EJSSEurasian Journal of Soil ScienceEurasian J Soil Sci2147 - 4249Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societieshttp://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.171321510.18393/ejss.1713215Analyzing soil erosion dynamics driven by long term land use changes: Integrating sustainable land use strategiesAykut Çağlar aykut.caglar@tarimorman.gov.trOrhan Dengiz 144298-3122024-12-182025-05-262025-06-032025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Erosion presents a significant challenge to the efficient use and sustainability of soil resources in the context of land use and management. The aim of the present study is to assess soil losses and determine erosion risk categories in sub-basins located within the borders of basins areas of Samsun province over a period of approximately 30 years (between 1989-2020) using the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) methodology. Based on the collected data, we plan to propose conservation measures to mitigate soil erosion in the sub-basins using the Sustainable Land Use Planning (SLUP) model. We first analysed the land use and land cover of the basin between 1989 and 2020, identifying temporal changes during this period. The study found that the use of pasture areas in the basin decreased from 12079 ha in 1989 to 10094 ha in 2020, marking a significant proportional decrease of 16%. In contrast, artificial areas doubled over a period of approximately 31 years, indicating the highest increase with 86%. The calculated average soil losses for 1989 and 2020 were 7.53 t/ha/year and 7.86 t/ha/year, respectively. After analysing the changes in land use and erosion levels between 1989 and 2020, it is clear that the increase in agricultural area is mainly due to changes in pasture areas. Therefore, it is essential to implement soil conservation measures and modify tillage techniques in areas classified as having erosion degrees of 4.0 and 5.0, while considering SLUP in the basin.Erosion, Sustainable land use planning, RUSLE.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.171860110.18393/ejss.1718601Evaluation of foliar biostimulants and micronutrient complexes for improving tomato growth, yield, and fruit quality in Southeastern KazakhstanTemirzhan Aitbayev Akbope Aitbayeva Zhainagul Yertayeva jain_0404@mail.ruEvgeny Petrov Berik Zorzhanov Bekzat Turegeldiyev Elmira Yeleuova 144313-3242024-12-122025-06-052025-06-122025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum L.) is a vital horticultural crop in Kazakhstan, especially in the southern and southeastern regions, where yields often fall short of their biological potential. This study evaluated the effects of selected foliar-applied biostimulants and micronutrient formulations on vegetative growth, yield, fruit quality, and economic performance of tomato under the agroecological conditions of Southeastern Kazakhstan. The experimental design included seven treatments: six commercial products—Fitolaza, Nano Sulfur, Scudo, Calcium Humate, CompleMet-Tomato, and BioSok Energy—applied individually or in combination, alongside a non-treated control. All treatments improved vegetative parameters such as plant height, stem diameter, leaf number, and total biomass. The T3 treatment (Fitolaza + Nano Sulfur) consistently delivered superior performance across all growth stages and achieved the highest fruit yield (26.10 t/ha), representing a 31.49% increase over the control. T7 (CompleMet-Tomato) and T5 (Calcium Humate) also demonstrated notable yield improvements. Biochemical analyses revealed that these treatments enhanced dry matter, total sugar, and vitamin C content in fruits, while keeping nitrate levels below the permissible threshold. Economic evaluation identified T3 as the most profitable treatment (USD 1,932.99/ha), followed by T7 and T5, with profitability rates exceeding 140%. These results highlight the potential of foliar biostimulant strategies to enhance both productivity and profitability in tomato cultivation, offering a viable path toward more sustainable and resource-efficient horticultural practices.Tomato, biostimulant, foliar fertilizer, yield, fruit quality, economic efficiency, Southeastern Kazakhstan.