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Agronomy
Special Issues
Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale
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Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale

A special issue of Agronomy (ISSN 2073-4395). This special issue belongs to the section "Farming Sustainability".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (28 February 2021) | Viewed by 28676

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Edoardo A. C. Costantini

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. Academy of Georgofili, 50122 Florence, Italy
2. National Academy of Agriculture, 40124 Bologna, Italy
Interests: sustainable soil management; soil restoration and conservation; digital soil mapping and geodatabases; land suitability for winegrape and other quality crops
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Simone Priori

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Agriculture and Forest Sciences (DAFNE), Tuscia University, 01100 Viterbo, Italy
Interests: pedology; soil survey; mapping; proximal soil sensing; spectroscopy
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear colleagues,

It is commonly recognized that excessive exploitation or improper use of land has led many parts of the word to suffer the decline of the soil qualities and functioning that make the agroecosystem able to provide goods and services. It is estimated that degraded soils cover, to various extents, at least 24% of the global land. Preventing and restoring degraded soils is often underestimated or neglected. A key point is that soils vary so much between countries, regions, farms, and even individual fields that no single solution fits all cases, and therefore, solutions need to be tailored to each local condition—above all pedoclimate, land use, and management practices. On top of that, to ensure practices will be accepted by farmers, they must be adapted to the farming system (land use type, farm specialization, crop management, available machinery) and to the socioeconomic and cultural context, including farmers’ education and propensity for innovation. The multiplicity and dynamicity of drivers calls for a continuous development of research studies on soil degradation prevention and restoration.

This Special issue will focus on soil management solutions at the farm and field scale based on the understanding of degradation processes for different pedoclimatic conditions, land uses, and management systems. Experiences on the timing, effectiveness, and side-effects of the measures taken to contrast one or more processes will be an essential part of this Special issue. Evidence on win-win strategies to balance different and competing soil services, as well as socioeconomic, political, and cultural factors is welcome. Methodological approaches and tools applied in case studies are also welcome.

Dr. E. A. C. Costantini
Prof. Dr. Simone Priori
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Agronomy is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • soil conservation
  • pedotechnique
  • soil fertility
  • land degradation
  • best practices
  • soil management
  • agro-environmental measures
  • socioeconomic sustainability
  • farmers’ perception
  • agro-ecosystem services

