Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Aleš Vaněk Author-Name: Maria Vaňková Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Vojtěch Ettler Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Martin Mihaljevič Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Geochemistry, Mineralogy and Mineral Resources, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Bohdan Kříbek Author-Workplace-Name: Czech Geological Survey, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Petra Vokurková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Tereza Zádorová Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Vít Penížek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Ondra Sracek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Geology, Faculty of Science, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic Author-Name: Benjamin Mapani Author-Workplace-Name: Namibia University of Science and Technology, Faculty of Engineering and Built Environment, Windhoek, Namibia Title: Silver geochemistry and isotope systematics in Ag-rich mine tailings from Namibia Abstract: In this study, we present a detailed geochemical characterisation and stable isotope systematics of silver (Ag) in a mining waste facility at the Namib Lead & Zinc mine in Namibia (Africa). We examined a series of flotation tailings and ore minerals to address two principal questions: (1) the distribution, chemical form and leachability of Ag, and (2) the local Ag isotopic signature(s) and its variability in relation to Ag speciation in the solid phase, as well as the fate of stable Ag isotopes. Our findings reveal a significant correlation between Ag and Pb concentrations, indicating that galena is the primary Ag carrier. Most importantly, all mild extractions mobilised only a minimal amount of Ag (≤ 1 wt.% of the total amount). This suggests that most Ag is associated with geochemically stable phases, specifically sulphides, which are not subjected to leaching and/or intensive weathering. Unlike other isotope studies, the present research demonstrates a homogeneous Ag isotopic signal in the tailings and individual ore samples with an average δ109Ag value of ~ 0‰ (± 0.1, 2SD). Therefore, this study provides new knowledge and clearly supports the use of Ag isotopic data to track primary Ag sources globally, not only in Africa. Keywords: critical raw material, extraction, galena, ore, sulphide Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 1-8 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/143/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/143/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0001.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:143-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Xu Fan Author-Workplace-Name: School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P.R. China Author-Name: Wei Hu Author-Name: Zhongzheng Ren Author-Workplace-Name: School of Resources and Environment, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, P.R. China Author-Name: Yuan Chen Author-Workplace-Name: State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, P.R. China Author-Name: Qingsong Shen Author-Workplace-Name: State Key Laboratory of Black Soils Conservation and Utilization, Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Harbin, P.R. China Author-Name: Xingyi Zhang Title: Rainfall pattern impact on runoff and sediment of the sloping cropland in Northeast China Abstract: Rainfall is a major contributor to water erosion of sloping cropland in Northeast China. Identifying how rainfall and slope gradient (S) influence runoff depth (RD) and sediment yield (SY) is crucial for preventing water erosion. Field measurements from runoff plots were collected from 2023 to 2024, and K-means clustering was applied to clarify the rainfall patterns. Response of RD and SY to the rainfall pattern and S were analysed. Key factors impacting RD and SY were explored. The results showed that three rainfall patterns were identified for 34 erosive rainfall events: A (41.2%, medium duration, medium rainfall intensity, and medium rainfall amount (RA)). B (50.0%, short duration, high rainfall intensity, and low RA) and C (5.4%, long duration, low rainfall intensity, high RA). Furthermore, the cumulative RD and SY increased with S for the same rainfall pattern. The cumulative RD and SY responded similarly to rainfall patterns for the same S. The contribution of the rainfall pattern to the cumulative RD and SY decreased in the order of C, A, and B. In addition, rainfall duration (D) and maximum 30-minute rainfall intensity were the key factors affecting RD and SY for rainfall pattern A, respectively. Rainfall erosivity (R) was the key factor affecting RD and SY for rainfall pattern B and C. R and RD were the dominant factors influencing the RD and SY for all rainfall events, respectively. Keywords: black soil region, natural rainfall, rainfall erosivity, soil and water loss Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 9-19 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/39/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/39/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0002.