Application Of Soil Amendments Research Articles

Interactive impacts of soil salinity and jasmonic acid and humic acid on growth parameters, forage yield and photosynthesis parameters of sorghum plants

Soil salinity, whether natural or induced, is one of the most serious environmental stresses limiting crop production in the world. In this study, the impacts of foliar application of jasmonic acid and soil amendment with humic acid on growth parameters, forage yield, chlorophyll content, and physiological characteristics of forage sorghum were studied to mitigate salinity in combination with different concentrations under greenhouse conditions. The plants were subjected to salinity at 0.26 (S0), 2.3 (S1), and 4.7 dS m−1 (S2), different rates of humic acid at 0, 373.21, and 746.42 kg HA ha−1, were designed as HA0, HA1, and HA3 respectively, and jasmonic acid at 0 (JA0), 5 (JA1) and 10 mM (JA2) as a foliar application. Salinity stress had detrimental effects on all the parameters and they were gradually reduced with increased salinity. Applications of humic acid and jasmonic acid mitigated the inhibitory effects of salt stress on these variables at all salinity levels. The rate of HA1 increased fresh weight, chlorophyll a and b, transpiration rate, relative humidity, stomatal conductance to CO2 and stomatal conductance by 14.2%, 45.6%, 41.8%, 50.2%, 11.2%, 32.1% and 18.5% respectively, under S2. In addition, jasmonic acid at JA1 treatment increased plant height, elongation percentage, fresh and dry weight, chlorophyll a and b, relative humidity, and stomatal conductance to CO2 under S2. Interaction between JA2 and HA1 improved all the traits except plant height, elongation percentage, and leaf area, suggesting that JA and HA can reduce the negative effects of salinity on the sorghum. In conclusion, jasmonic acid and humic acid treatments improved the forage sorghum performance under salinity conditions through anthesis stages, better photosynthetic and growth parameters, which reduced the impacts of salinity, and resulted in better plant growth and biomass production, and help the plant to improved salt tolerance.

Assessing the influence of integrating soil amendment applications with saline water irrigation on Ajwain’s yield and water productivity

Assessing the influence of integrating soil amendment applications with saline water irrigation on Ajwain’s yield and water productivity

Effects of Repeated Application of Organic Soil Amendments on Horticultural Soil Physicochemical Properties, Nitrogen Budget and Yield

Application of organic amendments to soil is commonplace in domestic gardening. However, a vast array of materials could be labelled as ‘compost’ by retailers and suppliers. We investigated six different amendments currently used, or available for use, in horticulture: composted bark, composted bracken, spent mushroom compost, composted horse manure, garden waste compost (at two different application rates), and peat. Using a controlled field experiment, we examined the physicochemical differences between the amendments, the subsequent effects on soil characteristics, and resultant yield and biometrics of Lavatera trimiestris. Amended soils resulted in a significantly different multivariate soil environment and N budget when compared to the unamended control. However, the effect on yield and plant biometrics (number of flowers, plant height, etc.) depended on the amendment used. Application of garden compost resulted in up to a five-fold increase in yield. However, there was no significant difference in yields in soils amended with composted bark or peat, when compared to the unamended control. This has implications, as there is increasing pressure to remove peat from products available to domestic gardeners. The variability in the different amendments investigated in our research, in addition to the variable effects on plant growth parameters, suggests that repeated use of a single amendment may not be best practise for gardeners.

Response of soil microbiome structure and its network profiles to four soil amendments in monocropping strawberry greenhouse.

