Acidic Sandy Loam Soil Research Articles

The Influence of Chemical Fertilizers on the Effectiveness of Biochar in Mitigating Cadmium Mobility in Soil

The focus of this study was to explore how various fertilizers influence the movement of cadmium in soil treated with biochar. The research utilized a strong acid sandy loam soil from Chanthaburi Province, naturally rich in organic matter with moderate cation exchange capacity and low nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, sulfate, salinity and chloride levels. The soil was purposely contaminated with 50 mg kg-1 of cadmium and treated with biochar derived from water hyacinth through pyrolysis at 450°C for an hour. This biochar displayed moderate alkalinity, high organic matter, phosphorus, potassium, and cation exchange capacity, but low nitrogen content. Analytical techniques like Scanning Electron Microscopy and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy were employed to study the surface characteristics of the biochar. The cadmium adding soil was blended with 10% biochar and various chemical fertilizers at a 0.04% ratio. Diethylenetriamine pentaacetate (DTPA) extraction was used to assess the bioavailability of cadmium to plants in the soil, while sequential extraction was conducted to identify the different forms of cadmium present in the soil. The study revealed distinct effects of different fertilizers on cadmium mobility. Fertilizers like 46-0-0 and 0-3-0 caused a transformation of cadmium from stable to less stable forms, increasing the bioavailability of cadmium to plants. Conversely, fertilizers such as 15-15-15, 0-0-50, 0-0-60, and 0-52-34 shifted cadmium from less stable to more stable forms, resulting in decreased cadmium extracted by DTPA. Other fertilizers showed no significant impact on cadmium mobility in the soil. A stepwise linear regression analysis highlighted that nitrogen content, potassium content, and electrical conductivity were influential factors affecting cadmium mobility.

Simultaneously decreasing arsenic and cadmium in rice by soil sulfate and limestone amendment under intermittent flooding

Water management in paddy soils can effectively reduce the soil-to-rice grain transfer of either As or Cd, but not of both elements simultaneously due to the higher mobility of As under reducing and Cd under oxidizing soil conditions. Limestone amendment, the common form of liming, is well known for decreasing Cd accumulation in rice grown on acidic soils. Sulfate amendment was suggested to effectively decrease As accumulation in rice, especially under intermittent soil flooding. To study the unknown effects of combined sulfate and limestone amendment under intermittent flooding for simultaneously decreasing As and Cd in rice, we performed a pot experiment using an acidic sandy loam paddy soil. We also included a clay loam paddy soil to study the role of soil texture in low-As rice production under intermittent flooding. We found that liming not only decreased rice Cd concentrations but also greatly decreased dimethylarsenate (DMA) accumulation in rice. We hypothesize that this is due to suppressed sulfate reduction, As methylation, and As thiolation by liming in the sulfate-amended soil and a higher share of deprotonated DMA at higher pH which is taken up less readily than protonated DMA. Decreased gene abundance of potential soil sulfate-reducers by liming further supported our hypothesis. Combined sulfate and limestone amendment to the acidic sandy loam soil produced rice with 43% lower inorganic As, 72% lower DMA, and 68% lower Cd compared to the control soil without amendment. A tradeoff between soil aeration and water availability was observed for the clay loam soil, suggesting difficulties to decrease As in rice while avoiding plant water stress under intermittent flooding in fine-textured soils. Our results suggest that combining sulfate amendment, liming, and intermittent flooding can help to secure rice safety when the presence of both As and Cd in coarse-textured soils is of concern.

Exploring the Combined Effects of Different Nitrogen Sources and Chabazite Zeolite-Tuff on Nitrogen Dynamics in an Acidic Sandy-Loam Soil

