1,721,037 research outputs found
Holocene as Anthropocene
Full text linkAnthropocene seems a more reasonable name than Holocene for this combined time span, whose most characteristic trait is the human pressure on the planet. Holocene could possibly be the first stage of the Anthropocene, the one characterized by a soft and spotty human impact on Earth
Resource or waste? A perspective of plastics degradation in soil with a focus on end-of-life options
Full text link‘Capable-of-being-shaped’synthetic compounds are prevailing today over horn,bone, leather, wood, stone, metal, glass, or ceramic in products that werepreviously left to natural materials. Plastic is, in fact, economical, simple,adaptable, and waterproof. Also, it is durable and resilient to natural degradation(although microbial species capable of degrading plastics do exist). In becoming awaste, plastic accumulation adversely affects ecosystems. The majority of plasticdebris pollutes waters, accumulating in oceans. And, the behaviour and the quantityof plastic, which has become waste, are rather well documented in the water, infact. This review collects existing information on plastics in the soil, payingparticular attention to both their degradation and possible re-uses. The use ofplastics in agriculture is also considered. The discussion is organised according totheir resin type and the identification codes used in recycling programs. In addition,options for post-consumer plastics are considered. Acknowledged indicators do notexist, and future study they will have to identify viable and shared methods tomeasure the presence and the degradation of individual polymers in soils
Soil REE patterns as tracers of the emplacement of metal-rich anthropogenic materials. A case study in Moa (Cuba)
No full textPurpose: Are rare earth element (REE) patterns employable as tracers in human interventions of bulk soil disturbances, when high concentrations of metals are involved in the in situ soil disturbance? In terms of bulk soil disturbance, it is difficult to distinguish between bulk soil disturbances and emplacement of new earthen material. Chemical fingerprinting, in particular REE plus yttrium, is applied across many fields, but predominantlyin tracking the sources of potential environmental contaminants. Materials and methods: The REE normalised patterns (HNO 3 :HF:HCl 3:1:1 digestion, ICP-MS) of two Calcaric Cambisols were compared with those of a Geric Ferralsol (Novic, Technic) originated from selective overburden of nickel mining (20°40′ N, 75°35′ W). Results and discussion: The sum of REE, including Y and Sc, ranged between 48 and 101 mg kg −1 . Principal component analysis (PCA) shows a discriminant role of REE. REE signature normalised to the upper continental crust shows slight positive Eu and negative Ce anomalies in the case of both Calcaric Cambisols, while the Geric Ferralsol shows anomalous patterns with the same anomalies plus a slight positive anomaly of Y, as a consequence of the addition of mining by-products. Conclusions: Here, we show that REE patterns of the individual horizons of a soil have characteristics that allow us to distinguish undisturbed from soils mixed with other soil materials, including those with different pH values and high metal contents (e.g. Cr, Mn, and Ni ≥ 0.5%, Fe ≫ 5 wt%). Our results demonstrate, by using soils with contrasting characteristics, that their origins can be traced via the patterns of their REEs, even in the presence of high concentrations of other metals. In perspective, when background maps of all REE elements in soils are available worldwide on an appropriate scale, this enables us to obtain a level of discriminatory detail on a local scale
Anthropogenic soils as the marker
No full textThis article aims to support the Anthropogenic soils, the ones markedly affected by human activities, as the most meaningful marker for the onset of the Anthropocene. Although diachronous and not uniformly distributed throughout the world, these soils in fact show more prominently and potentially longer in time than other proposed markers for the impact of humans on the Earth surface
The impractical supremacy of local identity on the worthless soils of Mappano
Full text linkIntroduction
Soil is under pressure worldwide. In Italy, in the last two decades, land consumption has reached an average rate of 8 m2, demonstrating the failure of urban planning in controlling these phenomena. Despite the renewed recognition of the central role of soil resources, which has triggered numerous initiatives and actions, soil resources are still seen as a second-tier priority. No governance body exists to coordinate initiatives to ensure that soils are appropriately represented in decision-making processes. Global Soil Partnership draws our attention to the need for coordination to avoid fragmentation of efforts and wastage of resources. Both at a global and at a local level, the area of fertile soils is limited and is increasingly under pressure by competing land uses for settlement, infrastructure, raw materials extraction, agriculture, and forestry.
Discussion and Evaluation
Here, we show that an administrative event, such as the creation of a new small municipality, can take place without any consideration of land and soil risks. This is particularly problematic in the Italian context as recent studies demonstrate that increasing local power in land use decisions coupled with weak control by the central administration and the high fragmentation and small dimension of municipalities has boosted land consumption. The fragmentation of municipalities has been detrimental to land conservation.
Case description
The case study of Mappano (in the northwestern Italian region of Piedmont on the periphery of the regional capital city of Turin) is emblematic to demonstrate the role played by the supremacy of local identity or local interests despite the acknowledged importance of the key role played by soil everywhere. The contradiction highlighted by this case raises discussion amid some crucial issues as to the role of local urban planning and the protection of soil, which cannot be fragmented or subject to local short-term visions/interests.
