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These articles are the latest published in the journal. Soil Research is published under a continuous publication model. More information is available on our Continuous Publication page.

Published online 05 June 2025

SR24180Variable-rate nitrogen fertilisation to improve silage maize yield and crude protein using APSIM modelling

Iris Vogeler , Christof Kluß and Friedhelm Taube

 

Determining optimum nitrogen (N) fertilisation rates to maximise yields and minimise N losses remains challenging due to uncertainties in future crop N requirements and soil N supply. However, accounting for spatial variability within a field can enhance N fertilisation efficiency. Using the APSIM model, we identified optimal N fertilisation rates for silage maize that maximise both yields and protein concentrations while minimising N losses. Field testing of this approach is required before it can be implemented for practical N fertilisation management.

SR24180 Abstract  |  SR24180 Full Text  | SR24180PDF (2 MB)  | SR24180Supplementary Material (713 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 05 June 2025

SR24216Are fans required for closed chamber N₂O measurements in grazed pastures?

Donna L. Giltrap , Surinder Saggar, Peter Berben and Thilak Palmada

 

Static chambers are a common method for measuring greenhouse gas emissions from soils. However, there are no definitive guidelines about whether it is necessary to include fans within the chamber to ensure good mixing within the headspace. This study compared the fluxes of nitrous oxide from a pasture soil measured both with and without the use of fans.

SR24216 Abstract  |  SR24216 Full Text  | SR24216PDF (1.2 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 20 May 2025

SR25020The magnitude of crop yield improvement with different soil acidity management practices in the Ethiopian highlands: a meta-analysis

Birhanu Agumas , Gizaw Desta, Getachew Agegnehu, Gizachew Legesse, Tesfaye Feyisa and Gudeta Weldesemayat Sileshi

 

Soil acidity affects over 44% of Ethiopia’s farmland, yet knowledge of acid soil management practices (ASMPs) and their impact on yields remains limited. This meta-analysis provides evidence that implementing ASMPs can increase crop yields by 28–194% relative to the no-input control. Application of agricultural lime, biochar, and synthetic fertilisers achieved 122, 104, and 78% increase in yield, respectively, relative to a no-input control. Results offer valuable insights to guide policies and practices for managing acid soils in Ethiopia.

SR25020 Abstract  | PDF (2.4 MB) - $35.00   | SR25020Supplementary Material (283 KB)

Published online 09 May 2025

SR24220Feammox in the Yellow River Delta wetlands is weak

Qingsong Guan , Shuo Li, Yiqiao Zhou, Fan Yang, Xiang Zhao and Qingjia Meng

 

Feammox has emerged as a significant pathway for nitrogen loss in natural ecosystems, and our study marks the inaugural investigation into this process within the wetlands of the Yellow River Delta. Our findings reveal that feammox activity in this region is comparatively weak, with denitrification dominating as the primary route for nitrogen removal. Further research is essential to uncover the reasons behind the low feammox rates observed in the Yellow River Delta wetlands.

SR24220 Abstract  | PDF (1.5 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 06 May 2025

SR25013A review on the bioweathering and bioremediation of asbestos containing waste materials in soils

Santanu Mukherjee , Shailja Sharma, Shiv Bolan, Liuwei Wang, Terri-Ann Berry, Shannon L. Wallis, Dan Blanchon, Deyi Hou, Valerie A. Geoffroy, Kadambot H. M. Siddique and Nanthi Bolan

 

Asbestos-containing waste materials (ACWMs) can weather and release asbestos fibre dust after getting disturbed by anthropogenic activities. Breathing of asbestos fibres can cause asbestos-related lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma cancer. This review critically scrutinise and synthesise literature data on the bioweathering, bioremediation, and phytoremediation of ACWMs in soil to bridge the knowledge gaps in relation to mitigating the toxicity of asbestos fibres emission from ACWMs to humans and ecosystems. Image by Shailja Sharma in biorender.com

SR25013 Abstract  |  SR25013 Full Text  | SR25013PDF (4.5 MB)  | SR25013Supplementary Material (1.1 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

SR24185Salinity in Calcarosols occurs through the presence of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulfate ions, is caused by sodicity, and leads to decreased osmotic potential

Edward G. Barrett-Lennard , Geoffrey C. Anderson , Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall , Glen Riethmuller and Wayne Parker

 

Salinity occurs in alkaline sodic soils in Australia, but its effect in Western Australia is poorly understood. We determined the cause of salinity, the ions responsible, and their potential significance as constraints to crop growth on sodic soils. Our paper suggests that crop growth in affected landscapes is likely to be constrained by salinity with the adverse effects being more severe in dry than wet seasons.

