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

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

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

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

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

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