Base Saturation Research Articles

Eficácia do herbicida S-metolacloro no controle de Urochloa decumbens em solos de Cerrado

ABSTRACT The soil characteristics play a pivotal role in shaping the efficacy of pre-emergent herbicides in the context of weed control and their phytotoxic influence on the target crop. This study aimed to assess the effect of soil attributes on the efficacy of the S-metolachlor herbicide, as well as to determine its optimal dose in relation to soil attributes. The experiment was conducted under greenhouse conditions, in a 6 x 8 factorial design, with five replications, using 6 soil types [GMd (Typic Humaquept), NVe (Rhodic Eutrustox), CXbd (Typic Dystrustepts), LVw (Rhodic Acrustox), LVdf (Rhodic Haplustox) and RQo (Typic Quartzpsamment)] and 8 doses of the product [0, 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/3x, 1/2x, 1x, 2x and 4x (with x = 1,920 g ha-1)]. Dose-response curves were constructed and the outcomes showed that, for the LVw, RQo and CXbd soils, there was a control of over 90 % with less than half of the recommended dose, while, for the other soil types, lower reductions are possible. The base saturation and soil organic matter content showed a substantial negative correlation (-0.73 and -0.74, respectively) with the efficacy of the product. The S-metolachlor doses required to achieve a control of 90 % are contingent upon specific soil attributes, especially the variables base saturation and organic matter. The clay content did not present any correlation with the S-metolachlor doses for the studied soils.

The spatial dependence of base saturation on forest soil grain and chemical composition seen through individual and typological divisions

Soil base saturation is a physicochemical property used for classifying terrestrial ecosystems. In this study, we focused on a comparison of soil base saturation and spatially related soil physical and chemical properties between individual and typological forest divisions. The dependence of soil base saturation on physical and other chemical properties was obtained through geographically weighted regression. Both soil properties and regression characteristics were divided along soil regions and associations. The similarities of soil properties between individual and typological soil division systems were assessed through quantiles from spatial models by two-tailed t-tests and simple linear regressions. Independent variables characterized 26−91% of soil base saturation variance, with mean geographically weighted determination coefficients (R2) between soil regions varying from 0.40 to 0.86, and between soil associations from 0.55 to 0.83. Low significant (p < 0.5) differences in distributions of soil base saturation predominated in both individual and typological systems. Only loam content, P2O5 and pH showed unique regional effects on soil base saturation.

EFFECT OF NEEM-BASED COMPOST RATE ON SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES AND GROWTH RESPONSES OF AMARANTHUS VIRIDIS IN AWKA

A field experiment was conducted at the students’ research farm Faculty of Agriculture, Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka to determine the effect of Neem-based compost rate on soil physicochemical properties and growth responses of Amaranthus viridis in Awka. Three treatments were used and a control was set out to monitor the effects of the applied treatments. The design was laid out in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD), with 4 replication each. Where beds with 0 t/ha received 0kg of the compost, 3.5 t/ha received 2.1 kg/m² of the compost, 7 t/ha received 4.2 kg/m² of the compost and 10.5 t/ha received 6.3 kg/m² of the compost. The experiment lasted for 6 months and plant data was collected before harvesting. The treatments were applied in an experimental plot of 2m by 2m. The result obtained was subjected to a statistical analysis of variance using GENstat and least significant difference (LSD) to compare the mean. The mean were separated at 5% level of significance. Generally the applied treatments improved soil fertility as there was a significant increase in Moisture content (MC), Field capacity (FC), Plant Available water (PAW), Permanent wilting point (PWP), Bulk density (BD), and Total porosity (TP) of the soil. Also, potential hydrogen ion (pH), Available phosphorus (Av. P), Nitrogen (T.N), Organic carbon (OC), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), Sodium (Na), Exchangeable Acidity (EA), Effective Cation Exchange Capacity (ECEC), Base Saturation (BS) and exchangeable aluminum (Al3+) were all significantly differed. On the effects of the treatments on growth parameters, T3 (7 t/ha) gave the highest plant height and number of leaves with mean value of 25.8", and 30.9" respectively. The control gave the highest mean leaf width 3.43".

Do admixed conifers change soil nutrient conditions of European beech stands?

