Article
Environmental Sciences
Raquel de Faria Godoi, Dulce B. B. Rodrigues, Pasquale Borrelli, Paulo Tarso S. Oliveira
Summary: Large-scale soil erosion modeling plays a crucial role in soil and water conservation planning. The lack of spatial data on soil characteristics has been a major obstacle in Brazil for computing the soil erodibility (K-factor). In this study, a high-resolution spatially explicit soil erodibility map was computed using USLE nomograph and EPIC equations, with USLE nomograph providing more precise estimation of the K-factor in Brazil compared to EPIC.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Pei Tian, Zhanliang Zhu, Qimeng Yue, Yi He, Zhaoyi Zhang, Fanghua Hao, Wenzhao Guo, Lin Chen, Muxing Liu
Summary: The study improved the RUSLE model by considering the quantitative impacts of different SWC measures on the P factor value, resulting in significantly enhanced accuracy in soil erosion modeling. The improved RUSLE showed a high accuracy when validated against long-term soil erosion monitoring data, with a decreased average P factor value and improved soil erosion modeling accuracy.
INTERNATIONAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Agronomy
Hyacinthe Nyirahabimana, Alice Turinawe, Jakob Lederer, Jeninah Karungi, Mathew Herrnegger
Summary: This study examines the factors influencing adoption lag for Soil and Water Conservation Practices among smallholder farmers in the Sio-Malaba Malakisi River Basin border region of Kenya and Uganda. Results show that the average adoption lag of SWCPs in the study area was about 10 years. Factors such as household size, number of accessible markets, access to credit, age of the household head, farm size owned, and tropical livestock units are associated with reduction in adoption lag. Access to off-farm income and household location in Uganda are associated with increased adoption lag of SWCPs.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Philipp Saggau, Michael Kuhwald, Rainer Duttmann
Summary: To reduce water erosion on arable soils, conservation measures such as contour farming or reduced tillage practices can be applied. This study assesses the impact of reduced and conventional tillage and slope-related tramline directions on runoff and soil erosion rates. Results show that tramlines have strong interrelations with surface runoff, water connectivity, and soil erosion, highlighting the importance of considering tramlines in process-based models for better assessment of soil erosion risk and conservation measure efficiencies.
Article
Agronomy
Hope Mwanake, Bano Mehdi-Schulz, Karsten Schulz, Nzula Kitaka, Luke O. Olang, Jakob Lederer, Mathew Herrnegger
Summary: Poor agricultural practices can lead to soil erosion and reduce agricultural productivity among small-scale sub-Saharan African farmers. However, information on these practices is often not well documented, making it challenging to develop mitigation strategies. A fine-scale agricultural survey in the Sio Malaba Malakisi River Basin (SMMRB) between Kenya and Uganda found that many farmers lacked soil and water conservation practices, but a significant number implemented one or a combination of practices. Farmers' perceptions on soil erosion and loss of soil fertility were found to be positively correlated, suggesting the importance of reducing soil erosion to maintain soil fertility. This study provides a baseline for improving current soil and water conservation measures and highlights the need for further research on the efficiency of these practices and farmers' knowledge and perceptions.
Article
Environmental Sciences
David Bruno de Sousa Teixeira, Roberto Avelino Cecilio, Michel Castro Moreira, Gabrielle Ferreira Pires, Elpidio Inacio Fernandes Filho
Summary: In this study, a national database was used to analyze the rainfall erosivity (RE) patterns in Brazil. The results show a significant spatial variation in RE values, with the highest magnitudes in the north region and the lowest in the northeast region. The distribution of RE throughout the year is more equitable in the southern region, while irregular concentration is observed in specific months in some parts of the northeastern region. Regression models were established to estimate RE values for the entire country.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Hunggul Yudono Setio Hadi Nugroho, Tyas Mutiara Basuki, Irfan Budi Pramono, Endang Savitri, Dewi Retna Indrawati, Nining Wahyuningrum, Rahardyan Nugroho Adi, Yonky Indrajaya, Agung Budi Supangat, Pamungkas Buana Putra, Diah Auliyani, Eko Priyanto, Tri Wira Yuwati, Budi Hadi Narendra, Asep Sukmana, Wuri Handayani, Ogi Setiawan, Ryke Nandini, Purwanto, Pratiwi
Summary: Most of Indonesia's watersheds are highly vulnerable to erosion due to mountainous topography, high rainfall, and erosion-sensitive soil types. However, over the past 40 years, the Indonesian government has implemented systematic soil and water conservation techniques, resulting in positive outcomes.
