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Agriculture
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Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility
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Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility

A special issue of Agriculture (ISSN 2077-0472). This special issue belongs to the section "Agricultural Soils".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 April 2023) | Viewed by 26448

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry, University of Agriculture in Krakow, Al. Mickiewicza 21, 31-120 Krakow, Poland
Interests: mineral and organic fertilizers; waste management; biochar; compost; soil organic matter
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The reduction in organic matter in soils was recognized by the Commission of the European Communities as one of the main causes of their degradation. For this reason, the exogenous organic matter (EOM), including composts, vermicomposts, or biochars, is considered to be of great importance in improving the fertility of soil, including organic matter content. Exogenous organic matter additions to soils can have great impacts on the slow cycling of soil organic carbon. EOMs cover a very wide range of biowaste that comes from agriculture, forestry, industry, or urban green areas. Therefore, the physical and chemical properties of these materials, which determine the effect of EOMs in soil, are highly variable. In recent years, the quality and health of soil fertilized with, e.g., exogenous organic matter of waste origin, which is part of the principles of sustainable development and circular economy, is widely recognized by and of great interest to a wide range of scientists around the world.

Manuscripts should focus on the use of a waste material in a new product (e.g., biochar, compost, organomineral fertilizers) and their impact on soil quality and plant yield. Multidisciplinary research that embraces the diversity of sustainability perspectives is particularly appreciated.

Dr. Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • soil organic matter
  • nutrients
  • plant quality
  • exogenic organic matter
  • soil improvers
  • waste management
  • ecological risk assessment
  • microorganisms
  • enzymatic activity
  • soil pollutions

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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Research

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13 pages, 1536 KiB  
Article
Trace Element Content in Soils with Nitrogen Fertilisation and Humic Acids Addition
by Mirosław Wyszkowski, Natalia Kordala and Marzena S. Brodowska
Agriculture 2023, 13(5), 968; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13050968 - 27 Apr 2023
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1829
Abstract
Application of mineral fertilisers can entail an increase in trace element content in the soil. In consequence, their elevated uptake by plants and transfer to further trophic chain links may occur. The aim of the research reported here was to determine the usefulness [...] Read more.
Application of mineral fertilisers can entail an increase in trace element content in the soil. In consequence, their elevated uptake by plants and transfer to further trophic chain links may occur. The aim of the research reported here was to determine the usefulness of the tested organic materials, such as humic acids, for reduction of the content of trace elements in two soils fertilised with excessive doses of nitrogen fertilisers. Soil type had a considerable effect on soil trace element content. The content of most trace elements (cadmium, lead, chromium, cobalt, nickel, manganese, and iron) was higher in loamy sand than in sand. Among the tested fertilisers, a higher content of most soil trace elements was found after the application of ammonium nitrate. Urea fertilisation led to a decrease in the content of cadmium, chromium, copper, and zinc in both soils; cobalt, manganese, and nickel in sand; and an increase in concentration of cobalt and manganese in loamy sand, relative to the subjects fertilised with ammonium nitrate. Urea ammonium nitrate solution (UAN) decreased the content of chromium, cadmium, copper, nickel, and zinc in both soils; lead in the sand; and cobalt in the loamy sand, while raising the content of lead in the loamy sand, relative to the subjects fertilised with ammonium nitrate. The impact of urea and UAN on the remaining trace element content in the soils was comparable to that effected by ammonium nitrate. The effect of humic acids on trace element content in the soil tended to be beneficial, as they reduced the soil concentrations of these elements compared to the control subject (without their application). However, it should be emphasised that their effect depended on nitrogen fertiliser form and soil type. Humic acids can effectively reduce the uptake of trace elements by some plant species. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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19 pages, 4939 KiB  
Article
Increased Soil Aggregate Stability by Altering Contents and Chemical Composition of Organic Carbon Fractions via Seven Years of Manure Addition in Mollisols
by Meng Zhou, Yang Xiao, Leilei Xiao, Yansheng Li, Xingyi Zhang, Richard M. Cruse and Xiaobing Liu
Agriculture 2023, 13(1), 88; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture13010088 - 28 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2524
Abstract
Mollisols include an abundance of soil organic carbon (SOC) which is easily influenced by fertilization management. Manure addition could enhance soil aggregate stability; however, the dominating factor affecting its stabilization remains controversial. The fertilization practices were initiated in 2012 to investigate the influences [...] Read more.
