Intensify production, transform biomass to energy and novel goods and protect soils in Europe—A vision how to mobilize marginal lands

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Main causes of soil degradation have been identified as overgrazing (35%), agriculture (28%), deforestation (30%), producing fuel wood (7%), and industrialization (4%).

“Main causes of soil degradation have been identified to be: overgrazing (35%), agriculture (28%), deforestation (30%), producing fuel wood (7%), and industrialization (4%) (IP/B/AGRI/IC/2009_26, 2009).”

• cites IP/B/AGRI/IC/2009_26, 2009Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Baltic and Scandinavian soils have more carbon than Atlantic Europe, Continental and Mediterranean Europe, but still less than UKI.

“Baltic and Scandinavian soils have more carbon than Atlantic Europe, Continental and Mediterranean Europe, but still less than UKI (Gardi et al., 2016).”

• cites Gardi et al., 2016Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Soil humidity sensors based on conductivity (EM38) are in use.

“Similarly, soil humidity sensors based on conductivity (EM38) are also in use (Heil and Schmidhalter, 2017).”

• cites Heil and Schmidhalter, 2017Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

The number of sites where potentially polluting activities have been carried out in the EU is approximately three million, and an estimated 250,000 sites may need urgent remediation.

“Based on estimates by the European Environment Agency (Bardos et al., 2008), the number of sites where potentially polluting activities have been carried out in the EU is approximately three million and, of these, an estimated 250,000 sites may need urgent remediation (Panagos et al., 2013).”

• cites Bardos et al., 2008Not checked yet

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• cites Panagos et al., 2013Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Fuzzy logic approaches are increasingly replacing older models in agriculture.

“Taking into account that factors affecting crop yield are so complex that even elaborate statistical methods can only give improved, but never accurate results, fuzzy logic approaches are more and more replacing older models in agriculture (Papageorgiou et al., 2011).”

• cites Papageorgiou et al., 2011 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Loss of organic matter, soil biodiversity and consequently soil fertility are often driven by unsustainable practices such as deep ploughing on fragile soils or cultivation of erosion-facilitating crops such as maize, and continuous use of heavy machinery destroys soil structure through compaction.

“Loss of organic matter, soil biodiversity and consequently soil fertility are often driven by unsustainable practices such as deep ploughing on fragile soils or cultivation of erosion-facilitating crops such as maize, and continuous use of heavy machinery destroys soil structure through compaction (German Advisory Council Global Change, 1994).”

• cites German Advisory Council Global Change, 1994Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Poor land husbandry will have various effects on different soil types, and possibilities of soil improvement can vary substantially depending upon soil resilience and soil vulnerability.

“But poor land husbandry will have various effects on different soil types (Scherr, 1999), and possibilities of soil improvement can vary substantially, depending upon soil resilience (the resistance to degradation) and soil vulnerability (the degree to which soils degrade when subjected to degradation processes).”

• cites Scherr, 1999Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Soil is a limited resource and its health is critical for any sustainable development; it is considered a non-renewable resource.

“Soil as a whole is a limited resource and its health is critical for any sustainable development, it is considered a no-renewable resource.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When first yield monitors were operated in the 1990s, differences in sections of arable fields could be documented exactly.

“Indeed, when the first yield monitors were operated in the 1990s such differences in sections of arable fields could be documented in an exact manner (Schmidhalter et al., 2008).”

• cites Schmidhalter et al., 2008Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Topsoil contains the majority of soil organic matter (carbon) and most of the biological communities responsible for nutrient cycling and maintaining soil structure.

“Its damage will lead to irreparable long-term loss of an irreplaceable resource, since topsoil contains the majority of soil organic matter (carbon) (Jobbágy and Jackson, 2000) and most of the biological communities responsible for nutrient cycling and maintaining soil structure.”

• cites Jobbágy and Jackson, 2000Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Soil erosion may reduce crop production potential, lower surface water quality and damage drainage systems.