Review
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
David Bruno de Sousa Teixeira, Roberto Avelino Cecilio, Michel Castro Moreira, Gabrielle Ferreira Pires, Elpidio Inacio Fernandes Filho
Summary: This paper presents an in-depth review of the assessment of rainfall erosivity in Brazil over the past three decades. The most commonly used erosivity index in the country is EI30, and pluviographic rainfall data and regression equations are the main methods for obtaining erosivity values. Annual rainfall erosivity in Brazil ranges from 59 to 26,891 MJ mm ha(-1)h(-1) year(-1), with the lowest values found in the Northeast region and the highest in the North. Kriging is the most widespread technique for obtaining rainfall erosivity maps in Brazil. The Southeast region has the highest number of erosivity studies, while the North lacks erosivity information. Recent advancements include the use of synthetic series of rainfall and remote sensing products, as well as machine learning techniques for interpolation. Future research is expected to focus on these methodologies and the assessment of future patterns of rainfall erosivity in Brazil. This review provides updated findings on rainfall erosivity assessment in Brazil and contributes to soil and water management planning at a national scale.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Petr Sklenicka, Nikolaos Efthimiou, Jan Zouhar, Adri van den Brink, Blanka Kottova, Jan Vopravil, Vojtech Zastera, Michal Gebhart, Iris C. Bohnet, Kristina Janeckova Molnarova, Hossein Azadi
Summary: This study aimed to identify major socio-economic characteristics that have contributed to the occurrence of water erosion events in the Czech Republic. The results revealed that plot size and land tenure are significant predictors of repeated erosion events. To protect agricultural land more effectively against water erosion, recommended updates to agricultural environmental standards.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Kindiye Ebabu, Gebeyehu Taye, Atsushi Tsunekawa, Nigussie Haregeweyn, Enyew Adgo, Mitsuru Tsubo, Ayele Almaw Fenta, Derege Tsegaye Meshesha, Dagnenet Sultan, Dagnachew Aklog, Teshager Admasu, Bas Van Wesemael, Jean Poesen
Summary: This study examined the runoff and soil loss responses under different land management practices in three climatic regions of the Ethiopian highlands. The results showed significant variations in runoff and soil loss amounts, highlighting the importance of carefully designing and evaluating soil and water conservation measures specific to land use and climatic conditions.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Cao, Guohui Chen, Song Zhang, Shangshu Huang, Yan Wu, Fangjin Dong, Yuming Guo, Jianhao Wang, Fahui Jiang
Summary: Soil erosion is a global threat, especially in China. No-tillage (NT) and mulching (NTS) are effective soil management techniques for reducing erosion, but their utilization is limited. This study evaluated the impact of NT and NTS on water erosion in China's croplands from 2000 to 2018 and found that they significantly reduced soil loss, especially in southern regions. However, considering economic losses and ecosystem benefits, NT and NTS should be primarily implemented in northern parts of China.
Article
Agronomy
Haijin Zheng, Xiaofei Nie, Zhao Liu, Minghao Mo, Yuejun Song
Summary: The relationship between different rainfall types and soil erosion is complex, yet ridge practices have been shown to reduce runoff and soil loss in intense and normal rainfall events. Choosing appropriate ridge practices according to rainfall types can have a positive impact on soil and water conservation, with more significant effects observed during intense and normal rainfall events.
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Nian Li, Yu Zhang, Tianwei Wang, Jingwei Li, Jiawei Yang, Mengyu Luo
Summary: Soil erosion poses a direct threat to the sustainability of natural resources and the environment, especially in regions with frequent human activities. This study in South China from 1985 to 2015 shows a significant decrease in soil erosion, with anthropogenic factors playing a vital role. Conservation practices have contributed to reducing soil erosion, but the impacts of urban expansion and plantation development cannot be ignored. The study provides valuable insights for decision makers to better understand human impacts on soil erosion and support regional soil loss reduction for sustainable ecological development.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ederson Diniz Ebling, Jose Miguel Reichert, Jhon Jairo Zuluaga Pelaez, Miriam Fernanda Rodrigues, Mirian Lago Valente, Rosane Barbosa Lopes Cavalcante, Paolo Reggiani, Raghavan Srinivasan
Summary: This study evaluated the hydrological and sedimentation impacts of commercial eucalyptus and grasslands in paired watersheds in southern Brazil. The study found that rainfall had a more evident impact on hydrological and sedimentological variables in grasslands compared to forests, and the LISEM model had limitations in calibrating and validating sediment yield for individual events due to spatial variability. The validated modeling results can be applied in simulating soil and crop scenarios in watersheds with commercial forest and grassland cover for grazing.