SR24185 Abstract  |  SR24185 Full Text  | SR24185PDF (2.1 MB)  | SR24185Supplementary Material (1.8 MB)   Open Access Article

Published online 01 May 2025

SR24143Liming effect on soil chemical and biological properties, pests and diseases, and crop yields in robusta coffee and black pepper in Vietnam

Long Nguyen Van, Laetitia Herrmann, Thao Le Dinh, Chung Nguyen Van , Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau and Didier Lesueur

 

Vietnam is the global leading producer of robusta coffee and black pepper. However, expanding coffee and pepper cultivation and intensive farming practices have acidified soil and increased pest and pathogen pressures. To address this issue, lime was applied in field trials in Gia Lai province. Lime positively impacted soil chemical properties and colonisation by arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi but did not significantly affect soilborne pathogens and crop yield. Regular lime application can sustainably reduce soil acidity and enhance soil nutrients.

SR24143 Abstract  |  SR24143 Full Text  | SR24143PDF (999 KB)  | SR24143Supplementary Material (492 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 22 April 2025

SR24221Trenching and compost sustain grain yield increases over nine years on deep sands but at a cost

David J. M. Hall and Tom J. Edwards

 

Deep sands on the south coast of Western Australia have major soil limitations that prevent crops from achieving their potential yields. We have shown that ameliorating these soils with tillage and organic amendments crop yield can be increased by more than 1 t ha⁻¹ yr⁻¹ over nine consecutive years, compared to no amendments, through enhanced chemical and physical fertility. While these results show crop yield reaching their potential the cost of doing so is unlikely to lead to adoption.

SR24221 Abstract  |  SR24221 Full Text  | SR24221PDF (707 KB)  | SR24221Supplementary Material (383 KB)   Open Access Article

Published online 10 April 2025

SR24189Spectral characteristics changes as affected by inoculating microbial agents during composting

Xiayan Liu, Lingyu Kong, Rongsheng Zhu, Zhaojun Li and Yizhong Lv

 

Aerobic composting is an effective method for resource utilisation of livestock manure. Microbial inoculations have become a key strategy to overcome limitations of traditional composting, attracting significant research interest. Our study evaluated the changes in microbial inoculation during the composting process using spectroscopic analysis, suggesting that microbial inoculation promoted the degradation of cellulose, lignin, and carbohydrates and the conversion of organic matter into humus. This study can provide theoretical guidance for optimising composting conditions, improving composting quality and soil fertility.

SR24189 Abstract  | PDF (3 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 31 March 2025

SR24155Nutrient distribution and cycling along a forest chronosequence following the regreening of a mining and smelting degraded landscape

Patrick A. Levasseur , Nathan Basiliko and Shaun A. Watmough

 

Regreening (fertilising and tree planting) industrially degraded forest areas can improve ecosystem function in the short-term, but uncertainties exist regarding the long-term effects. Our study investigated whether nutrient distribution and cycling changed with stand age in regreened forests on a mining and smelting degraded landscape in the City of Greater Sudbury, Canada. The lack of change in foliar nutrients and nutrient cycling with stand age suggest that nutrient limitation is not inhibiting forest function 40 years following a one-time regreening treatment.

SR24155 Abstract  | PDF (2.1 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 19 March 2025

SR24105Subsoiling is the best tillage for fine roots and early-growth of Pinus taeda on clayey Oxisol in the subtropics

Thaynara Diuliane Carvalho Paz , Matheus Severo de Souza Kulmann, Jéssica Silveira França, Grasiele Dick, Mauro Valdir Schumacher and José Miguel Reichert

 

Given the economic importance of Pinus cultivation for the world economy and how difficult it can be to cultivate in inhospitable environments, our study will help propose the best strategies for soil preparation in forestry plantations. The main results showed the efficiency of soil preparation in improving soil quality, providing greater root development and increased Pinus growth on clayey Oxisol. Through adequate soil management and understanding root dynamics, we can maximise Pinus production.

SR24105 Abstract  | PDF (926 KB) - $35.00   | SR24105Supplementary Material (688 KB)

Published online 28 January 2025

SR24073Soil properties and environmental factors across different altitudes influence biodiversity of root endophytic fungi in the orchid Bletilla sinensis

Manli Zhao, Wenxiang Deng, Xue Li, Yongmei Li, Qiong Huang and Chuntao Wang

 

We investigated the diversity and composition of endophytic fungi associated with the roots of Bletilla sinensis, a perennial orchid growing at different altitudes. Results from high-throughput sequencing indicate complex environmental factors that affect the structure of endophytic fungal communities, including plant diversity and soil nutrients. Our results provide important context for further understanding the ecological mechanisms underlying plant–microbe interactions and underscore the need to consider multiple environmental factors when studying fungal communities.

