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Key research themes
1. How can hierarchical soil-landscape information improve prediction of soil physical properties for site-specific management?
This research area focuses on enhancing the accuracy and spatial applicability of pedotransfer functions (PTFs) and soil bulk density predictions by incorporating hierarchical soil-landscape mapping data. By linking soil physical property estimation with soil groups, land systems, and landscape classifications, the studies aim to better capture spatial variability critical for precision agriculture and ecosystem service assessments.
Key finding: This study found that using hierarchical soil mapping information such as land systems classes or soil groups significantly improved the accuracy of existing pedotransfer functions in predicting oven-dry soil bulk density... Read more
Key finding: Reinforcing findings from paper 94141271, this work confirmed that knowledge of soil-landscape maps enhances the predictive power of PTFs for BD within southern Italy’s farmland. The study supports the hypothesis that... Read more
Key finding: By employing a toposequence model and landscape-scale spatial soil variation analysis, this study identified distinctive soil properties correlated with topographic positions, including variations in pH, texture, nutrient... Read more
Key finding: This study utilized geoforms, soil-landscape relationships and remote sensing within a geopedologic survey to map soil units across a large semiarid region with diverse geomorphology. Classifying map units by integrated... Read more
Key finding: Linking remote sensing-derived rubber distribution maps to soil suitability and digital elevation model-derived landscape attributes revealed strong relationships between cultivation patterns and underlying soil and... Read more
2. What roles do soils play in sustaining ecosystems and human societies, and how can their multifunctionality be measured and managed sustainably?
This research area examines soils as living, heterogeneous natural bodies fundamental to ecosystem functioning, habitat creation, nutrient cycling, and agricultural productivity. It investigates soil ecosystem concepts, biodiversity within soils, their cultural and economic importance, and how soil functions relate to ecosystem services. This theme emphasizes soil conservation, restoration, and multifunctional management to balance human needs with environmental health, underpinning sustainability goals.
Key finding: Revisiting Tansley’s original ecosystem definition, the authors argue soils qualify as self-regulating ecosystems comprising complex interactions among living and non-living components that cycle matter and sustain stability.... Read more
Key finding: Focusing on Indian soils, this work describes the heterogeneity of physical, chemical, and biological properties across soil types, emphasizing their roles in supporting crop productivity and sustaining ecosystems. It... Read more
Key finding: This article calls attention to the pivotal societal and environmental roles of soil, emphasizing the need to reconnect soil science with societal needs amid declining academic engagement. It critiques the academic isolation... Read more
Key finding: By characterizing soils morphologically, physically, and chemically in a key agricultural district, this study provides critical data for appropriate land use and nutrient management. Identifying soil nutrient deficiencies,... Read more
3. How can urban soils be characterized and managed to enhance ecosystem services and maintain soil biodiversity in rapidly expanding urban landscapes?
This theme addresses the complex and dynamic nature of urban soils, which experience unique disturbances, contamination, and management regimes. Research focuses on defining urban soils, understanding their biological communities, roles in urban ecosystems, and interactions with anthropogenic processes. It also highlights the challenges and opportunities posed by urban expansion for soil health, habitat provision, and multifunctionality, aiming to inform urban environmental planning and sustainability.
Key finding: Urban soils are defined as diverse materials influenced heavily by human activities, including disturbed, filled, engineered, and sealed soils. Despite disturbances, these soils harbor unique microbial and invertebrate... Read more
Key finding: Although presented as a book chapter overview, this work emphasizes the multifunctionality of urban soils and their integral functions such as food production, pollution mitigation, and habitat provision within urban... Read more
Key finding: Connecting soil science with arts and humanities, this paper highlights soil as a cultural and visual entity, fostering public awareness of soil importance beyond traditional scientific boundaries. It argues that artistic... Read more