EJSSEurasian Journal of Soil ScienceEurasian J Soil Sci2147 - 4249Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societieshttp://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.165741510.18393/ejss.1657415The effectiveness of bio-treatment on licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) productivity and soil restoration in saline ecosystemsBotir Khaitov Nurmamat Rajabov Gulnoza Murtazayeva Normat Durdiev Usmonkul Norqulov Guliston Abdalova Allamurod Khojasov Yorkin Rakhmatullaev Mirzoolim Avliyakulov Gulchekhra Tangirova Lobar Mamatkulova Ilkhom Begmatov Young Chang Kim ycpiano@korea.kr143198-2072024-11-042025-03-102025-03-152025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a highly valued medicinal plant, widely used in the pharmaceutical industry, therefore its natural habitat is dwindling sharply in the Aral Sea region. Considering the essential role of this salt-tolerant halophyte for ecosystem functions, urgent actions are needed to help restore degraded landscapes. The experiment was conducted during vegetation seasons 2022 and 2023 in saline lands (EC~10-12 dS m-1) of Karakalpakstan using a split-plot design with an RCBD arrangement. The effects of seed bio-treatments, i.e. BIST, Zamin, and Geogumat on the root yield of licorice and its quality as well as microbial community composition in the root rhizosphere were studied in abandoned saline land. Results indicate that the Geogumat application increased the seed germination by 24.3%, root biomass by 37% and glycyrrhizin content by 12.7%. Similarly, Zamin and BIST also significantly enhanced these parameters compared to the control under soil salinity stress. It has been found that licorice as a legume interacted with N2-fixing microbes, thereby significantly increased NPK availability in the soil. The root and shoot biomass increased in response to the seed bio-treatments, most likely because of improved soil microbial activity. The presented eco-friendly research endeavors in this study might be considered as a significant solution to convert abandoned saline lands into sustainable agricultural production, thereby reducing the negative impacts of climate change and restoring ecosystem functionality.Licorice, biofertilizers, saline soil, arid environment, beneficial bacteria, ecosystem sustainability.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.168288810.18393/ejss.1682888Analysis of drought dynamics using SPI and SARIMA models: A case study of the Rostov Region, RussiaVasiliy Gudko gudko.vasily@gmail.comSudeep Tanwar Tatiana Minkina Svetlana Sushkova Alexander Usatov Kirill Azarin Irina Safronenkova Yaroslav Melnik Vadim Voloshchuk Coşkun Gülser Rıdvan Kızılkaya 143208-2182024-11-182025-04-202025-04-242025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Based on precipitation data from six weather stations covering the period 1960–2024, this study presents a retrospective analysis of drought dynamics in the Rostov Region, Russia, and evaluates the potential of the SARIMA model for forecasting moisture regime fluctuations. The Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI) was employed as the primary drought indicator. Two key phases of crop development were analyzed: the vegetation initiation period (March–May), assessed using the three-month SPI of May (SPI-3), and the full active growing season (April–September), assessed using the six-month SPI of September (SPI-6). The Mann-Kendall test revealed a non-significant positive trend in SPI-3 across all stations, while SPI-6 trends were non-significant and varied in direction. The highest frequency of drought events, based on both SPI-3 and SPI-6, occurred during 1960–1969, with a general decline in subsequent decades. The lowest drought frequency was observed during 2010–2019. Notably, the frequency of extreme droughts has shown an increasing trend, posing significant risks to agricultural productivity. Although SARIMA modeling proved useful for short-term forecasting, its application was limited by unrealistic long-term projections and deviations from climatic norms. Consequently, drought forecasts were restricted to a two-year horizon. Nonetheless, the SARIMA approach remains a valuable supplementary tool for anticipating precipitation dynamics and drought events.Drought forecasting, Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), SARIMA model, Vegetation Dynamics, Precipitation variability.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.168368910.18393/ejss.1683689Comparative effects of poultry and cow dung-based composts on soil pH, organic matter, and macronutrient dynamics in a tropical sandy loamFolasade Oluwafisayo Adeyemi princesssadefisayo@yahoo.com143219-2302024-04-162025-04-222025-04-252025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Luxuriant crop development, especially in leafy vegetables, is strongly influenced by soil pH, organic matter, and macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg). However, tropical soils are often deficient in these fertility indicators due to repeated cultivation without proper soil management or restoration. To maintain adequate organic matter content and improve soil nutrient status, research into organic soil fertility restoration strategies has become essential, particularly since inorganic fertilizers are often expensive, scarce, hazardous, and environmentally unfriendly. Cow dung/sawdust (CDS) and poultry dung/sawdust (PDS) have been the primary composting materials used. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effects of CDS and PDS composting on their chemical properties, as well as their impact on selected soil chemical properties. The compost mixtures were separately prepared and composted for 22 weeks at an ambient temperature of 24°C. Temperature changes were recorded fortnightly before watering. Samples from the compost heaps were chemically analyzed at the second and twenty-second weeks. Subsequently, the composts were incubated with soil at a rate of 30 t/ha for 16 weeks under room temperature. Soil pH, organic matter, and macronutrients (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg) were evaluated at 4, 8, 12, and 16 weeks of incubation. Temperature profiles showed higher readings in the CDS heap, suggesting faster composting. At 22 weeks, both composts showed improved chemical properties, with CDS recording higher values across most parameters. During incubation, soil pH, organic matter, N, P, and K increased steadily, indicating ongoing mineralization, whereas Ca and Mg contents declined. Both composts demonstrated potential to increase soil pH, organic matter, and macronutrient levels. However, PDS-treated soils showed greater mineralization of organic matter and macronutrients, making poultry dung/sawdust compost more effective for soil maintenance, fertility restoration, and sustainable crop production.Composts, macro nutrients, management techniques, organic matter, soil fertility restoration.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.168371510.18393/ejss.1683715A Combined application of compost and mineral fertilization enhances plant growth and soil fertility in calcareous clay loam soilsMunir J. Rusan mrusan@just.edu.joRashid Lubani 143231-2392024-12-102025-04-232025-04-252025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Pot experiment was implemented to investigate the effect of compost soil application with and without mineral fertilizers on the plant growth and fertility of calcareous clay loam soils. Randomized complete block design with four replication was used to evaluate the following treatments: i) Control with no compost or fertilizer addition (C); ii) Compost at a rate of 20 ton ha1 (Co); iii) Mineral NPK fertilizer as di-ammonium phosphate and potassium sulfate at a rates of 700 kg and 500 kg ha-1, respectively; (F) and iv) Combined compost and mineral fertilization (CoF). Pots filled with 4 kg soil and seeded with maize were periodically watered to reach field capacity water content. At flowering stage samples of soil and plants were taken were for analysis. The results indicated that application of compost with and/or without mineral fertilizer significantly increased plant growth and nutrients uptake. Moreover, soil organic matter, cation exchange capacity and nutrient contents were also significantly increased by the same treatments. However, the positive effect of the combined compost and mineral fertilization was better than the effect of separate application of each. The obtained results highly recommend the combined application of compost and mineral fertilizers.Compost, Mineral fertilizer, Maize, Calcareous soil.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.168737810.18393/ejss.1687378Soil enzymatic responses to long-term fallowing in Southern Taiga ForestsVyacheslav Polyakov slavon6985@gmail.comRustam Tembotov Timur Nizamutdinov Evgeny Abakumov 143240-2522024-12-102025-04-252025-04-302025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The largest area of land in Russia is located in the fallow state, there is a change in plant communities, physico-chemical parameters of soils and changes in the enzymatic activity of soils. To analyze the condition of fallow and undisturbed soils, we studied different-aged changes in the main physico-chemical parameters of soils, analyzed the features of morphological structure of soils, and also studied the enzymatic activity of soils of such classes of enzymes as hydrolase and oxidoreductase. Sampling was carried out from the upper humus-accumulative horizons of 13 soil sections of the Leningrad and Novgorod regions of Russia. As a result of research, it was revealed that transition of lands to fallow state leads to transformation of soils towards zonal series of soils. Soil transformation is accompanied by a decrease in pH value, content of biogenic elements, with an increase in the content of carbon and biogenic elements in old-age plots. The study of enzyme activity in soils showed that the activity of the studied enzymes at different sites varies differently, depending on land use. Significantly higher activity of oxidoreductases class was noted for soils in which transformation of wood residues takes place and O horizon is formed. A comparative assessment of the biological activity of the studied soils was given using the indicator of total relative enzymatic activity (indicator representing the total biochemical activity of soil based on enzyme analysis). According to the comparative assessment of soil biological activity, it was found that the biological activity increases with increasing time of soils being in fallow state. Thus, to restore soil biochemical activity and agroecosystem stability, long (30-year) fallow periods with secondary forest formation should be maintained, which provides neutral pH, organic carbon accumulation, and maximum enzymatic activity superior to both recently abandoned and arable lands.Hydrolase, North-West of Russia, Oxidoreductase, Podzols, Retisols.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.170380410.18393/ejss.1703804Natural zeolite enhances tomato yield, reduces nitrate accumulation, and immobilizes heavy metals in fertilized dark chestnut soilYerzhan Abildayev Jansulu Yessenbayeva jansulu.yessenbayeva@kaznaru.edu.kzTursunay Vassilina Elmira Yeleuova Liza Zhussupova Aigul Uspabayeva Nurila Baiseitova Klara Azhmoldaeva 143262-2692024-11-182025-05-142025-05-212025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated vegetable crop in Kazakhstan, yet its productivity and quality are often limited by soil degradation, nutrient imbalances, and the excessive use of mineral fertilizers. Natural zeolites, particularly clinoptilolite, offer potential as soil amendments due to their high cation exchange capacity, water retention properties, and ability to regulate nutrient availability. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of natural zeolite (2 t/ha), alone and in combination with two mineral fertilizer doses (N₄₅P₄₅K₄₅ and N₉₀P₉₀K₉₀), on tomato yield, fruit quality, soil heavy metal content, and economic profitability under dark chestnut soil conditions in southeastern Kazakhstan. A field experiment was conducted using a randomized complete block design with six treatments and three replications. Results showed that all treatments increased yield compared to the control (21.7 t/ha), with the highest yield (29.1 t/ha) observed under the zeolite + N₉₀P₉₀K₉₀ treatment. Fruit quality improved in terms of dry matter (up to 5.46%) and sugar content (up to 3.80%) with zeolite and fertilizer combinations. Nitrate accumulation in fruits was highest under N₉₀P₉₀K₉₀ alone (78 mg/kg) but decreased significantly when combined with zeolite (64 mg/kg), indicating the mineral’s capacity to reduce nitrate uptake. Heavy metal analysis revealed that zeolite reduced the bioavailability of cadmium and lead in soil, keeping concentrations below permissible limits. Economic evaluation indicated that the zeolite-only treatment provided the highest profitability (171%) due to relatively low input costs and moderate yield gains. Overall, the results demonstrate that zeolite, especially when integrated with moderate fertilizer inputs, enhances tomato productivity, improves fruit safety, and supports sustainable soil management. Its use can be particularly beneficial in resource-limited and environmentally sensitive agricultural systems.Tomato, zeolite, clinoptilolite, mineral fertilizers, nitrate, heavy metals, yield, sustainable agriculture.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.168857210.18393/ejss.1688572Agronomic efficiency of fertilization in triticale cultivationSvetla Kostadinova Rumyana Georgieva r_georgieva@au-plovdiv.bgHristofor Kirchev 143263-2612025-02-052025-04-252025-05-012025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The present study aims to investigate how fertilization levels impact the partial factor productivity of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in triticale. The experiment was set up in four repetitions on the experimental field of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv for three years after the predecessor sunflower. The field trial included three triticale varieties: Kolorit (standard), Trismart, and Musala grown at two fertilization levels N60P50K20 and N120P100K40. Fertilization levels significantly affected the partial productivity values of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, either separately or in total, regarding the productivity of grain and grain protein in the three triticale varieties. The average partial productivity of nutrients over the study period decreased as the level of fertilization increased. For each unit of nutrients applied, less grain or grain protein was produced at higher fertilizer rate compared to a lower one. Specifically, the results from the double fertilization rate of N120P100K40 showed that the efficiency of each kilogram of nutrient imported was lower. The average partial productivity of applied PFP-NPK nutrients was higher at the low N60P50K20 fertilization level. The climatic conditions during the triticale vegetation had a significant effect on the partial productivity of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium for grain yield. Тhe lowest values of the partial productivity were found in the variety Trismart grown at N120P100K40 level in the unfavourable climatic 2017. The productivity of all three elements was highest in the variety Musala, fertilized with N60P50K20 in 2019. Unfavourable conditions in 2017 reduced the partial productivity of nitrogen for grain by 40.0 kg kg-1 at the level of N60P50K20 and by 15.6 kg kg-1 at N120P100K40. Drought resulted in lower grain production per unit of phosphorus and potassium applied.Agronomic efficiency, fertilization, partial productivity, triticale.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.170381610.18393/ejss.1703816Effects of vermicompost application rates and irrigation regimes on tomato yield, nutrient uptake and soil properties under greenhouse conditionsZumrud Guliyeva Shaban Maxsudov Samira Garibova Nargiz Ashurova Azade Aliyeva Sevinj Novruzova Sahil Guliyev sguliyev@ada.edu.az143270-2792024-12-202025-05-142025-05-212025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a widely cultivated horticultural crop that responds sensitively to both nutrient availability and water management. The use of vermicompost as an organic fertilizer offers potential to improve plant productivity and soil health, especially under conditions of limited irrigation. This greenhouse study aimed to investigate the effects of different vermicompost application rates and irrigation levels on tomato yield, leaf nutrient uptake, and post-harvest soil properties. The experiment was conducted using a clay soil with low fertility characteristics (organic matter 1.15%, total N 0.06%, available P 5.26 mg/kg) and vermicompost rich in nutrients (total N 1.52%, total P 0.46%, total K 2.85%). Treatments consisted of four vermicompost rates (0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1.0 t/da) combined with three irrigation levels (100%, 75%, and 50% of field capacity) in a completely randomized