Soil Fertility Status Research Articles

Effect of Olive Mill Wastes on Soil Physicochemical Properties and Maize Yield Under Saline Soil Conditions

The addition of olive mill wastes (OMW) to agricultural soils has becoming a common disposal strategy to improve the soil’s physical and chemical properties. There is a dearth of information concerning the impact of OMW on soil properties in Egypt's saline soil conditions. Consequently, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of various types of OMW on soil properties and maize yield in saline soil conditions. This study conducted field experiments in the North Sinai Governorate of Egypt on salt-affected sandy clay loam soil. Different types of OMW were applied at rates of 5 and 10 tons per hectare, either in fresh or compost form, individually or in combination with effective microorganisms (EM-1). The results revealed that the compost from EM-Bokashi and OMW treatment (T7) at a rate of 10 tons per hectare significantly decreased pH, EC, and ESP values. For instance, application of T7 significantly decreased EC by 30.6 and 34.8% compared to the fresh OMW treatment (T3) at a rate of 10 tons per hectare in the soil depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm, respectively. Moreover, the T7 treatment significantly decreased soil bulk density by 18.7 and 20% compared to the control treatment (T1) in the soil depths of 0-10 and 10-20 cm, respectively. However, the differences between T7 and other treatments were not significant. Furthermore, the application of T7 significantly increased maize yield by 38.5% compared to T1. Overall, the best treatment for reducing salinity and bulk density as well as enhancing soil fertility and maize yields was the application of T7 at a rate of 10 tons per hectare. Therefore, it is desirable to encourage farmers to use the compost of EM-Bokashi and OMW at the rate of 10 tons per hectare as soil amendment in order to enhance soil physicochemical properties and fertility status and to obtain high yields under saline conditions. This practice allows farmers to produce high yields even in saline conditions by improving soil physicochemical properties and fertility status.

Assessment and GIS Mapping of Soil Quality Indicators of Agroecological Unit 9 of Kerala, India

Context: The agroecological unit 9 (AEU 9) in Alappuzha district of Kerala represents the south central laterites. The soils are acidic, gravelly, having low activity clay, often underlain by plinthite with low water and nutrient retention capacity. Assessment of soil quality indicators and mapping of resources and soil fertility status is essential for planning and development activities.
 Aims: Soil quality assessment was made by collecting observations on physical, chemical and biological indicators, soil quality index was computed and generated maps using GIS.
 Study Design: Survey, collection of soil samples and principal component analysis.
 Place and Duration of Study: A study was conducted in agroecological unit 9 (south central laterites) in Alappuzha district of Kerala during 2020.
 Methods: Geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from 75 locations of AEU9 in Alappuzha district, and were characterized for physical, chemical and biological attributes for evaluating soil quality. Principal component analysis (PCA) was carried out for soil parameters and a minimum data set (MDS) was arrived from seven principal components (PC 1 to PC 7) with eigen values greater than 1. The selected soil quality indicators were categorized into classes, assigned with scores and soil quality index was computed. Based on soil quality index, soils were rated as poor, medium or good. GIS based thematic maps of soil quality indicators and index were prepared.
 Results: The soils of AEU 9 are sandy loam in texture, strongly acidic (pH 4.5-5.5), medium in organic carbon, low in available N, medium in available P and K, deficient in available Ca, Mg and B. Majority (80%) of the soils are rated poor and 20% rated medium in soil quality. From the study it is concluded that pH, clay%, bulk density, available nutrients N, P, K, Ca and S are the key indicators of soil quality in AEU 9.

Effects of Orchard Grass on Soil Fertility and Nutritional Status of Fruit Trees in Korla Fragrant Pear Orchard

Grass cultivation is widely used as an effective soil management method in pear orchards. A Korla fragrant pear orchard with clean cultivation (CK) and natural grass planting for 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 years was examined in this study. We analyzed the differences in soil fertility and shoot and leaf nutrient content under different grassing years. Compared with the clean cultivation, grass cultivation reduced the soil fertility and nutrient content of shoots and leaves at the early stage of natural grass planting (1–2 years). With the increase in grassing years, the overall level of the nutrient content of soil, shoots, and leaves gradually increased; the shallower the soil layer, the more significant the effect. Furthermore, grass cultivation significantly increased the contents of soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, total potassium, alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen, available phosphorus, and available potassium. The nutrient contents of shoots and leaves were also significantly increased after grass cultivation. The contents of total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium in shoots were significantly increased by 7.32%, 154.84%, and 219.29% in 5, 4, and 5 years, respectively, and their contents were also increased by 69.57%, 22.86%, and 26.45% in leaves. The correlation analysis showed that there was a significant or extremely significant positive correlation among the shoots, leaves, and soil nutrient contents. In conclusion, continuous grass cultivation significantly improved the soil quality, health status, and nutritional status, and effectively solved the problem of harm to the pear orchard caused by long-term clean cultivation. This study will provide the scientific basis for the construction of a reasonable orchard soil management mode.

Tillage-based nutrient management practices for sustaining productivity and soil health in the soybean-wheat cropping system in Vertisols of the Indian semi-arid tropics

To achieve higher crop production in a soybean-wheat cropping system, comprehensive knowledge of soil fertility status and its variability is crucial. However, a significant gap exists between the potential and actual productivity of this system in the Vertisols of Indian semi-arid tropics. Therefore, 2 years of field research were conducted to investigate how different crop management practices affect soil fertility in this cropping system. The trial was conducted using a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with five crop management practices: CAO (conservation tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), CAC (conservation tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), CTC (conventional tillage + chemical nutrient and weed management), OCT (conventional tillage + organic nutrient and weed management), and PoPs (package of practices). Results showed that CAO significantly (p < 0.05) increased soil organic C (6.8 g kg−1), available N (129.5 mg kg−1), P (11.0 mg kg−1), K (232.6 mg kg−1), Fe (9.17 mg kg−1), and Mn (10.48 mg kg−1) at topsoil (0–15 cm) and deeper layers (15–60 cm). In contrast, CAC had significantly (p < 0.05) higher soil availability of Ca (5,072 mg kg−1) and Mg (901 mg kg−1) and Cu (0.84 mg kg−1). On the other side, PoPs resulted in the highest S (10.05 mg kg−1) and Zn (0.85 mg kg−1) availability in the topsoil. Our results evidently suggested S and Zn availability as key indicators of soil health sustenance in the present agroecosystem. Notably, CAC had significantly (p < 0.05) higher system productivity (4.62 t ha−1) than the other treatments, showing a 14.0, 6.3, and 18.2% increase over CAO, CTC, and OCT, respectively. Based on the results, it is recommended that CAC is a better option for achieving higher system productivity, while CAO is the best option for ensuring long-term sustainability of soil fertility. The findings of this study could be useful for farmers and agricultural researchers in designing efficient crop management practices to improve the productivity and sustainability of soybean-wheat cropping system in arid to semiarid ecology.

Vermicompost induced growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum L.) at sustainable rooftop farming system

Rooftop farming is gaining rapid popularity in urban areas, especially since the beginning of the global COVID-19 pandemic. For housebound people rooftop farming is not only a way of potentially management of their time but also the execution of creativity. For rooftop farming vermicompost (VC) can be the most sustainable media for growing high value fruits and vegetables crops. In this regard, an experiment was carried out as a rooftop farming system at Charfassion upzila in the Bhola district of Bangladesh to observe the growth and yield performance of capsicum (Capsicum annuum) grown in different combinations of vermicompost in the winter season (2020-2021). Different agronomic and yield parameters were measured at the intervals of 30, 60, and 90 days and at the final harvest of 120 days after sowing. Among the measured parameters a mixed type of performance was achieved from varied doses of vermicompost applications and inorganic fertilizer treatment. Among the measured valuable parameters; the highest fruit length (8.85 cm), fruit diameter (10.3 cm), no. of fruits (9.51 plant-1), total wt. of fresh fruits (405.32 g/plant), fresh fruits yield (11.26 t ha-1), no. of branches (30.0 plant-1), stem girth (6.3 cm), root fresh wt. (8.80 g/plant), stem fresh wt. (23.35 g/plant), petiole fresh wt. (6.09 g/plant), total fresh biomass (65.54 g/plant), dry wt. of fruits (76.91 g/plant), dry wt. of total fruits: biomass ratio (7.35) and benefit-cost ratio (12.40), respectively, were observed in T5 (20t VC ha-1). So, from the overall findings of this study T5 with 20t VC application ha-1 is recommended to achieve better growth and yield of capsicum through the sustainable way of rooftop and urban farming systems and to improve soil fertility status.

