Applying organic fertilisers improves soil health and plant growth by improving the soil organic matter, soil structure, nutrient uptake and water‐holding capacity. Small‐plot stationary field experiments on four different soils in Central Europe evaluate the long‐term effect of organic amendments and/or mineral fertilisers on the soil organic matter quality under conventional tillage and the potato/maize–winter wheat–spring barley crop rotation. Soil samples were collected after the spring barley harvest in 2022. A total nitrogen dose of 330 kg N·ha −1 over 3 years was applied in all fertilised treatments; organic fertilisers were applied after the barley harvest. The E4/E6 absorbance ratio showed significant correlations with the C‐HA/C‐FA ratio, humification index and proportion of humic acid carbon. However, when assessing the effects of fertilisation, treatments within a single homogeneous field, the E4/E6 ratio did not prove to be a reliable indicator of soil organic matter quality. Application of farmyard manure resulted in higher values of the C‐HA/C‐FA ratio, humification index and percentage of humic acid carbon compared to mineral fertilisation (N, NPK). In contrast, sewage sludge application was less effective in increasing the C‐HA/C‐FA ratio and proportion of humic acid carbon than the combination of mineral nitrogen fertilisation with straw. Regardless of weather conditions during stem elongation and flowering, higher yields of spring barley and winter wheat were recorded when nitrogen was applied in mineral fertilisers compared to manure or sewage sludge.

Introduction Barley cultivation in arid regions can be enhanced through deficit irrigation, which reduces water usage while minimizing yield loss. This method maximizes water‐use efficiency, making barley suitable for areas with limited water resources. Objective. To evaluate the effects of different soil amendments on improving barley production under deficit irrigation conditions (ETc 60%) in arid environments. Materials and Methods Two field experiments were conducted to test three types of soil amendments on barley grown under water deficit conditions (ETc 60%). The treatments were applied at varying rates over four growing seasons (2021–2023), and the crop performance was assessed. Results The highest dry biomass yield was recorded with the application of a soil conditioner at 10 tons/ha, resulting in yield increases of 91.6%, 94.2%, 85.5%, and 81.1% over four consecutive seasons ( P < 0.01). Likewise, the application at 7.5 tons/ha led to yield increases ranging from 78.2% to 93.5% ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The results highlight the significant potential of organic soil conditioners in enhancing barley yield and conserving water in arid regions, offering a promising solution for sustainable agriculture in water‐scarce environments.

Plastics are ubiquitous materials; however, their improper disposal and slow degradation make them environmental pollutants. This study aimed to analyze the degradation of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) by bacterial consortia isolated from a solid waste landfill. LDPE‐utilizing bacteria were isolated and selected based on their 2,3,5‐triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) reduction time. These were then formulated and evaluated as three bacterial consortia. From 160 isolated bacterial strains, 28.1% demonstrated LDPE‐degrading capabilities. The three bacterial consortia degraded LDPE more effectively (5.71%–7.11% weight loss) compared to the individual constituent bacteria (5.41%–5.95%). Consortium 6, comprising Chryseobacterium cucumeris and Methylorubrum strains, achieved the highest polymer weight loss (7.11%), with a degradation rate of 0.00123 g·day−1, a residual LDPE half‐life of 563.41 days, a 31.86% reduction in tensile strength, and notable functional groups changes compared to an uninoculated control. These results demonstrate the high LDPE degradation potential of landfill‐isolated bacteria. These ubiquitous, nutritionally versatile, and adverse‐conditions‐tolerant bacteria, when combined in consortia, exhibit synergistic effects that accelerate polymer degradation.

Soil degradation, marked by erosion, nutrient depletion, and organic matter loss, is a significant challenge to agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability globally. Soil and water conservation (SWC) practices are essential in reducing soil erosion and preserving soil health. This study aimed to assess the impact of SWC structures on soil physicochemical properties in northwestern Ethiopia. Soil samples were gathered and analyzed from fields using three treatments: soil bunds alone, soil bunds stabilized with vetiver grass ( Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.)), and nonconserved fields, across various slope gradients. A total of 27 composite soil samples were collected from the depth of 0–20 cm using X‐sampling technique (four samples from the corner and one sample from the center). Results indicated notable improvements in soil properties in conserved fields, with the lowest bulk density (1.26 gm/cm 3 ) in grass‐stabilized bunds and the highest (1.53 gm/cm 3 ) in nonconserved fields. Soil moisture content also improved in fields conserved by soil bund stabilized with vetiver grass. The maximum soil pH, organic carbon (OC), and total nitrogen (TN) levels 5.89, 2.84%, and 0.20%, respectively, were recorded in grass‐stabilized bunds. The highest levels of available phosphorus (23.16 cmol (+) kg −1 ), magnesium (4.94 cmol (+) kg −1 ), calcium (16.78 cmol (+) kg −1 ), and potassium (16.8 cmol (+) kg −1 ) were observed in soil bunds with vetiver grass. These findings underscore the effectiveness of SWC practices, particularly those incorporating biological components, in improving soil properties.

