Abstract
Soil redox potential is an important factor affecting soil functioning. Yet, very few agronomy studies included soil redox potential in relation to soil processes. The objective of this study was to evaluate the spatial and temporal variation in soil redox potential and to determine the soil parameters affecting its variation. Soil redox potential, soil moisture, soil temperature, pH and bulk electrical conductivity were measured in upland rice fields during two growing seasons at six positions along an upland–lowland continuum, including two positions at the upland, two at the fringe and two at the lowlands in central Côte d’Ivoire (West Africa). The measurements were made at the following soil depths: 3, 8, 20 and 35 cm. Soil redox potential varied between 500 and 700 mV at the upland positions, 400 and 700 mV at the fringe positions and 100 and 750 mV at the lowland positions, and increased with soil depth. Variations in soil redox potential were driven by soil moisture, bulk electrical conductivity and soil organic carbon. We concluded that for proper interpretation of soil redox potential, sampling protocols should systematically include soil pH, moisture and bulk electrical conductivity measurements.
Highlights
Declining soil fertility is a major impediment to agricultural productivity and the main cause of low food production in sub-Saharan Africa [1]
This study evaluated the spatial and temporal variation in soil redox potential at different positions along the upland–lowland continuum during two growing seasons
Soil redox potential was above 500 mV at the upland positions, between 400 and 700 mV at the fringe positions and between 100 and 750 mV at the lowland positions
Summary
Declining soil fertility is a major impediment to agricultural productivity and the main cause of low food production in sub-Saharan Africa [1]. This is the result of poorly adapted production systems such as slash-and-burn farming and too short fallow periods, leading to a continuous degradation of the productive capacity of the land [2,3,4]. Agronomy 2020, 10, 1787 maintain and reinforce soil fertility [5]. This suggests working with effective indicators to understand soil processes to design appropriate cropping systems. Various relevant soil parameters are regularly monitored: pH, a major parameter in many physical–chemical reactions, influences the solubility and bioavailability of many soil minerals [8,9,10]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
