Abstract: Hydrochar has emerged as a promising carbonaceous amendment to enhance soil quality, yet its short-term effects on soil carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) dynamics and microbial functioning remain poorly understood. Here, a 77-day greenhouse pot experiment was conducted using a Cambisol cultivated with sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under two irrigation regimes simulating well-irrigated (WI) and water-deficit (WD) scenarios. Two doses of chicken manure–derived hydrochar (3.25 and 6.5 t ha⁻¹) and mineral fertilizer (MF) treatments providing equivalent N inputs were evaluated. Hydrochar promoted microbial growth and enhanced enzymatic and respiratory activities despite its low apparent C and nutrient input. After 77 days under WI, the addition of 6.5 t ha-1 hydrochar enhanced the activity of phenol oxidase (POA) and acid phosphomonesterase (AcPA). Concomitantly, the availability of soluble C and N increased, whereas total organic C (TOC) and N decreased relative to the initial values. These responses indicate a hydrochar-induced priming effect. The increase in POA relative to β-glucosidase is in line with a functional shift from a predominant degradation of labile compounds towards an increased oxidation of more complex structures. This interpretation is supported by solid-state ¹³C NMR data, revealing a higher degradation index of the soil organic matter. Under WD, these hydrochar-induced effects were attenuated but not suppressed, emphasizing the interactive influence of moisture and amendment dose. Overall, our results show that hydrochar modulates soil biochemical processes primarily through microbially mediated mechanisms rather than through direct nutrient inputs.

Abstract: Soil is a fundamental resource for humankind’s sustenance; however, excessive or inadequate use contributes to its degradation and erosion, therefore limiting its health and capacity to sustain biological activity. An option for restoration is the use of biocrusts—formations of photosynthetic organisms that protect and stimulate soil. The present research aimed to determine whether changes in soil conditions occur when treated with cyanobacterial biocrusts, specifically examining differences in microbial counts. Our results show significant changes in soil humidity, indicating an improvement in water retention. We also found that all microbial counts increased in the treatment group, but this increase was not statistically significant; additionally, there were no changes in the total organic carbon content. These results could be linked to low production of exopolysaccharides by the used species, low photosynthetic activity, and the need for a longer evaluation period for biocrust treatment.

Abstract: Little is known how the combination of minimum tillage and manure affects soil hydraulic properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of combining minimum tillage (MT) and cattle manure application on soil water retention curve (SWRC), van Genuchten (vG) equation parameters, soil pore size distribution (PSD) and soil bulk density. Manual form of MT was tested. The study was configured as split plot design with tillage (conventional (CT) and minimum (MT)) as main plots and manure application rate (0, 5, 10 t/ha) as subplots. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from 0-5-, 10-15-, and 20-30 cm depths and subjected to different matric potentials for the determination of SWRC. The SWRC was fitted to vG equation using the RETC code. Equivalent pore size diameters were estimated from capillary rise equation. Compared to CT, bulk density in MT was significantly lower at all depths. Manure effects were non-significant. None of the vG parameters were significant in the 0-5 cm whereas the α, n parameters and PSD were significantly influenced by the tillage x manure interaction at 10-15- and 20-30 cm depths, but the results were inconsistent, highlighting the need for long- term experiments and higher manure rates.

Abstract: Coffee is a very important world commodity because of the countries involved in its production, along with the total cultivated area, production volume, consumption and economic impact. In Mexico, the coffee producing area locates mainly in hilly terrain of southern Mexico under agroforestry systems predominantly owned by smallholders. Low productivity is faced specially in the state of Oaxaca as a result of inadequate management practices such as aged plantations and deficient practices on pruning and plant nutrition. In order to evaluate the effect of N-P-K inorganic fertilizer application an experiment was carried out at three plantations located in the coastal coffee producing region of the state of Oaxaca, Mexico. Three levels of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium were evaluated using a randomized complete block design with four replications. The experiments initiated on plantations with three and four years since planted with the objective of having at least one harvest for yield evaluation. The results showed that Nitrogen application increased coffee yield on both varieties of Arabica coffee: Typica and Oro Azteca.

