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Keywords = soil erosion

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17 pages, 826 KiB  
Review
Mechanisms and Impact of Acacia mearnsii Invasion
by Hisashi Kato-Noguchi and Midori Kato
Diversity 2025, 17(8), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/d17080553 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due [...] Read more.
Acacia mearnsii De Wild. has been introduced to over 150 countries for its economic value. However, it easily escapes from plantations and establishes monospecific stands across plains, hills, valleys, and riparian habitats, including protected areas such as national parks and forest reserves. Due to its negative ecological impact, A. mearnsii has been listed among the world’s 100 worst invasive alien species. This species exhibits rapid stem growth in its sapling stage and reaches reproductive maturity early. It produces a large quantity of long-lived seeds, establishing a substantial seed bank. A. mearnsii can grow in different environmental conditions and tolerates various adverse conditions, such as low temperatures and drought. Its invasive populations are unlikely to be seriously damaged by herbivores and pathogens. Additionally, A. mearnsii exhibits allelopathic activity, though its ecological significance remains unclear. These characteristics of A. mearnsii may contribute to its expansion in introduced ranges. The presence of A. mearnsii affects abiotic processes in ecosystems by reducing water availability, increasing the risk of soil erosion and flooding, altering soil chemical composition, and obstructing solar light irradiation. The invasion negatively affects biotic processes as well, reducing the diversity and abundance of native plants and arthropods, including protective species. Eradicating invasive populations of A. mearnsii requires an integrated, long-term management approach based on an understanding of its invasive mechanisms. Early detection of invasive populations and the promotion of public awareness about their impact are also important. More attention must be given to its invasive traits because it easily escapes from cultivation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plant Adaptation and Survival Under Global Environmental Change)
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14 pages, 5995 KiB  
Article
Integrated Remote Sensing Evaluation of Grassland Degradation Using Multi-Criteria GDCI in Ili Prefecture, Xinjiang, China
by Liwei Xing, Dongyan Jin, Chen Shen, Mengshuai Zhu and Jianzhai Wu
Land 2025, 14(8), 1592; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081592 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
As an important ecological barrier and animal husbandry resource base in arid and semi-arid areas, grassland degradation directly affects regional ecological security and sustainable development. Ili Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and is a typical grassland resource-rich area. [...] Read more.
As an important ecological barrier and animal husbandry resource base in arid and semi-arid areas, grassland degradation directly affects regional ecological security and sustainable development. Ili Prefecture is located in the western part of Xinjiang, China, and is a typical grassland resource-rich area. However, in recent years, driven by climate change and human activities, grassland degradation has become increasingly serious. In view of the lack of comprehensive evaluation indicators and the inconsistency of grassland evaluation grade standards in remote sensing monitoring of grassland resource degradation, this study takes the current situation of grassland degradation in Ili Prefecture in the past 20 years as the research object and constructs a comprehensive evaluation index system covering three criteria layers of vegetation characteristics, environmental characteristics, and utilization characteristics. Net primary productivity (NPP), vegetation coverage, temperature, precipitation, soil erosion modulus, and grazing intensity were selected as multi-source indicators. Combined with data sources such as remote sensing inversion, sample survey, meteorological data, and farmer survey, the factor weight coefficient was determined by analytic hierarchy process. The Grassland Degeneration Comprehensive Index (GDCI) model was constructed to carry out remote sensing monitoring and evaluation of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture. With reference to the classification threshold of the national standard for grassland degradation, the GDCI grassland degradation evaluation grade threshold (GDCI reduction rate) was determined by the method of weighted average of coefficients: non-degradation (0–10%), mild degradation (10–20%), moderate degradation (20–37.66%) and severe degradation (more than 37.66%). According to the results, between 2000 and 2022, non-degraded grasslands in Ili Prefecture covered an area of 27,200 km2, representing 90.19% of the total grassland area. Slight, moderate, and severe degradation accounted for 4.34%, 3.33%, and 2.15%, respectively. Moderately and severely degraded areas are primarily distributed in agro-pastoral transition zones and economically developed urban regions, respectively. The results revealed the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of grassland degradation in Yili Prefecture and provided data basis and technical support for regional grassland resource management, degradation prevention and control and ecological restoration. Full article
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25 pages, 5978 KiB  
Review
Global Research Trends on the Role of Soil Erosion in Carbon Cycling Under Climate Change: A Bibliometric Analysis (1994–2024)
by Yongfu Li, Xiao Zhang, Yang Zhao, Xiaolin Yin, Xiong Wu and Liping Su
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 934; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080934 (registering DOI) - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Against the backdrop of multifaceted strategies to combat climate change, understanding soil erosion’s role in carbon cycling is critical due to terrestrial carbon pool vulnerability. This study integrates bibliometric methods with visualization tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer) to analyze 3880 Web of Science core publications [...] Read more.