Volcanic tuffs rich in chabazite zeolites have been extensively examined for their potential to enhance soil properties and increase fertilizer efficiency, both in their natural state and when enriched with nitrogen (N). However, there is a scarcity of data regarding their utilization in acidic sandy soil, particularly when used alongside organic fertilizers. This paper presents the findings of a 50-day laboratory incubation study that investigated the dynamics of N pools in an acidic sandy-loam agricultural soil treated with various N sources. These sources included urea, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff, and pelleted composted manure applied at a rate of 170 kg N/ha. Additionally, the N sources were tested in combination with chabazite zeolite tuff mixed into the soil to assess its role as a soil conditioner. The results revealed distinct behaviours among the tested N sources, primarily impacting soil pH and N dynamics. Soil fertilized with manure exhibited slow N mineralization, whereas N-enriched zeolite displayed a more balanced behaviour concerning net NO3−-N production and NH4+-N consumption. Both N-enriched zeolite and urea temporarily altered the soil pH, resembling a “liming” effect, while pelleted manure facilitated a prolonged shift towards neutral pH values. Considering the water adsorption capacity of zeolite minerals, caution is advised when adjusting water content and employing combustion methods to measure soil organic matter in zeolite-treated soil to avoid potential inaccuracies. In summary, N-enriched chabazite zeolite tuff emerged as a valuable N source in acidic sandy-loam soil, offering a promising alternative to synthetic fertilizers and showcasing a sustainable means of N recycling.

Combining lime and organic amendments based on titratable alkalinity for efficient amelioration of acidic soils

Abstract. Ameliorating soil acidity using a combination of lime and organic amendments (OAs) can be an alternative to lime alone, but determining the appropriate OA rates can be difficult. We developed a new method for calculating the combined application rate of lime and OAs (wheat straw, faba bean straw, blended poultry litter, biochar, and compost) that is based on the titratable alkalinity of OAs and the equilibrium lime buffer capacity (LBCeq) of acidic soils. The effect of calculated soil amendment rates on soil pH was validated at soil water contents of 60 %, 100 %, and 150 % of field capacity (FC). The soil used to develop and validate the method was a sandy loam with a soil pH in deionised water (pHW) of 4.84 and a soil pH in 0.01 M CaCl2 solution (pHCa) of 4.21. The LBCeq of the soil was 1657 mg CaCO3 kg−1 pH−1 (where “CaCO3 kg−1 pH−1” denotes the amount of lime required to raise the pH of 1 kg of soil by one unit). The titratable alkalinity of the OAs ranged from 11.7 cmol Heq+ kg−1 for wheat straw to 357 cmol Heq+ kg−1 for compost. At 60 % FC, faba bean and wheat straw amendment increased the soil pHW to 6.48 and 6.42, respectively, but lower pH values were reached in soil amended with less biodegradable or resistant OAs (ROAs) (i.e. blended poultry litter, biochar, and compost). At 150 % FC, the two straws increased the soil pHW to only 5.93 and 5.75, respectively, possibly due to slower decomposition under submerged conditions, resulting in limited alkalinity production, whereas amendment with ROAs produced pHW values close to 6.5. With an increasing lime-equivalent value (LEV) of the OA, from 5.8 g CaCO3 kg−1 (wheat straw) to 179 g CaCO3 kg−1 (compost), the lime requirement to reach pHW 6.5 in lime–OA combinations decreased from 2.72 to 0.09 g CaCO3 kg−1. The developed method was shown to be effective in determining the appropriate rates of OAs (with or without additional lime) for the management of acidic sandy loam soils in this study and highlights the importance of the soil water content with respect to its acid-neutralising effect.

Appraising the Effect of Biocharin Groundnuts(Arachis hypogaea L) Growth Parameters and Yield Under Screen House Conditions

Biochar soil amendment is known to suppress the effect of pathogenic fungi and favour plant resistance against soil‐borne pathogen effects. Thisstudy appraises the impact of biochar on groundnutyield planted in the slightly acidic sandy loam soil.Thestudy was done at the Nelson Mandela African Institution of Science and Technology (NM-AIST) screen house, where groundnuts wereplanted in the 2L pots filled with soil mixed with biochar at different rates (2.5%, 5% and 7.5%)in April 2022. Groundnut’sgrowth parameters weremanaged by measuring shoot lengthand root length, counting the number of leaves and taking leaf area once every week from the second week after planting to harvesting,where its yield was also measured. Analysis of variance showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in groundnut growth parameters and yield when 5% Biochar was used. There was a strong positive correlation between biochar and some groundnut growth parameters. No significant (P < 0.05) differencewas observed between Biochar and groundnut growth parameters and yield when 2.5% biochar was used. A slightly weak negative correlation was observed when a 7.5% Biocharrate was used. Biochar-amended soils indicated a dramatic increase in soil pH, CEC, Mn, P, K, Ca, B, Zn and Si. The current study indicates that the utilization of 5% maize cob biochar, pyrolyzed at 500°C, in acidic sandy loam soil,can lead to maximum enhancement in soil physical and chemical properties, as well as groundnut growth and yield parameters.