Description, characterization, and classification of soils are basics to have knowledge on soil properties that would be applicable for land use decisions and soil management strategies for optimum and sustainable agricultural production. The study was conducted at Megecha Subwatershed in Gurage Zone, Central Ethiopia. The purpose of the study was to study the soil properties of the watershed that would help to design appropriate soil management strategy for sustainable agricultural production. The study area was categorized into three slope positions (upper, middle, and lower) and four pedons were opened, and the soil description was made. A total of 17 disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from each horizon. The results of the study revealed that the properties of the soils varied with the slope position and soil depth. Lower bulk density (ρb), darker red color, and soft (dry) consistency were observed at the upper slope position, whereas higher ρb, very dark gray color, and hard (dry) consistency were observed in the low slope areas. The pH values ranged from 5.3 to 6.3 (moderately to slightly acidic), soil organic carbon from 0.58% to 2.99% (low to high), and available phosphorus (P) from 0.28 to 1.20 mg·kg −1 , rated as low and total nitrogen (N) and 0.02% to 0.27% (very low to high). Regarding the soil classification, Pedon 1 is classified as Chromic Alisols (Epidystric); Pedon 2, Chromic Alisols (Dystric); Pedon 3, Haplic Alisols (Dystric); and Pedon 4, Pellic Vertisols (Hypereutric). The soil map was developed for these identified soil types. The spatial variability of the soils should be taken into consideration for the sustainable soil management strategy.

With an emphasis on bioremediation as a crucial approach to mitigate the detrimental effects of heavy metals (HMs), this study explores the causes of HM pollution, their impact on the environment and human health, and remediation techniques. In contrast to traditional physical and chemical methods, bioremediation offers a more economical, less toxic, and eco‐friendly solution for addressing HM contamination. HM bioremediation’s contributing factors, implementation, stability, regulatory policy criteria, economic viability, key obstacles, and applications are also covered. This paper also addresses the strategies employed by various nations to manage and dispose of HMs contamination, including the challenges associated with waste generated during HM bioremediation. It also discusses the microbes that carry a cysteine‐rich protein called metallothionein, which helps to detoxify HMs, maintain metal homeostasis, and promote HM uptake. The study highlights the need for sustainability and the exploration of novel microbial strains in HM bioremediation methods, emphasizing the potential of new techniques such as nano‐remediation, phytoremediation, artificial intelligence, and genetic algorithms, and how these techniques might be used to address bioremediation challenges.

To effectively address land degradation, a clearer understanding of changes in soil quality indicators within agroecosystems is necessary, along with insights into how these indicators with land characteristics. This study aims to identify the minimum dataset (MDS) required to assess the soil quality index (SQI) across different land uses in the Guinean High Savana agroecological zone of Cameroon specifically in the Faro and Deo subdivision. A total of 100 topsoil samples (0–30 cm) were analyzed for their physicochemical properties, with 70 in GL, 22 in CL, and eight in NF. One‐way ANOVA results clearly show significant differences across land use for N (p < 0.0001), OC (p < 0.0001), C:N ratio (p < 0.0001), K (p < 0.0001), Al (p < 0.05), and silt fraction (p < 0.05). Principal component analysis (PCA) was applied to determine key soil indicators. These indicators were used to evaluate and compare the SQI across various land uses. The identified MDS includes organic carbon (OC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), pH (water), silt fraction, sum of exchangeable bases (SEBs), total nitrogen (N), and magnesium (Mg). The different land use systems significantly influenced the variation of these soil parameters. The SQI was highest (0.55–0.60) in native forests (0.59), moderate (0.45–0.54) in grazing (0.50) land, and lowest (0.38–0.44) in cultivated lands (0.43), with the sequence of soil quality across land uses following the order: native forest > grazing land > cultivated lands. This study highlights the critical role of land use practices in influencing soil properties, soil quality, and the intensity of degradation. Therefore, the sustainable land management practices (agroforestry) are essential for maintaining and improving soil health, particularly in cultivated and grazing lands. Additionally, spatial and temporal variation of the selected MDS and SQI can offer further agricultural land use planning insights.

