ORCID Profile
0000-0001-9733-6720
Current Organisation
University of Queensland
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Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-01-2021
DOI: 10.3390/W13020115
Abstract: Nitrogen is one of the essential elements limiting growth in aquatic environments. Being primarily of anthropogenic origin, it exerts negative impacts on freshwater ecosystems. The present study was carried out at the nitrate-vulnerable zone within the alluvial aquifer of the large lowland Drava River. The main aim was to investigate the ecosystem’s functionality by characterizing the bacterial and phytoplankton ersity of a small inactive gravel pit by using interdisciplinary approaches. The phytoplankton community was investigated via traditional microscopy analyses and environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding, while the bacterial community was investigated by a molecular approach (eDNA). Variations in the algal and bacterial community structure indicated a strong correlation with nitrogen compounds. Summer s les were characterized by a high abundance of bloom-forming Cyanobacteria. Following the cyanobacterial breakdown in the colder winter period, Bacillariophyceae and Actinobacteriota became dominant groups. Changes in microbial composition indicated a strong correlation between N forms and algal and bacterial communities. According to the nitrogen dynamics in the alluvial aquifer, we emphasize the importance of small water bodies as potential buffer zones to anthropogenic nitrogen pressures and sentinels of the disturbances displayed as algal blooms within larger freshwater systems.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-4804
Abstract: Water penetration, changes in the groundwater level and moisture content changes can affect the physical and chemical properties of coal in an open pit mine. Water levels in open coal pit mines can vary throughout the year, resulting in a number of wet and dry cycles for brown coal. Wet and dry cycles occurring throughout the year can affect the mechanical strength of the stone's microstructure and macroscopic structure. Loss of strength can have severe negative impacts if such rock is integral component in landform design. Until now, no research has been conducted on the effects of wet and dry loading cycles on brown coal. This study investigates the effect of wet and dry cycles on brown coal's strength by conducting a series of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) laboratory tests. For this purpose, nine laboratory s les with dimensions of 38 x 76 cm were prepared. S les were placed inside distilled water chambers in a temperature-controlled environment. Afterwards, the s les were subjected to unconfined compressive strength (UCS) tests following 0, and 3 cycles of wet and dry conditions. The results of the UCS test show that as the number of wetting and drying cycles increased, the UCS of the s les decreased from 2150 to 330 kPa after three cycles of wetting and drying. In addition, the results indicate that the elastic modulus of brown coal has decreased from 10500 to 1200 kPa. Also, the Poisson ratio decreased from 0.34 to 0.27. This study confirms the importance of paying attention to the wet and dry cycles in brown coal mines.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2019
Abstract: The heterogeneity of soil hydraulic properties can be described with effective parameters. Increasing model complexity can be used to represent plot‐scale soil heterogeneity. One‐dimensional dual‐domain flow models are used to reproduce 2D preferential transport. Local subscale variability effects are included as mass transfer in an effective model. Agricultural soils are characterized by a structure that is strongly dependent on farming practices like tillage and trafficking. These practices can create compacted zones in the soil, thus initiating preferential flow. Two‐ or three‐dimensional models can be used to account for the spatial variability of the soil hydraulic and transport properties. Since it is challenging to obtain such data, it is logical to find simpler approaches. Our objective was to design a one‐dimensional (1D) modeling approach that effectively accounts for plot‐scale soil structure variability. A 1D dual‐permeability model was tested in which compacted soil was represented by a matrix domain and uncompacted soil by a fracture domain and eventually by assuming an additional immobile water region (MIM) in the fracture domain representing compacted clods embedded within the uncompacted soil. Models (1D) were compared with two‐dimensional single‐porosity (2D_SP) modeling results for water flow and Br − transport based on a previously performed field tracer experiment. Results indicated good agreement between 1D dual‐domain approaches (1D_DPERM and 1D_DPERM_MIM) and the 2D_SP representative model simulation results with high model efficiency and with respect to the field observations. This implied that a 1D vertical model description was sufficient to represent plot‐scale variability if smaller scale soil structure heterogeneities could be accounted for as effective parameters in dual‐domain models. Variation in the mass transfer term had a large effect on the vertical Br − profile distribution. The parameters describing the sizes and shapes of the domains were most relevant for estimating mass transfer between soil structural features in heterogeneous agricultural fields. Still, the calibration of the upscaling approach of two‐domain interactions in larger scale models remains challenging.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2016
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2014
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 04-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15050988
Abstract: This paper presents research related to the estimation of the precipitation fraction in the soil water of a sloped vineyard at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) in Zagreb, Croatia. Numerous investigations have shown that exploration of hillslope soils can be very challenging due to the existence of heterogeneity and different soil properties, as well as due to anthropogenically induced processes, which can affect precipitation infiltration and soil water flow. Within this research, physicochemical soil properties, soil water content (SWC), and isotopic composition of soil water and precipitation (δ2H and δ18O) have been examined. The isotopic signature of soil water was monitored in 24 points, at 4 depths, throughout the hillslope vineyard. Soil water isotopic composition from all monitoring points coincided with the Local Meteoric Water Line (LMWL), with almost no variability at 100 cm depth, which was consistent with the smallest variation of SWC at 80 cm depth and indicated that most of water mixing takes place in the shallower part of the hillslope. Results suggested the existence of heterogeneity, uneven erosion processes in the footslope of the observed vineyard, and different infiltration patterns. Fractions of precipitation varied significantly depending on the depth and position in the vineyard, from approximately 1% up to 98%, where more precipitation fraction has been determined in the surface and subsurface runoff. Additionally, statistical analysis and a more detailed evaluation of precipitation fractions at the 40 cm depth, where wick lysimeters are installed, have shown that Corg content is related to the silt fraction, while the first results indicate that the infiltration patterns were dependent on the common influence of all observed physicochemical properties.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-03-2023
DOI: 10.3390/LAND12040765
Abstract: Soil and water loss due to traditional intensive types of agricultural management is widespread and unsustainable in Croatian croplands. In order to mitigate the accelerated land degradation, we studied different cropland soil management strategies to obtain feasible and sustainable agro-technical practices. A rainfall simulation experiment was conducted at 58 mm h–1 over 30 min on 10 paired plots (0.785 m2), bare and straw covered (2 t ha−1). The experiment was carried out in maize cultivation (Blagorodovac, Croatia) established on Stagnosols on slopes. Measurements were conducted during April (bare soil, after seeding), May (five-leaves stage), and June (intensive vegetative growth) making 60 rainfall simulations in total. Straw reduced soil and water losses significantly. The highest water, sediment loss, and sediment concentrations were identified in tillage plots during May. Straw addition resulted in delayed ponding (for 7%, 63%, and 50% during April, May and June, respectively) and runoff generation (for 37%, 32%, and 18% during April, May and June, respectively). Compared with the straw-mulched plot, tillage and bare soil increased water loss by 349%. Maize development reduced the difference between bare and straw-mulched plots. During May and June, bare plots increase water loss by 92% and 95%, respectively. The straw mulch reduced raindrop kinetic energy and sediment detachment from 9, 6, and 5 magnitude orders in April, May, and June, respectively. Overall, the straw mulch was revealed to be a highly efficient nature-based solution for soil conservation and maize cultivation protection.
Publisher: InTech
Date: 27-07-2016
DOI: 10.5772/63496
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 23-11-2020
DOI: 10.3390/W12113295
Abstract: Tillage is well known to have impacts on soil properties and hydrological responses. This work aims to study the short-term impacts of tillage (0–3 months) on soil and hydrological responses in fig orchards located in Croatia. Understanding the soil hydrological response in the study area is crucial for soil management due to frequent autumn floods. The hydrological response was investigated using rainfall simulation experiments (58 mm h−1, for 30 min, over 0.785 m2 plots). The results show that the bulk density was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than at 0 and 1 months. The water holding capacity and amount of soil organic matter decreased with time. The water runoff and phosphorous loss (P loss) increased over time. The sediment concentration (SC) was significantly higher 3 months after tillage than in the previous monitoring periods, while sediment loss (SL) and carbon loss (C loss) were significantly lower 0 months after tillage than 3 months after tillage. Overall, there was an increase in soil erodibility with time (high SC, SL, C loss, and P loss), attributed to the precipitation patterns that increase the soil water content and therefore the hydrological response. Therefore, sustainable agricultural practices are needed to avoid sediment translocation and to mitigate floods and land degradation.
Publisher: Elsevier
Date: 2021
Publisher: Czech Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Date: 30-09-2015
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2022
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2022.156346
Abstract: Soil and water conservation practices are key to agroecosystems sustainability and avoiding diffuse pollution. Here, we compare the impacts of different types of mulch, barley straw (Straw), wooden chips (Chip) and tillage (Till) on vegetation mulch cover (VMC) soil properties, bulk density (BD), mean weight diameter (MWD), water stable aggregates (WSA), soil water content (SWC), soil organic matter (SOM), pH and total phosphorous (P), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), nickel (Ni), copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn) and lead (Pb). We also assessed the ponding time (PT), runoff time (RT), runoff, sediment concentration (SC), sediment loss (SL) and chemicals transport (the same studied in soil). A set of rainfall simulation experiments (90 in total) was applied in the different Spring, Summer, and Fall treatments. The results showed that mulch increased VMC in all the seasons, while other properties (BD MWD, WSA SOM, pH) were not affected, especially in Spring. The biggest impact was observed in Fall, especially in the Till plot, due to the tillage practices applied in Summer. Mulch increased PT, RT and reduced runoff, SL and chemicals transport. Chemical losses were very much associated with SL, and the concentration of P and metals in soil depended on soil Ca and pH. SWC, MWD and runoff were inversely related to PT, RT and SC. Finally, BD, VMC and SOM were highly associated. Overall, tillage practices dramatically impact SL, and diffuse pollution and urgent measures are needed to reverse this. Mulching is excellent and cost-effective to mitigate the impacts of agriculture on land degradation and diffuse pollution.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-4362
Abstract: Agricultural hillslopes present particular challenges for estimating vadose zone dynamics due to a variety of processes, such as surface runoff, vertical flow, erosion, subsurface preferential flow affected by soil structure and layering, non-linear chemical behaviour, evapotranspiration, etc. To investigate these processes and complexity, the SUPREHILL critical zone observatory (CZO) was started in 2020, at vineyard hillslope site in Croatia. The observatory is extensively equipped for the soil-water regime and agrochemical fluxes monitoring, and includes an extensive sensor network, lysimeters (weighing and passive wick), suction probes, surface and subsurface flow and precipitation collection instruments. The main objective of the SUPREHILL observatory is to quantify subsurface lateral and local scale preferential flow processes. Local-scale nonlinear processes in eroded agricultural hillslope sites have large significance on water and solute behaviour within the critical zone and thus need to be researched in depth using combined methods and various approaches. First results from the sensor and lysimeter network, soil-water regime monitoring, isotope analysis, and agrochemical concentrations in 2021 supported the hypothesis of the observatory, that the subsurface flow plays a relevant part in the hillslope soil-water dynamics. In the wick lysimeter network, although the highest cumulative outflow values were found at the hilltop, the highest in idual measurements were found at the footslope. During high-intensity rainfall events, there were differences in weighing lysimeters, possibly related to subsurface lateral flow. Based on the isotope analysis, wick lysimeters exhibit a greater variation of d-excess values than suction probes. Agrochemical fluxes confirmed the sloping effect on their transport in soil and demonstrated the favourability of Cu transport by subsurface flow. Using the comprehensive database presented herein, future analyses of this hypothesis will be carried out in more detail using model-based analyses. &
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2016
Publisher: Journal Agriculture and Forestry
Date: 30-09-2017
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2019
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 09-05-2022
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 28-06-2022
DOI: 10.1002/VZJ2.20206
Abstract: Lateral subsurface flow (LSF) is a phenomenon frequently occurring in the field induced by local water saturation along horizon boundaries under nonequilibrium conditions. However, observations of LSF in undisturbed soils under controlled irrigation in the laboratory are limited but needed for model improvement, prediction, and quantification of LSF. We present a method for extracting an undisturbed soil monolith along a soil horizon boundary and introduce an experimental setup for the measurement of LSF and an irrigation device for simulating rainfall. An experimental test run was simulated using HYDRUS 2D. Water infiltrating into the monolith and flowing either laterally along the horizon boundary or vertically through the bottom horizon could be separately captured by suction discs at the side and the bottom. Thus, a clear distinction between lateral and vertical flow was possible. Pressure heads and water contents were recorded by tensiometers and frequency domain reflectometry (FDR) sensors distributed across the monolith in a regular two‐dimensional, vertical, cross‐sectional pattern. Sensor readings indicated the presence of nonequilibrium conditions within the monolith. Modeling results could reproduce the lateral and vertical outflow of the monolith under constant irrigation, thus showing that water flow within the monolith under steady‐state conditions can be explained by the Richards equation and the van Genuchten–Mualem model. The presented method can be used to improve and verify models designed for the prediction of the onset of LSF including that induced by local nonequilibrium conditions.