Against the backdrop of multifaceted strategies to combat climate change, understanding soil erosion’s role in carbon cycling is critical due to terrestrial carbon pool vulnerability. This study integrates bibliometric methods with visualization tools (CiteSpace, VOSviewer) to analyze 3880 Web of Science core publications (1994–2024, inclusive), constructing knowledge graphs and forecasting trends. The results show exponential publication growth, shifting from slow development (1994–2011) to rapid expansion (2012–2024), aligning with international climate policy milestones. The Chinese Academy of Sciences led productivity (519 articles), while the US demonstrated major influence (H-index 117; 52,297 citations), creating a China–US bipolar research pattern. It was also found that Dutch journals dominate this research field. A keyword analysis revealed a shift from erosion-driven carbon transport to ecosystem service assessments. Emerging hotspots include microbial community regulation, climate–erosion feedback, and model–policy integration, though developing country collaboration remains limited. Future research should prioritize isotope tracing, multiscale modeling, and studies in ecologically vulnerable regions to enhance global soil carbon management. This study provides a novel analytical framework and forward-looking perspective for the soil erosion research on soil carbon cycling, serving as an extension of climate change mitigation strategies. Full article
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19 pages, 1447 KiB  
Article
Soil Quality Indicators for Different Land Uses in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforest
by Thony Huera-Lucero, Antonio Lopez-Piñeiro and Carlos Bravo-Medina
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1275; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081275 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Deforestation and land-use changes lead to significant soil degradation and erosion, particularly in Amazonian ecosystems, due to the region’s climate and geology. This study characterizes soil quality using physical, chemical, and biological parameters across different land uses. It uses a soil quality index [...] Read more.
Deforestation and land-use changes lead to significant soil degradation and erosion, particularly in Amazonian ecosystems, due to the region’s climate and geology. This study characterizes soil quality using physical, chemical, and biological parameters across different land uses. It uses a soil quality index (SQI) based on a minimum data set (MDS), from 19 evaluated parameters. The land uses evaluated were cacao monoculture (CMC), agroforestry systems associated with fruit and timber species (FAFS and TAFS, respectively), and a secondary forest. The SQI was composed of six variables, bulk density (BD), soil organic matter (SOM), urease activity (UR), pH, dehydrogenase activity (DH), and leaf litter, which are considered relevant indicators that allow for an adequate evaluation of soil quality. According to the SQI assessment, FAFS has a moderate-quality rating (0.40), followed by secondary forest (0.35), TAFS (0.33), and CMC (0.30), the last three categorized as low-quality. The methods used are replicable and efficient for evaluating changes in soil properties based on different land uses and management systems in landscapes similar to those of the Ecuadorian Amazon. Also worth mentioning is the potential of agroforestry as a sustainable land-use strategy that can enhance above- and below-ground biodiversity and nutrient cycling. Therefore, implementing agroforestry practices can contribute to long-term soil conservation and the resilience of tropical ecosystems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Forest Soil Physical, Chemical, and Biological Properties)
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26 pages, 6220 KiB  
Article
Estimating Urbanization’s Impact on Soil Erosion: A Global Comparative Analysis and Case Study of Phoenix, USA
by Ara Jeong, Dylan S. Connor, Ronald I. Dorn and Yeong Bae Seong
Land 2025, 14(8), 1590; https://doi.org/10.3390/land14081590 - 4 Aug 2025
Abstract
Healthy soils are an essential ingredient of land systems and ongoing global change. Urbanization as a global change process often works through the lens of urban planning, which involves urban agriculture, urban greening, and leveraging nature-based solutions to promote resilient cities. Yet, urbanization [...] Read more.
