Effects Of Soil Amendments Research Articles

Evaluating a Soil Amendment for Cadmium Mitigation and Enhanced Nutritional Quality in Faba Bean Genotypes: Implications for Food Safety.

Soil amendments combined with low cadmium (Cd)-accumulating crops are commonly used for remediating Cd contamination and ensuring food safety. However, the combined effects of soil amendments and the cultivation of faba beans (Vicia faba L.)-known for their high nutritional quality and low Cd accumulation-in moderately Cd-contaminated soils remain underexplored. This study investigates the impact of a soil amendment (SA) on agronomic traits, seed nutrition, and Cd accumulation in 11 faba bean genotypes grown in acidic soil (1.3 mg·kg-1 Cd, pH 5.39). The SA treatment increased soil pH to 6.0 (an 11.31% increase) and reduced DTPA-Cd by 37.1%. Although the average yield of faba beans decreased marginally by 8.74%, it remained within the 10% national permissible limit. Notably, SA treatment reduced Cd concentration in seeds by 60% and significantly mitigated Mn and Al toxicity. Additionally, SA treatment enhanced levels of essential macronutrients (Ca, Mg, P, S) and micronutrients (Mo, Cu) while lowering Phytate (Phy)/Ca, Phy/Mg, and Phy/P ratios, thus improving mineral nutrient bioavailability. Among the genotypes, F3, F5, and F6 showed the most favorable balance of nutrient quality, and yield following SA application. This study provides valuable insights into the effectiveness of SA for nutrient fortification and Cd contamination mitigation in Cd-contaminated farmland.

Microbe-mediated organic fertilization increases insect predator attraction upon fruit damage in olive trees

Revalorized olive waste impacts root microbiome.Root microbiome modulates plant-induced defense.Insect’s exudate simulates the pest attack.The objective of this study was to investigate the combined effect of soil amendments and pest attack on plant-induced defense and their impact on a biological control agent’s behavior. The effects of olive mill wastes revalorized through vermicomposting on the aboveground tri-trophic interactions among olive trees (Olea europaea), the olive seed-feeder, Prays oleae, and its natural predator, Chrysoperla carnea, were evaluated. The findings demonstrate that soil nitrogen and organic carbon levels, in conjunction with fungal diversity and functionality within olive roots, exert a significant influence on the volatile compounds emitted by the plant under attack that are most appealing to C. carnea. Moreover, the attractiveness of aerial volatiles was found to correlate with soil organic carbon content and the taxonomic and functional diversity of both bacteria and fungi in the olive root system. It is worthy of note that three particular volatile compounds, namely 5-hepten-2-one-6-methyl, acetic acid and nonanal, were consistently observed to attract C. carnea. These findings highlight the potential of soil amendments to enhance biological control strategies. Future research should prioritise the validation the greenhouse findings through large-scale field trials and the assessment of the practical applications of soil amendments in pest management programmes.

The Effect of Soil Amendments and Shading on the Yield of Red Chili (Capsicum annum L.) in a Sandy Dryland

Low nutrient along with intense sunlight levels in sandy drylands, often lead to poor crops yield. This study examined the effects of soil amendments and shading on the yield of red chili plants cultivated in a sandy (70% sand, 15% clay and 15% silt) dryland environment. The experiment was conducted in Gumantar Village, North Lombok Regency from May to September 2024. The C-organic content of the soil was 1.11% with only 0.09% of total nitrogen. The soil amendment treatments included no soil amendment, chicken manure, and seaweed biochar. The shading treatments consisted of two levels: no shading and shading using a 200-micron UV plastic with 14% diffusive ultraviolet ray. All treatments were arranged factorially using a randomized block design with three replications. The results indicated that soil amendments and shading did not significantly affect plant growth, certain soil chemical properties, or microbial populations, possibly due to its short time effect. However, both types of soil amendments and UV plastic shading increased the yield of red chili plants by approximately 6.0% compared to the treatment without any amendments or without shading. This study shows that soil amendment and shading with UV plastic improve tomato yield in sandy dryland soils.

