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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 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.

Published online 13 September 2024

SR24050Gypsum form and rate can affect soil physicochemical properties and crop productivity in soils of low electrical conductivity that have been enriched by sodium due to supplementary irrigation

Walter D. Carciochi 0000-0003-4239-4354, Justo Chevallier Boutell, Gisela V. García, Natalia V. Diovisalvi, Nicolas Wyngaard, Adrián Lapaz Olveira and Nahuel I. Reussi Calvo
 

Sodium accumulation in soil due to supplementary irrigation can detrimentally impact its physical and chemical properties under low electrical conductivity, leading to reduced crop productivity. Our observations indicated that gypsum applied in powdered form and at high rates (3000 kg ha−1), effectively improved soil chemical conditions and enhanced grain yield in sodium-affected soils. Sodium-induced crop production constraints can be addressed in the short-term by utilising powdered gypsum.

Published online 30 August 2024

SR24078Analysis of soil erosion dynamics and its driving factors in the Qilian Mountains of Qingdong

Mingyuan Li 0009-0008-9056-0613, Xiaohuang Liu, Jianli Ding, Wenbo Zhang, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang and Honghui Zhao
 

This paper explores the extent of soil erosion and the main driving factors behind soil erosion in the alpine temperate forest-grass subregion of Qilian Mountains in Qingdong by using the Universal Soil Loss Model (RUSLE) and Geographical detector, which can provide some scientific support for soil erosion management and governmental decision-making in the study area.

Published online 23 August 2024

SR23203Modified fungal diversity in dense clay subsoils after deep-banding organic substrate

Joshua J. Vido, Jian Jin, Helen L. Hayden, Corinne Celestina 0000-0003-0840-9276, Peter W. G. Sale, Roger Armstrong, Caixian Tang, Jennifer L. Wood 0000-0002-7313-5681 and Ashley E. Franks
 

Amid the increasing focus on sustainable agriculture and improving crop productivity, our study aims to underscore the importance of microbial community examinations for gaining a deeper comprehension of soil management dynamics. We established that applying deep-banded organic amendments can successfully enrich agriculturally significant soil fungi for an extended duration following a single application within a hostile subsoil. Our results emphasise the legacy effects this management approach has on fungal community diversity, persisting even after the amendments are no longer detectable.

Published online 13 August 2024

SR24049Effects of wetting and drying alternation on the shear properties of root-loess composites

Ruihan Jiang, Peng Zhan, Chaobo Zhang 0000-0001-9196-2341 and Jing Jiang
 

Wetting and drying alternation (WD) on the mechanical properties of root-soil composites is not clear at present, or if roots can inhibit the deterioration of soil under WD. This paper investigated the effect of WD on the shear strength of root-loess composites. WD was found to deteriorate soil shear strength and cohesion, while roots inhibited the deterioration of WD on the shear property of loess. The results provide a scientific basis for ecological construction in loess areas.

Published online 12 August 2024

SR23216Spatial and temporal distribution and environmental determinants of freeze-thaw erosion intensity in Qiangtang grasslands, China

Gaobo Zhang 0009-0007-4270-5593, Xiaohuang Liu, Jinjie Wang, Jiufen Liu, Xiaofeng Zhao, Hongyu Li, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang and Honghui Zhao
 

This study uses geographical detectors and the analytic hierarchy process to analyse the spatial and temporal distribution of freeze-thaw erosion in the Qiangtang Plateau grassland area of northern Tibet from 2000 to 2019. The results show that freeze-thaw erosion is more serious during the non-growing seasonthan the growing season. The spatial distribution of freeze-thaw erosion is mainly affected by changes in annual precipitation and temperature, and secondly by vegetation coverage. This research contributes to the management of climate change.

Published online 08 August 2024

SR23177Spatial variability of mineral surface area and carbon sequestration potential at the farm scale – a case study

Sam McNally 0000-0001-6079-092X, Joanna Sharp, Peter Jaksons, Craig Tregurtha, Mike Beare 0000-0003-0027-3757 and Robyn White
 

Soils can increase in carbon and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions. This study assessed the potential of soils to increase in soil carbon at the farm scale. Soil type and mineral surface area were the main drivers for differences in the carbon sequestration potential at the farm scale. An understanding of the distribution of this potential at the farm scale could allow for targeted management practices to increase SOC.

Published online 08 August 2024

SR24010Availability of phosphorus and nitrogen from modified mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser compounds

Jonathan W. McLachlan 0000-0003-0592-4424, Peter W. English, Richard J. Flavel and Chris N. Guppy
 

Formation of lower solubility ammonium salts may be a simple and cost-effective way to slow the release of nitrogen from fertiliser. Several modified mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser compounds were prepared by adding magnesium silicate to regular MAP fertiliser and reconstituting the granules. Shoot yields were lower when barley (Hordeum vulgare) plants were grown with the modified MAP fertiliser compounds compared to standard MAP fertiliser. This reduced growth was likely due to decreased nitrogen availability through a slower release of nitrogen.

Published online 08 August 2024

SR23045Soil capacity to biomass production in sandy loam soils following cover crop farming systems in tropical conditions in the Northeast region of Brazil

Gislaine dos Santos Nascimento, Tancredo Souza 0000-0001-8729-5478, Lucas Jónatan Rodrigues da Silva and Djail Santos
 

Soil quality (SQ) sheds light on soil health and its capacity to sustain food and fibre production. It can assist decision-making in farming systems by integrating plant production into soil management planning. However, the use of cover crops can influence the SQ. For development of SQ models, the current study focussed on the monocropping system of cover crops. The main aim of this study was to assess the influence of cover crops on soil chemical properties, SQ, and its decay rate.

Published online 30 July 2024

SR24004An experiential account with recommendations for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a farm-scale soil moisture sensing and mapping system

Brendan Malone 0000-0002-0473-8518, David Biggins, Chris Sharman, Ross Searle 0000-0003-0256-1496, Mark Glover 0000-0003-4705-2871 and Stuart Brown
 

Soil moisture sensing enables precision capability to manage crop productivity. We designed and implemented a spatial, vertical and temporal model for mapping soil moisture at the farm level. Upscaling data from soil probes to the farm level provides better insights about fluxes of soil moisture. Our on-farm soil moisture monitoring system is modular, with each component that can be readily updated and improved. Soil moisture monitoring networks cannot be set-and-forget systems, but require longer term planning and monitoring.

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

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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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