Healthy soils are an essential ingredient of land systems and ongoing global change. Urbanization as a global change process often works through the lens of urban planning, which involves urban agriculture, urban greening, and leveraging nature-based solutions to promote resilient cities. Yet, urbanization frequently leads to soil erosion. Despite recognition of this tension, the rate at which the urban growth boundary accelerates soil erosion above natural background levels has not yet been determined. Our goal here is to provide a first broad estimate of urbanization’s impact of soil erosion. By combining data on modern erosion levels with techniques for estimating long-term natural erosion rates through cosmogenic nuclide 10Be analysis, we modeled the impact of urbanization on erosion across a range of cities in different global climates, revealing an acceleration of soil erosion ~7–19x in environments with mean annual precipitation <1500 mm; growth in wetter urban centers accelerated soil erosion ~23–72x. We tested our statistical model by comparing natural erosion rates to decades of monitoring soil erosion on the margins of Phoenix, USA. A century-long expansion of Phoenix accelerated soil erosion by ~12x, an estimate that is roughly at the mid-point of model projections for drier global cities. In addition to urban planning implications of being able to establish a baseline target of natural rates of soil erosion, our findings support the urban cycle of soil erosion theory for the two USA National Science Foundation urban long-term ecological research areas of Baltimore and Phoenix. Full article
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20 pages, 8231 KiB  
Article
Comparative Assessment Using Different Topographic Change Detection Algorithms for Gravity Erosion Quantification Based on Multi-Source Remote Sensing Data
by Jinfei Hu, Haoyong Fu, Pengfei Li, Jinbo Wang and Lu Yan
Water 2025, 17(15), 2309; https://doi.org/10.3390/w17152309 - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 63
Abstract
Gravity erosion is one of the main physical processes of soil erosion and sediment sources in catchments, and its spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms are seriously understudied, mainly due to the the great difficulties in monitoring and quantifying. This study obtained gravity erosion [...] Read more.
Gravity erosion is one of the main physical processes of soil erosion and sediment sources in catchments, and its spatiotemporal patterns and driving mechanisms are seriously understudied, mainly due to the the great difficulties in monitoring and quantifying. This study obtained gravity erosion amounts by runoff scouring experiments on the field slope of the hilly–gully region of the Chinese Loess Plateau. The terrain point cloud before and after gravity erosion was obtained based on the TLS, SfM and the fusion of single-scan TLS and SfM, and then the gravity erosion was estimated by four terrain change detection algorithms (DoD, C2C, C2M and M3C2). Results showed that the M3C2 algorithm plus fused data had the highest quantization accuracy among all the algorithms and data sources, with a relative error of 14.71%. The fused data combined with M3C2 algorithm performed much better than other algorithms and data sources for the different gravity erosion magnitudes (mean relative error < 17.00%). The DoD algorithm plus TLS data were preferable for collapse areas, while the M3C2 algorithm plus TLS was suitable for the alcove area. This study provides a useful reference for the monitor and quantitative research of gravity erosion in complex topographic areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Applications of Remote Sensing and GISs in River Basin Ecosystems)
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27 pages, 10097 KiB  
Article
Biocrusts Alter the Pore Structure and Water Infiltration in the Top Layer of Rammed Soils at Weiyuan Section of the Great Wall in China
by Xiaoju Yang, Fasi Wu, Long Li, Ruihua Shang, Dandan Li, Lina Xu, Jing Cui and Xueyong Zhao
Coatings 2025, 15(8), 908; https://doi.org/10.3390/coatings15080908 (registering DOI) - 3 Aug 2025
Viewed by 55
Abstract
The surface of the Great Wall harbors a large number of non-vascular plants dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses as well as microorganisms, and form biocrusts by cementing with the soils and greatly alters the pore structure of the soil and the ecohydrological [...] Read more.