Effect of Organic Source of Nutrients on Soil Physico-Chemical Properties, Growth and Yield of Cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata)

Organic source of nutrient has effect on soil physico-chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage. To determine the effect of organic source of nutrients on soil physio-chemical properties, growth and yield of cabbage (Brassica oleracea var. capitata). Field experiment was conducted on acidic sandy loam soil of Horticulture farm at Agriculture and Forestry University (AFU), Rampur, Chitwan, from 5th December 2020 to 26th March 2021.The experiment was laid out in Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Special NPK granules, Carbon based, Vermicompost, Obifert, Neem seed cake, Poultry manure, Farm Yard Manure (FYM), Mustard oil seed cake and Goat manure were used as treatments along with control. Application of poultry manure significantly increased plant height (22.33 cm) with least number of unfolded leaves (7.33), highest head diameter (106.40 cm) and head yield (45.51 t/ha) of cabbage. Bulk density was not statistically significantly influenced by the application of organic source of nutrients. Significantly higher available Phosphorous content in soil was found with the application of mustard oil seed cake (118.58 kg/ha) and available Potassium content was higher with the application of Goat manure (206.69 kg/ha). Nitrogen content of cabbage head (3.25%) and cabbage root (1.43%) was significantly higher with the application of Poultry manure. Mustard oil seed cake obtained highest Nitrogen harvest index (94.46%) and Nitrogen recovery percentage (66.47%). The yield efficiency (228.13kg head/kg N) was highest with the application of poultry manure. To attain highest yield of cabbage with higher Nutrient use efficiency and enhanced physico-chemical properties of soil, application of Poultry manure might be optimum for acidic sandy loam soil of Chitwan.

Contrasting impact of soil amendments on bioavailability, mobility and speciation of zinc in an acidic sandy loam soil

Contrasting impact of soil amendments on bioavailability, mobility and speciation of zinc in an acidic sandy loam soil

Potential of Biochar-Based Organic Fertilizers on Increasing Soil Fertility, Available Nutrients, and Okra Productivity in Slightly Acidic Sandy Loam Soil

Reducing chemical fertilizers is critical for maintaining soil health and minimizing environmental damage. Biochar-based organic fertilizers reduce fertilizer inputs, improve soil fertility, increase crop productivity, and reduce environmental risks. In this study, a pot experiment was conducted in a greenhouse to assess the potential of biochar-based organic and inorganic fertilizers to improve soil fertility and Okra yield. Seven treatments with three replicates were arranged in a completely randomized design (CRD). Three treatments included biochar-blended formulations (i) biochar mixed with mineral NPK fertilizer (BF), (ii) biochar mixed with vermicompost (BV), and (iii) biochar mixed with goat manure (BM); two treatments included biochar enrichment formulations (iv) biochar enriched with cow urine (BCU) and (v) biochar enriched with mineral NPK fertilizer in aqueous solution (BFW), and the remaining two included control treatments; (vi) control (CK: no biochar and no fertilizers) and (vii) fertilized control (F: only recommended NPK fertilizer and no biochar). Mineral NPK fertilizers in BF, BFW, and F were applied at the recommended rate as urea, di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), and muriate of potash (MOP). Organic fertilizers in BV, BM, and BCU treatments were applied in equal quantities. All biochar-amended treatments showed improved soil chemical properties with higher pH, organic carbon, total N, and available P and K compared to the two non-biochar control plots (CK and F). Biochar blended with goat manure (BM) showed the highest effect on soil fertility and fruit yield. BM (51.8 t ha−1) increased fruit yield by 89% over CK (27.4 t ha−1) and by 88% over F (27 t ha−1). Similarly, cow urine-enriched biochar (BCU) (35 t ha−1) increased fruit yield by 29% and 28% compared to CK and F, respectively. Soil pH, OC, and nutrient availability (total N, available P, and available K) showed a significantly positive relationship with fruit yield. The study suggests that using biochar-based organic fertilizers, such as BCU and BM, could outperform recommended mineral fertilizers (F) and produce higher yields and healthy soils, thereby contributing to mitigating the current food security and environmental concerns of the country.