Soil Sustainability Assessment for Rice Cropping Recommendations: A Case Study in An Giang Province, Vietnam

Background: The study aimed to identify the sustainability of soil fertility and social-economic factors for major rice cropping and offer suggestions for sustainable rice cropping. Methods: The kite sustainability assessment is a multi-objective assessment method based on standardized scoring formulas built on land assessment criteria with limiting factors. It used the AHP method to determine how different critical factors affect whether a place is good for growing rice. The soil fertility, economics, and social factors were also significant in determining whether or not rice could grow there and how well it might do. Results: The soil fertility status of the two main rice cropping in the study area has low pH, high organic matter content, high cation exchange capacity, and high clay content. Besides, the soil has a good water-holding capacity, high total N content, and average total P content. Utilizing the AHP method, it was determined that soil fertility, economic, and social factors were the second-most significant factors in determining the suitability of land for agriculture as well as the possibility and performance of rice. While the double-rice cropping model is only sustainable regarding fertility, the triple-rice cropping model achieves the sustainability goal of economic, social, and soil fertility indicators. Two rice cropping seasons, lWS-mSA (double rice) and mWS-eSA-eAW (triple rice), achieve a balanced level in all indicators of level 2 of soil fertility. Therefore, in both models, a system that reaches a sustainable level exists. Even so, the lWS-mSA cropping season could be less harmful to the environment than the mWS-eSA-eAW season in terms of the environmental group.

Variation in essential mineral element and toxic trace element concentrations in the seeds of Sri Lankan rice varieties as affected by milling and soil fertility

Concentration of mineral elements in rice seeds may vary depending on the soil fertility status and seed polishing (milling). In order to test this, 54 rice varieties were grown in the fields used to cultivate rice either with or without applying fertilizers for over 40 years. Part of the seeds collected from those varieties was polished before using for element analyses using ICP-MS while the rest considered as unpolished seeds. When comparing unpolished rice seeds produced at fertilized and unfertilized sites, the concentrations of Mg, Ca, K, Mn, Co, Cu, As and Cd were decreased, and the concentrations of Na, Al, Fe, Zn, and Mo were unchanged from fertilized to unfertilized sites. When comparing unpolished and polished rice seeds produced at fertilized and unfertilized sites, seed Mg, K, Mn, Fe, Co and Zn concentrations were higher in unpolished seeds than those in polished seeds, and the concentrations of Na, Al, Mo, Cd, As and Pb were similar between polished and unpolished seeds. Estimated values revealed that rice contributed 4–15% of the daily requirement of Fe, Cu, Zn, and 50–60% Mo irrespective of the soil fertility and polishing. Seed concentrations of As, Pb and Cd were lower than the maximum allowable levels. However, rice consumption contributed to the daily intake of 4–8 µg as, 2–6.5 µg Cd, and 19–25 µg Pb. Improving soil fertility is required to enrich rice seeds with most of the micronutrients and the milling should be done with much care to minimize nutrient loss in human diet.

Rationalizing mineral gypsum use through microbially enriched municipal solid waste compost for amelioration and regaining productivity potential of degraded alkali soils