Abstract: Vegetation strongly influences soil formation, yet its effect on Rare Earth Element (REE) distribution and fractionation across treeline ecotones remains insufficiently con-strained. We investigated how contrasting plant communities, Vaccinium myrtillus heathlands and Picea abies forests, affect pedogenetic pathways and REE behavior in sandstone-derived soils of the Northern Apennines (Italy). Six soil profiles were charac-terized for bulk geochemistry, selective Fe–Al extractions, particle-size distribution, and REE concentrations. Principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering identified pedogenetic drivers and horizon groupings. Under Vaccinium myrtillus, thick acidic organic horizons promoted organo-metal complexation and incipient podzolization, whereas Picea abies soils showed thinner or-ganic layers and enhanced mineral weathering, leading to Bw development with higher silt–clay contents and elevated Al/N ratios. These pathways were captured by Fe–Al indicators and the SpodicIndex. REE distributions showed vegetation-related differences in surface horizons and Eu–Ce anomalies but did not reproduce Fe–Al pedogenetic clusters, reflecting strong parent-material control. The coexistence of podzolic and cambic pathways at the treeline highlights pro-nounced spatial heterogeneity and vegetation effects. Plant composition may redirect pedogenesis, influencing nutrient cycling and metal mobility. Additionally, our findings emphasize the need to integrate multivariate statistics with established pedogenetic in-dicators when evaluating geochemical properties in mountain soils.

Abstract: Spatially explicit knowledge of soil nutrient heterogeneity in arid irrigated agroecosystems remains limited, constraining precision fertilization. In Wuwei City (Hexi Corridor, northwestern China), nutrient management has largely relied on coarse regional averages, while validated geostatistical characterization of cultivated soils is lacking. This study aimed to quantify the variability, interrelationships, and spatial dependence of four key plough-layer nutrients, soil organic matter (SOM), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), and available potassium (AK), across 638 cultivated-land sites sampled in 2022. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation, semivariogram modelling, and ordinary kriging with independent validation were conducted to characterize nutrient structure and predictive performance. All nutrients exhibited substantial variability (CV 44.8-97.1%), with AK showing the highest dispersion and weakest spatial continuity. SOM and TN were strongly correlated (r = 0.954), indicating near-collinearity and shared regulation of organic matter. Nugget-to-sill ratios (0.559-0.734) indicated predominantly moderate spatial dependence, while AP exhibited a correlation range of approximately 90 km, reflecting regional-scale gradients superimposed on local management effects. These results demonstrate nutrient-specific spatial structures within the same agroecosystem and underscore the limitations of uniform fertilization practices. Spatially differentiated nutrient management, particularly for K, is recommended, and integration of environmental covariates is needed to enhance predictive precision.

Abstract: Soil physicochemical and biochemical properties are fundamental to soil processes and ecosystem functioning in forested landscapes. However, their responses to dominant tree species in humid montane regions remain unclear. This study examined how three widespread broadleaf species—Quercus pontica, Quercus petraea, and Fagus orientalis—influence the physical, chemical, and biochemical properties of the soil in natural forests in the Eastern Black Sea region. Fifteen soil samples (five from each forest type) were collected under comparable climatic and geological conditions and analyzed for texture, pH, electrical conductivity, organic carbon content, and key biochemical indicators of microbial activity. Significant differences in soil properties were observed among forest types. Soils beneath Q. pontica exhibited a lower pH level (3.26), a higher organic carbon content (3.82), microbial abundance, and enhanced biochemical activity. enhanced biochemical activity. In contrast, Pontic oak-dominated stands were characterized by distinct textural and chemical signatures. Multivariate analyses revealed that soil texture fractions, pH, and microbial carbon acted as the primary edaphic filters driving differentiation of soils among forest types. These patterns suggest that species-specific litter inputs and belowground processes regulate soil biochemical functioning by modifying resource availability and physical habitat conditions. Our results demonstrate that, even under similar environmental conditions, dominant tree species exert a strong influence over soil physicochemical and biochemical properties. Understanding these species-specific soil responses is essential for predicting ecosystem functioning, carbon cycling, and sustainable forest management in a changing environment.