Soil and Foliar Application of Molybdenum on Yield, Biochemical Quality of Green Gram (Vigna Radiata L.) Grown in Fe Rich Soils

More than 70 % soils of Odisha are acidic with dominance of Fe and Al where Mo deficiency in soils affects the yield of rabi green gram which is much below than the national average. With this background an experiment was conducted by soil application four dose of molybdenum (0, 250, 500, 750 g/ha) and two foliar spraying of molybdenum @0.1% Mo (F1) and 0.2% Mo (F2) on the variety IPM 02-14. A light texture acidic sandy loam soil of central farm, OUAT, Bhubaneswar which is dominated by micronutrients like Fe, Mn, Al and deficient in molybdenum was selected for the experiment. It was observed that growth and yield attributing characters increased with the increase in foliar spraying (FS) of molybdenum as well as combined application of foliar and soil application up to a dose of (250 g/ha soil application with 0.2% foliar application of Mo) after which a decrease in all the attributes was observed. The highest yield of green gram was 549 kg/ha at combined application of 250 g/ha soil with 0.2% foliar spray of molybdenum. Uptake of major nutrients (N,P and K)was increased and the highest uptake was at Mo3F2. Improvement in soil fertility was observed in post-harvest soil with a positive balance in availability of nitrogen after meeting the crop requirement. Therefore, application of both soil and foliar spray (250 g/ha soil with 0.2%) was optimum dose of Mo for green gram grown in low fertile and Fe rich acidic soil. Bangladesh J. Bot. 51(4): 689-696, 2022 (December)

Effect of chicken manure and chemical fertilizer on the yield and qualities of white mugwort at dissimilar harvesting times

One of the key components that affects soil productiveness, plant growth, and crop quality is fertilization. The effect of fertilizer, both organic and chemical, on the extremely acidic (pH 4.10) sandy loam soil chemical properties, yield, and quality of white mugwort grown were evaluated in this study. The field experiment arranged in a randomized complete block design, with four replications was conducted in Prachin Buri province, Thailand. There were six treatments, no fertilization (control), chemical fertilizer (25-7-7 + 46-0-0) applied at 187.50 (66.56 N:6.77 P2O5:6.77 K2O kg ha-1) kg ha-1 and applied at 375.00 (133.12 N:13.13 P2O5:13.13 K2O kg ha-1) kg ha-1, chicken manure applied at 3.36, 6.72, and 10.08 t ha-1. After harvesting, application of chicken manure tended to increase soil organic matter compared to the control, however, the application of chemical fertilizer did not show the same effect. The fresh weight of white mugwort increased with the rise in both fertilizer levels. Chicken manure application at 10.08 t ha-1 produced the highest fresh weight at all times. The level of accumulated nitrate was significantly greater when fertilizer rates increased. In addition, the total phenolic content of the white mugwort fertilized with chicken manure was higher than that fertilized with chemical fertilizer. However, there was no association between the DPPH radical scavenging capacity at harvesting times and different fertilization. Based on the results, chicken manure applied at 10.08 t ha-1 gave the best yield and higher total phenolic content of white mugwort, which was probably due to the improved soil organic matter.