The surface of the Great Wall harbors a large number of non-vascular plants dominated by cyanobacteria, lichens and mosses as well as microorganisms, and form biocrusts by cementing with the soils and greatly alters the pore structure of the soil and the ecohydrological processes associated with the soil pore space, and thus influences the soil resistance to erosion. However, the microscopic role of the biocrusts in influencing the pore structure of the surface of the Great Wall is not clear. This study chose the Warring States Qin Great Wall in Weiyuan, Gansu Province, China, as research site to quantify thepore structure characteristics of the three-dimensional of bare soil, cyanobacterial-lichen crusts, and moss crusts at the depth of 0–50 mm, by using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray computed tomography and image analysis, and the precipitation infiltration process. The results showed that the moss crust layer was dominated by large pores with long extension and good connectivity, which provided preferential seepage channels for precipitation infiltration, while the connectivity between the cyanobacterial-lichen crust voids was poor; The porosity of the cyanobacterial-lichen crust and the moss crust was 500% and 903.27% higher than that of the bare soil, respectively. The porosity of the subsurface layer of cyanobacterial-lichen crust and moss crust was significantly lower than that of the biocrusts layer by 92.54% and 97.96%, respectively, and the porosity of the moss crust was significantly higher than that of the cyanobacterial-lichen crust in the same layer; Cyanobacterial-lichen crusts increased the degree of anisotropy, mean tortuosity, moss crust reduced the degree of anisotropy, mean tortuosity. Biocrusts increased the fractal dimension and Euler number of pores. Compared with bare soil, moss crust and cyanobacterial-lichen crust increased the isolated porosity by 2555% and 4085%, respectively; Biocrusts increased the complexity of the pore network models; The initial infiltration rate, stable infiltration rate, average infiltration rate, and the total amount of infiltration of moss crusted soil was 2.26 and 3.12 times, 1.07 and 1.63 times, respectively, higher than that of the cyanobacterial-lichen crusts and the bare soil, by 1.53 and 2.33 times, and 1.13 and 2.08 times, respectively; CT porosity and clay content are significantly positively correlated with initial soil infiltration rate (|r| ≥ 0.85), while soil type and organic matter content are negatively correlated with initial soil infiltration rate. The soil type and bulk density are directly positively and negatively correlated with CT porosity, respectively (|r| ≥ 0.52). There is a significant negative correlation between soil clay content and porosity (|r| = 0.15, p < 0.001). Biocrusts alter the erosion resistance of rammed earth walls by affecting the soil microstructure of the earth’s great wall, altering precipitation infiltration, and promoting vascular plant colonisation, which in turn alters the erosion resistance of the wall. The research results have important reference for the development of disposal plans for biocrusts on the surface of archaeological sites. Full article
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21 pages, 6621 KiB  
Article
Ecological Restoration Reshapes Ecosystem Service Interactions: A 30-Year Study from China’s Southern Red-Soil Critical Zone
by Gaigai Zhang, Lijun Yang, Jianjun Zhang, Chongjun Tang, Yuanyuan Li and Cong Wang
Forests 2025, 16(8), 1263; https://doi.org/10.3390/f16081263 - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 179
Abstract
Situated in the southern hilly-mountain belt of China’s “Three Zones and Four Belts Strategy”, Gannan region is a critical ecological shelter belt for the Ganjiang River. Decades of intensive mineral extraction and irrational agricultural development have rendered it into an ecologically fragile area. [...] Read more.