Publisher: IWA Publishing
Date: 21-01-2015
DOI: 10.2166/WCC.2015.042
Abstract: This study was conducted (2010–2012) to analyse the efficiency of irrigation scheduling in maize production based on soil moisture measurements (Watermark soil moisture sensors) in years with extreme weather events at the research site of the Agricultural Institute in Osijek, eastern Croatia. Three irrigation treatments and four maize hybrids were studied. In the extremely rainy 2010, the highest yield of maize grain was obtained in rainfed plots (control = 9.24 t ha−1). A significantly (P & 0.01) lower yield (−8%) was obtained in fully irrigated plots (a3 = 8.59 t ha−1). This was opposite to the results obtained from the extremely warm 2011 and very dry 2012, when grain yield was higher as the amount of irrigation water was increased. Maize grain yield in the fully irrigated plot was 25% (2011) and 40% (2012) higher compared with the control plots (dryland). According to our results, the main factor for irrigation efficiency in extreme weather conditions is to properly determine the optimum level for soil moisture sensors and ground water level in relation to root depth.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 11-04-2019
DOI: 10.1111/GCB.14626
Abstract: Although only representing 0.05% of global freshwater, or 0.001% of all global water, soil water supports all terrestrial biological life. Soil moisture behaviour in most models is constrained by hydraulic parameters that do not change. Here we argue that biological feedbacks from plants, macro-fauna and the microbiome influence soil structure, and thus the soil hydraulic parameters and the soil water content signals we observe. Incorporating biological feedbacks into soil hydrological models is therefore important for understanding environmental change and its impacts on ecosystems. We anticipate that environmental change will accelerate and modify soil hydraulic function. Increasingly, we understand the vital role that soil moisture exerts on the carbon cycle and other environmental threats such as heatwaves, droughts and floods, wildfires, regional precipitation patterns, disease regulation and infrastructure stability, in addition to agricultural production. Biological feedbacks may result in changes to soil hydraulic function that could be irreversible, resulting in alternative stable states (ASS) of soil moisture. To explore this, we need models that consider all the major feedbacks between soil properties and soil-plant-faunal-microbial-atmospheric processes, which is something we currently do not have. Therefore, a new direction is required to incorporate a dynamic description of soil structure and hydraulic property evolution into soil-plant-atmosphere, or land surface, models that consider feedbacks from land use and climate drivers of change, so as to better model ecosystem dynamics.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-06-2021
Abstract: To test an assumption that organic soil can ameliorate nutritional disorders associated with metal and salinity stresses, we exposed salt-sensitive strawberry and lettuce to four salinity (0–60 mM NaCl) and three contamination (0.3–5 mg Cd/kg) rates in peat (pHH2O = 5.5). The results showed that, even at 20 mM NaCl, salinity stress exerted a dominant effect on rhizosphere biogeochemistry and physiological processes, inducing leaf-edge burns, chlorosis/necrosis, reducing vegetative growth in crops at ≥40 mM, NaCl mortality was induced in strawberry. Signifiacntly decreased K/Na, Ca/Na and Mg/Na concentration ratios with raising salinity were confirmed in all tissues. The combined CdxNaCl stresses (vs. control) increased leaf Cd accumulation (up to 42-fold in lettuce and 23-fold in strawberry), whereas NaCl salinity increased the accumulation of Zn ( .5-fold) and Cu (up to 1.2-fold) in leaves. Lettuce accumulated the toxic Cd concentration (up to 12.6 mg/kg) in leaves, suggesting the strong root-to-shoot transport of Cd. In strawberry Cd, concentration was similar (and sub-toxic) in fruits and leaves, 2.28 and 1.86 mg/kg, respectively, suggesting lower Cd root-to-shoot translocation, and similar Cd mobility in the xylem and phloem. Additionally, the accumulation of Cd in strawberry fruits was exacerbated at high NaCl exposure (60 mM) compared with lower NaCl concentrations. Thus, in salinized, slightly acidic and organically rich rhizosphere, pronounced organo- and/or chloro-complexation likely shifted metal biogeochemistry toward increased mobility and phytoavailability (with metal adsorption restricted due to Na+ oversaturation of the caton exchange complex in the substrate), confirming the importance of quality water and soils in avoiding abiotic stresses and producing non-contaminated food.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-10-2202
DOI: 10.3390/SU152115200
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-05-2023
DOI: 10.3390/LAND12051095
Abstract: The interplay of surface and shallow subsurface fluxes plays a critical role in controlling water movement in hillslope agroecosystems and impacting soil and plant health during prolonged dry periods, demonstrating a need for in-field monitoring. This study was conducted for two years (2021–2022) by combining field monitoring of the grass-covered inter-row area (passive wick lysimeter, surface runoff, and meteorological data), laboratory determination of soil hydraulic properties (SHPs), and numerical modeling with the aim to explore near-surface fluxes at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) located on a hillslope vineyard. Additionally, sensitivity analysis for basic root water uptake (RWU) parameters was conducted. The model was evaluated (R2, RMSE, and NSE) with lysimeter (hillslope) and runoff (footslope) data, producing good agreement, but only after the inverse optimization of laboratory estimated hydraulic conductivity was conducted, demonstrating that adequate parameterization is required to capture the hydropedological response of erosion-affected soil systems. Results exhibit the dependence of runoff generation on hydraulic conductivity, rainfall, and soil moisture conditions. The data suggest different soil-rewetting scenarios based on temporal rainfall variability. Sensitivity analysis demonstrated that Leaf Area Index (LAI) was the most responsive parameter determining the RWU. The study offers an approach for the investigation of fluxes in the topsoil for similar sites and/or crops (and covers), presenting the methodology of self-constructed soil–water collection instruments.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 03-05-2020
DOI: 10.1002/JEQ2.20074
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 21-09-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 09-2021
Publisher: Journal of Central European Agriculture
Date: 2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 20-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15040820
Abstract: Soil heterogeneities can impact hillslope hydropedological processes (e.g., portioning between infiltration and runoff), creating a need for in-depth knowledge of processes governing water dynamics and redistribution. The presented study was conducted at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory (CZO) (hillslope vineyard) in 2021. A combination of field investigation (soil s ling and monitoring c aign) and numerical modeling with hydrological simulator HYDRUS-1D was used to explore the water dynamics in conjunction with data from a sensor network (soil water content (SWC) and soil-water potential (SWP) sensors), along the hillslope (hilltop, backslope, and footslope). Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were estimated based on (i) pedotransfer functions (PTFs), (ii) undisturbed soil cores, and (iii) sensor network data, and tested in HYDRUS. Additionally, a model ensemble mean from HYDRUS simulations was calculated with PTFs. The highest agreement of simulated with observed SWC for 40 cm soil depth was found with the combination of laboratory and field data, with the lowest average MAE, RMSE and MAPE (0.02, 0.02, and 5.34%, respectively), and highest average R2 (0.93), while at 80 cm soil depth, PTF model ensemble performed better (MAE = 0.03, RMSE = 0.03, MAPE = 7.55%, R2 = 0.81) than other datasets. Field observations indicated that heterogeneity and spatial variability regarding soil parameters were present at the site. Over the hillslope, SWC acted in a heterogeneous manner, which was most pronounced during soil rewetting. Model results suggested that the incorporation of field data expands model performance and that the PTF model ensemble is a feasible option in the absence of laboratory data.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-08-2021
Abstract: Phytoremediation is an effective and low-cost method for the remediation of soil contaminated by potentially toxic elements (metals and metalloids) with hyperaccumulating plants. This study analyzed hyperaccumulator publications using data from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC) (1992–2020). We explored the research status on this topic by creating a series of scientific maps using VOSviewer, HistCite Pro, and CiteSpace. The results showed that the total number of publications in this field shows an upward trend. Dr. Xiaoe Yang is the most productive researcher on hyperaccumulators and has the broadest international collaboration network. The Chinese Academy of Sciences (China), Zhejiang University (China), and the University of Florida (USA) are the top three most productive institutions in the field. China, the USA, and India are the top three most productive countries. The most widely used journals were the International Journal of Phytoremediation, Environmental Science and Pollution Research, and Chemosphere. Co-occurrence and citation analysis were used to identify the most influential publications in this field. In addition, possible knowledge gaps and perspectives for future studies are also presented.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 08-08-2020
Abstract: Organic amendments are often reported to improve soil properties, promote plant growth, and improve crop yield. This study aimed to investigate the effects of the biochar and compost produced from sewage sludge and olive pomace on soil hydraulic properties, water flow, and P transport (i.e., sorption) using numerical modeling (HYDRUS-1D) applied to two soil types (Terra Rosa and Rendzina). Evaporation and leaching experiments on soil cores and repacked soil columns were performed to determine the soil water retention, hydraulic conductivity, P leaching potential, and P sorption capacity of these mixtures. In the majority of treatments, the soil water retention showed a small increase compared to the control soil. A reliable fit with the modified van Genuchten model was found, which was also confirmed by water flow modeling of leaching experiments (R2 0.99). The results showed a high P sorption in all the treatments (Kd 21.24 to 53.68 cm3 g−1), and a high model reliability when the inverse modeling procedure was used (R2 0.93–0.99). Overall, adding sewage sludge or olive pomace as compost or biochar improved the Terra Rosa and Rendzina water retention and did not increase the P mobility in these soils, proving to be a sustainable source of carbon and P-rich materials.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 29-08-2023
