South African Journal of Plant and Soil

Scope & Guideline

Championing excellence in plant and soil research.

Introduction

Explore the comprehensive scope of South African Journal of Plant and Soil through our detailed guidelines, including its aims and scope. Stay updated with trending and emerging topics, and delve into declining areas to understand shifts in academic interest. Our guidelines also showcase highly cited topics, featuring influential research making a significant impact. Additionally, discover the latest published papers and those with high citation counts, offering a snapshot of current scholarly conversations. Use these guidelines to explore South African Journal of Plant and Soil in depth and align your research initiatives with current academic trends.
LanguageMulti-Language
ISSN0257-1862
PublisherTAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1984 to 2024
AbbreviationS AFR J PLANT SOIL / S. Afr. J. Plant Soil
Frequency5 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OR14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The South African Journal of Plant and Soil focuses on advancing the scientific understanding of plant and soil interactions, particularly within the context of African agricultural systems. It aims to address various aspects of soil management, crop production, and environmental sustainability through empirical research and innovative methodologies.
  1. Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management:
    This area encompasses research on soil health, nutrient dynamics, and the impact of various fertilization strategies on crop yield and quality. Studies often explore the effects of organic and inorganic amendments, as well as the role of soil microorganisms.
  2. Crop Production and Management Practices:
    The journal emphasizes the integration of sustainable agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture, crop rotation, and intercropping systems. Research examines how these practices influence crop performance and soil quality.
  3. Soil Remediation and Environmental Impact:
    Research in this scope focuses on methods for improving degraded soils, including the use of organic amendments, bioremediation, and the evaluation of soil properties post-remediation.
  4. Digital Agriculture and Precision Farming:
    The journal highlights the use of technology in agriculture, including digital soil mapping, precision agriculture techniques, and modeling approaches to enhance decision-making in crop management.
  5. Climate Change and Agroecosystem Resilience:
    The impacts of climate variability on agricultural productivity and soil health are explored, with an emphasis on developing adaptive strategies for farmers in Southern Africa.
Recent publications have highlighted several emerging themes that reflect the current priorities and challenges in plant and soil research. This section outlines these trends, showcasing the journal's responsiveness to evolving scientific and agricultural landscapes.
  1. Sustainable Agriculture and Conservation Practices:
    There is a growing emphasis on sustainable agricultural practices, including conservation agriculture, cover cropping, and integrated pest management, addressing the need for resilience in farming systems.
  2. Soil Health and Microbial Activity:
    Research increasingly focuses on the relationship between soil health and microbial communities, exploring how these interactions can enhance nutrient availability and crop performance.
  3. Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture:
    Studies investigating the effects of climate change on soil properties, crop yields, and agricultural practices are on the rise, reflecting a pressing need to understand and mitigate these impacts.
  4. Technological Innovations in Soil Management:
    The adoption of new technologies in soil management, such as digital soil mapping and remote sensing, is trending, as researchers seek to leverage these tools for improving soil conservation and agricultural productivity.
  5. Crop Diversity and Agroecological Approaches:
    An increasing number of papers are focusing on the benefits of crop diversity, including intercropping and agroforestry systems, which enhance ecosystem resilience and productivity.

Declining or Waning

As the journal evolves, certain themes appear to be losing prominence in recent publications. This section identifies these waning scopes, reflecting shifts in research focus and potential changes in agricultural challenges or interests.
  1. Traditional Soil Analysis Techniques:
    Research focusing on conventional soil testing and analysis methods is becoming less common as new technologies and methodologies emerge, emphasizing more innovative approaches such as digital mapping and spectroscopy.
  2. Single Crop Studies Without Sustainable Practices:
    There is a noticeable decline in studies that concentrate on single crop systems without considering sustainable practices and interactions with soil health, as the trend shifts towards integrated and holistic agricultural approaches.
  3. Basic Agricultural Research Without Contextual Impact:
    Papers purely focused on basic agricultural research without addressing their implications for local agricultural systems or environmental challenges are becoming less frequent, as the journal shifts towards more applied and context-relevant studies.

Similar Journals

NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH

Connecting Researchers to Drive Agricultural Excellence
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0028-8233Frequency: 4 issues/year

NEW ZEALAND JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH is a prestigious, peer-reviewed journal published by Taylor & Francis Ltd that has been at the forefront of agricultural science since its inception in 1958. With a strong focus on the fields of Agronomy and Crop Science, Animal Science and Zoology, Plant Science, and Soil Science, this journal has established itself in the academic community, achieving a notable Q2 ranking in various agricultural categories as of 2023. The journal thrives on its commitment to disseminating cutting-edge research and innovative practices that address contemporary challenges in agriculture. Although it does not currently offer an open access option, its valuable contributions can be accessed through various academic platforms, ensuring that vital research reaches a wide audience of researchers, professionals, and students globally. The journal's continued relevance and authority are reflected in its strong Scopus rankings, further emphasizing its role as a critical journal within the agricultural sciences.