With the constant surge of strawberry cultivation and human demand, widespread concern has been expressed about the severe soil and plant health problems caused by continuous strawberry cropping, particularly monocropping in greenhouses. Effective microorganisms (EM) and Bacillus subtilis (BS) have been extensively commercialized as biological control agents (BCAs) to promote plant growth and yield enhancement. However, their effects on soil microbes are obscure. To regulate the microbial community in continuous cropping strawberry soils, we developed four soil amendments based on these two BCAs by adding low and high contents of compost. The amplicon sequencing of bacterial and fungal ribosomal markers was applied to study the response of the soil microbiome structure. We noticed a sharp increase in bacterial diversity after adding EM-treated high compost and BS-treated low compost, while there was no significant change in fungal diversity among treatments. Through taxonomic classification and FUNGuild analysis, we found that the application of soil amendments resulted in a significant decline in the relative abundance of fungal plant pathogens (Rhizopus, Penicillium and Fusarium) in the soils; accordingly, the metabolic functions of a range of detrimental fungi were inhibited. Correlation analysis indicated that soil microbial community was indirectly driven by soil physicochemical properties. Co-occurrence networks revealed that soil amendments contributed to the connectivity of bacterial network, and EM-treated with high compost was the most complex and balanced. Collectively, EM-treated high compost and BS-treated low compost can well regulate the microbial community structure and thus maintain soil health.

Effect of Organic and Nitrogen Fertilizers on Soil Fertility and Wheat Productivity in a Newly Reclaimed Sandy Soil

Two field experiments were carried out in a newly reclaimed sandy soil under sprinkler irrigation system at El Ismailia Agricultural Research Station, El Ismailia Governorate, Egypt during the winter seasons of 2017/2018 and 2018/2019, to study the effect of organic amendment (compost and FYM) under different rates of nitrogen fertilizer (control, 75 and 100 % of recommended dose) on the fertility of study soil and wheat productivity. The treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with three replicates. Results indicated that 100% of recommended dose followed by 75% significantly increased all determined traits relative to control under the study conditions. Soil application of compost and FYM was superior for all growth characteristics, grain quality, and yield of wheat plants compared to control (without applications). The effect of compost or FYM combined with different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer increased plant height (cm), weight of 1000 grains (g), Straw yield (Mg acre -1), and weight of grains yield (Mg acre-1). The application of soil amendments increased N, P, and K concentrations in straw and grains. Application of organic amendments had a positive significant effect on available N, P, and K in soil. The interaction between soil amendments and different rates of nitrogen mineral fertilizer showed a significant effect on yield and its attributes, grain protein content, and total carbohydrate. Finally, it could be concluded that the application of farmyard manure with 75 % nitrogen of recommended dose improved the soil properties of sandy soil and increased the productivity of wheat plants.

Iron-doped natural clays: Low-cost inorganic adsorbents for phosphate recovering from simulated urban treated wastewater

Natural inorganic adsorbents are attractive for pollutants removal due to the easy operation, non-toxic characteristics and low cost. In this study, two raw clays (C1 and C2) were doped with iron and evaluated for the recovery of phosphate from simulated urban treated wastewater. The adsorbents' performances were evaluated through batch adsorption assays. Iron was stably retained in doped clays (C1-Fe and C2-Fe) at basal and edge surface at adsorption and desorption stages. Clay adsorbents were effective for adsorption of phosphate at neutral pH 7 and in broad range of phosphate concentrations. The maximum phosphate adsorption capacity values were 21, 38, 21 and 38 for C1, C1-Fe, C2 and C2-Fe, respectively. The equilibrium sorption data of raw and iron-doped clays were well described by the Langmuir isotherm model (R2 > 0.97). Therefore, monolayer phosphate adsorption occurred through hydrogen bonding and complexation between protonated hydroxyl groups and phosphate anions. The raw and iron-doped clay adsorbents reached the equilibrium within 10 min and the equilibrium attainment data were well described by the intraparticular diffusion model (R2 > 0.96). The phosphate monolayer adsorption was followed by diffusion through the internal clay pores. The phosphate adsorption by clays in presence of competing ion was inhibited by the higher ionic charge of sulphate. Besides, the less hydrated chloride and bicarbonate anions promoted the reduction of the sorption capacity of phosphate. Finally, the reusability of iron-doped clays is limited. Therefore, saturated iron-doped clays as single-use adsorbents can be disposed for soil amendment applications.

Towards a Soil Remediation Strategy Using Biochar: Effects on Soil Chemical Properties and Bioavailability of Potentially Toxic Elements.