Context Establishing mixed forest stands is an option for improving soil nutrient conditions and for increasing the resilience of forest ecosystems. Aims Identify the effects on soil chemistry of spruce and Douglas fir admixed in European beech forest. Methods We analysed pure and mixed species stands in Germany. The pure stands were mature European beech (Fagus sylvatica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), and Norway spruce (Picea abies). The mixtures were composed of beech with either Douglas fir or spruce. The stands were located in two regions with different soil conditions. Results Our results indicated that pure spruce stands, independent of site condition, had the lowest base saturation while beech showed the highest values. The impact of Douglas fir differed between site conditions. On sandy soils, there was higher pH and base saturation under Douglas fir than under spruce. On loamy soils, however, the pH under Douglas fir and beech was lower than under spruce. The cation stocks (Ca and Mg) on sandy soils were lower under spruce and spruce/beech stands than under Douglas fir and beech. In contrast, under loamy soil, exchangeable Ca and Mg stocks were less under beech than under spruce stands. Soil exchangeable K under mixed stands was among the highest compared to pure stands, independent of site condition. Conclusions Mixed species stands reduce soil base cation depletion compared to conifer stands. Implications Admixture of Douglas fir to European beech seems to be a more reasonable option for forest management than an admixture of spruce, since it does not negatively affect soil chemistry.

Prilog poznavanju nekih fizičkih i hemijskih osobina krečnjačkih zemljišta planinskog masiva Ozren

Soils formed on limestones occupy large area in Serbia, but there is not a lot of information about their properties. This paper presents physical and chemical properties of the Brownized Calcomelanosols and Moderately-deep Calcocambisols of the Ozren Mountain. Brownized Calcomelanosols under natural grassy vegetation were investigated at the Vlasina pass, whereas Calcocambisols under mixed forests were investigated near the site "Ozrenske livade". Soil profiles were excavated up to the parent material, and disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from soil genetic horizons. Following soil characteristics were determined: particle size distribution, soil structure and water resistance of structural aggregates, bulk density, total porosity, air capacity, water-holding capacity, water conductivity, pH, content of humus, available phosphorus (P2O5) and potassium (K2O), hydrolytic acidity, cation exchange capacity (CEC), sum of exchangeable base cations, and base saturation. Humus-accumulative horizon (Amo) of the Brownized Calcomelanosols has silty clay texture, whereas the cambic (B)rz horizon of both soils has a clay texture. The Amo horizon of Calcomelanosols is characterized by fine to medium granular structure (0.5-5 mm) of very high water resistance. The total porosity, air capacity and water permeability of both soils is high. Their water-holding capacity is high. Amo horizon of Calcomelanosols is characterized by a high humus content (>10%). Soil reaction in water of Amo horizon is neutral, whereas in (B)rz horizons both soils are moderately acid. Both soils have high CEC (>58 cmol kg-1 ) and base saturatation (>95%). Brownized Calcomelanosol is moderately to highly supplied with available K2O, whereas Calcocambisol is moderately supplied; while both soils are very poor in available P2O5. Since this study presents quite favorable physical and chemical properties of the investigated soils due to the conservation of natural forests and grasslands, the results can help in a deeper understanding of soil ecology and the preservation of natural plant cover.

MORFOLOGI DAN KLASIFIKASI TANAH PADA FORMASI PENIRON BAHAN INDUK ANDESIT PIROKSEN DI DESA PAGEDONGAN, BANJARNEGARA

Rock formation as parent material in Pagedongan Village, Banjarnegara influences the properties of the soil formed. The purpose of this research was to identify the morphology and soil classification according to USDA Taxonomy, National Soil Classifications, and World Reference Base for Soils. This study uses a survey method by determining observation points based on a rock formation, namely Peniron Formation, with pyroxene andesite as parent material for observing soil morphology, physical and chemical of soil in the field, then laboratory analysis included soil texture, bulk density, organic C, soil pH H2O and KCl, exchangeable cations K, Ca, Mg, Na, CEC, and base saturation. The results showed that the soil developed in the Peniron Formation with pyroxene andesite as parent material had morphology with diagnostic horizons of umbric epipedon and argillic endopedon. The results showed that the soil classification according to USDA Taxonomy is Typic Palehumults Isohyperthermic, according to National Soil Classifications is Podsolics Ortoxic, and according to World Reference Base for Soils is Loamic Abruptic Alfisols.

