Cmol Kg-1 Research Articles

Assessment of the pysicochemical status soils and irrigation water qualities in eastern Ethiopia

This study intended to characterize the physicochemical characteristics of soils and irrigation water qualities under four land use types of Babile low lands in eastern Ethiopia. Four profiles opened from non-cultivated (profile 1), two irrigated cultivated (profile 2 & 3) and none irrigated cultivated lands (profile 4) for laboratory analysis. The results revealed relatively variation in morphological and physicochemical properties of soils. The soils are clay to sandy in texture with bulk density values ranging from 1.12 to 1.32gcm-3 and the clay contents significantly affected both by land use type and profile depth. The basic infiltration rates and saturated hydraulic conductivities of the soils were moderately slow. The soils were moderately alkaline to alkaline in reaction (pH 7.89 to 8.54), the mean soil electrical conductivity of saturated pest (ECe) were greater than 4dSm-1 and significantly affected by land use type and profile depth. The exchangeable cations determined had clear distinctions on the distribution of adsorbed cations; adsorbed Na+ was higher on the exchange site of the irrigated soils than the non-irrigated soils. Medium to very high cation exchange capacity (34.26 to 38.92cmol (+) kg-1) was recorded. Exchangeable cations (Na, K, Ca, Mg), Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP), sodium adsorption Ratio (SAR) and Cation Exchangeable Capacity (CEC) were significantly (P<0.05) affected by land use types and profile depth. In line with this, two irrigation water sources were analyzed, the result revealed that both water sources contained medium to very high dissolved salts. On the other hand, the residual sodium carbonate (RSC) of Errer River (1.25 to 2.50meqL-1) and ground waters (>2.50meqL-1) were marginal and unsafe for irrigation, respectively. It could therefore be generalized that, beside to natural conditions, irrigation water could be the main source for the occurrence of saline sodic soils in the irrigated lands of the area. Hence, introduction of locally available organic and inorganic reclaiming materials may improve the productivity of the saline sodic soils of the study area for the resource poor farmers.

Evaluation of Soil Fertility Status for Maize (Zea mays) Production in Moshi Rural, Kilimanjaro Region Tanzania

This study was carried out to assess the soil fertility status for maize (Zea mays) production in soils of sixteen villages of Moshi Rural, Kilimanjaro region in February 2019. Sixteen field soil samples were collected through random sampling approach. A total of sixteen soil parameters including soil reaction (pH), Organic carbon (OC), nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S) Exchangeable bases (Calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), and potassium (K), Extractable micronutrients (Manganese (Mn), aluminum (Al), Zinc (Zn), Iron (Fe) and Boron (B) was tested in the soil laboratory in Agricultural Research Institute Mlingano Tanzania.
 The soil analysis results indicated that, the studied soils were strongly acidic (5.0-5.9) indicating the need for liming to raise up the soil pH. The concentration of total nitrogen in Moshi Rural maize growing farms was very low to low (0.01 to 0.1%). The concentration of phosphorus ranges from 1-3 mg/l with an average of 2.742 suggesting that all studied areas should be considered for P supplementation. Exchangeable Na in the studied soils varies from 0.01 to 0.1 cmol (+) kg-1 with the average of 0.0154. This value suggests that exchangeable Na in the studied soils is very low with the implication that the studied soils are not salt affected. Micronutrients were seen as not a problem in the studied soils.
 The studied soils generally are poor in soil fertility. Total nitrogen levels are very low, phosphorus is very low to medium and exchangeable bases and extractable micronutrients and equally very low to medium. Application of farm yard manure available in the locality, in combination with Diammonium phosphate or NPK is recommended at the average rate of 50 Kg per acre during planting and CAN, MOP and NPK during top-dress.

Effects of effluent discharge on man and soil ecosystem in Calabar, south southern Nigeria