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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24 pages, 2700 KiB  
Article
Perception of the Relevance of Soil Compaction and Application of Measures to Prevent It among German Farmers
by Sandra Ledermüller, Johanna Fick and Anna Jacobs
Agronomy 2021, 11(5), 969; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11050969 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3464
Abstract
Intensive field traffic and high axle loads can lead to soil compaction, with ecological and economic consequences. However, the relevance of this issue among practitioners is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relevance of this issue for [...] Read more.
Intensive field traffic and high axle loads can lead to soil compaction, with ecological and economic consequences. However, the relevance of this issue among practitioners is largely unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the relevance of this issue for farmers in Germany, whether and which mitigation measures are applied to avoid it, and what a (non-) application might depend on. We conducted an online survey among farmers in Germany in winter 2017/2018. For the majority of the respondents, soil compaction is a relevant issue on their own farm, and even at higher share rates, this issue is important for Germany as a whole. To prevent or avoid soil compaction, 85% of the participants apply agronomic, 78% tyre/chassis, and 59% planning/management measures. The farm size, tractor power, working in full- or part-time, estimated relevance of soil compaction for Germany, and the estimated yield loss were positively associated with the application of management measures. The insights gained suggested that more effort is needed to encourage farmers’ perceptions regarding soil compaction in order to generate demand-oriented and practice-oriented recommendations for action for various target groups and thus promote the application of soil-conserving measures on a broad scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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28 pages, 2900 KiB  
Article
Soil Water Retention and Soil Compaction Assessment in a Regional-Scale Strategy to Improve Climate Change Adaptation of Agriculture in Navarre, Spain
by Rodrigo Antón, Alberto Ruiz-Sagaseta, Luis Orcaray, Francisco Javier Arricibita, Alberto Enrique, Isabel de Soto and Iñigo Virto
Agronomy 2021, 11(3), 607; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11030607 - 23 Mar 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3663
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the different agricultural management adaptive strategies considered in the framework of a regional climate change adaptation roadmap in Navarre (Spain), from the point of view of soil physical indicators associated to soil [...] Read more.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the different agricultural management adaptive strategies considered in the framework of a regional climate change adaptation roadmap in Navarre (Spain), from the point of view of soil physical indicators associated to soil compaction and water retention. These indicators were chosen as representative of the potential of these strategies to improve the soil physical condition. That for, the effectiveness of conservation agriculture (CA), crop rotations (ROT), additions of organic matter (ExO), irrigation (IRR) and innovative grassland management (GSS) was assessed by monitoring soil bulk density (BD) and soil available water holding capacity (AWHC) in a network of 159 agricultural fields across homogeneous agro-climatic zones in the region. A sampling protocol designed to compare groups of plots with or without adaptive practices, and with equal soil characteristics within each zone, allowed to determine the effect size of each strategy (measured as response ratios, RR, calculated as the relative value of BD and AWHC in fields with adaptive management vs. without). Both parameters responded to soil and crop management, although the observed effect was highly variable. Only the ExO strategy showed an overall positive effect on BD. ROT, IRR and GSS displayed no effect and, in the case of CA, the effect was negative. In terms of AWHC, although the results within the zones were heterogeneous, the overall effect associated to the strategies ROT, ExO, IRR and GSS was neutral, and only CA resulted in an overall negative effect. The observed variability in terms of the effectiveness of the five strategies tested in this region highlights the need to understand the complexity of interrelationships between management and dynamic soil properties at the regional scale. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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9 pages, 1012 KiB  
Article
Relationships between Root Traits and Soil Physical Properties after Field Traffic from the Perspective of Soil Compaction Mitigation
by Matthieu Forster, Carolina Ugarte, Mathieu Lamandé and Michel-Pierre Faucon
Agronomy 2020, 10(11), 1697; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10111697 - 2 Nov 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3340
Abstract
Compaction due to traffic is a major threat to soil functions and ecosystem services as it decreases both soil pore volume and continuity. The effects of roots on soil structure have previously been investigated as a solution to alleviate compaction. Roots have been [...] Read more.
Compaction due to traffic is a major threat to soil functions and ecosystem services as it decreases both soil pore volume and continuity. The effects of roots on soil structure have previously been investigated as a solution to alleviate compaction. Roots have been identified as a major actor in soil reinforcement and aggregation through the enhancement of soil microbial activity. However, we still know little about the root’s potential to protect soil from compaction during traffic. The objective of this study was to investigate the relationships between root traits and soil physical properties directly after traffic. Twelve crop species with contrasting root traits were grown as monocultures and trafficked with a tractor pulling a trailer. Root traits, soil bulk density, water content and specific air permeability were measured after traffic. The results showed a positive correlation between the specific air permeability and root length density and a negative correlation was found between bulk density and the root carbon/nitrogen ratio. This study provides first insight into how root traits could help reduce the consequences of soil compaction on soil functions. Further studies are needed to identify the most efficient plant species for mitigation of soil compaction during traffic in the field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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17 pages, 1544 KiB  
Article
Comparison among Different Rewetting Strategies of Degraded Agricultural Peaty Soils: Short-Term Effects on Chemical Properties and Ecoenzymatic Activities
by Vittoria Giannini, Eleonora Peruzzi, Grazia Masciandaro, Serena Doni, Cristina Macci, Enrico Bonari and Nicola Silvestri
Agronomy 2020, 10(8), 1084; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10081084 - 27 Jul 2020
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2652
Abstract
In 2013, a pilot experimental field of about 15 ha was set up within the basin of Lake Massaciuccoli (Tuscany, Italy) in order to compare different management strategies—a paludicultural system (PCS), a constructed wetland system (CWS), a nearly-natural wetland system (NWS)—for peatland restoration [...] Read more.
In 2013, a pilot experimental field of about 15 ha was set up within the basin of Lake Massaciuccoli (Tuscany, Italy) in order to compare different management strategies—a paludicultural system (PCS), a constructed wetland system (CWS), a nearly-natural wetland system (NWS)—for peatland restoration after almost a century of drainage-based agricultural use (CS). After five years, changes in peat soil quality were investigated from a chemical, biochemical, and ecoenzymatic perspective. The soil in CS was mainly characterized by oxidant conditions, higher content of overall microbial activity, low levels of easily available phosphorus for vegetation, and medium total carbon content ranging from 25.0% to 30.7%. In PCS, the levels of total carbon and the content of bioavailable P were higher, while the oxidant conditions were lower compared to the other systems. As expected, the soils in CWS and NWS were characterized by the most reduced conditions and by the highest levels of arylsulphatase activity. It was noteworthy that soils in the NWS systems were characterized by the highest level of nonavailable P. Outputs from ecoenzymatic activity confirmed the physico-chemical and biochemical results. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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24 pages, 971 KiB  
Article
Impact of Effective Microorganisms (EM) Application on the Physical Condition of Haplic Luvisol
by Jacek Pranagal, Sławomir Ligęza and Halina Smal
Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 1049; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10071049 - 21 Jul 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3833
Abstract
The study set out to determine changes in the soil air-water properties, the water-stable aggregate share and organic carbon content as effects of a five-year application of effective microorganisms (EM-A). The hypothesis that long-term applied EM-A biopreparations have a positive effect on the [...] Read more.
The study set out to determine changes in the soil air-water properties, the water-stable aggregate share and organic carbon content as effects of a five-year application of effective microorganisms (EM-A). The hypothesis that long-term applied EM-A biopreparations have a positive effect on the soil physical condition has not been confirmed. Haplic Luvisols originating from silt were studied in a field experiment after EM-A biopreparation treatment. The soil samples with the natural structure preserved intact were collected three times each year. The properties of the soil determined in the study were: particle density, total organic carbon content, bulk density, total porosity, air capacity, air permeability, soil moisture at sampling, field water capacity, available water content, unavailable water content, and water-stable aggregate content. The ratio of field water capacity and total porosity (FC/TP) was calculated. It was found that EM-A application primarily leads to a decrease in the content of organic carbon and water-stable aggregates. This was an adverse effect. Total organic carbon (TOC) and water-stable aggregates proved to be very sensitive indicators for assessing the soil physical condition. However, changes in soil compaction and air–water properties did not show significant deterioration. Our research addresses the data gaps about EM application to soil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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18 pages, 1681 KiB  
Article
Introduction of Cardoon (Cynara cardunculus L.) in a Rainfed Rotation to Improve Soil Organic Carbon Stock in Marginal Lands
by Lorenzo D’Avino, Claudia Di Bene, Roberta Farina and Francesco Razza
Agronomy 2020, 10(7), 946; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy10070946 - 1 Jul 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3796
Abstract
The production of a biomass as a feedstock for biorefinery is gaining attention in many agricultural areas. The adoption of biorefinery crops (i.e., perennial cardoon) can represent an interesting option for farmers and can contribute to increase soil organic carbon stock (SOCS). The [...] Read more.
The production of a biomass as a feedstock for biorefinery is gaining attention in many agricultural areas. The adoption of biorefinery crops (i.e., perennial cardoon) can represent an interesting option for farmers and can contribute to increase soil organic carbon stock (SOCS). The study aimed to assess the potential effect on long-term SOCS change by the introduction of cardoon in a Mediterranean marginal area (Sassari, Italy). To this end, three process-oriented models, namely the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) guidelines for national greenhouse gas inventories (Tier 2), a humus-balance model (SOMBIT) and Rothamsted carbon model (RothC), were used to compare two scenarios over 20 years. The traditional cropping system’s faba bean–durum wheat biennial rotation was compared with the same scenario alternating seven years of cardoon cultivation. The model’s calibration was performed using climate, soil and crop data measured in three cardoon trials between 2011 and 2019. SOMBIT and Roth C models showed the best values of model performance metrics. By the insertion of cardoon, IPCC tool, SOMBIT and RothC models predicted an average annual SOCS increase, whereas, in the baseline scenario, the models predicted a steady state or a slight SOCS decrease. This increase can be attributed to a higher input of above- and belowground plant residues and a lower number of bare soil days (41 vs. 146 days year−1). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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Review