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:39-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Yonggang Huang Author-Name: Hongri Zhang Author-Workplace-Name: Guangxi Transportation Science & Technology Group Co., Ltd. Nanning, Guangxi, P.R. China Author-Name: Xinzhong Wang Author-Workplace-Name: School of Civil Engineering, Hunan City University, Yiyang, Hunan, P.R. China Author-Name: Yuexing Wu Author-Workplace-Name: School of Civil Engineering, Hunan City University, Yiyang, Hunan, P.R. China Author-Name: Xianliang Tan Author-Workplace-Name: School of Civil Engineering, Hunan City University, Yiyang, Hunan, P.R. China Author-Name: Kang Xiong Author-Workplace-Name: Huai'an Water Resources Survey and Design Institute Co., Ltd. Yiyang Branch, Yiyang, Hunan, P.R. China Title: Multi-objective optimisation and synergistic mechanisms of expansive soil improvement using organic fertiliser, slow-release fertiliser, and rice straw Abstract: This study systematically investigated the synergistic improvement of expansive soil using organic fertiliser (OF), slow-release fertiliser (SRF), and rice straw (RS) through Box-Behnken design (BBD) and response surface methodology (RSM). Key findings include: the quadratic models demonstrated high statistical significance (root density: R2 = 0.765, F = 25.84; shear strength: R2 = 0.885, F = 18.65; swelling rate: R2 = 0.20, F = 15.23; all P < 0.001) with low prediction errors (root content: ± 0.08 mg/cm3; shear strength: ± 0.58 kPa; swelling rate: ± 0.38%); The combination of 12.30% OF + 0.7 kg/m3 SRF + 0.4% RS achieved 58% improvement in shear strength, 32% improvement in root content, 42.7% reduction in swelling rate; OF exhibited negative linear effects on root density (β = - 0.18, P = 0.002) with >10% dosage reducing root growth by 9.0%; SRF showed positive linear impacts on shear strength (β = +0.25, P = 0.001) and root density (β = + 0.12, P = 0.023); RS enhanced shear strength below 0.5% (β = + 0.08, P = 0.042) but impaired root density due to pore clogging (β = - 0.15, P = 0.008). The optimised formulation, validated by triplicate centre-point tests (coefficient of variation ≤ 2.1%), is recommended for slope stabilisation while limiting OF to ≤ 10% to prevent performance degradation. This data-driven approach provides actionable insights for balancing agricultural waste utilisation and geotechnical performance in expansive soil improvement. Keywords: agricultural waste recycling, expansive soil, shear strength, swelling potential, synergistic effect, threshold effect Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 20-33 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/47/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/47/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0003.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:47-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Haowei Xu Author-Workplace-Name: Institute of Multipurpose Utilization of Mineral Resources, CAGS, Chengdu, P.R. China Author-Name: Yuhong Tong Author-Workplace-Name: College of Resources, Sichuan Agricultural University, Chengdu, P.R. China Author-Name: Li Zhou Author-Workplace-Name: Yibin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Yibin, P.R. China Author-Name: Huizhen Li Title: The response of medium and trace elements in degraded alpine meadow soils to vegetation characteristics and soil physicochemical properties Abstract: Alpine meadows, one of the most widespread and important vegetation types on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, are facing severe degradation. This study examines how degradation affects soil medium and trace elements in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, along with their relationships with plant traits and soil properties. Results indicate that alpine meadow degradation significantly reduces vegetation coverage, height, biomass, soil water content (SWC), and the levels of soil organic carbon (SOC), nitrogen (N), and phosphorus (P), while increasing soil bulk density (BD), pH, and potassium (K) content. Soil Ca, Zn, and Mo decrease with degradation, whereas Mg, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and Co increase, with Ca, Fe, and Mn showing the strongest changes. Correlation and redundancy analyses indicate that aboveground biomass, SWC, SOC, N, and P positively correlate with Ca, Mo, and Zn, while pH, BD, and K associate with Mn, Fe, Ni, Co, Mg, and Cu. Therefore, alpine meadow degradation significantly influences the distribution of certain soil physicochemical properties and medium and trace elements in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Meanwhile, these medium and trace elements are also affected by specific soil physicochemical properties. Future grassland restoration should consider not only macronutrients and basic soil properties but also key elements like Ca, Fe, and Mn. This study provides foundational data for the ecological restoration of degraded alpine meadows. Keywords: meadow degradation, plant community characteristics, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, soil element characteristics Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 34-42 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/91/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/91/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0004.