Soil Microbial Diversity and the Sustainability of Agricultural Soils in Eastern Europe

Dear Colleagues,

It is well known that intensive soil use can cause massive changes in the landscape, ecosystems, and the environment. Continuous urbanization and the extension of network infrastructure are among the main factors that affect productive agricultural soils. Further considering the water and food demand, agricultural practices, the usage of fertilizers and pesticides, and pollution from various chemical compounds from anthropogenic activities, it is obvious that agricultural soils suffer a high level of degradation, thus losing their fertility and the capacity for healthy production. The scientific approach is the base of any adequate management plan for areas severely affected by anthropogenic activities and for the elaboration of European standards concerning soil pollution and the protection of biodiversity. In this regard, soil quality assessments can provide useful information for the synchronization of nutrient supplies with crop demand and fertilizer application, the optimization of crop production, environmental contamination from runoff and leaching of excess fertilizers, improving the nutritional balance of growing media, the understanding of soil microbial diversity, dynamics, and the response to pollutants present in soil and their role in increasing the agricultural productivity. This Special Issue aims to bring together submissions that provide an important input regarding the quality status and fertility of agricultural soils in Eastern Europe, in order to better understand soil functions, agricultural sustainability, ecosystem services, and, finally, to help build conservation policies and preserve them over time.

This field of study includes sustainable practices and conservation techniques revealed by soil organisms and their interactions, soil biochemistry, nutrient cycling, soil processes and functions, and the impact of human activities on soil ecosystems.

The purpose of the Special Issue is to bring together original research papers and reviews that highlight the importance of the scientific approach in emphasizing the state of Eastern European agricultural soils and to contribute to management plans in order to protect this vital environmental factor. The Special Issue will publish both applied research and contributions concerning adequate policy in European strategies for soil conservation.

Dr. Ramona Balc
Dr. Carmen Andreea Roba
Dr. Anca Farkas
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

• agricultural soils management
• sustainability
• soil pollution
• soil biodiversity
• microbial
• soil conservation