The impact of Flour Mill Effluent (FME) on soil physicochemical properties at Ekorinim in Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria, were analyzed at the depths of 0-15cm and 15-30cm. Conventional analytical methods were employed for the determination of these physicochemical parameters. The results of the physicochemical analysis showed that the Bulk density in polluted soil ranged from the mean SD 1.23 ± 1.45mg/dm3 and the mean value of non-contaminated soil was 7.4.1±1.20 (mg/dm3), the porosity of polluted soil 0.48 ± 0.55(mg/dm3) and non-polluted soil 0.48 ± 0.33mg/dm3. The pH values in all the sites ranged from 5.01 to 5.70, indicating acidity of the soils. The Soil Organic Carbon concentration values ranged from of O.57% -2.39% in both polluted and non-polluted soils, indicating presence of some organic matter and microbiological activities in the soil samples. The Electrical Conductivity of contaminated soil is extremely saline, while the one of non-polluted soil is very saline indicating significant presence of some soluble inorganic salts in soils studied. Minerals such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium recorded highest concentration in soil with effluent discharged. CEC in polluted and non-polluted soil have mean standard deviation of 2.15 ± 0.74 cmol kg-¹, 1.79 ± 0.74 cmol kg¯¹ respectively, lower than the critical limit of <0.6 cmol kg¯¹ which is low in nature. Significant differences in the levels of manganese, iron, chromium, magnesium, nitrate, clay and sand, temperature, conductivity pH, and CEC across the different Sampling locations and the topsoil of Flour Mill Effluent were observed (ANOVA, p ≤ 0.05) Overall results indicated that, Flour Mill Effluent can add nutrients to the soils if properly harnessed to eliminate heavy metals which constitute a major health risk to the local population through pollution.Keywords: Flour Mill Effluents, Soil Physicochemical properties, Pollution, heavy metals

Characterization of Soils of Two Village of Maniyar Block, Ballia District, Uttar Pradesh

Two pedons exposed each in Badagaon and Rampur villages of Maniyar bock, Ballia district to study the layer-wise distribution of some physical and chemical properties. The sand, silt and clay pedon-1 were varied from 25 to 55 %, 30 to 60 %, clay 8 to 16 % while it was 40 to 65 %, 25 to 45 % and clay 10 to 17 % respectively in pedon 2. Bulk density increased with depth upto 90 cm, water holding capacity decreased with increasing depth in both the pedon, and it ranged from 43.35% to 34.02% through depth. The pH ranged from 6.2 to 7.4 in both the pedons but its distribution with depth different in these pedons. The electrical conductivity of soils in both the soils was above to 1ds-1. The organic carbon content was high in upper layer of depth in soils. Calcium carbonate ranged from 2.5 to 0.4% and 3.9 to 0.4 with depth in soils. Available N, P and S were higher in surface layer and decreased with depths but their values were in higher side in pedon 2 barring few exceptions with soil depth amount of available P content in surface and sub-surface soil. However, it was slightly medium in soils of pedon 2. The medium available K content was found in surface layer (0-15 cm) and decreased with depth in both the pedons. The S content in surface soil was found to be higher than sub-surface soil. The amount of available S was found in surface horizons (0-15 cm) 13.5 mg kg-1 in pedon 1, and 14.2 mg kg-1 in pedon 2. The surface layer of pedon 1 had 13.4 cmol (p+) kg-1 exchangeable Ca while it was 6.4 cmol (p+) kg-1 in P2. The exchangeable magnesium in pedon 1 was 8.2 cmol (p+) kg-1 at 0-15 cm and 3.2 at 135-150 cm while in pedon 2 had exchangeable magnesium 7.3 cmol (p+) kg-1 at 0-15 cm and 3.0 at 135-150 cm soil depth.

Characterization and Evaluation of Land Resources of Valia Block, Bharuch District, Gujarat

Detailed soil survey (1:10000 scale) was carried out using base map prepared from satellite data (IRS-P6 LISS IV and Cartosat-1) and Digital Elevation Models (DEM) in conjunction with Survey of India (SOI) Toposheets of 1:50000 scale in Valia block, Bharuch district of Gujarat. On the basis of landform, slope, land use/land cover and ground truth, six landscape ecological Units (LEUs) were delineated and six soil series were identified in the block. Five soil series occur on alluvial plain (cover 66.16 %) and one soil series occupies pediplain 27.61 %. These series were mapped into ten soil mapping units as phases of soil series. The representative pedons of alluvial plain were moderately deep to very deep and their sand, silt and clay content ranged from 8.2 to 44.4, 9.8 to 40.2 and 43.8 to 55.6 per cent, respectively. These pedons were neutral to strongly alkaline (pH 6.8 - 9.7), non-saline with low to high organic carbon (0.18 – 1.2 %) content, low to high calcium carbonate (5.9 - 26.6 %) and high CEC [>35 cmol (p+) kg-1]. Exchangeable complex of these pedons were dominated by Ca2+ followed by Mg2+, Na+ and K+ cations with high base saturation (72.0 to 99. 4 %). Soils were classified as Vertic Haplustepts, Typic Haplusterts, Typic Calciustepts, Typic Haplustepts and Sodic Haplusterts. The representative pedon of pediplains was shallow, dark brown (7.5YR3/2), clayey, strongly alkaline (pH>8.5), non-saline (<2 dSm-1) and had moderate organic carbon (0.50-0.75 %) and calcium carbonate (5-15 %) with high CEC [>35 cmol (p+) kg-1] and classified as Lithic Haplustepts. The soils were evaluated for their suitability for commonly grown crops (cotton, pigeon pea, wheat and chick pea) and mapping unit 2 and 4 were highly suitable for cotton cultivation and other were moderately to marginal suitable for other crops.