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:91-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Lenka Pavlů Author-Name: Marek Kučírek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Václav Tejnecký Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Ondřej Drábek Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Petra Vokurková Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Luboš Borůvka Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Soil Science and Soil Protection, Faculty of Agrobiology, Food and Natural Resources, Czech University of Life Sciences Prague, Prague, Czech Republic Author-Name: Martin Valtera Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Forest Botany, Dendrology and Geobiocoenology, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Technology, Mendel University in Brno, Brno, Czech Republic Author-Name: Věra Fadrhonsová Author-Workplace-Name: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Jíloviště, Czech Republic Author-Name: Radek Novotný Author-Workplace-Name: Forestry and Game Management Research Institute, Jíloviště, Czech Republic Title: Effect of logging residues management on the distribution of potentially toxic elements in soils of large-scale clearcuts resulting from bark beetle forest damage Abstract: This research focuses on the effects of large-scale clearcuts resulting from salvage logging after spruce (Picea abies) forest dieback caused by an extreme bark beetle infestation, and on the effect of logging residues management (chopping vs. clearing) on the distribution of potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in soil. Pseudo-total contents of Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn were determined in soil samples collected separately from the organic (F+H) and mineral (0-10, 10-20, and 20-30 cm depths) soil layers. The distribution of elements was influenced mainly by sampling locality and position in the soil profile. In general, the contents of Cd, Ni and Cr were higher in the mineral layers, whereas Pb was more concentrated in the FH layer. A significant effect of logging residues management on the distribution of PTEs was observed only for Pb and Zn. We expect that the relative decrease of Pb and increase of Zn contents in the "chopped" treatment was mostly due to the higher input of mineral soil and wood residues to the FH layer. Since the stand was harvested relatively recently, the effects of soil preparation have probably outweighed those of spreading or removing logging residues. Keywords: forest soil, harvesting, risk elements, spruce Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 43-51 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/119/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/119/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0005.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:119-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Muhammad Tahir Amin Author-Name: Abdulrahman Ali Alazba Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Agricultural Engineering, College of Food & Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Workplace-Name: Alamoudi Water Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Muhammad Shafiq Author-Workplace-Name: Alamoudi Water Research Chair, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Aftab Ahmad Khan Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia Author-Name: Muhammad Muhitur Rahman Author-Workplace-Name: Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, College of Engineering, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa Saudi Arabia Title: Ca-Mg-Al LDH-modified wheat straw biochar for efficient lead chemisorption from aqueous solution: Insights from isotherm and kinetic analyses Abstract: This study reports layered double hydroxides (LDHs) modified wheat straw biochar (W-B), denoted as (LDH/W-B), as an efficient adsorbent material for removal of lead (Pb2+) ions from aqueous solution. This study also juxtaposes the adsorptive performance of LDH/W-B with W-B for Pb2+ removal. W-B was prepared via pyrolysis of wheat straw in a muffle furnace, using a controlled heating rate of 5 °C per min to reach 600 °C over a duration of three hours. Subsequently, LDH/W-B was synthesised using the co-precipitation method. Both resulting adsorbents were characterised for surface morphology and functional groups by means of scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), respectively. The influence of key adsorption parameters on the adsorption efficiency of W-B and LDH/W-B was systematically evaluated. At 60 min, the maximum Pb2+ removal efficiency was observed to be 78.21% for W-B and 92.4% for LDH/W-B. An increase in adsorbent dosage from 0.05 to 0.7 g and at a contact time of 1 h further enhanced Pb2+ removal, achieving efficiencies of 97% for W-B and 99% for LDH/W-B. The optimal conditions for maximum Pb2+ removal were determined to be 0.3 g of adsorbent (W-B and LDH/W-B), an initial heavy metal concentration of 10 mg/L, and a contact time of 1 h. Pb2+ removal data of W-B and LDH/W-B best fitted to the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second order kinetic model, which confirmed the dominance of chemisorption of Pb2+ ions. Additionally, the maximum theoretical adsorption capacity for Pb2+ is close to the experimentally obtained values, suggesting that the adsorption of Pb2+ primarily occurs through monolayer formation on the surface of both adsorbents. Overall, this study demonstrates that LDH/W-B is a highly promising adsorbent for Pb2+ removal in wastewater treatment applications. Keywords: activated biochar, adsorption, layered double hydroxides, pseudo-second-order Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: 52-65 Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 DOI: 10.17221/106/2025-SWR File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/doi/10.17221/106/2025-SWR.html File-Format: text/html X-File-Ref: http://agriculturejournals.cz/RePEc/caa/references/swr-202601-0006.txt Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:106-2025-SWR Template-Type: ReDIF-Article 1.0 Author-Name: Editorial Department Title: List of Reviewers 2025 Journal: Soil and Water Research Pages: I Volume: 21 Issue: 1 Year: 2026 File-URL: http://swr.agriculturejournals.cz/artkey/swr-202601-0007_list-of-reviewers-2025.php File-Format: text/html Handle: RePEc:caa:jnlswr:v:21:y:2026:i:1:id:swr-202601-0007