DOI: 10.3390/LAND12091691
Abstract: Straw mulching is a sustainable practice used to control soil erosion. However, different doses of mulch affect the efficiency of straw conservation. This study presents detailed research on how soil physicochemical properties and the hydrological response react to different types of vineyard soil management (Tilled, Grass, Low Straw, High Straw) and seasons (spring, summer, autumn) under conventional management on Anthrosols in Mediterranean conditions. To assess soil properties, core s les and disturbed s les were taken from the topsoil layer (0–10 cm). To evaluate erosion rates, a rainfall simulation experiment was conducted (58 mm h−1 for 30 min) with 10 replicates per treatment and season (120 in total). The results show higher water-stable aggregates (WSA) and soil organic matter (SOM) and lower bulk density (BD) in the mulch and grass treatment groups compared with the Tilled treatment group. High Straw treatment successfully mitigated runoff, while other treatments had significantly higher runoff that triggered sediment loss (SL) and translocation of P, K, Zn and Ni down the slope. There were 254% and 520% higher K losses with Tilled treatment in autumn compared with Low Straw and Grass treatments, respectively. Statistical analysis showed a strong association between element loss and SL, which indicates an ecological threat in degraded and endangered vineyards. Mulch application and grass cover reduce the vulnerability of vineyards, reduce evaporation, act as insulation against high temperatures, reduce erosion and suppress weed growth. The mulch dosage varies depending on the goals and conditions of the vineyard thus, lower mulch dosage (2 t/ha) is appropriate when soil conditions are favourable and there is no significant need for moisture retention, while higher mulch dosage is necessary in dry regions to maintain soil moisture during high-temperature periods, as well as in sloped areas subjected to erosion.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 07-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.WASMAN.2019.05.032
Abstract: This study assesses the potential use of different types of stabilized sewage sludge as a soil amendment by considering their physicochemical characteristics, nutritional status, and their trace metal and radionuclide content. The concentrations of trace metals and radionuclides were determined using ICP-OES and gamma-ray spectrometry, respectively. For determining nutritional status and chemical characterization, this study followed standard ISO-recommended procedures. Data analysis revealed that anaerobic sludge contains higher concentrations of Cr, Hg, and Ni compared to aerobic and non-biologically stabilized sludge. A similar observation was observed in the case of
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-4348
Abstract: Rehabilitation in the mining context refers to restoring the natural characteristics such as land stability, vegetation, soil functions, bio ersity and hydrological cycle. The main aim of mine rehabilitation is to construct environmentally sustainable landforms and to restore their ecosystem services, either to a site specific stable equilibrium or ideally to its previous state. The objective of this work is to build a predictive and decision making tool using hypothetical modelling to simulate water fluxes for two different scenarios in terms of different soil cover depth including vegetation (grass). Hypothetical hydrological modelling was performed using the HYDRUS-1D with one-dimension water flow modelling based on the Richards equation and hydraulic functions of van Genuchten-Mualem model. The soil and coal hydraulic parameters were derived from laboratory tests using the extended evaporation method. Water flux modelling was performed for 2021 using the climatic data from Latrobe Valley (Victoria, Australia) meteorological station, where the coal and soil s les were collected. Two scenarios were selected which varied in the depth of soil cover and coal layer, both with grass vegetation on top of the soil columns. The first scenario (S1) had 50 cm of soil cover, while the second scenario (S2) had 100 cm of soil cover on top of coal material, respectively. Modelling results revealed that soil water content and fluxes were directly reflecting the precipitation pattern and the most limiting factor in downward water flow was the low permeability of the coal layer. The hydraulic parameters for coal show large water retention capacity at very low hydraulic conductivity. The shallower soil cover in the S1 scenario resulted in higher soil water content during the period of intense rainfall and resulted in larger and faster initiation of surface runoff. The thicker soil cover layer resulted in larger infiltration rate and root water uptake which was however limited when the soil was fully saturated in both scenarios. Interestingly, very similar bottom flux in both scenarios even with two different coal layer depth (i.e., 30 cm vs 80 cm) were recorded. Water balance results indicate increase in potential of storing water in the S1 scenario which has a thicker coal layer due to its high water retention capacity. However, at this point it is not clear to what extent stored water from coal can be available for plants. Beside valuable research insights in terms of soil cover design, hypothetical modelling will assist in preventing experimental design flaws and providing a more efficient, robust controlled experiment performed in a next study phase.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 2018
Abstract: Hydropedologic factors control subsurface lateral flow in eroded hillslope soils. Depth to C horizon, hydraulic properties, and initial conditions are most sensitive. Virtual 2D model experiment predicts effect of tracer injection on lateral movement. Lateral flow at sloping C horizon surface locally separated from tracer plume. Erosion‐induced feedback on subsurface lateral flow by varying depths to C horizon. Subsurface lateral flow in hillslope soils depends on lower permeability or texture‐contrasting soil horizons. In the arable hummocky soil landscape, erosion processes caused glacial till appearance closer to the soil surface at upslope positions. The objective of this work was to quantify the potential for subsurface lateral flow depending on the erosion‐affected spatial hydropedological complexity. The eroded Haplic Luvisol profile was studied due to the presence of a relatively dense C horizon that varied in depth, thickness, and sloping angle. A two‐dimensional numerical modeling and sensitivity analysis for the saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s ) of the C horizon and the depth to C horizon (i.e., soil solum thickness) was performed for rainstorms in 2011 and 2012 using HYDRUS‐2D. A K s value of ≤2.5 cm d −1 for the C horizon was required for lateral flow initiation. Lateral flow was (i) increasing with decreasing solum thickness, indicating an erosion‐induced feedback on subsurface lateral flow, and (ii) dependent on the soil moisture regime prior to rainstorms. The effect of lateral flow on the movement of a conservative tracer was simulated in the form of a “virtual experiment”. Simulation scenarios revealed only a relatively small lateral shift of the tracer plume caused by a local decoupling of water (already lateral) from subsequent tracer movement (still vertical). Longer term simulations suggested that, for the present conditions, lateral flow was limited mostly to occasional summer storm events. Even without considering preferential flow contribution to lateral flow, highly complex hydropedologic interactions are present in erosion‐affected heterogeneous soil profiles.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 28-03-2022
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU22-8062
Abstract: & & Soil degradation processes, such as erosion, has been reported as one of the main concerns in agricultural areas. The resulting erosion-affected soils are characterized by modified soil hydraulic and other properties, strongly affecting the agricultural productivity. The study objective was to identify hydropedological factors controlling soil water dynamics in erosion-affected hillslope vineyard soils and to test uni- and bimodal porosity models. The hydropedological study was conducted at three locations: Jastrebarsko (location I), and Jazbina (II) and (III). The selected sites had same agricultural management practices and similar slope with identified Stagnosol soil type. Soil Hydraulic Properties (SHP) were estimated using Evaporation and WP4C methods on intact soil cores while the soil hydraulic functions were fitted using uni- and bimodal porosity models in HYPROP-FIT software. The study illustrated that erosion-affected soil structural properties governing hillslope hydrology in the arable landscape, in this case, vineyards, were evident and had a significant impact on SHP and, consequently, soil water dynamics. Both unimodal and bimodal soil hydraulic models fitted the data agreeably although, it can be clearly noticed that the bimodal model performed better in particular cases where data showed non-uniform pore size distributions. HYDRUS-1D simulations showed, in general, that both models provided a similar distribution of flux components between infiltration, surface runoff, and drainage (bottom flux) in most cases. Overall, the differences generated when using the bimodal hydraulic functions can lead to a large discrepancy in water flow quantification. It is evident that the SHP and water dynamics in highly erosion-affected heterogeneous soils with developed structure and pore space (e.g., compacted soil with cracks and biopores) cannot be adequately explained using the unimodal porosity functions or by applying single porosity models. However, the validity of more complex approaches should be further tested, and parametrization should be performed with extra care, as using the non-appropriate model can lead to errors in the water balance.& &
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-5996