Reclamation of alkali soils to harness their productivity potential is more complex due to the presence of excess sodium ions, poor hydraulic conductivity and infiltration rate, resulting in poor plant growth and crop productivity. Sodic soil reclamation using inorganic ameliorants like mineral gypsum or phosphogypsum is beyond the reach of small and marginal farmers having alkali soils because of their higher market prices and shortage of availability. Conjoint use of inorganic and organic amendments can be a pragmatic solution for improving soil physico-chemical and biological properties and sustaining crop productivity. Municipal solid waste compost (MSWC) available in abundant quantity if enriched with the efficient halophilic microbial consortium and used in conjunction with a reduced dose of gypsum can be a cost-effective approach for sustainable reclamation of alkali soils and harnessing their productivity potential. Hence, a field experiment was conducted on a high alkali soil (pH2 9.2 ± 0.10), electrical conductivity (EC) 1.14 ± 0.12 dS m−1, exchangeable sodium percentage 48 ± 2.50 and organic carbon (0.30%) was conducted during 2018–19 to 2020–21 to study the combined effect inorganic and organic (enriched municipal solid waste compost (EMSWC)) amendments on amelioration of alkali soils and sustaining productivity of rice–wheat cropping system. Application of gypsum @ 25% GR + enriched MSW compost @ 10 t ha−1 (T6) showed significant improvement in soil physico-chemical and biological properties over the sole application of organic (T3 and T4), inorganic (T2) and control (T1). A significant improvement in soil fertility status in terms of available nitrogen and micronutrients as well as CO3, HCO3, Cl, Ca and Mg content were recorded with the combined application of organic and inorganic soil amendments (T5 and T6) over the sole application of mineral gypsum. Soil microbial biomass carbon (MBC), nitrogen (MBN) and phosphorus (MBP) improved significantly due to the application of EMSWC with gypsum over the application of gypsum only. Grain yield of rice and wheat increased significantly (P < 0.05) owing to the application of a reduced dose of gypsum (25% GR) and EMSWC @ 10 t ha−1 (T6) with values of 5.55 and 3.83 t ha−1, respectively over rest of the treatments. Three years economic analysis of the study revealed that treatments T6 and T5 gave the highest positive net return whereas it was lowest in treatment T1 and negative in treatment T2. The highest benefit-to-cost ratio (B:C) was obtained in treatments T6 and T5 which were significantly higher compared to the rest of the treatments.

Prediction Model of Greenhouse Tomato Yield Using Data Based on Different Soil Fertility Conditions

Tomato yield prediction plays an important role in agricultural production planning and management, market supply and demand balance, and agricultural risk management. To solve the problems of low accuracy and high uncertainty of tomato yield prediction methods in solar greenhouses, based on experimental data for water and fertilizer consumption by greenhouse tomatoes in different regions over many years, this paper investigated the prediction models of greenhouse tomato yields under three different soil fertility conditions (low, medium, and high). Under these three different soil fertility conditions, greenhouse tomato yields were predicted using the neural network prediction model (NN), the neural network prediction model based on particle swarm optimization (PSO–NN), the neural network prediction model based on an adaptive inertia weight particle swarm optimization algorithm (AIWPSO–NN), and the neural network prediction model based on the improved particle swarm optimization algorithm (IPSO–NN). The experimental results demonstrate that the evaluation indexes (mean square error, mean absolute error, and R2) of the IPSO–NN prediction model proposed in this paper were superior to the other three prediction models (i.e., NN prediction model, AIWPSO–NN prediction model, and IPSO–NN prediction model) under three different soil fertility conditions. Among them, compared with the NN prediction model, the MSE of the other three prediction models under high soil fertility decreased to 0.0082, 0.0041, and 0.0036; MAE decreased to 0.0759, 0.0511, and 0.0489; R2 decreased to 0.8641, 0.9323, and 0.9408. These results indicated that the IPSO–NN prediction model had a higher predictive ability for greenhouse tomato yields under three different soil fertility conditions. In view of the important role of tomato yield prediction in greenhouses, this technology may be beneficial to agricultural management and decision support.