Conclusions
In this perspective, urban planning has to address soil and land issues by introducing new rules and competences at the local level and beyond
The unseen world beneath our feet: Heliyon soil science. Exploring the cutting-edge techniques and ambitious goals of modern soil science
Full text linkIn the face of climate change, ecosystem destruction, desertification, and increasing food demand, soil conservation is crucial for ensuring the sustainability of life on Earth. The Soil Section of Heliyon aims to be a platform for basic and applied soil science research, emphasizing the central role of soils and their interactions with human activities. This editorial highlights recent research trends in soil science, including the evolving definition of soil, the multifunctionality of soils and their biodiversity, soil degradation and erosion, the role of soil microflora, advancements in soil mapping techniques, global change and the carbon cycle, soil health, the relationship between soil and buildings, and the importance of considering soil quality in land use planning and policies. The Heliyon Soil Science section seeks to publish scientifically accurate and valuable research that explores the diverse functions of soil and their significance in sustainable land-use systems
From grapes to getaways: Unraveling the residential tourism impact on land use change and soil erosion processes in Menfi district
Full text linkThe Mediterranean basin has experienced widespread changes in land use and, along with this, changes in geomorphological and hydrological processes and erosion risks. The Menfi area (Italy) has been no exception, and residential tourism has played an unexplored role. Using satellite images in 2007 and 2022, the main changes in land use were determined comparatively, and the variation in soil erosion levels was calculated using the RUSLE equation. The contribution of residential tourism to these processes was also analyzed. The results show a substantial decrease in the area occupied by vineyards and a increase in the site devoted to residential tourism (second homes) with olive orchards. Erosion values have also decreased. The results allow us to conclude that the decrease in the area with vineyards results in a reduction in soil erosion. The main drivers of the change in land use are socioeconomic factors, including the aging of farmers, the shift of subsequent generations to alternative activities, and the overall decrease in agricultural income. In addition, the expansion of tourist infrastructure was accentuated in the new land with olive orchard groves in south-faced, medium-altitude, and lower slope areas, which together provide landscape value and contribute to the reduction of soil erosion
Plant diversity in old-growth woods: the case of the forest edges of the Favorita Park in Palermo (north-western Sicily, Italy)
Full text linkThis article presents the results of a study on plant diversity at different levels in residual forest stands, located in the historical Favorita Park in Palermo, Italy (established and named in 1799 by King Ferdinand IV of the House of Bourbon). These forest aspects have naturally evolved for over two centuries, under minimal conditions of anthropogenic disturbance (e.g. deforestation, fires, grazing activities, etc.). This is especially true in the area known as “Bosco Niscemi”, spread over about 8.5 hectares, in the centre of the park. Bosco Niscemi is characterized by the widespread presence of old trees, abundant necromass and litter. In this study, four different soil profiles were analysed, and classified as follows: (i) Solimovic Regosol (Arenic); ii) Eutric Arenosol (Chromic); (iii) and (iv) Skeletic Regosol (Ochric). From a phytosociological point of view, four forest communities have been identified, two of which are described as new associations (Viburno tini-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova and Teucrio flavi-Phillyreetum latifoliae ass. nova). The species richness was also found to be noteworthy, with the co-occurrence of several taxa (phanerogams and cryptogams) that are of biogeographic interest or rare in Sicily, including: i) vascular flora (e.g. Viburnum tinus and Arbutus unedo, both very rare throughout the western sector of Sicily); ii) bryophytes [Cryphaea heteromalla (new record of a very rare species in Sicily) as well as Hypnum cupressiforme and Leptodon smithii, also never previously found at such low altitudes]; iii) lichens (e.g. Bacidia rosella, Gyalecta derivata, Ramalina roesleri and Waynea stoechadiana); iv) mushrooms (e.g. Eichleriella leucophaea, only known location in Italy). Based on the scientific documentation produced in this study, these woods can be reported as “old-growth forests” to be included in the “National Network” that has been recently established in Italy (Ministerial Decree of 23 June 2023). This area might serve as an ideal control for urban environmental studies, given its pristine ecological setting
Strawberry fields forever: That is, how many grams of plastics are used to grow a strawberry?
No full textIn important areas of the agricultural sector, plastic is one of the most important tools for improving the managerial and economic performance of companies. Horticultural production under protected cultivation, in particular, makes abundant use of plastic polymers-polymers that mostly turn into waste. This study aims to identify similar organisational models among farmers operating in the strawberry production sector in relation to their intention to recycle plastic material and which factors characterize these models (attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioural control, and socio-demographic characteristics) and to quantify the plastic used in relation to the different types of materials used. In order to achieve this aim, data coming from one of Italy's most specialized areas in the strawberry sector, Marsala, were analysed using a principal component analysis to identify latent factor and subsequently clustered in order to identify similar organisational models. The main findings show that behind a typical 250-gram basket of strawberries, the production process has generated more than 20 g of plastic waste, consisting of different polymers. In addition, younger farmers, who manage companies of smaller physical dimensions, and with a higher level of education, show a greater intention to join plastic recycling programs, guided by their attitudes, by the necessity to respond to social pressures, and by the ability to manage recycling programs. Our main result adds to previous knowledge that the informed producer (via greater awareness) is the key to solving the problem through improving environmental sustainability and creating a circular economy
Vegetation, soils, and humus forms of Sardinian holm oak forests and approximated cross-harmonization of vegetation types, WRB Soil Groups and humus forms in selected Mediterranean ecosystems
No full textFive plant communities, related to elevation above sea level and geological substrata, are recognized in the holm oak forests of Sardinia (Italy). These forests show a considerable inhomogeneous structure due to present day and past uses. Coppice management prevails, influencing the quantity and quality of organic horizons. Most frequent mineral soils are Cambisols, Leptosols, and Regosols. Regarding the humus forms, Moder and, with less extent, Amphi, are prevailing. Furthermore, the paper presents a synoptic table giving a rough picture of the relationships between vegetation types, WRB Soil Groups and humus forms in selected Mediterranean ecosystems
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