Decreased Bulk Density Research Articles

Temporal variability in organic amendment impacts on hydro‐physical properties of sandy agricultural soils

AbstractOrganic amendments (OAs) can improve the hydro‐physical properties of a soil and thereby potentially enhance the resilience of agricultural systems to droughts and floods. An OA's contribution to this resilience, however, depends on the timeliness of its impacts, as soil improvements should be achieved when droughts are most frequent or flood risks are greatest. Yet little is known regarding the temporal variability of OA impacts or the influence of OA quantity and quality thereupon. In this research, therefore, we investigated at two agricultural sites the temporal variability of improvements in soil bulk density, aggregate stability, infiltration capacity and water retention after the application of compost, farmyard manure, bokashi, a selection of organic residues from landscape maintenance, and a combination of these residues with manure. Results showed that, depending on management practices and soil type, OAs decrease bulk density by up to 9.8%, increase infiltration capacity by up to 108.1%, aggregate stability by up to 60.0%, and water retention by up to 77.8% relative to unamended controls within 3 years of repeated application. However, the magnitude of these improvements varies up to 96% between seasons, depending on the soil property and OA treatment. On average, for all treatments, impacts relative to the control varied between different seasons by 5% for bulk density, 47.1% for infiltration capacity, 22.6% for aggregate stability, and 26.3% for water retention. When offsetting OA nutrient differences with mineral fertilizers, this variability showed a stronger correlation to differences in OA application quantity than quality (i.e., chemical composition). Results suggest that disregarding temporal variability in OA impacts can result in an inaccurate valuation of OAs as either effective or ineffective in improving soil resilience, given that impacts may, instead of their frequently presumed persistency, actually be highly transient or lagged. Our findings highlight the importance of considering the potential intra‐annual variability of OA impacts on soil hydro‐physical properties when designing OA application strategies to ameliorate the effects of specific seasonal climatic challenges.

Long-term warming-induced trophic downgrading in the soil microbial food web

Climatic warming has been hypothesized to accelerate organic matter decomposition by soil microorganisms and thereby enhance carbon (C) release to the atmosphere. However, the long-term consequences of soil warming on belowground biota interactions are poorly understood. Here we investigate how geothermal warming by 6 °C for more than 50 years affects soil microbiota. Using metatranscriptomics we obtained comprehensive profiles of the prokaryotic, eukaryotic and viral players of the soil microbial food web. When compared to ambient soil temperature conditions, we found pronounced differences in taxa abundances within and between trophic modules of the soil food web. Specifically, we observed a ‘trophic downgrading’ at elevated temperature, with soil fauna decreasing in abundance, while predatory bacteria and viruses became relatively more abundant. We propose that the drivers for this shift are previously observed decreases in microbial biomass and soil organic carbon, and the increase in soil bulk density (decrease in soil porosity) at elevated temperature. We conclude that a trophic downgrading may have important implications for soil carbon sequestration and nutrient dynamics in a warming world.

FABRICATION OF GRANULATED FOAM GLASSES FOR LIGHTWEIGHT CONCRETE APPLIED FOR THERMAL AND SOUND INSULATION

Granulated foam glass aggregates were fabricated and applied as fillers in lightweight concrete. Soda lime silicate based glass was used as the main raw material in the foam glass process. Firing temperatures in the range of 820-850ºC were suitable for the foaming process. Granulation was processed using a rotary granulator and heated to expand in an electric rotary furnace. Foaming at 840ºC showed overall properties suitable for applying as a filler in lightweight concrete fabrication e.g. low density, high porosity, uniform of pore size. Foam glass granules processed at 840ºC were mixed with cement paste in the ratios of 5, 10, 15, and 20 vol% to study for bulk density, compressive strength, thermal conductivity, thermal resistivity and sound absorption. Overall, increasing foam glass content in concrete caused a decrease in bulk density, compressive strength and thermal conductivity coefficient. In contrast, thermal resistance and sound absorption coefficient of the foam glass filled lightweight concretes improved significantly.

Feasibility Study of Bio-Composite Foam Preparation from Poly(Butylene Succinate) with Spent Coffee Grounds Using Compression Molding

Plastic foam is widely used in varying industries due to its light weight, high strength, and good heat insulation. However, most plastic foams are produced from petroleum-based polymers which cannot be naturally degraded and can release aromatic pollution to the environment when they are molten or burned. Therefore, poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and KMnO4-treated spent coffee grounds (SCG), which are biopolymer and bio-filler, are used to prepare the bio-composite foam in this research by using azodicarbonamide (ACDA) as a chemical blowing agent. The 10, 20, and 30 phr of the treated SCG and the 6 and 10 wt% of blowing agent are compounded with PBS resin using a two-roll mill and foamed by compression molding machine to investigate the possibility of the batch foam production. All bio-composite foams are investigated for both physical and mechanical properties including morphology, compressive strength, abrasion resistance, bulk density, and water absorption. All foams were successfully prepared by a two-step technique in compression molding to melt the compounded PBS pellets first at 160°C, 90 bar and then decompose the ADCA blowing agent to generate foam cells at 200°C, 120 bar. The appearance and morphology of the obtained foams showed that the cells were smaller and more even distribution with the treated SCG addition. The compressive and abrasion resistant properties decreased as the treated SCG increasing, excepted the bio-composite foam with 30 phr of the treated SCG. whereas the addition of ADCA showed an ambiguous trend. Both filler and blowing agent contents caused a somewhat decrease bulk density and increase water absorption.

Effects of Graphene on Soil Water-Retention Curve, van Genuchten Parameters, and Soil Pore Size Distribution—A Comparison with Traditional Soil Conditioners

Graphene waste has had enormous growth due to many industrial applications. Agriculture exploits waste through the circular economy, and graphene waste is thereby investigated in this study as a soil conditioner for improving the physical–hydraulic properties of soil. Experiments were performed on three differently textured soils amended with traditional soil conditioners (compost, biochar, and zeolites) and graphene. The conditioners were applied at two different doses of 10% and 5% dry weight (d.w.) for compost, biochar, and zeolites, and 1.0% and 0.5% d.w. for graphene. We compared (i) the major porosity classes related to water-retention characteristics (drainage, storage, and residual porosity), (ii) bulk density, and (iii) van Genuchten water-retention curve (WRC) characteristics. Graphene application caused the largest decrease in dry bulk density (ρb), lowering the soil bulk density by about 25%. In fact, graphene had ρb of 0.01 g/cm3. The effects of graphene were more intense in the finer soil. Compost and biochar showed similar effects, but of lower magnitude compared to those of graphene, with ρb of 0.7 and 0.28 g/cm3, respectively. Although zeolites had ρb of 0.62 g/cm3, they showed quite different behavior in increasing the mixtures’ ρb. Graphene and biochar showed the most pronounced effects in the clayey soil, where storage porosity showed a reduction of >30% compared to the control. For storage porosity, the graphene treatments did not show statistically significant differences compared to the control. The results show that, when the conditioner increased drainage porosity, there was a high probability of a concomitant reduction in storage porosity. This finding indicates that graphene use for improving soil aeration and drainage conditions is viable, especially in fine soils.

Minimal Impacts of Microplastics on Soil Physical Properties under Environmentally Relevant Concentrations.

Agricultural soils are a major reservoir of microplastics, and concerns have arisen about the impacts of microplastics on soil properties and functioning. Here, we measured the physical properties of a silt loam in response to the incorporation of polyester fibers and polypropylene granules over a wide range of concentrations. We further elucidated the underlying mechanisms by determining the role of microplastic shape and the baseline effects from the amendment of soil particles. The incorporation of microplastics into soil tended to increase contact angle and saturated hydraulic conductivity and decrease bulk density and water holding capacity, but not affect aggregate stability. Polyester fibers affected soil physical properties more profoundly than polypropylene granules, due to the vastly different shape of fibers from that of soil particles. However, changes in soil properties were gradual, and significant changes did not occur until a high concentration of microplastics was reached (i.e., 0.5% w/w for polyester fibers and 2% w/w for polypropylene granules). Currently, microplastic concentrations in soils not heavily polluted with plastics are far below these concentrations, and results from this study suggest that microplastics at environmentally relevant concentrations have no significant effects on soil physical properties.

