Granulaty wytworzone z biowęgla, obornika i dodatków mineralnych inkubowano w glebie przez 100-dni przeprowadzone w kontrolowanych warunkach laboratoryjnych, w celu wyjaśnienia dynamiki uwalniania azotu oraz buforujących właściwości chemicznych gleby. W glebie płowej (Luvisol) inkubowano osiem różnych granulatów wytworzonych z biowęgli, obornika drobiowego, gipsu, wapna oraz dodatków organicznych, zaprojektowanych tak, aby reprezentowały odmienne właściwości chemiczne. Wykazano iż, inkubacja granulatów zawierających wapno bądź gips wywołała wzrost pH gleby do 6,7, następnie wystąpił spadek wartości pH gleby, dla granulatów zawierających podłoże popieczarkowe i biowęgiel z pestek owoców wykazano niemal neutralną reakcję gleby (pH >6,0) pod koniec inkubacji. Inkubacja granulatów zawierających obornik i gips spowodowała przyrost przewodności elektrycznej z 102 do 1100-1180 µS cm-1 przez stopniowe uwalnianie jonów, bez ryzyka wystąpienia stresu solnego. Dla granulatów G1-G3 zmierzono stężenie jonu amonowego w glebie wynoszące blisko 250 mg N kg-1 (G1-G3), który następnie przekształcił się w formę azotanową, osiągając stężenie powyżej 200 mg N kg-1 w dniu 100 inkubacji. Tempo uwolnienia azotu Kjeldahla z granulatów było umiarkowane, na koniec inkubacji wykazano 62–92% początkowej zawartości. Uzyskane wyniki ujawniają dwufazową kinetykę przemian związków azotu: akumulację azotanów w glebie, a następnie przyrost stężenia azotanów wewnątrz granulatów, spowodowane dyfuzją tlenu i nitryfikacją zależną od pH. Połączenie biowęgla, gipsu i wapna umożliwia uzyskanie trzech synergicznych efektów buforujące: czasowego (opóźniona nitryfikacja), chemicznego (stabilizacja pH) i hydrojonowego (stopniowa ewolucja ECe). Wyniki te stanowią podstawę do projektowania granulatów nawozowych organiczno-mineralnych, które umożliwiają synchronizację uwalniania azotu z aktywnością mikroorganizmów glebowych jednocześnie minimalizując zakwaszenie i straty składników odżywczych.
Peruvian highland ecosystems cover approximately 22 million hectares and provide key ecosystem services that support human well-being and food security. Soil functioning in these ecosystems largely depends on the activity of microbial communities. This study evaluated the effects of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. inoculation on soil chemical properties, aerial biomass production, and nutritional quality of Festuca dolichophylla, Jarava ichu and Cinnagrostis vicunarum. A field experiment was conducted at 4379 m a.s.l. in the central Peruvian highlands. Bacterial inoculation increased soil organic matter and nitrogen availability in plots dominated by J. ichu and F. dolichophylla inoculated with Bacillus sp., compared to non-inoculated controls. Higher soil phosphorus content was observed in C. vicunarum pastures inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. In terms of biomass production, significant increases were recorded in C. vicunarum under both bacterial inoculations and in F. dolichophylla associated with Bacillus sp., while J. ichu showed higher yields with Pseudomonas sp. In addition, bacterial inoculation improved forage nutritional quality, particularly total protein, calcium, and phosphorus contents in J. ichu, highlighting species-specific plant–microorganism interactions. Overall, the inoculation of beneficial bacteria represents a promising and environmentally sustainable strategy to improve soil quality, forage productivity, and nutritional value in native highland grasslands, contributing to more resilient rangeland systems and the conservation of ecosystem services.
