Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-02-20DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100230
R. Tharindu Rambadagalla , Morgan P. Davis , Gurbir Singh , Timothy Reinbott , Biyensa Gurmessa , Ranjith P. Udawatta
Anthropogenic activities have disrupted the natural carbon (C) balance, contributing to global climate change. Cover crops facilitate C sequestration, but their long-term impacts and deep soil C storage in Missouri remain unexplored. This study examined soil C forms to 100 cm depth under cover crop management in corn [Zea mays (L.)] - soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] rotations. Soil from 5- and 10-year-old cover crop fields in Missouri were sampled to 100 cm depth under no-till cover crop (CC) and no-till no-cover crop (NCC) treatments, and analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC). Cover crops increased SOC% and stocks in both fields, with the greatest concentration at 0–5 cm depth. Cumulative SOC stocks for 0–60 cm depth under CC were 10.3% greater in 10-year-old field and 1.63% greater in 5-year-old field than NCC. Interestingly, the 10-year-old field showed strong indicatations of stable C formation. Significantly greater POXC values under CC were observed at 0–5 cm and 45–60 cm depth than NCC in 5-year-old site. Additionally, PMC values were numerically greater under CC at 0–5 cm depth than NCC in both sites. Increased labile C (POXC and PMC) near the surface, suggests enhanced microbial activity and C mineralization. Greater parameter changes were notable in shallow depth (0–45 cm) but less pronounced at deeper depths (45–100 cm). These findings highlighted that long-term cover crop adoption can meaningfully enhance soil C storage in Missouri, including in sub-soils, providing valuable information for C accounting and the system's contribution to climate change mitigation.
{"title":"Long-term effects of cover crops on soil carbon forms and stocks in no-till corn-soybean rotations in midwest USA","authors":"R. Tharindu Rambadagalla , Morgan P. Davis , Gurbir Singh , Timothy Reinbott , Biyensa Gurmessa , Ranjith P. Udawatta","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100230","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100230","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Anthropogenic activities have disrupted the natural carbon (C) balance, contributing to global climate change. Cover crops facilitate C sequestration, but their long-term impacts and deep soil C storage in Missouri remain unexplored. This study examined soil C forms to 100 cm depth under cover crop management in corn [<em>Zea mays</em> (L.)] - soybean [<em>Glycine max</em> (L.) Merr.] rotations. Soil from 5- and 10-year-old cover crop fields in Missouri were sampled to 100 cm depth under no-till cover crop (CC) and no-till no-cover crop (NCC) treatments, and analyzed for soil organic carbon (SOC), potentially mineralizable carbon (PMC), and permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC). Cover crops increased SOC% and stocks in both fields, with the greatest concentration at 0–5 cm depth. Cumulative SOC stocks for 0–60 cm depth under CC were 10.3% greater in 10-year-old field and 1.63% greater in 5-year-old field than NCC. Interestingly, the 10-year-old field showed strong indicatations of stable C formation. Significantly greater POXC values under CC were observed at 0–5 cm and 45–60 cm depth than NCC in 5-year-old site. Additionally, PMC values were numerically greater under CC at 0–5 cm depth than NCC in both sites. Increased labile C (POXC and PMC) near the surface, suggests enhanced microbial activity and C mineralization. Greater parameter changes were notable in shallow depth (0–45 cm) but less pronounced at deeper depths (45–100 cm). These findings highlighted that long-term cover crop adoption can meaningfully enhance soil C storage in Missouri, including in sub-soils, providing valuable information for C accounting and the system's contribution to climate change mitigation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100230"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147396579","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-10DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100224
Boris Ouattara
Soil erosion threatens food systems, water regulation, and ecosystem health in West Africa. The region faces both water erosion, yet monitoring remains fragmented and weakly connected to policy. This short communication synthesises fit for purpose Earth observation approaches for erosion monitoring and sets out a practical route to embed them in decision making. We summarise optical and radar approaches, including SAR time series and interferometry, aerosol products for dust, and new hyperspectral and high revisit constellations. We emphasise calibration and validation with plots, gully surveys, drones, and community observations. We diagnose key barriers to policy uptake, including limited human and technical capacity, institutional fragmentation, lack of standard methods, product usability gaps, financing constraints, and few documented success cases. We then propose an operational pathway aligned with UNCCD Land Degradation Neutrality and SDG 15.3.1 reporting, with clear roles for national agencies and regional initiatives such as WASCAL, SERVIR West Africa, Digital Earth Africa, and the network of African geomatics professionals. Embedding validated satellite indicators into routine policy cycles can identify hotspots, target measures, and track outcomes, advancing soil security while supporting countries’ 2030 LDN commitments.
