LAND DEGRADATION & DEVELOPMENT
Scope & Guideline
Fostering interdisciplinary insights for sustainable land management.
Introduction
Aims and Scopes
- Land Degradation Assessment:
Research on the causes, processes, and impacts of land degradation, including soil erosion, salinization, and desertification, using various methods such as remote sensing, soil sampling, and ecological modeling. - Ecosystem Restoration and Rehabilitation:
Studies focusing on techniques and strategies for restoring degraded lands, including afforestation, reforestation, and the use of biochar and other organic amendments to enhance soil health and ecosystem functions. - Soil Health and Management Practices:
Investigations into soil quality indicators, nutrient cycling, and the effectiveness of various agricultural practices (e.g., no-till farming, cover cropping) on maintaining or improving soil health. - Impact of Climate Change on Land Systems:
Research exploring the interactions between climate change and land use, including the effects of changing precipitation patterns and temperature on soil properties, vegetation dynamics, and land degradation. - Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services:
Exploration of the relationships between land use, biodiversity, and ecosystem services, focusing on how land management practices influence ecological functions and services.
Trending and Emerging
- Microbial Ecology and Soil Health:
An increasing number of studies focus on the role of soil microbial communities in enhancing soil health, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem resilience, emphasizing the importance of biological indicators. - Climate-Smart Agriculture:
Research is trending towards climate-smart agricultural practices that enhance resilience to climate change while maintaining productivity, including studies on water management and soil conservation techniques. - Land Use Change and Ecosystem Services:
There is a growing emphasis on understanding how land use changes affect ecosystem services, with a focus on quantifying trade-offs and synergies between agricultural productivity and ecological health. - Integrated Land Management Approaches:
Emerging studies highlight the integration of various land management strategies, including agroforestry, conservation agriculture, and landscape ecology, to achieve sustainable land use and minimize degradation. - Impact of Microplastics on Soil Health:
Increasing concerns about microplastic pollution have led to a rise in research examining its effects on soil properties, microbial communities, and overall ecosystem functioning.
Declining or Waning
- Traditional Agricultural Practices:
Research on conventional agricultural practices, such as extensive tillage and heavy chemical fertilizer use, has declined as the focus shifts towards sustainable and organic farming methods. - Single-Crop Systems:
There is a waning interest in studies focusing solely on single-crop systems, as integrated and diversified cropping systems gain more attention for their benefits in enhancing soil health and resilience. - Historical Land Use Studies:
While historical analyses of land use changes remain relevant, there is less emphasis on purely retrospective studies, with a growing preference for current and predictive modeling approaches. - Urban Land Use Impacts:
Research specifically addressing urban land use and its direct impacts on soil health and ecosystems appears to be decreasing, possibly overshadowed by broader agroecological and rural land management studies.
Similar Journals
REVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIA DO SOLO
Unleashing the Potential of Soil ResearchREVISTA BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIA DO SOLO, published by the SOC BRASILEIRA DE CIENCIA DO SOLO, serves as a vital open-access platform for disseminating impactful research in the fields of Agronomy and Soil Science. With an ISSN of 0100-0683 and an E-ISSN of 1806-9657, this journal has been fostering academic dialogue since 2003 and has gained recognition as a Q2 journal in both Agronomy and Soil Science as of 2023. Based in Brazil and actively supporting scientists and practitioners globally, it is uniquely positioned to address the challenges and innovations in soil management and cultivation practices. The journal's Scopus rankings reflect its commitment to quality, standing at #164/406 in Agronomy and Crop Science and #74/159 in Soil Science, placing it in the top quartile of its category. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to contribute their findings and insights, making it a significant resource for anyone interested in advancing the science of soil and crop stewardship.