“It may reduce crop production potential, lower surface water quality and damage drainage systems (Toy et al., 2002).”

• cites Toy et al., 2002Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Marginal situations develop as the result of the interaction of a combination of factors.

“Hence, marginal situations develop as the result of the interaction of a combination of factors (Brouwer et al., 2011).”

• cites Brouwer et al., 2011Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Well-managed agricultural landscapes can provide protection against extreme natural events like drought, storms and flooding.

“Well-managed agricultural landscapes can also provide protection against extreme natural events like drought, storms and flooding.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Carbon sequestration in soils has a finite potential which is nonpermanent.

“While there is considerable potential in European croplands to sequester carbon in soils, it must be clear that carbon sequestration has a finite potential which is nonpermanent.”

May combine two claims.

Today remote and proximal sensing allows determining plant biomass, nitrogen content, and nitrogen uptake, providing a basis for management decisions.

“Even more, today remote and proximal sensing allows also determining plant biomass, nitrogen content, and nitrogen uptake, by that providing the basis for management decisions (Kyratzis et al., 2017).”

• cites Kyratzis et al., 2017 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Degraded soil is less suited to prevent droughts and flooding and is more prone to lose biodiversity.

“In any case, degraded soil is less suited to prevent droughts and flooding and more prone to lose biodiversity (EEA, 2012).”

• cites EEA, 2012Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based).

Improved agricultural management often has a range of other environmental and economic benefits in addition to climate mitigation.

“Furthermore, improved agricultural management often has a range of other environmental and economic benefits in addition to climate mitigation, and this makes any attempt to improve soil carbon storage attractive as part of integrated sustainability policies.”

May combine two claims.

One of the most severe impacts of expanded production and non-sustainable management is land degradation, which reverses gains from converting forest or grassland to agricultural use or in the passage from intensive to organic farming, and will threaten yield increases obtained from nutrient enrichment and better use of genetic resources.

“One of the most severe impacts of expanded production and non-sustainable management is land degradation, which reverses the gains obtained from converting forest or grassland to agricultural use or in the passage from intensive to organic farming, and will threaten yield increases obtained from nutrient enrichment and better use of genetic resources (McLaughlin and Kinzelbach, 2015).”

• cites McLaughlin and Kinzelbach, 2015Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The EU has addressed precision agriculture as an approach to sustainably intensify food production, achieving food safety and security.

“The EU has recently addressed the application of precision agriculture as an approach to sustainably intensify food production, achieving food safety and security (European Parliamentary Research Service, 2016).”

• cites European Parliamentary Research Service, 2016Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Degradation processes that can be aggravated by agricultural activity include water and wind erosion, physical and chemical weathering, and salt accumulation.

“Degradation processes that can be aggravated by agricultural activity include water and wind erosion, physical and chemical weathering, and salt accumulation (Lal, 1989).”

• cites Lal, 1989 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Precipitation of phosphorus through use of FeSO4 in slurry treatment may decrease availability of P to plants.

“The treatment of slurry may imply methodology affecting the availability of certain nutrients, for example precipitation of phosphorus through use of FeSO 4 which may decrease availability of P to plants (Krogstad et al., 2005).”

• cites Krogstad et al., 2005 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Energy production through anaerobic digestion has increased rapidly during the last years, especially in farm scale facilities, also due to EU subsidies.

“Energy production through AD has increased rapidly during the last years, especially in farm scale facilities, also due to EU subsidies (Mao et al., 2015).”

• cites Mao et al., 2015 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Nutrient losses from manure can contribute to climate change, depletion of the ozone layer, eutrophication and acidification.

“Besides resulting in an inefficient resource use, nutrient losses can contribute to climate change, depletion of the ozone layer, eutrophication and acidification (Cameron et al., 2013).”

• cites Cameron et al., 2013 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Estimated world phosphorus reserves have increased during the last years.