Abstract: Soil and water losses due to traditional intensive types of agricultural management are high and non-sustainable in Croatian croplands. In order to mitigate the accelerated land degradation, we study different cropland soil management to obtain possible sustainable agrotechnical practices. A rainfall simulation experiment was conducted at 60& #8201 mm& #8201 h& #8211 over 30& #8201 min on 10 paired plots (0.785& #8201 m2), bare and straw covered (2 t ha-1). The experiment was carried out in maize cultivation (Blagorodovac, Croatia) established on Stagnosols on slopes. Measurements were conducted during April (bare soil, after seeding), May (five leaves stage), and June (intensive vegetative growth) making 60 rainfall simulations in total. Straw reduced soil and water losses importantly. The highest water, sediment loss, and sediment concentrations were identified in tillage plots during May. Straw addition resulted in delayed ponding (for 7%, 63 and 50% during April, May and June, respectively) and runoff generation (for 37%, 32 and 18% during April, May and June, respectively). Compared to the straw mulched plot, tillage and bare soil increase water losses by 349%. Maize development reduced the differences between bare and straw mulched plots. During May and June bare plots increase water losses by 92% and 95%, respectively. The straw mulch reduced raindrop kinetic energy and sediment detachment from 9, 6 and 5 magnitude orders at April, May and June. Overall, the straw mulch was revealed to be a highly efficient nature-based solution for soil conservation and maize cultivation protection.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 06-02-2018
Abstract: Global climate change is projected to continue and result in prolonged and more intense droughts, which can increase soil water repellency (SWR). To be able to estimate the consequences of SWR on vadose zone hydrology, it is important to determine soil hydraulic properties (SHP). Sequential modeling using HYDRUS (2D/3D) was performed on an experimental field site with artificially imposed drought scenarios (moderately M and severely S stressed) and a control plot. First, inverse modeling was performed for SHP estimation based on water and ethanol infiltration experimental data, followed by model validation on one selected irrigation event. Finally, hillslope modeling was performed to assess water balance for 2014. Results suggest that prolonged dry periods can increase soil water repellency. Inverse modeling was successfully performed for infiltrating liquids, water and ethanol, with R 2 and model efficiency ( E ) values both 0.9. SHP derived from the ethanol measurements showed large differences in van Genuchten-Mualem (VGM) parameters for the M and S plots compared to water infiltration experiments. SWR resulted in large saturated hydraulic conductivity ( K s ) decrease on the M and S scenarios. After validation of SHP on water content measurements during a selected irrigation event, one year simulations (2014) showed that water repellency increases surface runoff in non-structured soils at hillslopes.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 06-12-2012
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 19-07-2016
DOI: 10.1002/HYP.10914
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 04-2022
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2021
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 06-09-2023
DOI: 10.3390/SU151813370
Publisher: American Chemical Society (ACS)
Date: 09-04-2020
Publisher: Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering
Date: 2022
Abstract: The ersity of processes taking place in hillslope agro-ecosystems makes the estimation of vadose zone dynamics rather challenging. This paper presents the first insight into the research of volumetric water content, granulometric composition, meteorological data, precipitation and soil-water isotopic composition conducted within the SUPREHILL project at its vadose zone observatory. The main goals of this research are related to the evaluation of soil-water origin at the hillslope vineyard, but also to the estimation of depths until which precipitation infiltrates and where the occurrence of preferential flow is possible. For that purpose, hydrometeorological data, granulometric composition and stable isotopesof hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) from precipitation and s led soil water have been used. The results indicate the existence of a different isotopic signature in soil water, which suggests different infiltration patterns in the investigated area. Also, the results point out that surface runoff, subsurface runoff, and most of the passive wick lysimeters respond to precipitation, while the response of suction probes located at deeper depth is not that evident. This corresponds to the results related to the variation of water content at different depths. All the results indicate the possible existence of a low permeable layer at an approximate depth of 60 cm. Furthermore, preferential flow, if it exists, can be expected from the shallowest depths of the vineyard to a maximum depth of 80 cm. It is expected that an established long-term monitoring network at the SUPREHILL Observatory will give a more precise definition of soil-water behaviour and the existence of preferential flow.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 28-03-2022
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU22-7218
Abstract: & & Soil vadose zone is one of the most complex terrestrial systems due to various processes occurring within its boundaries. The first Croatian critical zone observatory SUPREHILL was established to specify subsurface preferential flow and nonlinear agrochemical transport processes. Combining laboratory and numerical methods with extensive sensor-based equipment will result in a wide range of data allowing us to accurately estimate heterogeneities on a local scale. The presented study includes estimation of soil hydraulic properties (SHP) and water flow experiments under controlled conditions. Undisturbed soil cores (250 cm& sup& & /sup& ) were taken in three repetitions at the top, middle and the bottom of the hillslope to estimate SHP using the HYPROP and WP4C techniques. Undisturbed soil columns were taken at the hilltop, middle, and the bottom of the vineyard hillslope from the row and interrow area. Soil columns are 25 cm high and 16 cm in diameter with soil moisture sensors and tensiometers set inside each column. Each soil column was irrigated three times per day during two-week period. Results obtained using HYPROP showed very similar SHP in the investigated depth which indicates uniform soil structure along the hillslope (top soil layer). HYPROP derived SHP showed very low values of hydraulic conductivity, but the sensors in columns reacted shortly after irrigation which indicates higher hydraulic conductivity. Since soil cores for HYPROP are relatively small compared to the soil columns, the presence of preferential flow is minimal, and some flow pathways present on the larger scale are not accounted for. Therefore, preferential flow will be further identified and quantified using a dye tracer, and experimental results will be shown. For additional preferential flow identification and quantification, later in the research, we will combine CT-scanning of undisturbed soil columns and numerical simulations. & & &
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 20-10-2020
Abstract: This research aims to assess the impacts of soil use management on runoff, soil losses, and their main soil controls in vegetable cropland (CROP), tilled olives (OT), and grass-covered olive orchards (OGC) on Leptosol in Croatia. Soil analysis and rainfall simulation experiments were conducted to quantify runoff (Run), soil, and nutrient losses. Bulk density (BD) was significantly higher at OT plots, in addition to the CROP plots. Water-stable aggregates (WSA), mean weight diameter (MWD), and soil organic matter (OM) were significantly higher in OGC plots compared to the other land uses. Run and soil loss (SL) were significantly higher in CROP and OT plots compared to the OGC plots. The CROP plots showed soil management that can be considered as unsustainable with 52, 68- and 146-times higher losses of phosphorus (P loss), nitrogen (N loss), and carbon (C loss) compared to the OGC plots. The principal component analysis showed that MWD was associated with vegetation cover (VC), water-holding capacity (WHC), WSA, OM, total nitrogen (TN), time to ponding (TP), and time to runoff (TR). These variables were negatively related to P2O5, Run, SL, and P, N, and C loss. Results indicate the need for the adoption of conservation strategies in croplands and olive orchards.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 28-06-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15132398
Abstract: A quantitative understanding of actual evapotranspiration (ETa) and soil–water dynamics in a hillslope agroecosystem is vital for sustainable water resource management and soil conservation however, the complexity of processes and conditions involving lateral subsurface flow (LSF) can be a limiting factor in the full comprehension of hillslope soil–water dynamics. The research was carried out at SUPREHILL CZO located on a hillslope agroecosystem (vineyard) over a period of two years (2021–2022) by combining soil characterization and field hydrological measurements, including weighing lysimeters, sensor measurements, and LSF collection system measurements. Lysimeters were placed on the hilltop and the footslope, both having a dynamic controlled bottom boundary, which corresponded to field pressure head measurements, to mimic field soil–water dynamics. Water balance components between the two positions on the slope were compared with the goal of identifying differences that might reveal hydrologically driven differences due to LSF paths across the hillslope. The usually considered limitations of these lysimeters, or the borders preventing LSF through the domain, acted as an aid within this installation setup, as the lack of LSF was compensated for through the pumping system at the footslope. The findings from lysimeters were compared with LSF collection system measurements. Weighing lysimeter data indicated that LSF controlled ETa rates. The results suggest that the onset of LSF contributes to the spatial crop productivity distribution in hillslopes. The present approach may be useful for investigating the impact of LSF on water balance components for similar hillslope sites and crops or other soil surface covers.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 02-06-2023
