{"type": "FeatureCollection", "features": [{"id": "10.3390/microorganisms13040848", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:20:45Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-04-10", "title": "Assessing Microbial Activity and Rhizoremediation in Hydrocarbon and Heavy Metal-Impacted Soil", "description": "

Rhizodegradation enhances pollutant degradation through plant\u2013microbe interactions in the rhizosphere. Plant roots provide a colonisation surface and root exudates that promote microbial abundance and activity, facilitating organic pollutant breakdown via direct microbial degradation and co-metabolism. This study assessed the rhizodegradation of weathered petroleum hydrocarbons (PHCs) in heavy metal co-contaminated soil in a microcosm-scale pot trial. Treatments included Sinapis alba, Lolium perenne, a L. perenne + Trifolium repens mix, and Cichorium intybus, alongside a non-planted control. After 14 weeks, PHC concentrations were analysed via gas chromatography, and rhizosphere microbial communities were characterised through sequencing. Sinapis alba achieved the highest PHC degradation (68%), significantly exceeding the non-planted control (p < 0.05, Kruskal\u2013Wallis test). Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria, including KCM-B-112, C1-B045, Hydrogenophaga, unclassified Saccharimonadales sp., and Pedobacter, were enriched in the rhizosphere, with the uncultured clade mle1-27 potentially contributing indirectly. Metals analysis of plant tissues showed that mustard could accumulate copper more than lead and zinc, despite higher concentrations of zinc and lead in the soil. These results highlight the potential of S. alba for rhizoremediation in PHC\u2013heavy metal co-contaminated soils.

", "keywords": ["petroleum hydrocarbons", "bioremediation", "QH301-705.5", "microbial communities", "phytoremediation", "Biology (General)", "heavy metals", "rhizodegradation", "Article"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Robert Conlon, David N. Dowling, Kieran J. Germaine,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms13040848"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Microorganisms", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.3390/microorganisms13040848", "name": "item", "description": "10.3390/microorganisms13040848", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.3390/microorganisms13040848"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2025-04-08T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.3390/microorganisms8071093", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:20:45Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-07-22", "title": "New insight into antimicrobial compounds from food and marine-sourced Carnobacterium species through phenotype and genome analyses.", "description": "

Carnobacterium maltaromaticum and Carnobacterium divergens, isolated from food products, are lactic acid bacteria known to produce active and efficient bacteriocins. Other species, particularly those originating from marine sources, are less studied. The aim of the study is to select promising strains with antimicrobial potential by combining genomic and phenotypic approaches on large datasets comprising 12 Carnobacterium species. The biosynthetic gene cluster (BGCs) diversity of 39 publicly available Carnobacterium spp. genomes revealed 67 BGCs, distributed according to the species and ecological niches. From zero to six BGCs were predicted per strain and classified into four classes: terpene, NRPS (non-ribosomal peptide synthetase), NRPS-PKS (hybrid non-ribosomal peptide synthetase-polyketide synthase), RiPP (ribosomally synthesized and post-translationally modified peptide). In parallel, the antimicrobial activity of 260 strains from seafood products was evaluated. Among the 60% of active strains, three genomes were sequenced and submitted to a dereplication process. C. inhibens MIP2551 produced a high amountof H2O2, probably thanks to the presence of four oxidase-encoding genes. C. maltaromaticum EBP3019 and SF668 strains were highly efficient against Listeria monocytogenes. A new extracellular 16 kDa unmodified bacteriocin in the EBP3019 strain and five different bacteriocins in SF668 were highlighted. In this study, the overview of antimicrobial BGC and inhibitory activities of Carnobacterium spp. allowed the prediction of potential innovative natural products that could be relevant for biotechnological applications.

", "keywords": ["Carnobacteriumspp", "0301 basic medicine", "2. Zero hunger", "570", "natural product", "antimicrobial activity", "QH301-705.5", "[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]", "NRPS", "hydrogen peroxide", "630", "Carnobacterium spp.", "Carnobacterium spp.", "Article", "lactic acid bacteria", "03 medical and health sciences", "bacteriocin", "genome mining", "RiPP", "Biology (General)", "terpene"]}, "links": [{"href": "http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/7/1093/pdf"}, {"href": "https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/7/1093/pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8071093"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Microorganisms", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.3390/microorganisms8071093", "name": "item", "description": "10.3390/microorganisms8071093", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.3390/microorganisms8071093"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-07-21T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:15:01Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-06-11", "title": "Impact of root hairs on microscale soil physical properties in the field", "description": "Abstract Aims

Recent laboratory studies revealed that root hairs may alter soil physical behaviour, influencing soil porosity and water retention on the small scale. However, the results are not consistent, and it is not known if structural changes at the small-scale have impacts at larger scales. Therefore, we evaluated the potential effects of root hairs on soil hydro-mechanical properties in the field using rhizosphere-scale physical measurements.

Methods

Changes in soil water retention properties as well as mechanical and hydraulic characteristics were monitored in both silt loam and sandy loam soils. Measurements were taken from plant establishment to harvesting in field trials, comparing three barley genotypes representing distinct phenotypic categories in relation to root hair length. Soil hardness and elasticity were measured using a 3-mm-diameter spherical indenter, while water sorptivity and repellency were measured using a miniaturized infiltrometer with a 0.4-mm tip radius.

Results

Over the growing season, plants induced changes in the soil water retention properties, with the plant available water increasing by 21%. Both soil hardness (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.031) and elasticity (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.048) decreased significantly in the presence of root hairs in silt loam soil, by 50% and 36%, respectively. Root hairs also led to significantly smaller water repellency (P\uffe2\uff80\uff89=\uffe2\uff80\uff890.007) in sandy loam soil vegetated with the hairy genotype (-49%) compared to the hairless mutant.

Conclusions

Breeding of cash crops for improved soil conditions could be achieved by selecting root phenotypes that ameliorate soil physical properties and therefore contribute to increased soil health.

", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "Supplementary Data", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "Rural and Environmental Science and Analytical Services (RESAS)", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "630", "QH301", "BBSRC BB/L025825/1", "Barley", "Soil health", "Soil structure", "Root hairs", "Soil hydromechanical properties", "BB/L025620/1", "580", "2. Zero hunger", "name=Soil Science", "ERCDMR-646809", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "Soil water retention", "BBSRC BB/J00868/1", "6. Clean water", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "Other", "name=Plant Science", "Research Article"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/484590/2/s11104_022_05530_1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-022-05530-1"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2022-06-11T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1002/jeq2.20119", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:14:03Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-07-01", "title": "Global Research Alliance N2O chamber methodology guidelines: Summary of modeling approaches", "description": "Abstract

Measurements of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from agriculture are essential for understanding the complex soil\uffe2\uff80\uff93crop\uffe2\uff80\uff93climate processes, but there are practical and economic limits to the spatial and temporal extent over which measurements can be made. Therefore, N2O models have an important role to play. As models are comparatively cheap to run, they can be used to extrapolate field measurements to regional or national scales, to simulate emissions over long time periods, or to run scenarios to compare mitigation practices. Process\uffe2\uff80\uff90based models can also be used as an aid to understanding the underlying processes, as they can simulate feedbacks and interactions that can be difficult to distinguish in the field. However, when applying models, it is important to understand the conceptual process differences in models, how conceptual understanding changed over time in various models, and the model requirements and limitations to ensure that the model is well suited to the purpose of the investigation and the type of system being simulated. The aim of this paper is to give the reader a high\uffe2\uff80\uff90level overview of some of the important issues that should be considered when modeling. This includes conceptual understanding of widely used models, common modeling techniques such as calibration and validation, assessing model fit, sensitivity analysis, and uncertainty assessment. We also review examples of N2O modeling for different purposes and describe three commonly used process\uffe2\uff80\uff90based N2O models (APSIM, DayCent, and DNDC).Root hairs play a significant role in phosphorus (P) extraction at the pore scale. However, their importance at the field scale remains poorly understood.

Methods

This study uses a continuum model to explore the impact of root hairs on the large-scale uptake of P, comparing root hair influence under different agricultural scenarios. High vs low and constant vs decaying P concentrations down the soil profile are considered, along with early vs late precipitation scenarios.

Results

Simulation results suggest root hairs accounted for 50% of total P uptake by plants. Furthermore, a delayed initiation time of precipitation potentially limits the P uptake rate by over 50% depending on the growth period. Despite the large differences in the uptake rate, changes in the soil P concentration in the domain due to root solute uptake remains marginal when considering a single growth season. However, over the duration of 6\uffc2\uffa0years, simulation results showed that noticeable differences arise over time.

Conclusion

Root hairs are critical to P capture, with uptake efficiency potentially enhanced by coordinating irrigation with P application during earlier growth stages of crops.