CATENA
Advancing Earth-Surface Science Through Rigorous ResearchCATENA is a distinguished academic journal published by Elsevier, focusing on the critical field of Earth-Surface Processes. With a solid foundation established in 1973, CATENA has continuously evolved, offering a platform for high-impact research and groundbreaking discoveries in geosciences. The journal holds an impressive Scopus rank of #8 out of 179 in its category, placing it in the top 5% of its field, which underscores its importance and influence among researchers and practitioners alike. While CATENA does not operate under an open access model, its commitment to disseminating essential findings is evident in its rigorous peer-review process and inclusion of diverse studies. Located in the Netherlands, CATENA not only serves as an essential resource for professionals and students but also contributes valuable insights that help address global environmental challenges.
Geoderma Regional
Elevating discourse in the realm of soil research.Geoderma Regional is a premier scholarly journal dedicated to advancing the field of Soil Science. Published by Elsevier in the Netherlands, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating high-quality, peer-reviewed research that spans the complexities of soil management, behavior, and the implications of soil processes on environmental sustainability. Since its inception in 2014, Geoderma Regional has achieved an impressive position within the academic community, holding a Q1 ranking in the field of Soil Science, placing it among the top 20% of journals in its category according to SCOPUS rankings. This journal is particularly distinguished for its significant contributions to the nexus between agriculture and biological sciences, reflected in its rank of #33 out of 159 in this field with a commendable 79th percentile. Researchers, professionals, and students alike will appreciate the journal's commitment to open discourse and innovative research agendas as it aspires to enhance our understanding of soil dynamics, addressing critical issues facing our planet.
Applied and Environmental Soil Science
Exploring innovative pathways to enhance soil management practices.Applied and Environmental Soil Science, an esteemed journal published by HINDAWI LTD, focuses on disseminating high-quality research in the fields of soil science and environmental applications. With an ISSN of 1687-7667 and an E-ISSN of 1687-7675, this open-access journal has been a vital resource for the academic community since its inception in 2009. As of 2023, it holds a commendable position in the Q2 category for both Earth-Surface Processes and Soil Science, highlighting its impact in these crucial disciplines. The journal’s rankings further affirm its significance within the field, being placed 61st in Earth and Planetary Sciences and 58th in Agricultural and Biological Sciences. Researchers and practitioners alike benefit from the collaborative platform it offers for sharing innovative studies essential for sustainable soil management and environmental integrity. With a focus on advancing knowledge and fostering interdisciplinary dialogue, Applied and Environmental Soil Science stands as a crucial pillar for scholars and professionals dedicated to addressing the pressing challenges of soil and environmental health.
GRASS AND FORAGE SCIENCE
Cultivating Knowledge for a Greener FutureGrass and Forage Science is a premier journal published by Wiley, dedicated to advancing the fields of agronomy and crop science, as well as environmental science management. With its ISSN 0142-5242 and E-ISSN 1365-2494, this esteemed journal has been a cornerstone of scholarly communication since its inception in 1946, and it continues to provide critical insights into the cultivation and sustainability of grasslands and forage systems through to 2024. Recognized within the academic community, it holds a distinguished Q1 ranking in Agronomy and Crop Science and a Q2 ranking in Management, Monitoring, Policy and Law, highlighting its significant impact and contribution to these essential domains. Researchers, professionals, and students alike benefit from the rigorous peer-reviewed articles that address contemporary challenges and innovations in land management, grassland farming, and ecological sustainability. While the journal operates under a subscription model, its breadth of expertise makes it an invaluable resource for anyone engaged in agricultural and environmental sciences. In an era where sustainable practices are paramount, Grass and Forage Science stands at the forefront, driving the conversation and fostering advancements in the way we manage and utilize our natural resources.
Spanish Journal of Soil Science
Cultivating Knowledge for Global Soil SolutionsThe Spanish Journal of Soil Science is a prestigious open-access journal published by FRONTIERS MEDIA SA since 2011. Based in Switzerland, this journal serves as a vital platform for disseminating innovative research and applications within the field of soil science. With its commitment to accessibility, the journal enables researchers, professionals, and students from around the globe to contribute to and benefit from its wealth of knowledge. As of 2023, it holds a respectable Q3 category ranking in soil science and is positioned at #88 out of 159 in the Scopus rankings for Agricultural and Biological Sciences. The journal aspires to foster collaboration and communication among soil scientists, encouraging the exploration of contemporary soil issues, sustainable practices, and advancements in technology. Its open-access model ensures that the latest findings are freely available, promoting a broader impact in environmental and ecological studies.