INDIAN JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Advancing agricultural innovation for a sustainable future.
Publisher: INDIAN COUNC AGRICULTURAL RESISSN: 0019-5022Frequency: 12 issues/year

Welcome to the Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, a vital resource for researchers and professionals in the field of agricultural sciences, published by the esteemed Indian Council of Agricultural Research. Established in 1974, this journal aims to disseminate high-quality research and developments in agronomy and crop science, facilitating knowledge exchange and advancement within the agricultural community. Though currently classified in the Q4 category according to 2023 data, it provides an essential platform for publication, contributing valuable insights towards sustainable agricultural practices. With an ISSN of 0019-5022 and an E-ISSN of 2394-3319, the journal houses important research that spans decades of convergence and collaboration, promoting innovation in agriculture across India and beyond. As an open access platform, it invites contributions that reflect a wide array of agricultural disciplines to foster sustainable food systems that address the challenges of food security. Join the network of scholars and practitioners by sharing your research and engaging with the profound work being done in this transformative field.

SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT

Innovating solutions for effective soil management.
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0266-0032Frequency: 4 issues/year

SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT is a premier academic journal published by Wiley, focusing on the critical domains of Agronomy, Crop Science, Pollution, and Soil Science. With an ISSN of 0266-0032 and an E-ISSN of 1475-2743, the journal has established itself as a vital resource in the field since its inception in 1985. Operating from its U.S. headquarters in Hoboken, NJ, SOIL USE AND MANAGEMENT boasts impressive Q1 rankings across its relevant categories, indicating its standing in the top tier of research journals. Notably, it is ranked 48th out of 406 journals in Agronomy and Crop Science and holds an 88th percentile position, as well as a commendable rank of 26th out of 159 journals in Soil Science, underscoring its influence and reach. This journal serves as an essential platform for researchers, professionals, and students dedicated to sustainable soil management practices and understanding soil's role in agricultural productivity and environmental health. Although it does not offer Open Access, its rigorous peer-review process ensures the publication of high-quality original research, reviews, and case studies critical for advancing knowledge and practice in the field. This journal is crucial for anyone engaged in soil science and its related disciplines, encouraging innovative approaches to challenges facing soil use and management today.

ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES

Advancing Agricultural Knowledge for a Sustainable Future
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 0570-1783Frequency: 2 issues/year

ANNALS OF AGRICULTURAL SCIENCES, published by Elsevier, stands as a leading open access journal dedicated to the multifaceted field of agricultural sciences. Since its inception in 2011, this journal has served as a pivotal platform for the dissemination of high-quality research, covering areas such as agronomy, animal science, horticulture, food science, plant science, and soil science. With an impressive Q1 ranking across multiple disciplines and notable positions in Scopus Ranks—including #6 in Animal Science and Zoology and #3 in Horticulture—this journal is recognized globally for its significant contribution to advancing agricultural innovations. The journal caters to a diverse audience of researchers, professionals, and students, providing them with open access to cutting-edge studies that address critical issues in agricultural productivity and sustainability. Its commitment to high-impact research ensures that articles contribute meaningfully to the scientific community, fostering advancements in agricultural practices and policies.

Romanian Agricultural Research

Advancing Agricultural Science for a Sustainable Future
Publisher: NATL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT INSTISSN: 1222-4227Frequency: 1 issue/year

Romanian Agricultural Research is a prominent academic journal dedicated to advancing the field of agricultural science with a specific focus on agronomy and crop management. Published by the NATL AGRICULTURAL RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT INST in Romania, this journal has established itself as an important resource within its discipline, evidenced by its Q3 ranking in the Agronomy and Crop Science category for 2023. With its ongoing publication since 2008, the journal provides a platform for researchers and professionals to disseminate their findings and share innovative practices that address the challenges faced in agricultural development. Although it operates under a non-open access model, Romanian Agricultural Research commits to rigorous peer-review processes, ensuring the high-quality content that enhances the academic community’s knowledge base. The journal's objective is to foster dialogues surrounding sustainable agriculture, improve crop yield, and contribute to the enhancement of agricultural practices globally. Researchers, professionals, and students will find this journal to be an invaluable repository of knowledge and a catalyst for future agricultural innovations.

