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These articles are the latest published in the journal. Soil Research is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 01 July 2025

SR24151Response of wheat to phosphorus-enriched ironstone gravel

David Weaver , David Rogers, Ronald Master, Peta Richards, Robert Summers and Simon Clarendon

 

Gravel-sized soil particles greater than 2 mm in size exist in farmers’ paddocks but are routinely excluded from laboratory tests and glasshouse experiments. Ironstone gravel can supply phosphorus to plants, but can also influence other soil properties such as the amount of moisture plants can access. Soils containing large amounts of ironstone gravel are likely to require lower applications of phosphorus fertiliser to achieve maximum crop yield, but can also limit plant growth due to low soil moisture.

SR24151 Abstract  |  SR24151 Full Text  | SR24151PDF (3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 July 2025

SR25001Humic substance turnover by bacterial decomposers in the maritime Antarctic soil

Dockyu Kim , Mincheol Kim, Sungho Woo, Eungbin Kim and Hyoungseok Lee

 

Antarctic tundra soils are cold, harsh environments where bacteria play a crucial role in breaking down plant-derived, large humic substances (HS), vital for maintaining soil ecosystems. This study shows that Antarctic bacteria outperformed fungi in decomposing and solubilising HS, producing smaller compounds that microbes and plants can readily use. Our findings show that warming in polar regions may affect microbial activity and nutrient cycling, and highlights bacterial resilience and metabolic contributions to extreme environments.

SR25001 Abstract  | PDF (4.7 MB) - $35.00   | SR25001Supplementary Material (849 KB)

Published online 24 June 2025

SR24123Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in biochar-amended soils: a review

Jonna Rosenthal and Kpoti M. Gunn

 

Biochar research has recently increased due to its effectiveness as a sustainable fertiliser and toxicological adsorbent. However, major oversights appear in the impacts of biochar on arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) due to a lack of standardized pyrolysis and application methods. This review paper finds that infrequent biochar application leads to higher AMF root colonisation rates as well as increased biodiversity. Furthermore, conjunctive use of biochar and AMF is useful at increasing drought resistance of crops as water resources become scarce.

SR24123 Abstract  |  SR24123 Full Text  | SR24123PDF (1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 June 2025

SR25028A pragmatic workflow towards the generation of pXRF datasets for large-scale soil monitoring programs

Xueyu Zhao , Uta Stockmann, Mark Farrell and Senani Karunaratne

 

We evaluated the performance of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectroscopy in soil analysis, comparing Geochem and Soil modes for macro- and microelement detection. Results indicate that Geochem mode provides more reliable measurements, particularly for Mg, Al, and Si, while reducing analysis time and cost, making it more suitable for large-scale soil monitoring projects. We demonstrated the limitations of plastic bag thickness on measurement accuracy, which contribute to optimising pXRF protocols for national and global soil assessment initiatives.

SR25028 Abstract  |  SR25028 Full Text  | SR25028PDF (1.1 MB)  | SR25028Supplementary Material (304 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 23 June 2025

SR25008Estimating soil erodibility for the RUSLE with rainfall simulation in central Queensland, Australia

B. Bosomworth , B. Yu and A. E. Elledge

 

This central Queensland study evaluated the RUSLE soil erodibility factor used for hillslope erosion modelling within the Great Barrier Reef catchment. By incorporating observed rainfall simulation data into established erosion models, improved K-factors were achieved for consolidated and aggregated soils in the Fitzroy Basin. This approach offers an economical means of developing local soil erodibility values to improve hillslope sediment loss budgets.

SR25008 Abstract  |  SR25008 Full Text  | SR25008PDF (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 13 June 2025

SR25019Influence of phosphate retention capacity on the potential plant availability of struvite fertiliser in acidic grassland soils

Florencia De Lucca Agrelo , Leo Condron and Jim Moir

 

The main source of phosphate fertiliser production is limited and controlled by a few countries. This study aims to evaluate struvite, a fertiliser made from recycled wastewater, as an alternative phosphate fertiliser for agricultural production in New Zealand soils. The results revealed that struvite performed similarly to commonly used phosphorus fertilisers. Struvite is therefore a promising alternative source of phosphorus for New Zealand pasture systems, while helping make farming more sustainable.

