Land | Special Issue : Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices

Research

15 pages, 4681 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Landscape Implications of Contemporary Abandonment of Extensive Sheep Grazing in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System

by Víctor Fernández-García and Leonor Calvo

Land 2023, 12(4), 780; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12040780 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1497

Abstract

In Southern Europe, the abandonment of the traditional transhumant system where sheep graze lowland areas during winter and distant mountain systems during summer has led to an important cultural loss and still poorly understood ecological consequences. We investigate the landscape-scale implications of contemporary [...] Read more.

In Southern Europe, the abandonment of the traditional transhumant system where sheep graze lowland areas during winter and distant mountain systems during summer has led to an important cultural loss and still poorly understood ecological consequences. We investigate the landscape-scale implications of contemporary sheep grazing patterns in a Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System (GIAHS). Our analysis showed a heterogeneous use of mountain grazing areas between 1990 and 2020. The areas most used by sheep had more abundance of pasture, fewer forests, and structurally different landscapes than those that had been fully abandoned by sheep. Likewise, we have detected decreasing trends in landscape diversity in those areas not used by sheep over the study period, whereas landscape heterogeneity is maintained in those areas grazed by sheep. Our study constitutes an original analysis of landscape patterns and shifts in relation to extensive sheep grazing by using novel approaches that combine interviews, updated satellite time series, and state-of-the-art landscape analysis techniques. Likewise, our results constitute a benchmark as they inform on the importance of preserving extensive sheep grazing if we aim to maintain the cultural heritage, and traditional diverse landscape and the semi-natural grasslands in the Mountains of León. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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17 pages, 3365 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Forest Sharing^® as an Innovative Facility for Sustainable Forest Management of Fragmented Forest Properties: First Results of Its Implementation

by Francesca Giannetti, Andrea Laschi, Ilaria Zorzi, Cristiano Foderi, Enrico Cenni, Cristiano Guadagnino, Giacomo Pinzani, Francesco Ermini, Francesca Bottalico, Guido Milazzo, Lorenzo Massai, Alessandro Errico and Yamuna Giambastiani

Land 2023, 12(3), 521; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12030521 - 21 Feb 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3414

Abstract

The forestry sector in Italy and throughout Europe is going through a critical period due to ongoing natural and anthropological processes, such as climate change and the abandonment of rural areas. These processes lead to a constant fragmentation of properties in small forest [...] Read more.

The forestry sector in Italy and throughout Europe is going through a critical period due to ongoing natural and anthropological processes, such as climate change and the abandonment of rural areas. These processes lead to a constant fragmentation of properties in small forest parcels, with direct impacts on management capacity. In this framework, new sustainable forest management methods are being tested and are shown to be good practices to oppose the decline of forest ecosystems. Their innovative aspects concern the introduction of a form of shared and circular economy, where management is built on the process, rather than on the product. Their technical activities are based on precision forestry systems and digitalization. The new approach takes into consideration the fact that the woods are an asset available to the whole community, in terms of benefits and protection. Forest Sharing^® is an example of the application of shared forest management systems, due to which the owner user benefits from several services and opportunities, such as the advanced monitoring platform and the access to investment funds. After eighteen months of activity, the first results of the application of the new management systems can already be seen. Many aspects need further development, such as case studies concerning the enhancement due to forest certification and new recreational activities. Shared forest management systems have the potential to increase the level of knowledge and awareness of citizens about environmental and territorial issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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19 pages, 2516 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Key Actors’ Perspectives on Agroforestry’s Potential in North Eastern Germany

by Johannes Litschel, Ferréol Berendt, Hanna Wagner, Simon Heidenreich, David Bauer, Martin Welp and Tobias Cremer

Land 2023, 12(2), 458; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020458 - 11 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3025

Abstract

As a land use management system, agroforestry has environmental, economic and societal benefits over conventional agriculture or forestry. Important benefits of combining tree growth with agricultural crops and/or forage production systems include higher biodiversity through more diverse habitats, the control of runoff and [...] Read more.