Soil contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) is considered one of the most severe environmental threats, while among remediation strategies, research on the application of soil amendments has received important consideration. This review highlights the effects of biochar application on soil properties and the bioavailability of potentially toxic elements describing research areas of intense current and emerging activity. Using a visual scientometric analysis, our study shows that between 2019 and 2020, research sub-fields like earthworm activities and responses, greenhouse gass emissions, and low molecular weight organic acids have gained most of the attention when biochar was investigated for soil remediation purposes. Moreover, biomasses like rice straw, sewage sludge, and sawdust were found to be the most commonly used feedstocks for biochar production. The effect of biochar on soil chemistry and different mechanisms responsible for PTEs’ immobilization with biochar, are also briefly reported. Special attention is also given to specific PTEs most commonly found at contaminated soils, including Cu, Zn, Ni, Cr, Pb, Cd, and As, and therefore are more extensively revised in this paper. This review also addresses some of the issues in developing innovative methodologies for engineered biochars, introduced alongside some suggestions which intend to form a more focused soil remediation strategy.

​Effects of Application of Soil Amendments on Concentrations of Heavy Metals and Quality of Berseem Grown on Soil Irrigated with Sewage Water

The pot culture experiment for two consecutive years was conducted at Department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, MPKV, Rahuri to study the influence of various soil amendments on concentrations of heavy metals viz. Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb in berseem fodder crop. The pots were filled with soil irrigated with sewage water for more than thirty five years. The soil was treated with different amendments viz. FYM, gypsum, fly ash and their combinations. All the pots were supplied with recommended dose of chemical fertilizers by maintaining five plants per pot. The experiment was laid out in CRD with eight treatments and three replications. Initial soil properties were pHe 8.38, ECe 4.1 dSm-1, organic carbon 7.6 g kg-1, calcium carbonate 83.8 g kg-1, heavy metals viz. Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb were 0.35, 2.60, 2.23, 10.34 mg kg-1, respectively. Total four cuttings of berseem in each year were taken and analyzed for heavy metal concentrations. Two years pooled mean showed that, there was significant effect of different soil amendments on decreasing concentration of cadmium, chromium and lead as compared to control. Pooled mean of both years showed that the combined application of FYM + gypsum + fly ash each @ 10 g kg-1 soil (T8) registered significantly lower concentration of Cd, Cr and Pb in berseem as compared to rest of the treatments, but found at par with treatment (T5) FYM + gypsum each @ 10 g kg-1 soil. The reduction in concentrations of these heavy metals were higher in treatments where FYM was applied either alone or in combination with other amendments followed by gypsum and fly ash. Pooled mean values of two years showed significantly higher crude protein content due to application of FYM + gypsum + fly ash each @10 gkg-1 soil (T8) and at par with treatment T5. Pooled mean of two years showed numerically higher crude fiber due to treatment T8 (application of FYM + gypsum + fly ash each @ 10 g kg-1 soil) followed by T5 (application of FYM + gypsum each @ 10 g kg-1 soil). Significantly higher Acid Detergent Fiber (ADF) was recorded in T2 (application of FYM @10 g kg-1 soil) followed by T3 (application of gypsum @ 10 g kg-1 soil) treatment.

Does Complex Soil Enhance Grain Yield under Cropping System?

Global climate change and the increasing population have increased the difficulties associated with grain production. Several measures have been established to maintain a high crop yield, while preserving or increasing soil health, including biochar application to soil, and producing new complex soil with soil amendment application, e.g., biochar and soft rocks. However, previous studies have focused on the effect of complex soil on a single crop but have not considered crop rotation. In this study, field plots with foxtail millet cultivated for two years under biochar and soft rock application were selected for licorice cultivation to detect the effects of biochar and soft rock application on soil properties and licorice yield. The results showed that the biochar-treated plot had the highest licorice biomass (251.76 g/m2), followed by the combined biochar and soft rock treatment, and that the soft rock and control treatments had the lowest licorice biomass (97.65 g/m2). Plants in biochar-treated plots had the highest liquiritin and glycyrrhizic acid contents, followed by those under soft rock treatment. Soft rocks and biochar increased the soil catalase activity, organic matter, oxalic acid, tartaric acid, formic acid, and available phosphorus (AP). Correlation analysis showed that the licorice biomass was significantly positively correlated with oxalic acid and AP and negatively correlated with soil pH. AP was positively correlated with catalase activity and oxalic acid (p < 0.05) and negatively correlated with soil pH (p < 0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the addition of biochar and soft rocks for two years could increase soil organic acid contents (especially that of oxalic acid), which function to reduce soil pH, increase soil AP content, and enhance licorice biomass.