Abstract: Organic agriculture (OA) is a continuously growing global concept that emphasizes the use of sustainable and environmentally-friendly practices. By adopting OA, it is possible to improve ecosystems services, increase bio ersity, decrease environmental pollution, reduce carbon footprints and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, generating food that is free from harmful residues of agrochemicals, thereby enhancing food safety and security. This study provides a comprehensive review of the latest insights on the global utilization of land resources in OA, focusing particularly on some EU countries that experienced a notable and rapid progress in organic farming during the past two decades. With negligible 1.6% (75 Mha) of global cropland is currently dedicated to OA, there is le opportunity to expand the adoption of OA and realize its multi-beneficial potential for farmers (by premium prices), and consumers (by healthier and nutritious food). The importance of OA has been recognized by the most recent EU agro-environmental policies and green strategies, with an ambitious goal to have at least 25% of agroecosystems under organic management by 2030. Despite numerous financial supports and a multifold increase in OA land area, many member states are unlikely to achieve this goal, including Croatia, which currently has a share of only 8% (~109,000 ha) of lands in OA. Furthermore, converting conventional land to organic farming has not always led to an increase in value-added final OA products. EU policies related to OA have been focused on the area of land cultivated organically, rather than overall production performance, and financial subsidies have been essential to achieve this policy. Therefore, some of critical obstacles and challenges for OA under rising pressures due to global climate change, public health and geopolitical crises need to be managed by specifically designed policies and regulations, which would contribute to more sustainable OA, i.e., food safety and security.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 19-04-2020
Abstract: Preformed biodegradable and next generation sprayable biodegradable polymer membrane (SBPM) formulations, which biodegrade to non-harmful products (water, carbon dioxide and microbial biomass), have been introduced as an alternative to plastic mulch films in order to mitigate plastic pollution of the environment. In this preliminary field study on cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.), a novel SBPM technology was compared to preformed slotted oxo-degradable plastic (ODP) mulch film and no mulch control (CON) in terms of yield, crop water productivity (CWP), and soil temperature. The first results showed higher CWP and crop yield, and increased soil water content under the SBPM cover. This study indicates that SBPM technology could perform at similar level as ODP or comparable films under field conditions and, at the same time, provide environmentally sustainable agricultural cropping practices. Additionally, the fully treated, non-replicated SBPM plot had a wetter soil profile throughout the entire crop season. This innovative technology has shown a high potential even at this early stage of development, indicating that advances in formulation and further testing can lead to significant improvements and thus increased use in crop production systems.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 28-03-2022
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU22-10859
Abstract: & & & span& Environmental impacts of open-pit coal mining include issues such as fire risk, large-scale slope instability and groundwater contamination. Because of the man-made landforms used to cover open-pit mines and the coal material itself, soil hydrology can be affected in a way that non-uniform fluxes and preferential flow may occur. The aim of this study was to evaluate soil hydraulic properties of open-pit mines and coal material and to implement dual porosity approach into numerical experiments to quantify non-uniform fluxes and slope stability. Water retention and hydraulic conductivity curves were estimated for both coal and clay (overlaying material) using the combination of Dewpoint potentiometer WP4C and HYPROP devices. Mechanical properties were determined additionally using the Unconfined Compressive Strength test. Numerical simulations have been performed using HYDRUS 2D/3D and associated SLOPE CUBE module to assess the hydrological and mechanical behavior of coal-cover slope models under different climatic scenarios. Results showed that coal has very different hydraulic properties from the soil, with three to four orders of magnitude smaller saturated hydraulic conductivity, two orders of magnitude larger air entry point, and larger material strength parameters. The effects of present cracks/fractures on hydraulic properties of both, soil cover and coal have been taken into account by the bimodal properties determined using an extended van Genuchten-Mualem (Durner) model. Comparison of hydraulic conductivity curves indicates that the identified cracks/macropores play an important role in increasing hydraulic conductivity when the material is close to saturation. Therefore, 5% and 10% crack-weighting factors were adopted in numerical simulations for coal and topsoil/cover, respectively. The underlying coal changes its pore size distribution dramatically, depending on the degree of drying, which was confirmed during evaporation experiments. Numerical experiments showed higher risk to slope stability during the wetter years, albeit still on an acceptable level. The challenge remains on how to adequately quantify water balance in coal material with present preferential flow, and with the additional complexity of changing & /span& & span& ore size distribution properties over time.& /span& & &
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2020
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-17539
Abstract: Preferential flow (PF) has long been discussed as potential cause for unintended contamination of ground and surface waters with agrochemicals. In agricultural soil landscapes, especially along hillslopes, the mostly vertically-directed preferential flow (VPF) of infiltrating water in unsaturated topsoil horizons fosters the formation of water saturated pore regions at less permeable subsoil horizons that can trigger laterally-oriented preferential flow (LPF) along subsurface preferred flow paths. The occurrence of LPF processes depends on complex interrelations between soil properties and subsurface structures, climatic conditions, crop development, and agro-management, among other factors. Field observations in hillslope agricultural soil landscapes to quantify the relevance of LPF are rare. Here we present studies on LSF processes at two contrasting sites. One is the CarboZALF-D, located in northeastern Germany in hummocky arable soil landscape (Luvisol and Regosol soil types). The second (SUPREHILL) is an agricultural vineyard hillslope with Stagnosol soils located in central Croatia. Both sites show erosion and tillage effects in the soils along slopes. An extensive network of soil moisture sensors, suction cups, and lysimeters are installed at both sites. Relevant soil physical, hydraulic, and chemical properties have been determined for running simulation models. The SUPREHILL site has been equipped also with self-constructed subsurface runoff collection system, while at CarboZALF-D site, LPF was captured by a field tracer experiment and in the laboratory, LSF along a soil horizon boundary was studied on undisturbed soil monoliths. Different subsurface flow processes were identified and captured at the two sites, for SUPREHILL shortly below the topsoil along the lower permeable Btg horizon and for CarboZALF-D at buried topsoil under colluvium and along coarser-textured bands within compact glacial till C-horizon. The collected experimental results revealed the qualitative importance of LPF and transport in the subsurface the presented experimental data will be used for the model-based quantitative analysis of the LPF related processes.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 24-12-2021
Abstract: Erosion has been reported as one of the top degradation processes that negatively affect agricultural soils. The study objective was to identify hydropedological factors controlling soil water dynamics in erosion-affected hillslope vineyard soils. The hydropedological study was conducted at identically-managed Jastrebarsko (location I), and Jazbina (II) and (III) sites with Stagnosol soils. Soil Hydraulic Properties (SHP) were estimated on intact soil cores using Evaporation and WP4C methods soil hydraulic functions were fitted using HYPROP-FIT software. For Apg and Bg/Btg horizons, uni- and bimodal soil hydraulic models could be well fitted to data although, the bimodal model performed better in particular cases where data indicated non-uniform pore size distribution. With these SHP estimations, a one-year (2020) water flow scenario was simulated using HYDRUS-1D to compare water balance results obtained with uni- and bimodal hydraulic functions. Simulation results revealed relatively similar flux distribution at each hillslope position between the water balance components infiltration, surface runoff, and drainage. However, at the bottom profile at Jastrebarsko, bimodality of the hydraulic functions led to increased drainage. Soil water storage was reduced, and the vertical movement increased due to modified soil water retention curve shapes. Adequate parameterization of SHP is required to capture the hydropedological response of heterogenous erosion-affected soil systems.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 14-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15040759
Abstract: Nutrient leaching from agricultural soils presents an economic loss for farmers and can degrade the quality of the surrounding environment. Thus, leachates from 18 in situ wick lysimeters, installed at 40 cm soil depth at the vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope intra- and inter-row area (SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia) were collected monthly over two years and analyzed for major plant nutrient ions. Our objectives were to quantify nutrient losses via leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and to the footslope, and to compare leaching from vine plant rows (intra-row) with grassed areas between vine rows (inter-row). We found that the concentrations of nitrate, orthophosphate, and potassium were significantly higher in leachates collected at the footslope as compared to the hilltop and backslope only at intra- and not at inter-row positions, while ammonium was independent of the slope and row positions. The vineyard intra-row is identified as the probable spatial origin of nutrient leaching along the slope, thus confirming spatially different contributions of overall hillslope to major plant nutrients leaching. The experimental field scheme used in this study, which separately analyses vineyard intra- and inter-row, was confirmed to be an adequate approach for optimizing vineyard management practices.