As a land use management system, agroforestry has environmental, economic and societal benefits over conventional agriculture or forestry. Important benefits of combining tree growth with agricultural crops and/or forage production systems include higher biodiversity through more diverse habitats, the control of runoff and soil erosion, the augmentation of soil water availability, the creation of microclimates, carbon sequestration and provision of a more diverse farm economy. As the climate changes, north eastern Germany is likely to be particularly prone to severe effects from droughts and wind erosion in the future. However, the area of land under agroforestry makes up less than 2% of the total agricultural area in Germany. Through qualitative interviews with key actors, this study analyzed the benefits of, potentials for and barriers to implementing agroforestry systems in the federal state of Brandenburg. Results showed that agroforestry systems have significant potential in relation to several benefits, particularly the mitigation of soil erosion and stabilization of microclimate regimes. Additionally, agroforestry has the potential to provide wood for energy production or material uses. Although a small but highly innovative and interlinked community exists, administrative barriers and high start-up costs currently hamper the transition from conventional agriculture to agroforestry systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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16 pages, 3265 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Soil Moisture Variation in Agroforestry in Karst Region

by Zehui Wang, Kangning Xiong, Chenxu Wu, Ding Luo, Jie Xiao and Chuhong Shen

Land 2023, 12(2), 347; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12020347 - 28 Jan 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1893

Abstract

The special above-ground and underground dual structure in the karst area makes the capacity of surface water storage in this area poor. In water-limited ecosystems, soil moisture is the key to the survival of plants. Influenced by rainfall and soil texture, soil moisture [...] Read more.

The special above-ground and underground dual structure in the karst area makes the capacity of surface water storage in this area poor. In water-limited ecosystems, soil moisture is the key to the survival of plants. Influenced by rainfall and soil texture, soil moisture variation characteristics of different vegetation types are different in slope land. Many researchers use rainfall simulation experiments to study the influence of soil water movement processes under rainfall patterns, but there are few studies under natural conditions. In this paper, wood trees, peach trees, flue-cured tobacco, and grassland were planted at the buffer zone boundary of Shibing, a World Heritage site, along different elevations in the depression of the research site. Peach trees and flue-cured tobacco were the main cash crops in the area. The soil layers of 0–0.15 m, 0.15–0.30 m, 0.30–0.45 m, 0.45–0.60 m, and 0.60–0.75 m were taken as research objects. Rainfall and soil moisture were monitored every ten minutes to study the variation of soil moisture of vegetation types under different rainfall patterns. Through the analysis of soil physicochemical properties and vegetation types, it was found that soil moisture changes were different in different land types. In general, shallow soil moisture (0~0.30 m) was more active in the wet season (CV > 10%) but tended to be stable in the dry season. The rainy season rainfall had the greatest influence on soil moisture change. The response level of soil moisture to rainfall of all vegetation types was grassland > peach trees > flue-cured tobacco. These results can provide ecological and economic suggestions for karst areas with large population distribution in China, so as to reduce the impact of rock desertification on this area. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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14 pages, 930 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Prediction of Phosphorus Sorption Index and Availability by NIR and MIR in Soils in Madagascar

by Henintsoa V. Ramaroson, Thierry Becquer, Hery Razafimahatratra, Ando Razakavololona, Lilia Rabeharisoa and Amos F. M. Rakotondrazafy

Land 2023, 12(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/land12010196 - 7 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2189

Abstract

The development of techniques for the rapid, inexpensive, and accurate determination of the phosphorus (P) availability and sorption index (PSI) in soils is important for P management in highly weathered tropical soils. The applicability of near- and mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR and MIR) [...] Read more.

The development of techniques for the rapid, inexpensive, and accurate determination of the phosphorus (P) availability and sorption index (PSI) in soils is important for P management in highly weathered tropical soils. The applicability of near- and mid-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIR and MIR) as tools for estimating P availability and PSI was assessed over a wide range of highly weathered soils in Madagascar. The predictions were based on chemometric methods using multivariate calibration models with partial least squares (PLS) regressions, and pedotransfer functions (PTFs). Chemometric methods failed to predict available P (P_resin). However, a P sorption index, determined as the P remaining in solution (P_rem), was estimated with acceptable accuracy with both NIR and MIR (R²_cv = 0.70 − 0.73; R²_v = 0.65 − 0.77; SEP(c) = 5.5 − 4.6 mg kg⁻¹). The PTFs showed that the PSI was well explained by iron oxide, gibbsite, and sand contents, all of these compounds being well predicted by NIR or MIR (R²_v > 0.70). These results indicate that NIR and MIR can be helpful for a rapid estimate of PSI of highly weathered ferralitic soils. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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14 pages, 1641 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Effects of Tillage and Winter Cover Management in a Maize Soybean Rotation on Soil Bacterial and Fungal Community Composition

by Nisarga Kodadinne Narayana, William L. Kingery, Alayna A. Jacobs, Jon K. Allison and Shankar Ganapathi Shanmugam

Land 2022, 11(12), 2259; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122259 - 10 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2355

Abstract

The abundance and distribution of soil microbial populations, i.e., microbial diversity is widely promoted as a key tenant of sustainable agricultural practices and/or soil health. A common approach to describing microbial diversity is phylogenetic analysis with high-throughput sequencing of microbial DNA. However, owing [...] Read more.

