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        <title>Frontiers in Soil Science | New and Recent Articles</title>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/soil-science</link>
        <description>RSS Feed for Frontiers in Soil Science | New and Recent Articles</description>
        <language>en-us</language>
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        <pubDate>2026-05-13T06:13:46.880+00:00</pubDate>
        <ttl>60</ttl>
        <item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1788339</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1788339</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Phosphogypsum application in agriculture: a review of soil fertility, plant nutrition, and environmental effects]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Review</category>
        <author>Rakhmetulla Zhapparbergenov</author><author>Ibadulla Tautenov</author><author>Serik Bekzhanov</author><author>Obid Khakberdiev</author><author>Mohd Aamir</author><author>Waquar Akhter Ansari</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Phosphogypsum (PG), a calcium sulfate dihydrate by-product of wet-process phosphoric acid production, is generated globally at over 300 million tons per year, yet only 14% is currently reused or recycled, with the remainder stockpiled or discharged into coastal areas. Its agricultural use as a soil amendment has grown considerably, yet a rigorous, integrated synthesis of its agronomic benefits, environmental risks, and practical limitations has been lacking. This review addresses that gap through analyzing questions under what conditions, at what rates, and with what co-amendments can PG be applied safely and effectively to degraded agricultural soils? Literature was searched across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar using Boolean keyword combinations centered on PG and soil properties, crop yield, radionuclides, heavy metals, soil microbiology, and circular economy themes, covering 2000 to 2025. The review demonstrates that PG improves soil aggregate stability, reduces bulk density, increases porosity and water permeability, and corrects sodicity and secondary salinization through Ca2+–Na+ exchange in saline, sodic, and magnesium-affected soils. It reliably supplies calcium and sulfate–sulfur across vegetable, cereal, legume, and industrial crop systems, and alleviates subsoil aluminum toxicity in acid tropical soils where lime is ineffective. The novelty of this review lies in integrating agronomic performance, microbial community responses, and radionuclide and heavy metal risk into a single analytical framework, positioned within a circular economy context. Critical knowledge gaps identified include insufficient long-term multi-year field data, geographically restricted study populations, and the near-total absence of source-specific contaminant characterization as a prerequisite for agronomic use.]]></description>
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        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1811516</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1811516</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrating deep learning with digital soil core sensing for subsurface soil image segmentation]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-13T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Perseverança Mungofa</author><author>Daniel Rooney</author><author>Stephen Farrington</author><author>Woody Wallace</author><author>Nicolas Guries</author><author>Arnold Schumann</author><author>Sabine Grunwald</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study developed a computer vision application for soil-phase segmentation and precise characterization of soil porosity, as well as for estimating soil color and fractal properties from digital images collected in undisturbed in situ soils. The multi-sensor Digital Soil Core (DSC) was used to collect microscopic soil images from four cultivated locations in California’s Central Valley, encompassing eight soil series and six soil orders. Images were extracted from video frames of profiles down to 120 cm with 1 cm increments (1920 × 1080 px; ~3 µm/pixel; 2.2 × 1.2 mm field of view). A pre-trained (ImageNet) DeepLabV3+ model with a ResNet101 backbone was calibrated over 200 iterations using 1,564 images (90% for calibration, with an 80:20 train/validation split, and 10% for testing). Training masks were generated with a modified IsoData algorithm in ImageJ. Model performance was evaluated on an external dataset of 404 images from four profiles (0–100 cm), one per location. The final model achieved training accuracy = 0.91, loss = 0.16, and mean intersection-over-union (mIoU) = 0.86. The Precision, Recall, and F1-score on the test dataset were 0.92, 0.91, and 0.91, respectively. Model outputs (binary masks) were used to identify pore space in soil images, thereby enhancing measurements of soil porosity, fractal variables, and color analysis. We then compared three processing pipelines: unsegmented (UN), masked (MS), and binary (BI). Each pipeline produced 2D porosity (%) and fractal variables: Lacunarity, Succolarity, Fractal Dimension, and Entropy, calculated using established image-analysis algorithms. Soil color metrics (CIE L*a*b* and HSV) were computed for UN and MS images. Outputs from segmented images were compared to unsegmented images. Differences in soil color were evaluated using the paired Wilcoxon test, and differences in porosity and fractal metrics across UN, MS, and BI were assessed using the Kruskal–Wallis test. Segmentation improved accuracy and preprocessing efficiency, with statistically significant differences confirmed by these tests (p < 0.0001). The DL-based approach is suitable for integration into digital soil sensors, enhancing segmentation accuracy and processing efficiency with inference time under 100 ms/frame. These results support scalable, field-ready quantification of soil porosity, color, and fractal metrics using in situ imagery.