Situated in the southern hilly-mountain belt of China’s “Three Zones and Four Belts Strategy”, Gannan region is a critical ecological shelter belt for the Ganjiang River. Decades of intensive mineral extraction and irrational agricultural development have rendered it into an ecologically fragile area. Consequently, multiple restoration initiatives have been implemented in the region over recent decades. However, it remains unclear how relationships among ecosystem services have evolved under these interventions and how future ecosystem management should be optimized based on these changes. Thus, in this study, we simulated and assessed the spatiotemporal dynamics of five key ESs in Gannan region from 1990 to 2020. Through integrated correlation, clustering, and redundancy analyses, we quantified ES interactions, tracked the evolution of ecosystem service bundles (ESBs), and identified their socio-ecological drivers. Despite a 31% decline in water yield, ecological restoration initiatives drove substantial improvements in key regulating services: carbon storage increased by 6.9 × 1012 gC while soil conservation rose by 4.8 × 108 t. Concurrently, regional habitat quality surged by 45% in mean scores, and food production increased by 2.1 × 105 t. Critically, synergistic relationships between habitat quality, soil retention, and carbon storage were progressively strengthened, whereas trade-offs between food production and habitat quality intensified. Further analysis revealed that four distinct ESBs—the Agricultural Production Bundle (APB), Urban Development Bundle (UDB), Eco-Agriculture Transition Bundle (ETB), and Ecological Protection Bundle (EPB)—were shaped by slope, forest cover ratio, population density, and GDP. Notably, 38% of the ETB transformed into the EPB, with frequent spatial interactions observed between the APB and UDB. These findings underscore that future ecological restoration and conservation efforts should implement coordinated, multi-service management mechanisms. Full article
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32 pages, 15216 KiB  
Article
Leveraging Soil Geography for Land Use Planning: Assessing and Mapping Soil Ecosystem Services Indicators in Emilia-Romagna, NE Italy
by Fabrizio Ungaro, Paola Tarocco and Costanza Calzolari
Geographies 2025, 5(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/geographies5030039 - 1 Aug 2025
Viewed by 115
Abstract
An indicator-based approach was implemented to assess the contributions of soils in supplying ecosystem services, providing a scalable tool for modeling the spatial heterogeneity of soil functions at regional and local scales. The method consisted of (i) the definition of soil-based ecosystem services [...] Read more.
An indicator-based approach was implemented to assess the contributions of soils in supplying ecosystem services, providing a scalable tool for modeling the spatial heterogeneity of soil functions at regional and local scales. The method consisted of (i) the definition of soil-based ecosystem services (SESs), using available point data and thematic maps; (ii) the definition of appropriate SES indicators; (iii) the assessment and mapping of potential SESs provision for the Emilia-Romagna region (22.510 km2) in NE Italy. Depending on data availability and on the role played by terrain features and soil geography and its complexity, maps of basic soil characteristics (textural fractions, organic C content, and pH) covering the entire regional territory were produced at a 1 ha resolution using digital soil mapping techniques and geostatistical simulations to explicitly consider spatial variability. Soil physical properties such as bulk density, porosity, and hydraulic conductivity at saturation were derived using pedotransfer functions calibrated using local data and integrated with supplementary information such as land capability and remote sensing indices to derive the inputs for SES assessment. Eight SESs were mapped at 1:50,000 reference scale: buffering capacity, carbon sequestration, erosion control, food provision, biomass provision, water regulation, water storage, and habitat for soil biodiversity. The results are discussed and compared for the different pedolandscapes, identifying clear spatial patterns of soil functions and potential SES supply. Full article
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23 pages, 3769 KiB  
Article
Study on the Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Influencing Factors of Soil Erosion Gullies at the County Scale of Northeast China
by Jianhua Ren, Lei Wang, Zimeng Xu, Jinzhong Xu, Xingming Zheng, Qiang Chen and Kai Li
Sustainability 2025, 17(15), 6966; https://doi.org/10.3390/su17156966 - 31 Jul 2025
Viewed by 208
Abstract
Gully erosion refers to the landform formed by soil and water loss through gully development, which is a critical manifestation of soil degradation. However, research on the spatio-temporal variations in erosion gullies at the county scale remains insufficient, particularly regarding changes in gully [...] Read more.
