Effects of <scp>long?term</scp> sewage sludge application to a calcareous soil structure

Soil degradation is a growing challenge to global agriculture and the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This has prompted calls for less use of mineral fertilizer greater reliance on organic fertilizers. However, we need understand better long-term effects usage soil structure guide management practice, as many functions are sensitive pore morphology connectivity. In this study, characterized topsoil (0–30 cm) architecture in relation physical properties experiment (LTE) site where calcareous had received 25 years sewage sludge application. Two dosage rates (SSa, 20 SSe, 80 Mg ha?1) were compared fertilization treatment control (no fertilization) random factorial block design. microstructure types pores using micromorphological methods image analysis, thin sections. Long-term SSa application improved (crumb sub-angular-blocky type) increased presence biopores, while fertilized showed platy apedal microstructure, with more elongated lower faunal activity. Mineral lowest total porosity values, differences found aspect ratio equivalent diameter 100–200 ?m. These findings suggest between different shape network. Further exploration these changes functioning needed complete assessment consequences SS