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Soil, land care and environmental research

Soil Research

Soil Research

Soil Research is an international journal for publishing research about fundamental and applied aspects of soil science. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Balwant Singh and Mark Tibbett

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

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 19 March 2025

SR24105Subsoiling is the best tillage for fine roots and early-growth of Pinus taeda on clayey Oxisol in the subtropics

Thaynara Diuliane Carvalho Paz 0000-0002-4515-6928, Matheus Severo de Souza Kulmann, Jéssica Silveira França, Grasiele Dick, Mauro Valdir Schumacher and José Miguel Reichert
 

Given the economic importance of Pinus cultivation for the world economy and how difficult it can be to cultivate in inhospitable environments, our study will help propose the best strategies for soil preparation in forestry plantations. The main results showed the efficiency of soil preparation in improving soil quality, providing greater root development and increased Pinus growth on clayey Oxisol. Through adequate soil management and understanding root dynamics, we can maximise Pinus production.

Published online 28 January 2025

SR24073Soil properties and environmental factors across different altitudes influence biodiversity of root endophytic fungi in the orchid Bletilla sinensis

Manli Zhao, Wenxiang Deng, Xue Li, Yongmei Li, Qiong Huang and Chuntao Wang 0000-0003-2990-9229
 

We investigated the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi associated with the roots of Bletilla sinensis, a perennial orchid growing at different altitudes. Results from high-throughput sequencing indicate complex environmental factors that affect the structure of endophytic fungal communities, including plant diversity and soil nutrients. Our results provide important context for further understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying plant–microbe interactions and underscore the need to consider multiple environmental factors when studying fungal communities.

Published online 03 January 2025

SR24152Soil carbon, organic matter fractions, and soil physical quality under different sugarcane harvesting systems in north-east Brazil

Handerson Brandão Melo de Lima 0000-0002-1322-8026, Sávio Tavares Ferreira Borges, Crislâny Canuto dos Santos 0000-0001-5772-5123 and Stoécio Malta Ferreira Maia 0000-0001-6491-2517
 

This study investigated the effects of burnt and unburnt sugarcane harvesting systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in the north-east region of Brazil. Conversion of native vegetation to sugarcane cultivation led to SOC loss, and reduced soil quality due to losses of particulate organic matter and increased soil bulk density. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding the impact of land-use change on the properties of SOM.

Published online 17 December 2024

SR24118Understanding extractable metal species relationships with phosphorus sorption and organic carbon in soils

Bright E. Amenkhienan 0000-0001-9629-141X, Feike Dijkstra, Charles Warren 0000-0002-0788-4713 and Balwant Singh 0000-0002-9751-2971
 

Small-sized soil minerals are rich in iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) metals, which can keep organic carbon and P in soils for a longer time. The rapid prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) and P sorption as indicators of soil fertility can help farmers with management decisions. Chemical extraction of Fe and Al from soil provides a relatively easy way for predicting SOC and P to help land managers save time and labour to make informed decisions.

Published online 07 November 2024

SR24044The impact of irrigation duration on crop N uptake, lint yield and internal NUE in cotton using standard urea

John Smith 0000-0002-2774-657X, Shu Fukai and Michael Bell
 

This research investigated the impact of irrigation duration on crop productivity and N performance indicators in southern NSW. Cotton was grown with varying rates of fertiliser N application interacting with different durations of furrow irrigation from first flower through to crop maturity. A partial N budget suggested that 48% of the available N to the crop could not be found in the plant or soil mineral N pools after harvest.

Soil organic matter (SOM) is a key factor in the carbon cycle and climate change mitigation, but its distribution and characteristics in different forest ecosystems require more insights. This study compared the SOM profiles of two forest soils in Spain, using infrared spectroscopy and color measurements. Results showed that vegetation type, soil profile depth and other factors influence SOM content and quality while the color of humic substances reflected the degree of oxidation and stabilization of organic matter.

Published online 24 October 2024

SR24011Influence of parent rock on soil clay mineralogy and physicochemical properties: a case study from the O’Higgins region, central Chile

Eduardo Navarro-Hasse, Ursula Kelm, Oscar Jerez, Carolina Yáñez and Alexander Neaman 0000-0002-1819-0872
 

The interplay of lithology and soil properties is closely linked with climatic variables, warranting investigations at a regional scale. The majority of existing studies on soil clay mineralogy did not include information on the mineralogy of the weathered parent rock, which hinders a comprehensive understanding of the effects of lithology on soil clay mineralogy. A comparison between the mineralogical composition of rock weathering rinds and soil clay fractions reveals a trend of chlorite degradation.

Published online 04 October 2024

SR24008Extractant efficacy in assessing bioavailable phosphorus in tropical soils fertilised with alternative sources and cultivated with maize

Rodrigo Nogueira de Sousa 0000-0003-3872-5480 and Luís Reynaldo Ferracciú Alleoni
 

It is important to accurately assess soil phosphorus levels in order to ensure optimal crop growth, particularly in tropical regions where phosphorus availability is limited. Our research findings indicate that the resin extraction method is a more effective approach than other methods for determining the available phosphorus content across a range of soil types and for diverse phosphate fertiliser sources. This development provides farmers and agronomists with enhanced resources to optimise fertiliser utilisation, thereby promoting enhanced crop yields and sustainable agricultural practices.

Published online 26 September 2024

SR23071State and trend of surface soil organic carbon stocks and associated nutrients in Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga

U. Stockmann, M. Farrell 0000-0003-4562-2738, T. Carter, S. Krawitz, V. N. L. Wong 0000-0001-9490-3187, V. Minoneti, D. Finau, A. Sharma, J. Barringer, V. T. Manu, S. Karunaratne 0000-0002-9278-7941 and B. C. T. Macdonald 0000-0001-8105-0779
 

The status and temporal trend in SOC stock is unknown in Tongatapu, the main island and agriculture hub of the Kingdom of Tonga. There was a decline in SOC over the last 20–30 years. Agricultural practices that are employed on Tongatapu have caused the decline of SOC stocks and threaten soil security.

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.

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Soil Research presents a special collection of papers for the Joint NZSSS and SSA Conference, highlighting advancements in soil science that directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Life on Land, Zero Hunger, and Climate Action. This collection provides innovative insights into soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem health, with topics ranging from erosion dynamics to carbon sequestration and nitrous oxide emission modelling. These studies offer practical solutions for sustainable land management and resilient agroecosystems, supporting a more sustainable future for our planet.

All papers in this collection are available Open Access.

Collection Editors
Balwant Singh (EiC Soil Research), University of Sydney, Australia
Mark Tibbett (EiC Soil Research), University of Reading, UK

Last Updated: 08 Nov 2024

Since 2006, there has been a substantial increase in biochar-related research in soil mainly due to its potential for long-term carbon storage in soil and agronomic benefits from its soil application. This Biochar Collection presents selected articles covering several research aspects of biochar applications. These include laboratory, glasshouse and field studies, where biochars produced from woody materials, cereal straws, and animal wastes at different temperatures were applied to different soil types.

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2016

Committee on Publication Ethics

Collections

Explore upcoming Collections and calls for papers, More information

Best Student-Led Paper

The Best Student-Led Paper published in 2023 has been awarded to Guilherme Oliveira Andrade da Silva.

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