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Soil Research Soil Research Society
Soil, land care and environmental research
Table of Contents
Soil Research

Soil Research

Volume 57 Number 1 2019


Chemical extraction of aluminium and iron is frequently used to characterise forms of these elements developed during soil formation. Depending on the composition of soil, the commonly used extractants may provide incomplete and non-selective extraction. Consequences for soil characterisation and classification are discussed, and alternative methods are suggested.

SR18197Phosphorus sorption on tropical soils with relevance to Earth system model needs

Julia Brenner, Wesley Porter, Jana R. Phillips, Joanne Childs, Xiaojuan Yang and Melanie A. Mayes 0000-0001-6368-9210
pp. 17-27

Phosphorus (P) availability critically limits the productivity of tropical forests growing on highly weathered, low-P soils. To better inform Earth system modelling of soil P availability and dynamics, we assessed methodologies to estimate maximum P adsorption on soils, and relationships between P adsorption and soil characteristics. Correlations indicated that the maximum P sorption capacity was related to the initial maximum P concentration, clay content, and aluminium- and iron-oxide concentrations.


Banding of N-fertiliser creates a different biochemical environment to when N is broadcast and/or incorporated into soil. This study aimed to investigate the impact of banding on the performance of EEFs with findings indicating that high pH, NH3 toxicity and salinity within the fertosphere limit the effectiveness of nitrification inhibitors and the increased proximity of individual PCU granules may restrict the release of urea. Further research is required to explore the interactions between fertosphere chemistry and the wider soil environment.

SR17298Decomposition dynamics altered by straw removal management in the sugarcane-expansion regions in Brazil

Letícia L. Varanda 0000-0001-7813-8737, Maurício R. Cherubin and Carlos E. P. Cerri
pp. 41-52

Sugarcane areas are expanding in Brazil in the last decade making essential to define a sustainable straw removal rate from soil surface. The lowest straw removal induced the highest dry mass loss over time. Therefore, knowing the decomposition rate of sugarcane straw is essential for decision-making regarding crop residue management and straw nutrient cycling among sites.

SR18096Impact of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and earthworms on soil aggregate stability, glomalin, and performance of pigeonpea, Cajanus cajan

Mary N. Muchane 0000-0002-7694-4863, Mirjam M. Pulleman, Bernard Vanlauwe, Joyce Jefwa and Thomas W. Kuyper
pp. 53-65

Management of earthworms and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is considered highly relevant for low-input agricultural systems, especially integrated soil fertility management (ISFM) practices introduced to restore soil fertility in sub-Saharan Africa. However, very little is known about how their interactions affect water-stable aggregation, glomalin levels in aggregates and crop performance. Our result show both positive and negative effects of earthworms on AMF functioning, soil quality (soil aggregation, nutrient uptake) and crop performance necessitating proper management of these biological resources for improved soil quality and crop production.


Application of potassium (K) will increase the amount of sugarcane harvested on soils with insufficient K but excessive K will reduce amount of sugar crystals recovered. Methods currently used to measure K in soils are inadequate because they do not show soils that can retain K fertiliser, making it inaccessible to plants, or soils that can bleed K hidden between clay minerals. Our study showed inaccuracies in the currently recommended amount of K applied to sugarcane and possibly other crops.


Soil nutrients and biological properties were assayed in a solonetz reclaimed by drip irrigation. The reduced enzyme activities and soil respiration were enhanced after reclamation. More roots developed in the parallel direction to the drip line compared with the perpendicular. An acceptable survival and yield of Lycium barbarum L. were obtained in 3 years. This study provided a feasible alternative for reclamation of an impermeable saline-sodic soil.

SR18043Discrete Element Method applied to the simulation of the stress state in granular materials

Gabriela Carolina Martínez Morillo 0000-0001-6465-3367 and Alex Alves Bandeira
pp. 85-100

This work initially presents the stress state simulation of a sandy soil, showing the particle method’s efficiency as a physical approximation, and allowing further investigations to include new variables and the simulation and analysis of different kinds of soils and their soil–structure interactions.

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