Recent  

Storing C in subsoils can help mitigate climate change, but this requires a better understanding of subsoil C dynamics. We investigated changes in subsoil C storage under a combination of compost, cover crops (WCC), and mineral fertilizer and found that systems with compost + WCC had ~19 Mg/ha more C after 25 years. This increase was attributed to increased transport of soluble C and nutrients via WCC root pores and demonstrates the potential for subsoil C storage in tilled agricultural systems.

Unravelling relationships between plant rhizosheath, root exudation and soil C dynamic may bring interesting perspectives in breeding for sustainable agriculture. Using four pearl millet lines with contrasting rhizosheaths, we found that δ¹³C and F¹⁴C of root-adhering soil differed from those of bulk and control soil, indicating C exudation in the rhizosphere. This C exudation varied according to the genotype, and conceptual modelling performed with data showed a genotypic effect on the RPE.

Pineapple–banana rotation combined with bio-organic fertilizer application is effective in Fusarium wilt suppression. Bacterial and fungal communities are changed. Large changes in the fungal community and special Burkholderia functions in the network are likely the most responsible factors for soil-borne disease suppression. Pineapple–banana rotation combined with bio-organic fertilizer application has strong potential for the sustainable management of banana Fusarium wilt disease.

To scrutinize the contribution of agricultural plastic covers to plastic pollution, we quantified soil-associated plastic debris (≤ 2 mm) in and around agricultural fields covered with different plastics. PP fleeces and 50 µm thick PE films did not emit significant amounts of plastic debris into soil during their 4-month use. However, thinner and perforated PE foils (40 µm) were associated with elevated PE contents of up to 35 mg kg⁻¹. Their long-term use may thus favor plastic accumulation.

Phosphorus (P) is essential for life. We studied microbial processes driving the P cycle in soils developed on the same rock but with different ages (0–100 years) in a cold desert. Compared to previous studies under cold climate, we found much slower weathering of P-containing minerals of soil development, likely due to aridity. However, microbes dominate short-term dynamics and progressively redistribute P from the rock into more available forms, making it available for plants at later stages.

Biochar is purported to alter soil water dynamics and reduce nutrient loss when added to soils, though the mechanisms are often unexplored. We studied the ability of seven biochars to alter the soil chemical and physical environment. The flow of ammonium through biochar-amended soil was determined to be controlled through chemical affinity, and nitrate, to a lesser extent, through physical entrapment. These data will assist land managers in choosing biochars for specific agricultural outcomes.