Effects of tithonia diversifolia biomass soil amendments on three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) grown in succession in an intercropping system with bananas in Ultisol

ABSTRACT A field experiment was conducted to assess the effects of using biomass of T. diversifolia as a green manure soil amendment on three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) cultivated in a banana intercropping system in Ultisol. The experiment was arranged in a split plot design with two nutrient sources (chemical fertiliser (CON) and T. diversifolia biomass (Ti)) for the banana plants in the main plots, and three application rates of biomass of T. diversifolia for the three annual crops (peanut, maize and soybean) in the subplots. In the banana intercropping system, the application of chemical fertiliser to supply 250 g N plant−1 for the banana resulted in increased growth of the peanut plants, compared with the application of T. diversifolia (at the same input of N), though the yield of the peanuts was similar in both treatments. In the maize and the soybeans, the yields were significantly higher in the CON treatment compared with the Ti treatment. Increased application rates of T. diversifolia biomass for the annual crops (13.8 t ha−1 T. diversifolia (dm) for maize and 3 t ha−1 T. diversifolia (dm) for soybean) resulted in increased yields in the maize and soybean. It was concluded that under the poor soil conditions of the Ultisol, the application T. diversifolia as a green manure promoted the production of the annual crops in the banana intercropping system, even when the green manure was the only source of nutrients.

Effect of Organic and Inorganic Soil Amendments on Cadmium Immobilization and Bioaccumulation in Chinese Cabbage

Chemical immobilization, as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly technique, has been widely researched in the remediation of cadmium (Cd)-contaminated soil. The key is to find appropriate amendments and optimize their use. In this study, the effects of the application of an inorganic material (phosphorus slag (PS)) and organic materials (biochar (BC) and beer lees (BL)), individually or combinedly on the immobilization of Cd in contaminated soil and subsequent bioaccumulation in Chinese cabbagewere investigated. The results showed that PS and PS+BL were more effective in decreasing exchangeable Cd (EX-Cd) than other treatments, decreased by 91.2% in the PS treatment and by 64.0% in the PS+BL treatment. However, the soil enzyme activity and soil microbial activity decreased in the treatment with PS alone. In contrast, the combination use of PS and BL could increase soil enzyme activity, soil microbial activity, and functional diversity, and decrease EX-Cd as well. Moreover, the PS+BL treatment reduced the accumulation of Cd in Chinese cabbage most effectively, 81.5% in roots and 72.5% in shoots. This treatment could also increase the aboveground height and chlorophyll content of Chinese cabbage while reducing the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Thus, the PS + BL treatment is highly recommended for Cd immobilization, as it can improve soil quality and reduce Cd accumulation in Chinese cabbage at the same time and hence promote plant growth.

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity and Soil Amendments on Leaching Efficiency of Salts and Sodium Under Lysimetrs Condition

Effect of Irrigation Water Salinity and Soil Amendments on Leaching Efficiency of Salts and Sodium Under Lysimetrs Condition

Impact of Different Organic Nutrient Sources on Soil Chemical Properties in Rabi-season Rapeseed Cultivation

Aims: The aim of the experiment was to check the effect of various organic soil amendments on the soil chemical properties. Study Design: The design of the experiment was RandomizedBlock Design (RBD). Place and Duration of Study: Instructional-cum Research Farm, Department of Agronomy, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam, India, during the rabi season of 2018-19. Methodology: A total of 11 treatments were considered viz.,Control (T0), Farmyard manure @ 10 t/ha (T1), Vermicompost @ 5 t/ha (T2), Poultry Manure @ 5 t/ha (T3), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha (T4), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha (T5), Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha (T6), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T7), Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T8), Vermicompost @ 2.5 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 2.5 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T9), and Farmyard manure @ 5 t/ha + Vermicompost @ 1.25 t/ha + Poultry Manure @ 1.25 t/ha + Mustard Oil Cake @ 1 t/ha (T10). Results: Results revealed significantly higher levels of organic carbon, available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P₂O₅) in the soil after crop harvest following the application of different organic nutrient sources compared to the control. Conclusion: The application of various organic amendments increased the nutrient uptake by the soil. Organic inputs like Farmyard manure, vermicompost, poultry manure, and their combinations improved soil moisture retention, boosted organic carbon content, and resulted in higher levels of available nitrogen and phosphorus in the soil after harvest compared to the control plot.