PENGARUH PEMBENAH TANAH TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN PRODUKSI TIGA VARIETAS PADI PADA TANAH ASAL KARANGANYAR BERBASIS PUPUK ORGANIK BIO-SLURRY

The study aimed to compare the growth and production of rice between three varieties, namely Ciherang, IR 64 (Membrano), and Inpari 23 (Aromatic) without or with soil amendment application (dolomite) on andosol soil from Karanganyar. The research design used was a split-plot with a Completely Randomized Design. The main plot is treatment without soil amendment (R1) and with soil amendment (dolomite) (R2). Subplots were Ciherang (V1), IR 64 (V2), and Inpari 23 (V3) varieties. Parameters observed were plant height, number of panicles, panicle emergence age, crown weight, root weight, root crown ratio, strawweight, grain weight, 1000 grain weight, and harvest index. The results showed that the variety factor had a significant effect (P<0,05) on the age of panicle emergence and the number of panicles. The age of panicle emergence and the best number of panicles was found in the IR 64 variety. Variety factors had no significant effect on plant height, crown weight, root portion weight, root canopy ratio, strawweight, grain weight, 1000 grain weight, and harvest index. Soil amendment factors have no significant effect on growth, biomass production, and rice production. It can be concluded that the most superior rice growth and production is IR 64 variety followed by Ciherang and Inpari 23 varieties.

Influence of high carbonization temperatures on key performance indicators of Arundo donax derived biochars

Biochar can be used as a solid fuel for space heating and as soil amendment to improve agricultural production. Availability of biomass feedstock and carbonization temperature are determinant factors influencing the production and applications of biochar. Arundo donax is a promising C3 perennial crop with high biomass yield and adaptation to poor soil conditions, making it a suitable, low-cost and sustainable feedstock source for biochar production. Therefore, the aim of this study is to investigate the influence of high carbonization temperatures on key performance indicators of Arundo donax derived biochar in its heating and soil amendment applications. Biochars were produced at carbonization temperature of 500, 700 and 900 °C. Key performance indicators including proximate composition, thermal recalcitrance, combustion and energy characteristics, pH and electrical conductivity were analyzed. Increase in carbonization temperature resulted in increased fixed carbon (77.08–81.43%) and ash content (8.04–10.67%) while volatile content (7.90–14.87%) decreased. Ignition (382–535 °C), peak (460–620 °C) and burnout (530–670 °C) temperatures of biochars increased correspondingly with the carbonization temperature. Calorific value slightly increased from 29.51 to 29.94 MJ/kg. pH values (7.31–9.67) showed that the biochars are slightly alkaline. Recalcitrance index increased from 0.49 to 0.68 as the carbonization temperature increased. Microstructures of the biochars showed an improved porous structure as the carbonization temperature increased. Improvement in the key performance indicators of the biochars showed that high carbonization temperature can significantly enhance the satisfactory performance of Arundo donax derived biochars in its heating and soil amendment applications.

Soil organic carbon in irrigated agricultural systems: A meta-analysis.

Over the last 200 years, conversion of non‐cultivated land for agriculture has substantially reduced global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks in upper soil layers. Nevertheless, practices such as no‐ or reduced tillage, application of organic soil amendments, and maintenance of continuous cover can increase SOC in agricultural fields. While these management practices have been well studied, the effects on SOC of cropping systems that incorporate irrigation are poorly understood. Given the large, and expanding, agricultural landbase under irrigation across the globe, this is a critical knowledge gap for climate change mitigation. We undertook a systematic literature review and subsequent meta‐analysis of data from studies that examined changes in SOC on irrigated agricultural sites through time. We investigated changes in SOC by climate (aridity), soil texture, and irrigation method with the following objectives: (i) to examine the impact of irrigated agriculture on SOC storage; and (ii) to identify the conditions under which irrigated agriculture is most likely to enhance SOC. Overall, irrigated agriculture increased SOC stocks by 5.9%, with little effect of study length (2–47 years). However, changes in SOC varied by climate and soil depth, with the greatest increase in SOC observed on irrigated semi‐arid sites at the 0–10 cm depth (14.8%). Additionally, SOC increased in irrigated fine‐ and medium‐textured soils but not coarse‐textured soils. Furthermore, while there was no overall change to SOC in flood/furrow irrigated sites, SOC tended to increase in sprinkler irrigated sites, and decrease in drip irrigated sites, especially at depths below 10 cm. This work sheds light on the nuances of SOC change across irrigated agricultural systems, highlights the importance of studying SOC storage in deeper soils, and will help guide future research on the impacts of irrigated agriculture on SOC.