“Efficient recycling of manure could reduce the need of mineral nitrogen fertilizers whose industrial production requires large amounts of energy frequently supplied by fossil sources (Fischedick et al., 2014) and mineral phosphorous fertilizers which is a limited resource, even though estimated world phosphorous reserves have increased during the last years (Scholz et al., 2013).”

• cites Scholz et al., 2013 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

In many conditions, especially sandy soils, the most effective methods of improving soil fertility relate to adding organic matter, increasing sorption complex capacity and retaining more water in the rhizosphere.

“In many conditions, especially sandy soils, the most effective methods of improving soil fertility relate to adding organic matter, by that increasing the capacity of the sorption complex, to retain more water in the rhizosphere (Table 2).”

• cites Table 2Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Introduction of synthetically produced plant fertilizers meant supply of farm manure was not anymore a prerequisite for successful crop production.

“However, the introduction of synthetically produced plant fertilizers meant that supply of farm manure was not anymore a prerequisite for successful crop production (Schröder, 2005).”

• cites Schröder, 2005 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

During anaerobic digestion, manure undergoes an increase in pH and ammonium nitrogen as share of total N, lower organic matter and C/N ratio, and lower biological oxygen demand.

“Typically, during AD the manure undergoes an increase in pH and ammonium nitrogen as the share of the total N, lower organic matter and C/N ratio, and lower biological oxygen demand (Möller and Müller, 2012).”

• cites Möller and Müller, 2012Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Adequately handled manure can increase soil organic matter, water holding capacity and improve other soil physical properties such as infiltration capacity and hydraulic conductivity.

“Adequately handled manure can increase soil organic matter, water holding capacity and improve other soil physical properties such as infiltration capacity and hydraulic conductivity (Haynes and Naidu, 1998).”

• cites Haynes and Naidu, 1998Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Almost 50% of compost produced in Europe is used in agriculture.

“Almost 50% of the compost produced in Europe is used in agriculture (Sayen and Eder, 2014).”

• cites Sayen and Eder, 2014Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Manure application to crops with heavy machinery can easily cause soil compaction and entail negative effects on soil physics, biological properties and plant growth.

“In addition, manure application to crops with heavy machinery can easily cause soil compaction and entail negative effects on soil physics, biological properties and plant growth (Nawaz et al., 2013).”

• cites Nawaz et al., 2013 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Quality of compost and speed of composting process is influenced by many factors.

“Besides, the quality of the compost and speed of the composting process is influenced by many factors (Supplement Table 1).”

• cites Supplement Table 1Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Within EU Member States, standards for compost use and quality differ substantially, partly due to differences in soil policies.

“Within EU Member States, standards for compost use and quality differ substantially, partly due to differences in soil policies (Table 3).”

• cites Table 3Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Other risks to the environment associated with manure are spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria and metal(loid)s.

“Other risks to the environment associated with manure are the spread of antibiotic resistant bacteria (Heuer et al., 2011) and metal(loid)s (Dach and Starmans, 2005).”

• cites Heuer et al., 2011 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Dach and Starmans, 2005Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Addition of untreated sewage sludge probably increases content of pathogens and risk of crop failure or adverse health effects.

“The addition of e.g.untreated sewage sludge probably increases the content of pathogens and the risk of crop failure or adverse health effects (Matei et al., 2016).”

• cites Matei et al., 2016 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

In many EU countries, basic procedures are implemented to achieve hygienization, e.g. by raising temperature during composting.

“In many EU countries, basic procedures are implemented to achieve hygienization, e.g. by raising the temperature during composting (Supplementary Table 1).”

• cites Supplementary Table 1Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

On average, uptake of fertilizer nitrogen by plants is about 50% of available N on site, assimilation of phosphorus is about 10-25%, and potassium reaches 50-60% of applied amounts.

“On average, the uptake of fertilizer nitrogen by plants is about 50% of the available N on site, and it is estimated that assimilation of phosphorous is about 10-25% and potassium reaches 50-60% of the applied amounts.”