Morphological and Physico-chemical Characterization of Salt-Affected Soils of Muktsar District of Punjab

Nine representatives salt-affected (P1 to P9) soils from Muktsar district of Punjab were studied for their morphological and physico-chemical characteristics. Pedon P1, P2 and P3 belong to saline soils, P4, P5 and P6 categorised as sodic soils and P7, P8 and P9 represent the saline-sodic soils. These pedons have weak to moderate, fine to medium subangular blocky structure in A and B horizon and massive structure in C horizons. The calcretes in saline-sodic soils were comparable to saline soils but higher than sodic soils. The texture of these soils varied from silty clay loam, silt, and silt loam through loam to sandy loam. The pH of the soil ranged from 8.3 to 10.2, 8.6 to 10.0 and 8.2 to 9.4 in saline, sodic and saline-sodic soils, respectively. Electrical conductivity in surface horizon varied from 4.96 to 19.1 dS m-1 in saline soils, 0.44 to 2.25 dS m-1 in sodic-soils and 2.30 to 11.8 dS m-1 in saline-sodic soils. Organic carbon content ranged from 0.02 to 0.87 per cent in saline soils, 0.01 to 0.29 per cent in sodic soils and 0.01 to 0.68 per cent in saline-sodic soils and decreased with depth. Calcium and magnesium cations were dominated on the exchange complex and their content varied from 3.2 to 6.4 cmol(+)kg-1 and that of Na+ and K+ varied from 0.09 to 2.87 and 0.06 to 2.33 cmol(+)kg-1, respectively.

Performance of Coleus (Coleus forskohlii) in Different Agro-climatic Zones of Tamil Nadu, India

A study was undertaken to characterize the Coleus-growing soils in different agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu to identify the yield limiting soil properties and management. Thesoil characteristics were rated for their quality as low, medium and high of three zones to assess. The horizon-wise soil samples from Typifying soil profiles and surface samples were collected from representing agro-climatic zones and soils were analysed. Soils were shallow to deep, well to somewhat poorly drained, dark brown to dark reddish brown in colour. The soils were sandy clay loam to sandy clay in texture and the clay content ranged from 28 to 45% being highest in Muthur soils. The organic carbon in soils ranged from 0.30 to 0.90% and cation exchange capacity from 10.2 (Rajapatty soils) to 22.8 cmol (p+) kg-1 (Andipudur soils). Soils were low in available nitrogen, low to medium in available phosphorus and potassium. DTPA-extractable micro nutrients were sufficient in all the zones. Coleus yields were significantly correlated with available phosphorus, potassium and manganese.