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1781461</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1781461</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Effects of nutrient management on soil health and leachate water quality in a corn agroecosystem]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sandeep Airee</author><author>Atanu Mukherjee</author><author>Asmita Bhandari</author><author>Maheteme Gebremedhin</author><author>Anuj Chiluwal</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Fertilizer applications are popular for enhancing crop productivity, yet they pose significant environmental risks, particularly nutrient runoff and water contamination. However, the relevant field data for Kentucky is limited. This 2024-2025 study at Kentucky State University’s Harold R. Benson Research Demonstration Farm assessed short-term impacts of three treatments: dairy manure, composted dairy manure, and synthetic fertilizers on soil health and leachate water quality under corn. Three treatments were randomly applied to a 4047 m2 (1.77-acre) field with four replications, and soil and leachate water samples were collected over the growing season from 10 and 20 cm depths of each plot using bulk density core samplers and suction cup lysimeters, respectively. Soil samples were analyzed for a suite of soil physicochemical parameters and leachate water samples were analyzed for nutrients, pH and electrical conductivity (EC). A few soil health parameters were significantly affected by management, however, some of the observed initial changes were not significant over time. Manure significantly increased soil aggregation, and organic matter compared to fertilizer treatment by 7.5 and 40%, respectively. Compost significantly improved specific surface area of soil compared to manure and fertilizer by 22.8% and 10.9%, respectively. Soil pH was significantly increased by manure and compost than that of the fertilizer and fertilizer significantly increased EC than manure and compost by 7.6% and 15.7%, respectively. Fertilizer-amended soils significantly reduced initial soil compaction, compared to other treatments, but no significant differences in compaction were observed in post-harvest soils either. Leachate water samples showed significantly higher concentrations of nitrate (NO3-N) at both soil depths and phosphate (PO4-P) at 20 cm under fertilizer compared to manure and compost amendments over time. These findings suggest that most of the measured soil properties were varied by management but temporal variation was absent as they did not respond to various treatments in short-term period during first growing season and longer time is needed to understand the full effects of management over time. Yet, these data indicate that fertilizer treatment may pose significant water quality impairment over time under corn cropping system in Kentucky.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1846976</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1846976</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Long-term application of different organic materials enhance soil organic carbon stability and sequestration in saline-alkali paddy soils]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Wenzhuo Dang</author><author>Jianyong Miao</author><author>Lan Liu</author><author>Xiaodong Ding</author><author>Jun Wang</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Organic materials are widely used to enhance soil organic carbon (SOC) storage, but their comparative effects and underlying mechanisms in saline-alkali soils remain unclear. A field experiment was conducted in the Yellow River Delta to evaluate the effects of different organic materials on SOC sequestration and soil structure in saline-alkali paddy soil. Four treatments were included: mineral fertilizer alone (NPK), NPK plus organic fertilizer (NPKC1), NPK plus biochar (NPKC2), and NPK plus rice straw (NPKC3). All organic materials significantly improved soil structure compared with NPK alone, as indicated by higher mean weight diameter(MWD) and a greater proportion of particulate organic carbon (POC) relative to mineral-associated organic carbon (MAOC). Among the treatments, NPKC1 markedly increased microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and showed the highest SOC mineralization rate, indicating enhanced microbially mediated carbon turnover. In contrast, NPKC2 increased aromatic and phenolic carbon contents and exhibited the lowest mineralization rate, reflecting the greater chemical stability of biochar-derived carbon. NPKC3 also promoted SOC accumulation, but its effects on carbon stabilization and sequestration efficiency were intermediate between those of NPKC1 and NPKC2. The results showed that NPKC2 achieved the highest SOC storage, whereas NPKC1 showed the greatest carbon sequestration efficiency (CSE). Overall, long-term application of organic materials promoted SOC sequestration in saline-alkali paddy soils through distinct pathways: organic fertilizer mainly enhanced microbial transformation and sequestration efficiency, biochar favored long-term SOC accumulation through chemically stable carbon forms, and rice straw showed moderate effects on both SOC storage and stabilization.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1780637</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1780637</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Reshaping the rhizosphere microbiome by humic acid enhances nutrient cycling and promotes Salvia miltiorrhiza growth]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-07T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Zhe Wang</author><author>Xue Mi</author><author>Muxue Kang</author><author>Xinmeng Yang</author><author>Wan Li</author><author>Yuhua Niu</author><author>Yongping Zhao</author><author>Yue Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Intensive cultivation of Salvia miltiorrhiza often leads to soil functional decline, compromising both yield and medicinal quality. Humic acid (HA) is recognized as a promising soil amendment, yet its integrated mechanisms within the plant-soil-microbe system remain unclear. Here, we conducted a pot experiment using soil from a Salvia miltiorrhiza monoculture system to evaluate the effects of three HA application rates (33.33, 16.67, and 8.67 mg/kg soil, designated as T1-T3, respectively) compared with conventional fertilization control (CK) on plant performance, soil properties, and the rhizosphere microbial functions. Our results revealed that HA application significantly enhanced plant biomass, with the T2 and T3 treatments increasing shoot biomass by 48.43% and 43.84%, and root biomass by 52.59% and 43.02%, respectively. HA application also significantly increased key bioactive compounds: tanshinone IIA rose by 81.46% (T2) and 74.39% (T3), and salvianolic acid B by 48.48% (T2) and 41.79% (T3). Soil enzyme activities were significantly enhanced, with β-glucosidase activity increasing by 70.60% and 68.27% at T2 and T3 treatments. The activity