SR24073 Abstract  | PDF (1.4 MB) - $35.00 

Published online 03 January 2025

SR24152Soil carbon, organic matter fractions, and soil physical quality under different sugarcane harvesting systems in north-east Brazil

Handerson Brandão Melo de Lima , Sávio Tavares Ferreira Borges, Crislâny Canuto dos Santos and Stoécio Malta Ferreira Maia

 

This study investigated the effects of burnt and unburnt sugarcane harvesting systems on soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and soil organic matter (SOM) dynamics in the north-east region of Brazil. Conversion of native vegetation to sugarcane cultivation led to SOC loss, and reduced soil quality due to losses of particulate organic matter and increased soil bulk density. The findings of this study highlight the importance of understanding the impact of land-use change on the properties of SOM.

SR24152 Abstract  | PDF (1.8 MB) - $35.00   | SR24152Supplementary Material (968 KB)

Published online 17 December 2024

SR24118Understanding extractable metal species relationships with phosphorus sorption and organic carbon in soils

Bright E. Amenkhienan , Feike Dijkstra, Charles Warren and Balwant Singh

 

Small-sized soil minerals are rich in iron (Fe) and aluminium (Al) metals, which can keep organic carbon and P in soils for a longer time. The rapid prediction of soil organic carbon (SOC) and P sorption as indicators of soil fertility can help farmers with management decisions. Chemical extraction of Fe and Al from soil provides a relatively easy way for predicting SOC and P to help land managers save time and labour to make informed decisions.

SR24118 Abstract  |  SR24118 Full Text  | SR24118PDF (1.5 MB)  | SR24118Supplementary Material (1.7 MB)   Open Access Article

More content

Just Accepted

These articles have been peer reviewed and accepted for publication. They are still in production and have not been edited, so may differ from the final published form.

SR24123, Accepted 05 June 2025

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in biochar-amended soils: a review

Jonna Rosenthal and Kpoti Gunn

 

SR24123Abstract

SR24151, Accepted 05 June 2025

Response of wheat to phosphorus enriched ironstone gravel

David Weaver , David Rogers, Ronald Master, Peta Richards, Robert Summers and Simon Clarendon

 

SR24151Abstract

SR25001, Accepted 30 May 2025

Humic substance turnover by bacterial decomposers in the maritime Antarctic soil

Dockyu Kim , Mincheol Kim, Sungho Woo, Eungbin Kim and Hyoungseok Lee

 

SR25001Abstract

SR25019, Accepted 23 May 2025

Influence of phosphate retention capacity on the potential plant availability of struvite fertiliser in acidic grassland soils

Florencia De Lucca Agrelo , Leo Condron and Jim Moir

 

SR25019Abstract

SR25008, Accepted 17 May 2025

Estimating soil erodibility for the RUSLE with rainfall simulation in central Queensland, Australia.

Bronwyn Bosomworth , Bofu Yu and Amanda Elledge

 

SR25008Abstract

SR24230, Accepted 07 May 2025

Modelling and constructing engineered soil for post-mining landforms to create optimal ecological outcomes: application of a computer based Landscape Evolution Model (SSSPAM)

W. D. Dimuth P. Welivitiya, G Hancock and I Senanayake

 

SR24230Abstract

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1. Liming effect on soil chemical and biological properties, pests and diseases, and crop yields in robusta coffee and black pepper in Vietnam

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   Long Nguyen Van, Laetitia Herrmann, Thao Le Dinh, Chung Nguyen Van , Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau, Didier Lesueur

2. Trenching and compost sustain grain yield increases over nine years on deep sands but at a cost

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   David J. M. Hall , Tom J. Edwards

3. An experiential account with recommendations for the design, installation, operation and maintenance of a farm-scale soil moisture sensing and mapping system

   Soil Research 62 (5)

   Brendan Malone , David Biggins, Chris Sharman, Ross Searle , Mark Glover , Stuart Brown

4. Salinity in Calcarosols occurs through the presence of sodium, chloride, bicarbonate and sulfate ions, is caused by sodicity, and leads to decreased osmotic potential

   Soil Research 63 (3)

