ecological integrity with carbon storage objectives. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling)
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19 pages, 2223 KB  
Article
Characterization of Soil Organic Matter in Agricultural Soils Under Various Tillage Practices Using Fluorescence Spectroscopy
by Angélica Vázquez-Ortega, Matthew Franks and Katarina Kieffer
Soil Syst. 2026, 10(5), 56; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10050056 - 7 May 2026
Viewed by 358
Abstract
Conventional tillage, a soil preparation practice used to produce a fine seedbed, can disturb the soil profile by promoting soil compaction and soil organic matter (SOM) degradation. In contrast, conservation tillage, such as no-till, has the potential to sustain or increase SOM. This [...] Read more.
Conventional tillage, a soil preparation practice used to produce a fine seedbed, can disturb the soil profile by promoting soil compaction and soil organic matter (SOM) degradation. In contrast, conservation tillage, such as no-till, has the potential to sustain or increase SOM. This study aimed to (1) quantify soil organic carbon (SOC) content under conservation tillage and conventional tillage practices, (2) describe the degree of aromaticity of bioavailable SOC using fluorescence spectroscopy, and (3) correlate SOC quantity with nitrogen and phosphorus retention in soils. Fluorescence spectroscopy is a sensitive and non-destructive tool that allows for the assessment of bioavailable SOC quality related to the molecular structure, degree of aromaticity (cyclic molecules with carbon double bonds), and recalcitrance (difficulty of decomposition) of organic compounds. This study employed fluorescence excitation–emission matrices combined with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC) to identify humic-like, fulvic-like, and protein-like substances. Data on agricultural management practices were collected from spring 2014 until fall 2017. We obtained soil samples (fall 2017) from farms in the Western Lake Erie Basin, Ohio, and performed geochemical characterization in the bulk soil and aqueous extraction. Our results showed that no-till and minimal tillage fields consistently had greater SOC and fluorescence intensity in the humic-like acids region when compared to conventional tilled fields (no-till: 34,000 mg TOC kg−1; tilled six times: 16,000 mg TOC kg−1). No-till enhanced SOC stabilization. In addition, conservation tillage practices retained the largest total nitrogen (no-till: 2800 mg TN kg−1; tilled six times: 1350 mg TN kg−1) and total phosphorus (no-till: 470 mg TP kg−1; tilled six times: 250 mg TP kg−1) concentrations at all studied depths (0–30 cm) when compared to conventional tilled fields. Conservation tillage promotes the accumulation of highly aromatic organic compounds favoring high cation exchange capacity, and NO3− and PO43− retention and plant bioavailability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling)
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22 pages, 2912 KB  
Article
Influence of Humic Acid and Gypsum on Phosphorus Dynamics and Rice Yield in an Acidic Paddy Soil of Thailand
by Hartina, Tidarat Monkham, Worachart Wisawapipat, Patma Vityakon and Tanabhat-Sakorn Sukitprapanon
Soil Syst. 2026, 10(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems10010003 - 21 Dec 2025
Viewed by 1181
Abstract
Managing phosphorus (P) in acidic paddy soils is crucial for sustaining rice yields. However, the effects of combined humic acid (HA) and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FG), a by-product of coal-fired power plants, on P forms remain poorly understood. This study examined P [...] Read more.
Managing phosphorus (P) in acidic paddy soils is crucial for sustaining rice yields. However, the effects of combined humic acid (HA) and flue gas desulfurization gypsum (FG), a by-product of coal-fired power plants, on P forms remain poorly understood. This study examined P forms using a sequential extraction procedure and XANES spectroscopy following the application of HA, FG, and HA + FG. HA increased organic labile P, while FG and HA + FG promoted HCl-extractable Pi and humic Po, respectively. XANES data revealed that P associated with aluminum (Al) (hydr)oxides was dominant in acidic paddy soils. Brushite (CaHPO4·2(H2O)) accounted for 25% and 19% of total P in the FG- and HA + FG-treated soil, respectively. Iron (Fe)-bound P was absent in control and FG-treated soils but was present as strengite (FePO4·2H2O) in HA- and HA + FG-treated soils (23% and 30% of the total P, respectively). Inositol hexakisphosphate (IHP), a non-labile Po, was in HA- and HA + FG-treated soil (12% and 31% of the total P, respectively). Archerite (KH2PO4) was 40% and 20% of the total P in HA- and HA + FG-treated soil, respectively. HA alone is an effective soil amendment that enhances P cycling and availability by increasing organic P mineralization, boosting rice yield in acidic paddy soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling)
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13 pages, 1446 KB  
Article
Soil Chemical Properties Along an Elevational Gradient in the Alpine Shrublands of the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau
by Juan Zhang, Xiaofeng Ren, Erwen Xu, Alexander Myrick Evans, Wenmao Jing, Rongxin Wang, Xin Jia, Minhui Bi, Isaac Dennis Amoah, Michael Pohlmann, Cleophas Mecha and C. Ken Smith
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(3), 95; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9030095 - 2 Sep 2025
Viewed by 1721
Abstract
The high-elevation ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau provide crucial ecosystem services including watershed protection and water provision for downstream human and wildlife communities. Thus, understanding the relationship between soil properties and vegetation under different management regimes is important as a warming climate alters [...] Read more.