of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase and acid phosphatase rose by 4.22-fold and 1.37-fold under T2 treatment. Comparative metagenomic analysis between T2 and CK revealed that HA application altered microbial community composition; specific taxa, including Luteitalea, Nitropira, Flavisolibacter, and Ferruginibacter, were enriched in T2 treatment, with increases of 10.85%, 39.34%, 21.91%, 29.11%, respectively. Concomitantly, HA application significantly increased the abundance of functional genes associated with recalcitrant carbon decomposition (abfA, faeB, manB), organic carbon oxidation (ilvE and pabBC), nitrification (amoA, amoB, amoC, and hao), and phosphorus solubilization and mineralization (gcd, pqqC, appA, phnP, and phoN). Together, these findings show that HA enhances Salvia miltiorrhiza productivity and quality by modulating the soil-plant-microbe system, providing a mechanistic basis for HA-based strategies to improve soil quality that now warrant field-scale validation across diverse agroecological conditions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1770292</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1770292</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Critical edaphic and altitudinal factors influencing cation exchange capacity in coffee-growing soils of northeastern Peru: implications for sustainable fertility management]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-05-05T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Henry Díaz-Chuquizuta</author><author>Luis Fernando Manrique Gonzales</author><author>Martín Sánchez Ojanasta</author><author>Juan Pablo Cuevas-Giménez</author><author>Carlos Carbajal-Llosa</author><author>Néstor Cuellar-Condori</author><author>Boris Martínez</author><author>Geomar Vallejos-Torres</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionEffective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) is a key indicator of soil fertility and sustainable soil management assessment in coffee-growing systems.MethodsThis study aimed to identify the principal edaphic and altitudinal factors explaining ECEC variability in 69 soil samples collected from coffee farms in northeastern Peru.ResultsECEC results exhibited substantial variation, ranging from 0.14 to 55.49 cmol(+)·kg−1 (mean = 15.21; SD = 12.47), and were significantly correlated with organic matter (r = 0.71), clay content (r = 0.62), exchangeable acidity (r = –0.63), and altitude (r = 0.33). Principal component analysis accounted for 64.3% of the edaphic variability, identifying Ca2+, pH, Mg2+, and exchangeable acidity as the most influential variables. The Random Forest model demonstrated high predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.93; root mean square error (RMSE) = 2.1 cmol (+)·kg−1), outperforming the generalized additive model (GAM) and identifying Ca2+ as the most important predictor (IncMSE% = 3177.37). A functional altitudinal gradient was also evident: areas above 1150 m.a.s.l. showed higher acidity and aluminium content, whereas areas below 900 m.a.s.l. exhibited greater base saturation and higher ECEC.DiscussionThese findings support the development of sitespecific fertilization strategies and soil–climate zoning, emphasizing the value of integrating multivariate analyses with machine-learning models as key tools for optimizing fertility management and coffee crop productivity in tropical mountain ecosystems; where soil texture represents a key factor influencing coffee sustainability, as greater nutrient retention capacity and improved nutritional balance are associated with enhanced potential for sustainable production and reduced environmental impact.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1777598</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1777598</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Leaf litter quality is a stronger driver of decomposition in lawns than the microclimatic effect of trees]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-30T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Tom Künnemann</author><author>Patrice Cannavo</author><author>Vincent Guérin</author><author>René Guénon</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Lawns and wooded areas dominate urban green spaces (UGSs) and are known to store substantial amounts of carbon in soils, yet the role of lawn trees in litter decomposition dynamics remains poorly understood. This study assessed how trees influence litter decomposition through (i) microclimatic (temperature and moisture) and (ii) soil properties effects. Decomposition rates of 8 tree and shrub litters (Quercus robur, Quercus rubra, Fagus sylvatica, Platanus × acerifolia, Pinus radiata, Tilia × europaea, Cornus alba, Spiraea vanhouttei) frequently encountered in urban areas were measured using litterbags(5 mm and 2 mm mesh) in adjacent open and wooded lawns, allowing assessment of macrofauna contribution. Microclimatic conditions and soil physicochemical properties were monitored. Decomposition rates varied widely among litter types, with 5 tree litters decomposing slowly (0.29 < k < 0.85 y-1) and 3 litters—mostly shrubs—decomposing faster (3.06 < k < 6.23 y-1). Despite a higher average temperature in open lawns (+1.6 °C), the decomposition rates were similar between lawn types except for the two Quercus rubra and Q. robur, which decomposed 87% and 54% faster in wooded lawns, respectively.Macrofauna exclusion revealed a stronger contribution to the decomposition of labile litter in both lawn types. Overall, decomposition rates were primarily driven by litter quality, especially lignin and soluble compound content (R² = 0.59–0.92), while microclimate and soil properties had limited influence. These results indicate that litter quality outweighs microclimatic effects of trees on decomposition in UGSs and suggest that maintaining litter in wooded lawns could support soil carbon processes without impairing decomposition. Together, these findings offer UGS managers an initial framework to assess litter decomposition from various litter types when recycled on open and wooded lawn soils.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1771112</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1771112</link>
