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Soil Research

Soil Research

Soil Research is an international journal for publishing research about fundamental and applied aspects of soil science. Read more about the journalMore

Editors-in-Chief: Balwant Singh and Mark Tibbett

Publishing Model: Hybrid. Open Access options available.

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Latest

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 20 May 2025

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

Birhanu Agumas 0000-0003-2103-3752, 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 0000-0002-8603-3502, 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 0000-0002-3698-0448, 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
 

Image showing the sources of asbestos, impact on health, and process of bioweathering and bioremediation.

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 0000-0001-9945-1044, Geoffrey C. Anderson 0000-0002-0163-1600, Rushna Munir, David J. M. Hall 0000-0003-3910-5486, 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 0000-0001-8310-6318, Liem Nguyen Van, Aydin Enez, Lambert Brau and Didier Lesueur 0000-0002-6694-0869
 

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 0000-0003-3910-5486 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 0000-0002-8502-8496 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 0000-0002-8307-435X, 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 0000-0002-4515-6928, 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 0000-0003-2990-9229
 

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 0000-0002-1322-8026, Sávio Tavares Ferreira Borges, Crislâny Canuto dos Santos 0000-0001-5772-5123 and Stoécio Malta Ferreira Maia 0000-0001-6491-2517
 

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 0000-0001-9629-141X, Feike Dijkstra, Charles Warren 0000-0002-0788-4713 and Balwant Singh 0000-0002-9751-2971
 

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

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Collections

Collections are a curation of articles relevant to a topical research area

Bridging Soil Science with Global Sustainability Goals

Soil Research presents a special collection of papers for the Joint NZSSS and SSA Conference, highlighting advancements in soil science that directly support the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) — particularly Life on Land, Zero Hunger, and Climate Action. This collection provides innovative insights into soil conservation, sustainable agriculture, and ecosystem health, with topics ranging from erosion dynamics to carbon sequestration and nitrous oxide emission modelling. These studies offer practical solutions for sustainable land management and resilient agroecosystems, supporting a more sustainable future for our planet.

All papers in this collection are available Open Access.

Collection Editors
Balwant Singh (EiC Soil Research), University of Sydney, Australia
Mark Tibbett (EiC Soil Research), University of Reading, UK

Last Updated: 08 Nov 2024

Biochar Applications

Since 2006, there has been a substantial increase in biochar-related research in soil mainly due to its potential for long-term carbon storage in soil and agronomic benefits from its soil application. This Biochar Collection presents selected articles covering several research aspects of biochar applications. These include laboratory, glasshouse and field studies, where biochars produced from woody materials, cereal straws, and animal wastes at different temperatures were applied to different soil types.

Last Updated: 23 Sep 2016

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Best Student-Led Paper

The Best Student-Led Paper published in 2023 has been awarded to Guilherme Oliveira Andrade da Silva.

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