{"title":"From satellite data to soil security: Closing the science–policy gap in soil erosion monitoring in West Africa","authors":"Boris Ouattara","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100224","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100224","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil erosion threatens food systems, water regulation, and ecosystem health in West Africa. The region faces both water erosion, yet monitoring remains fragmented and weakly connected to policy. This short communication synthesises fit for purpose Earth observation approaches for erosion monitoring and sets out a practical route to embed them in decision making. We summarise optical and radar approaches, including SAR time series and interferometry, aerosol products for dust, and new hyperspectral and high revisit constellations. We emphasise calibration and validation with plots, gully surveys, drones, and community observations. We diagnose key barriers to policy uptake, including limited human and technical capacity, institutional fragmentation, lack of standard methods, product usability gaps, financing constraints, and few documented success cases. We then propose an operational pathway aligned with UNCCD Land Degradation Neutrality and SDG 15.3.1 reporting, with clear roles for national agencies and regional initiatives such as WASCAL, SERVIR West Africa, Digital Earth Africa, and the network of African geomatics professionals. Embedding validated satellite indicators into routine policy cycles can identify hotspots, target measures, and track outcomes, advancing soil security while supporting countries’ 2030 LDN commitments.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100224"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145977610","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-04DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100221
Arezoo Taghizadeh-Toosi , Svend Vendelbo Nielsen , Katarina Elofsson
Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key component of soil organic matter, playing a vital role in soil fertility, health, biodiversity, and food production. Enhancing SOC in agricultural soils has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate climate change. Returning crop residues to the soil is a widely recognized approach to increase SOC, although residues can also be combusted for energy or processed via anaerobic digestion for biogas.
This study evaluated the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural soils across 27 European countries using scenario analysis within a modeling framework. Various crop residue management strategies were considered alongside the impacts of rising temperatures. Simulations were performed with the process-based C-TOOL model, using input data from European databases on crop cultivation, soil properties, and climate.
Results indicate that treated crop residues sequester more SOC than untreated residues due to differences in decomposability. While projected temperature increases may reduce SOC accumulation, the use of treated residues still provides a positive effect across all countries. These findings highlight the dual potential of residue management for energy production and SOC enhancement in European agroecosystems.
Future studies should adopt a broader systems perspective, integrating techno-economic and energy-yield analyses, while assessing SOC sequestration benefits and greenhouse gas implications of different energy conversion pathways through full life cycle analysis. Considering local pedo-climatic, socioeconomic, and policy conditions, and leveraging national-scale data, will be critical for developing sustainable, effective, and policy-relevant SOC management strategies.
{"title":"Potential of crop residues management for soil organic carbon sequestration in European countries until 2050: a simplified modelling approach","authors":"Arezoo Taghizadeh-Toosi , Svend Vendelbo Nielsen , Katarina Elofsson","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100221","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100221","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a key component of soil organic matter, playing a vital role in soil fertility, health, biodiversity, and food production. Enhancing SOC in agricultural soils has been proposed as a strategy to mitigate climate change. Returning crop residues to the soil is a widely recognized approach to increase SOC, although residues can also be combusted for energy or processed via anaerobic digestion for biogas.</div><div>This study evaluated the carbon sequestration potential of agricultural soils across 27 European countries using scenario analysis within a modeling framework. Various crop residue management strategies were considered alongside the impacts of rising temperatures. Simulations were performed with the process-based C-TOOL model, using input data from European databases on crop cultivation, soil properties, and climate.</div><div>Results indicate that treated crop residues sequester more SOC than untreated residues due to differences in decomposability. While projected temperature increases may reduce SOC accumulation, the use of treated residues still provides a positive effect across all countries. These findings highlight the dual potential of residue management for energy production and SOC enhancement in European agroecosystems.</div><div>Future studies should adopt a broader systems perspective, integrating techno-economic and energy-yield analyses, while assessing SOC sequestration benefits and greenhouse gas implications of different energy conversion pathways through full life cycle analysis. Considering local pedo-climatic, socioeconomic, and policy conditions, and leveraging national-scale data, will be critical for developing sustainable, effective, and policy-relevant SOC management strategies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100221"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145791823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Understanding the dynamics of labile organic carbon (LOC) is critical for evaluating the short-term impacts of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health. We assessed changes in key LOC fractions such as permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) measured by 0.01 M, 0.02 M, 0.033 M potassium permanganate, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and very labile carbon (CVL) across four long-term conservation agriculture (CA) experiment sites located in contrasting agro-ecological zones of South Asia namely Karnal, Patna, Aduthurai, and Gazipur. At each site, four cropping system scenarios (S) were evaluated: S1, current farmers practice; S2, current farmers cropping system with partial CA; S3, current farmers cropping system with full CA; and S4, diversified crop rotation with full CA. Soil samples were collected from 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth after two cropping cycles. Results showed that POXC, MBC, CVL, oxidizable organic carbon (SOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) increased following CA adoption during the initial years. Across locations, POXC, CVL, and TOC consistently followed the order S4 > S3 > S2 > S1. Compared with S1, POXC values under S3 and S4 were higher by 6–27 % (POXC 0.01 M), 9–49 % (POXC 0.02 M), and 16–50 % (POXC 0.033 M), indicating enhanced carbon recycling in surface soils. Among all LOC fractions, POXC measured at 0.02 M showed the greatest sensitivity to management practices, supporting its suitability as a rapid, cost-effective proxy for soil health assessment. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of integrating regenerative agriculture practices as nature-based solutions and best-management approaches to accelerate carbon farming in tropical and subtropical cereal-based systems.
{"title":"Labile carbon dynamics under initial transition to regenerative agriculture","authors":"Dibakar Roy , Ritesh Kundu , Ashim Datta , Biswapati Mandal , Subhadip Paul , Sheetal Sharma , Jagdish Kumar Ladha","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100226","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100226","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Understanding the dynamics of labile organic carbon (LOC) is critical for evaluating the short-term impacts of regenerative agricultural practices on soil health. We assessed changes in key LOC fractions such as permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC) measured by 0.01 M, 0.02 M, 0.033 M potassium permanganate, microbial biomass carbon (MBC), and very labile carbon (C<sub>VL</sub>) across four long-term conservation agriculture (CA) experiment sites located in contrasting agro-ecological zones of South Asia namely Karnal, Patna, Aduthurai, and Gazipur. At each site, four cropping system scenarios (S) were evaluated: S1, current farmers practice; S2, current farmers cropping system with partial CA; S3, current farmers cropping system with full CA; and S4, diversified crop rotation with full CA. Soil samples were collected from 0–15 and 15–30 cm depth after two cropping cycles. Results showed that POXC, MBC, C<sub>VL</sub>, oxidizable organic carbon (SOC) and total organic carbon (TOC) increased following CA adoption during the initial years. Across locations, POXC, C<sub>VL</sub>, and TOC consistently followed the order S4 > S3 > S2 > S1. Compared with S1, POXC values under S3 and S4 were higher by 6–27 % (POXC 0.01 M), 9–49 % (POXC 0.02 M), and 16–50 % (POXC 0.033 M), indicating enhanced carbon recycling in surface soils. Among all LOC fractions, POXC measured at 0.02 M showed the greatest sensitivity to management practices, supporting its suitability as a rapid, cost-effective proxy for soil health assessment. Overall, these findings highlight the potential of integrating regenerative agriculture practices as nature-based solutions and best-management approaches to accelerate carbon farming in tropical and subtropical cereal-based systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100226"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385311","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-28DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100227
Alma P. Rosillo-Magno , Michelle M. Montemayor , Michelle A. Bulahan , Celbert M. Himang
This study examines whether perceived soil erosion risks are sufficient to drive the adoption of Vetiver System Technology (VST) for soil and water conservation, employing an integrated framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Using survey data from 561 Filipino farmers in Cebu Province, analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study explores key determinants of adoption, such as perceived severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, response cost, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Findings reveal that perceived usefulness is the strongest predictor of adoption, followed by response efficacy and perceived severity, with perceived ease of use indirectly influencing adoption via usefulness. While perceived soil erosion risks (severity and vulnerability) are significant, they are not sufficient on their own; practical factors like usefulness and efficacy play a more decisive role. Interestingly, response cost did not significantly deter adoption, suggesting the importance of demonstrating benefits and providing practical implementation support. Further analysis highlights the moderating role of demographic factors, including age, gender, and education, on these relationships. The study underscores the need for tailored interventions, awareness campaigns, and training programs to enhance VST adoption, particularly in resource-constrained settings. By integrating TAM and PMT, this research advances understanding of dynamic factors influencing sustainable technology adoption and provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing countries. It highlights the critical need to align motivational and usability factors with environmental conservation goals to effectively address soil erosion challenges.
{"title":"Are perceived soil erosion risks sufficient to drive vetiver system technology adoption? Insights based on TAM-PMT integrated framework","authors":"Alma P. Rosillo-Magno , Michelle M. Montemayor , Michelle A. Bulahan , Celbert M. Himang","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100227","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100227","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study examines whether perceived soil erosion risks are sufficient to drive the adoption of Vetiver System Technology (VST) for soil and water conservation, employing an integrated framework based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Protection Motivation Theory (PMT). Using survey data from 561 Filipino farmers in Cebu Province, analyzed through Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM), the study explores key determinants of adoption, such as perceived severity, vulnerability, response efficacy, response cost, perceived ease of use, and perceived usefulness. Findings reveal that perceived usefulness is the strongest predictor of adoption, followed by response efficacy and perceived severity, with perceived ease of use indirectly influencing adoption via usefulness. While perceived soil erosion risks (severity and vulnerability) are significant, they are not sufficient on their own; practical factors like usefulness and efficacy play a more decisive role. Interestingly, response cost did not significantly deter adoption, suggesting the importance of demonstrating benefits and providing practical implementation support. Further analysis highlights the moderating role of demographic factors, including age, gender, and education, on these relationships. The study underscores the need for tailored interventions, awareness campaigns, and training programs to enhance VST adoption, particularly in resource-constrained settings. By integrating TAM and PMT, this research advances understanding of dynamic factors influencing sustainable technology adoption and provides actionable insights for policymakers and stakeholders in developing countries. It highlights the critical need to align motivational and usability factors with environmental conservation goals to effectively address soil erosion challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100227"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147385310","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2025-12-13DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100223
Savanah Senn , Ray A. Enke , Brianna Zimmerman , Les Vion , Jordan Schoonover , Maxim Recke , Arianna Bozzolo
This study compared traditional plastic film mulching with leguminous and non-leguminous ground covers by examining physical, chemical, and microbial soil properties. Globe artichoke was the study crop; the edaphic factors were the primary emphasis of this study. Ground covers, including leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops, have the potential to enhance soil health and microbial diversity compared to conventional practices such as plastic mulching. This study investigated the effects of leguminous (White Clover, Trifolium repens; Crimson Clover, Trifolium incarnatum) and non-leguminous (Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum; Kurapia, Lippia nodiflora) ground covers in Artichoke production. Soil samples collected over two years from 20 plots in Camarillo, California, were analyzed for microbial diversity, functional activity, and nutrient cycling using methods including 16S rRNA sequencing, phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), and Biolog EcoPlates.
Plastic mulch plots demonstrated high short-term fertility, with elevated organic matter and Microbially Active Carbon levels, but showed reduced microbial diversity and higher CO₂ soil respiration, indicative of carbon loss. In contrast, cover crop treatments fostered distinct microbial communities and improved soil health. White Clover treatments enriched nitrogen availability and promoted unique microbial taxa such as Adhaeribacter sp., while Kurapia enhanced arbuscular mycorrhizal biomass and phosphorus availability. Crimson Clover demonstrated balanced improvements in soil chemical properties and microbial carbon metabolism, and Buckwheat provided moderate benefits with an emphasis on organic matter retention.
These findings highlight the potential of leguminous and non-leguminous ground covers to replace plastic mulch by improving soil microbial community composition and functional activity. This study underscores the importance of biologically driven soil management practices to enhance soil health and ecosystem sustainability.
{"title":"Assessing microbial community changes in organic cropping under leguminous and non-leguminous ground covers compared to plastic mulch","authors":"Savanah Senn , Ray A. Enke , Brianna Zimmerman , Les Vion , Jordan Schoonover , Maxim Recke , Arianna Bozzolo","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100223","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100223","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study compared traditional plastic film mulching with leguminous and non-leguminous ground covers by examining physical, chemical, and microbial soil properties. Globe artichoke was the study crop; the edaphic factors were the primary emphasis of this study. Ground covers, including leguminous and non-leguminous cover crops, have the potential to enhance soil health and microbial diversity compared to conventional practices such as plastic mulching. This study investigated the effects of leguminous (White Clover, <em>Trifolium repens</em>; Crimson Clover, <em>Trifolium incarnatum</em>) and non-leguminous (Buckwheat, <em>Fagopyrum esculentum</em>; Kurapia, <em>Lippia nodiflora</em>) ground covers in Artichoke production. Soil samples collected over two years from 20 plots in Camarillo, California, were analyzed for microbial diversity, functional activity, and nutrient cycling using methods including 16S rRNA sequencing, phospholipid fatty acid analysis (PLFA), and Biolog EcoPlates.</div><div>Plastic mulch plots demonstrated high short-term fertility, with elevated organic matter and Microbially Active Carbon levels, but showed reduced microbial diversity and higher CO₂ soil respiration, indicative of carbon loss. In contrast, cover crop treatments fostered distinct microbial communities and improved soil health. White Clover treatments enriched nitrogen availability and promoted unique microbial taxa such as <em>Adhaeribacter</em> sp., while Kurapia enhanced arbuscular mycorrhizal biomass and phosphorus availability. Crimson Clover demonstrated balanced improvements in soil chemical properties and microbial carbon metabolism, and Buckwheat provided moderate benefits with an emphasis on organic matter retention.</div><div>These findings highlight the potential of leguminous and non-leguminous ground covers to replace plastic mulch by improving soil microbial community composition and functional activity. This study underscores the importance of biologically driven soil management practices to enhance soil health and ecosystem sustainability.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100223"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-03-18DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100220
Lenaïck Lecknaï Efeno Etengola , Primus Azinwi Tamfuh , Arsene Balasha Mushagalusa , Achille Ibrahim , Michel Kwey Mazinga , Serge Bakengo Ilonga , Armand Ludovic Sylvain Wouatong
This study assesses adaptation strategies among farmers in Dschang, West Cameroon, confronting the degradation of lateritic soils characterized by low fertility, pronounced acidity (pH < 4.8), and accelerated erosion under climatic disturbances. Using a mixed methodology that includes quantitative surveys across 60 farms stratified by topography, soil diagnostics, and SAVI‑based mapping, we identify three key agro‑technical outcomes over 58.8 ha: (1) on summits, stone barriers (40 % adoption) reduce erosion by 60 %; (2) on mid‑slopes, terraces and hedgerows (25 % adoption) decrease runoff by 50 %; (3) in lowlands, organic amendments boost yields by 35 %. Paradoxically, farmers are abandoning proven techniques such as zaï and agroforestry in favour of intensive methods (mechanized ploughing, chemical fertilizers), a shift that exacerbates acidification and degradation. Our analysis reveals that this paradox stems not from inadequate local agronomic knowledge which is well‑adapted to the pedological context but from broader socio‑economic pressures: land‑tenure insecurity and the imperative of immediate yields. The study’s main contribution lies in its effort to identify synergies and actionable policy solutions that address the concrete difficulties farmers face in maintaining resilient systems amid economic and tenure precariousness. We argue that lateritic resilience depends on hybrid governance that integrates scientific innovations (modelling, mycorrhizae, biofertilizers) with the Yemba Kosmos the sacred worldview that regards soil as “ancestral blood.” To translate this insight into practice, we propose the innovative “Ntsu Contracts” mechanism, which operationalizes the KCP (Kosmos-Corpus-Praxis) framework by converting the Yemba cosmovision into a legal instrument that ties land‑use security to ecological regeneration. This approach demonstrates how sacred values can interact with, and be reinforced by, economic and legal instruments. The Dschang dataset provides a transferable framework for Central African lateritic agroecosystems, advocating for institutional models that break the soil-degradation-climate-vulnerability cycle and reconcile short‑term productivity with long‑term resilience.
