84 research outputs found
Short-range and regional spatial variability of soil chemical properties in an agro-ecosystem in eastern Croatia
No full textSpatial and temporal characterization of soil properties in agro-ecosystems is crucial for monitoring the evolution of soil functions and for understanding the main influential processes. Moreover, the objective mapping of soil properties in agro-ecosystems is urgently needed for regional planning purposes and the proper choice of land management practices. In this work, the geostatistical analysis of a dataset of soil properties, derived from 2411 soil samples collected in Vukovar-Srijem County (Croatia), highlighted the multiple benefits of a spatial-statistical approach. The main aim of this paper is to jointly examine short-range (i.e., within-field) and regional spatial variability of several soil chemical properties: soil pH, organic matter (OM), plant available phosphorus (AP) and potassium (AK). The available sampling network, characterized by a set of 2411 (0–30 cm depth) irregularly and field-clustered soil samples, allowed to derivate of two typologies of soil nutrient maps by means of ordinary block kriging: within-field high-resolution maps (block size 250 m) and regional low-resolution maps (block size 2000 m). Soil pH and OM had lower variability compared to AP and AK. The OM content and pH ranged from 1.24% to 5.25% and from 3.69 to 7.84, respectively. Almost 94% of all samples had an OM content below 3%, indicating the need for future adoption of environmentally friendly soil management in this county. The mean values of AP and AK were 173 mg kg− 1 and 238 mg kg− 1, respectively, indicating a moderate supply of these nutrients. Geostatistical analysis revealed that the best-fit models were spherical for pH and AP, with moderate spatial dependency, and exponential for OM and AK, with strong spatial dependency. The within-field high-resolution soil property maps can be used as guidance for site-specific fertilization and liming. In addition, the regional maps derived for larger interpolation support provide quantitative information for regional planning and environmental monitoring and protection purposes. Consequently, the multi-resolution mapping of soil properties and the analysis of their spatial variability highlighted possible connections with influential factors and processes, including the relationships with different soil types. Finally, quantification of the spatial variability of soil properties by means of variogram models constitutes a basis for optimizing soil sample spacing for mapping purposes in the studied region
Mapping soil organic matter in the Baranja region (Croatia) : Geological and anthropic forcing parameters
No full textSpatial mapping of soil organic matter (SOM) and evaluation of the related natural and anthropic influencing factors are crucial to monitor the extent of degraded land and the evolution of soil functions. The objective of this work is to study the spatial distribution of SOM in a highly exploited agricultural area in the Baranja Region (Croatia). The spatially dense dataset available (4825 top-soil samples from 0 to 30 cm) allowed to produce reliable SOM maps using geostatistical interpolation kriging algorithms and to study the relationships with possible influencing factors. The interpolation has been conducted by means of two approaches. In one approach, the overall data set is considered for computing a global variogram and performing a direct interpolation of SOM values. In the second approach, the data are stratified according to two different geological and morphogenetic domains, Holocene Domain (HD) and Pleistocene Domain (PD), and a distinct geostatistical analysis is performed in each domain. The results showed that average SOM in the studied region was 2.29%, indicating a future need for adopting sustainable soil management practices in this region. SOM was significantly higher in HD (2.64%) than PD (1.97%) domain. SOM in PD generally had a much lower global variability. Global dataset analysis reveals that regional intrinsic factors prevail over local intrinsic and extrinsic factors in determining SOM spatial patterns. In contrast, the stratified approach can filter the effect of regional variability related to the main geological and geomorphological setting. The structural spatial correlation in PD is weaker than in HD, as manifested by spatial patches of low and high SOM content with smaller extension in PD with respect to HD. The strong relationships between SOM spatial patterns and geological/geomorphological factors suggest the possibility of adopting finer subdivision criteria in future research
Diachronic Mapping of Soil Organic Matter in Eastern Croatia Croplands
No full textThe spatiotemporal analysis and mapping of soil organic matter (SOM) play a pivotal role for evaluating soil health and for implementing preservation and restoration actions. In this context, the first aim of the study is to furnish a high-resolution mapping of current SOM content in eastern Croatia. The second aim is to perform a diachronic analysis of SOM content, comparing two datasets characterized by an extreme data imbalance. The more recent dataset (SOM2010), representative of 2010s, comprises 19,386 samples and the older dataset (SOM1970), representative of the 1970s, comprises 152 samples. The marked data imbalance and the different modalities in soil sampling and laboratory analysis of the two datasets are taken into consideration in performing the comparison. The study reveals a general depletion trend of SOM from the 1970s to the 2010s, more evident in with regard to Fluvisols and Gleysols. At a regional scale, the SOM2010 is characterized by lower variability compared to SOM1970, indicating a process of homogenization of SOM spatial distribution in recent years. Considering the local scale, there is limited information for the 1970s; for the 2010s the SOM spatial distribution is characterized by a high short-range spatial variability, with a characteristic spotty appearance, likely related to agricultural practices