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.172514410.18393/ejss.1725144Single biochar application enhanced the effectiveness of organic fertilizers in a continuously cropped soilYetunde Bunmi Oyeyiola yboyeyiola@lautech.edu.ngMbappe Tanga Francis Bayo Lewu 144325-3352025-01-292025-06-172025-06-232025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers has profound environmental implications that organic fertility options can circumvent. Lower macronutrient contents that warrant higher tonnage application rates hinders achieving higher relative agronomic efficiencies (RAE) in these organic fertilizers. The effects of short-term usage of organic fertilizers on selected soil and plant parameters and the potential of harnessing biochar’s unique characteristics to improve RAE of other organic fertilizers at reduced application rates were evaluated. The seven-year (2015 to 2021) field trial composed of two near raw organic fertilizers: Gliricidia sepium leaves (GL) and poultry manure (PM) and two composted organic materials: sole compost (SC) and bone meal fortified SC termed phosphocompost (PC). There were also two control treatments: chemical fertilizer (sole CF) and absolute control (AC). Each organic fertilizer was applied at 5 t ha-1 during 2015 to 2019 cropping seasons. In 2021, biochar was coapplied at 0.5 t ha-1 with the other organic fertilizer at a reduced rate of 2.5 t ha-1. Data taken on soil organic carbon (SOC), available P, dry grain (DGY) shoot weights (DSW), and grain N and P contents at the end of the 2015, 2019, and 2021 cropping seasons were subjected to analysis of variance. Treatment means of the selected years were compared using Chi-square at P<0.01, followed by computation of the RAE of each organic fertilizer with and without biochar application. Sole CF reduced SOC and DSW of maize by 145.8 and 3.2%, respectively. Sole near raw organic fertilizers reduced SOC by 18.8% (GL) and 19.2% (PM), while SC increased it by 16.4%. One-time biochar spiking at reduced organic fertilizer rate increased SOC, available P, grain yield, P, and N contents. The RAE of the near to raw organic fertilizers were more responsive to biochar in enhancing SOC and grain P contents while biochar favored composted organic fertilizers for enhanced soil available P, grain, and shoot weights. Biochar, compost, green manure, organic fertilizers, poultry manure, relative agronomic efficiency. http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175026910.18393/ejss.1750269Comparative agrochemical assessment of cultivated soils in East Kazakhstan: Implications for site-specific fertility managementGulnara Tastanbekova Zhenisbek Abdraimov Kalamkas Kulanbay k.kylanbai@mail.ruAbdugani Azimov Marat Atеmov Zhanibek Akbar Bakhytzhan Shayanbekova Adylkhan Balmakhanov 144336-3442024-12-272025-07-182025-07-242025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Soil degradation driven by climate variability and unsustainable land use represents a growing challenge for agriculture in semi-arid and continental regions. This study presents a comparative agrochemical assessment of cultivated soils from two peasant farms—«Druzhba» (Ulansky District) and «Tamerlan & K» (Glubokovsky District)—in the East Kazakhstan Region. The objective was to evaluate site-specific fertility characteristics under contrasting climatic and landscape conditions and to provide practical recommendations for sustainable nutrient management. Composite soil samples were collected from three depth intervals (0–20, 20–40, and 40–60 cm) and analyzed for humus content, nitrate nitrogen, available phosphorus and potassium, sulfur, and pH using standardized GOST methodologies. The results revealed moderate fertility status in both farms, with humus levels ranging from 2.21% to 3.79%. Available nitrogen levels were relatively balanced; however, phosphorus availability was notably deficient in portions of the Tamerlan & K farm, posing potential constraints for phosphorus-demanding crops. Potassium and sulfur concentrations were generally adequate, while soil pH ranged from 7.00 to 7.47—slightly alkaline but within an acceptable range for most crops. Based on the agrochemical profiles and average nutrient uptake values, crop-specific fertilization strategies were developed. High-demand crops such as maize, sunflower, potato, and sugar beet require full NPK fertilization, while cereals like wheat and barley may be managed using NP fertilizers, supplemented with potassium every two to three years. The adoption of fertigation systems and the use of liquid organomineral fertilizers are recommended to enhance nutrient use efficiency and buffer heat and drought stress conditions. Furthermore, pH adjustment and organic matter restoration are critical to improve micronutrient availability and sustain long-term soil health. Overall, the study underscores the importance of adaptive, data-driven nutrient management approaches tailored to the agroecological diversity and evolving climate realities of East Kazakhstan.Agrochemical properties, Soil fertility, Nutrient management, Organomineral fertilizers, East Kazakhstan, Climate-resilient agriculture.