Soils in the Botevgrad Valley, Western Bulgaria, have been exposed to long-term anthropogenic pressure arising from industrial emissions of the Kremikovtsi metallurgical complex, intensive agriculture, and expanding urbanisation. These drivers have contributed to the accumulation of heavy metals and the alteration of soil fertility, raising concerns about the long-term ecological stability of the valley ecosystem. Despite the significance of the region, information on the microbiological and enzymatic characteristics of these soils as sensitive bioindicators remains limited. The present study aimed to examine how key physicochemical factors influence these enzymes and to evaluate their potential for assessing soil quality and resilience under anthropogenic impact. Representative soil samples were taken following a spatial grid covering agricultural, forest, and semi-urban sites, with agricultural soil dominating. Basic soil parameters (pH, humus, moisture, nutrients) and trace elements (Pb, Mn, Cu, Fe, Zn, Cd) were determined, while microbial composition and the activities of cellulase and catalase were analysed by conventional microbiological and enzymatic methods. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were applied to identify the main dependencies and independent predictors. Lead concentrations exceeded the permissible levels at two sites, while cadmium and copper were elevated at one. Cellulase activity was generally high, indicating active microbial decomposition, and correlated positively with soil moisture, total nitrogen, potassium, and microbial abundance, whereas Pb and Mn exerted pronounced inhibitory effects. Catalase activity reached maximum values in the Eutric Fluvisols and minimum values in the Pb- and Cu-enriched Skeletic Phaeozems. It correlated positively with iron, humus, and available phosphorus, showing weaker positive relationships with microbial indicators. Regression analysis confirmed Pb as the strongest negative predictor of both enzymes, while humus, phosphorus, and pH showed significant positive effects on catalase. Iron played an indirect stimulatory role by associating with organic matter and nutrients. The integration of correlation and regression analyses identified Pb and Mn as the main inhibitors of enzymatic activity, while soil nutrients, pH, and moisture stimulated microbial processes. The persistence of relatively high catalase and cellulase activities, even under contamination, indicated the presence of resilient microbial communities and a potential for natural self-purification. Overall, the findings confirm that cellulase and catalase are reliable bioindicators for evaluating soil quality, fertility, and resilience in valley ecosystems under anthropogenic stress, providing a scientific basis for sustainable land-use management and environmental restoration strategies.
Gleby Karpat Zewnętrznych, w tym Gorców, rozwijają się ze zwietrzeliny fliszu lub pokryw stokowych pochodzenia fliszowego, które w przeważającej mierze tworzą gleby brunatne. Jednak w tych obszarach występują również lokalnie gleby bielicowe. Ich powstawanie przypisywano dotąd albo obecności gruboziarnistego materiału macierzystego na niższych wysokościach, albo czynnikom bioklimatycznym na wyższych wysokościach, które sprzyjają silnemu zakwaszeniu gleby i inicjują bielicowanie. Celem niniejszego badania było określenie, w jaki sposób właściwości gleb brunatnych i bielicowych odnoszą się do współczesnych warunków bioklimatycznych w najwyższych partiach Gorców. Wyniki kompleksowych badań, obejmujących pomiary temperatury i wilgotności gleby, badania roślinności i analizy właściwości gleby, wykazały, że chociaż ogólnie wilgotny i chłodny klimat jest niezbędnym warunkiem bielicowania, właściwości materiału macierzystego odgrywają decydującą rolę w występowaniu gleb bielicowych. Gleby bielicowe są konsekwentnie związane z gruboziarnistymi materiałami macierzystymi pochodzenia piaskowcowego, ubogimi we frakcję iłową i żelazo. Sąsiednie gleby rozwinięte na drobnoziarnistych mułowcach, mimo że wykazują słabe cechy odgórnego oglejenia, przypominajace efekty procesu eluwiacji w górnych poziomach, nie wykazują wyraźnych śladów procesów iluwiacyjnych, i posiadają właściwości, które wspierają funkcjonowanie znacznie bogatszych zespołów gatunków roślin naczyniowych w piętrze runa leśnego. Uzyskane wyniki podważają pogląd, że czynniki bioklimatyczne są głównym czynnikiem powodującym bielicowanie w górnoreglowej strefie Karpat fliszowych, i podkreślają kluczowe znaczenie zmienności litologicznej materiału macierzystego w rozwoju gleb na dużych wysokościach.