Yield response of canola as a biofuel feedstock and soil quality changes under treated urban wastewater irrigation and soil amendment application

Treated urban wastewater (TWW) is seen as a potential alternative for agricultural irrigation in arid west Texas region, due to scarcity of Freshwater (FW) supplies. However, TWW can potentially cause soil salinization and affect soil quality and crop productivity. Therefore, crops that are salt-tolerant and less water-intensive are needed to sustain agriculture in this region. Canola (Brassica napus L.) as an edible oilseed and biodiesel/biofuel crop, is salt-tolerant and relatively less water-intensive than crops that are traditional to this area. This two–year field study evaluated the performance of canola under TWW irrigation in terms of its seed yield potential and seed quality (oil content, oil yield and salt constituents), along with quantifying changes in soil salinity and sodicity. Experimental design included a randomized block split-plot with water quality (FW and TWW) as the main-plot and soil amendment (gypsum + sulfur and no-amendment) as the subplot factor. Results show that TWW application did not significantly affect canola seed yields in any of the two years. On average, seed yields were 1975 kg ha−1 across all treatments and years. Seed oil content, oil yield and mineral constituents were also not affected by TWW irrigation. Nevertheless, average seed oil content was 42 % and oil yield was 849 kg ha−1. Other than the effects on soil salinity and sodicity, Gypsum + Sulfur application did not influence canola seed productivity and quality. Changes in soil salinity and sodicity were more prominent under TWW irrigation but the levels were below the thresholds after two years. Gypsum + Sulfur application significantly reduced soil sodicity, especially in TWW irrigated soils. These results highlight that TWW can be successfully used to grow canola as a biofuel feedstock in this arid region while following appropriate soil management practices to alleviate sodicity hazard of TWW in the long-term.

Recycling of beet sugar byproducts and wastes enhances sugar beet productivity and salt redistribution in saline soils.

Soil salinity adversely affects the growth, yield, and quality parameters of sugar beet, leading to a reduction in root and sugar yields. Improving the physical and chemical properties of salt-affected soils is essential for sustainable cultivation and sugar beet production. A field experiment was conducted at the Delta Sugar Company Research Farm, El-Hamool, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt, to evaluate the response of sugar beet to the application of beet sugar filter cake treated with sulfuric and phosphoric acid-treated, phosphogypsum (PG), desaline, humic acid, and molasses under saline soil conditions. The application of treated filter cake enhanced root length, diameter, and leaf area. The application of molasses enhanced root length, diameter, and leaf area as well. Application of molasses increased sugar content and root yield. The application of either treated filter cake or molasses produced the highest recoverable sugar yield. Linear regression analysis revealed that the root yield, quality index, and recoverable sugar yield increased in response to the increased availability of either Ca2+ or K content in the soil which increases in response to the application of soil amendments and molasses. The application of treated beet sugar filter cake and molasses increased the calcium, magnesium, and potassium availability in the soil. Treated filter cake is a promising organic soil amendment that enhanced the yield by 29% and yield-related traits of sugar beet by improving the physical and chemical properties of the soil.