Response of Bio-organics on Soil Fertility Status, Growth and Yield Parameters of Black Gram (Vigna mungo) var. Shekar 2

An experiment to study the response of bio-organics on soil fertility status, growth and yield parameters of Black Gram (Vigna mungo) was conducted during Zaid (April- July) season in 2021-22 at central research farm department of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, SHUATS, Prayagraj. The Experiment was a randomized block design with having two factors and three levels of both vermicompost and b Neemcake 0,50, and 100% per ha resulting in nine treatments Data collected included soil bulk density, particle density, pore space, water holding capacity, pH, EC, organic carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium. On both growth and yield parameters of Black gram plant height, number of leaves per plant, pod length, number of pods per plant, test weight, dry weight and grain yield were collected. Treatment 9 which comprised of 100% vermicompost and 100% neem cake at 5 t ha-1 had an effect on physical and chemical properties of soil. Results were significant with maximum values on pore space 48.20% and 46.96%, water holding capacity of 43.22 and 41.98%, organic carbon (%) (0.181and 0.182%) , Nitrogen 264.45 and 265.50 kg ha-1) , Phosphorus 24.82 and 24.15 kg ha-1 and Potassium 186.58 and 178.41 per kg at 0-15 and 15-30 cm soil depths respectively. The same treatment 9 recorded maximum plant height of 34.6; number of leaves per plant of number of branches per plant of 37.33; number of pods of 31.66; test weight of 32.88; dry weight per plant of 21.65; maximum (B:C) ratio of 1:1.56; maximum gross returns of Rs/ha-1 129600 with net profit of Rs/ha-1 74720 per ha highest grain yield of 12.096 per ha 75 DAS respectively. Further experimentation will help to better understand the effects and make desirable recommendations.

Tillage Crop Establishment and Irrigation Methods Improve the Productivity of Wheat (Triticum aestivum): Water Use Studies, and the Biological Properties and Fertility Status of Soil

The Crop Research Centre of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology in Meerut (U.P.), India, conducted field experiments in a randomised block design, comprising three replicates, one late sown variety (DBW-90), and eight treatments, viz.: T1 was a conventional flood irrigation (CFI); T2, furrow irrigated with gated-pipe raised beds (FIGPRB); T3, all furrow irrigation (AFI); T4, alternate furrow irrigation (Alt. FI); T5, wide bed furrow irrigation (WBFI); T6, skip furrow irrigated (SFI); T7, Sprinkler irrigation (SI); and T8, Zero-till flat-irrigated using gated pipe/controlled-flood irrigation (ZTFIGP). These field experiments were conducted during the Rabi seasons of 2017–2018 and 2018–2019. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield, water productivity, and soil health under different tillage crop establishment methods. Test weight, spike length, and productive tillers were all considerably enhanced in treatment T5, with the treatment’s statistical significance being similar to that of treatments T8 and T2. Treatment T5 considerably outperformed the other treatments in terms of grain yield, straw yield, biological yield (44.32, 61.88, and 106.19 q ha−1, respectively), as well as harvest index (41.73). Thirty to sixty centimetres of soil were mined for the most water, followed by fifteen to thirty centimetres, zero to fifteen centimetres, and sixty to ninety centimetres. Both water-use efficiency (2.86 q ha−1 cm) and water productivity (1.91 kg cm−3) were highest under T7 (Sprinkler irrigation). The maximum total NPK (113.69; 27.45; 127.33 kg ha−1) was found in crops grown with wide bed furrow irrigation. The data also showed that treatment T6 (skip furrow irrigated) had the highest levels of accessible NPK in soil, followed closely by treatment T4 (alternate furrow irrigated). Treatment T8 (zero-till flat-irrigated using gated-pipe/controlled flood irrigation) had the highest bacterial, fungal, and actinomycete populations, followed by T5 (wide bed furrow irrigated) and T2 (furrow irrigated with gated-pipe/elevated bed). Our research showed that there may be more options for maintaining wheat crop water productivity and soil health under different agroecological conditions, including crop productivity, conservation tillage-based establishing methods, and irrigation regimes.

