An Integrated Approach to Remediate Saline Soils and Mining Waste Using Technosols and Pasture Development
, PatrÃcia Vidigal 2, Ana Delaunay Caperta 2 and Maria Manuela Abreu 2Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsDear responsible author,
Thank you for your invitation to review this article.
The main question the researchers tried to address in the study was to investigate the effectiveness of Technosols and phytostabilization in restoring the pasture characteristics of an area contaminated with potentially hazardous elements.
Many different studies have been carried out for many years for the improvement of soils. However, the therapeutic materials discussed in this study and the methodology used to determine the effectiveness of these materials are original. As a result, it is an original study.
The title is sufficient to emphasize the purpose of the study.
The abstract is sufficient to understand the overall article and to draw short conclusions.
The purpose of the study is clearly stated in the introduction. The preliminary information given in the introduction is sufficient to understand the background of the study. However, some basic information about the test plants used in the study could be added in the introduction, and if available, some data from studies conducted with these plants under marginal conditions could be included.
For the purposes of the study, the approach employed in it is suitable.
The findings of the study are in line with the arguments and supporting data. However, there is no lettering for Na in table 2 and Cu in table 32.
The Reference list is generally sufficient and up-to-date.
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Reviewer 2 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsThe article evaluated the enhancement of soil properties by two Technosols construction, along with pasture development for the remediation of these marginal lands. It is very interesting and written in appropriate language that is easy to understand. Although it is related to several articles published by the group of authors, developed in the same area of study and with similar objectives, it is original, brings significant contributions to solving problems related to the restoration of marginal areas, and can be published in this journal after minor corrections.
Specific Comments:
1 - Lines 179-180: ... as well as low concentrations of macro- and micronutrients (in mg kg-1; Mg: 30, Mn: 1). Please, correct to as well as very low concentrations. See [53, p. 55 – Table 11] the concentration of Mg ≤ 30 is very low, and not low; and the concentration of Mn = 1 [53, p. 59 – Table 13] is very low, and not low.
2 – Lines 181-182: … The high ratio of Ca/Mg (< 8.0) indicates that it was very unfavourable for plant nutrition [53]. Please, correct to: The high ratio of Ca/Mg (> 8.0), see [53, p. 55 – Table 12).
3 – Lines 192-193: … and very high for extractable P (92.7 mg kg-1) … (Table 1) [53]. Please correct to …. and high for extractable P (92.7 mg kg-1), see [53, p. 55 – Table 11].
4 – Lines 200-2001: In this respect, the [Ca]/[Mg] ratio of 1.5 (Table 2) …. . Please correct, once the [Ca]/Mg] ratio is 1.79 (Table 2, VF initial ratio: 4.24/2.25 = 1.79. Even weather taking account the SD value, the ratio is 1.51).
5 – Table 1 insert Physicochemical characteristics in the title of first column.
6 – Table 2 - Insert Elements (mg kg-1) in the title of first column.
7 – Table 3 - Insert Elements (mg kg-1) in the title of first column.
8 – Table 4: Insert Aggregates distribution in the title of first column.
9 – Table S1: Insert Elements (mg kg-1) in the title of first column.
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Reviewer 3 Report
Comments and Suggestions for AuthorsPlease add to the abstract the "pot" experiment word. Please discuss the issues of metals release in long-term effects and connected risk. Instead of animals grazing more safety would be biomass collection for energy purposes, since high metal concentrations. Please include this aspect in the discussion and conclusions section. Remove double dots in table 2.
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