Jul 2026· International Journal of Economic Plants· Vol 13, pp. 01-09· 0 citations· 24 references
Abstract
This review focussed on recent scientific insights to explain the ability of different tree species to lower water tables, thereby improving the soil health and environment. Biodrainage has emerged as an innovative and sustainable biological approach to mitigate waterlogging and soil salinity, which were two major impediments to agricultural productivity. It was proven beyond doubt as a practical and eco-friendly alternative to conventional drainage methods in poorly drained areas. Fast-growing, deep-rooted, and high-transpiring species such as Eucalyptus, Casuarina, and Acacia have demonstrated significant efficacy in managing excess soil moisture in affected landscapes. Adopting these species facilitated natural drainage and contributed positively to soil properties and microbial activity. Furthermore, it gained momentum as a low-cost, self-sustaining, and renewable solution that integrated well with agroforestry systems and sustainable land use practices. It could help reclaim saline soils, and supported resilient farming systems besides improving resource-use efficiency, stabilizing crop productivity under stress conditions thus generating additional economic returns through tree-based outputs. In the context of global sustainability frameworks, this green concept aligned with key Sustainable Development Goals, including SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 13 (Climate Action), and SDG 15 (Life on Land). However, its effectiveness depended on appropriate tree species selection, site-specific soil and ground water conditions, and long-term management practices. Therefore, systematic evaluation of tree species was essential to optimize biodrainage performance and ensured sustainable land and water resource management.
Biochar has emerged as a multifunctional soil amendment with the potential to mitigate soil degradation, nutrient loss, and water scarcity. However, its effectiveness depends strongly on feedstock type and production conditions, limiting consistent application across agroecosystems. This review focuses on Paulownia leaf-derived biochar (PLB) as a promising feedstock for sustainable soil management. Current knowledge on its production, physicochemical properties, and mechanisms of interaction with the soil environment is synthesized, with emphasis on nutrient storage, water dynamics, and plant responses. To link process-based understanding with practical application, a case-based approach integrates literature evidence with a previously published experimental study evaluating PLB in turfgrass systems under different fertilization and irrigation regimes. The case study illustrates how feedstock-specific properties, including alkaline pH, high cation exchange capacity, mineral enrichment, and a developed pore structure, contribute to enhanced soil functions and turfgrass performance. The combined evidence indicates that PLB may enhance nutrient storage, water availability, and fertilizer-use efficiency, particularly in intensively managed systems. Overall, this review provides an integrated framework for understanding how the physicochemical properties of Paulownia leaf-derived biochar are translated into soil functions and agronomic responses, supporting the targeted selection and application of biochar for sustainable soil management.
M. Koprivica, Marija Simić, Jelena Dimitrijević et al.· Plants· 0 citations
Soil health plays a crucial role in plant productivity, nutrient cycling, and ecosystem stability, making it essential for sustainable garden management. This experimental study evaluated the impact of eco-friendly practices on the physico-chemical and biological properties of soil in a college botanical garden. Soil samples from organically managed plots were compared with those from conventionally managed plots using standard analytical and microbiological methods, assessing parameters such as soil pH, organic carbon, moisture content, microbial biomass, and enzyme activity. Results indicated significantly higher organic carbon, improved soil structure, and enhanced microbial activity in eco-friendly plots (p < 0.05), along with greater populations of beneficial nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms. These improvements supported better plant growth and reduced dependence on chemical inputs. The study highlights that practices such as composting, mulching, crop rotation, and biofertilizer application effectively enhance soil fertility and ecological sustainability, emphasizing botanical gardens as important sites for promoting sustainable horticultural management.
Aruna Kadam, S. Thombare, M. Date et al.· Asian Journal of Microbiolog...· 0 citations
Soil is home to a vast array of microorganisms that are essential to ecosystem multifunctionality (EMF), which includes climate regulation, organic matter breakdown, and nutrient cycling. This literature review summarizes the state of knowledge regarding how soil microbial diversity affects agricultural ecosystem services and functions, emphasizing important processes including phosphorus solubilization, nitrogen fixation, and nutrient mobilization. It describes the ideas of functional redundancy and niche complementarity, which help ecosystems remain stable and resilient in the face of environmental stress. In addition, it also examined the anthropogenic forces that affect soil microbial communities, such as pollution and land-use change. This article describes the biotic and abiotic drivers of microbial diversity. The promise of methodological advancements like machine learning, stable isotope probing, and omics technologies to expand the understanding of soil microbial ecology is investigated. To maximize microbial potential for environmental resilience and sustainable development, we provide the review of promoting new emerging technology for microbial diversity identification and policy integration. Overall, this article shows the importance of preserving and managing soil microbial diversity to promote sustainable agriculture, enhance soil health, and reduce the effects of climate change.
Kabita Budthapa, Prof. Dr. Iin Handayani, MSc· Journal of Smart Agriculture...· 0 citations