The high-elevation ecosystems of the Tibetan Plateau provide crucial ecosystem services including watershed protection and water provision for downstream human and wildlife communities. Thus, understanding the relationship between soil properties and vegetation under different management regimes is important as a warming climate alters these systems. This study assessed vegetation cover, quantified the distribution of soil nutrients, and examined the relationships among soil chemical properties and plant cover in the high-elevation shrublands (3300 to 3700 m) in the Qilian Mountains on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau of China. These vegetation surveys and soil sample collections were conducted on 15 shrubland plots at different soil depths and soil chemical properties were investigated at each elevation. The content of soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK) fluctuated along the elevational gradient, while soil pH was close to neutral (pH 7.4). At our sites, SOM and TN contents generally increased with elevation, and AK was positively correlated with Salix plant cover. Using PCA, we determined that PC1 captured 43% of the total variance, and SOM and TN were the top contributing features. As climate in the region warms and precipitation becomes more variable, understanding the current soil–vegetation equilibria and how vegetation may migrate in future years is important to predicting changes in this region, especially at high elevations. From a managerial perspective, our goal was to provide additional information for restoring and managing subalpine and alpine shrubland vegetation in the Qilian Mountains to ensure the future sustainable use of these systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling)
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16 pages, 7121 KB  
Article
Aridification Inhibits the Release of Dissolved Organic Carbon from Alpine Soils in Southwest China
by Yanmei Li, Jihong Qin, Yuwen Chen, Hui Sun and Xinyue Hu
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(1), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9010024 - 6 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1253
Abstract
The alpine peatlands in western Sichuan Province are currently experiencing aridification. To understand the effects of aridification on the characteristics of organic carbon release from alpine soils, the soil in the northwest Sichuan Plateau was investigated. Soil columns were incubated under different moisture [...] Read more.
The alpine peatlands in western Sichuan Province are currently experiencing aridification. To understand the effects of aridification on the characteristics of organic carbon release from alpine soils, the soil in the northwest Sichuan Plateau was investigated. Soil columns were incubated under different moisture conditions in situ and in the laboratory, and ultraviolet-visible absorption spectroscopy and three-dimensional fluorescence spectroscopy were used to assess the soil dissolved organic carbon (DOC) levels. The results revealed that (1) the cumulative release of DOC from alpine soil in the northwest Sichuan Plateau decreased with decreasing moisture content. The cumulative release of soil DOC in the laboratory (0–5 cm soil reached 1.93 ± 0.43 g/kg) was greater than that from soil incubated in situ (0–5 cm soil reached 1.40 ± 0.13 g/kg); (2) the cumulative release of DOC in 0–5 cm soil exhibited the greatest response to changes in water content, and the cumulative release of DOC from the 0–5 cm soil layer (1.40 ± 0.13 g/kg) was greater than that from the 5–15 cm soil layer (1.25 ± 0.03 g/kg); and (3) UV-visible absorption spectra and 3D fluorescence spectral characteristics indicated that aridification increases the content of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) components with strong hydrophobicity, especially tyrosine components (surface soil increased 39.59~63.31%), in alpine soil DOC. This increase in hydrophobic CDOM components enhances the aromaticity and degree of humification of DOC. Our results revealed that drought inhibits the release of soil DOC, which is unfavorable for the sequestration of organic carbon in alpine soils, potentially resulting in the loss of soil carbon pools and further degradation of alpine ecosystem functions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biogeochemical Processes of Nutrients in Soil and Sediments: C, N, and P Cycling)
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