• cites Lubkowski, 2016 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Enhanced grass silage amounts in mulch lead to extended biomass decomposition, a higher C/N ratio, and therefore higher N immobilization.

“Since enhanced grass silage amounts in mulch lead to extended biomass decomposition, a higher C/N ratio can be observed and therefore N immobilization is higher (Sainju et al., 2006).”

• cites Sainju et al., 2006 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Regarding plant community development at trace element (TE)-contaminated sites, abiotic factors can be more limiting than competitive interactions between species.

“Regarding plant community development at trace element (TE)-contaminated sites, abiotic factors can be more limiting than competitive interactions between species (Che-Castaldo and Inouye, 2015).”

• cites Che-Castaldo and Inouye, 2015Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Biochar may stimulate microbial communities able to degrade xenobiotics and can reduce leaching and phytoavailability of trace elements in contaminated soils.

“It may also stimulate microbial communities able to degrade xenobiotics (Rizwan et al., 2016) and it can reduce leaching and phytoavailability of trace elements (TE) in contaminated soils (Park et al., 2011).”

• cites Rizwan et al., 2016 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Park et al., 2011 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

About 32% of composts originates from biowaste and 9% from mixed waste, whereas remaining part derives from sewage sludge and green waste.

“About 32% of composts originates from biowaste and 9% from mixed waste, whereas the remaining part derives from sewage sludge and green waste (Sayen and Eder, 2014).”

• cites Sayen and Eder, 2014Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Abandoning crop rotation resulted in soil fertility decline and increases soil erosion.

“it has been rediscovered that abandoning crop rotation resulted in soil fertility decline (FAO, 1993) and increases soil erosion.”

• cites FAO, 1993Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Soil contamination due to metal(loid)s in excess, other inorganic contaminants and persistent organic chemicals are of particular concern.

“metal(loid)s in excess, other inorganic contaminants and persistent organic chemicals are of particular concern (Mench et al., 2009(Mench et al., , 2010)).”

• cites Mench et al., 2009Not checked yet

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• cites Mench et al., 2010 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Biochar is a recent addition to agricultural amendments but use of charcoal in soils dates back thousands of years.

“Biochar is a recent addition to the list of agricultural amendments but the use of charcoal in soils in truth dates back thousands of years (Qambrani et al., 2017).”

• cites Qambrani et al., 2017 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Another beneficial aspect of crop rotation is regulation of weeds and disease suppression.

“Another beneficial aspect is the regulation of weeds and disease suppression (Garrison et al., 2014).”

• cites Garrison et al., 2014 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

While larger amounts of biochar could exert negative effects on plant growth, co-application with manure fertilizers seems to decrease those negative effects.

“While larger amounts of biochar could exert negative effects on plant growth, the co-application with manure fertilizers seems to decrease those negative effects (Ippolito et al., 2015).”

• cites Ippolito et al., 2015Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

After World War II, crop rotation was replaced by more intensive farming practices with mineral fertilizers, pesticides and new technologies to enhance yield.

“After World War II it was replaced by more intensive farming practices with mineral fertilizers, pesticides and new technologies to enhance yield (Tilman et al., 2002).”

• cites Tilman et al., 2002 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Crop rotation could enhance yield in low-input cropping systems without increasing environmental burdens, while reducing crop-specific pathogens and taking advantage of symbiotic and biological nitrogen fixation.

“Therefore crop rotation could enhance yield in low-input cropping systems without increasing environmental burdens, at the same time reducing crop-specific pathogens and taking advantage of symbiotic and biological nitrogen fixation (Kulak et al., 2013).”

• cites Kulak et al., 2013Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Phytoremediation with living plants (or plant-microbe associations) provides a set of options suitable for in situ and ex situ remediation of contaminated soils, sludges, sediments and ground waters through contaminant removal, degradation, sequestration, volatilization or stabilization.