The abundance and distribution of soil microbial populations, i.e., microbial diversity is widely promoted as a key tenant of sustainable agricultural practices and/or soil health. A common approach to describing microbial diversity is phylogenetic analysis with high-throughput sequencing of microbial DNA. However, owing to the tremendous amounts of data generated, a continuing effort is required to better assess the effects of agricultural management systems on soil microbial diversity. Here, we report on the combined effects of management systems on bacterial and fungal diversity in a loessal agricultural soil located in north-central Mississippi, USA. Amplicon sequencing was performed using 16S rRNA-gene and ITS2 from soil samples collected from a three-year study with combinations of maize-soybean crop rotation, tillage practices, and winter vegetative covers. Differences were found in microbial fungal β-diversity among the management systems, with distinct clustering patterns for no-tillage combined with either winter weeds or bare-fallow. Management systems showed a significant influence on soil pH and bulk density, which were positively correlated with fungal community composition. Developments in the description and interpretation of soil microbial diversity will contribute to a more accurate understanding of its role in the various functions and processes important to agricultural soil management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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13 pages, 1581 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Cation Exchange Resins for Predicting Available K on K-Deficient Soils: Extraction Capacity among Different Soil K Pools and First Insights on the Contribution of K Solubilized by Rhizosphere Microbes

by Fotis Bilias, Eleni Kotsangeli, Ioannis Ipsilantis and Nikolaos Barbayiannis

Land 2022, 11(12), 2146; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11122146 - 28 Nov 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1524

Abstract

The contribution of non-exchangeable soil K in the total K availability may be essential to K deficient soils; however, less attention has been paid so far for proposing soil tests that assess the bioavailable structural K that is solubilized by soil microbes during [...] Read more.

The contribution of non-exchangeable soil K in the total K availability may be essential to K deficient soils; however, less attention has been paid so far for proposing soil tests that assess the bioavailable structural K that is solubilized by soil microbes during a growing season. The objectives of this study were to evaluate cation exchange resins for their performance in predicting K uptake by plants; to investigate the relationships between rhizosphere soil microbes, different soil K pools, and soil parameters; and to assess their exchange capacity with respect to K derived by feldspars. A pot experiment with winter wheat was conducted on K deficient soils, several soil tests were examined, and rhizosphere K solubilizing microbial population was assessed. Single and multiple regressions showed that cation resins performed better in predicting total plant K uptake than the other chemical extractants (r² = 0.64, r² = 0.85, respectively, p ≤ 0.001), whereas the PCA analysis and Pearson correlation tests revealed a positive correlation between K derived by feldspars, K uptake, and the K solubilizing rhizosphere microbial population. The above was further confirmed by the mapping of cation resins of extraction capacity, which showed a significant contribution of K derived by feldspars (15.6%). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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14 pages, 2067 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Soil Compaction in Harvesting Operations of Phalaris arundinacea L.

by Leonardo Bianchini, Riccardo Alemanno, Valerio Di Stefano, Massimo Cecchini and Andrea Colantoni

Land 2022, 11(7), 1031; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11071031 - 7 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1694

Abstract

Tillage and harvesting operations of perennial forage crops have problems with soil compaction. The effects of this phenomenon are soil deterioration with reduced crop performance and yield. This study aims to assess soil disturbance by measuring the level of compaction caused by the [...] Read more.