POPULAÇÃO DE NEMATOIDES EM CAFEEIRO ADUBADO COM COMPOSTO ORGÂNICO

INTRODUCTION: The use of organic compost to increase organic matter has been a great ally of the rural producer, since it is a practice of easy access, financially viable and ecologically sustainable. Thus, understanding the influence of organic composts on the incidence of nematodes in the soil, consequently, can help reduce the damage caused by these organisms. OBJECTIVE: Influence of organic compost fertilization on nematode population in soil cultivated with coffee trees. METHODS: A randomized block design was used in the experiment, with five treatments (doses of organic compost, 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), divided into four blocks, totaling twenty experimental units. The soils had already been corrected with limestone application at doses of 0, 1, 2, 3, and 4 t ha-1. The dose of organic compost application was inversely proportional to the dose of lime application. RESULTS: The results showed a significant increase in calcium, potassium, base saturation and base sum levels. CONCLUSION: The organic matter content does not interfere in the nematode population.

Land Suitability Evaluation of Soils of Bayelsa State for Oil Palm Production

Selected soils of Bayelsa State were evaluated for oil palm production using FAO land suitability classification. Eight pedons were sunk on each the three geomorphic features found in Bayelsa State. A total of twenty-four pedon were investigated and soil samples were taken to the laboratory for routine analysis. The average of the results from each geomorphic unit was calculated. Results of the physicochemical properties of soil showed that soils of Mangrove Swamp Deposits (MSD) and Sombreiro Warri Deposit (SWD) were characterized by sandy texture while the texture of soils of Recent and Sub-recent Alluvial Deposits (RSA) were loamy sand. Soil pH ranged from strongly (3.9) to moderately (6.2) acidic. Organic matter reduces down the profile. Effective cation exchangeable capacity (E.C.E.C.) ranged from 3.34-7.28cmol/kg while base Saturation ranged from 33 – 48.6%. From the land suitability results, rainfall and temperature were highly suitable while relative humidity was moderately suitable for oil palm production. The texture was marginally suitable in RSA while it was not suitable in MSD and SWD. For soil fertility characteristics, the major limitation affecting oil palm production was the C.E.C. which placed these soils in suitability class N1 (Not Suitable). Organic matter was another serious constrain to oil palm cultivation in RSA.

Impact of black cherry on pedunculate oak vitality in mixed forests: Balancing benefits and concerns

The vitality of European forests continues to decline due to new pests and diseases, climate-change related disturbances and high loads of atmospheric nitrogen deposition. Deteriorating soil health is a major factor underpinning the low vitality of West-European forests. Selecting tree species with soil ameliorative traits is proposed as an avenue to counteract soil acidification and improve overall forest vitality. Here we evaluate the impact of black cherry (Prunus serotina Ehrh.), a known rich litter species, on the vitality of neighboring pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.) in ten mixed forests on sand in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands. We found that black cherry admixture increases foliar N and P to a surplus whereas it causes deficiencies in foliar Mg, thereby resulting in an overall negative effect on oak foliar nutrient concentrations. Contrary, defoliation of oak leaves by herbivory decreases with the proximity of black cherry. Using structural equation modelling (SEM), we tested the hypothesized ‘improved soil health’ pathway. Our analyses showed that black cherry admixture leads to lower accumulation in the humus layer, resulting in higher soil base saturation which has a positive effect on foliar Ca yet a negative effect on total chlorophyll. Moreover, the SEM illustrated that herbivory of oak leaves decreases when black cherry is admixed, both via dilution and improved soil health. Indirect effects of black cherry on oak vitality via “improved soil health” in our SEM are however small in comparison to direct relations. Hence, our study showed that the combined positive and negative impacts of black cherry on oak vitality are limited, which tempers the potential benefits of using the rich litter species to counteract oak decline via improved soil health – yet, the concern of black cherry as an invasive alien species negatively affecting the vitality of mature pedunculate oak trees may also be exaggerated.