Mango-Growing Soils in Eastern India: West Bengal as Case Study

Mango-growing soils representing different agro-ecological sub-regions of West Bengal, India are very deep, well drained, and coarse-loamy to fine textural class in control section. They are moderately acid to slightly alkaline (pH 5.6 to 7.9), low to high in organic carbon (4.2 to 9.0 g kg-1), low to medium in CEC [6.2 to 26.8 cmol (p+) kg-1] and high in base status (58 to 86 %). Soil texture, drainage congestion and soil fertility (especially pH and organic carbon content) are the major contributing factors towards the sustainable cultivation of mango in lower Indo-Gangetic plains. The type and nature of clay plays a crucial role for the good growth and yield of mango. These soils also help to increase the SOC stock and thereby improving soil health and mitigating the green house gases from the environment. The area for mango cultivation can be turned into highly productive zone through integrated nutrient management practices including leguminous intercrops or cover crops.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties of the soils were assessed for the ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Six representative soil pedons were studied in Devarapalli, Gujjangivalasa, Patikivalasa, Gangada, Aamiti and Maddivalasa villages falling in ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project. The soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam in upland pedons while sandy clay loam to clay in pedons under cultivated plains. In general, relatively low bulk density was recorded at surface horizons compared to sub-surface layers. Maximum water holding capacity, pore space and volume expansion increased with soil depth. The soils were acidic to alkaline in reaction, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The soils were found to be low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium status. Manganese and copper were sufficient but zinc and iron were deficient in soils. The total silica (SiO2) content of pedons varied from 48.10 to 71.40 per cent. Sesquioxide (R2O3) and the molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 ranged from 19.01 to 32.4 per cent and varied from 3.74 to 6.59, respectively in different pedons. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio and the SiO2 / Fe2O3 ratio varied from 4.43 to 7.65 and from 13.7 to 47.8, respectively. A significant positive correlation of clay content with cation exchange capacity (CEC), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) was observed. Sand content was positively correlated with silica and negatively correlated with MWHC and volume expansion. Soil organic carbon had a significant positive correlation with soil pore space, available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron, but a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Soil pH was positively correlated with CaCO3 but negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, and copper and iron. Soil CaCO3 content was negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese and copper and iron of the soil.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Characterization and Classification

Six representative pedons from Devarapalli (P1), Gujjangivalasa (P2), Patikivalasa (P3), Gangada (P4), Aamiti (P5) and Maddivalasa (P6) villages belonging to ayacut of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh were studied. Pedons 1, 2 and 5 were developed from granite-gneiss, while pedons 3, 4 and 6 had their parent legacy with granite-gneiss mixed with calcareous murrum. The soils of P1 and P2 were moderately deep to very deep having argillic horizon while cambic sub-surface diagnostic horizon was noticed in P3, P4 and P5. Deep and wide surface cracks and slickensides close enough to intersect were observed in P4 and P6. The pedons P1, P2, P3 and P5 had sandy loam to sandy clay loam texure and it was clay loam to clay in cultivated plains (P4 and P6). The soils were low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1 and the soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The ratio of CEC/ clay was low in P2, medium in P1, P3 and P5 and high in P4. Devararapalli pedon was classified as Typic Haplustalfs, Gujjangivalasa as Typic Haplustults, Patikivalasa and Amiti as Typic Haplustepts, Gangada as Vertic Haplustepts and Maddivalas as Chromic Haplusterts.

Effect of Land Use Changes on Soil Properties in Northeast India

Soil samples from (0- 20 cm depth) were collected from different villages of Tseminyu sub-division of Kohima district from jhum and forest lands, and was analysed for different soil physic-chemical and acidity parameters. The soils were strongly to moderately acidic in reaction. The CEC were low and at ranged from 8.12 to 13.7 and 11.0 to 16.2 cmol (p+) kg-1 while organic carbon content ranged from 1.51 to 2.46 and 1.50 to 3.23 % under jhum and forest land use systems, respectively. The soils of both the land use systems were high in organic carbon, medium in available nitrogen, low to medium in available P and medium in available K. The mean of available N, P, K contents and organic carbon of both the land uses ranged from 393.3 to 473.6, 12.4 to 12.3, 223.6 to 232.5 kg ha-1 and 2.1 and 2.41% in soils respectively. In both the land use systems, each form of acidity viz., pH dependent acidity, exchangeable acidity, extractable acidity, exchangeable Al3+ and exchangeable H+ contributed to total acidity in varying proportions. The pH-dependent acidity was the dominant form of acidity and its contribution to total acidity was more than 80% in both the land use systems.

Physical and Chemical Properties of Soybean-growing Soil in Different Agro-ecological Zones of Marathwada Region

Horizon-wise soil samples (9 profiles) from Osmanabad, Latur, Beed (Drought prone zone) and Nanded, Parbhani (assured rainfall zone) from Marathwada region were collected and analyzed. The sand, silt and clay content ranged from 10.20 to 34.30, 17.90 to 32.20 and 43.70 to 59.30% respectively. The soils were slightly to moderately alkaline in reaction. The saturated hydraulic conductivity (sHC) ranged from 0.20 to 5.30 cm hr1 and CEC of soils varied from 33.30 to 67.10 cmol (p+) kg-1. Majority of surface and sub-surface layers had relatively higher soil organic carbon than underlying ones. The available N, P and K content ranged from 37.60 to 334.80, 1.0 to 27.10 and 224.90 to 583.80 kg ha-1 in soils, respectively. The DTPA-Zn found deficient in all the soils.

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Madahalli Micro-watershed of Karnataka

Detailed soil survey was carried out to characterize and classify the soils of Madahalli watershed, Chamrajanagar district, Karnataka using cadastral map overlaid on Cartosat-1(ortho corrected) image as a base. Three landform units were identified based on elevation and slope i.e. gently sloping lands (3-5%), very gently sloping lands (1-3%) and nearly level lands (0-1%) and mapped into 6 soil series and 30 phases of soil series. These soils were classified as Alfisols (Typic Rhodustalfs, Rhodic Paleustalfs) and Inceptisols (Typic Haplustepts). Alfisols are slightly deep to deep, dark reddish brown to strong brown in hue 2.5YR 3/4 to 2.5YR 4/6, sandy loam to sandy clay in texture with >35 per cent gravel. Inceptisols are very deep, yellowish brown to dark brown with hue 10YR 4/6 to 10YR 3/3, sandy clay loam to clay in texture. These soils are moderately acidic to moderately alkaline (pH 5.26 to 8.17). The organic carbon content varied from low to high (0.21 to 1.16%) and CEC of the soils ranged from 4.1 to 19.9 cmol (p+) kg-1.

Characterization and Classification of Major Mango-growing Soils in Arid Part of Ananthapuramu District, Andhra Pradesh, India

Four typical pedons representing major mango growing soils, developed from granite gneiss parent material were studied for their morphological, physical and chemical properties. The soils were moderately shallow (50-75 cm) to very deep (>150 cm) in depth, loamy sand to sandy clay loam in texture, sub-angular blocky in structure, reddish brown to dark red in colour, slightly acidic to moderately alkaline in reaction, non-saline, very low to high in organic carbon content (0.09 to 1.29%), low AWC (3.36 to 7.80%), low to medium in cation exchange capacity (2.90 to 19.36 cmol (p+) kg-1) and high base saturation (78 to 98%). The soils also had high amounts of coarse fragments in P1 and P2 and high clay content in P4 and P2. Among the exchangeable cations, calcium was found to be high in most of the soils, followed by magnesium, sodium, and potassium. Based on the soil characteristics, the mango growing soils were classified as Typic Haplargids and Typic Paleargids in subgroup level. Varying soil and site characters i.e., poor rainfall, shallow soil depths, excess gravel contents, low AWC, poor nutrient status and severe soil erosion are limiting the growth and development of mango plantation. Developing site-specific soils based suitable management practices can improve the productivity of mango crops.

Characterization and Classification of Soils of Bharuch Taluka in Bharuch District of Gujarat

A detailed soil survey was undertaken at 1:10000 scale to describe, characterize, classify and evaluate the soils of Bharuch taluka, Bharuch district, Gujarat. Old and recent basaltic alluvial plains are the major landforms of the area. A total of 74 pedons, representing old (41 pedons) and recent (33 pedons) alluvial plains were studied. The soils were correlated and three soil series viz. Umraj, Derol and Singdot were identified. The Umraj belong to a very fine, smectitic Typic Haplusterts covers 30,839 ha (48.5 %) area, whereas Derol and Singdot a fine, smectitic Vertic Haplustepts and fine, mixed, Typic Haplustepts covers 20,604 ha (32.5 %) and 4,164 ha (6.6 %) area, respectively. The sand, silt and clay in the soils varied from 8 to 31, 24 to 49 and 23 to 67 per cent, respectively. The soils were very deep, neutral to slightly alkaline (pH 7.3 to 8.4) with low to medium in organic carbon content (0.14 to 0.58 %), low to high in calcium carbonate (1.9 to 16.5 %) with medium to high CEC [39.4 to 62.0 cmol (p+) kg-1] and high base saturation (67.4 to 92.0 %). Soils were assessed as highly to moderately suitable for major crops (cotton, pigeonpea, maize, sugarcane, wheat and chickpea).