Abstract: Grazinglands store substantial soil organic carbon (SOC), yet their potential to act as net carbon (C) sinks depends on management-driven net ecosystem CO2 exchange (NEE). Process-based models capable of representing contrasting management strategies are essential for evaluating mitigation potential. However, the uncertainty inherent in model outputs is often overlooked, which can limit the reliability of predictions. Here, we apply the MEMS 3.0 model to quantify uncertainty in SOC and NEE predictions and evaluate model performance across diverse U.S. grazing ecoregions. We conducted a Bayesian calibration with observations of SOC and its fractions, and annual NEE measurements from six NEON grazing sites. Model evaluation was performed with an independent dataset collected from four experimental sites located in Oklahoma, Michigan, and Wyoming USA under prescriptive and adaptive grazing management treatments. The model performed well in predicting baseline SOC and estimating weekly ecosystem fluxes across sites. Although annual NEE estimates exhibited some discrepancies relative to flux-tower observations, ~90% of measured fluxes fell within simulated posterior predictive intervals. Moreover, the model is consistent with the flux-observations, demonstrating no significant treatment differences between prescriptive and adaptive grazing treatments at the Oklahoma and Wyoming sites. We demonstrated that MEMS 3.0 can represent SOC dynamics and ecosystem fluxes in grazinglands across contrasting climates. Our results show that neglecting uncertainty in measured and simulated fluxes can lead to misleading model-data comparisons. These findings highlights the importance of uncertainty quantification for robust interpretation of predicted grazing management outcomes and for supporting credible climate change mitigation and C accounting frameworks.

Abstract: Ecological restoration, both active and passive, comprises forest development, forest rehabilitation, and other activities that fall under the purview of eco-system services. To provide a formal framework, here we were hypothesized how do reforestation (through different forestry practices) affect the conservation of soil functionality?, that is: Reforestation/Afforestation/Forest restoration improves soil quality?; and specifically physical properties (such as structural stability, infiltration), chemical properties (such as CEC, soil organic matter content)?. For this purpose, here, we conducted a meta-analysis of numerous articles in order to compiled a large database of forest restoration studies, with emphasis on the Mediterranean region, to make robust conclusions about how it affects soil quality. Additionally, three case studies are synthetically presented concerning the short-, medium-, and long-term outcomes of forest restoration projects conducted in central and northern Spain. These cases corroborate the significant role of forest restoration in the control and enhancement of ecosystem services, particularly in relation to soil improvement, the enhancement of hydrological regulation processes within watersheds (runoff, infiltration, erosion), landscape amelioration, and the socio-economic aspects of rural environments. Ultimately, forest restoration is established as a necessary and essential practice in ecological restoration efforts to counteract the impacts of anthropogenic activities.

Abstract: Understanding the hydration dynamics of montmorillonite clay minerals is critical for predicting their behavior in geotechnical and environmental applications. This study employs in situ environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM) combined with X-ray diffraction (XRD) to directly observe and quantify the wetting and drying processes of montmorillonite SWy-1 under controlled pressure and temperature conditions. To characterize the real-time wetting and drying morphologies of montmorillonite and determine the relationship between water-induced swelling and relative humidity, ESEM enabled direct visualization of water-clay interactions by precisely controlling chamber pressure (4–5.3 Torr) and temperature (~2°C) to manipulate relative humidity and induce water condensation on mineral surfaces, while quantitative analysis of particle areas before and after hydration determined swelling percentages, XRD measured basal spacing (d₀₀₁) changes across relative humidity gradients, and water-adsorption isotherms were constructed from ESEM thickness measurements. ESEM revealed distinct wetting stages with water preferentially condensing on unsaturated edge sites and external surfaces at low pressures (<4.6 Torr), followed by rapid interlayer filling at elevated pressures with characteristic structural rounding and aggregate formation, while anisotropic swelling ocurred predominantly perpendicular to clay layers, with single water-layer hydration (1W) producing ~19% swelling and two-layer hydration (2W) yielding ~32% swelling, water-adsorption isotherms exhibited exponential swelling behavior with pronounced type H3 hysteresis, logarithmic analysis revealed steeper pressure dependency during hydration (slope = 2.7249) versus dehydration (slope = 1.6702) indicating thermodynamically driven water uptake but kinetically limited desorption, and rapid dehydration kinetics occurred within 3 minutes with complete equilibration by 15 minutes. ESEM successfully bridges microscale observations and molecular-scale understanding of smectite hydration, establishing practical timescales for clay equilibration and providing critical insights for predicting clay behavior in geotechnical engineering, soil stabilization, contaminant transport, and engineered barrier design.

Abstract: Soil microbiomes play a central role in nutrient cycling and ecosystem stability in forestry ecosystems. We performed a high-resolution amplicon-based analysis of rhizosphere soils from eucalyptus plantations in two ecologically distinct Brazilian regions. Following ASV inference and phylogenetic reconstruction, we observed pronounced taxonomic divergence: Eldorado do Sul (ES) showed higher richness (1,221 vs. 755 ASVs) and phylogenetic diversity, whereas Três Lagoas (TL) exhibited greater evenness. Beta diversity revealed strong compositional dissimilarity (Jaccard = 0.915; Bray–Curtis = 0.843), largely driven by site-specific rare taxa, with only 8.1% of ASVs forming a shared core microbiome. Despite this turnover, PICRUSt2-based functional prediction indicated substantial conservation of dominant metabolic pathways. Core MetaCyc pathways were highly similar across sites and centered on central carbon metabolism, amino acid biosynthesis, and energy production, while weighted UniFrac distances were low (0.067), indicating phylogenetic similarity among abundant taxa. Region-specific metabolic enrichments were detected: ES showed greater predicted potential for chitin degradation, purine turnover, and nitrifier denitrification, whereas TL was enriched in alternative TCA variants, glyoxylate pathways, menaquinol biosynthesis, and aromatic compound degradation. These findings demonstrate the coexistence of pronounced taxonomic turnover with a relatively conserved predicted functional framework across contrasting eucalyptus systems.

Abstract: Soil organic carbon (SOC) is essential for ecosystem stability and long-term carbon storage in alpine grasslands, yet the relative importance and interactions of hydrothermal and biotic controls remain poorly understood at regional scales. In this study, we quantified surface SOC (0–20 cm) across the Yellow River Source Region (YRSR) on the northeastern Tibetan Plateau, a climate-sensitive alpine headwater system characterized by strong hydrothermal gradients and freeze–thaw dynamics. Field-based SOC measurements were integrated with multi-source remote sensing and reanalysis data that describe thermal conditions, moisture processes, vegetation productivity, soil properties, topography, and human influence. A two-step screening approach was applied using Boruta and variance inflation factor filtering, followed by modeling with random forest. The model outputs were interpreted using Shapley Additive Explanations (SHAP). SOC displayed significant spatial heterogeneity across the region. Vegetation productivity, moisture availability, and thermal conditions were identified as the dominant nonlinear drivers of SOC variation. Moisture processes were found to function as a central mediator, regulating SOC both directly and indirectly through vegetation and thermal pathways. These findings highlight the critical role of hydrothermal stability in sustaining soil carbon stocks and provide a quantitative foundation for sustainable grassland management strategies in the face of climate warming.

Abstract: Soil is among the environmental compartments increasingly affected by microplastics (MPs) contamination, mainly coming from industrial activities, agricultural practices, atmospheric or waterborne transport, and improper waste disposal. Despite the increasing attention to the fate of MPs in soil over the last years, research in this area is still limited compared to aquatic ecosystems. The introduction of MPs into the soil environment can modify both the soil properties and the interactions among soil components, plants and microorganisms, thus affecting also the mobility and availability of other contaminants, such as potentially toxic elements (PTEs). This review critically examines the complex dynamics between MPs and PTEs in the soil ecosystem, in particular in agricultural soils, and the conditions under which MPs can act as a source or a sink of PTEs. Indeed, microplastics can adsorb or complex PTEs on their surfaces, thus reducing their mobility and availability, or release/mobilize PTEs after their degradation or as micro/nano-vectors of PTEs. Understanding such mechanisms is relevant to evaluating the environmental risks associated with the co-presence of MPs and PTEs in soil, a situation very likely to occur in most contaminated sites as well as in soils strongly affected by anthropogenic activities.

Abstract: To explore the responses of soil aggregate composition and stability to different grazing intensities in alpine meadow of the Qilian Mountains, no grazing (CK) was set as the control, with four treatments including light grazing (LG), moderate grazing (MG), heavy grazing (HG) and extreme grazing (EG) established. The characteristics of soil aggregates in the 0–10 cm and 10–20 cm soil layers were determined by the dry sieving method and wet sieving method, and three stability parameters including the mean weight diameter (MWD), geometric mean diameter (GMD) and fractal dimension (D) were analyzed. Combined with environmental and biological factors, the mechanisms underlying the effects of grazing on soil aggregates structure and stability were elucidated. The results showed that: (1) Soil aggregates with the particle size of 5–10 mm were the dominant fraction in the soil structure of the alpine meadow, and this fraction changed drastically with grazing intensity. CK maintained relatively high aggregate mechanical stability but exhibited weaker resistance to water erosion compared to grazed plots. Under the CK condition, the content of water-stable aggregates with the 5–10 mm particle size decreased significantly compared with mechanical-stable aggregates (by 60.07% in the topsoil and 70.66% in the subsoil). Light and moderate grazing maintained a dynamic balance and high stability of soil structure. Heavy and extreme grazing intensified soil structure fragmentation and overall stability declined. (2) Soil aggregate stability was correlated with environmental factors. Altitude and soil bulk density were significantly positively correlated with aggregate stability (P&lt;0.001).Root biomass exerted a significant effect on the stability indices of mechanically stable aggregates in the topsoil (P&lt;0.05); high root biomass destroyed soil macroaggregates but enhanced the resistance to water erosion. Soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC), nitrogen (SMBN), phosphorus (SMBP) were significantly positively correlated with GMD of water-stable aggregates, but negatively correlated with GMD, MWD and D of mechanical-stable aggregates, also MWD and D of water-stable aggregates. Nitrate nitrogen had a positive effect on aggregate stability, while ammonium nitrogen had a negative effect. (3) The stability of aggregate in different soil layer varied under different grazing intensity. Under LG and MG conditions, the subsoil exhibited higher aggregate stability than the topsoil, whereas the opposite pattern was observed under HG, EG and CK conditions. Therefore, from the perspective of soil structural stability and sustainable utilization, light and moderate grazing are the optimal utilization patterns for alpine meadow in the Qilian Mountains. It not only maintains the structural stability of subsoil aggregates but also balances biological cementation and physical disturbance, avoiding aggregate water stability insufficiency under no grazing and the risk of structural fragmentation under heavy or extreme grazing. The findings provide a scientific basis for rational grazing management and soil conservation in alpine meadow of the Qilian Mountains.

Abstract: To investigate the impacts of combining controlled-release urea (CRU) with controlled-release potassium chloride (CRK) on nutrient leaching and use efficiency in wheat fields, we carried out experiments spanning three consecutive years from 2022 to 2024, utilizing a split-plot design. In this study, the control plot received neither nitrogen nor potassium applications (Control). The main plots were designated based on nitrogen fertilizer types: controlled-release urea (CRU) and conventional urea (Urea). The sub-plots were assigned potassium fertilizer rates using CRK, specifically 50 kg ha-1 (LCRK), 75 kg ha-1 (MCRK), and 100 kg ha-1 (HCRK). The findings revealed that the nutrient release pattern of CRU combined with CRK aligned well with wheat's nutrient uptake requirements. Notably, the wheat yields in CRU treatments witnessed a significant average increase of 2.2% from 2022 to 2024 compared to ordinary urea treatments. In the final season, nitrogen recovery efficiency augmented by 10.9%. Furthermore, CRU treatments significantly boosted the number of effective wheat spikes and grains per spike but had no notable influence on wheat's thousand-grain weight (TGW). Consequently, the yield enhancement observed in CRU treatments was primarily attributed to an increase in wheat's effective tiller count. CRU also markedly elevated inorganic nitrogen levels in the plow layer soil during wheat's mid to late growth stages, effectively mitigating nitrate nitrogen leaching into deeper soil layers. The application of CRU×MCRK notably and significantly improved wheat leaf photosynthesis during its mid to late growth stages, yielding substantial economic benefits and theoretical significance.

Abstract: Gully erosion is a significant threat to the sustainability of soil in Mediterranean basins. Despite its impact, there is a lack of research providing accurate regional-scale cartography of complete gully network. This study aims to automatically map the gully network in the olive-growing landscapes of the Guadalquivir basin (Spain) using Machine Learning (ML) algorithms: Random Forest (RF), Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), and Logistic Regression (LR). We integrated these models with 17 predictive variables (including hydrotopographic, climatic, and edaphic factors) and the Gully Head Initiation (GHI) index. RF was the most suitable model, achieving an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of 0.91 and an F1-score of 0.83 and enabled the delineation of a gully network totalling 8439.05 km. Variable importance analysis revealed that flow accumulation (17.33 %) and the GHI index (nearly 30%) were the primary predictors, with the Rainy Day Normal (RDN)-based formulation outperforming the maximum daily precipitation (Pmax)-based one. Spatially, countryside hills landscapes exhibited the highest gully densities (42.50 m/ha). The results demonstrate the effectiveness of combining ML with physically-based indices to generate high-resolution gully cartography for soil conservation planning in Mediterranean olive groves.

Abstract: Livestock grazing strongly influences terrestrial ecosystems and plays a critical role in carbon dynamics, with outcomes highly dependent on grazing management. High-frequency rotation (HFR) grazing has been proposed to reduce the uneven spatial grazing distribution commonly associated with low-frequency rotation (LFR) grazing, potentially altering forage production and soil organic carbon (SOC). However, most ecosystem models used to assess SOC dynamics do not explicitly represent uneven grazing distribution, limiting their ability to evaluate management effects. To address this limitation, we enhanced the MEMS ecosystem model by incorporating a spatially explicit grazing distribution through the introduction of discrete spatial units and key environmental drivers, including forage availability and quality, and distance to water. Using remote sensing-derived enhanced vegetation index (EVI), we verified the simulated grazing distribution using an experimental rangeland site in Oklahoma. We tested the model’s sensitivity to grazing frequency under different management (stocking rate, timing, and duration) and climate (typical, dry, and wet) scenarios. Our results indicate that uneven grazing distribution leads to distinct spatial patterns of forage production and SOC. Notably, significant differences in field-average production and SOC between HFR and LFR emerged under heavy intensity grazing, where HFR sustained higher SOC stocks and productivity than LFR. These findings highlight the importance of spatially explicit modeling in understanding grazing distributions, suggesting that HFR grazing may be beneficial mostly under heavy intensity grazing. Our study offers actionable guidance for designing future grazing management experiments to address this critical knowledge gap and advance carbon management strategies.

Abstract: Accurate determination of heavy metals in marine hydrate-associated muds is crucial for tracing methane seepage, yet it faces challenges from complex matrices. This study developed a matrix-matched microwave digestion ICP-OES method. By comparing XRF spectral profiles and statistical tests, the feasibility of using soil certified reference materials to simulate marine mud matrices was demonstrated, thereby optimizing digestion parameters (power/temperature) and ICP-OES spectral line selection. Method validation revealed detection limits of 0.0004 – 0.0105 mg/L for Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cr, with spike recoveries ranging from 95.5% – 103.7%. Accuracy was further verified using soil reference materials (GSS-4/5) and comparative t-tests with ICP-MS data. This efficient and reliable method provides a practical analytical tool for geochemical exploration of marine gas hydrates.