Factors affecting soil quality among smallholder macadamia farms in Malawi

Declining soil fertility limits smallholder macadamia productivity in Malawi. To reverse this trend, it is essential to apply organic and inorganic fertilisers in an efficient and effective manner. Yet, fertilizer recommendations for smallholder macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) production in Malawi are not site-specific. Nutrient imbalances can occur if fertilisers are applied without a clear understanding of whether they are required or not. This may lead to yield losses, unnecessary costs, and other environmental issues associated with excess fertiliser application. To address this research need/ knowledge gap, our study examined the current soil fertility status among smallholder macadamia farms in Malawi. Specifically, the objective was to establish an evidence base for promoting soil fertility restoration interventions for smallholder macadamia production. One hundred and eighty nine soil samples at a depth of 0–15 cm were collected from sixty three smallholder macadamia farms belonging to the Highlands Macadamia Cooperative Union Limited members in central and southern Malawi. We found that the majority of the soils were sandy loams (52%), strongly acidic (mean pH ≤ 5.1), and deficient in essential nutrients required for the healthy growth of macadamia. The soils had an average low cation exchange capacity of 1.67 cmol ( +) kg−1, which is inadequate for macadamia cultivation. More than half of the sampled soils had very low organic matter content (≤ 1%). The low soil organic matter content, coupled with the sandy texture and high acidity, contributed to the observed low concentrations of essential nutrients and cation exchange capacity. Poor agronomic practices and inherent soil characteristics are responsible for this low soil fertility. Altogether, our findings underscore the urgent need to identify and implement more sustainable and effective soil nutrient management practices that help to improve the soil fertility of macadamia farms under smallholder systems.

ANALISIS STATUS KESUBURAN TANAH PADA LAHAN BUDIDAYA RUMPUT ODOT (Pennisetum purpureum CV. MOOT) DENGAN PERLAKUAN PUPUK BOKASHI SLUDGE BIOGAS BERBEDA

The process of cultivating odot grass by some breeders is still conventional through simple land management and has not used appropriate fertilization technology, both inorganic and organic fertilizers. In this study, organic matter in the form of bokashi sludge biogas fertilizer was used as a basal fertilizer for use in the cultivation of odot grass. Soil samples collected from Kawangu Village, Pandawai District, East Sumba Regency, were analyzed at the Laboratory of Nusa Cendana University, Kupang. Soil sampling was carried out in a composite manner on plots of land to be planted with odot grass with an area of 2 x 1 m where 20 plots of land had been made. The plots of land were treated with a mixture of different bokashi sludge biogas fertilizers in soil media with each treatment, namely without bokashi fertilizer, 10 t ha-1 biogas bokashi sludge fertilizer, 20 t ha-1 biogas bokashi sludge fertilizer, 30 t ha-1 biogas bokashi sludge fertilizer, 40 t ha-1 biogas bokashi sludge fertilizer. The results of the combined criteria for soil chemical properties showed that the status of soil fertility in odot grass cultivation without bokashi sludge biogas fertilizer was in the medium soil fertility category, while the treatments with bokashi sludge biogas fertilizers of 10 t ha-1, 20 t ha-1, 30 t ha-1, and 40 t ha-1 were at high soil fertility levels.

Assessment of Soil Fertility Status in Paroo and Saraiyan Blocks of Muzaffarpur District of Bihar Using GPS and GIS

The experiment was conducted during 2019‒21 at Paroo and Saraiya blocks of Muzaffarpur district of Bihar, India to identify the nutrients status for crop management. Soil fertility inventory research was carried out in these two identified blocks (Paroo and Saraiyan) for generation of thematic soil fertility map. For nutrient assessment altogether 40 (forty) geo-referenced composite soil samples were collected from the various locations of the studied area using a hand-held GARMIN GPS device. The processed soil samples were used for analysis of various soil fertility parameters by using prescribed standard methods. Soil nutrient status and fertility maps were created by using ArcGIS 10.4.1 software employing Inverse Distance Weighted (IDW) interpolation techniques. The results clearly indicated that the soils pH was alkaline in nature ranges from 7.4‒9.5. The mean value of Soil organic matter (0.55%) and potassium (150 to 250 kg ha-1) was found to be low to medium whereas, available nitrogen (119.9 to 319.1 kg ha-1) found 90% deficient, however, phosphorus (4.34 to 18.4 kg ha-1), and sulphur were recorded low in the blocks. However, most of the sample of micronutrients like copper (0.23 to 1.07 mg kg-1) and Iron (1.64 to 13.2 ppm) showed above critical limits while manganese, zinc deficiency were occurred in wide area. The intensive cropping system and imbalanced use of chemical fertilizer is degrading the soil quality in study area.