Gully erosion refers to the landform formed by soil and water loss through gully development, which is a critical manifestation of soil degradation. However, research on the spatio-temporal variations in erosion gullies at the county scale remains insufficient, particularly regarding changes in gully aggregation and their driving factors. This study utilized high-resolution remote sensing imagery, gully interpretation information, topographic data, meteorological records, vegetation coverage, soil texture, and land use datasets to analyze the spatio-temporal patterns and influencing factors of erosion gully evolution in Bin County, Heilongjiang Province of China, from 2012 to 2022. Kernel density evaluation (KDE) analysis was also employed to explore these dynamics. The results indicate that the gully number in Bin County has significantly increased over the past decade. Gully development involves not only headward erosion of gully heads but also lateral expansion of gully channels. Gully evolution is most pronounced in slope intervals. While gentle slopes and slope intervals host the highest density of gullies, the aspect does not significantly influence gully development. Vegetation coverage exhibits a clear threshold effect of 0.6 in inhibiting erosion gully formation. Additionally, cultivated areas contain the largest number of gullies and experience the most intense changes; gully aggregation in forested and grassland regions shows an upward trend; the central part of the black soil region has witnessed a marked decrease in gully aggregation; and meadow soil areas exhibit relatively stable spatio-temporal variations in gully distribution. These findings provide valuable data and decision-making support for soil erosion control and transformation efforts. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sustainable Agriculture, Soil Erosion and Soil Conservation)
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24 pages, 2373 KiB  
Review
Assessment of Soil Erosion Risk in Cultural Heritage Sites: A Bibliometric Analysis
by Nikoletta Papageorgiou, Diofantos Hadjimitsis, Chris Danezis and Rosa Lasaponara
Heritage 2025, 8(8), 307; https://doi.org/10.3390/heritage8080307 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 308
Abstract
Different monitoring approaches and techniques have been adopted to estimate and prevent soil erosion and its corresponding phenomena at cultural heritage sites. Remote sensing plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring soil erosion events by providing a wealth of geospatial data and [...] Read more.
Different monitoring approaches and techniques have been adopted to estimate and prevent soil erosion and its corresponding phenomena at cultural heritage sites. Remote sensing plays a crucial role in detecting and monitoring soil erosion events by providing a wealth of geospatial data and information that helps to better understand and respond to the mechanisms of soil erosion and mitigate or reduce its impacts. The main aims of this review are to (1) provide an overview of remote sensing methods, applications, and sensor types, (2) discuss the role of remote sensing in the estimation of soil erosion at cultural heritage sites, and (3) present a bibliometric analysis of soil erosion studies at cultural heritage sites covering the period from 1994 to 2025. The results of this study provide insights into the yearly scientific production, methods employed, topics, and trends in this field. This research offers valuable information for future research and the development and promotion of policies and strategies for the effective and sustainable management of cultural heritage sites. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Geological Hazards and Heritage Safeguard)
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16 pages, 3034 KiB  
Article
Interannual Variability in Precipitation Modulates Grazing-Induced Vertical Translocation of Soil Organic Carbon in a Semi-Arid Steppe
by Siyu Liu, Xiaobing Li, Mengyuan Li, Xiang Li, Dongliang Dang, Kai Wang, Huashun Dou and Xin Lyu
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1839; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081839 - 29 Jul 2025
Viewed by 143
Abstract
Grazing affects soil organic carbon (SOC) through plant removal, livestock trampling, and manure deposition. However, the impact of grazing on SOC is also influenced by multiple factors such as climate, soil properties, and management approaches. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms by which grazing [...] Read more.