The objective of this study was to investigate changes in soil enzymatic activities within the carbon (C), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and sulfur (S) cycles following the conversion of forest to pasture. Soil samples classified as Acrisols were collected from seven pasture paddocks and one native forest area (as a reference). The experimental design employed a randomized block arrangement with eight land-use systems: five with Brachiaria brizantha (BB), two with Brachiaria humidicola (BH), and one with Native Forest (FN), evaluated at two soil depths: 0-10 cm and 10-20 cm. Soil chemical and biological variables were analyzed in conjunction with hydrolase enzyme activities associated with the C, N, P, and S cycles. Statistical analysis data were processed using R Studio (v. 4.2.2). The FN system exhibited the highest beta-glucosidase and acid phosphatase activities. The BBQR system (BB on burned and mountainous areas) exhibited elevated activities of arylsulfatase, cellulase, urease, and protease. The BHQC system (BH on burned and limed areas) also showed high cellulase and invertase activities. Overall, conversion to pasture significantly altered enzymatic activities, although BBQR maintained enzymatic activities comparable to those of FN in certain nutrient cycles. These findings underscore the importance of management strategies that preserve soil biological function and quality in savanna-forest transition regions.
Acidic sandy soils in tropical regions have inherently low nutrient retention due to their highly weathered nature and low organic matter content. Organic amendments, like cricket feces, offer potential for improving soil properties; however, the temporal dynamics of soil charge characteristics under different application methods and rates remain unclear, particularly in variable-charged soils. This study evaluated the effects of application methods (incorporation versus surface placement) and rates (0, 3.13, 6.25, and 12.50 Mg ha-1) of cricket feces on charge characteristics of an acidic sandy soil in Northeast Thailand. An incubation experiment monitored changes in cation exchange capacity (CEC), zero point of net charge (ZPNC), and their related properties. CEC increased with the application rates and was negatively related to ZPNC throughout the experimental period. In the early stage, during 1-5 days, the incorporation treatments produced significantly higher CEC (2.40-3.80 cmol kg-1) than the surface application treatments (2.00-3.50 cmol kg-1), associated with higher pH, organic C, dissolved organic C, and decomposition rate (k). In the later stage, by day 45, surface application treatments showed significantly higher CEC (up to 2.73 cmol kg-1) than the incorporation treatments (2.33 cmol kg-1), corresponding with greater dissolved organic C and lower k, indicating the effects of organic matter quality affected by the decomposition rate. These findings demonstrated that incorporating cricket feces led to an immediate enhancement of nutrient retention, whereas surface application brought about a more prolonged retention effect.
The Himalayan foothills experience heavy rainfall and imbalanced fertilization, particularly with potassium (K). In traditional farming, K fertilization is often low or neglected, resulting in a decline in crop productivity. This study aims to evaluate the impact of bio-cover addition, tillage, and bioinoculants on wheat yield, K availability, and quantity-intensity relations in the Himalayan foothills of India. A field experiment was conducted in a factorial randomized block design with three replications, comprising eight treatment combinations: zero tillage or conventional tillage, no or bio-cover addition and no or seed treatment using bioinoculants in the rice-wheat system. Soil samples were collected from post-wheat plots. The results showed that following zero tillage and bio-inoculation, wheat yields increased by 4% and 11%, respectively. Bio-cover addition with bio-inoculation and tillage with bio-inoculation also increased the yield. However, the three-way interaction of these practices did not notably vary the yield. Among fractions of K, water-soluble K increased in bio-cover addition and decreased in zero tillage practice. Additionally, bioinoculants did not affect this fraction of K. Exchangeable K was higher when combining zero tillage with bio-cover and bioinoculants, whereas non-exchangeable K did not vary with tillage practices and bioinoculants; moreover, bio-cover additions improved this fraction of K. In the case of mineral K and total K, zero tillage and bio-cover addition increased in the soil, except in the deeper layer. Among quantity/intensity parameters, potential buffering capacity was significantly highest when combining zero tillage with bio-cover and bioinoculants, contrasting with the activity ratio, which was highest when combining conventional tillage with bio-cover and no bioinoculants. The correlation study showed that the fractions of K and quantity/intensity parameters were in dynamic equilibrium. Therefore, this study concludes that management practices such as zero tillage, bio-cover addition, and bioinoculants in the Himalayan foothills of India can enhance K availability in the soil. Overall, we recommend that long-term bio-cover additions under zero or conventional tillage with bio-inoculations can improve and maintain K supply in the rice-wheat system.