INTERNATIONAL SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION RESEARCH
(2021)
Review
Agronomy
Simone Priori, Sergio Pellegrini, Nadia Vignozzi, Edoardo A. C. Costantini
Summary: The diffusion of tree crops has led to the degradation of soil physical-hydrological qualities, requiring restoration practices. Restoration practices should be tailored to the specific soil and tree rooting system, as well as adjusted according to the ecosystem functions that need improvement.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Berhane Grum, Dereje Assefa, Rudi Hessel, Kifle Woldearegay, Aad Kessler, Coen Ritsema, Violette Geissen
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2017)
Article
Water Resources
Torsten Starkloff, Jannes Stolte, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema
HYDROLOGY RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ioannis N. Daliakopoulos, Ioanna S. Panagea, Ioannis K. Tsanis, Manolis G. Grillakis, Aristeidis G. Koutroulis, Rudi Hessel, Angeles G. Mayor, Coen J. Ritsema
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2017)
Article
Water Resources
Torsten Starkloff, Jannes Stolte, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema
HYDROLOGY RESEARCH
(2018)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Torsten Starkloff, Jannes Stolte, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema, Victor Jetten
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Gudrun Schwilch, Tatenda Lemann, Orjan Berglund, Carlo Camarotto, Artemi Cerda, Ioannis N. Daliakopoulos, Silvia Kohnova, Dominika Krzeminska, Teodoro Maranon, Rene Rietra, Grzegorz Siebielec, Johann Thorsson, Mark Tibbett, Sandra Valente, Hedwig van Delden, Jan van den Akker, Simone Verzandvoort, Nicoleta Olimpia Vrinceanu, Christos Zoumides, Rudi Hessel
Editorial Material
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
J. J. Keizer, R. Hessel
Article
Environmental Sciences
Uche T. Okpara, Luuk Fleskens, Lindsay C. Stringer, Rudi Hessel, Felicitas Bachmann, Ioannis Daliakopoulos, Kerstin Berglund, Francisco Jose Blanco Velazquez, Nicola Dal Ferro, Jacob Keizer, Silvia Kohnova, Tatenda Lemann, Claire Quinn, Gudrun Schwilch, Grzegorz Siebielec, Kamilla Skaalsveen, Mark Tibbett, Christos Zoumides
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2020)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Christos A. Karavitis, Demetrios E. Tsesmelis, Panagiotis D. Oikonomou, Orestis Kairis, Constantinos Kosmas, Vassilia Fassouli, Coen Ritsema, Rudi Hessel, Victor Jetten, Nikolaos Moustakas, Branislav Todorovic, Nikolaos A. Skondras, Constantina G. Vasilakou, Stavros Alexandris, Elpida Kolokytha, Demetrios Stamatakos, Ruzica Stricevic, Emmanuel Chatzigeorgiadis, Jane Brandt, Nicky Geeson, Giovanni Quaranta
Article
Ecology
Erik van den Elsen, Lindsay C. Stringer, Cecilia De Ita, Rudi Hessel, Sonia Kefi, Florian D. Schneider, Susana Bautista, Angeles G. Mayor, Mara Baudena, Max Rietkerk, Alejandro Valdecantos, Victoriano R. Vallejo, Nichola Geeson, C. Jane Brandt, Luuk Fleskens, Lia Hemerik, Panos Panagos, Sandra Valente, Jan J. Keizer, Gudrun Schwilch, Matteo Jucker Riva, Diana Sietz, Michalakis Christoforou, Diofantos G. Hadjimitsis, Christiana Papoutsa, Giovanni Quaranta, Rosanna Salvia, Ioannis K. Tsanis, Ioannis Daliakopoulos, Heleen Claringbould, Peter C. de Ruiter
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2020)
Article
Environmental Studies
Abdallah Alaoui, Lucia Barao, Carla S. S. Ferreira, Rudi Hessel
Summary: This study summarizes several frameworks for assessing agricultural sustainability and analyzes their strengths, weaknesses, and applicability. The results show that the SMART framework is the best option for considering the environmental, sociocultural, and economic dimensions of sustainability.