Book review - Impact of Agriculture on Soil Degradation II, A European Perspective, Volume 121, The Handbook of Environmental Chemistry
No full textThe book "Impact of Agriculture on Soil Degradation II: A European Perspective," edited by Paulo Pereira, Miriam Muñoz-Rojas, Igor Bogunovic, and Wenwu Zhao (2022), presents a comprehensive examination of soil threats that impact the properties and functioning of agricultural soils in Europe. It is crucial for readers to understand the context of these threats, particularly by considering the definition of land degradation provided by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): “Land degradation is the result of human-induced actions which exploit land, causing its utility, biodiversity, soil fertility, and overall health to decline.”JRC.D.3 - Land Resources and Supply Chain Assessment
Soil physical properties, infiltration and CO2 emissions across different land use in an urban area of Zagreb, Croatia
No full textThe objective of this work was to assess the effect of land use and soil management practices on urban and peri - urban soils in Zagreb (Croatia). The soil properties studied were bulk density (BD), soil water content (SWC), mean weight diameter (MWD), water - stable aggregates (WSA), infiltration, and CO2 emissions. Eight samples were collected at depths of 0 -10 cm in winter, spring, summer, and autumn in 5 different land uses: forests - natural Que rcus robur (FOR), grasslands - semi managed (GRASS), abandoned agricultural land - afforested (AFFOR), cropland (CROP) and a grass - covered apple orchard (ORCH
Mapping Ash CaCO3, pH, and Extractable Elements Using Principal Component Analysis
No full textAsh cover in fire-affected areas is an important factor in the reduction of soil erosion and increased availability of soil nutrients. Thus it is important to understand the spatial distribution of ash and its capacity for soil protection and to provide nutrients to the underlying soil. In this work, we aimed to map ash CaCO3, pH, and select extractable elements using a principal component analysis (PCA). Four days after a medium to severe wildfire, we established a grid in a 9 Ã27m area on a west facing slope and took ash samples every 3m for a total of 40 sampling points. The PCA carried out retained five different factors. Factor 1 had high positive loadings for ash with electrical conductivity, calcium, and magnesium and negative with aluminum and iron. Factor 2 had high positive loadings in total phosphorous and silica and factor 3 in manganese and zinc. Factor 4 had high negative loadings in CaCO3and pH and finally, factor 5 had high positive loadings in sodium and potassium. The spatial pattern of the factors was different. The Gaussian model was the best fit for factor 1, the linear model the most accurate for factor 4, and the wave hole effect for the loadings of factors 2, 3, and 5. The map generated with the factor scores of factor 1 had a specific pattern, while the map of factor 4 scores had a low accumulation of the explained elements in one area and high in the other. The maps produced from the factor scores of factors 2, 3, and 5 showed a cycled pattern. Ordinary kriging provided the best estimate for factors 1, 2, and 4. Mapping ash in the period immediately after the fire is very important to identify the level of soil protection and the ash nutrient input in the underlying soil
Agricultural land degradation in Argentina
No full textLand degradation is a serious and widespread problem in Argentina. Argentina is one of the largest agricultural goods producers of the world with large-scale agricultural and livestock industries and generates a great pressure over natural ecosystems. Main drivers of land-degradation processes are the advance of agricultural frontier through fragile ecosystems (e.g., dry forests) and intensive and simplified farming systems without an adequate rotation planning. Currently around 40% of the country’s lands are affected by degradation processes, a percentage that increases to 60% if only the crop lands are considered. This situation generates a decrease in land productivity and an increase in environmental costs due to loss of ecosystem services. Although successful examples of conservation practices for erosion control exists, the reality is that agricultural management practices must consider other degradation processes that are acting in different regions. This chapter reviews the recent studies regarding the types of land degradation and their drivers that affect the different regions of Argentina. Proper management practices oriented to soil conservation appear as a priority for local authorities and producers, especially in the context of climate change, which can exacerbate the negative effects.Fil: Fernández, Diego Sebastián. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Puchulu, Maria Elena. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán. Facultad de Ciencias Naturales e Instituto Miguel Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Rostagno, Cesar Mario. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Centro Nacional Patagónico. Instituto Patagónico para el Estudio de los Ecosistemas Continentales; ArgentinaFil: la Manna, Ludmila Andrea. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de la Patagonia "San Juan Bosco". Facultad de Ingeniería - Sede Esquel. Centro de Estudios Ambientales Integrados; ArgentinaFil: Becker, Analia Rosa. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Villa María. Universidad Nacional de Villa María. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Villa María; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; ArgentinaFil: Grumelli, María del Tránsito. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; ArgentinaFil: Schiavo, Hugo Francisco Gabriel. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Córdoba. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas Fisicoquímicas y Naturales. Instituto de Ciencias de la Tierra, Biodiversidad y Ambiente; Argentina. Universidad Nacional de Río Cuarto; Argentin
Tillage-induced impacts on the soil properties, soil water erosion, and loss of nutrients in the vineyard (Central Croatia)
No full textErodirana tla karakteriziraju degradirana fizička, kemijska i biološka svojstva koja smanjuju produktivnost tla i predstavljaju veliku prijetnju okolišnoj sigurnosti i stabilnosti ekosistema. Cilj ovog rada je istražiti utjecaje upravljanja tlom na svojstva tla te eroziju tla u vinogradu, uspoređujući obrađeni (TV) i trajno zatravljeni vinograd (GCV). Istraživani vinograd nalazi se u Sisačko-Moslavačkoj županiji, Hrvatska (45°31’ S, 16°43’ I). Terenski rad sastojao se od 8 kišnih simulacija, uzorkovanja tla te prikupljanja erozijskog otjecanja. Rezultati ukazuju da su TV parcele imale niže (PEroded lands have deteriorated soil physical, chemical, and biological properties which reduces their productivity and represents a great threat to environmental safety and ecosystem stability. This study aims to investigate the soil management effect on the soil properties and conversely on soil erosion in vineyards by comparing tilled (TV) and
permanently grass-covered vineyard (GCV) plots. The study vineyard is located in Sisak – Moslavina County, Croatia (45°31’ N, 16°43’ E). The fieldwork comprised of 8 rainfall simulations, soil sampling, and collection of overland flow. The results showed that TV plots had lower (
Use of Organic Amendment from Olive and Wine Industry in Agricultural Land: A Review
No full textAgricultural land is under severe treats as population grows, land degradation remains unabated and climate extremes increased. Globally, olive oil production and a wine industry represents important sector in the economy of Mediterranean countries. These two sectors play an important role on ecosystem stability due to considerable amount of resources used in production while organic wastes remain as threat in ecosystems. Orchards and vineyards land use are susceptible to degradation. The drivers for vineyard and orchards degradation are numerous and they are mostly triggered by human activities. Intensive management enhances soil organic matter loss, structural instability, compaction, surface crust, runoff and soil loss. Tillage and agrochemicals contribute to structural instability and act as drivers for soil erosion and degradation. Therefore, the environmentally friendly use and management of such endangered land are required, which often involves use of organic amendments into soil. The review focuses on the analyses of organic wastes use from olive and wine industry that could be a valuable source for soil improvement. Present paper shows positive aspect of organic waste on soil through increased content of soil organic carbon and nutrients concentrations, water-holding capacity and soil porosity. Olive and wine pomaces enhances soil aggregate stability and water infiltration, while decrease erosion. Olive mulch can be used as mulching material to exert good control over weeds. Overall, organic by-products increase soil quality and can be recommended for investigation at the regional level to assess its suitability for wider application in Mediterranean Croatia
Optimizing Tillage and Straw Management for Improved Soil Physical Properties and Yield
No full textThis study investigated the impact of conventional ploughing (CT), minimum multitiller tillage (MT), and reduced loosening tillage (RT), with and without straw mulch on Fluvisol properties and crop yields in Croatia over three years (2019–2021). While conservation tillage practices are well studied in arid regions, our study addresses the unique challenges and benefits of these practices in humid conditions. Plots treated with straw mulch (2.75 t/ha) showed significant improvements in soil physical properties compared to bare plots. Penetration resistance (PR) decreased under 3-year mulch application in all tillage systems, with a reduction of up to 28% compared to bare plots. Water-holding capacity (WHC) was significantly higher in mulched MT (52.4%) than in bare CT (41.6%). Aggregate stability increased by 15–20% under mulch, with the highest stability in MT plots. Soil organic matter (SOM) peaked in mulched MT in 2021, reaching 4.5%, compared to 3.6% in bare CT. Yield results varied by crop: soybean yield was unaffected by tillage treatment but increased by 21% under mulch in MT; maize yield was highest in RT without mulch (13.95 t/ha); and spring wheat yield significantly improved in mulched MT (3.83 t/ha), compared to bare plots (1.75 t/ha). These findings highlight the synergistic benefits of non-inversion tillage and straw mulch in enhancing soil quality and crop yields, offering a sustainable management strategy for Central European agroecosystems
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