Application of soil amendments as a strategy for water holding capacity in sandy soils

Global warming will affect the pattern of precipitation, evaporation, water run-off, soil moisture, and climate variations so that it can threaten food production. High evaporation and unpredictable precipitation will cause drought. Sandy soils have low water holding capacity, high infiltration, and high runoff. The application of soil amendments able to improve the soil’s physical properties through increasing the water holding capacity to increase crop productivity. The research aimed to determine the effect of the application of soil amendments to water holding capacity in sandy soils. The method used was a randomized complete design with one single factor, the type of soil amendments consisting of 7 treatments: P0 (control/without amendment), P1 (cow dung 60 tons ha-1), P2 (rice husk biochar 10 tons ha-1), P3 (clay-soils 10 tons ha-1), P4 (cow dung 60 tons ha-1+ rice husk biochar 10 tons ha-1), P5 (cow dung 60 tons ha-1+ clay-soils 10 tons ha-1), P6 (rice husk biochar 10 tons ha-1+ clay-soils 10 tons ha-1). The results showed that the interaction of rice husk biochar 10 tons ha-1+ clay-soils 10 tons ha-1 significant to increase soil moisture and decrease soil permeability. Combination of cow dung 60 tons ha-1 rice husk biochar 10 tons ha-1 more increase soil aggregate stability index up to 1.87 times than control.

Changes in soil respiration after application of in situ soil amendment and phosphate fertilizer under soybean cultivation at Ultisol South Lampung, Indonesia

Several inputs are needed to increase the production of soybean in Ultisol. The Application of organic soil amendment will increase carbon, nutrients, and water stored in the soil. Besides, the soil structure becomes stable so that plants will be more tolerant of climate change. The higher organic C in the soil, the more fertile soils, the plants grow healthier and fertile, and then the emission of CO2 gas into the air can be suppressed. Therefore, this study aims to determine soil respiration (CO2) due to the application of in situ soil amendment and phosphate fertilizer. This research was conducted at the research station of BPTP Natar, South Lampung, from July to November 2019, arranged with random complete block design in two factorials. The first factor is the source of phosphate fertilizer is without P fertilizer, TSP fertilizer 200 kg ha-1, and rock phosphate 5 tons ha-1, and the second factor is the application of soil in situ amendments. i.e.: without the soil amendment, rice husk biochar 5 tons ha-1 (B1), organonitrofos compost 10 tons ha-1, and cow dung manure 10 tons ha-1. All experimental units were fertilized with urea at a dose of 50 kg ha-1 and KCl at a dose of 200 kg ha-1. The result showed that the highest soil respiration was obtained in the plot treated with rock phosphate and cow dung manure at the single factor. The combination of rock phosphate and cow dung manure resulted in the highest of soil respiration.

Sulfur amendments to soil decrease inorganic arsenic accumulation in rice grain under flooded and nonflooded conditions: Insights from temporal dynamics of porewater chemistry and solid-phase arsenic solubility.

Rice cultivation under flooded conditions enhances arsenic (As) solubility and favors As accumulation in rice grain that poses an indisputable threat to human health worldwide. The reduction of sulfur may induce processes that decrease As solubility, but its impact on rice grain As species remains unresolved. Herein, we investigated the influence of sulfur (S)-containing materials, including chicken manure and elemental sulfur powder on As accumulation and speciation in rice grain as well as the dynamics of the porewater chemistry and solid-phase As solubility throughout the entire growth stage under continuous flooding and intermittent flooding conditions in pot experiments. The S amendments (200mgSkg-1) to the soil significantly decreased inorganic As in rice grain under continuous flooding (~65% decrease) as well as under intermittent flooding (~70% decrease). The chicken manure amendment promoted sulfur reduction and enhanced dissolvable Mn, Fe, and As at an earlier growth stage. The sequential extraction results corroborated a decrease in the soluble and exchangeable As (F1) and an increase in residual As (F5) fractions in the S-amended treatments. Solubility data suggested that As adsorption onto Fe oxides was the primary mechanism controlling As solubility rather than the formation of AsFe sulfides. Porewater As, considered to represent the most bioavailable As fraction, failed to explain the grain As accumulation. The time-averaged concentration of oxalate-extractable As explained grain arsenite best, suggesting that poorly crystalline Fe oxides may be the primary dissolvable reactive phases that control As bioavailability in the soil-rice system. Our results suggest that the application of S-containing soil amendments can effectively decrease inorganic As accumulation in rice grains grown under the flooded conditions, which are most widely applied in paddy rice production.