Carryover Effect of Biochar and Cow Dung Manure on the Productivity of Green Gram (Vigna radiata L.) in Typic haplustalf

Background: In cereals based legume cropping system more importance and intensification are given to first crop (cereals) as compared to succeeding crops. Hence, succeeding crops yield got reduced due to grown in low fertile soils. Productivity of green gram have declined or stagnated in recent years though we grew high yield varieties, due to grown in marginal lands with low nutrient and moisture. Biochar is organic substance that highly persists in soils with very little biological decomposition and helps to store nutrients and moisture for succeeding crop. The present investigation was felt necessary to get utilize the residual soil nutrients and moisture from the preceding biochar applied upland rice field for sustainable yield of green gram crop. Methods: The present investigation was conducted during kharif season 2018. The study was conducted in randomized black design with sixteen treatments consisting of four levels of coconut shell biochar (CSB) at 2, 4, 6 and 8 t ha-1 and two levels of cow dung manure (CDM) at 5 and 10 t ha-1 with applied alone and in combinations with three replications (applied for previous upland rice crop). The recommended dose of NPK fertilizer (20:50:50 kg ha-1) for green gram was common except absolute control. Result: The study results indicated that, residual effect of previously applied biochar and cow dung manure had a significant effect on succeeding green gram crop productivity in acid sandy loam soils due to its liming effect on improving soil properties and nutrient availability. Especially, combination of coconut shell biochar (CSB at 8 t ha-1) and cow dung manure (CDM at 10 t ha-1) with recommended NPK fertilizers.

NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY (NUE) AND RICE PRODUCTIVITY AS AFFECTED BY DIFFERENT LEVELS OF NITROGEN APPLICATION IN HILL CONDITIONS OF NEPAL

In Nepal, rice is the major staple food crop and is ranked first as a cultivated crop. Nitrogen is one of the most important factors limiting its yield. There has been an overuse of nitrogen fertilizer in rice fields resulting in low N use efficiency and high loss of nitrogen. A field experiment was carried out on acidic sandy loam soil of the Directorate of Agricultural Research, Gandaki, Lumle, from June to November 2016 and 2017 to evaluate the performance of cold-tolerant rice (Lumle-2) and nutrient use efficiency as affected by various levels of nitrogen application. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design with five different level of nitrogen as treatments (0, 50, 100, 130, 150 Kg N ha-1) and replicated four times. Phosphorus, potassium and FYM were applied at the recommended dose. A significantly marked increment in grain yield was noticed in both years as the nitrogen level increases up to 130 Kg N ha-1. However, when the nitrogen dose exceeded 130 Kg N ha-1 have decreasing effect in grain yield, straw yield and NUE. The productivity (4.35 t ha-1) and NUE of cold tolerant rice (Lumle-2) can be improved significantly by applying an optimum level of N fertilizer up to 130 Kg N ha-1.

Soil carbon, microbial biomass carbon, soil health and productivity of toria (Brassica campestris L.) crop as affected by the application of organic manures

Aim: To investigate the effect of different organic manures on the performance of toria crop and to understand their impact on the soil properties and availability of nutrients in acidic sandy loam soil. Methodology: Three-year fixed plot study was conducted with 7 treatments viz., T1: control, T2: recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF), T3: cow dung manure @ 5 t ha-1, T4: pig dung manure @ 5 t ha-1, T5: goat dung manure @ 5 t ha-1, T6: farm yard manure (FYM) @ 5 t ha-1, and T7: vermicompost @ 5 t ha-1 replicating 3 times in a complete randomized block design. Data were collected and analysed following the standard procedures. The yield and yield attributing parameters of toria and the soil properties such as soil pH, organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and available NPK were studied. Results: Application of different organic manures significantly affected the plant height, number of primary branches per plant, number of siliquae per branch, number of seeds siliqua and 1000-seed weight of toria crop. Addition of organic manure significantly enhanced the soil organic carbon, microbial biomass carbon and available NPK in the soil over initial, except soil pH. The cost of cultivation, gross return and net return varied from 10.50 ×103 to 23.10 ×103, 15.00 ×103 to 35.10 ×103 and 4.46 ×103 to 19.96 ×103 Rs. ha-1, respectively. The B:C ratio varied in the order of goat dung manure > cow dung manure >RDF >FYM > pig dung manure > vermicompost > control treatment. Interpretation: To achieve maximum performance with nourishment of soil quality and health, application of vermicompost was confirmed to be the best over other organic sources of nutrients primarily due to enhancement in C and N status and an increase in microbial activities in soil.