Tillage and harvesting operations of perennial forage crops have problems with soil compaction. The effects of this phenomenon are soil deterioration with reduced crop performance and yield. This study aims to assess soil disturbance by measuring the level of compaction caused by the harvesting operations of Phalaris arundinacea L. P. arundinacea is a species that lends itself to biomass production and phytoremediation of contaminated soils; it adapts to difficult soil conditions, outperforming other species in terms of ease of planting, cost, maturity time, yield, and contamination levels. The crop was sown in three plots of the experimental teaching farm of the University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy. Following a detailed analysis of the chemical–physical characteristics of the soil, minimum tillage was chosen in order to concentrate on harvesting operations, which were carried out with a disc mower coupled to a tractor. This was followed by penetration resistance and soil moisture measurements to verify the incidence of the operations and the effect of the type of crop on compaction. On the study site, measurements were taken at points that the wheels of the tractor had gone over and at points that they had not. The soil analysis results indicate different chemical–physical characteristics between the two areas, the texture being frankly sandy to clayey. Penetration resistance measurements indicated differences for the first 20 cm between the part that was covered by the tractor’s tyres and the part that was left touched but also between the three plots. Moisture influenced penetration resistance. This study provides an evaluation of the first data obtained from a project that will last four years and which will explore the dynamics between soil, cultivation, and harvesting operations, giving a fundamental basis for further investigation of further harvesting operations and soil characteristics, which are crucial for planning and managing crops and reducing impacts on the soil in order to preserve it. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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15 pages, 3599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Forest Harvesting Operations on the Recovery of Earthworms and Nematodes in the Hyrcanain Old-Growth Forest: Assessment, Mitigation, and Best Management Practice

by Hadi Sohrabi, Meghdad Jourgholami, Angela Lo Monaco and Rodolfo Picchio

Land 2022, 11(5), 746; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11050746 - 18 May 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2216

Abstract

The quality and performance of forest soil is closely related to the characteristics of the faunal community in the soil. Focusing on soil organisms can provide good indicators to choose the best soil restoration methods to improve the properties of degraded forest soils. [...] Read more.

The quality and performance of forest soil is closely related to the characteristics of the faunal community in the soil. Focusing on soil organisms can provide good indicators to choose the best soil restoration methods to improve the properties of degraded forest soils. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the effects of the tree litter of different species on the recovery of soil organisms (earthworms and nematodes) from skid trails over a 20-year period after harvest operations. For this purpose, three skid trails with different ages after harvest operations (6, 10, and 20 years), considering three tree litter treatments (beech, beech–hornbeam, and mixed beech) and three traffic intensity classes (low, medium, and high), were identified. The combination of treatments was carried out in the forest with three replications, and a total of 18 sample plots of 0.5 m² were harvested to measure earthworms and nematodes. The results showed that 20 years after harvest operations, the highest values of earthworm density (5.72 n m⁻²), earthworm biomass (97.18 mg m⁻²), and total nematodes (313.65 in 100 g of soil) were obtained in the mixed beech litter treatment compared to other litter treatments. With decreasing traffic intensity from high to low, the activity of soil organisms increased, and the highest values of earthworm density (5.46 n m⁻²), earthworm biomass (87.21 mg m⁻²), and soil nematodes (216.33 in 100 g soil) were associated with low traffic intensity. Additionally, in all three litter treatments and traffic intensities, the epigeic ecological species were more abundant than the anecic and endogeic species. Key soil variables including water content, porosity, available nutrients, pH, total organic C, and total N were significantly correlated with earthworm density and biomass and soil nematode population. Litter management and addition to compacted soil can support the functional dynamics and processes of the soil and maintenance of the abundances and activities of the soil fauna. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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17 pages, 2948 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Maize Conservation Crops Associated with Two Vegetal Covers on the Edaphic Macrofauna in a Well-Drained Savanna of Venezuela

by Jimmy A. Morales-Márquez, Raimundo Jiménez-Ballesta, Rosa M. Hernández-Hernández, Gloria K. Sánchez, Zenaida Lozano and Ignacio Castro

Land 2022, 11(4), 464; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11040464 - 24 Mar 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Conventional agricultural in the Venezuelan Llanos has generated gradual soil degradation. Therefore, conservationist agriculture has been proposed. According to several works, this type of management favors soil macrofauna. To test this hypothesis, the response of soil macrofauna to the establishment of conservationist maize [...] Read more.

