Article
Agronomy
Jing Zhang, Xiaolin Qu, Xiaodong Song, Ying Xiao, Anqi Wang, Decheng Li
Summary: In the last 30 years, severe soil acidification has been found in China due to acid deposition and nitrogen fertilizer overuse. Understanding the spatial pattern and vertical variations in base saturation percentage (BSP) and exchangeable cations (Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, Na+, H+ and Al3+) can directly benefit fertilization management and ecological protection.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zejiang Cai, Boren Wang, Lu Zhang, Shilin Wen, Minggang Xu, Tom H. Misselbrook, Alison M. Carswell, Suduan Gao
Summary: Manure amendment has been proven effective in preventing or reversing soil acidification in red soil. However, an integrated approach combining manure with chemical fertilizers is needed to maintain soil productivity and nutrient balance, while reducing heavy metal accumulation and environmental risks. Incorporating 40% or more of total nitrogen from manure can help prevent acidification and provide necessary phosphorus, but additional potassium inputs are necessary for balanced plant nutrient supply.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
W. Cai, S. Bordoloi, C. W. W. Ng, A. K. Sarmah
Summary: The study aimed to investigate the behavior of soil shrinkage and water retention of biochar amended kaolin under different pore fluid salinity, and found that biochar addition can reduce NaCl-induced soil shrinkage and decrease pore fluid salinity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Construction & Building Technology
Zi Ying, Yu-Jun Cui, Nadia Benahmed, Myriam Duc
Summary: The study investigated the effects of curing time and salinity on the water retention property and pore size distribution of lime-treated soil. The matric suction increased significantly with curing time, while the total suction varied slightly. Soil specimens with higher salinity exhibited higher matric and total suctions. The pore size distribution of lime-treated soil changed with time, shifting from bi-modal to tri-modal pattern and back to bi-modal due to clay shrinkage-related cracking. Lime treatment inhibited clay shrinkage, while the effects of curing time and salinity on microstructure were insignificant.
CONSTRUCTION AND BUILDING MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yue Dong, Jin-Ling Yang, Xiao-Rui Zhao, Shun-Hua Yang, Jan Mulder, Peter Dorsch, Xin-Hua Peng, Gan-Lin Zhang
Summary: Soil acidification and base cation loss are significant problems in the subtropical red soil region of China, particularly in agroecosystems with high nitrogen fertilization. This study assessed the current status and future risk of soil acidification in a typical agricultural watershed using a two-year monitoring approach. The results showed that while significant soil acidification occurred, surface water acidification was minor, indicating the buffer capacity of the soils. However, there was a substantial loss of base cations, depleting the exchangeable pool in the watershed and posing a serious threat to soil recovery from acidification.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Tsuneyoshi Endo, Mubarak Abdelrahman Abdalla, Abdel Karim Hassan Awad Elkarim, Mayu Toyoda, Sadahiro Yamamoto, Norikazu Yamanaka
Summary: This study predicted soil salinity and sodicity through a 1:5 soil-water extract, showing positive correlations between EC values of saturation extract and 1:5 extract, exchangeable sodium percentage, and sodium adsorption ratio. Despite regional differences, strong correlations were observed, influenced by soil clay content, mineral composition, and salt content. The simplified evaluation method based on irrigation water composition can be useful for managing salt-affected soils in arid regions.
COMMUNICATIONS IN SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT ANALYSIS
(2021)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Yue Wang, Xingbin Liu, Luxin Wang, Haotian Li, Shiyu Zhang, Jinfeng Yang, Ning Liu, Xiaori Han
Summary: Chloride is a micronutrient necessary for plant growth, but long-term application of chlorinated fertilizers can introduce significant amounts of Cl- into farmland ecosystems. This study found that the long-term application of chlorinated fertilizer increased the Cl- content in the soil, reduced soil pH, cation exchange capacity, and exchangeable alkali ions, and increased the risk of aluminum toxicity. Additionally, the content of exchangeable calcium and magnesium ions in the soil was significantly reduced. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid long-term application of high chloride fertilizers in agricultural production.