   Edward G. Barrett-Lennard , Geoffrey C. Anderson , Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall , Glen Riethmuller, Wayne Parker

5. A review on the bioweathering and bioremediation of asbestos containing waste materials in soils

   Soil Research 63 (4)

   Santanu Mukherjee , Shailja Sharma, Shiv Bolan, Liuwei Wang, Terri-Ann Berry, Shannon L. Wallis, Dan Blanchon, Deyi Hou, Valerie A. Geoffroy, Kadambot H. M. Siddique, Nanthi Bolan

6. The impact of irrigation duration on crop N uptake, lint yield and internal NUE in cotton using standard urea

   Soil Research 62 (7)

   John Smith , Shu Fukai, Michael Bell

7. Spatial and temporal distribution and environmental determinants of freeze-thaw erosion intensity in Qiangtang grasslands, China

   Soil Research 62 (6)

   Gaobo Zhang , Xiaohuang Liu, Jinjie Wang, Jiufen Liu, Xiaofeng Zhao, Hongyu Li, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang, Honghui Zhao

8. Sheep rotational grazing strategy to improve soil organic carbon and reduce carbon dioxide emission from spring wheat in an arid region

   Soil Research 62 (5)

   Irshad Ahmad , Lina Shi, Shanning Lou, Jiao Ning, Yarong Guo, Muhammad Kamran, Wanhe Zhu, Fujiang Hou

9. Spatial variability of mineral surface area and carbon sequestration potential at the farm scale – a case study

   Soil Research 62 (5)

   Sam McNally , Joanna Sharp, Peter Jaksons, Craig Tregurtha, Mike Beare , Robyn White

10. Impact of green manure crop species on rhizosphere soil phosphorus

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    P. V. Nguyen , R. W. McDowell , L. M. Condron

11. Understanding extractable metal species relationships with phosphorus sorption and organic carbon in soils

    Soil Research 62 (8)

    Bright E. Amenkhienan , Feike Dijkstra, Charles Warren , Balwant Singh

12. State and trend of surface soil organic carbon stocks and associated nutrients in Tongatapu, Kingdom of Tonga

    Soil Research 62 (7)

    U. Stockmann, M. Farrell , T. Carter, S. Krawitz, V. N. L. Wong , V. Minoneti, D. Finau, A. Sharma, J. Barringer, V. T. Manu, S. Karunaratne , B. C. T. Macdonald

13. Availability of phosphorus and nitrogen from modified mono-ammonium phosphate (MAP) fertiliser compounds

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    Jonathan W. McLachlan , Peter W. English, Richard J. Flavel, Chris N. Guppy

14. Spatial variability of soil carbon across a hillslope restoration planting in New Zealand

    Soil Research 62 (5)

    Molly Katharine D’Ath, Katarzyna Sila-Nowicka , Luitgard Schwendenmann

15. Modified fungal diversity in dense clay subsoils after deep-banding organic substrate

    Soil Research 62 (6)

    Joshua J. Vido, Jian Jin, Helen L. Hayden, Corinne Celestina , Peter W. G. Sale, Roger Armstrong, Caixian Tang, Jennifer L. Wood , Ashley E. Franks

16. Analysis of soil erosion dynamics and its driving factors in the Qilian Mountains of Qingdong

    Soil Research 62 (6)

    Mingyuan Li , Xiaohuang Liu, Jianli Ding, Wenbo Zhang, Ran Wang, Xinping Luo, Liyuan Xing, Chao Wang, Honghui Zhao

17. Variable-rate nitrogen fertilisation to improve silage maize yield and crude protein using APSIM modelling

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    Iris Vogeler , Christof Kluß, Friedhelm Taube

18. Soil carbon, organic matter fractions, and soil physical quality under different sugarcane harvesting systems in north-east Brazil

    Soil Research 63 (1)

    Handerson Brandão Melo de Lima , Sávio Tavares Ferreira Borges, Crislâny Canuto dos Santos , Stoécio Malta Ferreira Maia

19. Subsoiling is the best tillage for fine roots and early-growth of Pinus taeda on clayey Oxisol in the subtropics

    Soil Research 63 (2)

    Thaynara Diuliane Carvalho Paz , Matheus Severo de Souza Kulmann, Jéssica Silveira França, Grasiele Dick, Mauro Valdir Schumacher, José Miguel Reichert

20. Are fans required for closed chamber N₂O measurements in grazed pastures?

    Soil Research 63 (4)

    Donna L. Giltrap , Surinder Saggar, Peter Berben, Thilak Palmada

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