Conventional agricultural in the Venezuelan Llanos has generated gradual soil degradation. Therefore, conservationist agriculture has been proposed. According to several works, this type of management favors soil macrofauna. To test this hypothesis, the response of soil macrofauna to the establishment of conservationist maize crops, associated with Brachiaria dictyoneura (Bd) and Centrosema macrocarpum (Cm), was evaluated. The samples of soil and soil macrofauna were taken per vegetation cover at different climatic season over 2 years and 10 months. For this period and under the conditions studied, the results partially refute the hypothesis; on the one hand, they showed that the soil macrofauna of a natural savanna (NS) is the most diverse and equitable (N₁ = 4.5 ± 2.8), followed by the cultivation of maize associated with Cm (N₁ = 3.2 ± 1.9) and the least diverse with Bd (N₁ = 2.6 ± 2.1). Additionally, some taxonomic groups apparently did not tolerate soil intervention, while Termitidae was favored. On the other hand, the temporal variation of the soil macrofauna did not differ between vegetation covers (F: 1.18; p = 0.37). This variation could be due to the decrease in TP (r = −0.55) and increased BD (r = 0.56). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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15 pages, 5533 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon Storage in Biomass and Soil after Mountain Landscape Restoration: Pinus nigra and Picea abies Plantations in the Hyrcanian Region

by Rodolfo Picchio, Farzam Tavankar, Hamid Rafie, Aezam Rezae Kivi, Meghdad Jourgholami and Angela Lo Monaco

Land 2022, 11(3), 422; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030422 - 14 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2348

Abstract

Forest plantations have significantly more potential for carbon storage than non-forested areas. In this study, the amount of carbon stored in the biomass (trees, shrubs, herb, litter, and deadwood) and soil of 25-year-old plantations with P. nigra and P. abies species was measured [...] Read more.

Forest plantations have significantly more potential for carbon storage than non-forested areas. In this study, the amount of carbon stored in the biomass (trees, shrubs, herb, litter, and deadwood) and soil of 25-year-old plantations with P. nigra and P. abies species was measured and compared with the non-planted adjacent area (control) in a mountainous region of northern Iran. The results show that the amount of carbon stored in the biomass of P. nigra and P. abies plantations was 4.4 and 3.3 times higher than the value of the control (4.59 C Mg ha⁻¹), respectively. In addition, the amount of carbon stored in soil was 1.5 and 1.2 times higher than the value at the control site (47.91 C Mg ha⁻¹), respectively. Of the total carbon stored in the biomass of plantations, the highest level was observed in trees (86.5–88.5%), followed by shrubs (4.6–6.5%), litter (2.7–2.8%), the herbaceous layer (1.8–2.5%), and deadwood (1.7–2.4%), while 45.5%, 34.6%, 10.8%, 5.8%, and 3.3% of the total carbon stored in the biomass of the control site were in shrubs, trees, the herbaceous layer, litter, and deadwood, respectively. The soil carbon sequestration rate (SCSR) in soil depths of 0–10 and 10–20 cm was 0.46 and 0.44 C Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the P. nigra plantation and 0.15 and 0.23 C Mg ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ in the P. abies plantation, respectively. According to the results, we conclude that the restoration of the landscape by tree plantation has a substantially determining impact on the acceleration of carbon sequestration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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14 pages, 2933 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Variations of Soil Physico-Chemical and Biological Features after Logging Using Two Different Ground-Based Extraction Methods in a Beech High Forest—A Case Study

by Rachele Venanzi, Francesco Latterini, Walter Stefanoni, Damiano Tocci and Rodolfo Picchio

Land 2022, 11(3), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030388 - 5 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2277

Abstract

Considering that forests are crucial in the ecosystem of our planet and that forests provide timber products as well as several ecosystem services, it is evident that the application of sustainable forest operations (SFOs) is of substantial importance to achieve sustainable forest management [...] Read more.

Considering that forests are crucial in the ecosystem of our planet and that forests provide timber products as well as several ecosystem services, it is evident that the application of sustainable forest operations (SFOs) is of substantial importance to achieve sustainable forest management (SFM). One of the most important issues to be evaluated when dealing with SFOs is limiting the disturbance and impacts related to logging. Harvesting activities can indeed alter the conditions of soil through compaction and litter removal which can also lead to modifications from the biological point of view, for example, diminishing the presence of soil microarthropods. While keeping these objectives in focus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate physico-chemical and biological impacts on forest soil in Mediterranean beech forests after forest logging with two different extraction systems, which are forestry-fitted farm tractors equipped with winch and forwarder. Specifically, authors aimed to investigate: (i) soil disturbance levels of ground-based extraction methods; (ii) soil disturbance levels of the applied forestry intervention; (iii) soil disturbance levels between winching-skidding and forwarding. Findings showed that the physical, chemical, and biological soil features were slightly disturbed by the forestry itself. In addition, forest operations and machine traffic showed clear soil disturbance, resulting in a substantial alteration of the characteristics. Between the two extraction techniques tested, winching caused less disturbance while forwarding had stronger impacts. However, it should be noted that these impact levels are found only on approximately 28% of the surface where operations were carried out. From the evidence gathered in this study, winching seems a less impactful extraction method in the studied context. On the other hand, to decrease the impact of forwarding, some technical adjustments such as bogie-tracks, as well as improved operator training, should be applied. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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12 pages, 2599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Impact on Soil Physical Properties Related to a High Mechanization Level in the Row Thinning of a Korean Pine Stand