Publisher: Walter de Gruyter GmbH
Date: 12-02-2022
Abstract: Hillslope hydrology in agricultural landscapes is complex due to a variety of hydropedological processes and field management possibilities. The aim was to test if there are any differences in soil properties and water regime along the hillslope and to compare vineyard rows (vine) with inter-rows (grass) area for those properties. The study determined that there are significant differences in the contents of soil particle fractions, pH, and humus content along the slope ( P 0.0001), with lower confidence level in bulk density (P 0.05). Differences between row and inter-row space were significant for the pH, humus, and silt content, but for sand and clay content, and bulk density differences were not determined. The study determined differences in soil water content among five slope positions ( P 0.0001), and between row and inter-row vineyard space (all with P 0.05). Where in the upper slope positions (e. g., P1) soil water content was higher than on lower slope positions. Higher soil water content was observed at higher slope positions, associated with clay content. However, it can be concluded that the retention of moisture on the slope is more influenced by local-scale soil properties (primarily soil texture) and variability of the crop (row/inter-row) than the position on the slope.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 15-05-2023
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU23-4533
Abstract: Open-cast or surface mining present a site-specific and a temporary use of land that unavoidably involves the displacement of the fertile topsoil layer and overall environmental change. Following mine closure, rehabilitation of mining areas is essential to build sustainable and stable landforms. Reclamation of soils is particularly challenging as their construction needs to take into account broader land reclamation analysis including soils, water, vegetation, stability and bio ersity effects. The objective of this study was to assess development in soil properties of rehabilitated soils since construction (1980, 1998, 2009, 2016, 2017) focusing on hydraulic and mechanical soil properties. The study was performed at an open-cast lignite coal mine site in south-east Australia (Victoria) in 2021. Soil hydraulic properties (SHP) were determined using the extended evaporation method while the mechanical properties were assessed using in-situ vane shear tests. The study indicated the relevance of a consistent soil cover design and construction. The soil hydraulic properties results showed a shift in soil water retention curve characteristic (1980 vs 2017 site), together with a decrease in saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks), which can certainly influence soil water dynamics and increase surface runoff. The vane shear test showed large heterogeneity among the sites with rehabilitated sites indicating large internal variation compared to the reference site and generally higher shear resistance. Differences in soil hydraulic conductivity and higher SOC storage over time revealed developments in soil recovery, but the improvement in soil mechanical strength did not show any relation to soil properties affecting soil structural stability. Rather, the change was driven by the large variability in texturally affected pore size distribution among the sites. The observed small-scale heterogeneity of the rehabilitated soils is most likely explained by disturbance due to excavation activities and used rehabilitation methods as well as availability of the soil material. Closer monitoring of rehabilitated areas temporally and spatially as well as in improvement in topsoil cover design is recommended, as such heterogeneity leads to uncertainty in long-term sustainable landscape formation.
Publisher: Journal of Central European Agriculture
Date: 2020
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 09-06-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15122178
Abstract: Processes in hillslope soils present a particular challenge for agricultural production and soil management due to their hydropedological specifics and high soil erosion risk. Soil heterogeneities can cause preferential and/or lateral flow on the entire hillslope resulting in the off-site movement of water, fertilizers and chemicals used in crop production. A study was conducted under controlled conditions in a laboratory with undisturbed soil cores (250 cm3), which were used to estimate the soil hydraulic properties (SHP) using HYPROP and WP4C devices, while undisturbed soil columns (diameter = 16 cm, length = 25 cm) were used for the evaluation of preferential flow pathways using potassium bromide and Brilliant Blue. S les were excavated in triplicate from the hilltop, backslope and footslope regions within the inter-rows of a vineyard from a critical zone observatory, SUPREHILL, in Croatia in Dystric Luvic Stagnosol. The aim of this study was to determine if the erosion-affected hillslope position affected the physical, chemical and hydraulic properties of soil and to identify water flow and possible preferential flow using dye and bromide tracers. The results of the sensor measurements and estimated SHPs were in agreement, showing a faster leaching of the irrigated rainwater in the footslope column. The tracer experiments showed variability even in the columns taken from the same position on the hillslope, which can be linked to plant roots and soil fauna activity. Altogether, the results showed a deeper loose layer at the footslope as a consequence of the soil erosion, which then resulted in higher hydraulic conductivity and the leached mass of the bromide due to better soil structure and pore connectivity. Thus, due to significant differences in the leached mass of bromide, this research should be later expanded in field experiments to reveal the impact of surface runoff, subsurface preferential and lateral flow on a larger scale.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 21-10-2020
DOI: 10.3390/SU12208739
Abstract: Microplastics, as an emerging contaminant, have been shown to threaten the sustainability of ecosystems, and there is also concern about human exposure, as microplastic particles tend to bioaccumulate and biomagnify through the food chain. While microplastics in marine environments have been extensively studied, research on microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems is just starting to gain momentum. In this paper, we used scientometric analysis to understand the current status of microplastic research in terrestrial systems. The global scientific literature on microplastics in terrestrial ecosystems, based on data from the Web of Science between 1986 and 2020, was explored with the VOSviewer scientometric software. Co-occurrence visualization maps and citation analysis were used to identify the relationship among keywords, authors, organizations, countries, and journals focusing on the issues of terrestrial microplastics. The results show that research on microplastics in terrestrial systems just started in the past few years but is increasing rapidly. Science of the Total Environment ranks first among the journals publishing papers on terrestrial microplastics. In addition, we also highlighted the desire to establish standards rotocols for extracting and quantifying microplastics in soils. Future studies are recommended to fill the knowledge gaps on the abundance, distribution, ecological and economic effects, and toxicity of microplastics.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2021
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SCITOTENV.2014.06.010
