Soil Fertility Status Research Articles

Soil Fertility Status under Soils of Sugarcane-Ratoon-Wheat Cropping System of Meerut District of Uttar Pradesh, India

The present study was undertaken to assess the soil fertility status os soils under sugarcane-ratoon-wheat cropping system. Soil samples were collected from farmers fields at three depths viz., 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm and analysed for various soil properties. Results revealed that soils were sandy clay loam to clay loam in texture, neutral in soil reaction and non saline in salt content. Mean values of CEC 15.96, 13.13 and 10.80 C mol (p+) kg-1, SOC 4.57, 3.93 and 2.95 g kg-1, available nitrogen 263.01, 209.90 and 173.73 kg ha-1, available phosphorus 15.37, 12.49 and 9.00 kg ha-1, available potassium 156.43, 118.16 and 102.11 kg ha-1, DTPA Zn 0.49, 0.35 and 0.21 mg kg-1, DTPA Fe 9.53, 7.71 and 5.28 mg kg-1, DTPA Mn 8.20, 6.80 and 5.20 mg kg-1 and DTPA Cu 0.99, 0.74 and 0.56 mg kg-1 were recorded at 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm, respectively. Soils under this cropping system were low in available nitrogen content and medium in available phosphorus and potassium content. Among DTPA extractable micronutrients soil were deficient in available zinc while sufficient in available iron, manganese and copper content.

Estimation of Water Productivity of Cucumber and Potato Crops for Water Management in Palestine

Aims: The aim of this study was to survey the agronomic practices that practiced by the farmers for potato and cucumber crops, and to estimate the water productivity of these crops.
 Study Design: A questionnaire was designed to collect data about the agronomic practices that practiced by the farmers during the growing period of cucumber cultivated in open field and potato crops.
 Place and Duration of Study: A field survey was carried out at Al-Bqaia’h and Kashda areas located at Tubas governorate of the West Bank, Palestine between December 2021 and July 2022.
 Methodology: The questionnaire includes several parts: soil characteristics, crop cultivation, crop development, crop fertilization, yield production, type of irrigation systems used, irrigation water management, and amount of applied irrigation water. Crop evapotranspiration (ETc) was estimated using AQWACROP program. Soil samples were collected from the selected field to evaluate the soil fertility status.
 Results: It is indicated that the crop evapotranspiration of potato (378 mm), higher than that of cucumber crop (343 mm). Huge amount of water (754 and 689 mm) were applied by the farmer during the growing period of potato and cucumber, respectively compared to calculated actual water requirement. The water productivity of cucumber crop varies among different farmers and varies from (3.56 – 6.82 kg/m3) in Al-Bqaia’h area, and (3.7 – 7.5 kg/m3) in Kashda area. The water productivity of potato crop varies from (4.29 – 8.10 kg/m3) in Al-Bqaia’h area, and (5.1 – 8.1 kg/m3) in Kashda area. It is found that the dripper discharge of 2 L/hr enhanced the water productivity compared to the dripper discharge of 4 and 8 L/hr.
 Conclusion: The field survey found that the water productivity of cucumber and potato crops was mainly affected by the performance of individual farmers, the amount of water applied, method of water application and the crop verity.

Co‐amelioration of red soil acidity and fertility with pig manure rather than liming

AbstractLime (calcium oxide), animal manure and crop straw soil treatments have been shown to ameliorate soil acidity, yet their effectiveness at concurrently enhancing soil fertility status and improving crop yields is less well understood. In this study, an acidic nutrient deficient red soil (Ferralic Cambisol) received these treatments at various dosage rates (% of DW soil) in pot experiments with maize plants. Lime was applied at four dosage rates (0.05%, 0.10%, 0.15% and 0.20%), pig manure at three rates (0.50%, 1.00% and 1.50%), maize straw or milk vetch at two rates (0.50% and 1.00%) and combinations of lime (0.10% or 0.15%) with maize straw (0.50%) and/or pig manure (0.50%). Soils treated with and without chemical fertilizers were also included as controls. Measurements of soil pH, exchangeable acidity, plant available nutrients and maize shoot biomass were recorded. Maize shoot biomass increased by 4.7–7.6 times under pig manure treatments, 1.1–1.6 times under milk vetch, 0.4–1.5 times under lime and 1.1–6.2 times under combination treatments, compared with the control. Soil pH increased by 0.5–0.9 units under lime, by 0.2–0.4 units under pig manure and by 0.7 pH units under the combination treatment relative to the control. Variance partitioning analysis showed that on an individual basis, soil acidity amelioration (pH, exchangeable H+ and Al3+) or nutrient input (C, N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn) explained only 4.3% and 5.6% of improved maize growth, respectively. Whereas, their interaction explained 85.9% of the variation. We also report that the over‐application of pig manure could lead to P saturation and negative impacts on aquatic systems in the wider environment. Therefore, we recommend a combination of lime, pig manure and straw provides an optimal solution for addressing soil acidity and limiting P saturation in acid soils.