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175027810.18393/ejss.1750278Fungi population and soil chemical and physical properties across different vegetation stands in andisols soil profilesJaka Suyana jokosuyonouns@staff.uns.ac.idDhany Eko Prasetyo Sindi Fauziah Endang Setia Muliawati Ongko Cahyono 144345-3582024-12-102025-07-192025-07-242025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Knowledge about the forest stands and upland farming affect soil biological, physical, and chemical properties is crucial for land management. This research was to evaluate the relationship of fungi population and soil physical and chemical properties across different vegetation stands in Andisols soil profiles. Soil sampling was conducted on Mount Merbabu National Park (puspa (Schima noronhae Theaceae) and pine (Pinus merkusii Pinaceae)) and upland farming. Each stands was made a pedon with 3 replications, and each pedon was sampled at soil profile depths 0-100 cm (0-10, 10-20, 20-30, 30-50, 50-70, and 70-100 cm) so 54 soil samples were obtained. The soil samples were then analyzed: fungi population by the Spread Plate Count method, soil pH by pH meter, soil organic matter (SOM) by Walkley and Black method, soil moisture by gravimetric method, and soil porosity by estimating from bulk density and particle density values. The results showed that puspa had the highest means fungi population, SOM, and soil moisture which were significantly different from pine and upland farming; the highest fungi population and SOM content in each stands was produced in the top layer (0-10 cm) and decreases with increasing soil depth; the lowest soil moisture was obtained in the top layer and increases with increasing soil depth; and fungi population had a highly significant relationship with SOM and soil moisture in puspa (r = 0.809** and r = -0.591**), pine (r = 0.894** and r = -0.746**), and upland farming (r = 0.624** and r = -0.604**). Puspa had the highest fungi population, SOM, and soil moisture compared to other stands types, so that puspa can be recommended as a good type of revegetation plant for forest ecosystem conservation.Fungi population, forest stands, soil chemical, soil physical, upland farming.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175334610.18393/ejss.1753346Optimization and evaluation of wastewater and groundwater blending for irrigation in Arid Regions of KazakhstanKhansulu Kuspangaliyeva Orken Baimakhanov Botagoz Absatova Bauyrzhan Otarbayev Abzal Shegenbayev Gulnur Daldabayeva Asylkhan Shomantayev Perizat Bulanbayeva perizat.bulanbayeva@mail.ru144359-3752024-12-182025-07-262025-07-292025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies This study evaluates the suitability of wastewater from the Modular Wastewater Treatment Plant (MWTS) in Tasboget village, Kyzylorda region, Kazakhstan, for agricultural irrigation, in alignment with the nation's "Concept for Transition to a Green Economy" (2013). Considering the severe challenges such as water scarcity and soil degradation in arid regions, the potential of treated wastewater as a sustainable resource is critically important. Through comprehensive physicochemical and microbiological analyses, the baseline quality of untreated wastewater was assessed, examining mineralization, toxic components, fecal coliform levels, and the risks of soil salinization and sodicity. The findings unequivocally reveal that untreated wastewater is unsuitable for direct irrigation due to its high mineralization (e.g., EC: 3.6 dS/m, TDS: 2304 mg/L), elevated chloride content (18.2 meq/L), high organic load (BOD: 120 mg/L), and significant microbial contamination (fecal coliform: 5,200 CFU/100 mL), all exceeding national and international standards. However, strategically blending this wastewater with clean groundwater at an optimal 1:3 ratio significantly improved its quality. This dilution reduced EC to 1.4 dS/m, SAR to 5.2, BOD to 45 mg/L, and fecal coliform to 800 CFU/100 mL, achieving a remarkable 93% suitability rating according to established agro-reclamation standards. The impacts of the optimized blend on soil quality were also positive; the 1:3 mix maintained soil EC (5.3 dS/m) and SAR (8.6) close to pre-irrigation levels, preserving soil structure and permeability. Furthermore, biomass yields and vigor of crops like alfalfa (8.5 t/ha), poplar (4.0 t/ha), and elm (3.4 t/ha) significantly increased under diluted wastewater application, with observed lower salinity stress compared to plots irrigated with untreated wastewater. This optimized blend minimizes environmental risks, enhances soil reclamation, and enables sustainable irrigation for both agricultural crops and woody plantations. The study emphasizes the importance of long-term soil and yield monitoring to ensure ecological stability and advocates for wastewater reuse as a viable and sustainable strategy to address water scarcity and promote resilient agriculture in arid regions. Our findings indicate that wastewater blending technology offers significant implications for regional water management policies and agricultural development.Wastewater irrigation, soil salinization, modular treatment, sodicity, blending technology, sustainable agriculture, water scarcity, agricultural resilience.