Themed collection Topic Collection: Agriculture, Soil and Plants
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Biochar implications in cleaner agricultural production and environmental sustainability
Biochar production and utilization is proposed as an innovative approach for enhancing food production and climate change mitigation. Globally, biochar has the potential to increase crop productivity by ∼11% and reduces annual human-induced GHG emissions by ∼12%.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1042-1059
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00324D
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Potential of microalgae and cyanobacteria to improve soil health and agricultural productivity: a critical view
Microalgae are a source of scientific curiosity and inspiration for their utilization as ‘inoculants’ in agriculture and the commercial production of high-value products.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 586-611
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00158F
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A review on global energy use patterns in major crop production systems
This study presents the energy assessment of 49 different crops in various countries. Energy utilization in diversified crop operations has been discussed.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 662-679
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00126H
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Changes of labile, stable and water-soluble fractions of biochar after two years in a vineyard soil
The long-term stability of biochar in soil is a key factor for carbon storage and agro-environmental benefits in soil applications.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1587-1599
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00197K
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Large-scale measurement of soil organic carbon using compact near-infrared spectrophotometers: effect of soil sample preparation and the use of local modelling
Compact NIR instruments are a cost-effective alternative for large-scale SOC determination. The best performance was found using local modelling and soil sample preparation.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 1372-1381
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3VA00046J
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A baseline survey of potentially toxic elements in the soil of north-west Syria following a decade of conflict
The first regional topsoil sampling campaign since 2011 maps elevated background concentrations of potentially toxic elements in soils across north-west Syria following more than a decade of conflict.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 886-897
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00333C
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A framework to assess the terrestrial risk of antibiotic resistance from antibiotics in slurry or manure amended soils
Low concentration of antibiotics within the environment are known to select for antibiotic resistance (ABR), a global health and economic threat. This manuscript presents a framework to assess the ABR risk in soils where slurry or manure is applied.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 780-794
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00306F
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Impact of iron oxide nanoparticles on a lead-polluted water–soil–plant system under alternating periods of water stress
Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) are promising materials for the remediation of trace elements, which are a significant source of soil pollution.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 767-779
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00283C
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Multi-endpoint assessments for in vitro nano-bio interactions and uptake of biogenic phosphorus nanomaterials using HEK293 cells
Phosphorus (P)-based nanomaterials are being explored as substitute for conventional fertilizers due to their higher nutrient use efficiency. No potential cytotoxicity of biologically synthesized P-based nanomaterials was found in HEK293 cell line.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 749-766
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00318J
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Electrokinetic generation of iron-rich barriers in soils: realising the potential for nuclear site management and decommissioning
The electrokinetic generation of iron-rich barriers at scale under realistic site conditions is demonstrated, with potential application for subsurface contaminant management at nuclear and other sites.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 652-662
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00308B
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Effect of emerging contaminants on soil microbial community composition, soil enzyme activity, and strawberry plant growth in polyethylene microplastic-containing soils
Emerging contaminants were found to alter the soil microbial community composition. However, no changes were observed when these compounds were added to soil containing 100 mg kg−1 HDPE microplastics.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 629-644
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00233G
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Hemocompatibility of biogenic phosphorus nano-agromaterials at environmentally relevant and supra-environmental concentrations for occupational exposure
Physico-chemically different and agriculturally relevant phosphorus-based nanomaterials are hemocompatible and acquire bio-corona on interaction with human blood.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 313-324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00237J
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Kinetic and isotherm studies on the adsorption–desorption of technical-grade endosulfan in loamy soils under Theobroma cacao L cultivation, Southwestern Nigeria
Fate of technical endosulfan in T. cacao L farm soils was studied using the OECD batch model. Rate constants for α- and β-isomers ranged from 6.91 × 10−3 to 2.85 × 10−4 min−1. Pesticide was leachable. TOM/clay could be used as mitigants for its mobility.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2023,2, 257-277
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00090C
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Improved efficiency of an herbicide combining bentazone and terbuthylazine – can weeds be controlled with better environmental safety?
Herbicides are used in agriculture to control the negative impacts of weeds and improve agricultural yields. Authorized herbicidal active ingredients (AIs) were combined in multiple ways to produce distinct formulations targeting diverse weeds.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 342-355
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2VA00036A
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Portable apparatus for high spatial and temporal resolution of in situ real-time surface albedo measurement in agricultural fields
Portable apparatus directly measures albedo from sensing areas <1000 m2 and captures differences from crops, seasons, and sub-hourly snowmelt.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 297-304
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00051A
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Decelerated degradation of a sulfonylurea herbicide in four fungicide-treated soils
The presented research illustrates the importance of assessing pesticide mixtures in the environment by showing that the aerobic degradation of a herbicide in four different soils was significantly retarded in the presence of fungicides.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 70-82
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00021G
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Synthesis and characterization of novel dual-capped Zn–urea nanofertilizers and application in nutrient delivery in wheat
Nanoscale nutrients are promising for improving crop performance.
Environ. Sci.: Adv., 2022,1, 47-58
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1VA00016K