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Topic Review
Ground-Penetrating Radar in Soil Studies
Information on the spatiotemporal variability of soil properties and states within the agricultural landscape is vital to identify management zones supporting precision agriculture (PA). Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) and electromagnetic induction (EMI) techniques have been applied to assess soil properties, states, processes, and their spatiotemporal variability. 
  • 7.8K
  • 14 Jun 2023
Topic Review
Heavy Metals and Metalloids
The contamination of soil by heavy metals and metalloids is a worldwide problem due to the accumulation of these compounds in the environment, endangering human health, plants, and animals. Heavy metals and metalloids are normally present in nature, but the rise of industrialization has led to concentrations higher than the admissible ones. They are non-biodegradable and toxic, even at very low concentrations. Several techniques have been developed over the years: - physical remediation (e.g., washing, thermal desorption, solidification), - chemical remediation (e.g., adsorption, catalysis, precipitation/solubilization, electrokinetic methods), - biological remediation (e.g., biodegradation, phytoremediation, bioventing), and combined remediation (e.g., electrokinetic–microbial remediation; washing–microbial degradation).
  • 2.7K
  • 20 May 2021
Topic Review
The Occurrence of Microorganisms in Grassland Soils
Soil microorganisms are responsible for the mineralization of organic compounds and the course of various biogeochemical cycles. They have an influence on the biodiversity of entire ecosystems, including the plant cover. They are responsible for the productivity of soil and its structure, and they also affect the circulation of elements in nature. The count and species composition of soil microorganisms depend mainly on the physicochemical properties of the pedon, the amount of nutrients, the type of soil, and the species composition of the plant community. Plants significantly influence the species composition of soil microbial communities through the release or loss of compounds from plant roots to the surrounding soil environment and decomposition of litter and roots.
  • 2.2K
  • 19 May 2022
Topic Review
Chelating Agents in Soil Remediation
The Fenton process is an efficient treatment for removing many organics pollutants in aqueous systems at acidic pH (2.8-3.5). However, the in-situ application of this technology for soil remediation (where pHs around neutrality are required) presents important limitations, such as catalyst (iron) availability and oxidant (H2O2) stability. The addition of chelating agents (CAs) makes iron soluble at circumneutral pH by forming complexes with Fe, and thus, enabling Fenton reactions under these conditions. This strategy, called chelate-modified Fenton process (MF), can be employed to overcome the challenges identified in conventional Fenton.
  • 1.9K
  • 09 Aug 2021
Topic Review
Biodegradable Waste and Degraded Soil
Soil degradation is the modification of its physical, chemical and biological properties that worsen the biological activity of the environment, with particular emphasis on food production, water quality, ecosystem services, flooding, eutrophication, biodiversity and carbon stock shrinkage. Soil degradation has many forms and genesis: (i) geotechnical soil degradation caused by deformation of the relief resulting from the activities of opencast and underground mining as well as construction (including road, rail and water). This form of soil degradation covers the entire territory, but the greatest damage should be noted in the areas of high concentration of the mining industry and in large urban agglomerations.
  • 1.8K
  • 25 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Satellites Spectral Information and Soil Organic Carbon
There is a need to update soil maps and monitor soil organic carbon (SOC) in the upper horizons or plough layer for enabling decision support and land management, while complying with several policies, especially those favoring soil carbon storage. A number of satellite-based spectral approaches for SOC assessment have been achieved from several satellite sensors, study scales and geographical contexts in the past decade.
  • 1.7K
  • 28 Jun 2022
Topic Review
Bio-Organic Mineral Fertilizer
This entry discusses about Bio-Organic Mineral Fertilizer  for Sustainable Agriculture.
  • 1.6K
  • 31 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Lowland Irrigated Areas of Ethiopia
Ethiopia’s irrigated agriculture productivity has been threatened by severe salinity and sodicity problems which have resulted in significantly lower yields, food insecurity, and environmental degradation. The destructive effects of poor irrigation water management with the absence of drainage and anticipated future climate changes can accelerate the formation of salt-affected soil, potentially expanding the problem to currently unaffected regions. 
  • 1.6K
  • 22 Dec 2021
Topic Review
Effect of Potassium on Tea Plant Growth
Potassium is among the three essential macronutrients for tea plants, along with nitrogen and phosphorous, and plays important roles in growth and stress response. Potassium is absorbed by plants in larger amounts than any other mineral element except nitrogen and, in some cases, calcium. Potassium is positively correlated with the elements nitrogen, copper, and zinc. Sufficient potassium dramatically improves the yield and quality of tea: it accelerates metabolism, promotes synthesis of catechins, and strengthens biotic and abiotic resistance by activating and regulating different enzymes. Moderate application of potassium fertilizers, along with potassium-solubilizing bacteria, can regulate the ratio of different forms of potassium and increase available potassium in soils of tea gardens.
  • 1.4K
  • 06 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Silver Nanoparticle
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are among the most commonly used engineered nanomaterials with medicinal, industrial, and agricultural applications. Considering the vast usage of AgNPs, there is a possibility of their release into the environment, and their potential toxicological effects on plants and animals. Apart from using the particulate form of silver, AgNPs may be transformed to silver oxide or silver sulfide via oxidation or sulfidation, respectively, and these ones impact the soil and living organisms in a variety of ways. Therefore, it is critical to address the behavior of nanoparticles in the environment and possible methods for their removal. This review focuses on three objectives to discuss this issue including: the possible pathways for the release of AgNPs into the environment; the toxicological effects of AgNPs on plants and microorganisms; and the recommended phytoremediation approaches.
