## 1 _Editorial_ Sustainable Agriculture and Soil Conservation II_  
[PERSON] 1,*2, [PERSON] 2 and [PERSON] 1  
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for PCB-contaminated sites may be of great interest during the monitoring and remediation plans. Spectral measurements were performed on 28 soil samples collected in a highly contaminated area, previously characterized for several chemical parameters using conventional laboratory analyses. In more detail, 18 PCB congeners, their sum (PCBs\({}_{18}\)), and extractable organic halogen content (EOX) were determined. The PLSR analysis, adopted to calibrate their method, revealed significant relationships between the predicted and the measured values of PCBs\({}_{18}\), EOX, and the percentage of several PCB classes. The methodology proposed by these authors may be promising in predicting PCB contamination in soil; although, a larger number of samples is required to validate this method. [PERSON] et al. [5] proposed an original methodological work, based on the development of a 3D model to evaluate the capability of living stumps in enhancing the stability of slopes and preventing landslides. Planting living tree stumps can be a valid and sustainable alternative to the common engineering practices, which are often inadequate to prevent the deep landslides. Through the use of embedded beam elements, their model-simulated elm tree roots consisted of one taproot and six lateral roots. Six rows of model roots were arranged in the model slope, and each row was made up of three roots. Different taproot lengths and distinct stress and strain conditions of the soil were also simulated. The strength reduction method was used to calculate the safety factor of the slope. Results revealed that long taproots increase the stability of the slope. The taproots in the middle and lower parts of the slope were determined to be the most effective in exerting the tensile strength and anchoring the soil; thus, planting living stumps in the middle and lower parts of the slope is highly recommended in the context of ecological engineering. [PERSON] et al. [6] contributed to this Special Issue with a study on the effect of the ant species _Pheidole fallax_ on the restoration of soil quality in a coal mine located in Colombia, after 16 and 20 years of rehabilitation. Soil sampling was performed both at the nest site and at the external refuse pile, as well as in a control area not occupied by nests. Soil samples were analyzed for their main chemical properties and using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Samples collected after 20 years of rehabilitation presented a higher content of organic debris compared to samples collected after 16 years. Chemical analyses revealed no significant difference between the nest soil and control soil, whereas significant differences existed between these two soils and refuse pile soil after 20 years of restoration. The NIRS analysis allowed these authors to distinguish the three types of soil.