by Kigwang Baek, Eunjai Lee, Hyungtae Choi, Minjae Cho, Yunsung Choi and Sangkyun Han

Land 2022, 11(3), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/land11030329 - 24 Feb 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2224

Abstract

In ground-based harvesting, machine traffic can cause soil physical disturbances including excessive compaction, the displacement of the soil surface and topsoil, and rutting. These impacts can indirectly hamper seedling survival and tree growth because of reduced soil permeability and root growth. However, the [...] Read more.

In ground-based harvesting, machine traffic can cause soil physical disturbances including excessive compaction, the displacement of the soil surface and topsoil, and rutting. These impacts can indirectly hamper seedling survival and tree growth because of reduced soil permeability and root growth. However, the extent of soil disturbance in mechanized row thinning by harvester and forwarder systems in South Korea is unclear. Therefore, our objectives were to determine the impacts of two types of harvesters, soil textures, and extraction methods on soil compaction and rutting in a Korean Pine stand. The results showed that the machine passes affected soil disturbances. The soil bulk density inside the tracks (at 0–10 and 10–20 cm soil depths) after harvester passes (wheeled vs. tracked) increased by 17 and 27% and 30 and 20%, respectively. The largest impact was recorded for the forwarding track and significant differences were observed between the track and reference locations. Furthermore, the rutting depth in the forwarding trails was significantly higher than in the harvester trails. Thus, the application of a brush mat on harvester and forwarder trails may reduce machine-induced soil compaction. These results provide useful information to help forest engineers and field managers design environmentally sound ground-based harvesting operations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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16 pages, 3771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Routes of Soil Uses and Conversions with the Main Crops in Brazilian Cerrado: A Scenario from 2000 to 2020

by Risely Ferraz-Almeida and Raquel Pinheiro da Mota

Land 2021, 10(11), 1135; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10111135 - 26 Oct 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2446

Abstract

The Brazilian Savannah, also known as Cerrado Biome, is a hotspot for Brazilian biodiversity. The hypothesis tested in this study is that there are diverse routes of soil uses for agriculture production in Cerrado, derived mainly from areas with pasture (natural and planted) [...] Read more.

The Brazilian Savannah, also known as Cerrado Biome, is a hotspot for Brazilian biodiversity. The hypothesis tested in this study is that there are diverse routes of soil uses for agriculture production in Cerrado, derived mainly from areas with pasture (natural and planted) due to the decrease in Cerrado deforestation in the last 20 years (from 2000 to 2020). The aim of this study was (i) to determine the profile of crop production in Brazilian Cerrado; (ii) to demonstrate the routes of soil uses during the last 20 years; (iii) to demonstrate the increase of soybean and corn production in Cerrado. The design of the study was based on data of (i) the accumulation of biomass and carbon in Cerrado; (ii) production area and yield of corn, soybean, coffee, sugarcane, cotton, and pasture (natural and planted); (iii) Cerrado deforestation. Results showed that the vegetation of Cerrado promotes a higher accumulation of biomass and carbon on the subsurface, followed by accumulation in the surface, deadwood, and litter. In the last 20 years, there has been a reduction of 75% in deforestation and an increase of 66% in crop areas and 78% in crop yield. However, there was no clear reduction in deforestation specifically in the Matopiba region. In Minas Gerais/MG, Goiás/GO, and Mato Grosso/MT, there were higher productions of coffee/MG, soybean/MT, corn/MT, sugarcane/MG-GO, and cotton/MT. Planted pasture (and not natural pasture) covered the larger areas, representing 75% of the total area with pasture. The low routes of soil uses from deforestation to (i) planted pasture and (ii) crop production explained the decrease in deforestation. The increases in yield and crop areas are explained by the routes from pasture (planted and natural) to agriculture. Our results provided clear insights that programs of Cerrado preservation should continue the decrease of deforestation with the sustainable development in agriculture, mainly in the Matopiba region where there was no clear decrease in deforestation in the last 20 years. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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17 pages, 1403 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Soil Restoration through the Application of Organic Mulch Following Skidding Operations Causing Vehicle Induced Compaction in the Hyrcanian Forests, Northern Iran

by Azadeh Khoramizadeh, Meghdad Jourgholami, Mohammad Jafari, Rachele Venanzi, Farzam Tavankar and Rodolfo Picchio

