The soil sustains most living organisms, being the ultimate source of their mineral nutrients. The management of soils determines whether mineral elements become deficient or toxic to plants, as well as their entry into the food chain. Soil management is important, both directly and indirectly, to crop productivity, environmental sustainability, and human health.

Because of the projected increase in world population, and the consequent necessity for the intensification of food production, the management of soils will become a pressing issue in the coming years. To achieve future food security, the management of soils in a sustainable manner will be the challenge, through proper nutrient management and appropriate soil conservation practices. Research will be needed to avoid further degradation of soils, through erosion and contamination, and to produce sufficient safe and nutritious food for healthy diets.

In this context, the aim of this special issue is to present the research carried to assure sustainability of soil through the management to assure crop productivity and food security.

We invite authors to submit original research as well as review articles. Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

• Organic and inorganic amendments affecting nutritional value and productivity of crops
• Tillage management operations to assure sustainable agriculture
• Indicators of agricultural productivity to evaluate nutritional value of crops
• Effects of soil erosion on productivity and future sustainability
• Guidelines for application rates of organic and inorganic amendments based on macro- and micronutrient composition to ensure nutritional value of crops
• Sustainable management practices of agricultural lands to ensure production and quality of food

Before submission authors should carefully read over the journal's Author Guidelines, which are located at http://www.hindawi.com/journals/aess/guidelines/. Prospective authors should submit an electronic copy of their complete manuscript through the journal Manuscript Tracking System at http://mts.hindawi.com/submit/journals/aess/smsa13/ according to the following timetable: