Soil organic matter composition of man‐impacted urban sites in North Germany

Human activity in the environment has great impact on soil ecology. However recent knowledge on properties of anthropogenic soils is still scarce. For this reason the purpose of this paper is to deliver data on the soil organic matter (SOM) properties of urban soils with an example from the city of Rostock (Northeast Germany) and to describe the environmental consequences of severe anthopogenic actvity. The results suggest that SOM of urban settings is significantly different in their chemical nature of humic compounds and their coal contents. The lower content of alkyl C and the simultaneously higher contents of aromatic C moieties in urban soils compared to their natural counterparts suggest a substantially different biochemical behavior against environmental hazardous compounds and microbial activity. This knowledge is essential for a qualitative assessment of important biochemical mechanisms in urban soils.     

Human-altered and human-transported (HAHT) soils in the U.S. soil classification system

ABSTRACT

Human-altered and human-transported (HAHT) soils are widespread across the globe and are concentrated near where people live and work. Although some of the HAHT soils are significant because they can be hazardous to human, animal, and plant health, most are not mapped or classified to the same extent as agricultural soils. The purpose of this article is to discuss the occurrence, types, and importance of HAHT soils and to document the historical and proposed classification of HAHT soils in Soil Taxonomy. There are two main forms of materials that define HAHT soils: human-altered soils formed in human-altered materials (HAM) from the soil surface to 50 cm (or to bedrock if shallower) or more and human-transported soils formed in human-transported materials (HTM) from the soil surface to 50 cm (or to bedrock if shallower) or more. The HAHT soils mainly occur in urban areas, transportation corridors, mined lands, landfills, filled shallow water, and agricultural areas on anthropogenic landforms. Hazards include danger from radioactivity, pollution, content of hazardous artifacts, or presence on unstable landforms that may fail during heavy rains or earthquakes. The HAHT soils are extensive, and their extent is growing. In the past, few HAHT soils were described or classified adequately because the U.S. Soil Taxonomy system was established for agricultural and other naturally occurring soils. However, HAHT soils are now being recognized and classified in many soil classification systems at very high levels. A new soil order is proposed for U.S. Soil Taxonomy that would include the most obvious profoundly and intentionally altered HAHT soils. A discussion and justification is given for an unofficial proposal. Input will be collected from international groups of scientists, and modifications of the unofficial proposal are expected. The long-term result of establishing a new soil order will be to enable proper classification, allocation, and mapping of HAHT soils worldwide.     

Driving factors of soluble organic nitrogen dynamics in paddy soils: Structure equation modeling analysis

Soil soluble organic nitrogen (SON) is one of the most active components in soil nitrogen pools; however, limited information is available with regard to its driving factors, as well as their pathways and degrees of influence. In this study, structural equation modeling was used to analyze the driving factors, their significance, and pathways that affected SON dynamics in a waterlogged experiment of two typical paddy soils incubated for 80 d after green manure application. Soil pH, Eh, microbial biomass, enzyme activity, and SON dynamics were used to construct the structural equation model. Results showed that soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), protease, glutamine, and initial organic matter (OM) directly and significantly affected soil SON with path coefficients corresponding to 0.405, 0.547, 0.523, and -0.623 (P < 0.01), respectively. Soil microbial biomass carbon and initial OM affected the SON dynamics indirectly through protease and glutamine activity. In addition, pH indirectly affected SON dynamics by glutamine activity. It is implied that soil MBC, protease, glutamine, and initial OM are the key factors affecting SON dynamics in the waterlogged paddy soils after green manure application. Our research indicated that structural equation modeling could provide an effective method to clearly recognize the impact, significance, and pathways of multiple factors on SON dynamics in paddy soils.     

Evaluation of World Reference Base for Soil Resources and FAO Soil Map of the World using nationwide grid soil data from Denmark

Abstract. Soil classification is a tool for stratifying and generalizing information on soil resources but most systems are tailored to handle only slightly disturbed soil. We tested the applicability of the legend of the FAO-Unesco Soil Map of the World and the new World Reference Base for Soil Resources by classifying at the highest order 831 profiles from a nationwide 7 km grid survey in Denmark, where soils are developed in Quaternary glacial and marine sediments and intensively farmed. Comparison of the variability of pH and % clay +% silt of the master horizons (A, E, B, and C) within and between the major well-drained soil groupings shows that liming, fertilizing and ploughing have produced significantly deeper A-horizons with higher pH, lower % humus and C:N ratios on the two-thirds of the country that is cultivated. ‘Anthropogenic’ mollic and umbric horizons are a common result but the liming causes a random final classification of these surface horizons and, hence, random allocation of the soils in both systems. It separates cultivated soils and their undisturbed equivalents, and results in considerable within-group variation in soil texture. Grouping of cultivated and undisturbed soils, on the other hand, results in wide within-horizon pH ranges for most groups, again compromising the advantage of making useful general statements on the basis of classification. We propose that anthropogenic mollic and umbric horizons should be allowed in any soil group and that ‘anthric properties’ should be used to distinguish between profoundly changed cultivated soils and largely undisturbed soils, hereby constructing a two-tier system within each highest-order soil group. We classified the soils according to this proposal. The results show generally narrower ranges for both pH and % clay +% silt. We evaluated the within-group homogeneity by multivariate analysis of variance of pH, % clay +% silt, % clay, % humus, C:N ratio, exchangeable cations, and CEC. The results (Wilks's Lamda) show a higher degree of group compactness compared to the original FAO and World Reference Base systems.     

Land-use management for sustainable rice production and carbon sequestration in reclaimed coastal tideland soils of South Korea: a review

ABSTRACT

The properties of secondary salt-affected soils developed from improper irrigation and drainage management and their effects on rice growth and yield are well documented. However, relevant information on coastal reclaimed tideland (RTL) soils, which are classified as primary salt-affected soils developed through salt-accumulated sediments is lacking. In this paper, we reviewed the physical and chemical properties of RTL soils in comparison with non-RTL soils and analyzed the relationship between rice production and soil salinity in RTL to suggest agricultural management practices for sustainable rice production and soil carbon sequestration in RTL. Similar to the secondary salt-affected soils, RTL soils were characterized by high alkalinity, salinity, and sodicity, and rice yield was negatively correlated with salinity. However, it was also found that lower fertility (e.g., organic matter and phosphorus) of RTL soils than non-RTL soils might also hamper rice growth and thus carbon input via plant residues in RTL soils. Correlation between years after reclamation and soil properties of RTL showed that cultivation of rice with annual fertilization and organic matter inputs increased soil fertility but salinity and sodicity did not show a significant tendency of change, suggesting that natural desalinization in RTL soils is hard to be achieved with conventional rice cultivation. Therefore, it is suggested that fertilization management as well as salinity management via drainage, gypsum application, tillage, and proper irrigation may be necessary to improve rice production and carbon sequestration in RTL soils.     

Soil health – What should the doctor order?

The concept of soil health has been extensively reviewed in the scientific literature, but there is only patchy and inconsistent information available to farmers and growers who are concerned about the declining condition of their soils and are looking for appropriate test methods and management interventions to help reverse it. Although there are well‐established laboratory methods for soil chemical analysis, and a range of laboratory and field methods for measuring soil physical properties, only now are methods starting to emerge for soil biological analysis. This study provides an overview of the methods that are currently available commercially (or are close to commercialization) for farmers and growers in the UK. We examine the science underpinning the methods, the value of the information provided and how farmers and advisors can use results from such assessments for informed decision‐making in relation to soil management.     