During an extensive period of research on Ukrainian soils, a substantial amount of factual data regarding their properties has been gathered. However, this knowledge has not yet been sufficiently disseminated within the international scientific community. The aim of this article is to present to the global academic audience the soil resources of Ukraine, as well as the problems and challenges faced by Ukrainian soil scientists in addressing the issue of soil classification. The lack of a new national soil classification system, aligned with modern global trends, that both preserves comprehensive knowledge about soils and simultaneously functions as a normative document, represents the most pressing issue in Ukrainian soil science today. Historically, Ukrainian soil classifications have predominantly been factor-genetic in nature, which makes direct comparison with the substantive classification system of the WRB particularly challenging. Rather than comparing entire classification systems, this study focuses on correlating the national soil nomenclature with the WRB system, particularly through analysing soil types based on their diagnostic and analytical characteristics. The methodological approach involved determining the corresponding WRB equivalents for the soil categories used in the Soil Map of Ukraine, compiled from regional soil maps at a scale of 1:200,000. A distinctive feature of Ukrainian soil nomenclature is the verbosity of soil names and the utilisation of landscape and ecological terms, which significantly complicates the process of correlation with the WRB. In this study, soil names were correlated primarily based on central archetypes and soil-forming factors, given that the Ukrainian classification does not incorporate the concept of diagnostic horizons. In total, the soils of Ukraine were classified into at least 21 reference soil groups under the WRB, including Anthrosols, Arenosols, Calcisols, Cambisols, Chernozems, Fluvisols, Gleysols, Histosols, Kastanozems, Leptosols, Luvisols, Phaeozems, Planosols, Regosols, Retisols, Stagnosols, Technosols, Umbrisols, Vertisols, Solonchaks, and Solonetz. The largest proportions are occupied by the following soils: Chernozems (47.0%), Phaeozems (18.5%), Luvisols (6.4%), Arenosols (5.4%), Retisols (4%).
Soil sodification poses a significant threat to agricultural productivity, but the reversibility of sodicity-induced changes in soil hydraulic properties remains poorly understood. This study investigated the hysteresis in saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks) of a clayey soil from the Algerian lower Cheliff plain under varying sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) conditions. Three SAR increment scenarios (±5, ±15, and ±30) were employed to quantify the magnitude and persistence of structural changes in response to sodification. The results revealed a strong hysteresis effect, with Ks decreasing by up to 75% as the SAR increased from 0 to 30, and showing limited recovery upon reduction of the SAR. A critical threshold was identified between SAR 10 and 15, where soil structural degradation accelerated significantly. The hysteresis effect was most pronounced in the ±5 increment scenario, indicating that gradual changes in soil sodicity resulted in more persistent structural alterations. A hysteresis index (HI) was introduced to quantify the degree of irreversibility in soil hydraulic properties, with values ranging from 0.24 to 0.83 across different SAR levels. These findings challenge the assumption of reversibility in current sodic soil reclamation models and highlight the need for preventive management strategies. This study offers crucial insights into the complex dynamics of soil structural changes under fluctuating sodicity, with significant implications for developing more effective strategies to manage and reclaim sodic soils in arid and semiarid regions.
Soil temperature profiles are key indicators of microclimatic conditions and subsurface energy fluxes, and they are strongly controlled by slope aspect. Despite their importance, quantitative assessments of how contrasting slope exposures influence soil thermal regimes remain limited. In this study, we applied principal component analysis to a multi-year soil temperature dataset collected at several depths on north- and south-facing profiles Fragic Albic Endostanic Luvisol (Cutanic, Siltic) (IUSS Working Group WRB, 2022) in the Wieliczka Foothills (Outer Carpathians). The soils exhibit a typical sequence of genetic horizons, including humic, eluvial, illuvial, and parent material layers. The profiles were located on north- and south-facing slopes, both with comparable inclinations of approximately 10-12 degrees. Temperature was measured using 5TM moisture and temperature sensors, with data recorded by an EM50 data logger (Decagon Devices, USA). Measurements were collected from 2015 to 2019 at 10-minute intervals from five sensors installed at depths of 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 cm. Principal component analysis of soil temperature profiles revealed two dominant sources of thermal variability. The first principal component captured the seasonal dynamics expressed as annual temperature cycles across soil depths on both slopes. The second component clearly differentiated between slopes, showing a persistent, yearround thermal advantage and greater heat storage below 0.6 m depth on the south-facing slope. These results demonstrate that soil thermal profiles effectively capture microclimatic variability governed by slope aspect and provide a robust framework for evaluating landscape-scale thermal heterogeneity.