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27 pages, 3775 KiB  
Review
Soil Physical-Hydrological Degradation in the Root-Zone of Tree Crops: Problems and Solutions
by Simone Priori, Sergio Pellegrini, Nadia Vignozzi and Edoardo A. C. Costantini
Agronomy 2021, 11(1), 68; https://doi.org/10.3390/agronomy11010068 - 31 Dec 2020
Cited by 22 | Viewed by 6212
Abstract
The diffusion of tree crops has continuously increased during the last decades all over the world. The market boost has favored the adoption of intensive and highly mechanized cultivation, often triggering the degradation of the soil physical-hydrological qualities, mainly through enhanced soil erosion [...] Read more.
The diffusion of tree crops has continuously increased during the last decades all over the world. The market boost has favored the adoption of intensive and highly mechanized cultivation, often triggering the degradation of the soil physical-hydrological qualities, mainly through enhanced soil erosion and compaction. Several papers have been published on soil degradation and restoration strategies in specific perennial crops and environments. This review paper collects such studies showing the sensitivity of soil under tree crops to the degradation of their physical-hydrological qualities. Then it reports the state of the art on the methodologies used for the evaluation of the physical-hydrological qualities in the field and in the laboratory, also suggesting an improved methodology for estimating the actual available water capacity. Some updated and promising experiences to recover the physical-hydrological qualities of soil are then illustrated. In particular, subsoiling and placement of drainages, spreading of organic amendments, compost, biochar, using of cover crops, and biological inoculants. A key point in applying the restoration practices is that they should not only be specific for the soil and tree rooting system, but also tailored according to the ecosystem functions that need to be improved besides plant health and yield. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Soil Degradation Prevention and Restoration at Farm and Field Scale)
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