Farmland Shelterbelt Changes in Soil Properties: Soil Depth-Location Dependency and General Pattern in Songnen Plain, Northeastern China

As one of the world’s largest ecological rehabilitation programs, the three-north (Northern China, Northeastern China, and Northwestern China) shelterbelts program in China were not well evaluated on its effects on multiple soil properties. This paper aims to quantify this. Seven hundred twenty soils from paired plots of farmlands and neighbor shelterbelts were sampled from six regions of Songnen Plain in northeastern China. Multivariate analysis of variance and regression analysis were used to detect the impacts of shelterbelt plantations. For the overall 1 m soil profiles, shelterbelt plantations had a 4.3% and 7.4% decreases in soil bulk density and soil moisture (p = 0.000), a 4.8% increase in soil porosity (p = 0.003). It also evidently recovered soil fertility with a 40% increase in total P, a 4.4% increase in total K, and a 15.1% increase in available K (p < 0.05). However, without overall changes were in SOC and N (p > 0.05). Compared with farmland, shelterbelt plantations produced a 7.8% SOC increase in 20–40 cm soil and much more minor changes in surface soil (0–20 cm). Compared with the younger plantation, mature shelterbelts tended to sequestrate more SOC in soils (from a 0.11% decrease to a 3.31% increase) and recover total K from a 2.24% decline to a 16.5% increase. Correlation analysis manifested that there is a significant relationship between SOC sequestration and the changes in bulk density, porosity, soil moisture, pH, EC, total N, total P, and alkaline hydrolyzed N. In contrast, the strongest relationship was observed between total N and SOC (r > 0.50, p < 0.001). The increase in total N was accompanied by 1.01–1.67-fold higher SOC sequestration in deep soils >20 cm in poplar forests. Our results highlight that the over-40-year shelterbelts afforestation on farmland in northeastern China could strongly affect soil physics, soil water, and nutrient of P and K. The effects on SOC sequestration were dependent on soil depths, growth stages, and regions. Our data support the precise soil evaluation of agroforestry projects in the black soil region in the high-latitude northern hemisphere.

Changes in Soil Properties with Combined Use of Probiotic Cultures and Organic Farming Practices in Degraded Soils of Bangladesh

A shift in agricultural management from chemical to organic practices is expected to reduce environmental hazards and improve soil health and productivity in Bangladesh. To increase knowledge of the impact of probiotic cultures and organic farming practices on the physical and chemical properties of Bangladeshi soils, an investigation was carried out during the period from July 2016 to June 2019. The study included nine treatments using combinations of probiotic cultures and organic farming practices. The experiment used a randomized complete block design with three replicates. The probiotic cultures and organic practices increased soil moisture content, porosity and silt particle and decreased bulk density, particle density and sand particles. The organic matter content (11.66%), nutrient availability and electrical conductivity (8.96%) increased with the organic practices, while pH of the soil decreased. The largest significant change in the physical properties (p ≤ 0.05) was in the compost + vermicompost + green manuring treatment, while for chemical properties this was in the poultry manure + vermicompost + green manuring. These findings suggest that the above combinations of organic treatments provide most benefit to the soils of the practices considered.

Laboratorial Simulation for Assessing the Performance of Slates as Construction Materials in Cold Climates

This paper presents the results of a laboratory simulation of a subarctic climate carried out in climatic chamber. Realistic daily and seasonal cycles of temperature of a regular subarctic continental climate without dry seasons (Dfc) were simulated and the physical/mechanical properties and performance of the slates were assessed. The slate was selected because of its use as cladding and roofing material in cold regions. Mechanical performances before and after Dfc climate simulation were evaluated through point load index, uniaxial compression, flexural strength and anchor rupture load. A decrease in these mechanical features between 9 and 50% with respect to the initial strengths has been registered. Other physical parameters such as apparent density, open porosity and water absorption were evaluated. The tests showed an increase in open porosity (+72%) and a decrease in bulk density (−0.7%). The results highlighted a predominantly physical decay and mechanical performance decreasing with a relevant lowering in strength without the detection of chemical–mineralogical alterations. Moreover, artificial sun exposure reproduced the weak solar radiation that characterizes the Dfc climate. This was carried out to assess the aesthetic characteristics of the slate, since discoloration under sun exposure was supposed to occur but the slates did not exhibit substantial color changes.

Effect of the Application of Sunflower Biochar and Leafy Trees Biochar on Soil Hydrological Properties of Fallow Soils and under Soybean Cultivation.

Soils enriched with biochar are recommended as a cultivation grounds, especially in case they contain significant amount of sand. However, the interactions between biochar and plants, as well as the influence of the biochar on water retention, cultivation and air properties of soils, are still not obvious. The present study aimed to determine the impact of various biochar doses on soils used for soya cultivation, in comparison to soils maintained as black fallow soil, on their water retention and productivity, for the period of two years. Sunflower husk biochar (BC1) and biochar of leafy trees (BC2), in doses of 0, 40, 60, 80 t·ha-1, were used for field experiments. The water retention was investigated with porous boards in pressure chambers by a drying method. No differences in the hydrological properties of the soils that were differently managed (black fallow soil, crop) were observed following biochar application. Addition of BC1, in the amounts of 40, 60, and 80 t·ha-1, caused an increase in the plant available water capacity (AWC) by 15.3%, 18.7%, and 13.3%, respectively, whereas the field capacity (FC) increased by 7.4%, 9.4%, and 8.6% for soils without biochar. Application of BC2 analogously resulted in higher AWC, by 8.97, 17.2%, and 33.1%, respectively, and higher FC by 3.75, 7.5%, and 18.3%, respectively. Increasing the doses of BC1 and BC2, both on black fallow soils and soils enriched with soya, caused a rise in total porosity (TP) and drainage porosity (DP), and a decrease in soil bulk density (SBD). Biochar with a higher total area and higher porosity (BC1) applied to soils with soya cultivation resulted in lower reductions in AW and FC than BC2 in the second year of investigation.

Early Stages of Galilean Moon Formation in a Water-depleted Environment

A key feature of the Galilean satellite system is its monotonic decrease in bulk density with growing distance from Jupiter, indicating an ice mass fraction that is zero in the innermost moon Io and about half in the outer moons Ganymede and Callisto. Jupiter-formation models, and perhaps the Juno spacecraft water measurements, are consistent with the possibility that the Jovian system may have formed, at least partly, from ice-poor material. And yet, models of the formation of the Galilean satellites usually assume abundant water ice in the system. Here, we investigate the possibility that the Jovian circumplanetary disk was populated with ice-depleted chondritic minerals, including phyllosilicates. We show that the dehydration of such particles and the outward diffusion of the released water vapor allow condensation of significant amounts of ice in the formation region of Ganymede and Callisto in the Jovian circumplanetary disk. Our model predicts that Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto should have accreted little, if any, volatiles other than water ice, in contrast to the comet-like composition of Saturn’s moon Enceladus. This mechanism allows for the presence of ice-rich moons in water-depleted formation environments around exoplanets as well.

Carboxy-methyl tamarind kernel gum based bio-hydrogel for sustainable agronomy

The innovative superabsorbent bio-tech hydrogels were concocted by free radical polymerization of sodium-methacrylate & carboxymethyl tamarind kernel gum, for application in agronomical procedures as a soil conditioner & water harvester for sustainable agronomy. The structural morphologies of the hydrogel were characterized by techniques viz. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The hydrogel was evidenced as a biodegradable hydrogel via the soil burial biodegradability test. The swelling behavior of hydrogel was analyzed as a function of temperature, pH, and salt solutions. The formulated hydrogel engrossed 248 ml/g water and 0.5% CMTKG-PSMA hydrogel amended soil revealed augmentation in the maximum water holding capacity (46.5%), porosity (14%), shoot length (43%), available water content (37%). A decrease in bulk density (8%) was also observed. The water intake was Fickian diffusion following Korsmeyer-Peppas Equation. These upshots were validated upon chickpea plants. These hydrogels proffer a promising substitute as a soil conditioner in agronomy.

Fermented cereal soup with artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) bracts: volatile profile, functional, powder and sensory properties.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) bracts are agricultural wastes formed during artichoke processing. Artichoke bracts are used in fermented cereal soup tarhana to replace 10%, 20%, and 30% of wheat flour and functional, powder, sensory properties and volatile compounds of tarhana samples were investigated. The use of artichoke bracts in tarhana increased total (8.37-17.17 g/100 g) and insoluble dietary fiber (5.84-14.09 g/100 g), total phenolic content (2.88-3.62 mg GAE/g), and antioxidant activity (3.07-3.86 μmol TE/g) values. Replacement of wheat flour by artichoke bracts resulted in lower L*, a*, and b* values. While water absorption capacity increased, oil absorption capacity and emulsifying activity were not affected by artichoke bracts replacement. Artichoke bracts replacement in tarhana influenced powder characteristics as, decrease in bulk density, increase in Carr index, wettability, and dispersibility values. Volatiles from terpene are most abundant (64.47-27.17 mg/kg) in tarhana containing artichoke bracts, followed by volatiles from ester (42.91-25.85 mg/kg). Limonene was the main volatile compound of tarhana samples. Sensory acceptable tarhana was obtained when up to 30% artichoke bracts were used as wheat flour replacer in tarhana. The contribution to sustainability was achieved, and a healthier tarhana rich in dietary fiber was obtained by using artichoke bracts in tarhana. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of Bran and Hull Retention on the Sensory and Nutrients Composition of “Ogi Flour” Prepared from Maize, Millet and Sorghum

The effect of Bran and Hull retention on the sensory and nutrient composition of “Ogi flour prepared from maize, millet are sorghum were investigated. The maize and sorghum were soaked for 72 hours, while the millet was soaked for 48 hours, decanted, washed and wet milled into a paste which was oven dried at 50°C for 24 hours and milled into fine flour. The proximate composition, functional properties, pasting properties of the “Ogi” flour was determined as well as evaluating the sensory properties. The moisture content, ash, fat, crude fibre, protein and carbohydrate respectively ranged thus: 2.63 – 8.67%, 1.13 – 1.41%, 4.57 – 7.20%, 1.30 – 5.75%, 4.27 – 7.87% and 75.84 – 82.88%. The presence of Bran and Hulls led to a decrease in moisture content, on increase in ash fat and protein content with decrease in carbohydrate values. The bulk density, water absorption capacity, swelling power and solubility respectively ranged as follows: 0.56 – 0.61g/ml, 1.00 – 2.00g/g, 5.50 – 6.95g/g, 16.10 – 24.40% the presence of Bran led to a decrease in bulk density in maize and millet ogi, a decrease in water absorption capacity in millet and sorghum ogi. The pastry properties of peak, trough breakdown, final and setback viscosities showed a decrease in values from the control samples values for peak time died not differ significantly (P<0.05) between the sieved and unseived ogi flours. While the presence of Bran and Hulls increased pasting temperature in maize and sorghum ogi flours. Result for sensory evaluation showed the control samples were the most preferred for all the attributes. This study revealed that ogi flour can be prepared with a by-pass of the sieving process to enhance nutrient retention.

Fabrication of porous mullite‐based ceramic bricks from Al‐rich water treatment sludge and kaolinitic‐based clay

Fabrication of porous mullite‐based ceramic bricks from Al‐rich water treatment sludge and kaolinitic‐based clay

Effectiveness combination of leucaena compost and coconut shell biochar on reduce soil compaction and corn growth in ultisol

This study aims to identify optimal dose combinations that significantly impact reducing soil compaction in Ultisols and corn growth. The randomized block design (RBD) was utilized to conduct the study. The ameliorant materials consisted of leucaena compost and coconut shell biochar, which were divided into ten treatments and three treatments with 10 treatments & 3 group for each treatment. The treatments were combinations of coconut shell biochar leucaena compost and inorganic fertilizer. Soil physical parameters, such as soil organic matter, bulk density, porosity, and penetration resistance, were monitored during the study. The analysis was conducted using ANOVA at 95% confidence level (α = 5%). Subsequently, Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) was conducted to evaluate the average effect of treatment. The result of the study indicated that Treatment of 5 tons/ha compost + 5 tons/ha biochar + ½ dose of inorganic fertilizer was able to reduce soil density compared to the control and showed a decrease in bulk density, as well as an increase in soil porosity, and a decrease in the value of soil penetration resistance. Treatment of 10 tons/ha of compost with 10 tons/ha of biochar + ½ dose of inorganic fertilizer is the best treatment for corn growth.

PENGARUH APLIKASI KOMPOS TEA FLUFF DAN Azotobacter sp. TERHADAP SIFAT FISIK TANAH DAN PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT PADA PERSEMAIAN TEH

The tea plantation industry in West Java is experiencing problems with the degradation of organic matter, which can be seen from the decrease in organic C in the Bandung area and the large amount of factory solid waste produced every day. The provision of solid tea fluff as organic matter by composting can be a solution to improve the physical properties of the soil in tea plantations, and it is necessary to provide indigenous microbes to maximize plant growth in the form of Azotobacter sp. This study used a factorial randomized block design with two factors, namely soil media 100% topsoil + 0% tea fluff (F0), 70% topsoil + 30% tea fluff (F1), 60% topsoil + 40% tea fluff (F2). ), 50% topsoil + 50% tea fluff (F3), 40% topsoil + 60% tea fluff (F4), 30% topsoil + 70% tea fluff (F5) with an additional dose of Azotobacter sp. 0 mL (A0) and 3 mL (A1). The results for the soil unit weight parameter were significantly different (p<0.05), and there was an interaction between the soil media treatments and Azotobacter sp. all treatments experienced a decrease in bulk density, while the porosity parameter was not significantly different. However, for plant parameters, the F0A0 treatment showed better results than other treatments on the initial growth of tea seedlings.

Performance Evaluation of Low-cost Grain Dryer

Paddy is India’s most significant agricultural crop, accounting for more than 40% of the nation’s overall production of food grains. The moisture content of 10.0 to 12.0 %, which is suitable for safe storage, must be achieved after the drying of paddy. Drying of materials having high moisture content is complicated process, involving simultaneous heat and mass transfer. In this study the performance of grain dryer was evaluated for paddy grains for two different paddy varieties, Rajshree weighed 372 kg and Rajendra Kasturi weighed 366 kg with Initial Moisture Content IMC of Rajshree 14.00 % w.b. (V1) and of Rajendra Kasturi 13.40 % w.b. (V2). Initial Moisture Content (all in w.b.) of variety V1 was 14.00 % and of variety V2 was 13.40 %. It was reduced to the Final Moisture Content (all in w.b.) of 10.10 % for variety V1 and 9.60 % for variety V2. It was found that 1000 grains weight of paddy grains was reduced due to loss of moisture. It is also observed that average length and average breadth of grains decreases with decrease in moisture content for both the varieties of paddy grains. It was found that the bulk density of paddy grains after drying was 578.9 kg/m 3 and 555.58 kg/m3 V1 and V2. Decrease in bulk density is natural phenomenon during drying which was also observed here. It was observed that percent moisture reduction was lower at initial stage of drying for variety V1, which became higher at later stage of drying. However, the percent moisture reduction was higher at initial stage of drying for variety V2, which became lower at later stage of drying. Paddy was dried up to 10.10 % and 9.60 % for variety V1 and V2 respectively during this time. The drying efficiency for both varieties V1 and V2 was found as 35.36 % and 36.85 % respectively. The heat utilization factor and coefficient of performance was found as 0.948 and 0.052 for variety V1 and 0.960 and 0.040 for V2. Grain dryer is capable of drying paddy grains within reasonable time. Temperature and moisture profiles during paddy drying are found well accepted for drying of paddy. The quality of dried paddy grains was reasonably good and acceptable. Considering the level of technology and the capacity, the dryer meets the requirements of paddy traders and farmers of Bihar.

Amelioration of dry land suboptimal using biochar and compost to improve soil physical properties and soybean yield

The primary constraint of suboptimal soils under wet tropical regions, besides their low pH, is their low soil organic matter (SOM) content. This research aimed to improve the soil properties of dry land suboptimal and the yield of soybeans by applying biochar and compost. This research was carried out to investigate the effects of coconut shell biochar (B) and Leucaena compost (C) applied alone (at a rate of 10 ton.ha-1) or in combination (5 B: 10 C; 10 B: 15 C each. thus 10 1 B: 10 C) on soil physicochemical properties, growth, and yield of Soybean on Ultisols in Jambi Province. Biochar and compost applied alone or in combination significantly increased soil organic matter (SOM), total porosity (TP), and Aeration Pore (AP); decreased bulk density (BD) and low drainage pore (LDP). Also, combined application and single application biochar or compost to impact beneficially on soil water retention and available water (AW). Additionally, combined application and single application biochar or compost additions increased components of yield as a number of pods of soybean. The study showed that biochar applied alone or in combination with compost offers the potential to enhance soil quality and improve soybean yield.

Morphological structure, agrophysical and agrochemical properties of irrigated typical gray and grass soils

The article presents information on morphological structures, general physical and agrochemical properties of typical irrigated gray and grassland soils. The general physical properties of the soil are that in typical gray soils the bulk density decreases and the porosity increases, while in grassland soils the bulk density decreases and the total porosity increases compared to typical gray soils. A typical irrigated gray soil is composed of large dust particles according to its mechanical composition and belongs to the category of medium sandy loam. According to the level of availability of humus and nutrients of the studied soils, typical gray and meadow soils irrigated are low in humus (0.36-0.87%), very low in mobile phosphorus (5.33-15.60 mg/kg), exchangeable potassium It is highlighted that it is provided with low (100-200 mg/kg).