Abstract: Long-term studies have shown that systematic use of organic and organo-mineral fertilization systems improves the nutrient regime of typical chernozem, resulting in differentiated distribution of phosphorus and potassium within the plow layer under prolonged minimal tillage. A tendency toward increased soil bulk density was observed in the 20 - 40 cm and 40 - 60 cm layers under continuous shallow loosening, in which density exceeded the upper limit of the optimal range (1.0 - 1.3 g/cm³). Incorporation of manure and mineral fertilizers, compared with surface loosening, enables an additional annual sequestration of 0.3 - 0.4 t/ha of carbon - equivalent to 1.2 - 1.6 t of carbon dioxide. Based on the 20-year mean and maximum yields of silage maize, shallow loosening yielded 10% less biomass than combined tillage across fertilization variants. Winter wheat after silage maize was only weakly affected by tillage method; under reduced production costs, shallow loosening is advisable. In favorable years, the straw-to-grain ratio in wheat increased significantly. Sugar beet showed a compensatory effect of fertilization that mitigated the negative impact of minimal tillage. Under near-optimal conditions, the ratio of main to by-product increased from 0.5 to 1.0. Under favorable hydrothermal conditions and natural soil fertility, as well as under long-term application of organic fertilization systems for soybean, minimal tillage proved suitable, whereas organo-mineral systems required combined tillage. Declines in long-term average productivity of soybean, spring barley, and pea under minimal tillage compared with combined tillage were observed only under specific fertilization variants. Under optimal moisture and temperature, the grain-to-straw ratio in soybean decreased. For winter wheat after pea, shallow loosening showed a tendency to outperform combined tillage, with a significantly higher grain-to-straw ratio in favorable conditions. Maize for grain responded more strongly to combined tillage, which exceeded shallow loosening by 6 - 10% depending on fertilization. In favorable conditions, the stalk-to-grain ratio increased markedly, especially under fertilized treatments. Among all studied crops, sugar beet productivity fluctuated the most in response to annual weather variation, while winter wheat after pea and grain maize fluctuated less. In terms of long-term average crop rotation productivity, minimal tillage was 4 - 8% lower than combined tillage at a 5% significance level. For livestock-oriented production systems with manure application, combined tillage is recommended. For crop-oriented systems, surface loosening is economically justified for all crops.

Abstract: Western Ethiopia has been invaded by termites, and their activities have resulted in noticeable physicochemical changes. In order to assess the pH of termite mound soil (TMS) in Gidami district, western Ethiopia, the study was carried out on a one-hectare area of 100 m × 100 m in three replications that covered farm, pasture, and forest land uses. For soil sample, three live termite mounds were chosen at random from each land use group. Soil samples were collected from 20–60 cm depth at the center of each mound, while control soil samples were taken 8 m away from each mound in adjacent areas free of mound effects. From each mound and control site, 0.5 kg soil samples were collected, labeled, and taken to Oromia Research Institutions of Nekemte Soil Laboratory for pH analysis. Soil pH was measured in 1:2.5 soil-to-water suspensions using a digital pH meter. From 28 peasant associations (PAs) in the district, Alchea Jilo PA was purposely selected due to the presence of all three land use types and abundant termite mounds. To assess farmers’ perceptions and soil acidity management practices, 259 households were interviewed. Data were analyzed using SPSS, and paired sample t-tests determined differences between TMS and control soils. Results showed that TMS had higher pH than control soils across all land use types, indicating that termite activity reduces soil acidity. About 31% of farmers recognized soil acidity on their land, attributing it to high rainfall, leaching, fertilizer use, and continuous cultivation. With the exception of termites' detrimental effects on agricultural output, none of the farmers reported utilizing TMS as a soil amendment, despite the widespread use of liming, organic fertilizers, and crop rotation. Significantly, soil research highlights the potential application of termite mound soils as a natural means of enhancing soil fertility and pH levels; nevertheless, the TMS in agricultural production have to be investigated in the region.