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Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions:...
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Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 January 2026 | Viewed by 3027

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. José L. S. Pereira

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Guest Editor
Polytechnic Institute of Viseu, Agrarian School of Viseu, Quinta da Alagoa, 3500-606 Viseu, Portugal
Interests: agricultural science; waste management; air, soil and water pollution; ammonia and greenhouse gases emissions
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Vítor João Pereira Domingues Martinho

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Agricultural School (ESAV) and CERNAS-IPV Research Centre, Polytechnic Institute of Viseu (IPV), 3504-510 Viseu, Portugal
Interests: agricultural economics; sustainability; land use; regional planning
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue follows the publication of the first edition of “Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions”.

Soil is a key resource for agricultural production and consequently for food supply and sustainable development. In fact, the quality of the soil impacts the characteristics of the outputs obtained and the income of the farms, with implications for the performance of the agricultural sector and the various associated upstream and downstream activities. Soil and climate conditions are among the first variables considered by agricultural decision makers when selecting the most adequate production to draw up agricultural plans. On the other hand, food supply chains and various socioeconomic activities have impacts on soil quality, generating, in some cases, what can be called circular and cumulative processes. In these frameworks, an integrated soil management is fundamental to preserve the quality of the soil and its functions for sustainable development and to guarantee the safety and security of the food obtained for human health and balanced nutrition. In this perspective, this Special Issue aims to bring a broader perspective regarding soil management, namely, in its relationship with food supply, environmental dimensions, and socioeconomic activities. Authors are invited to submit their work, and we suggest the following topics:

  1. Soil quality and agricultural performance;
  2. Impacts of agricultural activities on soil quality;
  3. Soil management and food safety and security;
  4. Soil functions and sustainability;
  5. Climate-smart agriculture and soil management;
  6. Agriculture 4.0 and soil characteristics;
  7. Industry 4.0 and impacts on soil;
  8. Heavy metals in soil quantification;
  9. PTEs in soil calculation;
  10. Organic agriculture and soil parameters.

Prof. Dr. José L. S. Pereira
Dr. Vítor João Pereira Domingues Martinho
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. Soil Systems is an international peer-reviewed open access quarterly 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

  • agrofood chains
  • soil modelling
  • sustainability
  • agricultural planning
  • rural development
  • economic growth
  • broader approaches
  • carbon sink
  • efficiency
  • productivity
  • greenhouse gas emissions
  • climate-smart agriculture