“Phytoremediation with living plants (or plant-microbe associations) provides a set of options suitable for in situ and ex situ remediation of contaminated soils, sludges, sediments and ground waters through contaminant removal, degradation, sequestration, volatilization or stabilization (Marmiroli and McCutcheon, 2003).”

• cites Marmiroli and McCutcheon, 2003Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Phytoremediation became an attractive alternative to other clean up technologies due to its relatively low cost, potential effectiveness and aesthetic nature.

“It received a great deal of attention from regulators, consultants, responsible parties, and stakeholders, and became an attractive alternative to other clean up technologies due to its relatively low cost, potential effectiveness and the inherently aesthetic nature of using plants to clean up contaminated sites (Marmiroli and McCutcheon, 2003).”

• cites Marmiroli and McCutcheon, 2003Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Biochar can be favorable to microbial colonization due to its microstructure, and this has beneficial effects on soil fertility.

“Having a microstructure with pores of different dimensions and functional groups exposed on the surfaces, biochar can be favorable to microbial colonization, and this in turn has beneficial effects on soil fertility (Lehmann et al., 2011).”

• cites Lehmann et al., 2011 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Both biochar and compost amendments appear a good option to foster the activity of beneficial plant-associated microorganisms.

“Therefore, both biochar and compost amendments appear a good option to foster the activity of beneficial plant-associated microorganisms.”

May combine two claims.

Intercropping can be an option to facilitate the phytomanagement of TE-contaminated soils, and plant densities as well, notably to phytoextract TE without affecting the productivity and quality of undersown legumes.

“Intercropping can be an option to facilitate the phytomanagement of TE-contaminated soils, and plant densities as well (Deng et al., 2016;Bani et al., 2015), notably to phytoextract TE without affecting the productivity and quality of undersown legumes.”

• cites Deng et al., 2016 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Bani et al., 2015 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The most prominent impact of microorganisms on soil fertility is their effect on nutrient cycles by fixing or mineralizing nutrients from the gross soil nutrient pool, making them available as biofertilizers.

“The most prominent impact of microorganisms on soil fertility is their effect on nutrient cycles by fixing or mineralizing nutrients from the gross soil nutrient pool, making them available as biofertilizers (Hayat et al., 2010;Bulgarelli et al., 2013).”

• cites Hayat et al., 2010 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Bulgarelli et al., 2013 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

IST is the induced resistance due to abiotic stresses like heat, drought, light or the contact to trace metals.

“IST is the induced resistance due to abiotic stresses like heat, drought, light or the contact to trace metals (Yang et al., 2009).”

• cites Yang et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mycorrhizal fungi rely on proteases and chitinases specifically targeting major soil N sources: peptides and chitin.

“To do so, they rely on proteases and chitinases specifically targeting major soil N sources: peptides and chitin (Chalot and Brun, 1998).”

• cites Chalot and Brun, 1998Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Phosphorus solubilization transforms insoluble organic and inorganic phosphates (approximately 95% of the soil phosphorus) into plant-accessible HPO4-2 and H2PO4-1 through microbial production of organic acids and enzymatic mineralization.

“(c) Phosphorus solubilization, whereby insoluble organic and inorganic phosphates (approximately 95% of the soil phosphorus) are transformed into plant-accessible HPO 4 -2 and H 2 PO 4 -1 through microbial production of organic acids (e.g.oxalate) and enzymatic mineralization (e.g.phosphatases) (Rodrıǵuez and Fraga, 1999).”

• cites Rodrıǵuez and Fraga, 1999Not checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Iron solubilization mobilizes inaccessible ferric ions (Fe3+) through the production of low-molecular-weight iron-chelating siderophores by both monocots and microorganisms, improving iron bioavailability and uptake by roots and microbes.