Crop–livestock–forest integration (CLFI) systems offer a promising approach to enhancing soil organic carbon (SOC) content within various aggregate size classes, thereby improving soil productivity and its capacity for atmospheric carbon (C) sequestration. This study aimed to assess SOC content across different water‐stable aggregate size classes and its influence on aggregate formation in a Ferralsol under various long‐term farming systems, including CLFI with pasture rotation (CLFI‐PA), CLFI with crop rotation (CLFI‐CR), conventional continuous cropping (CCC), permanent pasture without fertilization (PP‐WoF), permanent pasture with fertilization (PP‐WF), and the native Cerrado as a reference. All cropping systems evaluated in this study are managed under a no‐till system, except for the CCC system. Undisturbed soil samples were collected from the 0.0‐ to 0.10‐m layer to evaluate aggregate stability in water, SOC stocks, and SOC distribution across different soil aggregate classes. The geometric mean diameter (GMD) and mean weight diameter (MWD) were calculated. After 23 years of CCC, there was a 53% (12.94 Mg ha−1) reduction in SOC compared to the Cerrado (27.26 Mg ha−1), characterized by a predominance of microaggregates and significantly lower GMD and MWD values (p < 0.05). The MWD and GMD values ranked as follows: Cerrado > PP‐WoF > CLFI‐PA > CLFI‐CR > PP‐WF > CCC. In the no‐till systems, macroaggregates were predominant, with higher GMD and MWD values. The PP‐WF, PP‐WoF, CLFI‐PA, and CLFI‐CR systems showed SOC stocks of 25.70, 21.53, 21.40, and 20.38 Mg ha−1, respectively, with a positive correlation between SOC stocks and macroaggregates (p < 0.05). The findings highlight the potential of CLFI systems to store carbon in the soil and promote macroaggregate formation, comparable to pastures established for 25 years and the native Cerrado.

The present study area, the Konso Zone, is in Rift Valley, Southern Ethiopia, and highly depends on rivers and groundwater for economic and social development. Water availability in this area faces multiple challenges, including scarcity, quality concerns, and seasonal variations. In the Rift Valley region, including the present study area, groundwater quality is particularly problematic due to high fluoride levels. Moreover, the high concentrations of total dissolved solids in Konso Zone groundwater pose challenges for industrial, agricultural, and drinking purposes. GIS-based spatial analysis techniques, hydrogeochemical analyses, and water quality indices were used in the current study. The evaluation of water quality involved the utilization of both groundwater quality and irrigation water quality indices. In the study area, the cations and anions exhibited a general trend with Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Fe2+ and HCO3− > Cl−, SO42− > NO3− > F−. Multiple water types were identified within the research area, including Na-HCO3, Ca-Na-HCO3, NaCl, and Ca-Mg/Cl, with Na-HCO3 being the most prevalent. The formation of the NaHCO3 water type is primarily attributed to ion exchange processes, with siliciclastic aquifers being linked to cation exchange in sodium bicarbonate groundwater. Total Dissolved Solids and SO42− contaminants significantly impact the water quality, resulting in deterioration. Gibbs’s figure indicates that 50% of the water samples were found where rocks were weathered, demonstrating the importance of water-rock interactions in groundwater composition. Water samples containing more fluoride than the WHO’s limit of 1.50 mg/L were deemed unsuitable for consumption. Regarding irrigation suitability, most water samples from the Konso area were acceptable, except for the sodium percentage in 66.6% of the samples, which was unsuitable for irrigation. There are 26.67% of samples that are of questionable quality, 66.67% that are deemed inappropriate, and 26.67% that are deemed unacceptable. These findings underscore the pressing need for comprehensive strategies and interventions to address water quality issues in the Konso Zone, emphasizing the critical importance of monitoring and managing groundwater resources to ensure sustainable and safe water access for various regional uses.

The physicochemical properties of Western Ethiopian soils were negatively threatened with continuous cultivation crop lands. Soil amendments with biochar and lime facilitate and improve soil physicochemical properties directly and indirectly and enhance crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted in Gimbi District, Western Ethiopia, to examine the effects of combined coffee husk biochar (CHB) and soil test value-based lime (STV) rate application on physicochemical properties of acid soils. The trial included eight treatments, including control, 100% STV, 10 ton of CHB, and CHB + STV rates at 10 ton + 75%, 10 ton + 50%, 7.5 ton + 75%, 7.5 ton + 50%, and 5 ton + 75% ha−1on two farm fields. The fields were laid out in RCBD with three replications. The treatments had substantial effects on P<0.05) on the soil’s physicochemical characteristics. The application of biochar and lime in Farms-1 and 2 reduced soil BD from 1.21 and 1.41 g·cm−3 to 1.15 and 1.12 to 0.90 and 0.97 g·cm−3, respectively. The soil pH level was increased from 5.10 to a range of 5.58 to 6.11 in Farm-1, and in Farm-2, from 4.64 to a range of 4.64 to 6.22 levels. The application of 10 ton of CHB + 75% of STV in Farms-1 and 2 resulted in the highest SOC of 7.44% and 7.68%, respectively. The application of 10 ton of CHB + 75% of STV in Farms-1 and 2 resulted in 4.86 mg·kg−1 and 6.96 mg·kg−1 available P, respectively. Available P was positively correlated with pH (0.62), SOC (0.63), and CEC (0.66). Exchangeable acidity was decreased from 4.64 cmol(+)kg−1 to a range from 3.19 to 0.98 cmol(+)kg−1 in Farm-1 and from 5.00 cmol(+)kg−1 to a range from 3.38 to 1.10 cmol(+)kg−1 in Farm-2. Therefore, amending the strongly acidic to very strongly acidic soil with a combined CHB (7.5 to 10 ton ha−1) and STV (50 to 75% ha−1) rates had improved the soil physicochemical properties of agricultural lands. To make a firm conclusion, research on soil analysis after crop harvest and economic benefit is required.