Article
Soil Science
Fernando Aramburu Merlos, Joao Vasco Silva, Frederic Baudron, Robert J. Hijmans
Summary: Agricultural lime can improve the productivity of acid tropical soils, but the optimal lime rates are still uncertain in many tropical regions. To estimate lime rates, several lime requirement models based on soil data have been developed. In this study, we reviewed seven existing models and introduced a new model (LiTAS), and evaluated their accuracy in predicting lime requirements for different soil types. The foundational models targeting acidity saturation and base saturation were more accurate than the derived models, and the LiTAS model was the most accurate.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Naji Mordi Naji Al-Dosary
Summary: The topographic features of Saudi Arabia have significant impact on the diversity of physical environments for plant growth and agricultural activities. This study focused on determining the genesis and properties of arid soil in Al-Aflaj Oasis to enhance soil management during tillage operations. Chemical and physical properties of the soil were analyzed through field experiments, with a focus on improving agricultural potential in the area through adjustments in soil properties and cultivation practices.
Article
Forestry
Yesid Alejandro Marino Macana, Robson Schaff Correa, Fabio Henrique Silva Floriano de Toledo, Alexandre de Vicente Ferraz, Eric Victor de Oliveira Ferreira, Rodrigo Eiji Hakamada, Gabriela Goncalves Moreira, Jose Carlos Arthur Junior, Jose Leonardo de Moraes Goncalves
Summary: Application of dolomitic limestone and gypsum can stimulate root development and enhance access to water in Eucalyptus plantations in the Brazilian savanna. It also positively impacts soil fertility and improves the growth and wood volume of Eucalyptus trees.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Shuo Zhao, Fei Yu, Cheyu Zhai, Rui Zhong, Ying Zhao, Yong Wang, Juan Zhang, Qingfeng Meng
Summary: Long-term cattle manure application can improve soil structure and increase stability of soil aggregates in salt-affected soil.
JOURNAL OF SOILS AND SEDIMENTS
(2023)
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Ze Wang, Tingting Tao, Hu Wang, Ji Chen, Gaston E. Small, David Johnson, Jihui Chen, Yingjun Zhang, Qichao Zhu, Shengmin Zhang, Yantao Song, Jens Kattge, Peng Guo, Xiao Sun
Summary: Through a meta-analysis of 53 grassland studies and a long-term field experiment, it was found that soil acidification was less pronounced when organic nitrogen (ON) inputs accounted for at least 20% of the total nitrogen input, especially at higher input rates. The rate of hydrogen ion (H+) production was mainly determined by NH3 volatilization from ON and the uptake of ON and NH4+ by Leymus chinensis, with the latter contributing less to H+ production. These findings suggest that the evaluation of N-induced soil acidification should consider N forms, and manipulating the relative composition of N inputs could be an effective approach to alleviate soil acidification.
GLOBAL CHANGE BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Liangchao Jiang, Huanhuan Cheng, Yang Peng, Tianran Sun, Yingzhi Gao, Ruzhen Wang, Yanxia Ma, Junjie Yang, Qiang Yu, Haiyang Zhang, Xingguo Han, Qiushi Ning
Summary: High nitrogen input can lead to soil carbon limitation, eutrophication, deficiency of base cations, and accumulation of toxic micronutrients. Previous studies have primarily focused on the individual effects of carbon, macronutrients, base cations, and micronutrients on soil carbon mineralization. However, their relative importance in regulating soil carbon mineralization in nitrogen-enriched ecosystems remains unclear. This study examined the relative contributions of these factors in a grassland ecosystem and found that carbon availability was the most critical driver for carbon mineralization in nitrogen-enriched soil.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Wang Hongde, She Dongli, Sun Xiaoqin, Ma Donghao
Summary: This study investigates the impact of salinity on the mechanical behavior of agricultural soil, proposing an empirical constitutive model that incorporates osmotic suction to improve predictions of mechanical behavior under salinization/desalinization conditions.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Geological
Qidong Fang, Xingwei Ren, Bo Zhang, Xiaojun Chen, Zeyu Guo
Summary: This paper reexamines the role of parameters in two commonly used soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) models and proposes a new SWCC model (MVF model) with excellent performance in terms of goodness of fit and clear geometric meaning of parameters. This study consolidates the application and reliable determination of SWCC in estimating the mechanical and hydraulic properties of unsaturated soils.