Forest Litter Features in Floodplain Forest of the “Bolshaya Kokshaga” Reserve

The studies, carried out in the floodplain ecotopes of the Bolshaya Kokshaga reserve (Russia, the Republic of Mari El) are relevant due to the need to understand the patterns of formation of the forest litter properties, which are a sensitive integral indicator of the biogeocenoses conditions. The work has been carried out on 20 test plots located in different parts of the floodplain in areas with a point bar type of river bed evolution, and, in addition to the main physicochemical parameters, the weight of the litter, its fractional composition and seasonal dynamics, as well as carbon reserves in it, were estimated. It was established that the weight of the litter on the studies sites decreased during the growing season from 20 to 33% of its value at the end of May. The main loss of its mass was observed in the first half of summer. The variability of the litter’s physicochemical parameters, especially its acidity, the degree of base saturation, the exchangeable calcium content, as well as the content of mobile phosphorus and potassium compounds, was found to be tied mainly to the features of the ecotopes, and their seasonal changes turned out to be statistically insignificant. It was determined that the greatest differences between the ecotopes were in the litter mass and the carbon stock in it. The mobile potassium and exchangeable calcium content were the highest in the litter of biotopes from the central part of the floodplain, and the content of ash and mobile phosphorus was the highest in the near-river zone. The ecotopes differed least of all in terms of the litter acidity and the degree of base saturation. It was shown that the carbon mass and stock in the litter of floodplain forests were significantly lower than in watershed stands, which was explained by its partial removal during floods, having the strongest effect in near-river ecotopes. The litter from the floodplain ecotopes, compared to the watershed ecotopes, also had significantly lower values of acidity, ash content, the sum of exchangeable bases, and the mobile potassium content. They surpassed the litter of lichen and mossy pine forests only in the mobile phosphorus content.

Caracterização e organização dinâmica de dois sistemas agroflorestais no semiárido paraibano e sua contribuição para melhoria das condições socioeconômicas de famílias agricultoras

ABSTRACT: The socio-economic vulnerability of family farmers in Brazilian semi-arid regions, combined with the intense degradation of the Caatinga biome, entails the use of alternatives that allow people to remain in the countryside while recovering the environment. Are agroforestry systems (AFS), which are based on the ecological, economic, and social interactions existing in a production system, an alternative? The present study described the structure, organization, and floristic composition of two AFS and analyzed the soil fertility of the two AFSimplanted in the semi-arid region of Paraíba. This study revealed that the farmers consider the AFS to be less harmful to the environment as it provides greater protection to the soil and better-qualityfood. Thegreatest challenges wereobtaining water during drought season and the need foran extra workforce. Nevertheless, the produce from these systemswas sufficient to provide for the families. Several varieties of fruit species were found in both the AFS studied, and Malpighia emarginata (acerola) was the most predominant. The soils of the two AFS presented a practically neutral pH the and high percentage of base saturation,thereby falling under the category of eutrophic soil with high fertility, and are ideal for growingany type of crop.

Estimating Base Saturation Flow Rate for Selected Signalized Intersections in Al-Najaf City

The correct saturation flow rates for the specific circumstances must be used to calculate delays and the level of Service at intersections. As a result of a lack of local data, practitioners would often use default values from overseas software developers. Base saturation flow rate is an important factor for timing traffic signals. Despite the 1, 900 pc/h/ln number suggested by the Highway Capacity Manual (HCM), the base saturation flow rate differs from city to city, dependent on the local driving habits and traffic conditions. As a result, it's crucial to estimate, given the local climate. As a result, erroneous decisions may be made that have incorrect results. This study attempts to estimate the base saturation flow rate in Al-Najaf City. The following situations were observed: Turning movement (through or right); Gradient (Up and down); Number of through lanes; and Speed limit (60 and 80 km/h). The mean headway from a total of 9931 through moving vehicles from 187 lineups was calculated to be 1.55. The basic saturation flow rate was therefore determined to be 2, 323 pc/h/ln. This result is substantially higher than the 1, 900 pc/h/ln proposed by the HCM, but it is comparable to results from other nations with similar traffic conditions and driving habits. The results show significant differences between the saturation flow rates when the conditions of the movements are different in terms of the above characteristics. Recommendations are made regarding the most appropriate values to use under different conditions.