design with three replications. Tomato plants were grown under controlled greenhouse conditions, and yield per plant, leaf nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), post-harvest soil nutrient status, and biological properties (microbial biomass carbon, soil respiration, enzyme activities) were evaluated. Results indicated that both vermicompost and irrigation level significantly affected tomato yield, which increased from 4.90 kg/plant (control, 50% FC) to 8.00 kg/plant (1.0 t/da, 100% FC). Leaf nutrient concentrations and soil available N, P, K, Ca, and Mg were significantly improved with higher vermicompost doses. Soil microbial biomass and enzymatic activities also responded positively to vermicompost, while water stress had suppressive effects. The interaction between vermicompost and irrigation was generally not significant, suggesting additive but independent effects. In conclusion, the application of vermicompost at 1.0 t/da improved tomato yield, nutrient uptake, and soil quality indicators, even under moderate water stress. This study supports the integration of organic amendments and optimized irrigation as a sustainable strategy for tomato production in protected cultivation systems.Vermicompost, irrigation levels, tomato yield, soil fertility, greenhouse cultivation.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.170382210.18393/ejss.1703822Biochar application enhances soil nutrient availability and microbial biomass in Chernozemic soilTolulope Yetunde Akande tolulopeakande50@gmail.comToluwase Oreoluwa Adegoke Hongyan Wang 143280-2892024-12-182025-05-152025-05-212025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Field research was conducted for two years to evaluate the effect of corn straw biochar on soil chemical properties and microbial biomass of Chernozemic soil in Northern Province, China. The research set up was randomized complete block design with three replicates. A one-time application of biochar was done with the use of ploughing machine to a depth of 20 cm in the first year without further application in the second year. Each treatment plot size was 25 m2. Biochar (BC) was applied at three doses: control (BC0), 15 (BC15), and 30 (BC30) t ha−1. The doses of biochar significantly increased soil organic carbon (SOC), soil pH, the available nitrogen (AN), phosphorus (AP), and potassium (AK) as compared to the plots with no biochar additions (control) in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth. Biochar at 30 t ha−1 (BC30) relatively increased soil organic carbon (SOC), available nitrogen (AN), phosphorus (AP), and potassium (AK) in 0-15 and 15-30 cm in both years than biochar at 15 t ha-1(BC15). Soil pH increased in the first year compared to the control while no significant changes was noticed in the succeeding year. Biochar incorporation resulted in considerable increases in soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN) and phosphorus (MBP) in 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depth in both years. Overall, the results of this study suggested that highest dose of corn straw biochar (30 t ha-1) could enhance restoration of soil health by boosting soil nutrients availability and enhancing microbial activities in Chernozemic soils.Biochar, available nutrients, microbial biomass pool, Chernozemic soil.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.171316310.18393/ejss.1713163Effects of poultry manure and graded nitrogen fertilizer doses on wheat yield, plant and soil nutrient contents, and soil electrical conductivity under greenhouse conditionsZhainagul Yertayeva Kalamkas Kulanbay k.kylanbai@mail.ruDinara Seidazimova Elmira Yeleuova Liza Zhussupova Gulzhan Zhaksybayeva Bakhytkul Kenzhaliyeva Khansulu Kuspangaliyeva 143290-2972024-12-132025-05-252025-06-032025-07-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The integration of organic and inorganic fertilizers is gaining importance as a strategy to improve crop yield while maintaining soil health and reducing environmental risks. Poultry manure is a nutrient-rich organic amendment that can enhance soil fertility and partially replace synthetic nitrogen (N) fertilizers. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of poultry manure applied at six rates (0, 250, 500, 750, 1000, and 2000 kg/da) in combination with a fixed dose of chemical N fertilizer (20 kg N/da) on wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield, plant nutrient composition (N, P, K, Ca, Mg), soil nutrient availability, and soil electrical conductivity (EC) under greenhouse conditions. The experiment was conducted in 5 kg pots filled with clay loam soil (pH 7.6; CaCO₃ 9.6%; OM 1.35%). All pots received uniform basal applications of P and K (20 kg/da each). After 90 days, plants and soils were analyzed for nutrient contents. Results showed that grain yield significantly increased with manure application, reaching a peak of 5.74 kg/pot at 1000 kg/da. Grain N, K, and Ca contents increased significantly, while P and Mg showed minor or statistically non-significant trends. Soil nutrient levels also improved across all manure doses, particularly for N, K, and Ca. However, soil EC increased steadily from 1.39 to 3.12 dS/m with increasing manure dose, indicating a risk of salinity buildup at high application rates. The results suggest that poultry manure, when applied at moderate doses, can effectively improve wheat yield and nutrient availability while reducing the need for synthetic N fertilizers. However, EC monitoring is essential to avoid salinity-related constraints, especially in greenhouse or poorly drained conditions.Poultry manure, wheat yield, plant nutrient content, soil fertility, nitrogen substitution, electrical conductivity.