Bodengefüge gegen Verdichtungen schützen – Lösungsansätze für den Schutz landwirtschaftlich genutzter Böden

Protecting soil structure against compaction—proposed solutions to safeguard agricultural soils To safeguard the ecological soil functions and the functions linked to human activities, measures against harmful changes to the soil are required, in line with the precautionary principle. The German Federal Soil Protection Act sets obligations for precaution in agricultural land use and, if harmful changes to the soil are foreseeable, measures for averting a danger. The results of a research project of the Federal Environmental Agency show that it is possible to describe an impairment of the soil structure, using methods of soil analysis. But this as a sole information would not qualify for the identification of harmful changes to the soil in the context of the Soil Protection Act, which requires an assessment of the severity of disruption of soil functions and the respective subject of protection. This would make additional soil investigations on site mandatory. Approaches in agricultural engineering and soil physics have introduced procedures to preserve the soil structure, in accordance with the precautionary principle. But these procedures have different goals and different ranges of application and hence offer partial solutions to safeguard against soil compaction. The assessment model of “trafficability by measuring the rut depth” provides information about the compaction status of the soil under applied conditions for farming gear, without providing detailed information about affected soil layers. The soil‐physical model of classifying soils into “risk classes for harmful soil compaction” focuses on the relationship between topsoil compaction and crop yields. The soil‐physical models “precompression stress” and “loading ratio” provide information for the assessment of subsoil compaction and a prognosis of a possible impairment of the soil structure at the water content of field capacity. It is necessary to validate the individual models with additional regional data about soil structure before a final assessment of the prognoses is made.     

Soil biochemical and microbial indices in wet tropical forests: Effects of deforestation and cultivation

Little information is available about the long‐term effects of deforestation and cultivation on biochemical and microbial properties in wet tropical forest soils. In this study, we evaluated the general and specific biochemical properties of soils under evergreen, semi‐evergreen, and moist deciduous forests and adjacent plantations of coconut, arecanut, and rubber, established by clear felling portions of these forests. We also examined the effects of change in land use on microbial indices and their interrelationships in soils. Significant differences between the sites occurred for the biochemical properties reflecting soil microbial activity. Microbial biomass C, biomass N, soil respiration, N mineralization capacity, ergosterol, levels of adenylates (ATP, AMP, ADP), and activities of dehydrogenase and catalase were, in general, significantly higher under the forests than under the plantations. Likewise, the activities of various hydrolytic enzymes such as acid phosphomonoesterase, phosphodiesterase, casein‐protease, BAA‐protease, β‐glucosidase, CM‐cellulase, invertase, urease, and arylsulfatase were significantly higher in the forest soils which suggested that deforestation and cultivation markedly reduced microbial activity, enzyme synthesis and accumulation due to decreased C turnover and nutrient availability. While the ratios of microbial biomass C : N and microbial biomass C : organic C did not vary significantly between the sites, the ratios of ergosterol : biomass C and ATP : biomass C, qCO2 and AEC (Adenylate Energy Charge) levels were significantly higher in the forest sites indicating high energy requirements of soil microbes at these sites.     

The red soils, their origin, properties, use and management in Greece

Red soils in Greece are distributed throughout the country, but they occur more frequently in the southern provinces and constitute important soil resources supporting several land utilization types. They can be grouped into two categories: the autochthonous and the allochthonous. The former soils are found on hard limestone and on basic igneous rocks in sloping mountainous or hilly landscapes. Moreover, they can be found on mica schists and gneisses in locations adjacent to marble or calcareous mica schists.Allochthonous red soils are wide-spread on late Tertiary and Pleistocene surfaces in the lowlands. Many of these deep deposits have red strata, a few decimeters to several meters thick, or red-colored and fine-textured layers interbedded with light colored deposits of marl, or conglomerates and also with thick strata enriched with calcareous concretions. They are distributed in the thermo- and meso-mediterranean bioclimatic zones. These sites have a common feature, the gently sloping terrain that ensures efficient drainage.There are some differences in chemical and physical properties and in the clay mineralogy of the two groups of Greek red soils. Palygorskite is present in some soils developed on basic rocks; the clay minerals of the allochthonous soils on Pleistocene and late Pliocene seems to be mixed with micas in significant amounts.Soil forming factors required for the formation of red soils are: (a) parent material containing iron-bearing minerals, and rich in bases, (b) slope gradients and/or water permeabilities of the bed-rock securing excessive drainage and (c) vegetation cover that does not produce high amounts of, and deeply distributed organic matter.The allochthonous red soils have likely inherited their color from their parent materials that were transported from the originally formed residual soils on hard limestone. The soils retain the red color in the thermo-mediterranean zone only on sloping terrains. The soils on these landscapes are frequently stratified.The Greek red soils belong to the great groups of: Rhodoxeralfs, Palexeralfs, Xerochrepts, Orthents. Large portions of the allochthonous soils have been desertified or have been severely degraded and their extensive exploitation is not recommended.Soil management practices applied in the allochthonous soils include erosion control, preservation of organic matter, minimum tillage, split application of nitrogen using non-acidifying fertilizers, irrigation, soil water conservation and sheltered agriculture.     