Characterization of Some Vertisols of Different Agro-ecological Regions of India

Vertisols have the capacity to shrink and swell, inducing cracks and distinctive soil structure throughout the soil profile. In India they occur in various agro-ecological regions such as humid tropical (HT), sub-humid moist (SHM), sub-humid dry (SHD), semi-arid moist (SAM), semi-arid dry (SAD) and arid dry (AD) climatic environments and thus indicate an array of soils in a climosequence. In this study benchmark Vertisols, series Panjari is from sub-humid (dry), Kheriis from sub-humid (moist) region, Teligi and Akola series are from semi-arid (dry) and Nimone is from arid agro-ecological region. All the Vertisols in general are characterized by dark colour, angular to sub-angular blocky structure and clay in texture and calcareous. These soils have high bulk density and high water retention capacity. These soils have deep, wide-opened desiccation cracks at the surface which extend deep into the profiles and the depth of cracks increases with aridity. Soils of all climates are dominated by Ca2+ ion in their exchange complex throughout the depth. However, in the sub-humid climate Mg2+ ions tends to dominate in the lower horizon. Whereas the semi-arid dry (Akola) soils have high Na+ ions in their exchange complex. The soils are slightly alkaline to strongly alkaline in nature and poor in organic matter. The CEC varied from 59.3 to 68.2cmol (p+) kg-1 in soil of Panjari series which is highest followed by Teligi series profile. The calcium carbonate (CaCO3) shows gradual increase with depth in all the soil profiles, though it is preferentially accumulated in the sub-surface horizons of lower rainfall region soils.In climosequence the soils of the sub-humid region are generally Typic Haplusterts, soils of semi-arid region are Typic/Sodic/Calcic Haplusterts and soils of arid region are Sodic/ Calcic/ Aridic Haplusterts. The present study demonstrates how the soil properties of Vertisols in a different climate may help in inferring the change in climate in a geologic period.

Soils of Thotapalli Major Irrigation Project of North- Coastal Andhra Pradesh: Physical and Chemical Properties

Physical and chemical properties of the soils were assessed for the ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project of North-Coastal Andhra Pradesh. Six representative soil pedons were studied in Devarapalli, Gujjangivalasa, Patikivalasa, Gangada, Aamiti and Maddivalasa villages falling in ayacut area of Thotapalli major irrigation project. The soil texture ranged from sandy loam to sandy clay loam in upland pedons while sandy clay loam to clay in pedons under cultivated plains. In general, relatively low bulk density was recorded at surface horizons compared to sub-surface layers. Maximum water holding capacity, pore space and volume expansion increased with soil depth. The soils were acidic to alkaline in reaction, non-saline, low to medium in organic carbon content. The CEC ranged from 6.4 to 32.5 cmol (p+) kg-1. The soil exchange complex was dominated by calcium followed by magnesium, sodium and potassium. The soils were found to be low in nitrogen, low to medium in phosphorus and medium to high in available potassium status. Manganese and copper were sufficient but zinc and iron were deficient in soils. The total silica (SiO2) content of pedons varied from 48.10 to 71.40 per cent. Sesquioxide (R2O3) and the molar ratio of SiO2 / R2O3 ranged from 19.01 to 32.4 per cent and varied from 3.74 to 6.59, respectively in different pedons. The SiO2 / Al2O3 ratio and the SiO2 / Fe2O3 ratio varied from 4.43 to 7.65 and from 13.7 to 47.8, respectively. A significant positive correlation of clay content with cation exchange capacity (CEC), maximum water holding capacity (MWHC) was observed. Sand content was positively correlated with silica and negatively correlated with MWHC and volume expansion. Soil organic carbon had a significant positive correlation with soil pore space, available nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron, but a negative correlation with soil bulk density. Soil pH was positively correlated with CaCO3 but negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, and copper and iron. Soil CaCO3 content was negatively correlated with available phosphorous, potassium, zinc, manganese, copper and iron of the soil.

Some selected physical and chemical attributes of a Ustalf under different tillage practices at Dutse, Jigawa State Nigeria.

Different tillage practices are being employed by the farmers of Jigawa state, and as such, there is a need to determine its influence on some physical and chemical properties, so that farmers will base their choices on scientific facts rather than assumptions. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of three tillage practices (TP) on soil properties in Federal University Dutse, Teachings and Research farm, Jigawa State. The TP adopted are conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT) and zero-tillage (ZT). Samples were collected at a depth of 0 -20 cm for the chemical and other physical properties determination, while core samplers were used for bulk density (Bd) determination. All data collected were analyzed using Statistical Analysis Software (SAS and analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to determine the significant tillage effect on the parameters measured at 5% level of significance and the means were separated using Least Significance Difference (LSD). The results showed that the soil texture of the study area was sandy loam. ZT differed significantly from other TP with higher Bd value of 1.51 Mg m-3, lower porosity (42.7%), and lower moisture content (10.3). ZT also had higher organic carbon (OC), total nitrogen (TN), available phosphorus (AP), exchangeable acidity (0.48 cmol+ kg-1) and bases and most importantly higher CEC (7.5 cmol (+) kg-1) which differed significantly from other tillage practices and the lowest of the most parameters were found in RT. Conclusively, ZT is the best TP to be used by the farmers because of the im- proved physical and chemical parameters and been not only economically sus- tainable but also socially and environmentally friendly.