Effects of binary polymer-humic soil amendments on soil carbon cycle and detoxication ability of heavy metal pollution

BackgroundSynthetic hydrophilic polyelectrolytes are considered as perspective tools to optimize soil properties and find increasing applications in agricultural technologies. One possible polyelectrolyte-based soil conditioner that has shown promise for improving soil hydrophysical properties is hydrolyzed polyacrylonitrile (HYPAN), linear polyanion. Combinations of HYPAN with humic substances in binary polymer-humic soil amendment presumably could provide a synergistic impact. In this study we investigated the effects of HYPAN, two different potassium humates (from lignite and lignosulfonate), and binary compositions of HYPAN with humates in the ratios of 1:1 and 1:2, on soil microbiological activity. We applied polymer solutions (0.9% on a dry matter basis) in a lab experiment and examined how they affected soil respiration, microbial biomass, metabolic quotient, and the decomposition rate constant in soil–polymer mixtures. A concurrent set of studies involved spiking soil–polymer mixes with heavy metals (copper, zinc, lead and cadmium).ResultsIn uncontaminated soil–polymer mixtures both humates stimulated the activity of soil microorganisms, expressed in increased basal respiration, microbial biomass, and mitigation of HM toxicity. The effects of binary polymer-humic formulations and HYPAN were comparable to and close in size to those of humates. On the 90th day, humates increased microbial respiration by 54–77% and HYPAN alone by 30%. Binary compositions were more efficient when combined with humate from lignosulphonate. The maximum increase in microbial biomass was obtained with the same humate both in composition and alone (65 and 91 µg C g−1). Under conditions of HM contamination at the end of the incubation, the levels of microbiological parameters in HM spiked soil–polymer mixtures did not statistically differ from the uncontaminated control. Every polymer formulation helped to partially restore microbial activity while reducing the toxic effects of HM. In these circumstances, humate from lignite both by itself and in combination with HYPAN performed better. The quality of organic matter in both humates and HYPAN was the primary determinant of the impact of the examined amendments.ConclusionsCombination of natural humate and synthetic HYPAN stimulated the activity of soil microorganisms, increased their biomass and mitigated the toxicity of heavy metals present in the soil. This allows the use of binary HYPAN-humate formulations to improve the chemical and biological properties of soil and increase its productivity.Graphical

Effect of Different Soil Amendments and Biofertilizers on Pisum sativum L. in Sandy Soil

Effect of Different Soil Amendments and Biofertilizers on Pisum sativum L. in Sandy Soil

The Comparative Study on the Influence of Inorganic Soil Amendment on the Growth and Leaching Analysis of the Brassica Family

Research on the positive effects of inorganic soil amendments in the agricultural sector has been steadily increasing to demonstrate their impact on plant development and the reduction of leaching. In this study, kaolin, metakaolin, zeolite, and perlite, which operate as inorganic soil amendments, were mixed with soil to determine their effectiveness in promoting Brassica growth and reducing the leaching of nitrite and nitrate. Seven alternative treatments; control standard (SS), control low (SL), 3g kaolin (3gK), 3g metakaolin (3gM), 3g zeolite (3gz), 5g of zeolite (5gZ), and 5g of perlite (5gP), were chosen to assess their effectiveness in the growth and reducing leaching in Brassica family (mustard green and kale). All the experiments were conducted in a greenhouse. According to the statistical analysis one-way ANOVA by comparing the mean, zeolite amended soil showed a higher significance difference in mustard green and kale growth analysis at harvest 1 and harvest 2 compared to other treatments. Kaolin, metakaolin, and perlite also showed slightly greater significance differences in mustard green and kale growth compared to the standard and low NPK treatments. In the leaching investigation, kaolin, metakaolin, zeolite, and perlite exhibited the lowest concentration of nitrate and nitrate compared to both standard NPK and low NPK. As demonstrated by the findings, inorganic soil amendments show the potential to improve the growth of mustard green and kale which also reduces the concentration of nitrate and nitrite, especially when using zeolite.

Effect of Soil Amendments on the Aggregate Stability, Biological Activity, and Yield of Canola (Brassica napus L.) in Degraded Soils

ABSTRACT Recycling organic waste and water treatment residues in nanoform is a promising technology in various farming systems, and its effect on aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola production in degraded soils is largely unknown. Hence, we evaluated the effect of nano-biochar (nB) and nano-water treatment residues (nWTR) at levels 50, 100, and 250 mg kg−1 as compared to soil without amendments on the aggregate stability, biological activity, and canola yield in degraded soil. The results showed that the structure coefficient (SC) values are higher when nB and nWTR are added at 100 mg kg−1 soil than at levels 50 and 250 mg kg−1. In our study, the high aggregate stability in the soil treated with nB and nWTR is likely due to their higher content of nutrients, organic carbon, clay, and CEC. The seed weight of the canola plant increased with increasing nB by more than 64%, while it decreased with increasing nWTR. Microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and the activity of dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) increased significantly in the treated pots with the addition of nB and nWTR at various rates. The results of the pot experiment recommended that the applications of nWTR and nB could be used as a promising strategy to improve soil quality and crop yield while also increasing the recycled efficiency of WTR and rice straw.

Impact of plant-based soil amendments on improvement of mortgaged Farmland

A field experiment was conducted in Maoming, Guangdong, China to evaluate the effects of different plant-based soil amendments on soil quality, nutrient availability, plant growth, and land value. The application of plant-based soil amendments significantly increased the plant height, stem diameter, and biomass yield of corn, soybean, and rice crops. The greatest improvement was observed in corn crops, with a 12.6% increase in plant height, a 15% increase in stem diameter, and a 25.6% increase in biomass yield. Plant based soil amendments significantly improve soil quality, increase nutrient availability, and promote plant growth and productivity. Economic analysis shows that the use of plant-based soil amendments significantly increases the value of land, providing potential benefits for mortgage lenders and borrowers. This study emphasizes the importance of sustainable land use practices and the potential of plant-based soil improvement as an effective means of increasing land value. Bangladesh J. Bot. 53(3): 823-833, 2024 (September) Special

The effects of almond hulls and soil amendments on soil nutrients and microbial community within mature almond orchards

The effects of almond hulls and soil amendments on soil nutrients and microbial community within mature almond orchards

The Effect Addition of Soil Amandments and PGPR (Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria) on the Growth and Yield of Cotton Plants Intercropped with Corn Plants in Dry Land of North Lombok Regency of Indonesia

This research investigates the effect of soil amendments in the form of cow, form goat manures and PGPR biofertilizer on cotton plants intercropped with corn in the dry lands of North Lombok Regency. The research aims is to determine the growth and yield response of cotton plants due to the application of soil amendments and PGPR in an intercropped system with corn in dryland areas. The research was conducted from December 2023 to June 2024 in Andalan Village, Bayan District, North Lombok Regency. The method used is an experimental method with field trials. The design used was Randomized Block Design (RBD), incorporating two factors: soil amendment treatment (P) as the main plot and PGPR (K) concentration treatments as the subplot. Soil amendments consisted of three levels: P0 (no cow manure and no goat manure), P1 (20 tons/ha cow manure), P2 (20 tons/ha goat manure). PGPR concentration consisted of four levels: K0 (without PGPR), K1 (20 ml/liter PGPR application), K2 (30 ml/liter PGPR application), and K3 (40 ml/liter PGPR application). The research results indicated that the application of 20 tons/ha of goat manure (P2) produced the highest average across all observed parameters (plant height, number of leaves, branch number, stem diameter, and plant yield). Similarly, the application of 40 ml/liter PGPR produced the highest average for these observed parameters. Based on the results of the land equivalent ratio (LER) analysis, this integration system shows highly suitable and relevant to be applied in the dry lands of North Lombok.

Effects of soil amendments and coverings on the kenaf yield and soil physicochemical properties in saline-alkali land

In order to investigate the effects of various treatments on the growth of kenaf in saline soil, this study employed a comprehensive experimental design incorporating a dual approach of soil amendment and mulching techniques. Soil treatment of saline and alkaline land, as well as biological material mulching treatment after sowing kenaf, were conducted. The growth dynamics of kenaf were assessed before the mid-term investigation, and the harvest period was examined. Soil physicochemical properties were measured and analysed at different periods. The results show that in the analysis of red sesame yield traits, the differences mainly appeared between soil treatments. There is no significant difference between the different mulching treatments within each soil treatment. In the mid-term study, significant differences were observed in kenaf plant height. Plant height was the most affected by soil conditioners, while other yield traits did not show significant variations. During harvest, only stem thickness and dry weight of a single plant did not show significant differences, whereas other yield traits did. The application of soil conditioners resulted in a 58.15% increase in dry hull yield compared to organic fertilizers and a 22.66% increase compared to regular fertilizers. Soil conditioners also led to higher levels of effective phosphorus, quick-acting potassium, organic matter, and total nitrogen throughout the kenaf growth period compared to organic and regular fertilizers. This is beneficial for enhancing soil quality and reducing soil alkalinity. Combined with the results of kenaf yield and soil physical and chemical properties analysis, it has been proven that the application of soil conditioner has the best effect, followed by the application of compound fertilizer, with organic fertilizer treatment being the least effective.