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175491310.18393/ejss.1754913Production of Chlorella-based liquid fertilizer from dairy wastewater to reduce synthetic fertilizer useAruma Handi Anjalee Tharindi Eranga De Silva Nalina Gnanavelrajah nalina@univ.jfn.ac.lk Balachandran Ketheesan Kasthuri Kajeevan Mahajini Rivenderan 144376-3852024-12-102025-07-212025-07-312025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The purpose of this investigation was to assess the efficiency of using dairy wastewater-grown Chlorella sp. (C) as a liquid organic fertilizer (LOF) when used in combination with inorganic or organic fertilizer on finger millet (Eleusine coracana L.). The nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) content of the CLOF was 1.00±0.04, 0.58±0.04 and 0.67±0.005 percentage respectively. A greenhouse pot experiment was arranged with nine treatments and four replicates in CRD design. The treatments included T1 – control, T2- 100% inorganic fertilizer (IF), T3 – 75% IF +25% CLOF, T4 – 50% IF + 50% CLOF, T5 – 25% IF + 75% CLOF, T6 – 100% Vermicompost (VC), T7 – 75% VC + 50% CLOF, T8 – 50% VC + 50% CLOF and T9 – 25% VC + 75% CLOF. T4 (50% IF + 50% CLOF) showed the highest values across most agronomic parameters, including: plant height (95.23±2.21 cm), number of leaves (18±1), leaf length (76.33±4.46 cm), leaf width (1.80±0.10 cm), flower number (13±1.00), ear number (13±1.00), tiller number (10.33±0.58), finger number (52±5), fresh grain weight (11.48±1.13 g/plant), and dry grain weight (6.89±1.04 g/plant) which was comparable to T2. Additionally, T8 and T3 showed comparable values in most growth parameters and yield as that of T2. Nutrient analysis of plant tissues confirmed that the use of CLOF improved the nutrient uptake. Although T2 had the highest N (4.62±0.40 g/plant), it was not significantly different from that of T4 (3.92-±0.30 g/plant). T4 recorded the highest P (0.36±0.01 g/plant) and K (5.24±0.19 g/plant), also with no significant differences from T2, indicating balanced nutrient contribution from CLOF. This study highlights that CLOF, produced from recycled dairy wastewater, is a promising nutrient source that not only enhances crop performance but also reduces reliance on inorganic or bulk organic fertilizers.Chlorella sp., dairy wastewater, Eleusine coracana, liquid fertilizer.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175977110.18393/ejss.1759771Agroecological soil properties changes and treated wastewater management in arid regions: A case study from the Kyzylorda Region, KazakhstanGulnur Daldabayeva daldabaevag@gmail.comAsylkhan Shomantayev Serikbay Umirzakov Sultanbek Tauipbayev Zhanuzak Baimanov Abzal Shegenbayev Meruyert Kopen Almasbek Berdibek 144386-3972025-01-092025-08-032025-08-062025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies This study comprehensively assessed the agroecological characteristics and dynamics of soil cover in an experimental plot within the Syrdarya Delta's lower reaches in Kyzylorda Region, Kazakhstan, aiming to provide scientific data for developing sustainable cultivation practices for woody and forage crops amidst escalating water scarcity and soil degradation due to climate change and intensive agriculture. The methodology involved detailed physicochemical analyses of soil samples collected from upper (0-40 cm) and lower (below 40 cm) tiers of an experimental site in Tasboget village, specifically prepared with land leveling and irrigated using treated wastewater, with samples taken initially and after a vegetation period following GOST standards. Key analytical findings revealed significant and detrimental alterations in soil properties, particularly in the vital upper layers, including a shift in mechanical composition, a notable increase in pH (from 8.10 to 8.60), an alarming 1100% rise in sodium (Na⁺) content, dramatic increases in sulfate (SO₄²⁻), and a significant decrease in crucial humus content (up to 58.70%). These adverse changes profoundly undermined the soil's capacity to support plant life, evidenced by a very low (39.20%) survival rate of tree plantations, while lower tiers also exhibited persistent alkalinity and humus depletion alongside chloride and sodium accumulation; field observations further highlighted that higher irrigation volumes led to salt leaching and secondary salinization risks. In conclusion, intensive land leveling and inappropriate irrigation practices in this arid region severely degrade soil health, leading to increased alkalinity, salinity, and crucial humus depletion, creating a highly challenging environment for agricultural sustainability and plant establishment, thus underscoring the critical need for integrated and adaptive soil management strategies, including judicious irrigation, targeted agro-meliorative methods, and the responsible utilization of treated wastewater, which collectively offer an empirically-supported scientific foundation for effective land reclamation and optimized irrigation regimes to enhance the long-term productivity and sustainability of agricultural lands in Kazakhstan's challenging arid environments.Soil degradation, salinity, ph, humus, arid regions, sustainable agriculture.