EJSSEurasian Journal of Soil ScienceEurasian J Soil Sci2147 - 4249Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societieshttp://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.155831610.18393/ejss.1558316Evaluating the prediction success of soil organic carbon stock in pasture land using different modeling performance metricsÜlkü Yılmaz ulkudikmen@karatekin.edu.trSeval Sünal Kavaklıgil 1411 - 82024-02-052024-09-162024-09-302025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Many national and international initiatives depend on detailed spatial data on changes in soil organic carbon stock (SOC stock) at various scales to support policies aimed at land degradation neutrality and climate change mitigation Developing tools to accurately model the spatial distribution of SOCstock at national scales is a priority for both monitoring soil organic carbon (SOC) changes and contributing to global carbon cycle studies. The primary goal of this study was to evaluate and compare various spatial performance metrics used to assess the accuracy of predicting soil SOC and SOCstock content in a semi-arid pasture. Soil samples were taken from 0-20 cm soil depth at 150 random sampling points. Spatial structure of SOCstock and SOC were modelled by ordinary kriging The soil pH varied from slightly acidic (6.34) to neutral (7.19), and salinity was not an issue in the study area. Lime content, with an average of 2.04%, stands out as the most variable soil property, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 61.76%. The carbon stock ranged from 23.46 to 65.36 tons ha-1, with an average carbon stock of 43.28 tons ha-1 calculated. In the study area, SOC (%) and stoniness (%) had the shortest autocorrelation distance (21.00 m), while bulk density had the longest (27.00 m). The prediction errors indicated that parameters in the random sampling did not result in better predictions using the OK technique.The results indicated that SOC content can exhibit significant spatial variability even within a small area, highlighting the need for site-specific management in semi-arid pastures. In order to achieve high accuracy and success in modeling, metrics of the performance such as RRMSE, RMSE and MAPE should be used that minimize the effect of the relevant soil property measurement unit.Soil organic carbon, geostatistics, spatial variability, kriging, pasture.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.156416710.18393/ejss.1564167Changing soil characteristics as affected by different land uses in a humid region, west of IranPariya Heidari Pariya HeidariMohammad Feizian 1419 - 212024-03-172024-09-302024-10-092025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Land use change, mostly from forest to conventional agriculture, has a detrimental impact on soil health and production. However, the impact of such LUC on soil biological characteristics is unknown. This study aimed to evaluate some of the physicochemical and biological properties of soil with varied land uses in the southwestern Khorramabad area. The research locations comprised diverse land use types including coniferous forest, broadleaf forest, farmland, and rangeland. According to the findings, there was no significant variation in bulk density (ρb) and bulk density at 33 kPa (ρb33) for various land uses, but there was a significant difference between different soil layers. The amount of clay and silt varies dramatically across land uses. However, the quantity of sand used did not differ significantly across the usage (p <0.05). The results showed that the highest and lowest values of soil pH were observed in the coniferous forest and rangeland, respectively. Although the EC in coniferous forests was greater (0.17 dS m-1) than in other land uses, there was no significant difference in the average soil EC in various land uses (p <0.01). In terms of soil organic carbon (SOC), the greatest value was found in broadleaf forests with an average of 1.517 (ton/ha), while the lowest content was observed in farmland with an average of 0.797 (ton/ha). The findings showed that there is a significant difference in soil nitrogen averages across different land uses followed by the decreasing order of broadleaf forest (0.11%)> rangeland (0.06%)> Farmland (0.05%)> coniferous forest (0.03%). The findings also suggested that the quantity of microbial respiration has considerably declined in all locations as land use has shifted from forest to pasture and farmland. Notably, farmland includes the greatest population of fungi, bacteria, and actinomycetes, with a significant difference from other uses (p <0.01). Additionally, the relationship between OC and other soil factors is the most significant in this study. Land use, Biological properties, Soil organic carbon, Lorestan province. http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.156583310.18393/ejss.1565833Phytoremediation of saline soils using Glycyrrhiza glabra for enhanced soil fertility in arid regions of South KazakhstanUlbossyn Makhanova mahanova08@mail.ruMariya Ibraeva 14122 - 372024-02-122024-10-062024-10-122025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies This study investigates the potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) as a biological tool for reclaiming saline soils in the arid regions of South Kazakhstan. Licorice was cultivated over three growing seasons in weakly, moderately, and highly saline soils to evaluate its effectiveness in reducing soil salinity and improving soil fertility. The results show that licorice cultivation significantly reduced