", "keywords": ["/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1111", "0106 biological sciences", "330", "550", "EP/M020355/1", "ERC 646809 DIMR", "QH301 Biology", "/dk/atira/pure/subjectarea/asjc/1100/1110", "Soil Science", "A. B", "Field", "610", "Plant Science", "01 natural sciences", "NERC NE/L00237/1", "QH301", "Soil", "Plant roots", "Root hairs", "BBSRC SARIC BB/P004180/", "2. Zero hunger", "BBSRC SARISA BB/L025620/1. S. D.", "Mathematical modelling", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "name=Soil Science", "Water", "Phosphorus", "Regular Article", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "Rhizosphere", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "name=Plant Science", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/434043/1/Manuscript_No_Tracked_Changes.pdf"}, {"href": "http://link.springer.com/content/pdf/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Plant%20and%20Soil", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2", "name": "item", "description": "10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1007/s11104-019-04308-2"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-12-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.21203/rs.3.rs-5128244/v2", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:19:49Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2025-07-14", "title": "Spatiotemporal prediction of soil organic carbon density in Europe (2000\u20132022) using earth observation and machine learning", "description": "

This article describes a comprehensive framework for soil organic carbon density (SOCD, kg/m3) modeling and mapping, based on spatiotemporal random forest (RF) and quantile regression forests (QRF). A total of 45,616 SOCD observations and various Earth observation (EO) feature layers were used to produce 30 m SOCD maps for the EU at four-year intervals (2000\uffe2\uff80\uff932022) and four soil depth intervals (0\uffe2\uff80\uff9320 cm, 20\uffe2\uff80\uff9350 cm, 50\uffe2\uff80\uff93100 cm, and 100\uffe2\uff80\uff93200 cm). Per-pixel 95% probability prediction intervals (PIs) and extrapolation risk probabilities are also provided. Model evaluation indicates good overall accuracy (R2 = 0.63 and CCC = 0.76 for hold-out independent tests). Prediction accuracy varies by land cover, depth interval and year of prediction with the worst accuracy for shrubland and deeper soils 100\uffe2\uff80\uff93200 cm. The PI validation confirmed effective uncertainty estimation, though with reduced accuracy for higher SOCD values. Shapley analysis identified soil depth as the most influential feature, followed by vegetation, long-term bioclimate, and topographic features. While pixel-level uncertainty is substantial, spatial aggregation reduces uncertainty by approximately 66%. Detecting SOCD changes remains challenging but offers a baseline for future improvements. Maps, based primarily on topsoil data from cropland, grassland, and woodland, are best suited for applications related to these land covers and depths. We recommend that users interpret the maps in conjunction with local knowledge and consider the accompanying uncertainty and extrapolation risk layers. All data and code are available under an open license at https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13754343 and https://github.com/AI4SoilHealth/SoilHealthDataCube/.Mycorrhizal symbioses are considered indicators of ecosystem biodiversity. However, their diversity and relevance in arid and semi-arid ecosystems are poorly understood. This study addressed this subject, the main objective being to evaluate arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) diversity and heterogeneity in a semi-arid region. Samples of bulk and rhizosphere soil and fine roots ofMedicago truncatulawere collected at four different sites with the same aridity index (6.1), in Bou-Hedma National Park, Tunisia, a semi-arid ecosystem. AMF taxa were assessed by 454- pyrosequencing and identified by BLAST matching of operational taxonomic units (OTUs) against the MaarjAMdatabase, targeting AMF SSUrRNAgene diversity. Roots were the hotspots of AMF diversity (107 OTUs out of a total of 138). Of the 138 OTUs, 113 found correspondence in the MaarjAMdatabase, with 32 AMF virtual taxa (VTX),19 Site-exclusive (SE) and 13 common to at least two sites (Non-site exclusive, NSE); the remaining 25 OTUs grouped in 16 putative new AMF taxa (pNTX), each one consisting of OTUs sharing pairwise distances not higher than 3%. We found a high diversity and heterogeneity of AMF across the four sites, which showed, in a regression analysis, significant relation to six out of the eight environmental parameters evaluated: grazing activity and soil texture, electrical conductivity, organic matter, total phosphorus and total nitrogen. AMF colonization of plants also presented significant differences among the four sites, as well as spore density, microbial biomass and several enzymatic activities (dehydrogenase, \uffce\uffb2-glucosidase and phosphatase) evaluated in rhizosphere soils. The four sites clustered in two groups in a hierarchical clustering evaluation based on their AMF diversity (total numbers of OTU, VTX and pNTX) and the parameters referred above. The crucial role of abiotic factors, other than aridity index, on AMF community composition, was evidenced by the high heterogeneity found between AMF communities across sites under identical aridity conditions.The targeted application of plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) provides the key for a future sustainable agriculture with reduced pesticide application. PGPR interaction with the indigenous microbiota is poorly understood but essential to develop reliable applications. Therefore, Stenotrophomonas rhizophila SPA-P69 was applied as seed coating and in combination with a fungicide based on the active ingredients fludioxonil, metalaxyl-M, captan and ziram. Plant performance and rhizosphere composition of treated and non-treated maize plants of two field trials were analyzed. Plant health was significantly increased by treatment; however overall corn yield was not changed. By applying high-throughput amplicon sequencing of the 16S rRNA and the ITS genes, the bacterial and fungal changes in the rhizosphere due to different treatments were determined. Despite treatments had a significant impact on the rhizosphere microbiota (9- 12%), the field site was identified as main driver (27- 37%). Soil microbiota composition from each site was significantly different, which explains the site-specific effects. In this study we were able to show first indications how PGPR treatments increase plant health via microbiome shifts in a site-specific manner. This way first steps towards a detailed understanding of PGPRs and developments of consistently efficient applications in diverse environments are set.

", "keywords": ["Zea mays", "2. Zero hunger", "0301 basic medicine", "0303 health sciences", "plant growth promoting rhizobacteria", "QH301-705.5", "15. Life on land", "maize", "Zea mays", "Article", "12. Responsible consumption", "corn", "03 medical and health sciences", "agricultural_sciences_agronomy", "fungicide", "16S rRNA gene", "ITS", "Biology (General)", "rhizosphere"]}, "links": [{"href": "http://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/10/1506/pdf"}, {"href": "https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/10/1506/pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms8101506"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Microorganisms", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.3390/microorganisms8101506", "name": "item", "description": "10.3390/microorganisms8101506", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.3390/microorganisms8101506"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-08-21T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00126", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:16:31Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-03-19", "title": "Synthetic control of plasmid replication enables target- and self-curing of vectors and expedites genome engineering of Pseudomonas putida", "description": "Genome engineering of non-conventional microorganisms calls for the development of dedicated synthetic biology tools. Pseudomonas putida is a Gram-negative, non-pathogenic soil bacterium widely used for metabolic engineering owing to its versatile metabolism and high levels of tolerance to different types of stress. Genome editing of P. putida largely relies on homologous recombination events, assisted by helper plasmid-based expression of genes encoding DNA modifying enzymes. Plasmid curing from selected isolates is the most tedious and time-consuming step of this procedure, and implementing commonly used methods to this end in P. putida (e.g. temperature-sensitive replicons) is often impractical. To tackle this issue, we have developed a toolbox for both target- and self-curing of plasmid DNA in Pseudomonas species. Our method enables plasmid-curing in a simple cultivation step by combining in vivo digestion of vectors by the I-SceI homing nuclease with synthetic control of plasmid replication, triggered by the addition of a cheap chemical inducer (3-methylbenzoate) to the medium. The system displays an efficiency of vector curing >90% and the screening of plasmid-free clones is greatly facilitated by the use of fluorescent markers that can be selected according to the application intended. Furthermore, quick genome engineering of P. putida using self-curing plasmids is demonstrated through genome reduction of the platform strain EM42 by eliminating all genes encoding \u03b2-lactamases, the catabolic ben gene cluster, and the pyoverdine synthesis machinery. Physiological characterization of the resulting streamlined strain, P. putida SEM10, revealed advantageous features that could be exploited for metabolic engineering.", "keywords": ["Genome engineering", "0301 basic medicine", "0303 health sciences", "Pseudomonas putida", "QH301-705.5", "Plasmid curing", "3. Good health", "03 medical and health sciences", "Special issue on Non-conventional microbes edited by Ian Wheeldon and Aindrila Mukhopadhyay", "Biology (General)", "Metabolic engineering", "Synthetic biology", "TP248.13-248.65", "Biotechnology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00126"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Metabolic%20Engineering%20Communications", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00126", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00126", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.mec.2020.e00126"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-06-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176196", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:16:42Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-09-13", "title": "Modeling bacterial transport and fate: Insight into the cascading consequences of soil water repellency and contrasting hydraulic conditions", "description": "The mechanisms governing bacteria transport and fate rely on their hydrophobicity and the wettability of porous media across a wide range of soil moisture conditions, extending from extreme dryness to highly saturated states. However, it largely remains unknown how transport, retention, and release mechanisms change in natural soil systems in such conditions. We thus optimized our previously published unique transport data for hydrophilic Escherichia coli (E. coli) and hydrophobic Rhodococcus erythropolis (R. erythropolis) bacteria, and bromide (Br-) in two distinct wettable and water-repellent soils at column scale. The soils were initially dry, followed by injecting influents in two pulses followed by a flushing step under saturated flow conditions for six pore volumes. We conducted simulations for each pulse separately and simultaneously for soils. There were differences in hydraulic properties of the soils due to their contrasting wetting characteristic in separate and simultaneously modeling of each pulse affecting Br- and bacteria transport fate. Bacteria attachment was the dominant retention mechanism in both soils in these conditions. Notably, the 82.4\u00a0min-1 attachment rate in wettable soil was almost 10\u00d7 greater than in the water-repellent soil and it governed optimization of bacteria die-off. Physicochemical detachment and physical release unraveled the effect of bacteria size and hydrophobicity interacting with soil wettability. The smaller and hydrophobic R. erythropolis detached more easily while hydrophilic E. coli released; the rates were enhanced by soil water repellency. Further research is needed to reveal the effects of surface wettability properties on bacteria survival especially at the nanoscale.", "keywords": ["690", "Bromides", "Bacteria", "QH301 Biology", "Transport processes", "610", "Attachment", "Water", "QH301", "Water repellency", "Soil", "Straining", "Escherichia coli", "Wettability", "Rhodococcus", "Hydrophobic and Hydrophilic Interactions", "Soil Microbiology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176196"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Science%20of%20The%20Total%20Environment", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176196", "name": "item", "description": "10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176196", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.176196"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2024-12-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1038/s41893-019-0469-x", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:38Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-01-20", "title": "Potential yield challenges to scale-up of zero budget natural farming", "description": "Under current trends, 60% of India's population (>10% of people on Earth) will experience severe food deficiencies by 2050. Increased production is urgently needed, but high costs and volatile prices are driving farmers into debt. Zero budget natural farming (ZBNF) is a grassroots movement that aims to improve farm viability by reducing costs. In Andhra Pradesh alone, 523,000 farmers have converted 13% of productive agricultural area to ZBNF. However, sustainability of ZBNF is questioned because external nutrient inputs are limited, which could cause a crash in food production. Here, we show that ZBNF is likely to reduce soil degradation and could provide yield benefits for low-input farmers. Nitrogen fixation, either by free-living nitrogen fixers in soil or symbiotic nitrogen fixers in legumes, is likely to provide the major portion of nitrogen available to crops. However, even with maximum potential nitrogen fixation and release, only 52-80% of the national average nitrogen applied as fertilizer is expected to be supplied. Therefore, in higher-input systems, yield penalties are likely. Since biological fixation from the atmosphere is possible only with nitrogen, ZBNF could limit the supply of other nutrients. Further research is needed in higher-input systems to ensure that mass conversion to ZBNF does not limit India's capacity to feed itself.", "keywords": ["Monitoring", "IEAS/POO2501/1", "NE/S009019/1", "330", "Supplementary Data", "QH301 Biology", "NE/P004830/1", "WHEAT", "01 natural sciences", "630", "12. Responsible consumption", "QH301", "NE/M021327/1", "SOIL PHYSICAL-PROPERTIES", "SDG 7 - Affordable and Clean Energy", "FERTILIZER", "Renewable Energy", "Wellcome Trust", "SDG 2 - Zero Hunger", "Nature and Landscape Conservation", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences", "Planning and Development", "2. Zero hunger", "Global and Planetary Change", "Geography", "Policy and Law", "Ecology", "Sustainability and the Environment", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems (SHEFS)", "NE/P019455/1", "1. No poverty", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Management", "NITROGEN", "Urban Studies", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "INDIA", "Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)", "Food Science"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://www.nature.com/articles/s41893-019-0469-x.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-019-0469-x"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Nature%20Sustainability", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1038/s41893-019-0469-x", "name": "item", "description": "10.1038/s41893-019-0469-x", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1038/s41893-019-0469-x"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2020-01-20T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.5194/we-19-39-2019", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:21:37Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-06-06", "title": "Unassisted establishment of biological soil crusts on dryland road slopes", "description": "

Abstract. Understanding patterns of habitat natural recovery after human-made disturbances is critical for the conservation of ecosystems under high environmental stress, such as drylands. In particular, the unassisted establishment of nonvascular plants such as biological soil crusts or biocrust communities (e.g., soil lichens, mosses and cyanobacteria) in newly formed habitats is not yet fully understood. However, the potential of biocrusts to improve soil structure and function at the early stages of succession and promote ecosystem recovery is enormous. In this study, we evaluated the capacity of lichen biocrusts to spontaneously establish and develop on road slopes in a Mediterranean shrubland. We also compared taxonomic and functional diversity of biocrusts between road slopes and natural habitats in the surroundings. Biocrust richness and cover, species composition, and functional structure were measured in 17 road slopes (nine roadcuts and eight embankments) along a 13\u2009km highway stretch. Topography, soil properties and vascular plant communities of road slopes were also characterized. We used Kruskal\u2013Wallis tests and applied redundancy analysis (RDA) to test the effect of environmental scenario (road slopes vs.\u00a0natural habitat) and other local factors on biocrust features. We found that biocrusts were common in road slopes after \u223c20\u00a0years of construction with no human assistance needed. However, species richness and cover were still lower than in natural remnants. Also, functional structure was quite similar between roadcuts (i.e., after soil excavation) and natural remnants, and topography and soil properties influenced species composition while environmental scenario type and vascular plant cover did not. These findings further support the idea of biocrusts as promising restoration tools in drylands and confirm the critical role of edaphic factors in biocrust establishment and development in land-use change scenarios.

", "keywords": ["0106 biological sciences", "QH301-705.5", "Physiology", "Science", "GC1-1581", "QH1-199.5", "Oceanography", "Microbiology", "01 natural sciences", "GF1-900", "QP1-981", "GE1-350", "Biology (General)", "QH540-549.5", "2. Zero hunger", "Ecology", "Q", "Botany", "General. Including nature conservation", " geographical distribution", "15. Life on land", "QR1-502", "Environmental sciences", "QL1-991", "Human ecology. Anthropogeography", "QK1-989", "QH1-278.5", "Natural history (General)", "Zoology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://we.copernicus.org/articles/19/39/2019/we-19-39-2019.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.5194/we-19-39-2019"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Web%20Ecology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.5194/we-19-39-2019", "name": "item", "description": "10.5194/we-19-39-2019", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.5194/we-19-39-2019"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-06-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1029/2009jg001097", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:26Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2010-04-29", "title": "Effects Of Interactive Global Changes On Methane Uptake In An Annual Grassland", "description": "

The future size of the terrestrial methane (CH4) sink of upland soils remains uncertain, along with potential feedbacks to global warming. Much of the uncertainty lies in our lack of knowledge about potential interactive effects of multiple simultaneous global environmental changes. Field CH4 fluxes and laboratory soil CH4 consumption were measured five times during 3 consecutive years in a California annual grassland exposed to 8 years of the full factorial combination of ambient and elevated levels of precipitation, temperature, atmospheric CO2 concentration, and N deposition. Across all sampling dates and treatments, increased precipitation caused a 61% reduction in field CH4 uptake. However, this reduction depended quantitatively on other global change factors. Higher precipitation reduced CH4 uptake when temperature or N deposition (but not both) increased, and under elevated CO2 but only late in the growing season. Warming alone also decreased CH4 uptake early in the growing season, which was partly explained by a decrease in laboratory soil CH4 consumption. Atmospheric CH4 models likely need to incorporate nonadditive interactions, seasonal interactions, and interactions between methanotrophy and methanogenesis. Despite the complexity of interactions we observed in this multifactor experiment, the outcome agrees with results from single\uffe2\uff80\uff90factor experiments: an increased terrestrial CH4 sink appears less likely than a reduced one.

", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "13. Climate action", "QH301 Biology", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "GE Environmental Sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1029/2009jg001097"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Journal%20of%20Geophysical%20Research%3A%20Biogeosciences", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1029/2009jg001097", "name": "item", "description": "10.1029/2009jg001097", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1029/2009jg001097"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2010-04-30T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1038/s41467-018-05980-1", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:33Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2018-08-29", "title": "Land use driven change in soil pH affects microbial carbon cycling processes", "description": "Abstract

Soil microorganisms act as gatekeepers for soil\uffe2\uff80\uff93atmosphere carbon exchange by balancing the accumulation and release of soil organic matter. However, poor understanding of the mechanisms responsible hinders the development of effective land management strategies to enhance soil carbon storage. Here we empirically test the link between microbial ecophysiological traits and topsoil carbon content across geographically distributed soils and land use contrasts. We discovered distinct pH controls on microbial mechanisms of carbon accumulation. Land use intensification in low-pH soils that increased the pH above a threshold (~6.2) leads to carbon loss through increased decomposition, following alleviation of acid retardation of microbial growth. However, loss of carbon with intensification in near-neutral pH soils was linked to decreased microbial biomass and reduced growth efficiency that was, in turn, related to trade-offs with stress alleviation and resource acquisition. Thus, less-intensive management practices in near-neutral pH soils have more potential for carbon storage through increased microbial growth efficiency, whereas in acidic soils, microbial growth is a bigger constraint on decomposition rates.Wetland soils are the greatest source of nitrous oxide (N2O), a critical greenhouse gas and ozone depleter released by microbes. Yet, microbial players and processes underlying the N2O emissions from wetland soils are poorly understood. Using in situ N2O measurements and by determining the structure and potential functional of microbial communities in 645 wetland soil samples globally, we examined the potential role of archaea, bacteria, and fungi in nitrogen (N) cycling and N2O emissions. We show that N2O emissions are higher in drained and warm wetland soils, and are correlated with functional diversity of microbes. We further provide evidence that despite their much lower abundance compared to bacteria, nitrifying archaeal abundance is a key factor explaining N2O emissions from wetland soils globally. Our data suggest that ongoing global warming and intensifying environmental change may boost archaeal nitrifiers, collectively transforming wetland soils to a greater source of N2O.Diversified cropping systems, especially those including legumes, have been proposed to enhance food production with reduced inputs and environmental impacts. However, the impact of legume pre-crops on main crop yield and its drivers has never been systematically investigated in a global context. Here, we synthesize 11,768 yield observations from 462 field experiments comparing legume-based and non-legume cropping systems and show that legumes enhanced main crop yield by 20%. These yield advantages decline with increasing N fertilizer rates and crop diversity of the main cropping system. The yield benefits are consistent among main crops (e.g., rice, wheat, maize) and evident across pedo-climatic regions. Moreover, greater yield advantages (32% vs. 7%) are observed in low- vs. high-yielding environments, suggesting legumes increase crop production with low inputs (e.g., in Africa or organic agriculture). In conclusion, our study suggests that legume-based rotations offer a critical pathway for enhancing global crop production, especially when integrated into low-input and low-diversity agricultural systems.Isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene), the most abundantly produced biogenic volatile organic compound (BVOC) on Earth, is highly reactive and can have diverse and often detrimental atmospheric effects, which impact on climate and health. Most isoprene is produced by terrestrial plants, but (micro)algal production is important in aquatic environments, and the relative bacterial contribution remains unknown. Soils are a sink for isoprene, and bacteria that can use isoprene as a carbon and energy source have been cultivated and also identified using cultivation-independent methods from soils, leaves and coastal/marine environments. Bacteria belonging to the Actinobacteria are most frequently isolated and identified, and Proteobacteria have also been shown to degrade isoprene. In the freshwater-sediment isolate, Rhodococcus strain AD45, initial oxidation of isoprene to 1,2-epoxy-isoprene is catalyzed by a multicomponent isoprene monooxygenase encoded by the genes isoABCDEF. The resultant epoxide is converted to a glutathione conjugate by a glutathione S-transferase encoded by isoI, and further degraded by enzymes encoded by isoGHJ. Genome sequence analysis of actinobacterial isolates belonging to the genera Rhodococcus, Mycobacterium and Gordonia has revealed that isoABCDEF and isoGHIJ are linked in an operon, either on a plasmid or the chromosome. In Rhodococcus strain AD45 both isoprene and epoxy-isoprene induce a high level of transcription of 22 contiguous genes, including isoABCDEF and isoGHIJ. Sequence analysis of the isoA gene, encoding the large subunit of the oxygenase component of isoprene monooxygenase, from isolates has facilitated the development of PCR primers that are proving valuable in investigating the ecology of uncultivated isoprene-degrading bacteria.

", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "0301 basic medicine", "570", "0303 health sciences", "550", "QH301 Biology", "Review Article", "Plants", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "Mixed Function Oxygenases", "Actinobacteria", "Soil", "03 medical and health sciences", "Hemiterpenes", "13. Climate action", "Pentanes", "11. Sustainability", "Butadienes", "Microalgae", "Rhodococcus"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/66436/1/Published_manuscript.pdf"}, {"href": "http://www.nature.com/articles/s41396-018-0072-6.pdf"}, {"href": "https://repository.essex.ac.uk/21526/1/s41396-018-0072-6.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41396-018-0072-6"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/The%20ISME%20Journal", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1038/s41396-018-0072-6", "name": "item", "description": "10.1038/s41396-018-0072-6", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1038/s41396-018-0072-6"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2018-02-20T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1038/s41558-023-01721-5", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:35Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-06-29", "title": "Soil organic carbon stocks potentially at risk of decline with organic farming expansion", "description": "The authors simulated the impact of organic farming expansion on soil organic carbon. They found that soil organic carbon stock may be at risk of decline if the complete conversion to organic farming does not involve additional practices such as widespread cover cropping and residue recycling.Organic farming is often considered a strategy that increases croplands' soil organic carbon (SOC) stock. However, organic farms currently occupy only a small fraction of cropland, and it is unclear how the full-scale expansion of organic farming will impact soil carbon inputs and SOC stocks. Here we use a spatially explicit biogeochemical model to show that the complete conversion of global cropland to organic farming without the use of cover crops and plant residue (normative scenario) will result in a 40% reduction of global soil carbon input and 9% decline in SOC stock. An optimal organic scenario that supports widespread cover cropping and enhanced residue recycling will reduce global soil carbon input by 31%, and SOC can be preserved after 20 yr following conversion to organic farming. These results suggest that expanding organic farming might reduce the potential for soil carbon sequestration unless appropriate farming practices are implemented.", "keywords": ["[SDE] Environmental Sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Horizon 2020", "Supplementary Information", "550", "330", "QH301 Biology", "610", "Environmental Science (miscellaneous)", "15. Life on land", "7. Clean energy", "630", "Environmental impact", "QH301", "biogeochemistry", "13. Climate action", "[SDE]Environmental Sciences", "SDG 13 - Climate Action", "774378", "Social Sciences (miscellaneous)", "agriculture", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1038/s41558-023-01721-5"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Nature%20Climate%20Change", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1038/s41558-023-01721-5", "name": "item", "description": "10.1038/s41558-023-01721-5", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1038/s41558-023-01721-5"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2023-06-29T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1038/s42003-022-04178-y", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:39Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2022-11-17", "title": "Both abundant and rare fungi colonizing Fagus sylvatica ectomycorrhizal root-tips shape associated bacterial communities", "description": "Abstract

Ectomycorrhizal fungi live in close association with their host plants and form complex interactions with bacterial/archaeal communities in soil. We investigated whether abundant or rare ectomycorrhizal fungi on root-tips of young beech trees (Fagus sylvatica) shape bacterial/archaeal communities. We sequenced 16S rRNA genes and fungal internal transcribed spacer regions of individual root-tips and used ecological networks to detect the tendency of certain assemblies of fungal and bacterial/archaeal taxa to inhabit the same root-tip (i.e. modularity). Individual ectomycorrhizal root-tips hosted distinct fungal communities associated with unique bacterial/archaeal communities. The structure of the fungal-bacterial/archaeal association was determined by both, dominant and rare fungi. Integrating our data in a conceptual framework suggests that the effect of rare fungi on the bacterial/archaeal communities of ectomycorrhizal root-tips contributes to assemblages of bacteria/archaea on root-tips. This highlights the potential impact of complex fine-scale interactions between root-tip associated fungi and other soil microorganisms for the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis. The climate-active gas isoprene (2-methyl-1,3-butadiene) is released to the atmosphere in huge quantities, almost equaling that of methane, yet we know little about the biological cycling of isoprene in the environment. Although bacteria capable of growth on isoprene as the sole source of carbon and energy have previously been isolated from soils and sediments, no microbiological studies have targeted the major source of isoprene and examined the phyllosphere of isoprene-emitting trees for the presence of degraders of this abundant carbon source. Here, we identified isoprene-degrading bacteria in poplar tree-derived microcosms by DNA stable isotope probing. The genomes of isoprene-degrading taxa were reconstructed, putative isoprene metabolic genes were identified, and isoprene-related gene transcription was analyzed by shotgun metagenomics and metatranscriptomics. Gram-positive bacteria of the genus Rhodococcus proved to be the dominant isoprene degraders, as previously found in soil. However, a wider diversity of isoprene utilizers was also revealed, notably Variovorax , a genus not previously associated with this trait. This finding was confirmed by expression of the isoprene monooxygenase from Variovorax in a heterologous host. A Variovorax strain that could grow on isoprene as the sole carbon and energy source was isolated. Analysis of its genome confirmed that it contained isoprene metabolic genes with an identical layout and high similarity to those identified by DNA-stable isotope probing and metagenomics. This study provides evidence of a wide diversity of isoprene-degrading bacteria in the isoprene-emitting tree phyllosphere and greatly enhances our understanding of the biodegradation of this important metabolite and climate-active gas.

", "keywords": ["DNA", " Bacterial", "0301 basic medicine", "2. Zero hunger", "570", "0303 health sciences", "QH301 Biology", "Biological Sciences", "15. Life on land", "Mixed Function Oxygenases", "Comamonadaceae", "03 medical and health sciences", "Biodegradation", " Environmental", "Hemiterpenes", "Populus", "13. Climate action", "Butadienes", "Rhodococcus", "Metagenomics", "Genome", " Bacterial", "Phylogeny", "Soil Microbiology"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/69197/1/Published_manuscript.pdf"}, {"href": "https://pnas.org/doi/pdf/10.1073/pnas.1812668115"}, {"href": "https://repository.essex.ac.uk/23631/1/1812668115.full.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1812668115"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Proceedings%20of%20the%20National%20Academy%20of%20Sciences", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1073/pnas.1812668115", "name": "item", "description": "10.1073/pnas.1812668115", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1073/pnas.1812668115"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2018-11-29T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1073/pnas.2317332121", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:17:55Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2024-04-26", "title": "Negative correlation between soil salinity and soil organic carbon variability", "description": "

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is vital for terrestrial ecosystems, affecting biogeochemical processes, and soil health. It is known that soil salinity impacts SOC content, yet the specific direction and magnitude of SOC variability in relation to soil salinity remain poorly understood. Analyzing 43,459 mineral soil samples (SOC < 150 g kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921) collected across different land covers since 1992, we approximate a soil salinity increase from 1 to 5 dS m\uffe2\uff88\uff921in croplands would be associated with a decline in mineral soils SOC from 0.14 g kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921above the mean predicted SOC (SOC\uffc2\uffafc= 18.47 g kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921) to 0.46 g kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921belowSOC\uffc2\uffafc(~\uffe2\uff88\uff92430%), while for noncroplands, such decline is sharper, from 0.96 aboveSOC\uffc2\uffafnc= 35.96 g kg\uffe2\uff88\uff921to 4.99 belowSOC\uffc2\uffafnc(~\uffe2\uff88\uff92620%). Although salinity\uffe2\uff80\uff99s significance in explaining SOC variability is minor (<6%), we estimate a one SD increase in salinity of topsoil samples (0 to 7 cm) correlates with respectiveSOC\uffc2\uffafdeclines of ~4.4% and ~9.26%, relative toSOC\uffc2\uffafcandSOC\uffc2\uffafnc. TheSOC\uffc2\uffafdecline in croplands is greatest in vegetation/cropland mosaics while lands covered with evergreen needle-leaved trees are estimated with the highestSOC\uffc2\uffafdecline in noncroplands. We identify soil nitrogen, land cover, and precipitation Seasonality Index as the most significant parameters in explaining the SOC\uffe2\uff80\uff99s variability. The findings provide insights into SOC dynamics under increased soil salinity, improving understanding of SOC stock responses to land degradation and climate warming.This special issue provides an assessment of the contribution of soils to Nature's Contributions to People (NCP). Here, we combine this assessment and previously published relationships between NCP and delivery on the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to infer contributions of soils to the SDGs. We show that in addition to contributing positively to the delivery of all NCP, soils also have a role in underpinning all SDGs. While highlighting the great potential of soils to contribute to sustainable development, it is recognized that poorly managed, degraded or polluted soils may contribute negatively to both NCP and SDGs. The positive contribution, however, cannot be taken for granted, and soils must be managed carefully to keep them healthy and capable of playing this vital role. A priority for soil management must include: (i) for healthy soils in natural ecosystems,protectthem from conversion and degradation; (ii) for managed soils,managein a way to protect and enhance soil biodiversity, health and sustainability and to prevent degradation; and (iii) for degraded soils, restore to full soil health. We have enough knowledge now to move forward with the implementation of best management practices to maintain and improve soil health. This analysis shows that this is not just desirable, it is essential if we are to meet the SDG targets by 2030 and achieve sustainable development more broadly in the decades to come.

This article is part of the theme issue \uffe2\uff80\uff98The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People\uffe2\uff80\uff99.Cover crops play an increasingly important role in improving soil quality, reducing agricultural inputs and improving environmental sustainability. The main objectives of this critical global review and systematic analysis were to assess cover crop practices in the context of their impacts on nitrogen leaching, net greenhouse gas balances (NGHGB) and crop productivity. Only studies that investigated the impacts of cover crops and measured one or a combination of nitrogen leaching, soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrous oxide (N2O), grain yield and nitrogen in grain of primary crop, and had a control treatment were included in the analysis. Long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term studies were uncommon, with most data coming from studies lasting 2\uffe2\uff80\uff933\uffc2\uffa0years. The literature search resulted in 106 studies carried out at 372 sites and covering different countries, climatic zones and management. Our analysis demonstrates that cover crops significantly (p\uffc2\uffa0<\uffc2\uffa00.001) decreased N leaching and significantly (p\uffc2\uffa0<\uffc2\uffa00.001) increased SOC sequestration without having significant (p\uffc2\uffa0>\uffc2\uffa00.05) effects on direct N2O emissions. Cover crops could mitigate the NGHGB by 2.06\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa02.10\uffc2\uffa0Mg CO2\uffe2\uff80\uff90eq\uffc2\uffa0ha\uffe2\uff88\uff921\uffc2\uffa0year\uffe2\uff88\uff921. One of the potential disadvantages of cover crops identified was the reduction in grain yield of the primary crop by \uffe2\uff89\uff884%, compared to the control treatment. This drawback could be avoided by selecting mixed cover crops with a range of legumes and non\uffe2\uff80\uff90legumes, which increased the yield by \uffe2\uff89\uff8813%. These advantages of cover crops justify their widespread adoption. However, management practices in relation to cover crops will need to be adapted to specific soil, management and regional climatic conditions.

", "keywords": ["Crops", " Agricultural", "net greenhouse gas balance", "330", "Supplementary Data", "Nitrogen", "QH301 Biology", "Supplementary data available", "12. Responsible consumption", "Nitrous oxide emissions", "QH301", "Greenhouse Gases", "Soil", "N content", "nitrate", "C sequestration", "N leaching", "Environmental Chemistry", "General Environmental Science", "NE/M019691/1", "2. Zero hunger", "Global and Planetary Change", "Catch crop", "Ecology", "Soil organic carbon", "green manure", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "Research Review", "Agriculture", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "yield", "Crop Production", "13. Climate action", "N in grain", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "Cover crop", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "BB/N013484/1", "BB/N013468/1"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14644"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Global%20Change%20Biology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/gcb.14644", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/gcb.14644", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/gcb.14644"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-05-13T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1101/2023.10.03.560709", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:18:18Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2023-10-04", "title": "Bacteria face trade-offs in the decomposition of complex biopolymers", "description": "Abstract

Although depolymerization of complex carbohydrates is a growth-limiting bottleneck for microbial decomposers, we still lack understanding about how the production of different types of extracellular enzymes affect individual microbes and in turn the performance of whole decomposer communities. In this work we use a theoretical model to evaluate the potential trade-offs faced by microorganisms in biopolymer decomposition which arise due to the varied biochemistry of different depolymerizing enzyme classes. We specifically consider two broad classes of depolymerizing extracellular enzymes, which are widespread across microbial taxa: exo-enzymes that cleave small units from the ends of polymer chains and endo-enzymes that act at random positions generating degradation products of varied sizes. Our results demonstrate a fundamental trade-off in the production of these enzymes, which is independent of system\uffe2\uff80\uff99s complexity and which appears solely from the intrinsically different temporal depolymerization dynamics. As a consequence, specialists that produce either exo- or only endo-enzymes limit their growth to high or low substrate conditions, respectively. Conversely, generalists that produce both enzymes in an optimal ratio expand their niche and benefit from the synergy between the two enzymes. Finally, our results show that, in spatially-explicit environments, consortia composed of endo- and exo-specialists can only exist under oligotrophic conditions. In summary, our analysis demonstrates that the (evolutionary or ecological) selection of a depolymerization pathway will affect microbial fitness under low- or high substrate conditions, with impacts on the ecological dynamics of microbial communities. It provides a possible explanation why many polysaccharide degraders in nature show the genetic potential to produce both of these enzyme classes.

Author summary

The decomposition of polysaccharides by microbes is a key process in the global carbon cycle. It requires the joint action of a variety of microbially-produced extracellular enzymes. They can be broadly classified into endo-enzymes, that act in the middle of polymers, and exo-enzymes, that cleave units from polymer ends. Little is known about the benefits for microbes producing a certain enzyme type and the interplay between enzyme producing strategies in mixed communities. This hampers our comprehensive understanding of decomposition in terrestrial and marine ecosystems and thus limits the prediction of decomposition processes, for example in a changing climate.

Based on theoretical modelling, we revealed a fundamental trade-off in the action of these enzymes. While exo-enzymes are more efficient at high substrate conditions, endo-enzymes perform better when substrate is low. Generalists producing both enzymes expand their ecological niche of substrate availability compared to specialists only producing one of the two types. Complementary specialists only co-exist in oligotrophic conditions. We conclude that producing enzymes for specific steps within polymer degradation represents relevant ecological strategies for microbes in decomposer communities.Due to their broad-spectrum activities, ivermectin and moxidectin are widely used anthelminthics in veterinary and human medicine. However, ivermectin has recently been shown to perturbate gut-microbial growth. Given the macrolide-like structure of both ivermectin and moxidectin, there is a need to characterize the antibiotic spectrum of these anthelminthic drugs and their potential implications in the development of cross-resistance to macrolides and other families of antibiotics. Here, we incubated 59 bacterial isolates representing different clades frequently found in the gut with ivermectin and moxidectin at different concentrations for 16-72h. Further, we challenged 10 bacterial isolates with repeated and gradually increasing concentrations of these two anthelminthics and subsequently characterized their sensitivity to different antibiotics as well as ascending anthelminthic concentrations. We found, that antibacterial activity of the two anthelminthics is comparable to a selection of tested antibiotics, as observed by potency and dose dependence. Bacterial anthelminthic challengingin vitroresulted in decreased anthelminthic sensitivity. Further, adaptation to anthelminthics is associated with decreased antibiotic sensitivity towards three macrolides, a lincosamide, a fluoroquinolone, a tetracycline and two carbapenems. The observed change in bacterial sensitivity profiles is associated with - and likely caused by - repeated anthelminthic exposure. Hence, current and future large-scale administration of ivermectin and moxidectin, respectively, for the control of helminths and malaria raises serious concerns - and hence potential off-target effects should be carefully monitored.We compared forest floor depth, soil organic matter, soil moisture, anaerobic mineralizable nitrogen (a measure of microbial biomass), denitrification potential, and soil/litter arthropod communities among old growth, unthinned mature stands, and thinned mature stands at nine sites (each with all three stand types) distributed among three regions of Oregon. Mineral soil measurements were restricted to the top 10 cm. Data were analyzed with both multivariate and univariate analyses of variance. Multivariate analyses were conducted with and without soil mesofauna or forest floor mesofauna, as data for those taxa were not collected on some sites. In multivariate analysis with soil mesofauna, the model giving the strongest separation among stand types (P = 0.019) included abundance and richness of soil mesofauna and anaerobic mineralizable nitrogen. The best model with forest floor mesofauna (P = 0.010) included anaerobic mineralizable nitrogen, soil moisture content, and richness of forest floor mesofauna. Old growth had the highest mean values for all variables, and in both models differed significantly from mature stands, while the latter did not differ. Old growth also averaged higher percent soil organic matter, and analysis including that variable was significant but not as strong as without it. Results of the multivariate analyses were mostly supported by univariate analyses, but there were some differences. In univariate analysis, the difference in percent soil organic matter between old growth and thinned mature was due to a single site in which the old growth had exceptionally high soil organic matter; without that site, percent soil organic matter did not differ between old growth and thinned mature, and a multivariate model containing soil organic matter was not statistically significant. In univariate analyses soil mesofauna had to be compared nonparametrically (because of heavy left-tails) and differed only in the Siskiyou Mountains, where they were most abundant and species rich in old growth forests. Species richness of mineral soil mesofauna correlated significantly (+) with percent soil organic matter and soil moisture, while richness of forest floor mesofauna correlated (+) with depth of the forest floor. Composition of forest floor and soil mesofauna suggest the two groups represent a single community. Soil moisture correlated highly with percent soil organic matter, with no evidence for drying in sites that were sampled relatively late in the summer drought, suggesting losses of surface soil moisture were at least partially replaced by hydraulic lift (which has been demonstrated in other forests of the region).