Response of Teff ((Eragrostis tef (zucc.) Trotter) to nitrogen and phosphorus applications on different landscapes in eastern Amhara

The dynamic nature of soil fertility status across different landscapes attracted research attention in Ethiopia and the globe. Teff [Eragrotis tef] is a major staple cereal crop in Ethiopia but yields are low due to inadequate nutrient supply and other constraints. A field study was conducted in 2020 and 2021 in the Habru district of Amhara Region to determine teff yield response to fertilizer-N and -P at hillslope, midslope, and footslope positions with slopes of >15%, 5–15%, and 0–5%, respectively. N and P fertilizer rates were factorially combined in randomized complete block design with three replications in each farmer's field. A linear mixed modeling framework was used to determine effects on grain yield due to N rate, P rate, slope, study sites, and years. Model fit was examined using Akaike's Information Criterion and Bayesian Information Criterion. Economic analysis was done with a quadratic response function to determine the economics of fertilizer. Yield response to fertilizer-P was affected by slope but the response to fertilizer-N was not affected. Teff yield increase with fertilizer-N application up to 92 kg ha−1 the economic optimum rate based on the yield response function for nitrogen fertilizer was 85.4 kg ha−1 to obtain maximum profit (86878.8 birr ha-1). Similarly, the optimum phosphorus fertilizer rate at the hill slope was 39.7 kg ha−1 to obtain a maximum profit of (96847.8 birr ha−1). But there was not a profitable response at the midslope and foot slope positions. Therefore, for Habru district and similar agroecologies85.4 kg ha−1 N and 39.7 kg ha−1 P in hillslopes and only 85.4 N kg ha−1 for midslopes and foot slopes are expected to give the most profitable returns to fertilizer applied for tef production.

Teknik Penentuan Status Kesuburan Tanah Eksisting pada Calon Lahan Sawah Bukaan Baru di Sebagian Daerah Irigasi Bulango Ulu Provinsi Gorontalo

In Gorontalo Province, the Bulango Ulu irrigation area (D.I.) has the ability to build new paddy fields, although this potential is unknown, as is the level of soil fertility. The purpose of this study is to identify the variety of soil chemical properties and the level of soil fertility in the area. Three steps make up the soil fertility status technique: collecting soil samples on-site using survey and land observation methods, analyzing soil samples in the lab while examining the variety of soil chemical properties, and calculating soil fertility status using the deskwork methods. With the use of ArcGIS version 10, the analysis's output a spatial map of the distribution of soil fertility status in D.I. Bulango Ulu in Gorontalo Province is provided. The findings indicated that D.I. Bulango Ulu, Gorontalo Province still has a poor diversity of soil chemical properties. The fertility of the local soil is likewise poor.

Management practices to offset the declining trend of alfalfa hay production

Agriculture in the United States (US) is a major industry, which is the net exporter of food. The livestock sector is a centerpiece of the industry, and the base for this sector is forage resources. A forage-livestock production system is the largest economic agricultural sector in the US, and it feeds millions of people each day. More than half of the US land area has been devoted to cultivating forage crops mainly for livestock feed. In spite of the several options of forage crops available to growers to choose for production, the suitable choice often relies on the quality and quantity of hay that can be produced by the crop to meet production objectives. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.), the world’s premier forage crop, remains to be the number one choice for livestock feed due to its ability to produce high yields of sustained nutritive value. However, recent data shows that on the national average, alfalfa hay yields are decreasing with a direct and indirect consequent effect on the nation’s economy. Implementing efficient agronomic management practices in the alfalfa production system is a step in the direction of successful production. Along with the initial soil fertility status, integrating production factors including phosphorus and potassium fertilization, cultivar, and harvest management can be advantageous to ensure an improved physiology of alfalfa for greater hay production in the long term.