Land 2021, 10(10), 1060; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10101060 - 9 Oct 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2511

Abstract

In this study an attempt was made to assess how different mulches affect the soil environment. In particular, different organic mulches such as leaf litter, straw and sawdust were tested in order to assess their capacities to amend the soil conditions. These analyses [...] Read more.

In this study an attempt was made to assess how different mulches affect the soil environment. In particular, different organic mulches such as leaf litter, straw and sawdust were tested in order to assess their capacities to amend the soil conditions. These analyses were carried out in the Hyrcanian mixed broadleaved forest. Organic mulches can compensate the litter layer loss on compaction-induced soil and accelerate the restoration process of soil properties, which takes from a few years to several decades without mulching. However, comprehensive knowledge on the effects of organic mulch on soil quality in terms of compaction-induced soil in the scientific literature is still scarce and inadequate. The main aim of the study was to examine the effects of three organic mulches (leaf litter, straw and sawdust) on the restoration of forestry vehicle-induced soil properties in the skid trail over a 2-year period. The results showed as the values of soil physical and chemical properties in litter, straw and sawdust treatments were significantly restored as compared with the values in the untreated soil. In general, leaf litter supplies nutrients at higher rates than the straw and sawdust mulches. However, according to the current results, a 2-year period is not enough to return the soil physical and chemical properties to pre-traffic levels. Furthermore, the present study shows that organic mulch spread on the surface of mineral soil in the skid trails after machine traffic acts as a fertilizer to accelerate the decomposition of organic matter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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15 pages, 1262 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of Leaf Litter Mulching and Incorporation on Skid Trails for the Recovery of Soil Physico-Chemical and Biological Properties of Mixed Broadleaved Forests

by Meghdad Jourgholami, Azadeh Khoramizadeh, Angela Lo Monaco, Rachele Venanzi, Francesco Latterini, Farzam Tavankar and Rodolfo Picchio

Land 2021, 10(6), 625; https://doi.org/10.3390/land10060625 - 11 Jun 2021

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 2772

Abstract

Engineering applications can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of soil compaction and amend compacted soils. Previous literature has highlighted the beneficial effects of interventions such as litter mulching and incorporation on skid trails. However, little is known about the effectiveness of [...] Read more.

Engineering applications can be used to mitigate the adverse effects of soil compaction and amend compacted soils. Previous literature has highlighted the beneficial effects of interventions such as litter mulching and incorporation on skid trails. However, little is known about the effectiveness of these alternatives in restoring forest soil quality after forest logging. The objective of this study was to properly elucidate the effects of the above mentioned soil protection methods, litter incorporation before skidding (LI) and litter mulching after skidding (LM), on the recovery of compacted soil’s physico-chemical and biological properties on skid trails over a 2-year period in the Hyrcanian forests of Iran to identify the best option for restoration intervention. The litter used in both methods consisted of dried leaves of the hornbeam and maple tree in three intensities of 3, 6, and 9 Mg ha⁻¹. The results showed that the application of both methods (LI and LM) significantly improved the soil properties when compared to the untreated skid trail. Results showed that the recovery values of soil properties in the LI treatments were significantly higher than those of the LM. The recovery values of soil properties by 6 and 9 Mg ha⁻¹ were significantly higher than those of 3 Mg ha⁻¹, while the differences were not significant between 6 and 9 Mg ha⁻¹. Our findings showed that soil properties were partially recovered (70–80%) over a 2-year period from treatment, compared to untreated, but the full recovery of soil properties required more time to return to the pre-harvest value. Overall, the results of this study demonstrated that the application of soil protection methods accelerates the process of recovering soil properties much faster than natural soil recovery, which can take more than 20 years in these forests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Influence on Soil Quality of Agriculture and Forest Management: Assessment, Mitigation and Best Management Practices)

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