Characterization and Classification of Sugarcane Growing Soil of Haryana, India

Eight representative pedons of sugarcane growing soil of Haryana viz., Damla, Yamunanagar (P1), Shahabaad, Kurukshetra (P2), RRS, Karnal (P3), Kaithal (P4), Mehlana, Sonipat (P5), Nidhani, Jind (P6), Mokhra, Rohtak (P7) and Meham, Rohtak (P8) were studied for morphological, physico-chemical characteristics and classified as per Soil Taxonomy. The colour of the studied pedons varied from yellowish brown (10YR 3/2) to dark brown (10YR 5/5) in colour, with dominant hue of 10YR. The range of bulk density of different horizons was 1.05 to 1.33 Mg m-3. These soils were slightly alkaline to moderately alkaline in reaction. The soils of all the pedons of studied area were non saline in nature having EC < 1.36 dSm-1. Exchangeable Sodium percentage (ESP) and Base Saturation Percentage (BSP) ranged from 1.65 to 47.55 % and 23.18 to 99.60 % respectively. The CEC of the soils ranged from 1.98 to 13.82 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soils of the area were classified according to Soil Taxonomy as Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Ustocrepts (Pedon 3,6 and 7), Fine loamy, Calcareous, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-4), Fine loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (pedon-2), Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Aquic Ustochrepts (pedon-5) and Coarse loamy, Mixed, Hyperthermic, Typic Haplustepts (1 and 8).

Impact of Topography on Soil Properties in Delboatwaro Subwatershed, Southern Ethiopia

Soil characterization and classification are prerequisites for better agricultural productivity and sustainable soil fertility management. This study was previously conducted to characterize and classify DelboAtwaro, a watershed in southern Ethiopia. Three pedons classes were inspected and three representative pits (pedons) opened, i.e. one in each pedon. Pedons were described in accordance with FAO [1] and WRB (2014) in the study area, and then soil samples were collected from recognized horizons of each pedon and analyzed for selected physicochemical properties. The pedons confirmed the variability of the physical, chemical and morphological properties of the soils in the study area. Based on the result of field and laboratory soil analysis, the soil structure was early clay in both aboveground and subterranean strata. The soil chemical reaction used to be somewhat acidic to neutral in reaction (pH 6.1-7.0). The organic carbon (OC) content varied between 1.23 and 1.78% between the respective topographical positions. The cationexchange capacity (CEC) of the soils ranged from 39.8 to 79.9 cmol (+) kg-1 (intermediate to optimal), while the percent base saturation (PBS) ranged from 23.7 to 40.7%. The dominance of the exchangeable bases was once, in descending order, Ca>Mg>K>Na. Soils ranged from low to optimal in TN and very low to low in available P, while the concentrations of micronutrients in the soils were best (Fe), very high (Mn), adequate (Zn), and optimum (Cu). The soil had a molly epipedon with humic diagnostic houses in the subsurface. Hence the soil was categorized as Rhodic Nitisols (Haplic) (US, MS, and LS) according to the WRB for soil resources. In general, slope and land use influenced soil properties in the different topographical locations of the Delbo Atwaro Underwater Catchment, suggesting the need for integrated soil fertility management to sustainably conserve soil organic matter and nutrients.

Reducing aluminum is the key nutrient management strategy for ameliorating soil acidification and improving root growth in an acidic citrus orchard

AbstractAluminum (Al) toxicity is one of the most serious hazards of soil acidification, which limits root formation and hinders crop growth. Soil acidification in orchards has been widely reported. However, there is little information about the effect of Al3+ on citrus roots in acidified red soil. Taking pomelo (Citrus grandis), the main citrus variety in Southeast China, as an example, soil surveys were conducted to analyze the status and characteristics of acidification in pomelo orchards. Subsequently, we explored whether optimized fertilization and liming can effectively reduce Al toxicity in roots and increase yield by three treatments, including farmer fertilization practice (FFP), NPK optimization (OPT), and OPT combined with lime (OPT+L). The results showed that (1) rapid soil acidification occurred in pomelo orchards in the past 40 years (with a decrease of 0.81 units). The severity of soil acidification increases with orchard age. In addition, the soil pH and base saturation (BS) at the drip line (DL; i.e., fertilization site) were the lowest, while the concentration of exchangeable acid (Ex.Acid) and exchangeable Al (Ex.Al), and the ratio of Ex.Al to cation exchange capacity (Ex.Al%) was highest compared to other locations away from DL. Random forest analysis indicated Ex.Al was the most important factor to reflect soil acidification. (2) Under the OPT+L treatment, the concentrations of soil Ex.Acid and Ex.Al decreased, and BS increased, which markedly reduced the Al3+ concentration in the roots and promoted root growth. OPT+L significantly decreased the Al concentrations in soils (by 71.3%) and roots (by 47.8%) but increased root activity, root length, root tips and root surface area by 119.2%, 80.3%, 124.6% and 136.6%, respectively. In addition, structural equation modeling further proved that increasing soil pH and BS while decreasing Ex.Al was beneficial to citrus production in acidic soil, and optimized fertilization and lime application are necessary.