", "keywords": ["soil arthropods", "disturbance", "0106 biological sciences", "soil organic matter; soil nitrogen; soil moisture; soil arthropods; thinning; disturbance; forest management", "QH301-705.5", "soil organic matter", "soil nitrogen", "thinning", "forest management", "soil moisture", "Biology (General)", "15. Life on land", "01 natural sciences"], "contacts": [{"organization": "Robert P. Griffiths, Andrew R. Moldenke, David A. Perry, Stephanie L. Madson,", "roles": ["creator"]}]}, "links": [{"href": "http://www.mdpi.com/1424-2818/4/3/334/pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.3390/d4030334"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Diversity", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.3390/d4030334", "name": "item", "description": "10.3390/d4030334", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.3390/d4030334"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2012-09-20T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1093/aob/mcaa181", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:18:09Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2020-10-07", "title": "Significance of root hairs for plant performance under contrasting field conditions and water deficit", "description": "AbstractBackground and Aims

Previous laboratory studies have suggested selection for root hair traits in future crop breeding to improve resource use efficiency and stress tolerance. However, data on the interplay between root hairs and open-field systems, under contrasting soils and climate conditions, are limited. As such, this study aims to experimentally elucidate some of the impacts that root hairs have on plant performance on a field scale.

Methods

A field experiment was set up in Scotland for two consecutive years, under contrasting climate conditions and different soil textures (i.e. clay loam vs. sandy loam). Five barley (Hordeum vulgare) genotypes exhibiting variation in root hair length and density were used in the study. Root hair length, density and rhizosheath weight were measured at several growth stages, as well as shoot biomass, plant water status, shoot phosphorus (P) accumulation and grain yield.

Key Results

Measurements of root hair density, length and its correlation with rhizosheath weight highlighted trait robustness in the field under variable environmental conditions, although significant variations were found between soil textures as the growing season progressed. Root hairs did not confer a notable advantage to barley under optimal conditions, but under soil water deficit root hairs enhanced plant water status and stress tolerance resulting in a less negative leaf water potential and lower leaf abscisic acid concentration, while promoting shoot P accumulation. Furthermore, the presence of root hairs did not decrease yield under optimal conditions, while root hairs enhanced yield stability under drought.

Conclusions

Selecting for beneficial root hair traits can enhance yield stability without diminishing yield potential, overcoming the breeder\uffe2\uff80\uff99s dilemma of trying to simultaneously enhance both productivity and resilience. Therefore, the maintenance or enhancement of root hairs can represent a key trait for breeding the next generation of crops for improved drought tolerance in relation to climate change.The soil microbiome determines the fate of plant-fixed carbon. The shifts in soil properties caused by land use change leads to modifications in microbiome function, resulting in either loss or gain of soil organic carbon (SOC). Soil pH is the primary factor regulating microbiome characteristics leading to distinct pathways of microbial carbon cycling, but the underlying mechanisms remain understudied. Here, the taxa-trait relationships behind the variable fate of SOC were investigated using metaproteomics, metabarcoding, and a 13C-labeled litter decomposition experiment across two temperate sites with differing soil pH each with a paired land use intensity contrast. 13C incorporation into microbial biomass increased with land use intensification in low-pH soil but decreased in high-pH soil, with potential impact on carbon use efficiency in opposing directions. Reduction in biosynthesis traits was due to increased abundance of proteins linked to resource acquisition and stress tolerance. These trait trade-offs were underpinned by land use intensification-induced changes in dominant taxa with distinct traits. We observed divergent pH-controlled pathways of SOC cycling. In low-pH soil, land use intensification alleviates microbial abiotic stress resulting in increased biomass production but promotes decomposition and SOC loss. In contrast, in high-pH soil, land use intensification increases microbial physiological constraints and decreases biomass production, leading to reduced necromass build-up and SOC stabilization. We demonstrate how microbial biomass production and respiration dynamics and therefore carbon use efficiency can be decoupled from SOC highlighting the need for its careful consideration in managing SOC storage for soil health and climate change mitigation.

The parameters in Richards' equation are usually calculated from experimentally measured values of the soil\u2013water characteristic curve and saturated hydraulic conductivity. The complex pore structures that often occur in porous media complicate such parametrization due to hysteresis between wetting and drying and the effects of tortuosity. Rather than estimate the parameters in Richards' equation from these indirect measurements, image-based modelling is used to investigate the relationship between the pore structure and the parameters. A three-dimensional, X-ray computed tomography image stack of a soil sample with voxel resolution of 6\u2009\u03bcm has been used to create a computational mesh. The Cahn\u2013Hilliard\u2013Stokes equations for two-fluid flow, in this case water and air, were applied to this mesh and solved using the finite-element method in COMSOL Multiphysics. The upscaled parameters in Richards' equation are then obtained via homogenization. The effect on the soil\u2013water retention curve due to three different contact angles, 0\u00b0, 20\u00b0 and 60\u00b0, was also investigated. The results show that the pore structure affects the properties of the flow on the large scale, and different contact angles can change the parameters for Richards' equation.

", "keywords": ["0301 basic medicine", "Richards\u2019 equation", "330", "EP/M020355/1", "QH301 Biology", "530", "QH301", "03 medical and health sciences", "porous media", "646809DIMR", "Journal Article", "BB/L025620/1", "BB/J00868/1", "NE/L00237/1", "Research Articles", "0303 health sciences", "Civil_env_eng", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "621", "6. Clean water", "004", "620", "3. Good health", "image-based modelling", "Richards' equation", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "BB/P004180/1", "BB/L025825/1", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4979/1/20170178.full.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/415076/1/ImageBasedRichardsPRST.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/415076/2/SupplementaryFigure.pdf"}, {"href": "https://royalsocietypublishing.org/doi/pdf/10.1098/rspa.2017.0178"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1098/rspa.2017.0178"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Proceedings%20of%20the%20Royal%20Society%20A%3A%20Mathematical%2C%20Physical%20and%20Engineering%20Sciences", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1098/rspa.2017.0178", "name": "item", "description": "10.1098/rspa.2017.0178", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1098/rspa.2017.0178"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2017-11-01T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1098/rstb.2020.0169", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:18:17Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-08-08", "title": "The role of soils in delivering Nature's Contributions to People", "description": "

This theme issue provides an assessment of the contribution of soils to Nature's Contributions to People (NCP). The papers in this issue show that soils can contribute positively to the delivery of all NCP. These contributions can be maximized through careful soil management to provide healthy soils, but poorly managed, degraded or polluted soils may contribute negatively to the delivery of NCP. Soils are also shown to contribute positively to the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Papers in the theme issue emphasize the need for careful soil management. Priorities for soil management must include: (i) for healthy soils in natural ecosystems, protect them from conversion and degradation, (ii) for managed soils, manage in a way to protect and enhance soil biodiversity, health, productivity and sustainability and to prevent degradation, and (iii) for degraded soils, restore to full soil health. Our knowledge of what constitutes sustainable soil management is mature enough to implement best management practices, in order to maintain and improve soil health. The papers in this issue show the vast potential of soils to contribute to NCP. This is not only desirable, but essential to sustain a healthy planet and if we are to deliver sustainable development in the decades to come.