        <title><![CDATA[16S rRNA-based characterization of post-fire soil bacterial communities in a pine-oak forest of northeastern Mexico]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-29T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Sandra E. Rivas-Morales</author><author>Ricardo Romero-Arguelles</author><author>Antonio Guzmán-Velasco</author><author>José I. González-Rojas</author><author>Alina Olalla-Kerstupp</author><author>Antonio Leija-Tristan</author><author>Esther E. Rios-del Toro</author><author>Andres Abellán-Borja</author><author>David Valladares-Sánchez</author><author>Gabriel Ruiz-Ayma</author><author>Mayra A. Gomez-Govea</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionWildfires can alter soil structure and reduce microbial diversity, potentially affecting ecosystem resilience. Understanding the effects of wildfire on native soil microbiomes may help identify bacterial taxa relevant for ecosystem recovery. In this study, we investigated wildfire-associated patterns in soil bacterial communities across a pine–oak forest in Mexico. MethodsSixteen soil samples were categorized into three time-since-fire classes: (i) early post-fire (<3 years; EPF), (ii) intermediate post-fire (3–10 years; IPF), and (iii) late post-fire (>10 years; LPF), representing a site-based chronosequence rather than a replicated temporal trajectory. Bacterial communities were characterized using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing (Illumina MiSeq) and analyzed with QIIME1. Soil physicochemical properties, including pH, moisture, texture, organic matter, and salinity, were also measured. ResultsTime-since-fire categories, along with pH and elevation gradients, were associated with differences in community composition. Although approximately 50% of taxa were shared among conditions, burned and unburned soils differed in the relative abundance of Actinobacteria and Acidobacteria, as well as in the occurrence of low-abundance taxa with reported thermotolerant and pollutant-degrading traits. Co-occurrence network analysis revealed differences in network structure between burned and unburned communities, although these results should be interpreted cautiously due to their correlational nature. Several genera commonly reported in post-fire environments, including Massilia, Arthrobacter, and Blastococcus, were detected. Notably, Arthrobacter and Blastococcus were part of the core microbiome, with Arthrobacter also showing differential abundance and high connectivity in unburned soil networks. Additional taxa of interest included Actinobacteria genera such as Gaiella, Jiangella, Krasilnikovia, Mycobacterium, and Rubrobacter, as well as the Proteobacteria genus Lysobacter.DiscussionCollectively, these findings highlight bacterial taxa associated with wildfire-affected soils and provide insights into microbial community shifts across post-fire chronosequences. These results may support future microbiome-based approaches for the management and restoration of fire-prone ecosystems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1799970</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1799970</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Modeling carbon sequestration in Mediterranean agroecosystems using the CAST model]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Evangelia A. Koukianaki</author><author>Maria A. Lilli</author><author>Roberta Farina</author><author>Silvia Vanino</author><author>Carlos Alberto Torres Guerrero</author><author>Eduardo Garcia Braga</author><author>Nikolaos P. Nikolaidis</author>
        <description><![CDATA[This study evaluates soil organic carbon (SOC) sequestration in Mediterranean agroecosystems using the Carbon, Aggregation, and Structure Turnover (CAST) model, with a focus on agroecological and regenerative practices that support carbon farming (CF) strategies. Three case studies across Greece, Italy, and Spain were assessed to quantify SOC dynamics and carbon storage potential. In Koiliaris, Greece, avocado orchards adopting manure addition, mulching, and sustainable irrigation sequestered 3.81–4.71 tC/ha/yr between 2019 and 2024, with a projected decline to 1.15–1.50 tC/ha/yr by 2044 as SOC approaches saturation. In Lazio, Italy, regenerative olive groves accumulated 1.17 tC/ha/yr (2011–2025), slightly decreasing to 1.09 tC/ha/yr by 2045, indicating long-term SOC stability. In Sant Pau de Segúries, Spain, agroforestry systems gained 0.94 tC/ha/yr (2019–2024), increasing to 1.09 tC/ha/yr by 2044, whereas pastures showed SOC losses (−0.71 tC/ha/yr) due to forest-to-grassland conversion. SOC accumulation was predominantly associated with macro-aggregates (>250 μm) reflecting soil structural stability and resilience. The CAST model successfully simulated SOC turnover and aggregate fractions since the uncertainty of the simulation due to carbon input was low, demonstrating in this way its value for Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) within CF schemes.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1767992</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1767992</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Soil salinity regulates metal bioavailability and soil–plant transfer in halophytic crops]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-27T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Gulom Bekmirzaev</author><author>Raxmontoy Kurvantayev</author><author>Kasimbek Isabaev</author><author>Abdurakhim Berdishev</author><author>Qosim Rakhmonov</author><author>Sabirjan Isaev</author><author>Sunnat Tadjiev</author><author>Umida Parpieva</author><author>Azam Azimov</author><author>Jakhongir Khamraqulov</author><author>Sanoatxon Zakirova</author><author>Muhabbat Diyorova</author><author>Elyor Malikov</author><author>Abbosbek Akhmadaliyev</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionSoil salinity fundamentally reshapes geochemical controls governing metal mobility and plant uptake, yet its effects across soils with different salinity histories remain poorly resolved.MethodsWe conducted four controlled experiments using NaCl treatments ranging from 1.0 to 20.0 dS m−1, combining freshly salinized soils with soils previously exposed to salinity, and evaluated metal behavior in soil -plant systems of Tetragonia tetragonioides and Portulaca oleracea.ResultsIncreasing salinity reduced the solubility and CaCl2 -extractable (bioavailable) fractions of Fe, Zn, Ba, Sr, and Cu, while total soil metal pools remained largely unaffected, indicating ionic competition, chloride complexation, and ionic-strength -driven shifts in metal partitioning. These patterns show that the observed reductions primarily involve bioavailable metal fractions rather than changes in total soil metal concentrations.DiscussionOur findings indicate that especially long-standing soil salinity acts as an important regulator of metal bioavailability and soil -plant transfer, providing mechanistic insight into metal dynamics in saline agroecosystems and supporting the strategic use of halophytes for managing metal-affected saline soils.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1752540</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1752540</link>