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mattias Gaglio, Vassilis Aschonitis, Alexandra Nicoleta Muresan, Fabio Vincenzi, Giuseppe Castaldelli, Elisa Anna Fano
Summary: The study investigated the taxonomic structures and functional attributes of macrobenthic communities in the river Adige network in Northern Italy, testing the reliability of the River Continuum Concept (RCC) theory. The results showed a decrease in biodiversity levels along the river continuum, with corresponding loss in functional richness. The study confirmed the general validity of RCC in predicting macrobenthic community structures based on taxonomic diversity, although the functional analysis did not provide equally clear evidences.
Article
Agronomy
Niki Christopoulou, Theocharis Chatzistathis, Efimia M. Papatheodorou, Vassilis Aschonitis, Nikolaos Monokrousos
Summary: The study shows that olive trees with high organic matter content may have sufficient or excessive foliar P levels even when soil P concentrations are low. Organic matter content significantly affects soil fertility, but has minimal impact on foliar nutrient concentrations.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Alessandrino, Nicolo Colombani, Anna Laura Eusebi, Vassilis Aschonitis, Micol Mastrocicco
Summary: In this study, graphene was tested for the first time as a soil improver on a calcareous sandy soil. Results showed that graphene performed well in reducing nutrients and metals leaching compared to traditional soil improvers, without altering soil's physical-chemical parameters or releasing nutrients and heavy metals into the solution.
Article
Marine & Freshwater Biology
Mattia Lanzoni, Anna Gavioli, Giuseppe Castaldelli, Vassilis Aschonitis, Marco Milardi
Summary: The European eel is critically endangered and completes its life cycle between European freshwaters and the Sargasso Sea. The migration of glass eels into brackish waters is influenced by astronomical factors more than meteorological and oceanographical factors. Identifying the environmental variables affecting glass eels migration can help in promoting eel stocks restoration.
ESTUARINE COASTAL AND SHELF SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Christos Petsoulas, Eleftherios Evangelou, Alexandros Tsitouras, Vassilis Aschonitis, Anastasia Kargiotidou, Ebrahim Khah, Ourania Pavli, Dimitrios N. Vlachostergios
Summary: On-farm genotype screening is costly and uncertain, but phenomics offers a new approach using optical sensors to accurately phenotype and enhance genetic gain. This study developed a high-throughput phenotyping workflow using an active crop canopy sensor to estimate spectral reflectance indices (SRIs) and demonstrated the efficiency of SRIs as a selection tool for distinguishing and classifying sesame genotypes.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luigi Alessandrino, Nicolo Colombani, Vassilis George Aschonitis, Micol Mastrocicco
Summary: This study highlights the importance of using parallel batch tests with different liquid/solid ratios to assess the dissolution mechanisms of graphene in soils. The results showed that graphene did not alter the physicochemical parameters of soils and did not trigger an increase in nitrate concentration. Compared to other soil improvers, graphene performed well in terms of its effects on soils.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Panagiotis Tziachris, Vassilis Aschonitis, Eirini Metaxa, Areti Bountla
Summary: This dataset presents soil data analyses including pH, organic matter, salinity, major elements, and microelements that impact plant nutrition. It can be used to evaluate soil status for various tasks.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Luigi Alessandrino, Anna Laura Eusebi, Vassilis Aschonitis, Micol Mastrocicco, Nicolo Colombani
Summary: This study monitored and modeled the changes in hydraulic parameters induced by the introduction of graphene in different types of soil. The results showed that graphene had minimal effects on hydraulic conductivity, porosity, and effective porosity, but it significantly increased specific retention and altered dispersivity. However, using electrical conductivity for model fitting produced unreliable results.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kyriaki Anagnostopoulpou, Christina Nannou, Vassilis G. Aschonitis, Dimitra A. Lambropoulu