SR25019 Abstract  |  SR25019 Full Text  | SR25019PDF (352 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 June 2025

SR24230Modelling and constructing engineered soil for post-mining landforms to create optimal ecological outcomes: application of a computer based Landscape Evolution Model (SSSPAM)

W. D. D. P. Welivitiya, G. R. Hancock and I. P. Senanayake

 

Designing a post-mining landscape without considering the evolution of surface materials and pedogenesis assumes that any materials are in an equilibrium state. Here, the effect of depth-dependent pedogenesis functions and particle breakage geometry on erosion rates and landform evolution are examined using the SSSPAM Landscape Evolution Model. The results demonstrate that with knowledge of weathering and pedogenesis, an optimised landscape can be engineered that would reduce the cost of post-mining landform design and construction.

SR24230 Abstract  |  SR24230 Full Text  | SR24230PDF (5.3 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

SR24180Variable-rate nitrogen fertilisation to improve silage maize yield and crude protein using APSIM modelling

Iris Vogeler , Christof Kluß and Friedhelm Taube

 

Determining optimum nitrogen (N) fertilisation rates to maximise yields and minimise N losses remains challenging due to uncertainties in future crop N requirements and soil N supply. However, accounting for spatial variability within a field can enhance N fertilisation efficiency. Using the APSIM model, we identified optimal N fertilisation rates for silage maize that maximise both yields and protein concentrations while minimising N losses. Field testing of this approach is required before it can be implemented for practical N fertilisation management.

SR24180 Abstract  |  SR24180 Full Text  | SR24180PDF (2 MB)  | SR24180Supplementary Material (713 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

SR24216Are fans required for closed chamber N₂O measurements in grazed pastures?

Donna L. Giltrap , Surinder Saggar, Peter Berben and Thilak Palmada

 

Static chambers are a common method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from soils. However, there are no definitive guidelines about whether it is necessary to include fans within the chamber to ensure good mixing within the headspace. This study compared the fluxes of nitrous oxide from a pasture soil measured both with and without the use of fans.

SR24216 Abstract  |  SR24216 Full Text  | SR24216PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 May 2025

SR25020The magnitude of crop yield improvement with different soil acidity management practices in the Ethiopian highlands: a meta-analysis

Birhanu Agumas , Gizaw Desta, Getachew Agegnehu, Gizachew Legesse, Tesfaye Feyisa and Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi

 

Soil acidity affects over 44% of Ethiopia’s farmland, yet knowledge of acid soil management practices (ASMPs) and their impact on yields remains limited. This meta-analysis provides evidence that implementing ASMPs can increase crop yields by 28–194% relative to the no-input control. Application of agricultural lime, biochar, and synthetic fertilisers achieved 122, 104, and 78% increase in yield, respectively, relative to a no-input control. Results offer valuable insights to guide policies and practices for managing acid soils in Ethiopia.

SR25020 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00   | SR25020Supplementary Material (283 KB)

Published online 09 May 2025

SR24220Feammox in the Yellow River Delta wetlands is weak

Qingsong Guan , Shuo Li, Yiqiao Zhou, Fan Yang, Xiang Zhao and Qingjia Meng

 

Feammox has emerged as a significant pathway for nitrogen loss in natural ecosystems, and our study marks the inaugural investigation into this process within the wetlands of the Yellow River Delta. Our findings reveal that feammox activity in this region is comparatively weak, with denitrification dominating as the primary route for nitrogen removal. Further research is essential to uncover the reasons behind the low feammox rates observed in the Yellow River Delta wetlands.

