APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY

Scope & Guideline

Advancing Knowledge in Soil Ecosystems

Introduction

Welcome to the APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0929-1393
PublisherELSEVIER
Support Open AccessNo
CountryNetherlands
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1994 to 2024
AbbreviationAPPL SOIL ECOL / Appl. Soil Ecol.
Frequency9 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressRADARWEG 29, 1043 NX AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS

Aims and Scopes

The journal "Applied Soil Ecology" focuses on the interactions between soil organisms and their environment, aiming to understand and apply ecological principles for sustainable soil management. It emphasizes the implications of soil ecology for agriculture, environmental health, and ecosystem services.
  1. Soil Microbial Ecology:
    Research on the diversity, composition, and functions of soil microbial communities, including their influence on nutrient cycling, soil health, and plant interactions.
  2. Soil Management Practices:
    Studies examining the effects of various agricultural practices (e.g., organic amendments, crop rotation, cover cropping) on soil properties, microbial communities, and ecosystem functions.
  3. Bioremediation and Pollution Management:
    Investigation into the use of soil microorganisms and amendments (like biochar and compost) to remediate contaminated soils and enhance soil health.
  4. Plant-Soil Interactions:
    Explorations of how plant growth and health are influenced by soil biota, including mycorrhizal associations and other beneficial microorganisms.
  5. Ecosystem Services and Soil Health:
    Research focusing on the role of soil organisms in providing ecosystem services, including carbon sequestration, nutrient cycling, and soil structure maintenance.
  6. Impact of Climate Change:
    Studies assessing how changes in climate variables (e.g., temperature, precipitation) affect soil microbial communities and their functional capacities.
The journal is actively reflecting new trends and emerging themes in applied soil ecology. Recent publications indicate a growing interest in innovative approaches and interdisciplinary studies that address current environmental challenges.
  1. Microplastics in Soil Systems:
    An increasing focus on the effects of microplastics on soil ecology, including their impact on microbial communities and soil health, reflects a growing recognition of pollution issues.
  2. Soil Health Assessment Tools:
    Emerging methodologies for evaluating soil health are gaining attention, with research focusing on developing indices and metrics that incorporate biological, chemical, and physical soil properties.
  3. Climate Resilience and Soil Management:
    Research is trending towards understanding how soil management practices can enhance resilience to climate change, particularly in agricultural systems.
  4. Soil-Borne Pathogen Management:
    There is a rising interest in biological control methods and the role of soil microbiomes in suppressing soil-borne diseases, which is crucial for sustainable agriculture.
  5. Ecosystem Services Valuation:
    Studies that assess the contribution of soil organisms to ecosystem services, such as carbon storage and nutrient cycling, are gaining prominence, highlighting their importance in land management.
  6. Integrated Nutrient Management Strategies:
    There is a trend towards research that combines organic and inorganic approaches to improve soil health and crop productivity, rather than focusing solely on conventional methods.

Declining or Waning

While certain themes remain strong, other areas of research within the journal are witnessing a decline in focus. This could be indicative of shifting priorities in soil ecology or the saturation of research in previously popular topics.
  1. Invasive Species Impact Studies:
    Research on the effects of invasive species on soil communities has decreased, possibly due to a shift towards more applied ecological practices and management strategies.
  2. Traditional Fertilization Practices:
    There is a waning interest in studies solely focused on chemical fertilization effects, as the field moves towards integrated nutrient management approaches that consider organic amendments and sustainable practices.
  3. Soil Salinity and Alkalinity Effects:
    Research specifically addressing the impacts of salinity on soil microbiomes is declining, possibly due to broader studies encompassing multiple stressors affecting soil health.
  4. Soil Enzyme Activity Alone:
    While enzyme activity studies are still relevant, there appears to be less emphasis on enzyme activity as a standalone measure of soil health, with more integrative approaches being preferred.

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