纳米材料在污染土壤修复及污水净化中应用前景探讨

近年来,寻求环境友好型的污染土壤与污水净化高效修复剂成为国内外环境科学研究新的热点。随着环境分子科学的快速发展,纳米材料在污染环境修复研究中的应用越来越受到重视,纳米颗粒由于具有巨大的比表面积和微界面特征,可以强化多种界面反应,如对重金属离子及有机污染物的表面吸附、专性吸附及增强的氧化-还原反应等,在重金属及有机污染物等污染土壤及污水治理中有望发挥重要作用。本文综述了目前国内外利用纳米材料进行污染土壤修复及污水净化的应用研究进展,并展望了该研究领域的不足及研究前景,以期为该研究领域的进一步深入拓展新的思路。     

Effects of Soil Sample Grinding Intensity on Carbon Determination by High‐Temperature Combustion

Abstract

Recently, many studies related to carbon (C) sequestration by soils have been reported. However, little information has been reported related to the need for and effects of grinding soils on C analysis by high‐temperature combustion. We studied the effects of grinding five glacially derived soils of varying textural composition and organic matter content to 2‐mm, 1‐mm, 0.5‐mm, 0.25‐mm, and 0.15‐mm particle sizes on the measurement of total, inorganic, and organic C content using a high‐temperature combustion technique. Medium‐textured soils showed significantly higher total and organic C values for the 2‐, 1‐, and 0.5‐mm particle sizes than for the 0.25‐ and 0.15‐mm particle sizes compared to soils that were high in sand or clay. Grinding did not appear to affect inorganic C values. Grinding the soils to 0.15 mm, in all cases, greatly reduced the variability of C values by as much as two‐ to six‐fold when compared to 2‐mm soils. We recommend that soils be ground to pass a 0.15‐mm (100‐mesh) screen prior to C analysis by high‐temperature combustion.     

土壤重金属迁移模拟研究的现状与展望

随着工业发展和废弃物的排放不断增加，土壤重金属污染已经成为一个世界性环境问题。土壤重金属的分布转化以及污染修复的研究受到广泛关注，数学模型及计算机模拟研究成为重要的研究手段。该文对土壤重金属迁移的模拟研究的进展进行了回顾与归纳，集中阐述了对流弥散和经验随机两大类模型的特点和应用，并指出了研究中存在的问题及今后研究的发展方向。将数学模拟与土壤重金属信息系统及地理信息系统GIS的有机结合，将有可能为环境保护和农业决策提供新的重要依据。     

石灰土地区几种作物根际与非根际土壤养分特征对比研究——以重庆市中梁山为例

以重庆市中梁山石灰土地区为研究区,选择莴笋、红菜苔、白菜、瓢儿菜和桔子5种不同的作物,通过野外采样和室内实验分析的方法,分别测定了5种作物的根际与非根际土壤的全氮、全磷、全钾、水解氮、速效磷、速效钾、有机质的含量以及土壤pH值,并进行了对比分析。结果表明,根际与非根际土壤的全氮、全磷、全钾、水解氮、速效磷、速效钾、有机质和pH值之间均表现出显著的差异性（p<0.05）。这5种作物的养分含量除了桔子树的根际土壤速效磷出现亏缺外,其余4种作物根际土壤的全氮、全磷、全钾、水解氮、速效磷以及速效钾都高于非根际土壤,不同作物出现了不同程度的富集现象。另外,根际土壤的pH值均低于非根际土壤;根际土壤有机质含量均高于于非根际土壤。     

National Soil Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture (ENASAS): A new systemic approach in Mexico

The National Soil Strategy for Sustainable Agriculture (ENASAS) arises in response to the increasing need to organize, coordinate and strengthen the implementation of actions oriented to the sustainable management of Mexico's agricultural soils. The measures recommended in this paper allow the conservation and maintenance of soils' essential functions for agriculture, food security and population well-being. The health and quality of agricultural soils are under constant pressure from several factors, mainly anthropogenic. One of ENASAS's objectives is to identify and stop the causes involved in land degradation processes using a systemic approach. From this perspective, the participation of various actors in sustainable soil management allows the integration of different systems, practices, techniques and knowledge that promotes awareness among the entire population about the importance of soil resources. On the other hand, given current limitations on the availability of information necessary to support decision-making and evaluate the result of the actions implemented, ENASAS promotes the generation of tools that provide reliable and updated data regarding Mexico's agricultural soils. In the same sense, this strategy encourages the development of scientific and technological research and the transfer of knowledge that meets the needs of farmers, particularly those who carry out their activities on a smaller scale. This perspective describes ENASAS as a multi-institutional initiative that will support sustainable soil management practices across the country's agricultural systems of Mexico and contribute to the adaptation and mitigation of global environmental change.     

原状土与扰动土导气率、导水率与含水率的关系

为分析土壤导气特性与土壤导水特性间的关系,该文通过研究陕西杨凌小麦试验田士样导水率和导气率随含水率的变化特征,比较原状土与扰动土导气和导水特征,分析相对导水率和相对导气率与饱和度的关系,结果发现导水率随含水率的增加而减小,且无论导水率还是导气率原状土都比扰动土大,证实土壤结构及孔隙特征对水和气的传输有巨大的影响,扰动土和原状土变化趋势虽然基本相同,但曲线不重合,说明扰动土和原状土的孔隙连接性和弯曲程度不尽相同.     

长期水耕植稻对水稻土耕层质地的影响

为了解长期水耕植稻对南方地区水田表土层颗粒组成的影响,以浙江省为研究区,采用历史资料分析、典型样区调查及定点观察相结合的方法,研究水稻土耕作层(包括犁底层)与心土层间黏粒含量的差异,分析植稻时间对水稻土不同土层颗粒组成的影响,比较植稻期间稻田排水中泥砂物质的颗粒组成与对应土壤间的差异,探讨了长期植稻对水稻土剖面质地分异的影响。对浙江省456个代表性剖面统计,与水稻土心土层比较,耕作层和犁底层黏粒含量平均下降了14%和10%。对植稻不同时间的浅海沉积物(从10～20年至80年)、第四纪红土(从5～20年至70年)和玄武岩风化物(从5～20年至35～70年)发育的水稻土比较发现,随植稻时间的增加,耕作层和犁底层土壤砂粒含量呈现增加趋势,黏粒含量明显下降,耕作层、犁底层与心土层黏粒含量的比值逐渐下降。农田排水中泥砂物质的黏粒和粉砂含量高于对应农田土壤,而砂粒含量则低于相应的土壤。分析认为,长期水耕植稻可导致耕作层土壤砂化(即砂粒含量增加,黏粒含量下降),其原因除与水耕过程中黏粒淋淀外,排水中黏粒和粉砂细颗粒的选择性流失对耕作层砂化也有较大的贡献。     

Nature and significance of anthropogenic urban soils

Background, Aims and Scope

Anthropogenic and natural urban soils are of increasing significance in a world with accelerating urbanization. Thus, anthropogenic urban soils must be considered as an fundamental ecological asset for land-use planning. Furthermore, they are of interest for fundamental soil sciences, since there properties are rarely investigated and can differ substantially from landscape soils. Numerous studies on their properties exist, in particular with respect to contamination. It is argued that urban soils are ecological assets of cities, a point of view shared with the AKS (working group on urban soils within the German Soil Science Society). In this commentary, an overview of less recognized topics is presented with specific reference to topics such as ‘co-development of anthropogenic urban soils within their cities’ and the principles of ‘stock flow of anthropogenic urban soils forming materials’ are discussed to complete the pedological and ecological view on urban soils. Additionally, the significance of (anthropogenic) urban soils is highlighted to strengthen consideration in urban spatial planning.

