Designing a post-mining landscape without considering the evolution of surface materials and pedogenesis assumes that any materials are in an equilibrium state. Here, the effect of depth-dependent pedogenesis functions and particle breakage geometry on erosion rates and landform evolution are examined using the SSSPAM Landscape Evolution Model. The results demonstrate that with knowledge of weathering and pedogenesis, an optimised landscape can be engineered that would reduce the cost of post-mining landform design and construction.

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

The main source of phosphate fertiliser production is limited and controlled by a few countries. This study aims to evaluate struvite, a fertiliser made from recycled wastewater, as an alternative phosphate fertiliser for agricultural production in New Zealand soils. The results revealed that struvite performed similarly to commonly used phosphorus fertilisers. Struvite is therefore a promising alternative source of phosphorus for New Zealand pasture systems, while helping make farming more sustainable.

We evaluated the performance of portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF) spectroscopy in soil analysis, comparing Geochem and Soil modes for macro- and microelement detection. Results indicate that Geochem mode provides more reliable measurements, particularly for Mg, Al, and Si, while reducing analysis time and cost, making it more suitable for large-scale soil monitoring projects. We demonstrated the limitations of plastic bag thickness on measurement accuracy, which contribute to optimising pXRF protocols for national and global soil assessment initiatives.

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.

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.

This central Queensland study evaluated the RUSLE soil erodibility factor used for hillslope erosion modelling within the Great Barrier Reef catchment. By incorporating observed rainfall simulation data into established erosion models, improved K-factors were achieved for consolidated and aggregated soils in the Fitzroy Basin. This approach offers an economical means of developing local soil erodibility values to improve hillslope sediment loss budgets.