“(d) iron solubilization, whereby inaccessible ferric ions (Fe 3+ ), which are dominant in the soil nutrient pool, can be mobilized through the production of low-molecular-weight iron-chelating siderophores by both monocots and microorganisms, thus improving iron bioavailability and uptake by roots and microbes (Wandersman and Delepelaire, 2004;Jeong and Guerinot, 2009).”

• cites Wandersman and Delepelaire, 2004Not checked yet

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• cites Jeong and Guerinot, 2009Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

SAR represents a systemic induced immune response of plants, contributing to a durable and broad spectrum resistance to a vast majority of harmful microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses.

“SAR represents a systemic induced immune response of plants, contributing to a durable and broad spectrum resistance to a vast majority of harmful microbes, such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses (Vlot et al., 2009).”

• cites Vlot et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

ISR describes a systemic resistance effect triggered by beneficial root-colonizing rhizobacteria in distal not-challenged plant parts of monocotyledons and dicotyledons.

“ISR describes a systemic resistance effect triggered by beneficial root-colonizing rhizobacteria in distal not-challenged plant parts of monocotyledons and dicotyledons (De Vleesschauwer et al., 2009;Pieterse et al., 2014).”

• cites De Vleesschauwer et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Pieterse et al., 2014 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Biological nitrogen fixation approximately accounts for 65% of the nitrogen currently utilized in agriculture.

“Biological nitrogen fixation approximately accounts for 65% of the nitrogen currently utilized in agriculture (Weyens et al., 2009a, b).”

• cites Weyens et al., 2009a, bNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

Together these compounds function as signaling molecules and elicitors of tolerance to abiotic stressors in a process termed induced systemic tolerance (IST) as well as in triggering the host plant immune system in a process termed induced systemic resistance (ISR).

“Together these compounds function as signaling molecules (Fig. 7) and elicitors of tolerance to abiotic stressors (drought, salinity or nutrient imbalance) in a process termed induced systemic tolerance (IST) (Yang et al., 2009) as well as in triggering the host plant immune system in a process termed induced systemic resistance (ISR) (Ryu et al., 2004).”

• cites Yang et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Ryu et al., 2004 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Agricultural management strategies utilizing soil amendments such as compost and biochar mainly seek to improve soil fertility and the underlying ecosystem services by adjusting soil pH and increasing soil nutrient content and retention capacity.

“As pointed out above, agricultural management strategies utilizing soil amendments such as compost and biochar mainly seek to improve soil fertility and the underlying ecosystem services by adjusting soil pH and increasing soil nutrient content and retention capacity (Diacono andMontemurro, 2010, Touceda-González et al., 2017a, b).”

• cites Diacono andMontemurro, 2010Not checked yet

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• cites Touceda-González et al., 2017a, bNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Mycorrhizal fungi are especially beneficial for plants due to their ability to convert soil organic N into ammonium, which is partly shared with the plant host.

“Mycorrhizal fungi are especially beneficial for plants due to their ability to convert soil organic N into ammonium, which is partly shared with the plant host.”

• cites Chalot and Brun, 1998Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

When acting in concert with oxidative mechanisms, this process improves the access to organic N from a polysaccharide-polyphenol matrix.

“When acting in concert with oxidative mechanisms this process improves the access to organic N from a polysaccharide-polyphenol matrix (Shah et al., 2015).”

• cites Shah et al., 2015 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The production of siderophores may deprive pathogenic bacteria and fungi from iron thereby limiting their pathogenicity.

“For example, the production of siderophores may deprive pathogenic bacteria and fungi from iron thereby limiting their pathogenicity (Sharma and Johri, 2003;Compant et al., 2005).”

• cites Sharma and Johri, 2003Not checked yet

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• cites Compant et al., 2005 sourceNot checked yet

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May combine two claims.

Macroporous trees and shrubs can prevent pollutant spread, and mixed plantations of species with different rooting depths might be capable to control the movement of pollutants in the soil.