Summary: The water quality of Greek lakes is threatened by organic micropollutants, including pesticides and pharmaceuticals, which could have potential ecological effects. A study found that DEET, caffeine, and TCPP were the most commonly detected compounds in the lakes. The maximum concentrations of different classes of pollutants varied greatly, indicating the impact of intense agricultural activity.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Agronomy
Panagiotis Kekelis, Efimia M. Papatheodorou, Eleni Terpsidou, Maria Dimou, Vassilis Aschonitis, Nikolaos Monokrousos
Summary: Coffee waste, as an organic amendment, has a positive effect on soil free-living nematode communities, especially in sandy loam soil. The genus Panagrolaimus shows potential for describing soil quality differentiations.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Alessandrino, Nicolo Colombani, Vassilis Aschonitis, Anna Laura Eusebi, Mic()l Mastrocicco
Summary: This study monitored and compared the fate of nutrients and heavy metals in a sandy Calcisol amended with Graphene and other traditional improvers. The results showed that Graphene performed well in minimizing nutrients and heavy metals leaching.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Evangelos Tziritis, Ekaterini Sachsamanoglou, Vassilis Aschonitis
Summary: Assessing the hydrogeochemical evolution of groundwater is challenging, especially considering the multiple impacts on its quality and the hydraulic interactions between aquifers. This study used hydrogeochemical modelling and data analysis to assess the complex hydrogeological regime, and found temporal-dependent behavior of the aquifer system during the irrigation period, leading to seasonal changes in hydrodynamic conditions and depletion of the upper aquifer layers. The proposed methodology proved to be a useful tool for capturing the temporal dynamics in complex groundwater systems and supporting groundwater resource management.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Panagiotis Tziachris, Melpomeni Nikou, Vassilis Aschonitis, Andreas Kallioras, Katerina Sachsamanoglou, Maria Dolores Fidelibus, Evangelos Tziritis
Summary: Machine learning algorithms are widely used for their high prediction accuracy, but they may produce overly optimistic results due to overfitting and inadvertent biases. Spatial data, with their intrinsic spatial autocorrelation, can introduce biases to machine learning. Spatial cross-validation (SCV) has emerged as a special resampling method to address this issue. This study compared the performance of SCV with conventional random cross-validation (CCV) in predicting groundwater electrical conductivity (EC) using different datasets. The results showed that SCV provides ML models with better generalization capabilities and reduces the over-optimism bias associated with CCV methods. SCV could be applied in studies that use spatial data and machine learning.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Luigi Alessandrino, Christos Pavlakis, Nicolo Colombani, Micol Mastrocicco, Vassilis Aschonitis
Summary: Graphene waste has been investigated as a soil conditioner for improving soil physical and hydraulic properties, showing the largest decrease in bulk density and significant improvements in soil aeration and drainage conditions.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Vassilis Aschonitis, Dimos Touloumidis, Marie-Claire ten Veldhuis, Miriam Coenders-Gerrits
Summary: Thornthwaite's formula is widely considered as the best method for large-scale applications of potential evapotranspiration and aridity assessment. In this study, a global database of local correction coefficients for Thornthwaite's formula was developed to improve its accuracy by integrating local climatic factors. The validation using data from multiple stations showed that the corrected formula significantly improved the estimation of evapotranspiration and aridity indices in non-humid areas.
EARTH SYSTEM SCIENCE DATA
(2022)