One of the most pressing issues related to soil preservation is its loss due to urbanization and industrialization. The ongoing conversion of land for industrial, residential, and transport infrastructure poses significant threats to the environment and society, which are often not properly recognized or evaluated. This study analyses the progression of this phenomenon at three spatial scales: national, regional (the Lower Silesian Voivodeship), and local (the municipality of Kobierzyce near Wroc & lstrok;aw). The latter was selected as a model research area due to its exceptionally high proportion of high-quality arable soils (soil classes I-III) and intense human-induced pressure. The national and regional analyses were based on data from the Agricultural Statistical Yearbooks (2014-2023), while the local analysis drew on exclusion decisions issued between 2004 and 2015, as well as cadastral data from the Land and Building Register. The extent of land conversion was examined according to soil quality classes and the intended use of each excluded plot of land. The results show that, at the national level, exclusions from agricultural use are roughly proportional to the distribution of soil classes. However, in the Lower Silesian Voivodeship, high-quality soils are disproportionately affected. In the Kobierzyce municipality, the data revealed that between 2000 and 2015, 97.9% of agricultural land exclusions involved soil classes I-III, with the majority being black earths from the Wroc & lstrok;aw region. The authors advocate substantial amendments to the Soil Protection Act to enhance its effectiveness in safeguarding valuable soil resources. Furthermore, they demonstrate that allocating development projects to high-quality soils is economically unjustifiable and socially irresponsible in the long term.
Soil compaction is a major issue causing a significant threat to agricultural land and food production. Therefore, this research aimed to identify the distribution of soil cone index (CI), assess the impact of variability in sources, determine the key soil features, and provide recommendations for land management. The survey was conducted in Slogohimo Sub-district, Wonogiri Regency, Indonesia, at an elevation of 1,541 feet on Mount Lawu, using a descriptive exploratory and laboratory analysis method. Survey and soil sampling used the ground drill and Dynamic Cone Penetrometer (DCP) at depths ranging from 0 to 30 cm, with a 10 cm interval. The results of CI analysis showed that the condition of soil compaction ranged from high to extremely high, varying between the values of 2.58 MPa and 11.25 MPa. The high CI class covered the largest area of 2,116.83 ha (39.50%), followed by the very high with 1,324.54 ha (24.71%) and the extremely high at 1,918.13 ha (35.79%). The types of soil were also found to significantly affect soil CI. Bulk density and soil texture were positively correlated with CI, while organic carbon and moisture content showed a negative correlation. As a determining factor, the recommendation strategy was to add organic matter and proper land management for CI optimization to a moderate level, thereby supporting land productivity.
The knowledge of soil hydraulic properties is essential for describing and predicting water and solute transport processes in the soil. This study aimed to determine both the hydraulic conductivity function and the water retention characteristic for different layers of Mollic Gleysol using the evaporation method, with the goal of utilizing these findings for modelling water and solute transport. Measurements of soil water retention and unsaturated water conductivity by the evaporation method were performed for four characteristic layers of the heavy-textured Mollic Gleysol soil profile located in the south-western part of the S & eogon;popol Lowland (Poland). Based on the data recorded in the experiment, the water retention and unsaturated hydraulic conductivity curves were measured. The parameters of the van Genuchten and van Genuchten-Mualem functions were determined using Microsoft Excel software. This involved simultaneous optimization of parameters related to soil water retention (theta r, alpha, n) and unsaturated water conductivity (alpha, n, Ks, and L). Elaborated parameters of the van Genuchten equation, based on evaporation method measurements, reproduce the measured characteristics of the retention curves correctly. The optimised hydraulic conductivity characteristics also demonstrate the effectiveness of the van GenuchtenMualem equation in describing unsaturated water conductivity. The provided methodology is suitable for determining the parameters of the van Genuchten and van Genuchten-Mualem functions for mathematical modelling of water and solute transport in heavy-textured Mollic Gleysols.