SR24220 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 06 May 2025

SR25013A review on the bioweathering and bioremediation of asbestos containing waste materials in soils

Santanu Mukherjee , Shailja Sharma, Shiv Bolan, Liuwei Wang, Terri-Ann Berry, Shannon L. Wallis, Dan Blanchon, Deyi Hou, Valerie A. Geoffroy, Kadambot H. M. Siddique and Nanthi Bolan

 

Asbestos-containing waste materials (ACWMs) can weather and release asbestos fibre dust after getting disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Breathing of asbestos fibres can cause asbestos-related lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. This review critically scrutinise and synthesise literature data on the bioweathering, bioremediation, and phytoremediation of ACWMs in soil to bridge the knowledge gaps in relation to mitigating the toxicity of asbestos fibres emission from ACWMs to humans and ecosystems. Image by Shailja Sharma in biorender.com

SR25013 Abstract  |  SR25013 Full Text  | SR25013PDF (4.5 MB)  | SR25013Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

SR24185Salinity in Calcarosols occurs through the presence of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulfate ions, is caused by sodicity, and leads to decreased osmotic potential

Edward G. Barrett-Lennard , Geoffrey C. Anderson , Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall , Glen Riethmuller and Wayne Parker

 

Salinity occurs in alkaline sodic soils in Australia, but its effect in Western Australia is poorly understood. We determined the cause of salinity, the ions responsible, and their potential significance as constraints to crop growth on sodic soils. Our paper suggests that crop growth in affected landscapes is likely to be constrained by salinity with the adverse effects being more severe in dry than wet seasons.

SR24185 Abstract  |  SR24185 Full Text  | SR24185PDF (2.1 MB)  | SR24185Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

SR24143Liming effect on soil chemical and biological properties, pests and diseases, and crop yields in robusta coffee and black pepper in Vietnam

Long Nguyen Van, Laetitia Herrmann, Thao Le Dinh, Chung Nguyen Van , Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau and Didier Lesueur

 

Vietnam is the global leading producer of robusta coffee and black pepper. However, expanding coffee and pepper cultivation and intensive farming practices have acidified soil and increased pest and pathogen pressures. To address this issue, lime was applied in field trials in Gia Lai province. Lime positively impacted soil chemical properties and colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but did not significantly affect soilborne pathogens and crop yield. Regular lime application can sustainably reduce soil acidity and enhance soil nutrients.

SR24143 Abstract  |  SR24143 Full Text  | SR24143PDF (999 KB)  | SR24143Supplementary Material (492 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 April 2025

SR24221Trenching and compost sustain grain yield increases over nine years on deep sands but at a cost

David J. M. Hall and Tom J. Edwards

 

Deep sands on the south coast of Western Australia have major soil limitations that prevent crops from achieving their potential yields. We have shown that ameliorating these soils with tillage and organic amendments crop yield can be increased by more than 1 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ over nine consecutive years, compared to no amendments, through enhanced chemical and physical fertility. While these results show crop yield reaching their potential the cost of doing so is unlikely to lead to adoption.

SR24221 Abstract  |  SR24221 Full Text  | SR24221PDF (707 KB)  | SR24221Supplementary Material (383 KB)   Open Access Article

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Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

SR24149, Accepted 20 June 2025

Fate of 15N-labelled urea under cotton and maize as affected by urease and nitrification inhibitors, and application method

Tariq Mahmood, Muhammad Akhtar , Rehmat Ali, Zafar Iqbal, Saira Butt, Fariha Malik and Muhammad Yaqub

 

SR24149Abstract

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1. Liming effect on soil chemical and biological properties, pests and diseases, and crop yields in robusta coffee and black pepper in Vietnam

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   Long Nguyen Van, Laetitia Herrmann, Thao Le Dinh, Chung Nguyen Van , Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau, Didier Lesueur

2. A review on the bioweathering and bioremediation of asbestos containing waste materials in soils

   Soil Research 63 (4)

   Santanu Mukherjee , Shailja Sharma, Shiv Bolan, Liuwei Wang, Terri-Ann Berry, Shannon L. Wallis, Dan Blanchon, Deyi Hou, Valerie A. Geoffroy, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan

3. Trenching and compost sustain grain yield increases over nine years on deep sands but at a cost

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   David J. M. Hall , Tom J. Edwards

