The use of phosphorus (P) forms from the subsoil is not sufficiently understood. In the rhizobox experiment presented here, P-loaded iron and aluminium hydroxides were applied to subsoils and the P uptake of young wheat plants was examined. The results show that dominant subsoil P forms are plant-available, but other soil physical parameters play an important role for sufficient P supply to plants.

This study was conducted in 30-year-old experimental plots to investigate the long-term fertilisation effects on soil microbiological characteristics of hydromorphic paddy soils. The results showed that long-term fertilisation with high doses of combined organic–inorganic input significantly increased microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and fungal community diversity, which will facilitate to fertilisation management in hydromorphic paddy soils.

Changes in three important soil properties resulting from projected climate change over south-eastern Australia until ~2070 were mapped and analysed using DSM techniques. The SOC stocks were projected to decline over the province, while pH and sum-of-bases were projected to increase; however, the extent of change varied throughout the province and with different climate models.

Changes in the soil chemistry associated with the decomposition of rat carcasses under controlled tropical climate conditions were investigated for its potential in forensic investigation. Significant changes of electrical conductivity and nutrients concentrations in the top 5 cm of the clayey soil may determine the minimum time since death and serve as an indicator for hidden graves and cadaver decomposition islands.

Soil microbial function is important for maintaining soil processes, such as providing nutrients for plant growth and sequestering carbon dioxide. Dairy cow urine can alter soil processes and we found that it decreases the ability of soil microbes to degrade carbon substrates. The inhibition of this important part of the soil carbon cycle may have long-term implications for the sustainability of dairy farming.

Probabilistic natures of soil water under three vegetation types were analysed. Soil water probability density function (PDF) was simulated using stochastic model. Soil water PDF appeared different sensitivities to different vegetation parameters. Sustainable vegetation types were determined by soil water availability.

Little is known about the change in soil quality affected by agricultural management in mining subsidence landscapes. The present study indicates the effects of tillage and irrigation on soil erosion and subsequently on soil organic carbon and nutrients in subsided cropland. Combining tillage over small subsidence gradients with irrigation is a good solution for soil conservation in subsided cropland.