ARID LAND RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT
Unlocking the potential of arid lands through research.ARID LAND RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT is a leading journal in the field of Soil Science, published by Taylor & Francis Inc in the United Kingdom. With a focus on the sustainable management of arid and semi-arid lands, this journal aims to bridge the gap between scientific research and practical application. It garners a respectable impact factor, categorically positioned in the Q2 quartile within its field and ranks 59th out of 159 in Scopus, representing the top 63rd percentile of journals in Agricultural and Biological Sciences - Soil Science. As an essential resource for researchers, practitioners, and students alike, ARID LAND RESEARCH AND MANAGEMENT publishes high-quality, peer-reviewed articles that cover a wide range of topics, from soil conservation techniques to innovative land management practices. Open access options are available, facilitating broader dissemination of knowledge critical to addressing global challenges associated with arid environments. Targeting a pivotal area of study, this journal plays a significant role in advancing the understanding and management of these unique ecosystems, making it a valuable asset for anyone engaged in environmental sustainability.
JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION
Exploring the nexus of soil health and water sustainability.The JOURNAL OF SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION, published by the Soil Water Conservation Society, is a leading peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the critical fields of agronomy, soil science, and water conservation. With its inception in 1973 and a convergence period extending to 2024, the journal plays a pivotal role in disseminating innovative research, management practices, and policy analysis aimed at promoting sustainable land and water resource management. The journal boasts an impressive Impact Factor and ranks in the Q1 and Q2 quartiles across key categories, including Agronomy and Crop Science, Nature and Landscape Conservation, and Water Science and Technology. It serves as an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students to engage with cutting-edge findings that address pressing environmental challenges. Through its commitment to advancing the science of soil and water conservation, this journal remains a vital resource for enhancing ecological integrity and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
RANGELAND JOURNAL
Connecting Scholars in Rangeland ScienceRangeland Journal, published by CSIRO PUBLISHING, stands as a pivotal resource within the fields of ecology and environmental science. With an ISSN of 1036-9872 and an E-ISSN of 1834-7541, this journal has been disseminating critical research findings from 1998 to 2024, particularly focusing on the intricate dynamics of rangelands and their ecological significance. The journal is recognized for its contributions to the Q3 category in both Ecology and Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics, demonstrating its relevance in advancing scholarly discourse among researchers and professionals alike. Furthermore, with Scopus ranking it in the 57th percentile within its respective categories, the Rangeland Journal serves as an essential platform for fostering academic exchange and promoting sustainable management practices in rangeland environments. While currently not an open-access publication, it remains a vital institution for those dedicated to the stewardship and study of these unique landscapes.
RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS
Empowering research for renewable agricultural practices.RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS, published by Cambridge University Press, is a leading open-access journal dedicated to the advancement of sustainability in agricultural practices and food systems. With an ISSN of 1742-1705 and an E-ISSN of 1742-1713, this journal spans the interdisciplinary fields of agronomy and food science, achieving a commendable Q2 ranking in both categories for 2023. As it continues to converge through the years from 2004 to 2024, the journal offers a platform for researchers, professionals, and students to disseminate transformative research that addresses the challenges of food security, resource management, and environmental impact. The journal’s significant impact is underscored by its Scopus rankings, situating it in the 77th percentile among agronomy and crop science publications, and the 67th percentile in food science. Since becoming fully open access in 2023, RENEWABLE AGRICULTURE AND FOOD SYSTEMS promotes wider accessibility to vital research findings, fostering collaboration and innovation in the pursuit of sustainable agricultural practices and food systems worldwide.