total salt concentrations and improved organic matter content in weakly saline soils. For instance, in some areas, total salts decreased by 50%, and humus content increased from 1.55% to 1.70%, indicating enhanced soil fertility. In moderately saline soils, the reduction in salt levels was less significant, and the plant's biomass yield dropped to 40 t/ha, compared to 50 t/ha in weakly saline soils. However, licorice still demonstrated its ability to moderately improve soil structure and nutrient availability. In strongly saline soils, licorice's effectiveness was considerably limited, with only minor reductions in salinity and a significant decrease in biomass yield to 20-30 t/ha. The study concludes that while Glycyrrhiza glabra is highly effective in reclaiming weakly saline soils, its impact in moderately and highly saline soils requires supplemental interventions, such as leaching, to optimize its phytoremediation potential. These findings suggest that integrating biological and traditional soil reclamation methods can offer a sustainable solution for managing saline soils in arid regions.Glycyrrhiza glabra, soil salinity, phytomelioration, biological reclamation, soil fertility, saline soils.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.156586010.18393/ejss.1565860Mathematical modeling of cations from non-edible food waste for the reclamation of sodic and saline soilsMd. Rezwanul Islam rezwandae@gmail.comQingyue Wang Sumaya Sharmin Weiqian Wang Christian Ebere Enyoh 14138 - 452024-05-232024-10-092024-10-122025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Nutritional disparity is a crucial impediment to agricultural productivity that interferes with soil structural stability and plant growth since more than one-fourth of the total land area is affected, especially by sodicity globally. This study assesses the mathematical models of non-edible food waste, including brinjal waste, potato peel, banana peel, orange peel, eggshell, cow bone, chicken bone, and fish bone. After consumption of the food, the resulting non-edible food waste was cleaned, dried, crushed, and stored separately in aluminum zipper bags. Cation concentrations of the considered waste materials were measured using ion chromatography systems. Then the mathematical models such as Exchangeable Sodium Percentage (ESP), Exchangeable Potassium Percentage (EPP), Sodium Adsorption Ratio (SAR), Potassium Adsorption Ratio (PAR), and Cation Ratio of Soil Structural Stability (CROSS) were assessed considering cation concentrations. The results revealed that Na+ concentrations ranged from 0.17±0.001 mg/kg in orange peel to 5.21±0.005 mg/kg in chicken bone; K+ ranged from 0.28±0.003 mg/kg in eggshell to 56.50±0.216 mg/kg in banana peel; Ca2+ ranged from 0.30±0.004 mg/kg in potato peel to 1.37±0.049 mg/kg in eggshell; and Mg2+ ranged from 0.06±0.004 mg/kg in eggshell to 1.12±0.006 mg/kg in banana peel. The overall concentration sequence was K+>Na+>Ca2+>Mg2+. In addition, animal waste biomass had comparatively high ESP and EPP values for the studied waste biomasses. SAR, PAR, and CROSS models for all studied wastes are suitable for application to sodic and saline soils. In conclusion, non-edible food waste biomass might be a reliable source of cations that is important for soil structural stability and ultimately for plant growth and could be utilized in sodic and saline soils based on the analysis of cationic parameters and mathematical models.Cationic parameters, food waste, soil structural stability, plant growth.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.157458010.18393/ejss.1574580Diversity and distribution of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi associated with vegetable crops in Haryana, IndiaAnju Tanwar anjutanwarbotany@gmail.comAshok Aggarwal Ishan Saini Tarsem Kumar Mukesh Kumar Sergio T. Pichardo 14146 - 572024-04-292024-10-242024-10-272025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The optimal growth and development of many vegetable crops hinge significantly upon their reliance on Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF). Understanding the AMF status of vegetable crops can assist researchers in selecting suitable strains for future experiments. Therefore, a field work was carried out to determine the species diversity and composition of AMF with fifty vegetable crops from seventeen different districts of Haryana. AMF spores were isolated and identified to evaluate AMF density, diversity, and host preference in terms of AMF species richness, abundance and frequency of occurrence. Soil conditions, land use type and its physico–chemical properties played a crucial role in regulating the uneven distribution and composition of AMF. Mycotrophic structures such as linear infection (Arum–type) to coils (Paris–type) arbuscules and vesicles were seen. Interestingly, no correlation was found between spore number and root colonization. Maximum AMF spore density, spore richness and abundance were witnessed in Zea mays and Trigonella foenum–graecum. Five plants exhibited 100% AMF colonized roots, 15 plants showed above 75% and 12 plants above 50% colonization. Soil pH 6.10 to 7.40 supported the maximal abundance and frequency of occurrence of Glomus and Acaulospora with 53 species and 18 species followed by Acaulospora (18), Sclerocystis (10), Gigaspora (5), Entrophospora (4) and Sclerocystis (4). G. mosseae was the most preferred species among vegetable crops. Members of non–mycorrhizal families lack root colonization except for Brassica campestris, B. oleracea var. botrytis and B. Rapa where 2–11% root colonization was detected. Noticing the abundant AMF diversity of vegetable crops , this investigation expands the scope of detection, selection and inoculation of vegetable crops with suitable AMF species for improving their quality and quantity.Abundance, Frequency of occurrence, Mycorrhizal distribution, Soil properties, Species richness.