This study reviews how different conventional (e.g., thermal treatment, soil washing) and low-impact (e.g., bioremediation) soil remediation methods impact soil health. By analysing scientific studies, it shows that conventional techniques remove contaminants quickly but often damage key soil properties, while low-impact techniques better preserve or even improve soil health. The findings highlight the need to balance risk reduction with soil functionality to consider soil health from the start.

To improve understanding of how coffee farming affects soil carbon storage, we reviewed 80 studies and found large differences in methods and reporting. Based on this evidence, we propose clear guidance for future research, including better study design, deeper soil sampling, careful measurement of soil density, and transparent reporting. Stronger and more consistent methods are needed so that research can produce reliable evidence to guide climate policy and sustainable coffee management.

Improving soil hydraulic properties by incorporating and mulching crop residues is a widely used management strategy. In this study, we show that the benefits in water retention were stronger with higher residue amounts but faded as the residues decomposed, especially for the fast‑decaying shoots. Taking into account the temporal dynamics of biodegradation and crop residue quality is particularly important for water simulations in soil-crop-atmosphere models.