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

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

31 pages, 7056 KiB  
Article
Agronomic Effectiveness of Biochar–KCl Composites for Corn Cultivation in Tropical Soils
by Gabrielly Nayara Tavares Silva Rodrigues, Carlos Alberto Silva and Everton Geraldo de Morais
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(2), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9020045 - 9 May 2025
Abstract
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the main source of potassium (K) in Brazilian agriculture, but its high import dependency and the need for split applications increase costs and expose the system to supply and efficiency risks. Understanding the availability and release kinetics of potassium [...] Read more.
Potassium chloride (KCl) is the main source of potassium (K) in Brazilian agriculture, but its high import dependency and the need for split applications increase costs and expose the system to supply and efficiency risks. Understanding the availability and release kinetics of potassium (K) from biochar-based fertilizers (K-BBFs) is crucial for optimizing their use as full or partial substitutes for KCl in Brazilian agriculture. This study evaluated biochars derived from banana peel (BP), coffee husk (CH), and chicken manure (CM), both in their pure form and co-pyrolyzed with KCl (composites) at 300 °C and 650 °C, as K sources for corn grown in two contrasting Oxisols. For pure biochars, feedstock type and pyrolysis temperature significantly influenced K content and release kinetics. Higher pyrolysis temperatures increased K content in BP and CH biochars but not in CM, while also slowing K release in CH and CM. Co-pyrolysis with KCl increased biochar yield, ash content, and K availability. Composites released more K than pure biochar but less than KCl, and at a slower rate. Notably, banana peel biochar co-pyrolyzed with KCl at 650 °C (CBP650) exhibited 36% slower K release and reduced KCl use by 82% while maintaining similar K use efficiency and corn growth. All K-BBFs matched KCl in promoting robust corn growth in clay soil, increasing biomass by 5.3 times and K uptake by 9 times compared to unfertilized (no K addition) plants. In sandy Oxisol, K-BBFs boosted biomass by up to 3.5 times compared to unfertilized plants, though some pure biochars were less effective than KCl in supporting full corn growth. Soil texture strongly influenced K availability, with sandier soils exhibiting higher K levels in solution. These findings suggest that kinetic release studies in abiotic systems, such as lysimeters with sand, are not suitable for evaluating K-BBFs as slow-release fertilizers. Due to lower K retention in sandy soil and solution K levels exceeding 1100 mg L−1, split applications of some K-BBFs are recommended to prevent corn cation uptake imbalances and soil K leaching. Additionally, granulating biochar–KCl composites may enhance K retention and regulate its release in sandy Oxisols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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13 pages, 653 KiB  
Article
The Influence of Black Soldier Fly Residue on Watermelon Growth and the Properties of a Coarse-Textured Ultisol
by Benedict Onyebuchi Unagwu, Chidiebere Fransica Odu, Chinedu Felix Amuji, Michael Onyedika Eze, Nancy Ekene Ebido, Chidike Ude Abara, Chioma Rosita Igboka and Uchechukwu Paschal Chukwudi
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(2), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9020043 - 3 May 2025
Viewed by 140
Abstract
Improving the fertility status of nutrient-depleted soils is critical to achieving food security. The negative effects of chemical fertilizers on soils necessitate the global quest for eco-friendly, effective, and sustainable alternatives. This work assessed the effect of black soldier fly (BSF) residue application [...] Read more.
Improving the fertility status of nutrient-depleted soils is critical to achieving food security. The negative effects of chemical fertilizers on soils necessitate the global quest for eco-friendly, effective, and sustainable alternatives. This work assessed the effect of black soldier fly (BSF) residue application on soil properties and watermelon growth. The study was set up in a completely randomized design with six replications. The treatments were BSF1 (BSF applied at 10 t ha−1), BSF2 (20 t ha−1), BSF3 (30 t ha−1), and control. The plant data collected in this study were vine length, leaf width, number of leaves, and stem girth, and the soil’s physicochemical properties were determined. The results show that BSF residue-treated soils had 20.4–49.5% higher aggregate stability and 50–160% higher hydraulic conductivity than the control treatment. BSF residue-treated soils had significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher pH, total N, available P, exchangeable K, and organic carbon than the control treatment. BSF3 treatment had the highest effect on available P and soil pH relative to other amended treatments. High rates of BSF residue application did not significantly increase the total available N and P contents, which could suggest that BSF application at 30 t ha−1 may not pose a risk of N and P pollution to water systems. BSF residue-treated soils improved (p < 0.05) watermelon growth parameters relative to the control. Watermelon leaf length was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) longer for BSF residue-treated soils than the control treatment. A similar trend was observed for the number of leaves, leaf width, and stem girth. At 4, 6, and 10 weeks after sowing, BSF residue-treated plants had 38.2–104%, 22.7–118%, and 25.7–103% longer vine lengths than the control treatment, respectively. The study results suggest that BSF residue application can enhance the fertility status of a coarse-textured ultisol for watermelon production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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12 pages, 1057 KiB  