Pengaruh Aplikasi Mikoriza dan Bahan Pembenah terhadap Sifat Kimia dan Serapan Fosfor di Tanah Pasir

Sandy soil has limitations factor in supporting plant growth such as low soil organic carbon (SOC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), macro-micro nutrient content, water retention capacity, and high permeability rate. To improve soil conditions, it can be done by adding mycorrhizae and soil amendments. This study aimed to determine the effect of mycorrhizae application and soil amendments on the P availability and P uptake of plants in sandy soil. The research was conducted in a greenhouse of Agricultural Faculty, Sebelas Maret University. Used a completely randomized design consisting of 2 factors. The first factor was mycorrhizae with 2 levels, namely without mycorrhizae (M0) and mycorrhizae with 6 spores/plants (M1). The second factor was soil amendments; without amendment (P0), cow manure 60 tons/ha (P1), rock phosphate 150 kg/ha (P2), and combination of cow manure 60 tons/ha and rock phosphate 150 kg/ha (P3). The results showed that the application of mycorrhizae and soil amendments significantly increased available P, SOC, CEC, P concentration, and P uptake. Interaction of mycorrhizae 6 spores/plant and rock phosphate 150 kg/ha was able to increase the availability of soil P up to 12.8 times, plant tissue P concentration up to 1.4 times, and P uptake up to 2.27 times compared to the control. Application of mycorrhizae 6 spores/plant and cow manure of 60 tons/ha gave the best results on SOC and mycorrhizae with a combination of cow manure and rock phosphate gave the best results on CEC.

Response of soil organic carbon and soil health indicators to treated wastewater irrigation in bioenergy sorghum production on an arid soil

AbstractTreated urban wastewater (WW) reuse for crop irrigation is seen as an way to mitigate prolonged drought effects and reduced freshwater (FW) availability for agriculture in arid west Texas. However, the impacts of WW on arid soil health are not clearly understood. This field study evaluated the effects of WW irrigation on soil health indicators including soil organic carbon (SOC), permanganate oxidizable carbon (POXC), mineralizable carbon (MC), and soil protein under bioenergy sorghum production. Water type and gypsum + sulfur application were used as main and subplot factors in a split‐plot experimental design with growth year as a repeated measure. Results across time and soil amendments showed that the SOC of WW‐irrigated soils (3.26 g kg−1) was significantly higher than that of FW‐irrigated soils (2.96 g kg−1). This signifies the positive impact of WW to contribute to soil carbon with no associated priming effects. Wastewater and soil amendment application by themselves did not affect other soil health indicators, given their soil salinization potential. Irrespective of the water type and amendment application, soil POXC significantly increased from 245 to 262 mg kg−1 over time, indicating that a labile pool of C was added to the soil. Soil protein concentrations significantly decreased from 1.31 to 1.23 g kg−1 after 2 years, possibly due to mineralization of organic nitrogen. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that WW application did not adversely affect soil health in the short term. Long‐term studies could provide more insight into the sustained effects of WW irrigation on arid soil health.

Effectiveness of the Size of Organic Matter Used in the Reclamation of Saline Sodic Soil

A laboratory experiment was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of (FYM) and gypsum in the reclamation of a saline sodic soil using leaching columns. Soil samples were collected from South Port Said Regional Research Station, Port Said Governorate, and Egypt at summer season 2019. Gypsum, (FYM) applied in 3 sizes, in 2 methods, soaking or mixing. The leachate samples were collected at the bottom of soil columns. The samples were analyzed for EC, pH, Na, ESP, T.P and H.C. The results of leaching increased in EC and Na compared with control. The all treatments revealed more pronounced decreased in pH compared to the control. Data showed that applications of soil amendments decreased soil pH and EC an ESP but there is an increase in the values of soil T.P and H.C.A field experiment was conducted in winter seasons 2019/2020 at the same soil. Results indicated that the highest values of H.C, T.P, by applying (FYM) at soft size with gypsum treatment compared to control and other treatments, on the other hand this treatment induced the lowest values of soil pH, EC and ESP. it can be concluded that combination of (FYM) + gypsum proved to be the best soil amendment for reducing soil EC, pH, ESP and improving T.P, H.C and A.W.