Soil Degradation under a Changing Climate: Management from Traditional to Nano-Approaches

Abstract

N THE ERA of anthropogenic climate change, soil and other compartments of the agroecosystem suffer from various forms of degradation, meaning there is an urgent need for appropriate soil management. Under arid and semi-arid conditions, the degradation of soil and water are particularly severe globally, causing a decline in agricultural productivity. Soil degradation has led to decreased soil quality, global food insecurity, ecosystem health problems, and non-sustainable development issues. Several human activities have worsened soil degradation, especially under global climate change. With growing interest in nanotechnology, can this science offer solutions/approaches to engineer soil and water amendments to overcome soil degradation and water scarcity? What are the possible nanomaterials and their mechanisms that might be used to protect the environment. This study focuses on soil degradation causes and consequences, as well as different management approaches including traditional, geographic information systems and remote sensing, and nano approaches for the management of soil degradation. Soil degradation that may be experienced after the intensive application of nanomaterials is a major concern that urgently needs to be researched. There is also a need to assess the long-term environmental impacts of nanoparticles, which may have potential for leaching and accumulation in soil from which they enter the food chain, causing many problems for human health.

Examining the Effect of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiological Activity, Micronutrient Availability, and Uptake by Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

“…Compost-treated soil recorded the highest conductivity levels, indicating higher nutrient concentrations and organic matter content. The elevated EC in compost-amended soil may result from the decomposition of organic materials, which releases soluble ions and increases the electrical conductivity of soil solutions [51]. Additionally, the presence of organic matter enhances cation exchange capacity, facilitating the retention and release of nutrients, further contributing to elevated EC levels [52].…”

Review of Crop Response to Soil Salinity Stress: Possible Approaches from Leaching to Nano-Management

“…Nanomaterials that have been investigated to improve the tolerance of salt-stressed plants include nano-selenium [28], nanogypsum [29], nano-biochar [158], silica nanoparticles (NPs) [26], cerium oxide NPs [160], carbon nanodots [30], titanium dioxide NPs [161], carbon nanotubes [162], and nanozinc [15]. In general, nanomanagement has become an important approach in modern farming to reduce stresses such as salt stress [163], drought stress [164], and soil degradation stress [165], and has been shown to be a possible sustainable solution for the mitigation of climate change [166].…”