Article
Impact of Starter Phosphorus Fertilizer Type and Rate on Maize Growth in Calcareous Soil Irrigated with Treated Wastewater
by Majed B. Almutairi, Ibrahim Ahmed, Khaled D. Alotaibi, Saud S. Aloud and Mohamed Abdalla
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9020041 - 30 Apr 2025
Viewed by 283
Abstract
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient, but its limited availability in calcareous soils remains a major constraint to crop nutrition. Treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable irrigation source in arid regions, enhancing water supply and contributing nutrients such as P. This study evaluates [...] Read more.
Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient, but its limited availability in calcareous soils remains a major constraint to crop nutrition. Treated wastewater (TWW) offers a sustainable irrigation source in arid regions, enhancing water supply and contributing nutrients such as P. This study evaluates the effects of TWW and tap water (TW) irrigation, combined with varying rates of phosphorus fertilizers, such as single superphosphate (SSP) and diammonium phosphate (DAP), on maize (Zea mays L.) growth, nutrient uptake, and soil properties. A greenhouse experiment was conducted using maize grown in sandy calcareous soil. TWW irrigation with SSP (40 kg/ha) and DAP (20 kg/ha) resulted in the highest shoot dry matter (2.6 g), while TW with DAP at 20 kg/ha produced 2.2 g. Root biomass was generally higher, peaking at 8.3 g under TWW-SSP (40 kg/ha) and 5.7 g under TW-SSP (40 kg/ha). Nitrogen uptake was highest under TWW, with TWW-DAP (40 kg/ha) yielding the highest N content in shoots (1.9%) and roots (1.2%). Phosphorus content peaked at TWW-DAP (30 kg/ha) in shoots (0.52%) and roots (0.26%). Potassium uptake also improved with TWW, particularly in shoots (4.5%) under TWW-SSP (40 kg/ha) and roots (2.6%) under TWW-DAP (40 kg/ha). Post-harvest soil analysis showed TWW maintained stable EC (0.3–0.5 dS/m) and neutral pH (7.6–7.8). Higher DAP rates (40 kg/ha) with TWW increased soil organic matter, nitrogen (266.2 mg/kg), phosphorus (38.0 mg/kg), and potassium (385.3 mg/kg). In contrast, TW irrigation had lower nutrient enhancement, though high DAP rates still improved soil fertility. These findings highlight the potential of integrating TWW with phosphorus fertilizers to improve crop performance and soil fertility in calcareous soils. This approach offers a sustainable alternative to conventional practices, supporting sustainable crop production in water-limited environments. Further long-term studies are recommended to assess the sustainability of TWW irrigation in arid soils. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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21 pages, 3188 KiB  
Article
Biochar Amendment in Remediation of Heavy Metals in Paddy Soil: A Case Study in Nobewam, Ghana
by Kwadwo Owusu Boakye, Matt Dodd, Maxwell Darko Asante, Vincent Logah and Godfred Darko
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9020038 - 22 Apr 2025
Viewed by 478
Abstract
Biochar is a stabilised, carbon-rich material created when biomass is heated to temperatures usually between 450 and 550 °C, under low-oxygen concentrations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sawdust, cocoa pod ash and rice husk biochars in remediating metal-contaminated paddy soil in Nobewam, [...] Read more.
Biochar is a stabilised, carbon-rich material created when biomass is heated to temperatures usually between 450 and 550 °C, under low-oxygen concentrations. This study evaluated the effectiveness of sawdust, cocoa pod ash and rice husk biochars in remediating metal-contaminated paddy soil in Nobewam, Ghana. Biochar was applied 21 days before cultivating the rice for 120 days, followed by soil sampling and rice harvesting for metals and physicochemical analyses. Compared to the untreated soils, biochar treatments exhibited an enhancement in soil quality, characterised by an increase in pH of 1.01–1.20 units, an increase in available phosphorus (P) concentration of 6.76–13.05 mg/kg soil and an increase in soil total nitrogen (N), and organic carbon (OC) concentration, ranging from 0.02% to 0.12%. Variabilities in electrical conductivity and effective cation exchange capacity were observed among the treated soils. Concentrations of potentially toxic metals (arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury, lead and zinc) in paddy soils and rice analysed by atomic absorption spectroscopy showed significant differences (p < 0.05) among the sampled soils. The concentrations of arsenic and lead in all soil samples exceeded the Canadian Council of Ministers of the Environment soil quality guideline for agricultural soils, with untreated soils having the highest levels among all the soils. Cadmium had a potential ecological risk index > 2000 and a geoaccumulation index above 5, indicating pollution in all samples. In contrast, arsenic and mercury contamination were only found in the untreated soils. Among the tested treatments, rice husk and its combinations, particularly with cocoa pod ash, showed significant efficacy in reducing metal concentrations in the soils. The potential non-carcinogenic human health risks associated with the consumption of rice grown in biochar-treated soils were lower for all the metals compared to the control samples. Future research should focus on long-term field studies to validate these findings and explore the underlying mechanisms governing metal immobilization in paddy fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 1663 KiB  