4. Salinity in Calcarosols occurs through the presence of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulfate ions, is caused by sodicity, and leads to decreased osmotic potential

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   Edward G. Barrett-Lennard , Geoffrey C. Anderson , Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall , Glen Riethmuller, Wayne Parker

5. Influence of phosphate retention capacity on the potential plant availability of struvite fertiliser in acidic grassland soils

   Soil Research 63 (4)

   Florencia De Lucca Agrelo , Leo Condron , Jim Moir

6. An experiential account with recommendations for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a farm-scale soil moisture sensing and mapping system

   Soil Research 62 (5)

   Brendan Malone , David Biggins, Chris Sharman, Ross Searle , Mark Glover , Stuart Brown

7. Variable-rate nitrogen fertilisation to improve silage maize yield and crude protein using APSIM modelling

   Soil Research 63 (4)

   Iris Vogeler , Christof Kluß, Friedhelm Taube

8. The impact of irrigation duration on crop N uptake, lint yield and internal NUE in cotton using standard urea

   Soil Research 62 (7)

   John Smith , Shu Fukai, Michael Bell

9. Understanding extractable metal species relationships with phosphorus sorption and organic carbon in soils

   Soil Research 62 (8)

   Bright E. Amenkhienan , Feike Dijkstra, Charles Warren , Balwant Singh

10. Sheep rotational grazing strategy to improve soil organic carbon and reduce carbon dioxide emission from spring wheat in an arid region

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    Irshad Ahmad , Lina Shi, Shanning Lou, Jiao Ning, Yarong Guo, Muhammad Kamran, Wanhe Zhu, Fujiang Hou

11. Spatial and temporal distribution and environmental determinants of freeze-thaw erosion intensity in Qiangtang grasslands, China

    Soil Research 62 (6)

    Gaobo Zhang , Xiaohuang Liu, Jinjie Wang, Jiufen Liu, Xiaofeng Zhao, Hongyu Li, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang, Honghui Zhao

12. Modelling and constructing engineered soil for post-mining landforms to create optimal ecological outcomes: application of a computer based Landscape Evolution Model (SSSPAM)

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    W. D. D. P. Welivitiya, G. R. Hancock , I. P. Senanayake

13. Availability of phosphorus and nitrogen from modified mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser compounds

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    Jonathan W. McLachlan , Peter W. English, Richard J. Flavel, Chris N. Guppy

14. Spatial variability of mineral surface area and carbon sequestration potential at the farm scale – a case study

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    Sam McNally , Joanna Sharp, Peter Jaksons, Craig Tregurtha, Mike Beare , Robyn White

15. Estimating soil erodibility for the RUSLE with rainfall simulation in central Queensland, Australia

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    B. Bosomworth , B. Yu, A. E. Elledge

16. State and trend of surface soil organic carbon stocks and associated nutrients in Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga

    Soil Research 62 (7)

    U. Stockmann, M. Farrell , T. Carter, S. Krawitz, V. N. L. Wong , V. Minoneti, D. Finau, A. Sharma, J. Barringer, V. T. Manu, S. Karunaratne , B. C. T. Macdonald

17. Modified fungal diversity in dense clay subsoils after deep-banding organic substrate

    Soil Research 62 (6)

    Joshua J. Vido, Jian Jin, Helen L. Hayden, Corinne Celestina , Peter W. G. Sale, Roger Armstrong, Caixian Tang, Jennifer L. Wood , Ashley E. Franks

18. A pragmatic workflow towards the generation of pXRF datasets for large-scale soil monitoring programs

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    Xueyu Zhao , Uta Stockmann, Mark Farrell , Senani Karunaratne

19. Are fans required for closed chamber N₂O measurements in grazed pastures?

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    Donna L. Giltrap , Surinder Saggar, Peter Berben, Thilak Palmada

20. Analysis of soil erosion dynamics and its driving factors in the Qilian Mountains of Qingdong

    Soil Research 62 (6)

    Mingyuan Li , Xiaohuang Liu, Jianli Ding, Wenbo Zhang, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang, Honghui Zhao

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