        <title><![CDATA[How does soil type and chemistry affect glomalin-related soil protein accumulation?]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-23T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Vojtěch Polách</author><author>Sneha Patra</author><author>Daniel Růžička</author><author>Viktor Nagy</author><author>Vendula Koublová</author><author>Karel Klem</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionGlomalin-related soil protein (GRSP) serves as a critical indicator of soil health, reflecting particularly microbial activity and soil aggregate stability. Despite the known effects of management practices for GRSP accumulation, the role of soil properties remains under-researched.MethodsThis study aimed to evaluate how soil chemical properties and soil type influence GRSP accumulation across a diverse range of soils in the Czech Republic, including fields representing arable land with very similar (conventional) management and crop rotation structures.ResultsNo direct significant effect of soil type on GRSP content was observed. Nevertheless, distinct GRSP associations with specific soil properties were identified across different soil type groups. Marked differences were noted in the relationships between GRSP and cation exchange capacity (CEC), calcium content (Ca), and pH. Positive correlations between these parameters and GRSP were identified in luvisols, regosols, stagnosols, and podzols, while negative correlations were detected in chernozems, vertisols, calcisols, and phaeozems. Similar patterns were observed related to climatic regions, with positive correlations in moderately warm regions and negative correlations in very warm regions. In contrast, GRSP exhibited a positive correlation with soil organic carbon (SOC) and the humic-to-fulvic acid (HA/FA) ratio across all soil types and almost all climatic regions. The variability in the relationships among CEC, Ca, pH, and GRSP is attributed to a nonlinear peak relationship, indicating that GRSP accumulates at specific CEC, Ca, and pH ranges. The highest accuracy of GRSP prediction was achieved with Ca and CEC, at 43% and 37%, respectively, whereas for linear relationships with HA/FA or SOC, it was only 26% and 10%, respectively.DiscussionOverall, our findings show that integrating linear and nonlinear predictors enables reliable estimation of GRSP accumulation potential across contrasting soil environments, thereby providing a practical tool for identifying soil conditions that support higher GRSP levels and, consequently, greater soil quality and aggregation potential.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1768147</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1768147</link>
        <title><![CDATA[The role of cover crops in enhancing soil health and biodiversity in Mediterranean vineyards]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Andrea Martín-Pablo</author><author>Milagros Navarro</author><author>Domingo Javier López-Robles</author><author>Daniel Pérez-Alonso</author><author>Rocío Barros</author><author>Carlos Rad</author><author>Oscar Aguado</author><author>Gonzalo Sacristán-Pérez-Minayo</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Soil health is a priority in European policies, such as the EU Soil and Biodiversity Strategies for 2030, owing to land degradation and climate change, with Mediterranean vineyards being especially vulnerable because of their low soil organic matter content and risk of erosion. To improve sustainability, cover crops are increasingly used as alternatives to conventional tillage with bare soils. This study assessed the effects of different ground cover strategies on soil health, grape production, and biodiversity in Vitis vinifera cv. Tempranillo vineyard (D. O. Ribera del Duero, Spain). Four soil management systems were compared in 2021–2022: conventional tillage (CT), natural green cover (NGC), a sown grass–legume mixture (SGC), and a sown grass–flower mixture (FGC), in a randomized block design with four replicates. Surface soils (0 cm–20 cm) were sampled in spring 2022 and analyzed for pH, EC, organic matter, total nitrogen, soluble nutrients, microbial biomass, and enzymatic activity, as well as SPAD measurements to monitor plant development, yield, and grape quality. The yield decreased by 75% under FGC compared to that under CT. Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) increased by 57% in SGC compared to CT. Cover crops reduced grape yield but improved quality, notably by increasing anthocyanin content in the must. They also improved the biodiversity of the vineyards and increased the organic carbon content of the soil compared to CT. However, they depleted available nutrients, particularly nitrates, and showed only limited effects on soil biological properties, such as enzyme activities. Overall, cover crops promoted ecosystem services but required trade-offs with yield and soil nutrient availability.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1755770</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1755770</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Exploring the impact of lime amendments: a machine learning analysis of influential factors]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-22T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Floyd Muyembe Chipatela</author><author>Lotfi Khiari</author><author>Amine Kassam</author><author>Otmane Raji</author><author>Hamza Jouichat</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe effectiveness of liming materials in ameliorating soil acidity depends on their physical, chemical, and mineralogical properties. Although several factors influencing lime efficacy have been identified in previous studies, their relative importance and interactions remain insufficiently explored. This study therefore applies a machine learning (ML) approach to better understand the complex interactions among variables affecting soil pH change following lime application.MethodsA dataset comprising 857 observations was compiled and analyzed within a supervised ML framework using a Gradient Boosting Model (GBM). The