Agronomy-Basel

Nurturing the Future of Agronomy with Cutting-Edge Research
Publisher: MDPIISSN: Frequency: 12 issues/year

Agronomy-Basel is a leading international journal dedicated to advancing the field of agronomy and crop science, published by the respected MDPI. Since its inception in 2011, this open-access journal has provided a vital platform for the dissemination of high-quality research, featuring innovative studies and reviews that contribute to the understanding of agricultural practices and crop management. With an impressive impact factor and ranked in the Q1 quartile of its category for 2023, Agronomy-Basel has established itself as a premier resource in the realm of Agricultural and Biological Sciences, achieving a commendable rank of #62 out of 406 in its field, placing it in the 84th percentile. The journal targets researchers, professionals, and students who are dedicated to enhancing agricultural sustainability and productivity. Located in Basel, Switzerland, the journal's commitment to open access empowers global accessibility to flourishing agricultural advancements, thus fostering collaboration and innovation across the globe.

Soil & Environment

Empowering Knowledge for Sustainable Soil Management
Publisher: UNIV AGRICULTURE, INST SOIL & ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCESISSN: 2074-9546Frequency: 2 issues/year

Soil & Environment is a distinguished open access journal published by the University of Agriculture, Institute of Soil & Environmental Sciences, located in Faisalabad, Pakistan. Established in 2006, this journal has become a vital platform for disseminating pioneering research in the fields of Environmental Science and Soil Science. With an ISSN of 2074-9546, it provides a wealth of knowledge through accessible academic articles, particularly focusing on sustainable practices and innovations that impact soil and environmental health. Although currently categorized in Q4 within both Environmental Science (miscellaneous) and Soil Science, the journal is dedicated to enhancing its influence and visibility as it progresses towards convergence years that span from 2010 to 2024. Researchers, professionals, and students will find Soil & Environment an essential resource for staying informed about the latest developments and methodologies in soil conservation and environmental sustainability. By offering publicly accessible content, the journal aims to foster greater collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the global scientific community.

APPLIED SOIL ECOLOGY

Advancing Knowledge in Soil Ecosystems
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 0929-1393Frequency: 9 issues/year

Applied Soil Ecology, published by Elsevier, is a premier journal dedicated to advancing the field of soil ecology through rigorous research and innovative methodologies. With an impressive impact factor and a consistent placement in the Q1 quartile across various categories including Agricultural and Biological Sciences, Ecology, and Soil Science, this journal underscores its significance in the scientific community. The journal's scope encompasses critical areas such as soil biology, microbial ecology, and the role of soils in ecosystem services, aiming to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, professionals, and students. The convergence of research efforts from 1994 to 2024 highlights its commitment to maintaining current and relevant discourse within the field. While open access options are not available, the quality and depth of the articles published ensure that the latest findings and discussions are accessible through institutional subscriptions. With a strong focus on empirical studies and applied research, Applied Soil Ecology is an essential resource for anyone interested in the complexities of soil ecosystems and their impact on the environment.

SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL

Innovative Insights for Ecological Excellence
Publisher: WILEYISSN: 0361-5995Frequency: 6 issues/year

Welcome to the SOIL SCIENCE SOCIETY OF AMERICA JOURNAL, a premier publication in the field of soil science, published by WILEY. With a distinguished history dating back to 1976, this journal has consistently provided a platform for researchers to share innovative findings and insights into soil’s critical role in agricultural and ecological systems. Featuring an impressive Q1 category ranking in Soil Science and positioned within the top 25% of its field according to Scopus, this journal is recognized for its impactful contributions to advancing our understanding of soil dynamics. While not an open-access journal, it remains a valuable resource for academics and professionals alike, with distinguished articles that meet the highest scientific standards. As it enters its converged years from 1976 to 2024, the journal aims to continue shaping the future of soil research, offering valuable knowledge to students, researchers, and practitioners dedicated to sustainable land management and environmental preservation.

FIELD CROPS RESEARCH

Unlocking the Potential of Crop Production Research
Publisher: ELSEVIERISSN: 0378-4290Frequency: 12 issues/year

FIELD CROPS RESEARCH is a premier academic journal published by Elsevier, dedicated to advancing knowledge in the fields of Agronomy and Crop Science as well as Soil Science. Now in its 46th year of publication, this esteemed journal has established itself as a leading resource, holding a prestigious Q1 ranking in both the Agronomy and Soil Science categories, with a remarkable blend of rigorous peer-reviewed research and innovative findings. With a Scopus ranking of #27/406 in Agronomy and #20/159 in Soil Science, and a notable 93rd and 87th percentile respectively, FIELD CROPS RESEARCH plays a vital role in informing practices that drive sustainable agriculture and optimize crop production. Although not an open access journal, it remains highly accessible to the global research community and offers critical insights that influence policy and agricultural practices worldwide. Researchers, professionals, and students are encouraged to delve into this journal, as it continues to shape the future of field crop research through impactful studies and comprehensive reviews.