IMPACT OF SOIL PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES ON MINERAL COMPOSITION OF CASSAVA SAMPLES FROM IKWO LGA OF EBONYI STATE, NIGERIA

Physicochemical properties of soil samples from Ikwo LGA of Ebonyi State were investigated for their impact on mineral composition of cassava samples. Standard methods were used for analyses. Sixteen soil samples and eight cassava samples were used for the research. The results of the soil physicochemical analysis were sand 67.73%, silt 16.77%, clay 15.5%, pH 7.45, organic carbon 1.62%, organic matter 2.79%, exchangeable acidity (EA) 1.13 mg/kg, effective cation exchange capacity (ECEC) 9.71 mg/kg and base saturation (BS) 88.39 %, for topsoil. For subsoil, sand 60.73 %, silt 17.27 %, clay 22.00 %, pH 5.32, organic carbon 1.15 %, organic matter 1.98 %, EA 1.14 mg/kg, ECEC 9.23 mg/kg and BS 87.38 %. The soil texture was sandy loam for the top and subsoil. The result of soil mineral analyses (mg/kg) were Ca 5.20, Mg 3.00, K 0.19, Na 0.18, P 55.35 and N 0.15 for topsoil; while those of subsoil were Ca 5.07, Mg 2.67, K 0.17, Na 0.18, P 41.68 and N 0.11. The result of soil heavy metal analysis (mg/kg) showed that all the heavy metals are within EPA Standard. The result of the cassava mineral analysis (mg/kg) were Ca 3.76, Mg 1.19, K 0.849, Na 0.24-0.26, N 1.05 and P 0.46. The result of cassava heavy metal analysis (mg/kg) showed that all the heavy metals are within EPA Standard. There was correlation between the soil physicochemical properties and the mineral concentrations of the cassava samples. There was also correlation between the soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal concentration of the cassava samples.

Effect of cashew (Anacardium occidentale) biochar on soil chemical properties and agronomy of soybean (Glycine max L. merril)

The experiments were conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Shabu-Lafia during the 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons to evaluate the effects of different levels of biochar on soil properties, growth and yield of soybean. The experiments were laid in Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replications. Biochar at the rates of 0, 4, 8 and 12 tons/ha were incorporated into the ridges of soybean at planting. The results showed that soil organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, potassium, available phosphorus, calcium, sodium and base saturation decreased with soil layers. Soil pH (4.67 and 4.69), magnesium (1.52 and 1.62 cmol/kg), exchangeable acidity (0.67 and 0.75 cmol/kg) and cation exchange capacity (5.18 and 5.23 cmol/kg) increased with soil depth. Biochar at the rate of 12 tons/ha showed consistently the highest values of soil properties over other rates. The results also showed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha recorded significantly (p<0.05) the tallest soybean plant height at 8 weeks (40.4 and 42.7 cm) and 10 (43. 0 and 49.2 cm) after planting in 2018 and 2019 cropping seasons respectively while the highest number of branches (4.5 and 4.5) was recorded in 2018 cropping season only. The results further revealed that biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha recorded the highest weight per 100 seed (16.9 and 14.9 g) and seed yield (1304.0 and 1316.7 kg) per hectare in both cropping seasons. From the results of this study, it can be concluded that biochar at the rates of 12 and 8 tons/ha positively influenced soil and soybean plant parameters evaluated. Therefore, biochar at the rate of 8 tons/ha is considered as the optimum rate for sustainable soybean production in the study area.