Mollisols include an abundance of soil organic carbon (SOC) which is easily influenced by fertilization management. Manure addition could enhance soil aggregate stability; however, the dominating factor affecting its stabilization remains controversial. The fertilization practices were initiated in 2012 to investigate the influences of different fertilization managements on the contents and molecular characterization of organic carbon (OC) fractions, and to clarify the underlying mechanism of soil aggregate stability change. NoF (non-fertilizer), CF (only chemical fertilizer), CF + DM (chemical fertilizer plus single dairy manure at 15 t ha−1), and CF + 2DM (chemical fertilizer plus double dairy manure at 30 t ha−1) treatments were established. This research was aimed at exploring the potential mechanism that affects aggregate stability in Mollisols through the variation of contents and chemical composition of OC fractions, and screening out the appropriate fertilization practice on promoting SOC stabilization and crop yield under 7-year manure addition. Compared to CF, 7-year manure addition significantly enhanced SOC content by 17.4–35.9% at 0–10 cm depth, which was evidenced from the contribution of increased aromatic compounds with 4.3–19.9%. Simultaneously, compared with CF, CF + DM and CF + 2DM both significantly enhanced dissolved organic carbon and easily oxidizable organic carbon contents by 12.5–37.7% at a 0–30 cm soil layer. In regard to soil aggregates, the increased OC content and mass percentage of macroaggregates, and the decreased mass percentage of free microaggregates both improved aggregate stability under manure addition at 0-30 cm soil layer, which was proven to be the increment in mean weight diameter (MWD) and geometric mean diameter (GMD) values by 17.6–22.1%. Moreover, CF + DM and CF + 2DM raised aromatic compound amounts of POM fractions within macroaggregates [M(c)POM] by 5.6–11.6% and within free microaggregates (Fm-POM) by 4.3–10%. Furthermore, CF + DM and CF + 2DM both significantly increased maize yield by 5.7% and 4.2% compared to CF, but no significant difference was observed between CF + DM and CF + 2DM treatments. Collectively, physical protection through the occlusion within aggregates of POM might be the central mechanism for soil aggregate stability of manure addition in Mollisols. The manure addition of 15 t ha−1 was the effective management method to enhance SOC stabilization and crop yield in Mollisols. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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17 pages, 3463 KiB  
Article
Effect of Nutrient Management on Soil Carbon Quantities, Qualities, and Stock under Rice-Wheat Production System
by Sunita K. Meena, Brahma S. Dwivedi, Mahesh C. Meena, Saba P. Datta, Vinod K. Singh, Rajendra P. Mishra, Debashish Chakraborty, Abir Dey and Vijay S. Meena
Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1822; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111822 - 1 Nov 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2238
Abstract
The nutrient management options have been contemplated to be sustainable strategies to sustain rice-wheat production systems and a conceivable option to maintain soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil systems. We hypothesized that carbon fraction could be a critical factor in improving carbon storage [...] Read more.