Potential use of bioenergy power plant residue biochar in mitigating N2O emission from acidic sandy loam soils: a comparative study

Potential use of bioenergy power plant residue biochar in mitigating N2O emission from acidic sandy loam soils: a comparative study

Continuous Rice Cropping System with Integrated Use of Inorganic and Organic Sources of Nutrients for Soil Quality Improvement

Maintenance of soil quality is considered to be the key to attain sustainability in agricultural production and thus to achieve food security. In this study we tried to answer a research question as to whether integrated application of inorganic and organic sources of nutrients can maintain productivity and soil quality in rice-rice cropping system. To address this, total 27 physical, chemical (including organic C and soil fertility parameters) and biological (including enzyme activities) properties of an acidic sandy loam soil, which were subjected to different nutrient management (NM) practices for nine years of rice-rice cropping under submergence in subtropical India were critically assessed. Seven NM practices comprised of organic [farmyard manure (FYM)], inorganic fertilizers (sources of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B) and some of their combinations were tested using randomized complete block design with four replications. Integrated use of inorganic fertilizers (NPK) and organic manure (FYM) sustained productivity of rice-rice cropping system and aggraded soil quality as compared to only inorganic fertilizers even with inclusion of S, Zn and B. The NPK+FYM was superior among the NM practices to improve physical, chemical and biological properties of soil. Cation exchange capacity, non-exchangeable K and microbial biomass C were screened as the most sensitive attributes for assessing soil quality. Although the present study demonstrated the positive influence of integrated NM, application of even 80-17.5-50 kg N-P-K along with 5 Mg FYM ha-1 in each rice season failed to maintain total K content in soil. This suggested for readjustment of dose of inorganic fertilizers and organic manure and their application schedule for adequate replenishment of K in acidic sandy loam soil under rice-rice cropping in subtropical climate.

Influence of biochar and organic soil amendments on bioavailability and immobilization of copper and lead to common cocklebur in acidic sandy loam soil

Application of amendments may help to alter soil physicochemical properties and the bioavailability of metals. A pot experiment was carried out using a metal accumulator plant common cocklebur (Xanthium strumarium L.). The plant was grown in contaminated soil with copper (Cu) and lead (Pb) at four different concentrations of each metal (150, 250, 300, and 350 mg kg−1 soil). Soil amendments hardwood biochar (HWBC), farmyard manure (FYM), and vermicompost (VC) were applied at 2.77 g kg−1 rate. The amendments were effective in maintaining plant health under metal exposure. VC improved the chlorophyll stability index and dry biomass of plants, which was followed by FYM and HWBC. Decreased in peroxidase activity and metal concentration in plant tissues under the amendments disclosed their effectiveness to reduce metal toxicity. VC application reduced Pb concentration in plant up to 52.94%, while FYM reduced Cu uptake up to 30.03 % by the plant. The speciation study revealed the potentiality of the tested amendments to cause a reduction in bioavailable form of the metals. The order of efficiency to reduce exchangeable fraction of Cu was HWBC (29.2–69.0 %) > FYM (5.9–44.5 %) > VC (5.7–33.8 %). However, to reduce exchangeable fraction of Pb the order was VC (41.8–74.9 %) > FYM (30.2–60.0 %) > HWBC (18.5–26.9 %). Less bioavailable fractions (excluding exchangeable and carbonate bound) of Cu and Pb was found maximum at FYM and VC amendment respectively indicate higher efficacy of them to immobilize Cu and Pb in acidic sandy loam soil inducing reduce possibility of metal contamination in the food chain.

The effectiveness of coal fly ash in the amelioration of acid soils of the South African highveld: a comparison with conventional liming materials

Soil acidity is one of the greatest limitations to crop production in South Africa, while the country’s coal-fired power plants generate millions of tonnes of alkaline coal ash per year. A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the liming potential of fly ash. Fly ash, dolomitic lime and Calmasil (a calcium silicate slag) were applied to acidic sandy loam soils in the presence or absence of gypsum. Based on the lime requirement of the soil and the Calcium Carbonate Equivalence (CCE) of the materials, both Calmasil and lime were applied at rates of 0, 1, 2, and 4 tonnes/ha, and rates of 0, 7, 14 and 28 tonnes/ha were used for ash. Gypsum was applied at a rate of 4 tonnes/ ha. Compared with Calmasil and lime, ash had the lowest effect on pH and soil acidity. However, ash caused a 48% reduction of topsoil acidity and its reduction of subsoil acidity was enhanced by gypsum. Ash (28 tonnes/ha) increased bean yield in season one from 958 kg/ha in the control plots to 1 724 kg/ha, and maize yield in season two from 5 569 to 7 553 kg/ha. These yields were similar to those derived from Calmasil and lime.