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.157765210.18393/ejss.1577652Effect of nitrogen and sulfur combinations on spring wheat (Triticum aestivum) growth, yield, and soil nutrient availability in a greenhouse experimentGulbaram Nurgaliyeva Aizhan Akmullayeva Gulnar A. Myrzabayeva myrzabayeva60@mail.ruGulnara Tastanbekova Zhanar Izbassarova Zhanylkhan Bukabayeva Gulnissam Rvaidarova Dastan Mussapirov 14158 - 662024-02-152024-11-252024-11-012025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Effective management of nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) is crucial for maximizing spring wheat productivity, as both nutrients play key roles in improving growth, yield attributes, grain protein content, and soil fertility. Despite their importance, determining the optimal application rates of N and S for enhanced wheat performance remains a challenge. This study was conducted as a pot experiment under controlled greenhouse conditions, with 12 treatments replicated three times and carried out over 85 days. The treatments included a control (0N + 0S), nitrogen-only treatments (40N + 0S, 80N + 0S, 120N + 0S), sulfur-only treatments (30S, 60S), and combined N and S treatments (40N + 30S, 80N + 30S, 120N + 30S, 40N + 60S, 80N + 60S, 120N + 60S). The results revealed that the application of 120N + 60S significantly improved key growth parameters such as plant height, grains per spike, spike density (spike/m²), and 1000-grain weight. This treatment also resulted in higher grain nitrogen content, N uptake, and protein levels, confirming its superiority over other treatments. Additionally, post-harvest soil analysis indicated increased mineral N and available S levels, while showing a slight decrease in pH and an increase in electrical conductivity (EC). In conclusion, the 120N + 60S combination was identified as the most effective treatment for maximizing wheat yield, improving grain quality, and enhancing soil nutrient availability. However, it is recommended that future studies validate these findings under field conditions, across different soil types and climates, to ensure broader applicability of 120N + 60S as a best practice for wheat cultivation.Wheat productivity, Nitrogen and sulfur fertilization, Grain protein content, Nutrient use efficiency (NUE), Greenhouse pot experiment.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.157916810.18393/ejss.1579168Adsorption of Pb, Ni and Zn by coastal soils: Isothermal models and kinetics analysisTatiana Minkina Tatiana Bauer Oleg Khroniuk Ekaterina Kravchenko ekakra@sfedu.ruDavid Pinsky Anatoly Barakhov Inna Zamulina Elizabeth Latsynnik Svetlana Sushkova Yao Jun Coşkun Gülser Rıdvan Kızılkaya 14167 - 782024-04-212024-10-242024-11-042025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Coastal areas are facing increasing heavy metal pollution as a result of various anthropogenic activities, posing a serious threat to ecosystems. Modeling and understanding the sorption behavior of heavy metals in soils are essential for assessing their mobility and risk in the coastal landscapes. The aim of this study was to examine the adsorption behavior of Pb²⁺, Ni²⁺, and Zn²⁺ by common soil types of the Lower Don and the Taganrog Bay coast in Russia to better understand their potential environmental implications. The soil capacities for heavy metal adsorption and retention were determined using isothermal models. The maximum adsorption capacity and the binding strength parameter for the heavy metals were calculated, revealing significant differences among the soils. Haplic Chernozem emerged with superior values, while Gleyic Solonchak Sulfidic and Umbric Fluvisol trailed the lowest. All soils exhibited a greater adsorption capacity and binding strength for Pb compared to the other metals. The influence of soil characteristics on sorption and retention was also examined. The Pseudo-second-order model provided a more accurate description of the adsorption kinetics of heavy metals by the studied soils. The co-presence of metals in the system affected their sorption by the soils due to competition: soils adsorbed fewer metals but retained them more strongly. These findings are important for developing effective strategies to reduce heavy metal pollution in coastal ecosystems. Heavy metals, Soils, Individual and Competitive adsorption, Adsorption capacity, Binding strength, Kineticshttp://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.158298710.18393/ejss.1582987Identification and degradation potential of microplastics by indigenous bacteria isolated from Putri Cempo Landfill, Surakarta, IndonesiaMuhammad Hafizh Husna Prakosa Retno Rosariastuti retnobs@staff.uns.ac.id Sutami Sutami Sumani Sumani Purwanto Purwanto 14179 - 862024-05-202024-11-052024-11-112025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Plastic waste on agricultural land can break down into microplastics (< 5 mm), which plants can absorb through their roots, potentially inhibiting plant growth. Utilizing microplastic-degrading bacteria isolated from landfills offers a potential solution to microplastic contamination in agriculture. This study aimed to isolate and identify bacteria from the Putri