Main Features

Historical and recent impacts on soils and parent materials are related with soil properties. Definitions and taxonomic terms for anthropogenic soils are presented. Furthermore, the context with the functionality of such soils is discussed. The principles of mapping and evaluation of anthropogenic urban soils are explained to stress the practicability of management tools for such soils.

Results and Discussion

A semi-quantitative consideration of parent material flows in anthropogenic urban soils indicates the enormous increase of the areas of supply of cities since the pre-industrial period. Since 1950, the inner-urban deposition of solid materials, including dust stopped to increase or increases slowly in the early industrialized regions. In contrast, the deposition and reuse of rubble, inorganic and organic waste as well as dust increases much in the late industrialized regions of the last decades.

Conclusions

The significance of anthropogenic urban soils in ecological soil management became obvious by numerous scientific studies. Moreover, it is recognized that management of different areas in urban environments must respect the functionality of their soils. It is therefore of importance that pedology is integrated with related disciplines such as archaeology, history and urban planning. The scientific knowledge, the appropriate methods and tools are now available to promote and support the management of anthropogenic urban soils.

Recommendations and Perspectives

It is recommended that research conducted over the past two decades should be introduced into soil management, especially with regard to the evaluation of soil quality. Accordingly, results of collaborative studies by soil scientists and city planners need to be integrated into political frameworks like the European Soil Strategy. It is also recognized that knowledge regarding anthropogenic urban soils in the tropics, the southern hemisphere and far north is lacking, a point which will need to be addressed in the future.

Dedication

This publication is dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the AKS (Arbeitskreis Stadtböden).

     

Mineralogy and Fertility Status of Selected Soils of the Eastern Cape Province,South Africa

Abstract

Thorough knowledge of cultivated soils is necessary for their informed and sustainable management. This study was carried out to gain a better understanding of cropped soils in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The mineralogical and chemical composition and nutrient status of topsoils collected from homestead gardens and fields of smallholdings in 5 of the 36 magisterial districts where smallholder farming prevails in the Province were determined. These data were supplemented with results of soil analyses conducted by an Analytical Services Laboratory that obtains its samples from the 31 magisterial districts where large‐scale farms are dominant. The soils studied were similar mineralogically, and all had a clay fraction that was dominated by quartz, mica, and/or kaolinite, which is fairly typical for many tropical and subtropical soils. Elemental analysis showed that the soils were generally low to very low in their total content of nutrients, except for sulfur (S), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), and boron (B), reflecting the marine and sedimentary nature of their parent materials. The available nutrient status of the cultivated soils was generally low to very low, especially those found in smallholder fields. This was attributed to low soil organic matter levels and low geological reserves of some nutrients notably phosphorus (P), potassium (K), and calcium (Ca), coupled with continuous cultivation of the lands without adequate nutrient replenishment. Depending on location, 75–100% of the fields tested low in pH, 62–100% were low in organic carbon, 83–100% were low in extractable K, 62–93% were low in extractable Ca, and 79–100% were deficient in available phosphorus. The nutrient status of soils receiving moderate to high amounts of nutrients was generally satisfactory, as revealed by the nutrient content of garden soils found on smallholdings and the fields on large‐scale farms. In all cases, soil pH was low to critically low. The findings are used to propose a soil fertility management strategy for the communal areas of the Province.     

福建省变性土的性质、形成和肥力

The zonal soils in the south subtropical zone of Fujian are lateritic red soils.A type of dark clayey soils.which was historically defined as lateritic red soils,derived from weathering products of the basalts was indicated by the investigation results to be markedly different from lateritic red soils and could be classified as Typical Hapluderts.They are distributed as complex zones with the lateritic red soils.The vertisols in this region were considered as a type of lithogenic soils and the vertic characteristics delay and inhibit the soils from allitic processes and then formed an independent soil type.The vertisols have higher fertility and better agricultural production characters than the lateritic red soils.The different ways in utilizing and managing these soils according to their properties and fertility are also suggested.