Overview

Soil provides the essential nutrients, water, and root support that food-producing plants need to grow and thrive. Soil quality can be affected by climatic conditions, time, the impact of living organisms, and especially human management. The condition of the soil determines the effectiveness of any crop growing within it. In the last century, the use of mineral fertilizers and plant protection products has steadily increased, negatively affecting the soil conditions and the environment. Ineffective nutrient application through the use of fertilizers has resulted in the migration of harmful compounds. The use of mineral fertilizers and intensive cultivation has negatively impacted biodiversity, significantly worsening the physical and chemical properties of soils. Environmental pollution has become a global problem. Sustainable soil management not only reverses this trend, but also improves soil fertility. This Special Issue focuses on the characterization of soil, aiming to provide soil scientists with up-to-date information and methods of sustainable agriculture with which to meet societal demand without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.