Article
Biochar and Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria Boost Chemical and Biological Properties of Semiarid Soil in Cowpea
by Inara da Silva Araujo, Argemiro Pereira Martins Filho, Diogo Paes da Costa, Aline Oliveira Silva, Rafaela Felix da França, Mario de Andrade Lira Junior, Gustavo Pereira Duda, José Romualdo de Sousa Lima, Mairon Moura da Silva, Ademir Sergio Ferreira Araujo, Claude Hammecker and Erika Valente de Medeiros
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(1), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9010019 - 24 Feb 2025
Viewed by 719
Abstract
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are an effective tool for improving nutrients in agricultural systems; however, their efficacy depends on successful colonization in soils. To address this challenge, biochar has been identified as an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services and can serve [...] Read more.
Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are an effective tool for improving nutrients in agricultural systems; however, their efficacy depends on successful colonization in soils. To address this challenge, biochar has been identified as an effective material for enhancing soil ecosystem services and can serve as a protective for PGPB. However, the impact of biochar and PGPB on soil health indicators and plant growth remains poorly understood. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of biochar and PGPB on soil chemical and biological properties in cowpea. We used biochar from bean husk (BHB) and grape fermentation residue (GFB) and Bradyrhizobium elkanii USDA 76 (BRA), Burkholderia cepacia ATCC 25416 (PRB), or Rhizobium altiplani BR10423 (RHI). BHB and PRB stimulated cowpea growth, while GFB and PRB promoted soil phosphatase activity. Overall, different combinations of biochar and PGPR increased soil pH, phosphorus, potassium, organic carbon content, and urease activity, but did not affect microbial biomass carbon and β-glucosidase activities. The biochars inoculated with the BRA showed the highest productivity. For example, plants subjected to the BRA + GFB treatment exhibited a 3.85-fold increase in productivity compared to the additional treatment that involved the use of commercial peat. The study demonstrated a positive effect of biochar and PGPB on soil enzymatic activity, nutrient content, and cowpea growth suggesting a sustainable alternative to chemical fertilizers, especially in poor soils. These findings highlight the potential of biochar as an environmentally sustainable carrier of PGPB while addressing the issue of agricultural waste reuse. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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19 pages, 871 KiB  
Article
The Relationships Between Soil Health, Production, and Management Decisions Through Farmers’ Eyes: A Case Study of Tennessee Large-Scale Vegetable Farms
by Margarita Velandia, Jennifer DeBruyn, Annette L. Wszelaki and Andrew W. Stevens
Soil Syst. 2025, 9(1), 1; https://doi.org/10.3390/soilsystems9010001 - 26 Dec 2024
Viewed by 802
Abstract
Understanding farmers’ perceptions of soil health is valuable for developing strategies to increase the adoption of conservation practices. A combination of soils with poor soil fertility, low levels of soil organic matter, and the use of production practices that, although necessary for vegetable [...] Read more.
Understanding farmers’ perceptions of soil health is valuable for developing strategies to increase the adoption of conservation practices. A combination of soils with poor soil fertility, low levels of soil organic matter, and the use of production practices that, although necessary for vegetable production, could negatively impact soil health makes the exploration of how large-scale vegetable producers in Tennessee perceive soil health and manage soils interesting. Using information from semi-structured interviews with operators of three Tennessee large-scale vegetable farms, we explored farmers’ perceptions of soil health and how those perceptions connect with adoption decisions. Our results suggest that farmers’ perceptions of soil health reflect a broad perspective that includes crop productivity and disease pressure. Profitability exerted a stronger influence on farmers’ decision-making than soil health. Nonetheless, farmers recognized that there is an association between soil health and profitability. The farmers included in this study found value in the information provided by soil health tests to confirm the benefits of soil management practices. The results presented in this study will contribute to the design of future studies aiming to investigate the relationship between farmer perceptions of soil health and the adoption of best soil management practices among large-scale vegetable growers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Integrated Soil Management: Food Supply, Environmental Impacts, and Socioeconomic Functions: 2nd Edition)
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