model was used to evaluate the relative importance of key factors, including particle size, lime reaction time, lime application rate, neutralizing value (NV), initial soil pH, and limestone type. Model performance was assessed using grouped cross-validation to ensure robust and unbiased evaluation.Results and discussionThe GBM demonstrated strong predictive performance, achieving a coefficient of determination (R²) of 89.7%, along with low intercept and RMSE values, indicating minimal prediction bias and error. Particle size, reaction time, and lime application rate emerged as the most influential factors controlling lime efficacy, particularly through their interactions. The findings further highlight the limitations of relying solely on Effective Calcium Carbonate Equivalence (ECCE) and emphasize the need for integrated quality indices when evaluating liming materials. Optimal soil pH response was observed between 90 and 400 days after lime application, suggesting that liming should be done well in advance of cropping. Additionally, the optimal lime application rate ranged from 10 to 21 t ha⁻¹ for effective soil pH improvement. Overall, the study demonstrates that ML provides a robust, data-driven framework for evaluating liming efficacy and offers clear advantages over conventional reductionist approaches by capturing complex, multivariate interactions.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1736046</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1736046</link>
        <title><![CDATA[From static grids to dynamic response models: predicting wheat phosphorus needs with Random Forest]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-21T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Amine Kassam</author><author>Lotfi Khiari</author><author>Ismail Kouera</author><author>Hamza Jouichat</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionPhosphorus (P) fertilizer recommendations for wheat are still largely based on soil test P (STP) classes and fixed fertilization grids. While simple to apply, these approaches often fail to reflect field-level variability and the combined influence of soil and climate factors on crop response. As a result, recommendations can be inconsistent and poorly aligned with actual yield potential. This study explores whether a data-driven, multifactorial approach can better explain and predict wheat yield response to P across diverse agroecological conditions.MethodsWe compiled a global meta-dataset including 294 field trials and 927 observations from 41 peer-reviewed studies. Yield response to P (ΔY = Yfertilized − Yunfertilized) was modeled using a Random Forest (RF) algorithm. The model incorporated applied P rate, soil organic matter, soil pH (pHwater), annual precipitation, soil texture, P fertility class, and application method. Model performance was evaluated using separate training and testing datasets. RF-derived response curves were then used to estimate economically optimal P rates and compared with reported field optima.ResultsThe conventional STP-based approach explained only a small portion of the observed yield response variability (R2 = 5–9%) and produced highly variable recommendations across fertility classes. In contrast, the RF model showed strong predictive performance (R2 = 89% for training and 78% for testing data) and reproduced site-specific response curves in 80% of cases. Economically optimal P rates derived from the RF model closely matched observed optima (R2 = 93%, slope = 1.02).DiscussionThe findings indicate that wheat's response to P depends on several interacting factors that are not adequately represented in static STP-based recommendation systems. By jointly considering soil characteristics, climatic conditions, and management practices, the RF model generates more consistent and flexible response curves. This approach provides a practical basis for site-specific, economically optimized P management, advancing precision agriculture and more sustainable nutrient use.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1809945</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1809945</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Extraction method influences dissolved organic matter from invasive Japanese knotweed-derived biochar and environmental implications]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Jing Qiu</author><author>Jiemei Lyu</author><author>Xiaolin Wang</author><author>Yong Sik Ok</author><author>Erik Meers</author><author>Haichao Li</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Valorization of invasive plant biomass through pyrolysis into biochar offers opportunities for waste management and resource recovery. However, the release of biochar-derived dissolved organic matter (BDOM), which influences carbon dynamics and pollutant mobility, remains poorly understood. This study investigated BDOM from Japanese knotweed biochar (500 °C) using seven extraction methods, covering mild aqueous conditions (water and CaCl2), salt effects (NaCl), standardized acidic leaching tests (the synthetic precipitation leaching procedure, SPLP, and the toxicity characteristic leaching procedure, TCLP), and strong chemical extraction conditions (HCl and NaOH). NaOH and HCl maximized dissolved organic carbon (DOC) release (75–183 mg L-¹) while the resulting BDOM exhibited low aromaticity (SUVA254: 1.8–5.3) and relatively lower molecular weight (E2/E3 > 0.5). In contrast, mild extraction (water and CaCl2) released less DOC (5–15 mg L-¹) but preserved high-aromaticity components with larger molecular weights. Fluorescence analysis identified four distinct BDOM components: (1) a terrestrial humic-like substance (C4) preferentially extracted by water, (2) a fulvic-like component (C2) dominant in NaCl and SPLP extracts, (3) a protein-like component (C1) most abundant in NaCl extract, and (4) a transitional component (C3) that decreased under acidic conditions. The results demonstrate that extraction method influences BDOM quantity, optical characteristics, and compositional features, providing a useful framework for understanding BDOM behavior and informing the environmental management of invasive plant.