Cempo Landfill and evaluate their ability to degrade different types of plastic contaminants found in agricultural environments. Microorganisms were isolated from soil samples using Soil Extract Media (SEM), and pure cultures were established. Bacterial isolates were tested for their microplastic-degrading potential using polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic fragments. Molecular analysis was conducted to determine the taxonomy of the bacteria. Further degradation tests were performed on different types of microplastic contaminants (mulch, polybags, and sacks) to identify the most degradable material. Six bacterial isolates were obtained, with isolates CP1 and CP2 demonstrating microplastic degradation rates of 2.43% and 1.15%, respectively, over a 20-day incubation period. Molecular analysis identified CP1 as Bacillus anthracis str. and CP2 as Bacillus cereus ATCC 14579. Subsequent degradation tests on various agricultural microplastic contaminants revealed that sack materials treated with Bacillus cereus showed the highest degradation rate, with an 8.8% weight reduction, while polybag materials showed the lowest degradation rate, with a weight loss of only 0.59%.Bacillus sp., Bacterial Isolation, Microplastic Degradation, Molecular Analysis, Putri Cempo Landfill.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.158514810.18393/ejss.1585148Zeolite-based nano phosphatic fertilizer for enhancing phosphorus availability in acidic soils of Assam, IndiaSukanya Pachani Gayatri Goswami Kandali gayatrikandali@rediffmail.comBinoy Kumar Medhi Lakshi Saikia Anjali Basumatary Mahima Begum Samikhya Bhuyan 14187 - 972024-05-082024-11-112024-11-142025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Considering the fixation and low availability of conventional phosphatic fertilizer in acidic soil, zeolite based nano phosphatic fertilizer was synthesized to investigate its release characteristics in acidic soil system via invitro studies. Result revealed that surface modification through a cationic surfactant improved the adsorption capacity of zeolite for phosphorus by 60%. Under the incubation study, the zeolite based nano phosphatic fertilizer sustained the release of phosphorous up to 90 days of incubation against 32 days under conventional SSP. The 100% replacement of RDP through nano fertilizer registered the maximum release of P in soil up to 9.36 mg/kg which was 23.80% higher than conventional SSP (7.56 mg/kg). The study release kinetics also revealed parabolic diffusion equation (3.012 µg/g/day) as the most suitable module for describing the P release as compared to other kinetic modules. Thus, zeolite can be used as carrier material for preparation of nano fertilizer for sustainable release of P for longer period of time under acidic soil.Zeolite, nano fertilizer, slow release, acid soil, parabolic diffusion, soil chemistry.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.159263310.18393/ejss.1592633Sustainable nutrient management and agricultural productivity in chernozem soils of the Kostanay Region, KazakhstanZhenis Zharlygassov Niyazbek Kalimov kalimov1967@gmail.comAssiya Ansabayeva Zhaxylyk Zharlygassov Elena Moskvicheva Rahila İslamzade Abdurrahman Ay İzzet Akça Rıdvan Kızılkaya 14198 - 1062024-05-112024-11-212024-11-282025-01-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Chernozem soils, known for their high organic matter and fertility, are crucial for agricultural productivity in northern Kazakhstan's Kostanay region. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these soils to assess their suitability for crop production and propose sustainable management practices. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depths across various locations to represent the region's main nutrient profile. Physical analyses included texture determination, while chemical analyses measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using standard methods. Biological assessments focused on microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal soil respiration (BSR), dehydrogenase and catalase activities, as well as Cmic: Corg and metabolic quotient (qCO₂) ratios. Results indicated high organic matter content (mean 4.49%), sufficient total nitrogen (>0.25%), and high levels of potassium and calcium. However, phosphorus levels were low (<8 mg kg⁻¹), marking it as a key limiting nutrient. Biological analysis revealed robust microbial activity, with high catalase activity supporting aerobic processes, but low Cmic: Corg and qCO₂ values suggested limited microbial biomass, potentially slowing organic matter decomposition. This trait, while preserving organic matter, may restrict nutrient mineralization, impacting crop nutrient availability. Based on these findings, we recommend prioritizing phosphorus and potassium fertilization integrated with organic matter management to balance nutrient levels and enhance crop productivity. The application of liquid or solid organic or organomineral fertilizers is suggested to maintain soil organic matter and promote sustainable practices. Additionally, foliar applications of manganese and iron, along with nitrogen supplementation, are recommended to address micronutrient deficiencies and support plant growth. Overall, sustainable management of Chernozem soils in Kostanay requires balanced nutrient management, organic matter preservation, and targeted micronutrient interventions to ensure long-term fertility and productivity. Chernozem Soils, Soil Fertility, Nutrient Management, Organic Matter, Sustainable Agriculture.