Article
Agriculture, Multidisciplinary
Anne Karine Boulet, Carlos Alarcao, Carla Ferreira, Zahra Kalantari, Adelcia Veiga, Lara Campos, Antonio Ferreira, Rudi Hessel
Summary: This study examines the effectiveness of legume cover crops in providing agro-ecological services for grain corn systems in Central Portugal, showing that these cover crops are well adapted to Mediterranean conditions, reduce nutrient leaching, decrease mineral fertilizer use, and have some weed control benefits. However, soil fertility was not improved in the short term despite the incorporation of legume cover crops.
Article
Agronomy
Berhane Grum, Dereje Assefa, Rudi Hessel, Kifle Woldearegay, Coen J. Ritsema, Berihun Aregawi, Violette Geissen
AGRICULTURAL WATER MANAGEMENT
(2017)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Torsten Starkloff, Mats Larsbo, Jannes Stolte, Rudi Hessel, Coen Ritsema
Article
Water Resources
Torsten Starkloff, Rudi Hessel, Jannes Stolte, Coen Ritsema
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Haihua Wang, Huaiyang Ke, Hongping Wu, Siyuan Ma, Muhammad Mohsin Altaf, Xiaoping Diao
Summary: Carbon storage in mangroves is crucial for mitigating climate change, but our understanding of this aspect is limited. This study investigated the seasonal changes in the carbon metabolic profile of microbial communities in mangrove soils on Hainan Island, China, and found that season plays a critical role in shaping the carbon functional diversity of microbial communities.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Donghui Zhao, Congcong Shen, Zhi-Ming Zhang, Jichen Wang, Li-Mei Zhang, Baodong Chen, Guo-Xin Sun, Yuan Ge
Summary: By studying soil samples from different slope directions along an elevational gradient in a mountain ecosystem, we found that soil bacterial diversity and microbial functions exhibit distinct elevational patterns, which are consistent across slope directions. The bacterial diversity shows a hump-shaped pattern, while microbial functions exhibit a linear increasing trend. Additionally, the beta diversity pattern of soil bacteria is significantly influenced by elevational distance decay relationships. Soil bacterial diversity patterns are determined by transitions in community assembly processes, whereas microbial functions are mainly influenced by bacterial community composition.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Guanfang Sun, Yan Zhu, Wei Mao, Yonghong Li, Jinzhong Yang, Zhaoliang Gao
Summary: This study developed a water and salt balance model to predict long-term water and salt dynamics in seasonally frozen arid agricultural regions. The model was validated in a region in China and showed that increasing autumn irrigation water can decrease soil salinity during the irrigation period, but has limited impact on long-term average soil salinity.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Alfredo Mayoral, Ana Ejarque, Arnau Garcia-Molsosa, Mercourios Georgiadis, Giannis Apostolou, Vincent Gaertner, Constantina Kallintzi, Eurydice Kefalidou, Hector Orengo
Summary: This paper presents an integrated Geoarchaeological approach to studying the landscape change and socio-environmental interaction around ancient Abdera. The study uses a combination of remote sensing, geomorphological mapping, sedimentary coring, and radiocarbon dating to reconstruct the palaeogeographic evolution of the area. The results challenge previous narratives about the rise and decline of Abdera and provide new insights into the role of historical and environmental factors. It also introduces evidence of submerged Neolithic landscapes and the impact of anthropogenic forcing on the sedimentary systems.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jiale Chen, Michael Dannenmann, Qiang Yu, Yalong Shi, Matthew D. Wallenstein, Xinguo Han, Honghui Wu, Klaus Butterbach-Bahl
Summary: This study investigated the effects of temperature and moisture on soil nitrogen turnover through field experiments and laboratory incubation experiments. The results showed that soil temperature had a greater explanatory power than moisture in gross ammonification and nitrification rates. Climate warming may have a greater impact on gross nitrogen turnover compared to changes in rainfall.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Han, Xiuchao Yang, Xiaoai Yin, Qian Fang, Longshan Zhao
Summary: This study investigated the effects of exposed root distribution patterns on rainfall-runoff processes. The results showed that the distribution patterns of exposed root had a significant impact on rainfall-runoff processes. A vertical slope arrangement was conducive to rainfall infiltration, a parallel slope arrangement resulted in more surface runoff, and a transverse slope arrangement could reduce water loss.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Bo Zhao
Summary: Seismic earthflows, as special seismic landslides, have not received much attention in previous studies. This study analyzed the characteristics and movement of earthflows induced by recent earthquakes. The results showed that earthflows occur in high-rainfall areas and are sensitive to rainfall. Compared to other seismic landslides, seismic earthflows occur on gentler hills and have higher mobility.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Tingxi Liu, Xueqin Wang, Mingyang Li, Dongfang Li, Limin Duan, Xin Tong, Guanli Wang
