Soil Aggregate Dynamics and Stability: Natural and Anthropogenic Drivers
Ameer Hamza, Danutė Karčauskienė, Ieva Mockevičienė, Regina Repšienė, Mukkram Ali Tahir, Muhammad Zeeshan Manzoor, Shehnaz Kousar, Sumaira Salahuddin Lodhi, Nazima Rasool, Ikram Ullah
Abstract
Soil aggregate stability is a key indicator of soil health and is fundamental to soil processes such as water infiltration, nutrient cycling, carbon sequestration, erosion control, and ecosystem functionality. However, research concerning the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on SAS across different climates, soil types, and management practices is lacking. This review synthesizes current understanding of physical, chemical, and biological mechanisms that govern the aggregate formation and stability and brings to light how the natural and anthropogenic drivers influence these processes. It highlights how clay mineralogy, root systems, microbial diversity, soil organic matter, and management practices shape the structure and turnover of aggregates essential for agricultural productivity. Key drivers of aggregate formation, categorized into natural (such as texture, clay mineral interaction, biota, and climate) and anthropogenic (such as tillage, land use changes, organic amendments) factors, have been critically evaluated. This review provides an insightful framework for soil management that may help enhance soil aggregation and promote sustainable agriculture and food security, especially under climate change.