Effects of fertilisers on pulse crop productivity and nitrogen assimilation on acid soil

This research aimed to compare the productivity of three species of pulse plants (Vicia faba L., Pisum sativum L., Lupinus angustifolium L.) in acidic sandy loam soil and to determine the influence of NPK (N0P0K0, N0P27K73, N30P27K73) fertilisers on grain yield and nitrogen assimilation. The experiments were conducted Voke Branch of Lithuanian Research Centre for Agriculture and Forestry (Baltic Sea region, 54°33'49.8''N, 25°05'12.9''E) in 2016–2018. Fertilisation with PK increased the grain yield of Vicia faba L. and Pisum sativum L. (P < 0.05) and had no effect on the yield of Lupinus angustifolium L. (P > 0.05). Nitrogen fertilisers only increased the yield of Pisum sativum L. grain, reduced the yield of Lupinus angustifolium L. grain and did not affect Vicia faba L. The chlorophyll concentration in the leaves was significantly dependent on the species of plant. In acidic soil, Vicia faba L. and Lupinus angustifolium L. assimilated similar amounts of total nitrogen in the grain – 146.8–230.0 and 160.1–220.5 kgN/ha, respectively. Pisum sativum L. nitrogen assimilation was lower – 93.0–128.8 kg N/ha. The assimilation of total nitrogen in Pisum sativum L. was stimulated by the application of P27K73 and N30, and in Vicia faba L. – only by fertilisation with PK.

Retention of propiconazole and terbutryn on acid sandy-loam soils with different organic matter and Cu concentrations

Equilibrium propiconazole and terbutryn adsorption characteristics were evaluated in ten acid vineyard soils with a wide range of organic matter and copper concentrations using batch experiments. Adsorption data from equilibrium adsorption experiments were generally well described by linear and Freundlich models. Parameters from these models showed that soil organic matter played a key role of propiconazole adsorption processes, but also the amorphous Fe oxides content in soils. Soil organic matter positively influenced terbutryn adsorption, whereas increases in exchangeable copper decreased terbutryn adsorption. Desorption experiments showed that both, propiconazole and terbutryn adsorption in soils was quite irreversible, i.e. the amount of pesticides desorbed after its adsorption was always less than 50%.

Assessment of crop growth, soil properties and crop yield in an upland acidic soil with inorganic fertilizer blended with organic amendments in summer rice cropping seasons

PurposeIntensification of rice cultivation to meet the growing demand has imbalanced the nitrogen level in soil. Amendments of inorganic fertilizers increase yield, but at the same time affects the environment. Hence, different amendments are to be investigated which acting sustainably on soil and the environment upholds yield gains.MethodsA study was carried out on acidic sandy loam soil in the irrigated summer seasons of the years of 2015–2016 and 2016–2017 to examine the effects of various amendments on rice growth, soil health and yield. The applied amendments were inorganic fertilizer blended with crop residues, farm yard manure and compost made of daily household green wastes.ResultsThe highest yield of 53.33 ± 2.09 Q/ha was recorded with application of inorganic fertilizer blended with compost and the lowest yield of 32.71 ± 3.09 Q/ha without amendment. Strong positive correlations were found between soil moisture and volumetric water content (0.982 at p < 0.001), manganese and copper (0.900 at p < 0.001), whereas available phosphorus and manganese showed a strong negative correlation (− 0.901 at p < 0.001). Performing stepwise regression analysis, yield was found affected mostly by soil moisture and total carbon out of evaluated 17 soil traits.ConclusionThe inorganic fertilization blended with the compost increased rice yield by 13.61% over inorganic fertilizer but a higher yield associated with compost demoted total nitrogen contents in soil, leading to lower soil nitrogen fertility and providing a negative feedback to sustainable agriculture. More research is required on compost development and application in different rice agroecosystems.