“Macroporous trees and shrubs can prevent pollutant spread, and mixed plantations of species with different rooting depths might be capable to control the movement of pollutants in the soil (Schröder and Collins, 2002).”

• cites Schröder and Collins, 2002Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The indirect use arises from the functioning of the biological system and if useful to humans, it leads to (bundles of) ecosystem services.

“The indirect use arises from the functioning of the biological system and if useful to humans, it leads to (bundles of) ecosystem services (Farnsworth et al., 2015).”

• cites Farnsworth et al., 2015 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Boerema et al. (2016) propose a cascade analysis for the adequate quantification of ecosystem services.

“Boerema et al. (2016) propose a cascade analysis for the adequate quantification of ecosystem services.”

• cites Boerema et al., 2016 sourceNot checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing). May combine two claims.

The DPSIR model takes into account processes and allows comprehensive causal analysis of key factors influencing land use.

“The DPSIR modeloriginally developed by the OECD (1993) for environmental indicators, later developed by the EEA (1999)takes these processes into account and allows comprehensive causal analysis of key factors influencing land use.”

• cites OECD, 1993Not checked yet

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• cites EEA, 1999Not checked yet

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Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The cascade analysis recommends to account for both the ecological and the socio-economic sides for ecosystem service valuation.

“The cascade analysis recommends to account for both the ecological and the socio-economic sides for ecosystem service valuation.”

• cites Boerema et al., 2016 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

Process-based models have previously been used to evaluate the growth, development and yield of annual and perennial crops under a wide range of conditions, including climate change projection across the globe.

“Notably process-based models have previously been used to evaluate the growth, development and yield of annual and perennial crops under a wide range of conditions (Jones et al., 2003;Keating et al., 2003;Stöckle et al., 2003), including climate change projection across the globe (White et al., 2011;Asseng et al., 2013).”

• cites Jones et al., 2003 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Keating et al., 2003 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Stöckle et al., 2003 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Established mechanisms include the mycelium, which has a smaller diameter than root hairs and therefore better access to bound water, and various mechanisms protecting the mycorrhizal fungus from osmotic stress, such as accumulation of osmolytes, surface hydrophobicity and bacterial secretion of exopolysaccharides.

“Established mechanisms include the mycelium, which has a smaller diameter than root hairs and therefore better access to bound water (Lehto and Zwiazek, 2011) and various mechanisms protecting the mycorrhizal fungus (and therefore also the plant root) from osmotic stress, such as accumulation of osmolytes (mannitol, trehalose); surface hydrophobicity and bacterial secretion of exopolysaccharides (”

• cites Lehto and Zwiazek, 2011Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Evelin et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

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• cites Dimpka et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based).

The effectiveness of strategies in restoring and safeguarding ecosystem services and the role of biodiversity can be calculated as the net added value of biodiversity and management strategies for agricultural productivity.

“The effectiveness of strategies in restoring and safeguarding ecosystem services and the role of biodiversity can then be calculated as the net added value of biodiversity and management strategies for agricultural productivity.”

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Precise farming techniques will be helpful to re-establish soil life as first priority and to re-introduce cycling of nutrients.

“Precise farming techniques will be helpful to re-establish soil life as first priority, and to re-introduce cycling of nutrients.”

May combine two claims.

For the remediation of soils contaminated with metal(loid)s, the use of plant-associated microorganisms could increase availability, uptake and translocation and decrease phytotoxicity (phytoextraction) and/or contribute to the stabilization of the trace elements in excess (phytostabilization).

“For the remediation of soils contaminated with metal(loid)s, the use of plant-associated microorganisms could increase availability, uptake and translocation and decrease phytotoxicity (phytoextraction) and/or contribute to the stabilization of the trace elements in excess (phytostabilization) (Lebeau et al., 2008).”

• cites Lebeau et al., 2008 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

The advantage of indicators is that they simplify the quantification of complex phenomena so that the core information can be communicated in a more readily understandable form, even or especially to the public.