Grazing affects soil organic carbon (SOC) through plant removal, livestock trampling, and manure deposition. However, the impact of grazing on SOC is also influenced by multiple factors such as climate, soil properties, and management approaches. Despite extensive research, the mechanisms by which grazing intensity influences SOC density in grasslands remain incompletely understood. This study examines the effects of varying grazing intensities on SOC density (0–30 cm) dynamics in temperate grasslands of northern China using field surveys and experimental analyses in a typical steppe ecosystem of Inner Mongolia. Results show that moderate grazing (3.8 sheep units/ha/yr) led to substantial consumption of aboveground plant biomass. Relative to the ungrazed control (0 sheep units/ha/yr), aboveground plant biomass was reduced by 40.5%, 36.2%, and 50.6% in the years 2016, 2019, and 2020, respectively. Compensatory growth failed to fully offset biomass loss, and there were significant reductions in vegetation carbon storage and cover (p < 0.05). Reduced vegetation cover increased bare soil exposure and accelerated topsoil drying and erosion. This degradation promoted the downward migration of SOC from surface layers. Quantitative analysis revealed that moderate grazing significantly reduced surface soil (0–10 cm) organic carbon density by 13.4% compared to the ungrazed control while significantly increasing SOC density in the subsurface layer (10–30 cm). Increased precipitation could mitigate the SOC transfer and enhance overall SOC accumulation. However, it might negatively affect certain labile SOC fractions. Elucidating the mechanisms of SOC variation under different grazing intensities and precipitation regimes in semi-arid grasslands could improve our understanding of carbon dynamics in response to environmental stressors. These insights will aid in predicting how grazing systems influence grassland carbon cycling under global climate change. Full article
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21 pages, 5917 KiB  
Article
Cyanobacterial Assemblages Inhabiting the Apatity Thermal Power Plant Fly Ash Dumps in the Russian Arctic
by Denis Davydov and Anna Vilnet
Microorganisms 2025, 13(8), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13081762 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 197
Abstract
In the process of the work of a coal power station is formed ash and slag, which, along with process water, are deposited in the dumps. Coal ash waste dumps significantly degrade the surrounding environment due to their unprotected surfaces, which are highly [...] Read more.
In the process of the work of a coal power station is formed ash and slag, which, along with process water, are deposited in the dumps. Coal ash waste dumps significantly degrade the surrounding environment due to their unprotected surfaces, which are highly susceptible to wind and water erosion. This results in the dispersion of contaminants into adjacent ecosystems. Pollutants migrate into terrestrial and aquatic systems, compromising soil quality and water resources, and posing documented risks to the environment and human health. Primary succession on the coal ash dumps of the Apatity thermal power plant (Murmansk Region, NW Russia) was initiated by cyanobacterial colonization. We studied cyanobacterial communities inhabiting three spoil sites that varied in time since decommissioning. These sites are characterized by exceptionally high concentrations of calcium and magnesium oxides—levels approximately double those found in the region’s natural soils. A total of 18 cyanobacterial taxa were identified in disposal sites. Morphological analysis of visible surface crusts revealed 16 distinct species. Furthermore, 24 cyanobacterial strains representing 11 species were successfully isolated into unialgal culture and tested with a molecular genetic approach to confirm their identification from 16S rRNA. Three species were determined with molecular evidence. Cyanobacterial colonization of coal fly ash disposal sites begins immediately after deposition. Primary communities initially exhibit low species diversity (four taxa) and do not form a continuous ground cover in the early years. However, as succession progresses—illustrated by observations from a 30-year-old deposit—spontaneous surface revegetation occurs, accompanied by a marked increase in cyanobacterial diversity, reaching 12 species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Microbial Diversity Research in Different Environments)
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18 pages, 2980 KiB  
Article
Temporal Variations in Particulate Matter Emissions from Soil Wind Erosion in Bayingolin Mongol Autonomous Prefecture, Xinjiang, China (2001–2022)
by Shuang Zhu, Fang Li, Yue Yang, Tong Ma and Jianhua Chen
Atmosphere 2025, 16(8), 911; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos16080911 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 155
Abstract
Soil fugitive dust (SFD) emissions pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment, highlighting the need for accurate and reliable estimation and assessment in the desert regions of northwest China. This study used climate, soil, and vegetation data from Bayingolin [...] Read more.
