Soil, Water and Nitrates Management in Horticultural Production

Abstract

The goal of this Special Issue, entitled “Soil Science and Water and Nitrate Management in Horticultural Production”, is to examine recent advances in horticultural practices and strategies that can contribute to maintaining or increasing soil fertility and the efficiency of water and nitrogen use. The decrease in soil fertility, and in the quality and availability of irrigation water, is a reality that is maximized by global warming. On the other hand, nitrogen fertilization may contribute to nitrate leaching and/or the release of gases (carbon dioxide and nitrous oxide), with a great impact on global warming. Therefore, the management of soil, water, and nitrogen is critical to dealing with soil and water degradation, and with climate change. Moreover, such management has a decisive impact on plant growth and the quality of horticultural crops. In this Special Issue, seven scientific contributions were collected that can contribute to an increase in the use of these more sustainable factors. Three papers analyzed the use of organic waste materials as a way to reduce inorganic fertilization, improve soil fertility and plant growth, and promote a circular economy.