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.175980110.18393/ejss.1759801Spatial variability of cotton potassium nutrition in relation to soil cations in agricultural fieldsHalil Aytop Cafer Hakan Yılmaz chakanyilmaz@gmail.comÖmer Faruk Demir 144398-4062025-02-242025-07-302025-08-072025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies The adequacy of potassium (K) in plants is influenced not only by the amount of extractable K in the soil, but also by the presence and balance of other essential cations such as magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca). However, Mg and Ca are often overlooked in soil fertility assessments. Therefore, this research aimed to investigate K availability in cotton-growing agricultural soils, examine potential K deficiencies induced by high Mg and Ca levels, and map their spatial distribution. The research was conducted in the Amik Plain of Hatay Province, located in the easternmost part of Türkiye’s Mediterranean region. Ammonium acetate extraction for soils and wet digestion for plant tissues were used to determine K, Ca, and Mg contents. Relationships between soil and plant parameters were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation, while spatial trends of potassium deficiency linked to high Ca and Mg were modeled through Kriging interpolation. The results revealed that soil Ca and Mg levels were considerably higher than K, which adversely affected plant K uptake. K/Mg and K/Ca ratios in soil were found to range between 0.04–1.02 and 0.02–0.14, respectively. Leaf K concentrations varied between 0.47% and 3.25%, indicating widespread K deficiency. Contrary to the common assumption that soils rich in K do not cause deficiency, the findings showed that 57.1% of cotton plants grown in K-rich soils exhibited hidden K deficiency. Therefore, K/Ca, K/Mg, and K/(Ca+Mg) ratios should be considered when evaluating K availability in soils with high extractable K.Amik Plain, hidden hunger, Kriging, K/Ca ratio, K/Mg ratio, sources of K deficiency.http://ejss.fesss.org/10.18393/ejss.178949710.18393/ejss.1789497Ecological and agronomic effects of a microbiological biostimulant on growth, yield, and soil fertility in French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)Guguli Dumbadze dumbadze.guguli@bsu.edu.geDavit Baratashvili Lali Jgenti Nelson Wafula Nunu Chaghkhiani-Anasashvili Roza Lortkipanidze 144407-4162025-01-192025-09-162025-09-232025-10-01 Copyright © 2016 The authors and Federation of Eurasian Soil Science Societies Sustainable production of legumes in sub-Saharan Africa is increasingly threatened by soil degradation, nutrient depletion, and climate variability, underscoring the need for eco-friendly inputs that enhance productivity while supporting soil health. French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), a short-cycle and high-value crop, is particularly sensitive to these constraints and thus provides an ideal model for evaluating bio-organic solutions. This study assessed the agronomic performance and ecological safety of Bonliga, a Georgian-developed microbiological biostimulant containing 10% organic matter, 1.2% nitrogen, 5% potassium, 5% calcium, and a microbial consortium including Bacillus spp., Azotobacter chroococcum, Cellulomonas uda, and Bacillus megaterium, all known for roles in nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, and soil organic matter decomposition. Multi-location field trials were conducted in four Kenyan agro-ecological zones (Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Machakos, Murang’a), where B Bonliga was applied at 2.0, 2.5, and 3.0 L ha⁻¹, alongside a commercial seaweed-based biostimulant and an untreated control. A randomized complete block design with three replications was used, and growth traits (plant height, leaf number, canopy spread), yield parameters (pod length, pod number, pod weight, and marketable yield), phytotoxicity, and soil fertility dynamics were evaluated. Results demonstrated that Bonliga significantly improved plant growth and pod yield across all sites, with the 2.5 L ha⁻¹ dose achieving the best balance between productivity and input efficiency. Pod yields were consistently higher than both the control and the reference product, while no phytotoxic effects were observed. Post-harvest soil analyses further revealed improvements in organic matter, total organic carbon, cation exchange capacity, and nutrient availability, indicating Bonliga’s dual role as a crop growth promoter and soil conditioner. These findings confirm Bonliga as a safe, sustainable, and climate-resilient bio-organic input with strong potential for integration into smallholder horticultural systems in sub-Saharan Africa.French bean, Microbiological biostimulant, Sustainable agriculture, Soil fertility, Sub-Saharan Africa.