Effect of Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Soil Chemical Properties and Growth Performance of Cocoa (Theobroma cacao L.) Seedlings at the Nursery in Ghana

Aims: Availability of nutrients-rich topsoil for nursing cocoa seedlings is becoming limited and poor growth of cocoa seedlings in the nurseries has been ascribed to the use of unsuitable potting media. Experiments were conducted to investigate the suitability of compost in improving soil chemical properties and boost the growth of cocoa seedlings at the nursery.
 Study Design: The experiment was laid out in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with four replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The experiment was carried out at the main nursery of Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana, New Tafo-Akim, between September, 2014 and June 2015.
 Methodology: Polybags were filled with soil obtained from an old cocoa plot (K6O2) at Cocoa Research Institute of Ghana. The soil has been classified as Rhodic-Lixic Ferrasol. Three soil: compost mixtures treatments, that is, 90:10, 80:20 and 70:30% w/w were tested. A Standard foliar fertilizer and unamended soil were included as treated and untreated controls. Seedlings were raised from mixed hybrid cocoa and assessed at bi-monthly intervals for six months for growth. Pre and post treatments soil analyses were carried out using standard laboratory procedures.
 Results: Initial soil analyses showed that OC (1.18%), Ca (5.60 cmol kg-1), P (14.23 mg kg-1) and pH (5.63) were below the critical values required for good cocoa growth. The 70:30 soil: compost treatment produced significantly (P = .05) tallest plant (41.9 cm) with the unamended control the shortest (30.7 cm) at the end of the study. Residual pH (6.98), OC (2.30%), P (14.23 mg kg-1) and Ca (13.02 cmol kg-1) were significantly (P = .05) higher under the same treatment compared to the unamended control; pH (5.36), OC (1.04%), P (11.65 mg kg-1) and Ca (5.60 cmol kg-1).
 Conclusion: Less fertile soils could be improved with the addition of Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) compost for raising good quality cocoa seedlings at the nursery in Ghana.

Response of Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Munch) and Chemical Characteristics of Soil to Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Kenyan Lower Midlands Acid Soil

Soil acidity, low level of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P) and soil organic matter are major constraints to sorghum production in Kenya. We investigated the effect of farmyard manure (FYM) and combined application of inorganic nitrogen and phosphate fertilizers applied as calcium ammonium nitrate and triple superphosphate respectively, on soil pH, available P, total N, organic carbon and sorghum grain yield, on a smallholder farm in Siaya County, Kenya. The experiment was a randomized complete block design consisting of four treatments i.e., FYM applied at 0 and 4 t ha-1 in a factorial arrangement with inorganic fertilizers applied to provide 0 and 26 kg P ha-1 + 75 kg N ha-1, replicated three times. The study was conducted during the long rains of March to June and short rains September to December, 2017. Farmyard manure was applied only during the long rains season of 2017, while P and N fertilizers were applied in both cropping seasons. Soil sampling was done before treatment applications and at harvest time. Soil analysis revealed that the soil was acidic (pH = 4.9) with low available P (5.3 mg kg-1 and N (0.08%) but moderate amounts of C (2.0%) and Ca (3.4 cmol kg-1). The effect of sole application of FYM on soil P, N and grain yield were lower than those of the inorganic fertilizers. Farmyard manure increased soil pH because of its alkalinity (pH = 7.1) while triple superphosphate reduced it due to release of phosphoric acid into the soil. The mean annual (average of two seasons) grain yield increments, above the control with no nutrient inputs, due to 4.0 t FYM, 26 kg P ha-1 + 75 kg N ha-1 and 4.0 FYM + 26 kg P ha-1 + 75 kg N ha-1 were 64, 191 and 259%, respectively. Therefore combined applications of FYM and N and P fertilizers have the potential to increase sorghum grain yield on Kenyan acid soils.