STATUS KESUBURAN TANAH INCEPTISOL PADA PENGGUNAAN LAHAN KELAPA SAWIT DI DESA PENGADANG KECAMATAN SEKAYAM KABUPATEN SANGGAU

ABSTRACTSeveral constraints on the chemical properties of inceptisol soils, including acid soil reactions, soil organic matter generally varies, as well as the value of cation exchange capacity, bases can be exchanged, base saturation, nutrient reserves and nutrient status of P and K are low, but have saturation (Al) tall one. The purpose of the study was to analyze the nutrient status and soil fertility of Inceptisols on oil palm land use in Pengadang Village, District, Sekayam, Sanggau Regency and suggestions for fertilization to support maximum oil palm production. Soil sampling was carried out on 5-year-old oil palm plantations. Diagonal soil sampling method with three replications. Analysis of chemical properties consisting of pH, C-organic, N-total, P-total, P-available, K-total, K-dd, CEC, KB, and soil Al were carried out in the soil chemistry and fertility laboratory. The results of the average nutrient status on oil palm land are N-total nutrient status of 0.20% (low), available P of 15.09 ppm (low), CEC of 9.06 cmol (+) kg-1 (low ), C-organic by 1.42% (low). P-total status is 37.5 ppm (very low), K-total is 87.5 ppm (very low), K-available is 32.5 ppm (very low), KB is 19.30% (very low) , Al saturation is 39.55% (high) and the soil fertility status of oil palm land is classified as very low. Suggestions for single fertilization of urea is 255.56 kg/ha, TSP is 142.81 kg/ha and KCL is 509.13 kg/ha and Phonska 15:15:15 NPK compound fertilizer is 428.40 kg/ha, and urea is 85 ,84 kg/ha and KCL 402,01 kg/ha, to increase the lack of nitrogen and potassium elements in the soil. The need for dolomite lime is 2,400 kg/ha.

STCR based nutrient management in chickpea (Cicer arietinum) for higher productivity and profitability

Farmer' Participatory On Farm Trials (FP-OFT) were conducted at 10 different locations in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh during rabi 2016-17 in medium black soils to study the influence of soil test crop response (STCR) approach vis-a-vis farmers' practice on productivity and economics of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.). Result revealed that targeted seed yield of chickpea (16 q/ha) was achieved by adoption of STCR approach. The mean grain and stover yields of chickpea under STCR were increased by 37.1% and 41.2%, respectively over the farmers' practice (FP). The plant height, number of root nodules, pods/plant and test weight of seed were also increased by 11.6, 29.3, 11.6 and 26.0% respectively, over the FP. There was much larger negative balance in available nitrogen and available potassium status under farmers' practice compared to STCR based nutrient management approach. The gross return, net returns and benefit-cost ratio (BCR) under the STCR approach were between ` 70200-77450/ha, ` 48019-55176/ ha and 2.16-2.48 which were higher as compared to farmers' practice across the different locations. STCR based nutrient management approach should be adopted by the farmers for getting higher crop productivity and profitability and improving soil fertility status.