This article is part of the theme issue \uffe2\uff80\uff98The role of soils in delivering Nature\uffe2\uff80\uff99s Contributions to People\uffe2\uff80\uff99.Biochar amendment is one of the most promising agricultural approaches to tackle climate change by enhancing soil carbon (C) sequestration. Microbial\uffe2\uff80\uff90mediated decomposition processes are fundamental for the fate and persistence of sequestered C in soil, but the underlying mechanisms are uncertain. Here, we synthesise 923 observations regarding the effects of biochar addition (over periods ranging from several weeks to several years) on soil C\uffe2\uff80\uff90degrading enzyme activities from 130 articles across five continents worldwide. Our results showed that biochar addition increased soil ligninase activity targeting complex phenolic macromolecules by 7.1%, but suppressed cellulase activity degrading simpler polysaccharides by 8.3%. These shifts in enzyme activities explained the most variation of changes in soil C sequestration across a wide range of climatic, edaphic and experimental conditions, with biochar\uffe2\uff80\uff90induced shift in ligninase:cellulase ratio correlating negatively with soil C sequestration. Specifically, short\uffe2\uff80\uff90term (<1\uffc2\uffa0year) biochar addition significantly reduced cellulase activity by 4.6% and enhanced soil organic C sequestration by 87.5%, whereas no significant responses were observed for ligninase activity and ligninase:cellulase ratio. However, long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term (\uffe2\uff89\uffa51\uffc2\uffa0year) biochar addition significantly enhanced ligninase activity by 5.2% and ligninase:cellulase ratio by 36.1%, leading to a smaller increase in soil organic C sequestration (25.1%). These results suggest that shifts in enzyme activities increased ligninase:cellulase ratio with time after biochar addition, limiting long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term soil C sequestration with biochar addition. Our work provides novel evidence to explain the diminished soil C sequestration with long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term biochar addition and suggests that earlier studies may have overestimated soil C sequestration with biochar addition by failing to consider the physiological acclimation of soil microorganisms over time.Simulation models represent soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics in global carbon (C) cycle scenarios to support climate\uffe2\uff80\uff90change studies. It is imperative to increase confidence in long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term predictions of SOC dynamics by reducing the uncertainty in model estimates. We evaluated SOC simulated from an ensemble of 26 process\uffe2\uff80\uff90based C models by comparing simulations to experimental data from seven long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term bare\uffe2\uff80\uff90fallow (vegetation\uffe2\uff80\uff90free) plots at six sites: Denmark (two sites), France, Russia, Sweden and the United Kingdom. The decay of SOC in these plots has been monitored for decades since the last inputs of plant material, providing the opportunity to test decomposition without the continuous input of new organic material. The models were run independently over multi\uffe2\uff80\uff90year simulation periods (from 28 to 80\uffc2\uffa0years) in a blind test with no calibration (Bln) and with the following three calibration scenarios, each providing different levels of information and/or allowing different levels of model fitting: (a) calibrating decomposition parameters separately at each experimental site (Spe); (b) using a generic, knowledge\uffe2\uff80\uff90based, parameterization applicable in the Central European region (Gen); and (c) using a combination of both (a) and (b) strategies (Mix). We addressed uncertainties from different modelling approaches with or without spin\uffe2\uff80\uff90up initialization of SOC. Changes in the multi\uffe2\uff80\uff90model median (MMM) of SOC were used as descriptors of the ensemble performance. On average across sites, Gen proved adequate in describing changes in SOC, with MMM equal to average SOC (and standard deviation) of 39.2 (\uffc2\uffb115.5)\uffc2\uffa0Mg\uffc2\uffa0C/ha compared to the observed mean of 36.0 (\uffc2\uffb119.7)\uffc2\uffa0Mg\uffc2\uffa0C/ha (last observed year), indicating sufficiently reliable SOC estimates. Moving to Mix (37.5\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa016.7\uffc2\uffa0Mg\uffc2\uffa0C/ha) and Spe (36.8\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa019.8\uffc2\uffa0Mg\uffc2\uffa0C/ha) provided only marginal gains in accuracy, but modellers would need to apply more knowledge and a greater calibration effort than in Gen, thereby limiting the wider applicability of models.We hypothesized that plant exudates could either gel or disperse soil depending on their chemical characteristics. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L. cv. Optic) and maize (Zea mays L. cv. Freya) root exudates were collected using an aerated hydroponic method and compared with chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seed exudate, a commonly used root exudate analogue. Sandy loam soil was passed through a 500\uffe2\uff80\uff90\uffce\uffbcm mesh and treated with each exudate at a concentration of 4.6 mg exudate g\uffe2\uff88\uff921 dry soil. Two sets of soil samples were prepared. One set of treated soil samples was maintained at 4\uffc2\uffb0C to suppress microbial processes. To characterize the effect of decomposition, the second set of samples was incubated at 16\uffc2\uffb0C for 2 weeks at \uffe2\uff88\uff9230 kPa matric potential. Gas chromatography\uffe2\uff80\uff93mass spectrometry (GC\uffe2\uff80\uff93MS) analysis of the exudates showed that barley had the largest organic acid content and chia the largest content of sugars (polysaccharide\uffe2\uff80\uff90derived or free), and maize was in between barley and chia. Yield stress of amended soil samples was measured by an oscillatory strain sweep test with a cone plate rheometer. When microbial decomposition was suppressed at 4\uffc2\uffb0C, yield stress increased 20\uffe2\uff80\uff90fold for chia seed exudate and twofold for maize root exudate compared with the control, whereas for barley root exudate decreased to half. The yield stress after 2 weeks of incubation compared with soil with suppressed microbial decomposition increased by 85% for barley root exudate, but for chia and maize it decreased by 87 and 54%, respectively. Barley root exudation might therefore disperse soil and this could facilitate nutrient release. The maize root and chia seed exudates gelled soil, which could create a more stable soil structure around roots or seeds.

Highlights

Rheological measurements quantified physical behaviour of plant exudates and effect on soil stabilization.

Barley root exudates dispersed soil, which could release nutrients and carbon.

Maize root and chia seed exudates had a stabilizing effect on soil.

Physical engineering of soil in contact with plant roots depends on the nature and origin of exudates.

", "keywords": ["construction", "0301 basic medicine", "EP/M020355/1", "seed exudate", "QH301 Biology", "610", "root exudate", "630", "QH301", "03 medical and health sciences", "DIMR 646809", "microbial decompisition", "Physical Processes and Function", "NE/L00237/1", "2. Zero hunger", "soil gelling", "BB/J000868/1", "Civil_env_eng", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "15. Life on land", "6. Clean water", "yield stress", "BB/J011460/1", "BB/L026058/1", "Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC)", "soil dispersion", "viscosity", "Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "microbial decomposition", "yeild stress", "European Research Council"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://repository.uwl.ac.uk/id/eprint/4980/1/Naveed_et_al-2017-European_Journal_of_Soil_Science.pdf"}, {"href": "https://eprints.soton.ac.uk/414238/1/EJSS_submitted_Manuscript.pdf"}, {"href": "http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/wol1/doi/10.1111/ejss.12487/fullpdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/ejss.12487"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/European%20Journal%20of%20Soil%20Science", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/ejss.12487", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/ejss.12487", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/ejss.12487"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2017-10-27T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1111/ejss.13145", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:18:27Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-07-13", "title": "Sustainable futures over the next decade are rooted in soil science", "description": "Abstract

The importance of soils to society has gained increasing recognition over the past decade, with the potential to contribute to most of the United Nations\uffe2\uff80\uff99 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With unprecedented and growing demands for food, water and energy, there is an urgent need for a global effort to address the challenges of climate change and land degradation, whilst protecting soil as a natural resource. In this paper, we identify the contribution of soil science over the past decade to addressing gaps in our knowledge regarding major environmental challenges: climate change, food security, water security, urban development, and ecosystem functioning and biodiversity. Continuing to address knowledge gaps in soil science is essential for the achievement of the SDGs. However, with limited time and budget, it is also pertinent to identify effective methods of working that ensure the research carried out leads to real\uffe2\uff80\uff90world impact. Here, we suggest three strategies for the next decade of soil science, comprising a greater implementation of research into policy, interdisciplinary partnerships to evaluate function trade\uffe2\uff80\uff90offs and synergies between soils and other environmental domains, and integrating monitoring and modelling methods to ensure soil\uffe2\uff80\uff90based policies can withstand the uncertainties of the future.

Highlights

We highlight the contributions of soil science to five major environmental challenges since 2010.

Researchers have contributed to recommendation reports, but work is rarely translated into policy.

Interdisciplinary work should assess trade\uffe2\uff80\uff90offs and synergies between soils and other domains.

Integrating monitoring and modelling is key for robust and sustainable soils\uffe2\uff80\uff90based policymaking.

There is growing international interest in better managing soils to increase soil organic carbon (SOC) content to contribute to climate change mitigation, to enhance resilience to climate change and to underpin food security, through initiatives such as international \uffe2\uff80\uff984p1000\uffe2\uff80\uff99 initiative and the FAO's Global assessment of SOC sequestration potential (GSOCseq) programme. Since SOC content of soils cannot be easily measured, a key barrier to implementing programmes to increase SOC at large scale, is the need for credible and reliable measurement/monitoring, reporting and verification (MRV) platforms, both for national reporting and for emissions trading. Without such platforms, investments could be considered risky. In this paper, we review methods and challenges of measuring SOC change directly in soils, before examining some recent novel developments that show promise for quantifying SOC. We describe how repeat soil surveys are used to estimate changes in SOC over time, and how long\uffe2\uff80\uff90term experiments and space\uffe2\uff80\uff90for\uffe2\uff80\uff90time substitution sites can serve as sources of knowledge and can be used to test models, and as potential benchmark sites in global frameworks to estimate SOC change. We briefly consider models that can be used to simulate and project change in SOC and examine the MRV platforms for SOC change already in use in various countries/regions. In the final section, we bring together the various components described in this review, to describe a new vision for a global framework for MRV of SOC change, to support national and international initiatives seeking to effect change in the way we manage our soils.

", "keywords": ["[SDE] Environmental Sciences", "550", "BULK-DENSITY", "QH301 Biology", "Climate", "[SDV]Life Sciences [q-bio]", "NEW-ZEALAND", "630", "Soil", "NE/M021327/1", "11. Sustainability", "SDG 13 - Climate Action", "AGRICULTURAL SOILS", "SDG 15 - Life on Land", "General Environmental Science", "agriculture", "2. Zero hunger", "Global and Planetary Change", "reporting", "Measurement", "Ecology", "IN-SITU", "Agricultura", "NE/P019455/1", "carbono org\u00e1nico del suelo", "Agriculture", "LAND-USE CHANGE", "04 agricultural and veterinary sciences", "[SDV] Life Sciences [q-bio]", "climate change", "Sustainability", "[SDE]Environmental Sciences", "Carbon Sequestration", "DIFFUSE-REFLECTANCE SPECTROSCOPY", "LONG-TERM EXPERIMENTS", "330", "Monitoring", "STOCK CHANGES", "MRV", "secuestro de carbon", "12. Responsible consumption", "QH301", "Greenhouse Gases", "ORGANIC-CARBON", "soil organic matter", "greenhouse gases", "Invited Research Reviews", "Environmental Chemistry", "774378", "SDG 2 - Zero Hunger", "European Commission", "resilience", "Climate Solutions", "Soil organic matter", "Soil organic carbon", "Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)", "Verification", "food security", "15. Life on land", "carbon sequestration", "Sustainable Agriculture", "Carbon", "EDDY-COVARIANCE", "soil organic carbon", "monitoring", "Reporting", "13. Climate action", "0401 agriculture", " forestry", " and fisheries", "measurement", "verification"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/gcb.14815"}, {"href": "https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/context/rsfac/article/1079/viewcontent/Lini2019b.pdf"}, {"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/gcb.14815"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/Global%20Change%20Biology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/gcb.14815", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/gcb.14815", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/gcb.14815"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2019-10-06T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1111/gcb.14878", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:18:31Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2019-10-22", "title": "Which practices co\u2010deliver food security, climate change mitigation and adaptation, and combat land degradation and desertification?", "description": "Abstract