The nutrient management options have been contemplated to be sustainable strategies to sustain rice-wheat production systems and a conceivable option to maintain soil organic carbon (SOC) in soil systems. We hypothesized that carbon fraction could be a critical factor in improving carbon storage in cereal-based production systems. The results suggested that the adoption of IPNS legumes (berseem and cowpea), STCR, and OF improved SOC concentrations. It was observed that significantly higher (57%) contribution in carbon concentration very labile carbon (VLC) was trailed by the non-labile carbon (NLC, 23%), labile carbon (LC, 12%), and less labile carbon (LLC 8%) in the surface soil layer. Results showed that carbon stock varied from 11.73 to 18.39 and 9.95 to 11.75 t ha−1 in the surface and subsurface soil depths, respectively, and significantly higher carbon stock was maintained in OF in both soil depths over the other nutrient management practices. Results showed that for the surface layer C-stocks registered in the following order (0–15 cm soil depth) OF (18.39 t ha−1) > IPNS + C (17.54 t ha−1) > IPNS + B (17.26 t ha−1) > IPNS (16.86 t ha−1) > STCR (15.54 t ha−1) > NPK (15.32 t ha−1) and unfertilized control (11.73 t ha−1). Overall, results suggested that the adoption of IPNS options addition of legumes significantly enhanced all carbon pools. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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14 pages, 2244 KiB  
Article
Sorghum–Grass Intercropping Systems under Varying Planting Densities in a Semi-Arid Region: Focusing on Soil Carbon and Grain Yield in the Conservation Systems
by Risely Ferraz-Almeida, Carlos Juliano Brant Albuquerque, Reginaldo Camargo, Ernane Miranda Lemes, Renato Soares de Faria and Regina Maria Quintão Lana
Agriculture 2022, 12(11), 1762; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12111762 - 25 Oct 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1660
Abstract
A major challenge in sorghum intercropping systems is maintaining their yields compared to the yields of the solo crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that intercropping systems using sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) and [...] Read more.
A major challenge in sorghum intercropping systems is maintaining their yields compared to the yields of the solo crops, especially in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that intercropping systems using sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench.) and Brachiaria sp. are viable means to increase sorghum production and soil carbon in the conservation systems. Field trials were conducted in the semi-arid region of Minas Gerais, Brazil, during two crop cycles of sorghum associated with different grasses (Andropogon gayanus—AG; Cenchrus ciliaris cv. Aridus—CCA; Cenchrus ciliaris cv. 131—CC; Brachiaria decumbents—BD; Brachiaria brizantha—BB; Brachiaria ruziziensis—BR; Panicum maximum—PM), using row spacings of 0.4 and 0.8 m. Panicles of sorghum (yield) and grass dry matter were collected to determine yields. Results showed that the addition of grasses in systems decreased the grain yield in all systems, except in the systems using sorghum with CCA in 0.4 m, AG in 0.8 m, or BR in 0.8 m. In the 0.4 m row spacing, the sorghum associations with CC, BB, or PM are greater alternatives to increase soil carbon. However, when the row spacing was increased, the sole sorghum was the best alternative to increase the carbon. In machine learning, sorghum systems with CCA and AG are better alternatives to increase the yields, while sorghum with CC, PM, BR, and BB increases the grass dry matter in soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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15 pages, 2022 KiB  
Article
Improved Nutrient Management Practices for Enhancing Productivity and Profitability of Wheat under Mid-Indo-Gangetic Plains of India
by Hanuman Prasad Parewa, Janardan Yadav, Vijay Singh Meena, Deepranjan Sarkar, Sunita Kumari Meena, Amitava Rakshit and Rahul Datta
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1472; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091472 - 15 Sep 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3024
Abstract
Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-inoculants on wheat productivity and profitability. Results specified that judicious application of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, and bio-inoculants significantly increased the productivity and profitability of [...] Read more.