Performance of Diversified Legume Entailing Ultra High Intensity Rice based Cropping System Models for Higher Productivity, Profitability and Sustainability

Background: An intensive cropping system involving legume and vegetable crops not only highly productive and profitable but should also be stable over time and maintains soil health in present scenario. So, keeping this point in view the present investigation was carried out to evaluate the productivity, profitability and sustainability of legume entailing different ultra high intensity rice based cropping system models under irrigated sub-tropics. Methods: The field experiment was conducted at Research Farm, SKUAST-Jammu, Main Campus, Chatha for two consecutive years from kharif 2019 to summer season of 2021. The experiment consisting of five legume entailing rice based cropping system models of cropping intensity varying from 300-600% viz. T1: Rice (Basmati-370) - Wheat (HD-3086) - Cowpea (Lobia Super-60) having 300% cropping intensity, T2: Rice (Basmati-564) - Potato (Kufri Badshah) - Wheat (Raj-3765) - Mixed fodder (Maize+Cowpea+Charri in 2:2:1 ratio) having 400% cropping intensity, T3: Rice (SJR-129) - Knol khol (G-40) - Potato (Kufri Sindhuri) - Green gram (IPM 02-3) having 400% cropping intensity, T4: Rice (Pusa-1121) - Radish (CR-45) - Green onion (Nasik Red) - French bean (Anupama) - Okra (Seli special) having 500% cropping intensity in relay cropping from fourth crop onwards and T5: Rice (IET-1410) - Fenugreek (JF-07) - Knol khol (G-40) - Green onion (Nasik Red) - Dry onion (Selection-1) - Black gram (Pant U-19) having 600% cropping intensity in relay cropping from third crop onwards was laid out in a randomized block design with four replications. Result: The results obtained under two years research study revealed that treatment T4 recorded significantly highest basmati-370 rice equivalent system productivity followed by treatment T5. Further, treatment T4 also recorded highest system cost of cultivation, system gross returns and system net returns. System soil fertility status in terms of available NPK after completion of second crop cycle was significantly affected. Among different cropping systems, significantly higher available nitrogen and phosphorus were recorded in treatment T5 system which was at par with treatment T4.

Biomass production and nutrient use efficiency in white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata Poir.) genotypes grown under contrasting soil mineral nutrient availability.

Yam (Dioscorea spp.) is of great importance to food security, especially in West Africa. However, the loss of soil fertility due to dwindling fallow lands with indigenous nutrient supply poses a challenge for yam cultivation. This study aimed to determine shoot and tuber biomass and nutrient use efficiency of white Guinea yam (Dioscorea rotundata) grown under low- and high-NPK conditions. Six white Guinea yam genotypes were used in field experiments conducted at Ibadan, Nigeria. Experiments were conducted with low soil NPK conditions with zero fertilizer input and high soil NPK conditions with mineral fertilizer input. Differences in response to soil NPK conditions, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency (apparent nutrient recovery efficiency) were observed among the tested genotypes. The genotypes TDr1499 and TDr1649, with high soil fertility susceptibility index (SFSI>1) and an increase in shoot and tuber biomass with fertilizer input, were recognized as susceptible to soil NPK conditions. There was a marked difference in apparent nutrient recovery efficiency; however, there was no varietal difference in physiological efficiency. Differences in apparent nutrient recovery efficiency among genotypes affected the fertilizer response (or susceptibility to soil NPK conditions) and the nutrient uptake. In contrast, the genotype TDr2029, with SFSI<1 and low reduction in shoot and tuber production between non-F and +F conditions, was recognized as a less susceptible genotype to soil NPK status. It was revealed that NPK fertilization did not reduce tuber dry matter content, regardless of genotype differences in susceptibility to soil NPK conditions. Hence, this could be helpful to farmers because it implies that yield can be increased without reducing tuber quality through a balanced application of soil nutrients. Our results highlight genotypic variation in sensitivity to the soil NPK availability, nutrient uptake, and nutrient use efficiency white Guinea yam. Differences in susceptibility to soil NPK conditions could be due to the genotypic variations in nutrient recovery efficiency white Guinea yam. Our findings could contribute to breeding programs for the development of improved white Guinea yam varieties that enhance productivity in low soil fertility conditions with low and high-input farming systems.