Podzolic soils, which cover only about 14% of Poland's land area and play a limited role in agricultural production, have attained a disproportionately prominent place in Polish school geography textbooks. Their strong visual distinctiveness, marked by sharp colour contrasts between horizons, may partly explain this emphasis. The present study aimed to assess the representation of podzolic soils in current educational materials (primary and secondary schools) and the level of student knowledge upon completion of primary and secondary education. The research combined a structured content analysis of thirteen widely used geography textbooks (three for primary and ten for secondary school) with a nationwide survey of 569 primary and secondary school students, employing both open-ended and multiple-choice questions to assess conceptual understanding and recognition skills. The textbook review confirmed that podzolic soils are the most frequently referenced soil unit, surpassing chernozems, clay-illuvial, brown soils, and alluvial soils, yet coverage is dominated by visual depictions and general associations (e.g., low fertility, sandy texture, forest use) with minimal attention to formation processes, diagnostic horizons, or chemical properties. Survey results revealed that over one-third of respondents could not provide a single correct association, and only 13.4 % correctly answered all four closed questions. Secondary school students outperformed primary school students across all measures, but even at the higher level, knowledge of diagnostic features and soil profi le morphology remained limited. Main misconceptions included overestimating the extent of podzolic soils, misjudging their fertility, and associating them with carbonate parent materials. The findings point to three main shortcomings in soil science education: (1) an overly static presentation of soils, focusing on appearance and distribution rather than genesis and functional implications; (2) limited progression in content depth between primary and secondary levels; and (3) outdated or inconsistent numerical data in textbooks. Addressing these issues does not require wholesale curriculum reform, but rather targeted updates, including accurate distribution maps, concise explanations of podzolization, and the integration of current classifi cation data. Such changes could bridge the gap between name recognition and functional understanding, strengthening soil science literacy among Polish students.
The study focuses on estimating the soil-vegetable relationship (beetroot, carrot, lettuce) for trace metals such as Zn, Cu, Pb, and Cd in allotment gardens within the city of Wroc & lstrok;aw (Poland). Indicators related to the bioaccumulation factors in plant roots (BAFr), shoots (BAFs), as well as the translocation factor (TF) of the shoot/root have been evaluated. A total of 45 soil samples (0-25 cm depth), along with vegetable samples (both roots and leaves), were collected from seven allotment garden complexes placed in areas with historical industrial activity. Zinc (Zn) concentration levels in soil exceeded the permissible levels of 1000 mg kg-1 in two allotment garden complexes in Wroc & lstrok;aw, ranging from 1138 to 1384 mg kg-1. For cadmium, the soil concentration exceeded the permissible limit of 5 mg kg-1 only in one allotment garden complex, reaching 6.3 mg kg-1. In the case of Cu and Pb, no contamination above permissible limits was found. For the vegetables, the bioaccumulation factors (BAF) in the roots and shoots varied significantly depending on the sites, plant species, and metal. The highest values were recorded in samples from areas with high soil contamination. The highest translocation factor (TF) values were observed for Zn in beetroot leaves, ranging from 0.43 to 5.15 depending on the allotment garden. These findings emphasize the potential health risks related to consuming vegetables grown in urban and post-industrial allotment gardens due to uptake of hazardous trace metals, especially cadmium (Cd). The study emphasizes the importance of carefully monitoring and managing urban gardening sites to ensure food safety.
The paper presents the results of research on chemical properties of soil, such as soil pH and the content of total nitrogen (Nt), available forms of phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) and microelements (manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe)) obtained after more than 55 years of using only mineral (NPK), organic (FYM) and manure fertilization together with mineral fertilizers (1/2 NPK + 1/2 FYM) in two crop rotations: a rotation without red clover (sugar beet-spring barley-winter rapeseed-winter wheat) and a Norfolk rotation with red clover (sugar beet-spring barley with undersown red clover-red clover-winter wheat). This study was based on two long-term static field experiments established in 1955 on leached black earth (according to the World Reference Base for Soil Resources WRB-Endogleyic Phaeozems) at the Agricultural Experimental Station of the Warsaw University of Life Science-SGGW, Chylice, central Poland. The obtained results indicate that the Norfolk rotation with red clover, as well as varied fertilization and years of research, influence the chemical properties of soil. After over 55 years, the soil in crop rotation with legume (A) soil acidity and total nitrogen content was significantly higher (pH 5.7, Nt 0.76 g kg-1) than in the plots without a legume plant (B) (pH 6.2, Nt 0.66 g kg-1). Crop rotation with red clover also ensured a greater content of microelements (Mn, Cu, Zn, Fe) in the soil, but caused an approximately 30% decrease in the content of available phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) in the soil compared to crop rotation without the legume. It was noted that a beneficial effect of using farmyard manure on soil pH, on increasing the content of total nitrogen, content of available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn).