Summary: Soil respiration plays a crucial role in the global carbon cycle in arid and semi-arid regions, and is regulated by hydrothermal factors. This study examined the seasonal and diurnal dynamics of soil respiration in two typical ecosystems in northern China, and investigated their responses to precipitation, temperature, and drought. The results showed that soil respiration varied seasonally and diurnally, and its response to environmental factors depended on the ecosystem type and soil moisture status. Incorporating multiple factors into carbon cycle models can improve the simulation and prediction of carbon emissions in arid and semi-arid regions.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yaochen Xu, Ninghua Chen, Deguo Zhang, Bowen Gao, Xuhua Weng, Hongcheng Qiu
Summary: This study provides systematic investigation on how yardangs exert control over dune morphology, and reveals the intricate wind dynamics and mechanisms involved. Computational fluid dynamics modeling and remote sensing data further support the observations and shed light on the influences of yardangs on wind deposition and dune formation.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Yuri Lopes Zinn, Welton Pereira da Rocha Jr
Summary: This study assessed the evolution of Journal Impact Factors (JIF) and related data in the field of Soil Science over a 26-year period, and compared it with the field of Agronomy. The results showed a significant growth in JIFs and output in Soil Science, with commercial scientific publishers' journals experiencing higher growth rates than non-profit journals. The study also highlighted the importance of considering not only JIF, but also the bibliometric footprint, in determining the relevance and leadership of journals in the discipline.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shanshan Liao, Xiaodong Nie, Aoqi Zeng, Wenfei Liao, Yi Liu, Zhongwu Li
Summary: Lake drawdown areas, where sediment is exposed due to water level fluctuations, have a significant impact on the carbon cycle. This study examined microbial necromass carbon (MNC) content and its contribution to soil organic carbon (SOC) in different habitats within the drawdown area of Dongting Lake. The results showed that MNC content varied among habitats and was primarily influenced by carbon and nitrogen availability, plant biomass, clay content, and soil moisture. External factors, such as plant and soil properties, played a more crucial role in the long-term accumulation of MNC. These findings enhance our understanding of MNC stability in drawdown areas.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Vanessa Alves Mantovani, Marcela de Castro Nunes Santos Terra, Andre Ferreira Rodrigues, Carlos Alberto Silva, Li Guo, Jose Marcio de Mello, Carlos Rogerio de Mello
Summary: There is a lack of research on the potential of tropical soils in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest biome to store carbon. This study aimed to determine the soil carbon stocks at different depths, describe their temporal variability, and identify the main drivers that influence their variations. The results showed significant spatial and seasonal variability in soil carbon stocks, with a high accumulation in December and a low accumulation in August. The study also found that litterfall, throughfall, tree sizes, and soil moisture were important factors affecting the distribution of soil carbon.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Anais Zimmer, Timothy Beach, Sheryl Luzzadder-Beach, Antoine Rabatel, Rolando Cruz Encarnacion, Joshua Lopez Robles, Edison Jara Tarazona, Arnaud J. A. M. Temme
Summary: Climate warming has accelerated glacial retreat and soil formation in mountainous regions. The accumulation of soil organic carbon and nitrogen is influenced by environmental factors, with maximum temperature and initial site conditions playing important roles in soil development.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Ren-Min Yang, Lai-Ming Huang, Feng Liu
Summary: This study investigated the soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in seasonally frozen ground (SFG) in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, in 2020 and 2021, and explored the effects of various factors on SOC using partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). The results showed that C inputs exerted the greatest control on SOC, and the influence of these factors decreased with increasing soil depth. Additionally, timely spatial SOC estimates were found to be important for assessing carbon stocks in the context of environmental changes.
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Shue Wei, Kuandi Zhang, Chenglong Liu, Youdong Cen, Junqiang Xia
Summary: This study analyzed the effects of different vegetation components on erosion through simulated rainfall experiments and found that litter had the best effect in reducing erosion, followed by roots. The study also revealed that the reduction in runoff and sediment by the treatments decreased with increasing rainfall intensity.