Farmers' local knowledge of soil fertility in bamboo plantations in the Western Highlands, Cameroon

Cameroon is strongly committed to restoring degraded land through the sustainable use of bamboo and other non-timber forest products (NTFPs) for biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, and reduction of CO2 emissions. However, research has not yet revealed how bamboo is perceived locally in production zones where most harvested species are wild and from natural forests. This assessed the local perception and knowledge of farmers in the Western Highlands of Cameroon on soil fertility in bamboo plantations. Ethnopedological surveys were conducted using semi-structured questionnaires in three departments of the Western Region. During the study, three focus groups were organized, followed by direct field observations and individual interviews with 200 people. The easily identifiable indicators used were soil colour, texture, fertility status, and water-holding capacity. The majority of respondents (67.5%) stated that the soils of bamboo plantations are infertile and not suitable for agriculture, 18.5% found these soils very fertile and suitable for agriculture and 14% found them moderate. The main points cited by farmers as positive for the use of bamboo are the fight against landslides and the reduction of soil erosion (33% and 30.5% of respondents, respectively). The main negative points cited were the invasive effect of bamboo and the extensive root system in the soil (52.5% and 15.5% of respondents respectively). To facilitate the adoption of bamboo in restoration projects in Cameroon, it is important to integrate farmers’ views into the policy formulation process. The results presented in this study will facilitate dialogue among farmers, agronomic advisors, and researchers. Policymakers and planners will also be beneficiaries of the research, and will be enabled to propose solutions for the better planning of restoration activities on bamboo.

Long-Term Organic Amendment Application Improves Soil Fertility Status, Nutrient Accumulation and Crop Productivity Under Rice-Wheat Cropping System

ABSTRACT The major issue in modern agriculture is long-term sustainability. Nutrient management by integrating organic manures and inorganic fertilizers may play a vital role in improving and sustaining crop productivity. A long-term field experiment (since 1984) comprising 11 treatments with different combinations of inorganic and organic fertilizers such as farm yard manure (FYM), wheat cut straw (WCS) and Dhaincha (Sesbania aculeata L.) as green manure (GM) was conducted to evaluate their effects on crop yield, nutrient accumulation and soil fertility status under a rice – wheat cropping system. The maximum grain yield of wheat was recorded in T6, i.e. 50% recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) + 50% nitrogen through FYM in rice and 100% RDF in wheat (4291 kg ha−1) as compared to chemically fertilized plots T5, i.e. 100% RDF in both rice and wheat (3441 kg ha−1). The application of organic manures in combination with chemical fertilizers reduced soil pH and bulk density from 7.40 to 7.23 and 1.49 to 1.37 g cm−3, respectively. Soil organic carbon (SOC), available soil nutrients and nutrient accumulation by crop were higher in integrated nutrient management-treated plots as compared to control. A positive and significant correlation was observed between SOC and available soil nitrogen (r = 0.987), phosphorus (r = 0.913) and potassium (r = 0.921). The results clearly suggest that integrated use of chemical fertilizers and organic manures on a long-term basis improves soil fertility and crop productivity with the potential to enhance soil sustainability

Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Sahibganj District, Jharkhand, India

An evaluation of physico-chemical properties of 27 soil samples from 3 different blocks ie., Sahibganj, Borio and Taljhari of Sahibganj district (Jharkhand) in different depths (0–15, 15–30 and 30–45 cm) was carried out during of 2022-2023. The present investigation was objectified as determination of soil Physico-chemical properties to analyse the soil fertility status with finding out the deficiency and toxicity of different soil nutrients. Soil samples were analyzed using standard laboratory techniques and statistical analysis. The treatments in them study were arranged in a Completely Randomized Design. The bulk density of the soils varied from 1.13 to 1.53 Mg m-3, while the particle density ranged from 2.24 to 2.69 Mg m-3. The percentage of pore space was between 36.88 and 49.55% and water holding capacity was between 31.11 and 44.71%. Soil pH varied from 6.28 to 7.90 which was neutral to slightly saline with soil EC ranged 0.02-0.64 dS m-1 that would significantly affect crop production. In the case of the organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus content of research area was found to be low to medium while the range of Potassium was sufficient ranging from 176.34 to 271.77 kg ha1. In these areas recommended fertilizer doses should be applied as per soil test crop response to prevent yield losses due to deficiency of nutrients.