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1800936</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1800936</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Influence of type and dose of organic wastes on the growth, quality and incidence of pests and diseases of carrots]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Falilou Diallo</author><author>Karamoko Diarra</author><author>Frédéric Feder</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionAlternatives to chemical inputs are crucial for improving agricultural production and plant health management for sustainable agriculture, particularly in tropical environments, where pest dynamics and treatment effectiveness determine crop success. Because organic waste products differ in dry matter content, nutrient release, nutrient balance, and potential biological load, they may differentially affect plant nutrition, soil functioning, crop performance, and susceptibility to pests and diseases. These practices thus offer positive prospects for food quality and, consequently, human health while concomitantly reducing the risks associated with chemical inputs widely utilised in tropical agriculture.Material and methodsWe compared growth, quality and pest incidence of carrot crops repeated over three years and fertilised with a mineral fertilisers (MF) or different organic waste products (OWPs) at two levels (recommended dose-1 and double dose-1): sewage sludge (SS-1 and SS-2), poultry litter (PL-1 and PL-2), and methanisation digestate (AD-1 and AD-2). To ensure a nutritional balance consistent with the crop’s NPK requirements and between treatments, mineral nitrogen and potassium supplements were added to the OWPs when necessary.Results and discussionThe results demonstrate that PL-2 significantly (p < 0.03) enhances leaf height, root size, dry matter content, and the number of marketable carrots. In contrast, AD-1 and AD-2 were associated with a higher incidence of Alternaria and dodder (p < 0.002), as well as with carrot root deformations related to dodder infestation (r = 0.88). Carrots cultivated with MF exhibited a higher incidence of nematode infestation compared to those under organic fertilisation, though these differences did not attain statistical significance (p > 0.1). These results indicate that OWP type and dose influence carrot growth, marketable quality, and susceptibility to pests and diseases through amendment-specific properties related to nutrient supply, moisture conditions, and probable biological interactions. Repeated applications of PL-2 resulted in the maintenance of a high proportion of first category roots over several cycles, while concurrently limiting pests and diseases pressure.ConclusionThis finding underscores the significance of judicious selection and optimisation of the type of organic matter applied.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1786422</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1786422</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Integrated multivariate analysis of morphological and yield traits in native Capsicum chinense ecotypes grown in acidic soils of the Peruvian Amazon]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Henry Díaz-Chuquizuta</author><author>Luis Fernando Manrique Gonzales</author><author>Martín Sánchez Ojanasta</author><author>Juan Pablo Cuevas-Giménez</author><author>Boris Martínez</author><author>Geiner Flores Sinti</author><author>Juan Jose Kerry Tanchiva</author><author>Geomar Vallejos-Torres</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionThe comprehensive characterization of native Capsicum chinense ecotypes represents a strategic priority for genetic improvement, germplasm conservation, and the sustainable use of Amazonian crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate morphological, phenological, and productive variability among 12 ecotypes from the Peruvian Amazon by integrating multivariate análisis and machine learning with soil physicochemical characterization.MethodsThe research was conducted on acidic tropical soils with low organic matter content and limited availability of exchangeable bases, conditions representative of degraded Amazonian agroecosystems, which enabled the assessment of soil–plant interactions and their influence on phenotypic expression and crop yield.ResultsThe results revealed a broad, well-structured range of phenotypic variability, with fruit diameter, fruit length, fruit weight, and seed weight identified as the primary morphological determinants of yield and adaptive capacity under low-fertility soil conditions. Principal component analysis indicated that four components explained more than 70% of the total variance, primarily associated with productivity, fruit morphometry, and phenological traits. Cluster análisis identified groups with high internal consistency, while linear discriminant analysis validated the phenotypic structure, achieving a classification accuracy of 91.8%. The ecotypes JEB-028 and LAG-022 exhibited superior productive performance, whereas BAL-012 and YUR-001 demonstrated greater phenotypic stability under restrictive soil conditions.DiscussionOverall, these findings confirm the strategic value of native Amazonian germplasm and underscore the importance of integrating edaphic diagnostics into genetic selection programs and into strategies for the sustainable management and restoration of degraded agricultural soils in the Amazon.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1717364</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1717364</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Cattle manure and biological fertilizer enhance growth and nutrient accumulation in African mahogany seedlings (Khaya ivorensis)]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Thiago de Carvalho Alexandre Pereira</author><author>Gabriel Augusto Teixeira Devolio</author><author>Cassiano Garcia Roque</author><author>Rita de Cássia Félix Alvarez</author><author>Cid Naudi Silva Campos</author><author>Mayara Fávero Cotrim</author><author>Renato de Mello Prado</author><author>Roberto Andreani Junior</author><author>Gisele Herbst Vazquez</author><author>Andréa Cristiane Sanches</author><author>Acacio Aparecido Navarrete</author>