There is a clear need for transformative change in the land management and food production sectors to address the global land challenges of climate change mitigation, climate change adaptation, combatting land degradation and desertification, and delivering food security (referred to hereafter as \uffe2\uff80\uff9cland challenges\uffe2\uff80\uff9d). We assess the potential for 40 practices to address these land challenges and find that: Nine options deliver medium to large benefits for all four land challenges. A further two options have no global estimates for adaptation, but have medium to large benefits for all other land challenges. Five options have large mitigation potential (>3\uffc2\uffa0Gt CO2eq/year) without adverse impacts on the other land challenges. Five options have moderate mitigation potential, with no adverse impacts on the other land challenges. Sixteen practices have large adaptation potential (>25 million people benefit), without adverse side effects on other land challenges. Most practices can be applied without competing for available land. However, seven options could result in competition for land. A large number of practices do not require dedicated land, including several land management options, all value chain options, and all risk management options. Four options could greatly increase competition for land if applied at a large scale, though the impact is scale and context specific, highlighting the need for safeguards to ensure that expansion of land for mitigation does not impact natural systems and food security. A number of practices, such as increased food productivity, dietary change and reduced food loss and waste, can reduce demand for land conversion, thereby potentially freeing\uffe2\uff80\uff90up land and creating opportunities for enhanced implementation of other practices, making them important components of portfolios of practices to address the combined land challenges.This study evaluates the dynamics of soil organic carbon (SOC) under perennial crops across the globe. It quantifies the effect of change from annual to perennial crops and the subsequent temporal changes in SOC stocks during the perennial crop cycle. It also presents an empirical model to estimate changes in the SOC content under crops as a function of time, land use, and site characteristics. We used a harmonized global dataset containing paired\uffe2\uff80\uff90comparison empirical values of SOC and different types of perennial crops (perennial grasses, palms, and woody plants) with different end uses: bioenergy, food, other bio\uffe2\uff80\uff90products, and short rotation coppice. Salient outcomes include: a 20\uffe2\uff80\uff90year period encompassing a change from annual to perennial crops led to an average 20% increase in SOC at 0\uffe2\uff80\uff9330\uffc2\uffa0cm (6.0\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa04.6\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha gain) and a total 10% increase over the 0\uffe2\uff80\uff93100\uffc2\uffa0cm soil profile (5.7\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa010.9\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha). A change from natural pasture to perennial crop decreased SOC stocks by 1% over 0\uffe2\uff80\uff9330\uffc2\uffa0cm (\uffe2\uff88\uff922.5\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa04.2\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha) and 10% over 0\uffe2\uff80\uff93100\uffc2\uffa0cm (\uffe2\uff88\uff9213.6\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa08.9\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha). The effect of a land use change from forest to perennial crops did not show significant impacts, probably due to the limited number of plots; but the data indicated that while a 2% increase in SOC was observed at 0\uffe2\uff80\uff9330\uffc2\uffa0cm (16.81\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa055.1\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha), a decrease in 24% was observed at 30\uffe2\uff80\uff93100\uffc2\uffa0cm (\uffe2\uff88\uff9240.1\uffc2\uffa0\uffc2\uffb1\uffc2\uffa016.8\uffc2\uffa0Mg/ha). Perennial crops generally accumulate SOC through time, especially woody crops; and temperature was the main driver explaining differences in SOC dynamics, followed by crop age, soil bulk density, clay content, and depth. We present empirical evidence showing that the FAO perennialization strategy is reasonable, underscoring the role of perennial crops as a useful component of climate change mitigation strategies.Land\uffe2\uff80\uff90use change can have significant impacts on soil and aboveground carbon (C) stocks and there is a clear need to identify sustainable land uses which maximize C mitigation potential. Land\uffe2\uff80\uff90use transitions from agricultural to bioenergy crops are increasingly common in Europe with one option being Short Rotation Forestry (SRF). Research on the impact on C stocks of the establishment of SRF is limited, but given the potential for this bioenergy crop in temperate climates, there is an evident knowledge gap. Here, we examine changes in soil C stock following the establishment of SRF using combined short (30\uffc2\uffa0cm depth) and deep (1\uffc2\uffa0m depth) soil cores at 11 sites representing 29 transitions from agriculture to SRF. We compare the effects of tree species including 9 coniferous, 16 broadleaved and 4 Eucalyptus transitions. SRF aboveground and root biomass were also estimated in 15 of the transitions using tree mensuration data allowing assessments of changes in total ecosystem C stock. Planting coniferous SRF, compared to broadleaved and Eucalyptus SRF, resulted in greater accumulation of litter and overall increased soil C stock relative to agricultural controls. Though broadleaved SRF had no overall effect on soil C stock, it showed the most variable response suggesting species\uffe2\uff80\uff90specific effects and interactions with soil types. While Eucalyptus transitions induced a reduction in soil C stocks, this was not significant unless considered on a soil mass basis. Given the relatively young age and limited number of Eucalyptus plantations, it is not possible to say whether this reduction will persist in older stands. Combining estimates of C stocks from different ecosystem components (e.g., soil, aboveground biomass) reinforced the accumulation of C under coniferous SRF, and indicates generally positive effects of SRF on whole\uffe2\uff80\uff90ecosystem C. These results fill an important knowledge gap and provide data for modelling of future scenarios of LUC.

", "keywords": ["2. Zero hunger", "550", "QH301 Biology", "organic carbon", "land use", "bioenergy", "15. Life on land", "7. Clean energy", "01 natural sciences", "333", "QH301", "eucalypt", "13. Climate action", "afforestation", "land-use", "SRF", "coniferous", "SDG 15 - Life on Land", "deciduous", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1111/gcbb.12168"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/GCB%20Bioenergy", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1111/gcbb.12168", "name": "item", "description": "10.1111/gcbb.12168", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1111/gcbb.12168"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2014-05-02T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:19:17Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2005-08-02", "title": "Responses Of Grassland Production To Single And Multiple Global Environmental Changes", "description": "In this century, increasing concentrations of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere are expected to cause warmer surface temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns. At the same time, reactive nitrogen is entering natural systems at unprecedented rates. These global environmental changes have consequences for the functioning of natural ecosystems, and responses of these systems may feed back to affect climate and atmospheric composition. Here, we report plant growth responses of an ecosystem exposed to factorial combinations of four expected global environmental changes. We exposed California grassland to elevated CO2, temperature, precipitation, and nitrogen deposition for five years. Root and shoot production did not respond to elevated CO2 or modest warming. Supplemental precipitation led to increases in shoot production and offsetting decreases in root production. Supplemental nitrate deposition increased total production by an average of 26%, primarily by stimulating shoot growth. Interactions among the main treatments were rare. Together, these results suggest that production in this grassland will respond minimally to changes in CO2 and winter precipitation, and to small amounts of warming. Increased nitrate deposition would have stronger effects on the grassland. Aside from this nitrate response, expectations that a changing atmosphere and climate would promote carbon storage by increasing plant growth appear unlikely to be realized in this system.", "keywords": ["Greenhouse Effect", "0106 biological sciences", "2. Zero hunger", "Nitrates", "Meteorological Concepts", "QH301-705.5", "Climate", "Carbon Dioxide", "Environment", "15. Life on land", "Poaceae", "Plant Roots", "01 natural sciences", "13. Climate action", "Biology (General)", "Plant Shoots", "Research Article", "0105 earth and related environmental sciences"]}, "links": [{"href": "https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319"}, {"rel": "related", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/PLoS%20Biology", "name": "related record", "description": "related record", "type": "application/json"}, {"rel": "self", "type": "application/geo+json", "title": "10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319", "name": "item", "description": "10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main/items/10.1371/journal.pbio.0030319"}, {"rel": "collection", "type": "application/json", "title": "Collection", "name": "collection", "description": "Collection", "href": "https://repository.soilwise-he.eu/cat/collections/metadata:main"}], "time": {"date": "2005-08-09T00:00:00Z"}}, {"id": "10.1371/journal.pbio.3001130", "type": "Feature", "geometry": null, "properties": {"updated": "2026-05-23T16:19:17Z", "type": "Journal Article", "created": "2021-03-30", "title": "Microplastic effects on carbon cycling processes in soils", "description": "

Microplastics (MPs), plastic particles <5 mm, are found in environments, including terrestrial ecosystems, planetwide. Most research so far has focused on ecotoxicology, examining effects on performance of soil biota in controlled settings. As research pivots to a more ecosystem and global change perspective, questions about soil-borne biogeochemical cycles become important. MPs can affect the carbon cycle in numerous ways, for example, by being carbon themselves and by influencing soil microbial processes, plant growth, or litter decomposition. Great uncertainty surrounds nano-sized plastic particles, an expected by-product of further fragmentation of MPs. A major concerted effort is required to understand the pervasive effects of MPs on the functioning of soils and terrestrial ecosystems; importantly, such research needs to capture the immense diversity of these particles in terms of chemistry, aging, size, and shape.

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