Two-year field experiments were conducted to study the effect of different levels of inorganic fertilizers, farmyard manure (FYM), and bio-inoculants on wheat productivity and profitability. Results specified that judicious application of inorganic fertilizers, FYM, and bio-inoculants significantly increased the productivity and profitability of wheat. Data suggested that the aggregate levels of fertilizer up to 100% NPK ha−1 resulted in significant increases in all growth attributes, grain yield (+206%), straw yield (+177%), and harvest index (+7%) as compared to control. Meanwhile, plots with the application of 10 t ha−1 FYM significantly (p < 0.05) increased grain yield (+26%) and straw yield (+22%) as compared to the control. Similarly, significant enhancement in grain and straw yields was observed with the application of PGPR + VAM over no-inoculation. Results showed that the significantly higher grain and straw yield attained by application of 75% NPK fertilizer + 10 t ha−1 FYM was at par with the application of 100% NPK fertilizer alone. Further, net returns (profitability) and B:C ratio (2.37) were significantly higher with fertilization with 75% NPK + 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM as compared to 100% NPK alone. Overall, it can be concluded that the combination of 75% NPK and 10 t ha−1 FYM along with PGPR + VAM represented the optimum for net return and B:C ratio and reduced (25%) dose of NPK as compared to the rest of the treatment combinations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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11 pages, 279 KiB  
Article
Effect of Zinc along with Organic Fertilizers on Phosphorus Uptake and Use Efficiency by Cocksfoot (Dactylis glomerata L.)
by Beata Kuziemska, Paulina Klej, Andrzej Wysokinski and Robert Rudziński
Agriculture 2022, 12(9), 1424; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12091424 - 9 Sep 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1728
Abstract
Scarce findings on phosphorus (P) uptake and its utilization under increased zinc (Zn) levels in organic fertilizers amended soil led to conducting research. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of increasing the application of zinc (200, 400, and 600 [...] Read more.
Scarce findings on phosphorus (P) uptake and its utilization under increased zinc (Zn) levels in organic fertilizers amended soil led to conducting research. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of increasing the application of zinc (200, 400, and 600 mg·kg−1 of soil) together with different organic fertilizers (bovine manure, chicken manure, and spent mushroom substrate) on the content and uptake of phosphorus by cocksfoot and the phosphorus use efficiency from organic fertilizers. The application of different amounts of zinc did not affect phosphorus content in the grass, but it significantly influenced its accumulation (p < 0.05). The most phosphorus uptake was accumulated by plants following zinc application at 200 mg·kg−1 of soil and the least following application of 600 mg·kg−1 of soil. The phosphorus use efficiency from organic fertilizers was increased by zinc application of 400 mg·kg−1 of soil and reduced by 600 mg·kg−1 of soil. Organic fertilizers did not significantly affect the phosphorus content in the grass but did increase its uptake. The highest phosphorus use efficiency was obtained for bovine manure. The study showed no antagonistic relationships between zinc and phosphorus, but increasing zinc application affected the coefficient of phosphorus utilization from organic fertilizers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
18 pages, 13701 KiB  
Article
Novel Fuller Earth, Rock Phosphate, and Biochar for Phytomanagement of Toxic Metals in Polluted Soils
by Daniyal Sher Bahadur, Samreen Riaz Ahmed, Altaf Hussain Lahori, Tanveer Hussain, Sofia Khalique Alvi, Sheraz Shafique, Sadia Fatima, Viola Vambol, Monika Mierzwa-Hersztek, Preeta Hinduja, Sergij Vambol and Zengqiang Zhang
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1216; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081216 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2097
Abstract
The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of individual and combined effects of novel fuller earth, rock phosphate, and biochar (grapefruit peel) at 1% dosage on maize plant growth, soil chemical properties anduptake of toxic metals (TMs), such as Cu, Zn, [...] Read more.