“The advantage of indicators is that they simplify the quantification of complex phenomena so that the core information can be communicated in a more readily understandable form, even or especially to the public (Bell and Morse, 2008).”

• cites Bell and Morse, 2008Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S3 (load-bearing).

For trace element contaminated soils, a variety of physicochemical remediation methods has been adopted, including solidification, electrokinetic soil remediation, encapsulation or soil destructive excavation, followed by washing, pyrolysis or disposal of contaminated soil.

“With regard to trace element contaminated soils, a variety of physicochemical remediation methods has been adopted, including solidification, electrokinetic soil remediation, encapsulation or soil destructive excavation, followed by washing, pyrolysis or disposal of contaminated soil (Vegter, 2001;Virkutyte et al., 2002, Schwitzguébel et al., 2002).”

• cites Vegter, 2001Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Virkutyte et al., 2002 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Schwitzguébel et al., 2002Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

May combine two claims.

Clear-cut evidence in EU papers indicates that growing crops on degraded land without trying to revert the degradation status will not be sustainable, and continued land degradation will be unavoidable if the course is not altered.

“Clear-cut evidence is presented in EU papers that growing crops on degraded land, without trying to revert the degradation status, will not be sustainable, and continued land degradation will be unavoidable if we don't alter the course.”

• cites EU papersNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Management options combining amendments with crops are expected to have a net positive effect on soil organisms compared with untreated marginal sites, resulting in different provisioning of ecosystem services.

“These options are expected to have a net positive effect on soil organisms as compared to untreated marginal sites, resulting in different provisioning of ecosystem services.”

May combine two claims.

Microbially controlled soil processes are likely to be unstable in a versatile environment, and the loss of a species may lead to the loss of a given soil function.

“Hence microbially controlled soil processes are likely to be unstable in a versatile environment, and the loss of a species may lead to the loss of a given soil function.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Microbes are sensitive to environmental conditions such as water content, pH or temperature.

May combine two claims.

Microorganisms, and especially mycorrhiza, play crucial roles in plant resistance to drought and osmotic stress and the tolerance against episodes of freezing and thawing.

“Microorganisms, and especially mycorrhiza, also play crucial roles in plant resistance to drought and osmotic stress and the tolerance against episodes of freezing and thawing.”

• cites Lehto and Zwiazek, 2011Not checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Evelin et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Dimpka et al., 2009 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S3 (load-bearing), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

Unless the course is reverted, restoration will not occur and the soil will never again be able to complete its full functions.

“It is clear that unless the course is reverted, restoration will not occur and the soil will never again be able to complete its full functions.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Polluted abandoned sites remain unproductive in agricultural and ecological context and will not revert to their former state through good agricultural, rangeland management or forestry practice alone.

May combine two claims.

Microorganisms can produce a wide array of compounds with antimicrobial activity and hydrolytic enzymes catalyzing cell wall lysis, and they will control growth and activity of pathogenic fungi.

“Since microorganisms can produce a wide array of compounds with antimicrobial activity (e.g.phenazines) (Berg et al., 2001, Berg, 2009) and hydrolytic enzymes catalyzing cell wall lysis, they will control growth and activity of pathogenic fungi (Krechel et al., 2002).”

• cites Berg et al., 2001 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Berg, 2009 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

• cites Krechel et al., 2002 sourceNot checked yet

  Not checked in the free run.

Probably not a substantial claim: may not pass S2 (checkable), S4 (based). May combine two claims.

When agriculture thrives under the auspices of land-owners educated in sustainable land use, the potential of marginal lands will be unlocked and strengthened, and local stakeholders will defend their region from further degradation to establish economically sound management systems.

“When agriculture thrives under the auspices of land-owners educated in sustainable land use, the potential of marginal lands will be unlocked and strengthened, and local stakeholders will defend their region from further degradation to establish economically sound management systems.”