{"title":"Agricultural resilience in west cameroon: Strategies for adapting to the challenges of lateritic soils and climate change","authors":"Lenaïck Lecknaï Efeno Etengola , Primus Azinwi Tamfuh , Arsene Balasha Mushagalusa , Achille Ibrahim , Michel Kwey Mazinga , Serge Bakengo Ilonga , Armand Ludovic Sylvain Wouatong","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100220","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100220","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This study assesses adaptation strategies among farmers in Dschang, West Cameroon, confronting the degradation of lateritic soils characterized by low fertility, pronounced acidity (pH < 4.8), and accelerated erosion under climatic disturbances. Using a mixed methodology that includes quantitative surveys across 60 farms stratified by topography, soil diagnostics, and SAVI‑based mapping, we identify three key agro‑technical outcomes over 58.8 ha: (1) on summits, stone barriers (40 % adoption) reduce erosion by 60 %; (2) on mid‑slopes, terraces and hedgerows (25 % adoption) decrease runoff by 50 %; (3) in lowlands, organic amendments boost yields by 35 %. Paradoxically, farmers are abandoning proven techniques such as zaï and agroforestry in favour of intensive methods (mechanized ploughing, chemical fertilizers), a shift that exacerbates acidification and degradation. Our analysis reveals that this paradox stems not from inadequate local agronomic knowledge which is well‑adapted to the pedological context but from broader socio‑economic pressures: land‑tenure insecurity and the imperative of immediate yields. The study’s main contribution lies in its effort to identify synergies and actionable policy solutions that address the concrete difficulties farmers face in maintaining resilient systems amid economic and tenure precariousness. We argue that lateritic resilience depends on hybrid governance that integrates scientific innovations (modelling, mycorrhizae, biofertilizers) with the Yemba Kosmos the sacred worldview that regards soil as “ancestral blood.” To translate this insight into practice, we propose the innovative “Ntsu Contracts” mechanism, which operationalizes the KCP (Kosmos-Corpus-Praxis) framework by converting the Yemba cosmovision into a legal instrument that ties land‑use security to ecological regeneration. This approach demonstrates how sacred values can interact with, and be reinforced by, economic and legal instruments. The Dschang dataset provides a transferable framework for Central African lateritic agroecosystems, advocating for institutional models that break the soil-degradation-climate-vulnerability cycle and reconcile short‑term productivity with long‑term resilience.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100220"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147538497","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Soil quality and soil health are frequently used interchangeably, creating conceptual confusion that limits their utility in science, communication, and policy. This paper argues that clarifying the distinction between these terms strengthens the bridge between soil security and the One Health framework. We synthesize the literature to demonstrate that soil quality, originally a technical term focused on specific soil functions, has evolved into the more integrative concept of soil health, which encompasses biological processes, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. We argue that soil health provides a more effective framework for policy, farmer engagement, and public communication. However, misconceptions about soil health are also observed among the public and scientists, such as the case of Typic Haplohemists in swamplands or Sulfic Hydraquents in mangroves, which are sometimes mischaracterized as unhealthy soils. Both soil types are healthy in their natural state, but because they are fragile, mismanagement can rapidly degrade them, resulting in unhealthy soils. Clarifying this conceptual distinction will improve research focus, accelerate policy adoption, and facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration.
{"title":"Bridging the conceptual gap between soil quality and soil health for one health","authors":"Destika Cahyana , Vicca Karolinoerita , Erpina Delina Manurung , Heppy Suci Wulanningtyas","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100219","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100219","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Soil quality and soil health are frequently used interchangeably, creating conceptual confusion that limits their utility in science, communication, and policy. This paper argues that clarifying the distinction between these terms strengthens the bridge between soil security and the One Health framework. We synthesize the literature to demonstrate that soil quality, originally a technical term focused on specific soil functions, has evolved into the more integrative concept of soil health, which encompasses biological processes, ecosystem resilience, and human well-being. We argue that soil health provides a more effective framework for policy, farmer engagement, and public communication. However, misconceptions about soil health are also observed among the public and scientists, such as the case of Typic Haplohemists in swamplands or Sulfic Hydraquents in mangroves, which are sometimes mischaracterized as unhealthy soils. Both soil types are healthy in their natural state, but because they are fragile, mismanagement can rapidly degrade them, resulting in unhealthy soils. Clarifying this conceptual distinction will improve research focus, accelerate policy adoption, and facilitate transdisciplinary collaboration.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100219"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145926227","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-01Epub Date: 2026-01-13DOI: 10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100225
Satish Kumar, Satyavir S. Sindhu
Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all living organisms and plays a critical role in plant growth and crop production in agricultural ecosystems. Although crop yields are significantly increased by application of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers, but their excessive use causes serious environmental concerns, including soil degradation, water pollution and reduced agricultural sustainability. Harnessing the soil microbiome for enhancing nutrient availability and crop productivity holds tremendous potential to provide an eco-friendly solution and also help in alleviating the associated environmental issues. Various soil microorganisms are involved in biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen (N) that regulate supply of utilizable N for microbial and crop uptake, its loss in biosphere, and subsequently affecting nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agroecosystems. Multiple N transformation processes mediated by soil microbes include mineralization and biological nitrogen fixation resulting into release of ammonia, which is assimilated/immobilized into organic biomass by plants and microorganisms. Ammonia is transformed to nitrate through nitrification process; some of nitrate gets assimilated and part of it is released in biosphere through denitrification process. Thus, soil-inhabiting microorganisms and their interactions with plants are vital for modulating N cycling processes, in improving NUE, increasing crop yields and for minimizing environmental impacts. This review summarizes the role of soil microbiomes in different N transformation processes, their regulation for NUE improvement, contributions of these N cycling processes in promoting soil health and crop productivity. A potential microbe-based approach for nutrient management is proposed using nitrogen-fixing microbes as biofertilizers for improving N availability in agroecosystems, while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.
{"title":"Microbiome-mediated nitrogen cycling in soil: Impact on nitrogen use efficiency, crop production and environmental sustainability","authors":"Satish Kumar, Satyavir S. Sindhu","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100225","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2026.100225","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nitrogen is an essential nutrient for all living organisms and plays a critical role in plant growth and crop production in agricultural ecosystems. Although crop yields are significantly increased by application of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers, but their excessive use causes serious environmental concerns, including soil degradation, water pollution and reduced agricultural sustainability. Harnessing the soil microbiome for enhancing nutrient availability and crop productivity holds tremendous potential to provide an eco-friendly solution and also help in alleviating the associated environmental issues. Various soil microorganisms are involved in biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen (N) that regulate supply of utilizable N for microbial and crop uptake, its loss in biosphere, and subsequently affecting nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in agroecosystems. Multiple N transformation processes mediated by soil microbes include mineralization and biological nitrogen fixation resulting into release of ammonia, which is assimilated/immobilized into organic biomass by plants and microorganisms. Ammonia is transformed to nitrate through nitrification process; some of nitrate gets assimilated and part of it is released in biosphere through denitrification process. Thus, soil-inhabiting microorganisms and their interactions with plants are vital for modulating N cycling processes, in improving NUE, increasing crop yields and for minimizing environmental impacts. This review summarizes the role of soil microbiomes in different N transformation processes, their regulation for NUE improvement, contributions of these N cycling processes in promoting soil health and crop productivity. A potential microbe-based approach for nutrient management is proposed using nitrogen-fixing microbes as biofertilizers for improving N availability in agroecosystems, while reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100225"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146077861","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Inappropriate agronomic management practices and poor soil health contribute to low yields in the rice-wheat (R-W) systems of Nepal. Findings from other South Asian countries reveal that appropriate management practices have the potential to improve soil health, increase soil sequestration, and enhance rice and wheat yields in the R-W systems. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP) in Western Terai, Nepal, from 2018 to 2020 to assess the effects of various tillage methods (conventional, reduced, and zero) and residue management levels (removal and retention) on crop growth and yields, soil health, and soil carbon sequestration. A strip-split plot design with three replications was employed. Three seed rates in wheat (80, 120, and 160 kg ha⁻¹) were evaluated to identify the optimal seed rates under different tillage and residue management practices. Data on growth, yield, and yield attributes, and soil properties and soil carbon sequestration were collected and analyzed using R statistical Software. Zero tillage (ZT) and residue retention (RR) significantly reduced bulk density and increased soil carbon levels. Tillage didn’t affect the number of days to flowering and maturity, but they were delayed with lower seed rates. Wheat root mass decreased with depth, with ZT enhancing root development in the upper soil layers. Seed rate influenced root distribution, with lower rates promoting shallow roots and higher rates favoring deeper roots. RR under conventional tillage did not significantly affect growth, yield, phenology, and root distribution in either crop. ZT improved wheat growth, reduced sterility, and increased yield and yield components. In rice, however, tillage or residue management didn’t significantly influence yield and yield components. The sustainable yield index for wheat was significantly higher under ZT and with a higher seed rate. ZT wheat, followed by ZT direct-seeded rice, significantly enhanced profitability, while residue management practices had no notable effect. Results suggest the potential advantage of ZT combined with RR in terms of crop and system yields, soil carbon sequestration, and soil health. Implementing ZT, retaining residues, and using a seed rate of 120–160 kg ha⁻¹ in wheat can improve the yields of individual crops in the R-W systems while maintaining soil health and carbon sequestration in Nepal’s Western Terai, with such potentials in other parts of Nepal and other South Asian countries where these systems are practiced on a wide scale.
不适当的农艺管理做法和土壤健康状况不佳导致尼泊尔水稻-小麦（R-W）系统产量低。其他南亚国家的研究结果表明，适当的管理做法有可能改善土壤健康，增加土壤固存，并提高R-W系统中的水稻和小麦产量。因此，国家小麦研究计划（NWRP）于2018年至2020年在尼泊尔特莱西部进行了一项田间试验，以评估各种耕作方法（常规、减少和零）和残留物管理水平（去除和保留）对作物生长和产量、土壤健康和土壤碳封存的影响。采用3个重复的条形分割试验设计。对小麦的三种种子率（80、120和160 kg ha - 1）进行了评估，以确定不同耕作和秸秆管理方法下的最佳种子率。利用R统计软件收集生长、产量和产量属性、土壤性质和土壤固碳数据并进行分析。免耕（ZT）和留渣（RR）显著降低了土壤容重，提高了土壤碳含量。耕作对开花和成熟日数没有影响，但使开花和成熟日数延迟，种子率降低。小麦根系质量随深度减小，ZT促进了上层土壤根系的发育。种子率影响根系分布，低种子率有利于浅根，高种子率有利于深根。常规耕作条件下抗草甘膦对两种作物的生长、产量、物候和根系分布均无显著影响。ZT改善了小麦的生长，降低了不育性，提高了产量和产量成分。而在水稻中，耕作和秸秆管理对产量和产量构成没有显著影响。ZT处理下小麦可持续产量指数显著高于ZT处理，种子率显著高于ZT处理。ZT小麦和ZT直播水稻均显著提高了作物的盈利能力，而秸秆管理对其无显著影响。结果表明，在作物和系统产量、土壤固碳和土壤健康方面，ZT与RR联合施用具有潜在优势。实施ZT、保留残留物和在小麦中使用120-160 kg ha - 1的播种率可以提高R-W系统中单个作物的产量，同时在尼泊尔西特莱地区保持土壤健康和碳固存，在尼泊尔其他地区和其他南亚国家也有这种潜力，这些国家广泛实施了这些系统。
{"title":"Tillage and residue management strategies enhance crop yields, soil health, and profitability in the rice-wheat system of Nepal’s Western Terai","authors":"Santosh Marahatta , Mathura Yadav , Shrawan Kumar Sah , Anant Prasad Regmi , Saraswoti Bastola , Jagadish Timsina","doi":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100216","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.soisec.2025.100216","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Inappropriate agronomic management practices and poor soil health contribute to low yields in the rice-wheat (R-W) systems of Nepal. Findings from other South Asian countries reveal that appropriate management practices have the potential to improve soil health, increase soil sequestration, and enhance rice and wheat yields in the R-W systems. Hence, a field experiment was conducted at the National Wheat Research Program (NWRP) in Western Terai, Nepal, from 2018 to 2020 to assess the effects of various tillage methods (conventional, reduced, and zero) and residue management levels (removal and retention) on crop growth and yields, soil health, and soil carbon sequestration. A strip-split plot design with three replications was employed. Three seed rates in wheat (80, 120, and 160 kg ha⁻¹) were evaluated to identify the optimal seed rates under different tillage and residue management practices. Data on growth, yield, and yield attributes, and soil properties and soil carbon sequestration were collected and analyzed using R statistical Software. Zero tillage (ZT) and residue retention (RR) significantly reduced bulk density and increased soil carbon levels. Tillage didn’t affect the number of days to flowering and maturity, but they were delayed with lower seed rates. Wheat root mass decreased with depth, with ZT enhancing root development in the upper soil layers. Seed rate influenced root distribution, with lower rates promoting shallow roots and higher rates favoring deeper roots. RR under conventional tillage did not significantly affect growth, yield, phenology, and root distribution in either crop. ZT improved wheat growth, reduced sterility, and increased yield and yield components. In rice, however, tillage or residue management didn’t significantly influence yield and yield components. The sustainable yield index for wheat was significantly higher under ZT and with a higher seed rate. ZT wheat, followed by ZT direct-seeded rice, significantly enhanced profitability, while residue management practices had no notable effect. Results suggest the potential advantage of ZT combined with RR in terms of crop and system yields, soil carbon sequestration, and soil health. Implementing ZT, retaining residues, and using a seed rate of 120–160 kg ha⁻¹ in wheat can improve the yields of individual crops in the R-W systems while maintaining soil health and carbon sequestration in Nepal’s Western Terai, with such potentials in other parts of Nepal and other South Asian countries where these systems are practiced on a wide scale.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":74839,"journal":{"name":"Soil security","volume":"22 ","pages":"Article 100216"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145705856","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
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