The present study was aimed to assess the efficacy of individual and combined effects of novel fuller earth, rock phosphate, and biochar (grapefruit peel) at 1% dosage on maize plant growth, soil chemical properties anduptake of toxic metals (TMs), such as Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cd, by maize plant sown in Korangi (district of Karachi, Pakistan) heavily polluted and Korangi less polluted (K-HP and K-LP) soils. The obtained results indicate that the dry biomass of maize crop increased by 14.13% with combined (FE1% + GBC1%) on K-HP soil and 18.24% with combined (FE 1% + GBC 1%) effects on K-LP soil. The maximum immobilization of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cd was observed by 36% with GBC1%, 11.90% with FE1%, 98.97% with combined RP1% + GBC1%, 51.9% with FE1% + GBC1% for K-HP, 11.90% with FE1%, 28.6% with FE1%, 22.22% with RP1% + GBC1%, and 57.05% with FE 1% + GBC 1% for K-LP soil. After the addition of proposed substances, modification of soil OM, SOC, TOC, and pH level appeared this lead to the changes in the phyto-availability of Cu, Zn, Fe, and Cd in maize plant. It was concluded that the application of individual and combined effects of novel fuller earth, rock phosphate, and biochar (grapefruit peel) have potential to stabilize pollutants from multi-metal polluted soils for safe crop production. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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Review

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16 pages, 1041 KiB  
Review
Enhancing Carbon Sequestration in Mediterranean Agroforestry Systems: A Review
by Corina Carranca, Filipe Pedra and Manuel Madeira
Agriculture 2022, 12(10), 1598; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12101598 - 2 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2891
Abstract
The agroforestry systems with a high potential for C sequestration are those degraded by poor management strategies. Studies on changes in soil C status in these ecosystems mostly take into account labile C pools. Labile and stable soil organic matter (SOM) fractions are [...] Read more.
The agroforestry systems with a high potential for C sequestration are those degraded by poor management strategies. Studies on changes in soil C status in these ecosystems mostly take into account labile C pools. Labile and stable soil organic matter (SOM) fractions are affected by soil management and land-use changes. Stable C pools are essential to understanding effects of land-use on soil C storage in the long term. The SOM stability is partly enhanced by the interaction of SOM with minerals and its inclusion into soil aggregates. Recalcitrant substances (e.g., lignin and chitin) also contribute to the passive SOM fraction. Macroaggregates mostly reflect the influence of plant roots and coarse intra-aggregate particulate SOM (POM), whereas microaggregates reflect the influence of fine interaggregate POM, clay concentration and humified SOM fraction. Often, POM is more sensitive to soil management changes than total SOM. Glomalin is a recalcitrant protein consisting of chitin produced by mycorrhizal fungi to protect hyphae. Glomalin has implications on C sequestration in agroforestry soils, but further research is needed before any prediction can be made. One challenge is reducing the CO2 emission from roots, and increasing the recalcitrant root C. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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20 pages, 1736 KiB  
Review
Soil Inorganic Carbon as a Potential Sink in Carbon Storage in Dryland Soils—A Review
by Anandkumar Naorem, Somasundaram Jayaraman, Ram C. Dalal, Ashok Patra, Cherukumalli Srinivasa Rao and Rattan Lal
Agriculture 2022, 12(8), 1256; https://doi.org/10.3390/agriculture12081256 - 18 Aug 2022
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6248
Abstract
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool has been extensively studied in the carbon (C) cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. In dryland regions, however, soil inorganic carbon (SIC) has received increasing attention due to the high accumulation of SIC in arid soils contributed by its high [...] Read more.
Soil organic carbon (SOC) pool has been extensively studied in the carbon (C) cycling of terrestrial ecosystems. In dryland regions, however, soil inorganic carbon (SIC) has received increasing attention due to the high accumulation of SIC in arid soils contributed by its high temperature, low soil moisture, less vegetation, high salinity, and poor microbial activities. SIC storage in dryland soils is a complex process comprising multiple interactions of several factors such as climate, land use types, farm management practices, irrigation, inherent soil properties, soil biotic factors, etc. In addition, soil C studies in deeper layers of drylands have opened-up several study aspects on SIC storage. This review explains the mechanisms of SIC formation in dryland soils and critically discusses the SIC content in arid and semi-arid soils as compared to SOC. It also addresses the complex relationship between SIC and SOC in dryland soils. This review gives an overview of how climate change and anthropogenic management of soil might affect the SIC storage in dryland soils. Dryland soils could be an efficient sink in C sequestration through the formation of secondary carbonates. The review highlights the importance of an in-depth understanding of the C cycle in arid soils and emphasizes that SIC dynamics must be looked into broader perspective vis-à-vis C sequestration and climate change mitigation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Organic Matter and Its Role in Soil Fertility)
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