Abstract: Transport processes in soils are strongly affected by heterogeneity of soil hydraulic properties. Tillage practices and compost amendments can modify soil structure and create heterogeneity at the local scale within agricultural fields. The long-term field experiment QualiAgro (INRA-Veolia partnership 1998-2013) explores the impact of heterogeneity in soil structure created by tillage practices and compost application on transport processes. A modeling study was performed to evaluate how the presence of heterogeneity due to soil tillage and compost application affects water flow and pesticide dynamics in soil during a long-term period. The study was done on a plot receiving a co-compost of green wastes and sewage sludge (SGW) applied once every 2 years since 1998. The plot was cultivated with a biannual rotation of winter wheat-maize (except 1 year of barley) and a four-furrow moldboard plow was used for tillage. In each plot, wick lysimeter outflow and TDR probe data were collected at different depths from 2004, while tensiometer measurements were also conducted during 2007/2008. Isoproturon concentration was measured in lysimeter outflow since 2004. Detailed profile description was used to locate different soil structures in the profile, which was then implemented in the HYDRUS-2D model. Four zones were identified in the plowed layer: compacted clods with no visible macropores (Δ), non-compacted soil with visible macroporosity (Γ), interfurrows created by moldboard plowing containing crop residues and applied compost (IF), and the plow pan (PP) created by plowing repeatedly to the same depth. Isoproturon retention and degradation parameters were estimated from laboratory batch sorption and incubation experiments, respectively, for each structure independently. Water retention parameters were estimated from pressure plate laboratory measurements and hydraulic conductivity parameters were obtained from field tension infiltrometer experiments. Soil hydraulic properties were optimized on one calibration year (2007/08) using pressure head, water content and lysimeter outflow data, and then tested on the whole 2004/2010 period. Lysimeter outflow and water content dynamics in the soil profile were correctly described for the whole period (model efficiency coefficient: 0.99) after some correction of LAI estimates for wheat (2005/06) and barley (2006/07). Using laboratory-measured degradation rates and assuming degradation only in the liquid phase caused large overestimation of simulated isoproturon losses in lysimeter outflow. A proper order of magnitude of isoproturon losses was obtained after considering that degradation occurred in solid (sorbed) phase at a rate 75% of that in liquid phase. Isoproturon concentrations were found to be highly sensitive to degradation rates. Neither the laboratory-measured isoproturon fate parameters nor the independently-derived soil hydraulic parameters could describe the actual multiannual field dynamics of water and isoproturon without calibration. However, once calibrated on a limited period of time (9 months), HYDRUS-2D was able to simulate the whole 6-year time series with good accuracy.
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 27-03-2022
DOI: 10.5194/EGUSPHERE-EGU22-5968
Abstract: & & Direct measurements of water flow can provide valuable information that is not always attainable through sensors alone, however, combining methods is crucial for unlocking their full potential. Water flow monitoring is critical for the successful detection of pollutant fate in intensive agricultural production as a substantial amount of fertilizer and pesticide products are commonly used. Wick lysimeters are a common technique used for water flow measurements, where a quantity of drainage volume is measured over time. For mentioned purposes, passive wick lysimeters that maintain tension in soil by using an inert wicking material were employed in this study. This study presents a link between self-constructed passive wick lysimeters, volumetric water content sensors (TDR) and soil-water potential sensors used at the newly (2020) established SUPREHILL vadose zone observatory in Croatia, located on a hillslope vineyard. At the observatory, a network of lysimeters (x36) is installed throughout the hillslope and is accompanied by an extensive sensor network. The data from 2021 shows variability between lysimeters in regard to their position on the hillslope, as well as variability between its repetitions, suggesting the influence of soil heterogeneity at the observatory that possibly triggers preferential flow. Along with the data, a methodology for lysimeter installation and construction is presented.& &
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 12-2014
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2018
DOI: 10.1016/J.ECOENV.2017.09.041
Abstract: Although Cd availability depends on its total concentration in soil, it is ultimately defined by the processes which control its mobility, transformations and soil solution speciation. Cd mobility between different soil fractions can be significantly affected by certain pedovariables such as soil organic matter (SOM over formation of metal-organic complexes) and/or soil salinity (over formation of metal-inorganic complexes). Phytoavailable Cd fraction may be described as the proportion of the available Cd in soil which is actually accessible by roots and available for plant uptake. Therefore, in a greenhouse pot experiment Cd availability was observed in the rhizosphere of faba bean exposed to different levels of SOM, NaCl salinity (50 and 100mM) and Cd contamination (5 and 10mgkg
Publisher: Copernicus GmbH
Date: 22-09-2023
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 12-06-2021
DOI: 10.3390/SU13126688
Abstract: Nitrate leaching through soil layers to groundwater may cause significant degradation of natural resources. The aims of this study were: (i) to estimate soil hydraulic properties (SHPs) of the similar soil type with same management on various locations (ii) to determine annual water dynamics and (iii) to estimate the impact of subsoil horizon properties on nitrate leaching. The final goal was to compare the influence of different SHPs and layering on water dynamics and nitrate leaching. The study was conducted in central Croatia (Zagreb), at four locations on Calcaric Phaeozem, Calcaric Regosol, and Calcaric Fluvic Phaeozem soil types. Soil hydraulic parameters were estimated using the HYPROP system and HYPROP-FIT software. Water dynamics and nitrate leaching were evaluated using HYDRUS 2D/3D during a period of 365 days. The amount of water in the soil under saturated conditions varied from 0.422 to 0.535 cm3 cm−3 while the hydraulic conductivity varied from 3 cm day−1 to 990.9 cm day−1. Even though all locations have the same land use and climatic conditions with similar physical properties, hydraulic parameters varied substantially. The amount and velocity of transported nitrate (HYDRUS 2D/3D) were affected by reduced hydraulic conductivity of the subsoil as nitrates are primarily transported via advective flux. Despite the large differences in SHPs of the topsoil layers, the deeper soil layers, having similar SHPs, imposed a buffering effect preventing faster nitrate downward transport. This contributed to a very similar distribution of nitrates through the soil profile at the end of simulation period. This case study indicated the importance of carefully selecting relevant parameters in multilayered soil systems when evaluating groundwater pollution risk.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-02-2023
DOI: 10.3390/W15040800
Abstract: The solubility and mobility of copper (Cu) in soil is strongly influenced by the presence of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) however, the interactions between Cu and DOC are complex and not yet fully understood. In this study, Cu and DOC concentrations were measured monthly for two years in leachates from self-constructed lysimeters installed at inter- and intra-row vineyard hilltop, backslope, and footslope areas at the SUPREHILL Critical Zone Observatory, Croatia. The aim was to quantify Cu and DOC leaching from the hilltop towards the backslope and the footslope. The assumed strong relationship between Cu and DOC in the leachates was statistically analyzed and explained using chemical equilibrium software. Leachates were analyzed for pH, EC, DOC, Cu, and major ion concentrations. The highest Cu concentrations found in leachates from the intra-row footslope suggested Cu downhill transport. Although not strong, a significant positive correlation between Cu and DOC in footslope leachates confirmed the relevance of Cu complexation by DOC. Speciation confirmed that more than 99.9% of total Cu in leachates was found as a Cu-DOC complex. Data implied the role of soil water flow pathways in explaining Cu downhill transport. Critical timing for applying Cu fungicides at sloped vineyards was highlighted.
No related grants have been discovered for Vilim Filipović.