Differential Impacts of Cropland Expansion on Soil Biological Indicators in Two Ecological Zones

Round 1

Reviewer 1 Report

The authors have to revise based our comments

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Reply submitted in a separate attachment.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 2 Report

The article is well written and the methodology is adequate. The article is well discussed, but my question is about the contribution that the article has for science and society. In this way, I do not see in the article a great scientific contribution, mainly in the scope of the magazine, which is sustainability and sustainable development. The very conclusion of the guidelines for incipient future works, demonstrating the low relevance of the article.

Author Response

Please see the reply in the attached document.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 3 Report

Dear Authors:

Attached please find the reviewed version of the MS as a pdf. There you can find all my detailed comments, suggestions, and questions.  I am also typing some of the comments as shown below: (but please note that they are not all). Therefore, before revising your MS, pay proper attention to the comments and highlights marked in the attached PDF version.

Page 1:  In general, the abstracts need to be modified. Try to improve it based on my comments, questions, and suggestions. It is usually better to define an abbreviation before using it in the text.

Page 2:  The citation style while using "et at." is not appropriate. Try to revise the sentences. Refer to the "Instructions for Authors" available at https://www.mdpi.com/journal/sustainability/instructions

Page 3: It would be better if you add a figure/picture illustrating the laboratory process/setup. Where is this citation in the list of references? number?

Page 4:  What does this mean? The authors must add citations, in the list of references to support the reason for choosing the specific names of statistical analysis being performed

Page 5: In Table 2. What is the difference between the numbers (inside brackets) and outside brackets?

Page 6: Where is the Legend for Figure 3 (Left)?

Page 10: There is no Conclusion Section? Before submitting an article for peer review, the authors must proofread them for English sentences, spelling corrections, and grammar.  The reference list looks okay.

Best Wishes!

 

Comments for author File: Comments.pdf

Author Response

Please response attached.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Reviewer 4 Report

This study investigated whether the effects of agricultural expansion on microbial soil properties present the same patterns across agro-ecological zones. Considering the quality requirements to publish papers for this journal there are still some issues to be resolved:

Abstract

1. Please write the full name when the SOC first appeared.

2. It is suggested to add implications in the end.

Introduction 

3. What is the Importance of this study? Or what can be gained through the results to facilitate? Why your research matters in the context of an industry or the world. I think the last paragraph needs to make this more explicit.

Materials and methods

4. The description of the treatments in 2.1 is not clear, such as different years, which years need to be specified.

Conclusion

5. Please add a conclusion, as an overview of the main conclusions of the paper.

Author Response

Please see the response attached.

Author Response File: Author Response.pdf

Round 2

Reviewer 2 Report

Accordingly.

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for adding value to our manuscript.

Kind regards

Reviewer 3 Report

I do not have further comments

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for your usual cooperation.

Kind regards

Reviewer 4 Report

The authors have revised the manuscript according to the comments. But before accepting, the following issues need to be resolved:

Introduction

1. Please specify the research objectives in the last paragraph of the introduction. In addition, the current last paragraph is too long and can be organized into two paragraphs. Generally, the final paragraph or sentences of your introduction should forecast your main arguments and conclusions, and specify the research objectives and significance of results.

Materials and Methods

2. Is statistical analysis software used in the calculation of 2.3? If so, please provide relevant information.

 

Author Response

Dear Reviewer,

Thank you very much for adding value to our manuscript (Sustainability-2315239_R2). We do appreciate it very much. We have addressed your comments below:

 INTRODUCTION

 1. Please specify the research objectives in the last paragraph of the introduction. In addition, the current last paragraph is too long and can be organized into two paragraphs. Generally, the final paragraph or sentences of your introduction should forecast your main arguments and conclusions, and specify the research objectives and significance of results.

 Response: We have tried as much as possible to address it appropriately.

 MATERIALS AND METHODS

2. Is statistical analysis software used in the calculation of 2.3? If so, please provide relevant information.

Response: The oversight has been addressed.

Kind regards