        <description><![CDATA[The production of high-quality forest seedlings is essential for successful reforestation programs, particularly for high-value timber species such as African mahogany (Khaya ivorensis), which is widely cultivated due to its rapid growth and economic importance. This study evaluated the effects of sustainable substrate compositions and biological fertilizers on seedling growth and nutrient accumulation under greenhouse nursery conditions. A pot experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with ten treatments, using substrates composed of soil, sand, and cattle manure in different proportions, with or without the application of a biological fertilizer obtained through microbial fermentation of cattle manure. Seedling performance was assessed five months after sowing based on plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, dry shoot mass, and macronutrient accumulation in the whole plant. Substrate combinations containing cattle manure significantly outperformed manure-free substrates, with Soil + Sand + Manure (1:1:1) and Soil + Manure (1:1) consistently producing the highest growth parameter and nutrient accumulation values. The application of biological fertilizer further enhanced nutrient accumulation, although its effects were independent of substrate composition. Overall, the results demonstrate that substrates enriched with cattle manure, with or without biological fertilizer, represent an effective and sustainable strategy for improving the growth and nutritional status of K. ivorensis seedlings in nursery production systems.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1744337</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1744337</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Impact of biochar on citrus rootstocks growth, nutrient uptake, root system architecture, and soil properties]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-15T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Khalid Hussain</author><author>John-Paul Fox</author><author>Audrey H. Beany</author><author>Lukas M. Hallman</author><author>Lorenzo Rossi</author>
        <description><![CDATA[Citrus greening (Huanglongbing, HLB) continues to threaten citrus production in the United States, particularly in Florida, by impairing root growth and nutrient uptake. Concurrently, citrus producers are actively seeking alternatives to traditional chemical fertilizers, which raise concerns regarding soil sustainability. Organic amendments are widely used to improve soil organic matter (SOM) and overall soil health in agricultural systems across the United States. Among these amendments, biochar has gained attention for its potential to enhance soil fertility and plant productivity; however, questions remain regarding optimal application rates, particularly in sandy soils. Additionally, literature lacks clarity on how biochar influences citrus root system architecture across different rootstocks. This study evaluated the effects of biochar on citrus root system architecture and nutrient uptake across different rootstocks in the sandy soils. The primary objective was to determine which biochar application rate most effectively improved soil fertility and root development across different citrus rootstocks. Four citrus rootstocks (‘Sour Orange’, ‘Swingle’, ‘US-802’, and ‘US-942’) were grown for 5 months under controlled greenhouse conditions in native sandy soil amended with biochar at 0%, 10%, 20%, and 30% (v/v). The experiment followed a completely randomized design with six replications per treatment (n = 6), each consisting of a single plant per pot. Root system architectural traits were quantified using WinRHIZO™ image analysis, and soil physicochemical properties along with soil and plant tissue nutrients were evaluated at harvest. The 20% biochar treatment significantly increased root length, volume, surface area, and average diameter across all rootstocks. Plant tissue analyses showed higher macronutrient concentrations, particularly in belowground tissues. Soil moisture content, soil organic matter, pH, and cation exchange capacity increased with the biochar rate, with the highest values observed with the 30% biochar rate. Moderate biochar application effectively enhanced nutrient availability and root system architecture of citrus rootstocks, demonstrating its potential as a sustainable soil amendment to improve fertility and root growth in nutrient-limited sandy soils.]]></description>
      </item><item>
        <guid isPermaLink="true">https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1737123</guid>
        <link>https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoil.2026.1737123</link>
        <title><![CDATA[Climate, carbon, and soil stability: a key link in coffee-growing landscapes of the Peruvian Amazon]]></title>
        <pubdate>2026-04-14T00:00:00Z</pubdate>
        <category>Original Research</category>
        <author>Lorena Estefani Romero-Chávez</author><author>Nilton A. Hermoza Ayme</author><author>Rodolfo Chuchon-Remon</author><author>Uriel Aldava-Pardave</author><author>Rosa K. Arroyo-Isuiza</author><author>Richard Solórzano Acosta</author><author>Geomar Vallejos-Torres</author>
        <description><![CDATA[IntroductionCoffee cultivation in the Central Peruvian Amazon, one of the country’s most important production regions, faces increasing challenges from soil degradation and climate change impacts. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the altitudinal gradient on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and soil erodibility (K index) in coffee-growing systems.MethodsThree altitudinal zones were established for sampling (0–20 cm depth): zone 1 (900–1200 m.a.s.l.), zone 2 (1201–1400 m.a.s.l.), and zone 3 (1401–1600 m.a.s.l.). Within these zones, physical and chemical soil properties were analyzed, and SOC and soil erodibility (K index) values were calculated.ResultsThe results revealed a direct and statistically significant relationship between altitude and carbon sequestration capacity. Zone 3 exhibited the highest SOC (63.19 t·ha-1) and organic matter (OM) content (5.49%), compared with zone 1 (37.56 t·ha-1). This difference is attributable to the climatic conditions at higher elevations, characterized by greater precipitation and lower temperatures. Structural equation modeling (SEM) indicated that increasing altitude enhances SOC (b = 0.42), which in turn improves the soil structural stability index (SI) (R2 = 0.87) and reduces the K index (b = –0.38). Overall, the findings demonstrate that organic carbon acts as a key mediator between topography, soil texture, and susceptibility to erosion. The altitudinal gradient thus represents a major controlling factor influencing the health and structural stability of coffee soils.DiscussionThese results highlight the need to implement site-specific soil management practices, emphasizing intensive conservation strategies in low-altitude coffee-growing systems to mitigate accelerated erosion and ensure long-term production sustainability under changing climatic conditions.]]></description>
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