  • 1.4K
  • 19 Oct 2021
Topic Review
Soil and Irrigation Water Salinity in Ethiopia
The salt problem in Ethiopia has been further exacerbated by a number of factors, including poor water quality, ineffective on-farm water management techniques, and a lack of appropriate and technically sound drainage infrastructure at irrigation sites.  Soil and irrigation water salinity have a substantial link with crops and agricultural communities in Ethiopia. Salinity has a significant impact on soil and water fertility, resulting in poorer agricultural production, food insecurity, and poverty. Salinity has a significant impact on crops in the country, from the germination stages to the harvesting stages during the growing season. If the current state of soil and water management continues, the severity of both soil and irrigation water salinity will reach an irreversible level that significantly impedes the country’s agricultural production capacity. As a result, cultured irrigation water treatment, crop selection based on salinity and sodicity levels, irrigation water quality, leaching, and fertilizer use in combination with organic manures are scientifically proven actions to address the salinity problem. 
  • 1.3K
  • 18 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Impact of Biochar on Soil Properties
Biochar is a dark-black-colored, partially combusted (pyrolyzed), and recalcitrant compound which helps to enrich the nutrient balance and carbon stock in the soil. It is a porous carbonaceous sorbent generally produced from materials of biological origin (crops residues) which is formed after specific thermochemical conversions (pyrolysis) under limited oxygen supply conditions. Most frequently, biochar is a product of plant and agricultural residues derived biomass carrying oxygen-containing functional and aromatic groups.
  • 1.2K
  • 13 Oct 2021
Topic Review Video
Humipedon
The soil covers our entire planet and corresponds to the most superficial part of the earth's crust. Exposed to the attack of atmospheric agents and living organisms, the soil is organized in layers recognizable to the naked eye, more organic towards the atmosphere or water (if submerged), more mineral towards the rocky part of the bottom. To facilitate its study, specialists divided the soil into three sections: richer in organisms part -> 1. Humipedon; bottom still in contact with the unaltered rock section -> 3. Lithopedon; in-between, central, mineral part -> 2. Copedon. The present encyclopedia entry describes the variability of the humipedons of planet Earth. They have been subdivided in ecological groups and classified into different humus systems. The aim is to display them and diffuse their knowledge.
  • 1.2K
  • 30 Jul 2022
Topic Review
Crop Plants with Silicon Application
Silicon (Si) is present in soil mainly in three different phases such as solid, liquid, and adsorbed. Solid phases can be either amorphous or crystalline. Plants take up Si from the soil which impacts their growth and nutrient accumulation. It increases plant resistance to abiotic and biotic stresses such as drought, salinity, and heavy metal, diseases, and pest infestation.
  • 1.1K
  • 29 Apr 2022
Topic Review
Soil Constraints in an Arid Environment
Arid environments are characterized by a higher evaporation than precipitation, as well as persistent water shortages, frequent droughts, high climate variability, and high wind velocity. These soil constraints can be ameliorated and the crop yields increased through case-specific optimization of irrigation and drainage management, enhancing the native beneficial soil microbes, and combinations of soil amendments, conditioners, and residue management.
  • 1.1K
  • 18 Jan 2023
Topic Review
Soil Remediation Strategy
Although soil is a valuable and non-renewable ecological system, it has always been subject to widespread degradation due to anthropic activities. The most severe risks are point source and diffuse soil pollution. The remediation of contaminated soils and sites is, therefore, a significant step in the protection of the environment and living organisms, and must be included in the broader multidisciplinary scenario of strategic green transition.
  • 1.1K
  • 15 Feb 2022
Topic Review
Water Land Resources Degradation Index
Natural resources are gradually coming under continuous and increasing pressure due to anthropogenic interventions and climate variabilities. The result of these pressures is reflected in the sustainability of natural resources. Significant scientific efforts during the recent years focus on mitigating the effects of these pressures and on increasing the sustainability of natural resources. Hence, there is a need to develop specific indices and indicators that will reveal the areas having the highest risks. The Water and Land Resources Degradation Index (WLDI) was developed for this purpose. WLDI consists of eleven indicators and its outcome results from the spatiotemporal performance of these indicators. The WLDI is based on the Standardized Drought Vulnerability Index (SDVI) and the Environmentally Sensitive Areas Index (ESAI). 
  • 1.1K
  • 27 Jan 2022
Topic Review
Mineral Fertilizers
Soil is a strategic resource and a vital part of the environment, being the main source of agricultural products. The human race receives about 95% of food products in the form of crops from cultivated land. The main task of land users is to preserve and increase soil fertility and then increase the productivity of agrocenoses and protect agroecosystems from pollution. The optimal physiological development of plants is ensured by adequate nutrition, primarily mineral nutrition. In the majority of soils, mineral salts are present in sufficient quantities. If not, their need for minerals can be fulfilled with mineral fertilizers.
  • 1.0K
  • 25 May 2023
Topic Review
Factors Affecting SIC Formation in Arid Soils
Soil inorganic carbon (SIC) has received increasing attention due to the high accumulation of SIC in arid soils contributed by its high temperature, low soil moisture, less vegetation, high salinity, and poor microbial activities. SIC storage in dryland soils is a complex process comprising multiple interactions of several factors such as climate, land use types, farm management practices, irrigation, inherent soil properties, soil biotic factors, etc. In addition, soil C studies in deeper layers of drylands have opened-up several study aspects on SIC storage. 
  • 983
  • 27 Sep 2022
Topic Review
Agricultural Soils
Globally, agricultural soils are being evaluated for their role in climate change regulation as a potential sink for atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) through sequestration of organic carbon as soil organic matter. Scientists and policy analysts increasingly seek to develop programs and policies which recognize the importance of mitigation of climate change and insurance of ecological sustainability when managing agricultural soils.
  • 955
  • 09 Aug 2021
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