Bottom-up effects of bamboo-charcoal soil amendment on the tomato insect pest Bemisia tabaci

Bottom-up effects of bamboo-charcoal soil amendment on the tomato insect pest Bemisia tabaci

Effects of Organic Soil Amendments on Antimicrobial-Resistant Bacteria in Urban Agriculture Environments

Biological soil amendments of animal origin (BSAAOs) are widely used in urban agriculture to improve soil quality. Although BSAAO use is regulated due to risks for introducing foodborne pathogens, effects on antimicrobial-resistant (AMR) bacteria are not well established. Here, we aimed to explore the impacts of BSAAOs on levels of resident AMR bacteria in leafy vegetable production environments (i.e., kale, lettuce, chard, cabbage) across urban farms and community gardens in the greater Washington D.C. area (n=7 sites). Leaf tissue (LT), root zone soil (RZS; amended soil in crop beds), and bulk soil (BS; site perimeter) were collected and analyzed for concentrations of total heterotrophic bacteria (THB), ampicillin (Amp) or tetracycline (Tet) resistant THB, and coliforms. As expected, amended plots harbored significantly higher concentrations of THB than bulk soil (P<0.001). The increases in total bacteria associated with reduced fractions of Tet-resistant bacteria (P=0.008), as well as case-specific trends for reduced fractions of Amp-resistant bacteria and coliforms. Site-to-site variation in concentrations of AMR bacteria in soil and vegetable samples reflected differences in land history and crop management, while within-site variation was associated with specific amendment sources, as well as vegetable type and cultivar. Representative isolates of the AMR bacteria and coliforms were further screened for multidrug resistance (MDR) phenotypes, and a high frequency was observed for the former. In amended soils, as the soil pH (range 6.56-7.80) positively correlated with the fraction of Tet-resistant bacteria (rho=0.529; P<0.001), crop management strategies targeting pH may have applications to control related risks. Overall, our findings demonstrate that soil amendments promote soil bacteria concentrations and have important implications for limiting the spread of AMR bacteria, at least in the urban landscape.

Organic soil amendment effects on soil hydrology in an almond orchard evaluated using time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography

Organic soil amendment effects on soil hydrology in an almond orchard evaluated using time-lapse electrical resistivity tomography

Changes in understory plant communities following soil scarification and amendments in a Northern Hardwood Forest

Changes in understory plant communities following soil scarification and amendments in a Northern Hardwood Forest

Soil Type and Associated Microbiome Influence Chitin's Growth Promotion Effect in Lettuce

Chitin amendment of peat substrate has been proven effective in promoting lettuce growth and increasing phenolic compounds in lettuce seedlings. However, the effect of chitin soil amendment on lettuce growth in mineral soil remains unexplored. The effect of chitin amendment of mineral soil on lettuce growth and metabolite changes was investigated for the first time in the present study in comparison with chitin-amended peat substrate. Our findings showed that chitin addition in peat substrate increased lettuce head weight by approximately 50% at harvest, whereas this increase was 30% when chitin was added to mineral soil. Targeted metabolomics analysis indicated that chitin addition affected the phenolic compounds in lettuce seedlings, but this effect varied between soil types. Moreover, untargeted metabolomics analysis suggested that using peat substrate or mineral soil had a greater influence on produced lettuce metabolites than chitin addition. Rhizobiome analysis showed that specifically Mortierellaceae family members, known for chitin degradation and plant growth promotion, significantly increased in peat substrate upon chitin treatment. In mineral soil, three bacterial genera and five fungi, including known plant-growth-promoting genera, were significantly more abundant upon chitin treatment but Mortierellaceae family members were not. We assume that the observed effects primarily stem from soil characteristics and from chitin-induced alterations in rhizobiome composition, particularly the presence of Mortierellaceae members, leading to promoted lettuce growth. Despite the variability, chitin remains an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fertilizers in lettuce production, but its beneficial effects are dependent on rhizobiome composition, which should be considered before chitin application. [Formula: see text] Copyright © 2024 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .