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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 13 June 2025

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

Florencia De Lucca Agrelo 0009-0007-0300-3142, Leo Condron 0000-0002-3082-994X 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 0000-0002-1619-1265 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 0000-0003-2512-7668, 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 0000-0001-7919-0414, 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 0000-0003-2103-3752, 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 0000-0002-8603-3502, 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 0000-0002-3698-0448, 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
 

Image showing the sources of asbestos, impact on health, and process of bioweathering and bioremediation.

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 0000-0001-9945-1044, Geoffrey C. Anderson 0000-0002-0163-1600, Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall 0000-0003-3910-5486, 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 0000-0001-8310-6318, Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau and Didier Lesueur 0000-0002-6694-0869
 

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 0000-0003-3910-5486 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

Published online 10 April 2025

SR24189Spectral characteristics changes as affected by inoculating microbial agents during composting

Xiayan Liu, Lingyu Kong, Rongsheng Zhu, Zhaojun Li 0000-0002-8502-8496 and Yizhong Lv
 

Aerobic composting is an effective method for resource utilisation of livestock manure. Microbial inoculations have become a key strategy to overcome limitations of traditional composting, attracting significant research interest. Our study evaluated the changes in microbial inoculation during the composting process using spectroscopic analysis, suggesting that microbial inoculation promoted the degradation of cellulose, lignin, and carbohydrates and the conversion of organic matter into humus. This study can provide theoretical guidance for optimising composting conditions, improving composting quality and soil fertility.

SR24189 Abstract  | PDF (3 MB) - $35.00 
Published online 31 March 2025

SR24155Nutrient distribution and cycling along a forest chronosequence following the regreening of a mining and smelting degraded landscape

Patrick A. Levasseur 0000-0002-8307-435X, Nathan Basiliko and Shaun A. Watmough
 

Regreening (fertilising and tree planting) industrially degraded forest areas can improve ecosystem function in the short-term, but uncertainties exist regarding the long-term effects. Our study investigated whether nutrient distribution and cycling changed with stand age in regreened forests on a mining and smelting degraded landscape in the City of Greater Sudbury, Canada. The lack of change in foliar nutrients and nutrient cycling with stand age suggest that nutrient limitation is not inhibiting forest function 40 years following a one-time regreening treatment.

SR24155 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00 
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.

SR24105 Abstract  | PDF (926 KB) - $35.00   | SR24105Supplementary Material (688 KB)
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.

SR24073 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 
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.

SR24152 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00   | SR24152Supplementary Material (968 KB)

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