Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Edivaldo L. Thomaz, Cezar F. Araujo-Junior, Pedro R. S. Vendrame, Thadeu R. de Melo
Summary: The soil system is a dynamic component of the earth, and aggregate stability is crucial for soil quality and ecosystem services. This study found that the impact of clay, soil organic carbon, aluminum, and iron oxides on aggregate stability in tropical and subtropical soils is controversial, and the stability of aggregates varies depending on different breakdown mechanisms. Soil organic carbon and soil texture do not play a significant role in aggregate stability, while silicon oxides and iron oxides increase resistance to breakdown, and aluminum oxides decrease stability. The recommended methods for evaluating (sub)tropical soil aggregate stability are rainfall simulation and wet sieving.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Yongfei Gao, Pengyuan Yang
Summary: Soil water repellency (SWR) in grassland soils can lead to erosion and degradation. This study examined the temporal and spatial distribution of SWR in Inner Mongolia grassland soils and identified the physical-chemical properties that contribute to SWR. The results showed that SWR was correlated with hydrophobic matter content, particle size, and soil moisture. The study emphasized the importance of considering SWR in reducing the risk of soil erosion and degradation in grasslands.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
Xiai Zhu, Wenjie Liu, Xia Yuan, Chunfeng Chen, Kai Zhu, Wanjun Zhang, Bin Yang
Summary: Soil erosion by water is a global ecological issue that leads to land degradation. This study focuses on splash erosion caused by raindrop impact and its relation to soil aggregate characteristics in humid tropical regions. The results show that soil aggregate properties such as organic carbon, water-stable aggregate index, and mean weight diameter decrease after land-use change from tropical rainforest to rubber plantation, leading to higher splash erosion rates in the latter.
Article
Engineering, Civil
Misagh Parhizkar, Artemio Cerda
Summary: This study evaluates the effects of human-caused fires on soil erosion processes, specifically on rill erosion parameters on steep slopes. The results show that human-caused fires significantly increase the rill detachment capacity and rill erodibility of the soil due to changes in organic matter content, bulk density, and aggregate stability.
JOURNAL OF HYDROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Jue Peng, Junguang Wang, Qingsong Yang, Ling Long, Huiyan Li, Zhonglu Guo, Chongfa Cai
Summary: The spatial variations in soil aggregate stability and erodibility in the Mollisol region of northeast China are influenced by soil properties, particularly total nitrogen, soil organic carbon, and bulk density. Factors such as available potassium, saturated conductivity, and soil texture also play important roles in driving the variations of soil aggregate stability and erodibility.
Article
Agronomy
Huifang Jin, Shangshu Huang, Dongmei Shi, Junkai Li, Jifu Li, Yanli Li, Hai Zhu
Summary: Tillage practices have a significant impact on soil nutrient retention, soil structure, and stability. This study aimed to establish universal principles for soil stability and erosion resistance. Through field surveys and laboratory experiments, we found that different tillage practices had varying effects on soil stability and erosion resistance. No tillage was the most effective method for reducing soil erodibility, while subsoil tillage and soil compaction enhanced soil fertility and controlled soil erosion. This research provides valuable insights for selecting appropriate tillage methods in red soil hilly regions.
Article
Agronomy
Yong Wang, Jiaqi Wang, Zhenzhen Ma, Xinlan Liang
Summary: This study investigates the impact of polyacrylamide (PAM) application on the aggregate stability of purple soil in hilly areas of southwestern China. Different breakdown mechanisms were observed at different hillslope locations. The results provide insights into the proper application of soil amendments to control soil and water loss in purple soils.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Gratien Nsabimana, Li Hong, Bao Yuhai, Jean de Dieu Nambajimana, Li Jinlin, Tite Ntacyabukura, He Xiubin
Summary: Spatial hydrological alterations can negatively impact soil structural stability and result in soil erosion. This study found that increasing water level fluctuations led to a decrease in soil aggregate stability and an increase in soil erodibility. These findings highlight the importance of understanding the factors contributing to soil erosion in river reservoirs.
ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Soil Science
C. Polakowski, A. Sochan, M. Ryzak, M. Beczek, R. Mazur, K. Majewska, M. Turski, A. Bieganowski
Summary: The aggregate size distribution of soil is a key parameter in describing soil properties. The traditional dry sieving method may lead to breakdown of less-stable aggregates. This paper presents a modified measurement system using laser diffraction for direct measurement of aggregates on a dry basis, with an average coefficient of variation of about 2.6%.
SOIL & TILLAGE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Forestry
Yi Li, Xianjin He, Dunmei Lin, Pei Wei, Lihua Zhou, Lian Zeng, Shenhua Qian, Liang Zhao, Yongchuan Yang, Guangyu Zhu, Choonsig Kim
Summary: Soil aggregate stability and soil erodibility are important indicators of soil quality, and exploring their quantitative relationship is crucial for ecosystem monitoring and assessment. This study collected soil samples from different altitude gradients in a karst mountainous area and analyzed various soil properties. The results showed that soil aggregate stability, bulk density, pH, and fungal community diversity exhibited a pattern with altitude, while soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and C:N ratio increased. Soil organic carbon, bulk density, soil pH, mechanical composition, and fungal community diversity were found to explain the most variation in soil aggregate stability and soil erodibility. The study also proposed alternative indicators, such as fractal dimension and EPIC model soil erodibility, for assessing soil quality.
Article
Soil Science
Evelin Pihlap, Markus Steffens, Ingrid Koegel-Knabner
Summary: This study aims to elucidate the initial aggregate formation in calcareous loess, showing that organic matter induces the formation of large macroaggregates, while microaggregates do not accumulate soil organic carbon. The findings suggest that soil aggregate formation on young calcareous soils involves both fresh soil organic matter contributing to macroaggregate formation and intrinsic cementation of loess through carbonates affecting microaggregate stability.
Article
Plant Sciences
Vusumuzi E. Mbanjwa, Jeffrey C. Hughes, Pardon Muchaonyerwa
Summary: This study evaluated soil organic carbon (SOC) and aggregate stability in different land uses in northern KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The results showed that SOC and aggregate stability were significantly lower under arable cultivation compared to grassland and pasture. This study highlights the importance of maintaining soil organic carbon and aggregate stability for long-term soil sustainability.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Misagh Parhizkar, Mahmood Shabanpour, Manuel Esteban Lucas-Borja, Demetrio Antonio Zema
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of rice husk biochar on rill erosion in deforested hillslopes in Northern Iran. The results showed that the treated soil had a 32% lower rill detachment capacity and a 79% lower erodibility compared to the control. Rice husk biochar was found to effectively control and mitigate soil detachment, and improve organic matter content and aggregate stability.
ECOLOGICAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Geosciences, Multidisciplinary
Xian Tang, Jingchi Qiu, Yuqi Xu, Jianhua Li, Jiahui Chen, Bo Li, Ying Lu
Summary: Soil aggregate stability is influenced by soil organic carbon (OC) and total nitrogen (TN). This study investigated the effects of different land-use types on soil aggregate stability, aggregate-associated OC and TN contents, and their relationships under sheet erosion condition. The results showed that woodland soil had the highest water-stable aggregate content, mean weighted diameter, geometric mean diameter, and aggregate-associated OC and TN. These differences were mainly due to the variations in aggregate size distributions induced by soil erosion. Soil aggregate-associated OC and TN contents decreased with increasing aggregate sizes. The interactions among soil aggregate-associated OC, TN, and physicochemical properties contributed to 81.7% of aggregate stability. This study highlights the importance of OC and TN in maintaining soil aggregate stability under sheet erosion condition and suggests the implementation of appropriate agricultural and engineering strategies to enhance aggregate-associated OC and TN for soil erosion control.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Fangli Wang, Yu Liu, Bin Liang, Jun Liu, Haiying Zong, Xiaohong Guo, Xuexia Wang, Ningning Song
Summary: This study assessed the impacts of plastic film mulching and N fertilization on the soil aggregate distribution and associated OC and N fractions in a 10-year continuous cucumber cabbage rotation soil. The results showed that plastic film mulching alleviated the impact of N fertilization on soil aggregate stability and resulted in higher contents of soil OC and dissolved OC in macroaggregates.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Frank G. A. Verheijen, Ana Catarina Bastos, Ana Vasques, Raquel Mesquita, Jan J. Keizer, Flavio C. Silva, Claudia Jesus, Joana Amaral, Gloria Pinto
Summary: The study found that Eucalyptus trees showed significant physiological responses to biochar under water-limited and unfertilized conditions, such as increased leaf water use efficiency, net photosynthetic rate, and plant survival rate. However, under well-watered and fertilized conditions, biochar did not have a significant impact on leaf water use efficiency or total biomass. Overall, the benefits of using woody biochar in managing unirrigated eucalypt plantations were observed, but trade-offs were also identified, necessitating further long-term studies on different watering regimes, biochar types, and application rates.
JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE AND PLANT NUTRITION
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
J. Parente, A. Girona-Garcia, A. R. Lopes, J. J. Keizer, D. C. S. Vieira
Summary: The aim of this study is to create a soil erosion risk map for forest and shrubland areas in mainland Portugal after wildfires, and evaluate its reliability. By using an erosion model and validation methods, high-risk areas of post-fire soil erosion were identified. These outcomes provide useful tools for forest managers to make decisions on emergency stabilization after wildfires.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Maria C. Cunha, Dalila Serpa, Joao Marques, Jan J. Keizer, Nelson Abrantes
Summary: This paper proposes a multicriteria decision analysis (MCDA) approach to evaluate sustainable vineyard agricultural solutions. The methodology utilizes the soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model and databases to assess different alternatives based on environmental and socioeconomic criteria. The results provide insights on the best and worst vineyard agricultural practices based on assigned weights to the criteria.
ENVIRONMENT DEVELOPMENT AND SUSTAINABILITY
(2023)
Article
Ecology
A. Vasques, M. Baudena, V. R. Vallejo, S. Kefi, S. Bautista, V. M. Santana, M. J. Baeza, P. Maia, J. J. Keizer, M. Rietkerk
Summary: Recurrent fires can hinder the natural regeneration of pine forests and result in their replacement by shrubland, especially when shrub species are pyrophytic. However, model-based studies suggest that under current climatic conditions, the post-fire succession in pine forests tends towards oak dominance under high fire severity and recurrence. The type of shrub species plays a key role in this process, with resprouter species delaying the dominance of oaks.
Review
Environmental Sciences
Fatima Jesus, Joana L. Pereira, Isabel Campos, Martha Santos, Ana Re, Jacob Keizer, Antonio Nogueira, Fernando J. M. Goncalves, Nelson Abrantes, Dalila Serpa
Summary: Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are hazardous pollutants that are widely present in the environment and can accumulate in sediment, posing a threat to benthic communities in freshwater environments. This review provides an overview of the distribution of PAHs in freshwater environments and their toxicity to benthic fauna, and highlights the need for further research on the environmental toxicity of PAHs in combination with other stressors.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
Marta Basso, Dalila Serpa, Joao Rocha, Martinho A. S. Martins, Jacob Keizer, Diana C. S. Vieira
Summary: This research examines post-fire land management options in the Mediterranean region and their impacts on water resources. By simulating different post-fire scenarios, it was found that terracing and mulching can reduce soil loss and sediment transport but may increase flow volumes and phosphorus exports.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOIL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Soil Science
A. C. Bastos, F. G. A. Verheijen, A. Amaro, M. Prodana, D. N. Cardoso, R. G. Morgado, Miguel J. Santos, A. M. V. M. Soares, J. J. Keizer, S. Loureiro
Summary: This study examines the effects of biochar amendments on the habitat function of vineyard soil using invertebrate avoidance behavior tests. The results show that the addition of biochar has little impact on the soil habitat function, but collembolans exhibit significant avoidance behavior towards biochar aged for 6 months.
APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Ana Machado, Dalila Serpa, Ana Karolina Santos, Ana Paula Gomes, Jan Jacob Keizer, Bruna R. F. Oliveira
Summary: The impacts of forest fires on the environment are related to changes in soil properties. Using organic resources to rehabilitate burnt forest soils can reduce soil fertility loss and accelerate ecosystem recovery. This study evaluated the potential of four soil amendments to improve the quality of burnt forest soils, and found that all amendments increased organic matter and nutrient contents. However, the biofertilizer was found to promote nutrient losses, increasing the risk of water contamination. The use of available organic resources for forest rehabilitation aligns with the concept of a circular economy.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Antonio Girona-Garcia, Carola Cretella, Cristina Fernandez, Peter R. Robichaud, Diana C. S. Vieira, Jan Jacob Keizer
Summary: Wildfires can have significant impacts on forest areas, causing hydrological and erosive responses that have environmental, human, cultural, and financial consequences. This study reviews the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of post-fire soil erosion control measures, finding that treatments that provide a protective ground cover, such as agricultural straw mulch, are the most cost-effective.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Martinho A. S. Martins, Joana Parente, Jan J. Keizer, Diana C. S. Vieira
Summary: In recent decades, there has been a prosperous establishment of new fast-growing forest plantations worldwide. Though the European continent has the smallest share of forest plantations out of its total forest area, Portugal stands out with its widespread eucalypt plantations, accounting for 36% of the country's forests. These plantations commonly require intensive soil mobilization and bench terracing, especially in sloped areas. This study aims to quantify the implementation of bench terracing in the Caramulo Mountains of Portugal over the past 20 years.
LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
(2023)
Article
Forestry
Sofia Corticeiro, Paula Maia, Catarina Goncalves, Jan Jacob Keizer, Carlos Valente
Summary: Weed control is critical for the growth of Eucalyptus globulus and adjusting the timing of weed control can significantly increase productivity. This study emphasizes the importance of managing weeds throughout the entire growth cycle, based on the vegetation cover, to achieve maximum effectiveness.
Article
Soil Science
Martinho A. S. Martins, Oscar Gonzalez-Pelayo, Ana I. Machado, Liliana B. Simoes, Meni Ben-Hur, J. Jacob Keizer
Summary: This study assessed the impact of bench terrace construction on soil water repellency and soil water infiltration in eucalypt forest plantations. The results showed that terraced sites had more variable soil water repellency compared to non-terraced sites, with an increase in water repellency over time, leading to decreased water infiltration.
Article
Ecology
Bruna R. F. Oliveira, Jan J. Keizer, Thomas Foken
Summary: This study analyzes the impacts of two storms in December 2019 on a maritime pine plantation in central Portugal, including changes in aerodynamic characteristics and effects on turbulent fluxes. The windthrow only had a minor effect on the turbulent fluxes, but it significantly altered the footprint area of the flux tower.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Sandra Costa, Rik Peters, Ricardo Martins, Luuk Postmes, Jan Jacob Keizer, Peter Roebeling
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of different NBS on urban flood mitigation in Eindhoven, The Netherlands, finding that simulated NBS were effective in reducing flooded areas and flood depth, with effectiveness depending on the location, extent, and storm intensity of the NBS.
Article
Ecology
Bruna R. F. Oliveira, Carsten Schaller, J. Jacob Keizer, Thomas Foken
Summary: Wildfires can have complex impacts on forest ecosystem services, including direct and indirect effects on carbon sequestration. The study found that carbon fluxes in the first post-fire year went through five consecutive periods, showing a relatively rapid recovery of ecosystem function.