Black Soils Outside of the INBS Criteria in Slovakia

The distribution of black soils in Slovakia can be divided into the two basic groups: distribution of black soils according to the International Network of Black Soils (INBS) and distribution of black soils outside of the INBS specified criteria. Black soils outside of the INBS criteria on selected soil profiles are evaluated in this contribution. Indicators of black soils outside of the INBS criteria are very common in comparison with the first group – existence of mollic horizon – but the depth of mollic horizon is often less than 25 cm where the soil properties are practically the same as in black soils using the INBS criteria (represented by Chernozems and Phaeozems). Other special group of black soils without mollic horizon can be also included in the “black soils” category with low soil reaction (pH/H2O < 5.5 and pH/KCl < 5.0), low base saturation (< 50%) with high content of SOM (10–20%) represented mostly by Andosols and Umbrisols in Slovak conditions. The aim of this paper is to emphasize the significance of black soils outside of the INBS criteria on selected examples of soil profiles in Slovakia. The basic chemical (pH/H2O, pH/KCl, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen, humic acids, fulvoacids, colour quotient Q46, available nutrients P and K, melanic index) and physical (fractional mechanical composition) procedures were conducted in NPPC – Soil Science and Conservation Research Institute in Bratislava. Based on the obtained results, the black soils outside of the INBS criteria in Slovakia belong mostly to the most fertile soils with the existence of mollic horizon but often shallower than in black soils according to the INBS criteria (< 25 cm) and cultivated mostly as arable land (represented by Chernozems and Phaeozems). Only a smaller part of these soils – without mollic horizon (Andosols, resp. Umbrisols) – belong to the soils with low fertility and are mostly situated in forest protected areas on some volcanic rocks, especially with the occurrence of volcanic glass. Total area of these soils is about 8.7% of soil cover in Slovakia. All the groups of black soils (within and outside of the INBS criteria) have to be strongly protected.

Land suitability assessment for agricultural crops in Enrekang, Indonesia: combination of principal component analysis and fuzzy methods

<p>Land suitability assessment is essential for the efficient use of diminishing fertile agricultural land. Assessment parameters include soil texture, pH, the sum of basic cations, base saturation, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon, soil depth, slope, and mean annual temperature and precipitation data. Results showed that 76.28% and 23.26% of the total area were optimally and moderately suitable for coffee growth, respectively; 9.6% and 90% were optimally and moderately suitable for cocoa growth, respectively; 1.98%, 78.74%, and 19.26% were optimally, moderately, and marginally suitable for clove growth, respectively; and 6.68%, 86.89%, and 6.41% was optimally, moderately, and marginally suitable for pepper growth, respectively. The final land suitability index (LSI) was strongly influenced by the threshold values used by the researcher and the quality of the land indicator itself. Plant threshold values differed due to variations in plant recruitment. The main limiting factors were mean annual temperature <26°C, acidic soil pH, and low CEC. This study showed that the fuzzy method is ideal for converting the numerical data of various magnitudes into membership function values and representing land suitability. The principal component analysis is an effective method to determine the weights of multiple factors in a systematic and objective manner. The linearity test found a correlation between LSI and production with f = 0.00, indicating that the applied model can predict agricultural production and is applicable to other agricultural land management.</p>

THE EFFECT OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR AND NPK FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF RADISH IN RED YELLOW PODSOLIC SOIL

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an annual plant, In Podsolic Soil. Utilization red-yellow podsolic soil as a growing medium is fact with the characteristics of dense soil and high clay content, low organic matter content, moderate to high base saturation, generally low nutrient content of N, P, K, and low pH. Efforts to improve the physical and chemical properties of red-yellow podzolic soil can be carried out by giving balanced organic matter and inorganic fertilizers so that it is expected to increase soil productivity. One of the organic materials that can be used was rice husk biochar. NPK anorganik fertilizer is an important macro nutrient needed by plants in large quantities so it must be available in sufficient quantities contain the growing media. This study aims were to find the interaction of biochar and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of radish on Red Yellow Podsolik soil. This research was conducted from 27 April – 30 May 2022, in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak. The study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors. The first factor consisted of planting media, namely husk charcoal biochar (A) which consisted of 3 treatment levels and the second factor was NPK fertilizer (P) with 3 treatment levels. Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times and each experimental unit contained 4 sample plants, so there were 108 plants. The variables observed in this study were the number of leaves, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, tuber length, tuber diameter and tuber fresh weight. The results showed that the dose of 10 tons/ha of biochar and 400 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer gave the best results on the growth and yield of radish on red-yellow podzolic soil. Keywords : Fertilizer, Radish, Rice Husk Biochar, Red-Yellow Podzolic Soil, Response.