Post-Publication Discussion
The Journal of Soil Science and Environment (Jurnal Ilmu Tanah dan Lingkungan) recognizes that scholarly discussion may continue after an article has been published. The journal therefore welcomes responsible, evidence-based post-publication discussion concerning the scientific content, methodology, interpretation, data, and conclusions of published articles.
Post-publication discussion is an important part of maintaining the quality, transparency, and integrity of the scholarly record.
The journal follows the principles and best-practice recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) when handling substantive post-publication concerns.
Purpose of Post-Publication Discussion
Post-publication discussion provides an opportunity for readers, authors, researchers, and other members of the scientific community to:
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Clarify aspects of a published article;
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Raise substantive scientific questions;
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Identify possible errors or inconsistencies;
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Discuss methodological or analytical issues;
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Provide relevant additional evidence or information;
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Discuss alternative interpretations of published findings; and
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Contribute to the continued development of scientific knowledge.
Post-publication discussion should be based on scientific evidence and conducted in a professional and constructive manner.
Submission of Post-Publication Concerns
Readers or other interested parties who identify a substantive concern about a published article may contact the editorial office of the Journal of Soil Science and Environment.
A post-publication concern should, where possible, include:
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The title of the article;
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The DOI or other permanent identifier;
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A clear description of the concern;
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The specific section, figure, table, data, method, or conclusion involved;
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Supporting evidence or references; and
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The name and contact information of the person submitting the concern, where the individual is willing to identify themselves.
Anonymous concerns may be considered when sufficient information and evidence are provided to allow the editorial team to assess the matter.
Editorial Assessment
The editorial team will conduct an initial assessment of the concern to determine whether it represents:
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A minor factual or typographical error;
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A request for clarification;
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A scientific disagreement or alternative interpretation;
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A potentially substantive methodological or analytical issue;
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A potential breach of publication ethics; or
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A concern that may affect the reliability or integrity of the published article.
The journal will distinguish between legitimate scientific disagreement and concerns that may indicate an error or research misconduct.
A difference in scientific interpretation does not, by itself, constitute research misconduct.
Author Response
Where a substantive concern relates to the content or findings of a published article, the journal may invite the authors to provide a response or clarification.
Authors are expected to respond professionally and provide appropriate supporting information when requested.
Where appropriate, the author's response may be published alongside the original article or incorporated into an editorial notice so that readers can evaluate the discussion transparently.
Scientific Discussion
The journal encourages scholarly disagreement when it contributes constructively to scientific understanding.
Post-publication comments should:
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Focus on the scientific content of the article;
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Present evidence or reasoned arguments;
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Use appropriate scholarly references where relevant;
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Avoid personal attacks or defamatory statements;
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Avoid discriminatory, abusive, or inappropriate language; and
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Clearly distinguish established evidence from interpretation or opinion.
The journal reserves the right not to publish or circulate comments that are abusive, defamatory, irrelevant, promotional, misleading, or unsupported by sufficient evidence.
Corrections
If a post-publication discussion identifies a genuine error that does not invalidate the principal findings of an article, the journal may publish a Correction or other appropriate editorial notice.
The correction will be linked to the original article where technically possible, ensuring that readers are clearly informed of the amendment.
Expression of Concern
If a credible concern is raised that may significantly affect the reliability or integrity of a published article, but the matter cannot yet be resolved conclusively, the journal may publish an Expression of Concern.
An Expression of Concern may be issued while further investigation is undertaken by the journal or an appropriate institution.
The notice will be linked to the original publication to alert readers to the unresolved concern.
Retraction
If a post-publication investigation establishes that an article contains serious problems that substantially compromise its reliability or integrity, the journal may retract the article.
Potential grounds for retraction may include, but are not limited to:
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Fabrication or falsification of data;
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Substantial plagiarism;
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Serious ethical violations;
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Major methodological or analytical errors that invalidate the conclusions;
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Duplicate or redundant publication; or
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Other circumstances that substantially undermine the integrity of the published scholarly record.
Retraction decisions will be handled in accordance with the journal's Retraction Policy and relevant COPE guidance.
Relationship to Peer Review
Post-publication discussion does not replace the journal's formal peer-review process.
A published article has undergone the journal's applicable editorial and peer-review procedures. However, publication does not prevent subsequent scholarly scrutiny or correction when new evidence or legitimate concerns arise.
The journal considers post-publication discussion an important mechanism for maintaining the reliability and continuous improvement of the scientific record.
Editorial Independence and Confidentiality
The editorial team will assess post-publication concerns independently and objectively.
Personal relationships, institutional affiliations, commercial interests, or other irrelevant considerations should not determine how a legitimate scientific concern is handled.
Confidential information obtained during an investigation will be handled appropriately and disclosed only when necessary for the fair resolution of the matter.
Protection Against Retaliation
The journal does not tolerate retaliation against individuals who raise legitimate concerns regarding the integrity of published research.
Individuals submitting concerns are expected to act in good faith and provide accurate information to the best of their knowledge.
Deliberately false, malicious, or defamatory allegations may be disregarded and may be subject to appropriate action.
Transparency of the Scholarly Record
The journal is committed to maintaining a transparent and trustworthy scholarly record.
Where a published article is corrected, subject to an Expression of Concern, or retracted, the relevant notice will be clearly identified and linked to the original article where technically possible.
The original publication should remain part of the scholarly record unless removal is required for legal or exceptional technical reasons.
Commitment to Post-Publication Scholarly Communication
Journal of Soil Science and Environment encourages responsible post-publication scholarly dialogue as an essential component of scientific communication.
The journal welcomes constructive criticism, clarification, replication, additional evidence, and alternative scientific interpretations while ensuring that all substantive concerns are handled fairly, transparently, and in accordance with recognized publication ethics principles, including relevant COPE guidance.