Soil fugitive dust (SFD) emissions pose a significant threat to both human health and the environment, highlighting the need for accurate and reliable estimation and assessment in the desert regions of northwest China. This study used climate, soil, and vegetation data from Bayingolin Prefecture (2001–2022) and applied the WEQ model to analyze temporal and spatial variations in total suspended particulate (TSP), PM10, and PM2.5 emissions and their driving factors. The region exhibited high emission factors for TSP, PM10, and PM2.5, averaging 55.46 t km−2 a−1, 27.73 t km−2 a−1, and 4.14 t km−2 a−1, respectively, with pronounced spatial heterogeneity and the highest values observed in Yuli, Qiemo, and Ruoqiang. The annual average emissions of TSP, PM10, and PM2.5 were 3.23 × 107 t, 1.61 × 107 t, and 2.41 × 106 t, respectively. Bare land was the dominant source, contributing 72.55% of TSP emissions. Both total emissions and emission factors showed an overall upward trend, reaching their lowest point around 2012, followed by significant increases in most counties during 2012–2022. Annual precipitation, wind speed, and temperature were identified as the primary climatic drivers of soil dust emissions across all counties, and their influences exhibited pronounced spatial heterogeneity in Bazhou. In Ruoqiang, Bohu, Korla, and Qiemo, dust emissions are mainly limited by precipitation, although dry conditions and sparse vegetation can amplify the role of wind. In Heshuo, Hejing, and Yanqi, stable vegetation helps to lessen wind’s impact. In Yuli, wind speed and temperature are the main drivers, whereas in Luntai, precipitation and temperature are both important constraints. These findings highlight the need to consider emission intensity, land use, or surface condition changes, and the potential benefits of increasing vegetation cover in severely desertified areas when formulating regional dust mitigation strategies. Full article
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17 pages, 1554 KiB  
Article
Optimizing Fertilization Rate to Achieve High Onion Bulb Yield and High Nitrogen Fertilizer Productivity in Dry-Hot Valley Region of Southwest China
by Jiancha Li, Kun Li, Yilin Li, Xuewen Yue, Hongye Zhu, Liangtao Shi and Haidong Fang
Agronomy 2025, 15(8), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy15081822 - 28 Jul 2025
Viewed by 167
Abstract
Excessive fertilization is a widespread issue in onion (Allium cepa L.) production in Southwest China. This practice not only leads to environmental pollution but also decreases the marketable yield and fertilizer productivity of onions. Identifying an optimal fertilization rate is crucial for [...] Read more.
Excessive fertilization is a widespread issue in onion (Allium cepa L.) production in Southwest China. This practice not only leads to environmental pollution but also decreases the marketable yield and fertilizer productivity of onions. Identifying an optimal fertilization rate is crucial for promoting high-yield and highly efficient onion cultivation. The objective of this research is to determine the appropriate amount of fertilizer by investigating the effects of different fertilization rates on the growth characteristics and bulb yield of onion. The study was conducted over two consecutive growing seasons utilizing a randomized complete block design, which included six treatments: local routine fertilizer application (F1), a 20% reduction from F1 (F2), a 40% reduction from F1 (F3), a 60% reduction from F1 (F4), an 80% reduction from F1 (F5), and no fertilizer application (F0). The results show that, at the mature stage, aboveground dry matter quantity and its accumulation rate of onion under treatment F2 were found to be the highest among all other treatments across both growing seasons. Following the onset of bulbing, dry matter accumulation initially increased but subsequently decreased with reduced fertilizer supply; notably, it was greater under treatment F2 compared to other treatments. Compared with F1, the PFPN (partial factor productivity of nitrogen fertilizer) under treatment F2 increased by 35.2% and 32.0%, and the marketable bulb yield under treatment F2 increased by 8.4% and 5.8% during the 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 growing seasons, respectively. The marketable bulb yield demonstrated extremely significant positive correlations with aboveground dry matter and the dry matter accumulation rate throughout all growth periods in both growing seasons. Furthermore, marketable bulb yield exhibited extremely significant positive correlations with dry matter translocation before the onset of bulbing and dry matter accumulation following bulbing initiation. It was concluded that the appropriate fertilizer application (F2), characterized by a fertilization rate of 339-216-318 kg ha−1 for N-P2O5-K2O, enhanced onion bulb yield and nitrogen fertilizer productivity by promoting post-bulbing dry matter accumulation. This study emphasizes the significance of optimizing the fertilization rate as a crucial factor in achieving high-yield and highly efficient onion cultivation by enhancing dry matter accumulation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Soil and Plant Nutrition)
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