The aim of this study was to present the diversity of litter soils (folisols) in the Sto & lstrok;owe Mountains and the Karkonosze Mountains, focusing on their morphology, selected properties, classification and plant communities. A total of 19 soil profiles were studied-10 from the Sto & lstrok;owe Mountains and 9 from the Karkonosze Mountains-based on the analysis of 78 samples. Folic Histosols were found at various altitudes: 681-905 m above sea level in the Sto & lstrok;owe Mountains and 839-1408 m above sea level in the Karkonosze Mountains. These soils were associated with specific landscape features: rock outcrops composed of highly weather-resistant granitoids and sandstones, where rocky folisols developed (Leptic, Folic, Rockic, Histosol - WRB 2022), rocky debris and slope covers consisting of large fragments (stones, blocks, boulders), where rocky covered folisols formed (Skeletic, Folic, Mawic, Histosol - WRB 2022). The thickness of these soils was generally less than 30 cm. However, in areas with rock crevices, large boulders, and "ruins form" relief, soil development was more pronounced, now and again exceeding 60 cm. These deeper profiles were classified as typical folisols (Leptic, Folic, Rockic, Histosol - WRB 2022). In many profiles, particularly in the Sto & lstrok;owe Mountains, lignic material was present. The studied folisols were acidic to very acidic. Interestingly, plant communities probably had a great influence on soil properties.
The drying of the Aral Sea has exposed vast seabed areas characterized by heterogeneous soils influenced by climatic, hydrological, and ecological factors. This research analyzed the physical, chemical, and nutrient properties of soils from ten profiles that illustrate different stages of the Aral Sea's retreat. The results revealed substantial spatial variation in soil properties, including particle-size distribution, salinity, organic matter, and nutrient content. While earlier exposure profiles generally exhibited finer textures, lower salinity (EC), and higher organic matter content, nutrient distribution (N, P, K) did not follow a consistent age-related trend. Instead, elevated nutrient levels were observed in profiles across all exposure stages, highlighting the influence of vegetation input and localized site conditions. Salinity has been identified as a significant factor impeding soil development and vegetation establishment, exhibiting strong negative correlations with organic matter and nutrient retention. Surface salinity and nutrient depletion were most severe in the top 0-5 cm layer; mulching may help improve conditions for plant establishment. These findings emphasize the need for site-specific restoration planning based on measured soil characteristics. Areas with suitable soil conditions may grow drought-resistant species, whereas regions characterized by high salinity or degradation necessitate halophytes that are adapted to low fertility and extreme environmental conditions. These insights provide critical guidance for the implementation of targeted, site-specific restoration projects focused on soil stabilization, biodiversity enhancement, and desertification mitigation in the Aral Sea region.
Agriculture faces significant challenges, including climate change, resource limitations, and land degradation, threatening food security. Traditional practices reliant on chemical inputs are often unsustainable, emphasizing the need for alternative solutions. Synthetic microbial communities (SynComs) are artificially assembled microbial consortia designed to improve plant health, reduce chemical inputs, and enhance soil fertility, responding to the limitations of monoculture systems and synthetic agrochemicals. SynCom holds the transformative potential to drive sustainable agriculture. These consortia can serve as biofertilizers, improving nutrient cycling and stress tolerance. They are also involved in bioremediation, transforming pollutants into nontoxic products, and converting crop residues into valuable bio-based products. Integrating Syn-Coms into agricultural practices has the potential to address environmental challenges, promote sustainable farming, and provide long-term food security and ecosystem health. However, realizing their full capacity requires interdisciplinary research, supportive policy and incentive structures, and engagement with farmers through participatory research and knowledge transfer.