Evaluation of Trees Species Diversity, Abundance and Soil Physicochemical Properties of Ukpon River Forest Reserves, Cross River, Nigeria

Current status of species diversity, composition and abundance provides guidance for their management and assessment of their ecological usefulness. In this study trees species diversity, abundance and soil properties of Ukpon River Forest Reserve was assessed. Line transect method was using to establish 4 sample plots of 50 x 50 m. Data on vegetation were collected using the appropriate tool and soil samples from the plot were collected with the aid of soil auger. Tree species composition, abundance and diversity indices were estimated using the appropriate formulae and soil samples analyzed following standard methods. A total of 194 individuals in 60 species belonging to 26 families were encountered in the study area. The dominant families are Leguminaceae, Moraceae, Fabaceae, Burseraceae, Apocynaceae, Calsalpinaceace and Euphorbiaceae. The total basal area estimated for tree species was 147.615m2 with Bombax bounpozen having the highest of 11.09m2 and relative dominance (RDo) of 7.51% while Piptadeniastrum africana has the highest relative density (RD) of 7.73% and importance value index (IMI) of 15.63%. Based on their relative density, 68.34% of the trees were Rare, 18.33% Threatened or Endangered, 5% Abundant/ Occasional and 3.33% Frequent. The study had a high Shannon – Weiner index value of 3.04 and Margalef richness of 20.67 and low dominance index of 0.06. The soil properties such as Clay, Organic matter, Phosphorus, Calcium, Cation Exchangeable capacity and Base Saturation were high. The pH value of 5.77 shows the soil were moderately acidic. These properties have been shown to improve soil fertility status and moisture content needed plant growth. Although the tree species diversity in the study area was high, some species appears to have been threatened while majority were rare, sustainable conservation effort should be geared towards ensuring their continuous existence.

A CASE STUDY OF NUTRITIONAL STATUS OF CHERRY (Prunus serotina), ORCHARD SOILS AND FRUIT QUALITY ATTRIBUTES OF BALTISTAN REGION

This study had been conducted in north eastern area of Pakistan, Baltistan region constituting the larger portion of Kashmir region. Which is one of the moist zone of the western Himalayas. While growing fruit point of view the land is suitable for fruit like apples, plum, cherry and apricot production. Climatically Baltistan region soils have recognized as best for quality cherry production. However, limited information is available about the existing soil fertility status and fruit quality of cherry orchards. Soil fertility evaluation is a key factor towards sustainable fruit production of cherry orchard soils. Improvement of soil productivity and fruit quality depends on the knowledge of the soil fertility. Therefore, study was designed to investigate the soil fertility status of cherry orchards of District Skardu, Kharmang, Shigar, and Ganache. Soil samples were evaluated for pH, EC, Organic matter, Texture, N, P, K, and micronutrients. While leaf and fruits samples were analyzed for N, P, K and pH, TSS, TA, Ascorbic acid, and Sugar contents respectively. Results revealed that the soil samples were slightly alkaline and non-saline sandy loam and sandy clay loam texture with adequate organic matter ranging from 1.19-2.15%, Low to marginal (NO3-N), low extractable P, and marginal to adequate K with high micronutrients concentrations (Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn). While leaf samples showed marginal to high N, low P, and K and sufficient to high micronutrients. The parameters of fruit samples were in the optimum range with a yield of 5-50 Kgplant-1.

Post-harvest soil nutrient prediction in hybrid castor (Ricinus communis l.) Cropping sequence using a multivariate analysis technique

In the era of precision agriculture, the fertilizer prescription based on the soil fertility status is much required. Analyzing the soil after each crop is necessary for fertilizer recommendation and developing an alternative technique to forecast the soil available nutrient value rather than analyzing the soil. Multiple linear regression (MLR) equation was developed using filed experiment data to predict the soil available nutrient in castor cropping sequence. The post-harvest soil available nutrient was considered as the dependent variable and the initially available soil nutrient values, fertilizer added, yield and nutrient uptake of castor as an independent variable. In general, the post-harvest soil nutrient model's prediction accuracy was notable and had a coefficient of determination of less than 0.90. By calculating the RMSE (root means square error), R2 value, the ratio performance to deviation (RPD) and, RE (relative error) the performance of the MLR model was confirmed.Using the validated model, post-harvest soil available nutrients were predicted and compared with laboratory tested soil available nutreints. It turned out that the established model is more precisely effective and equally precise. Fertilizer recommendation could be made to subsequent crop after hybrid castor using the predicted soil available nutrients.

Mycorrhizal responsiveness of modern hexaploid wheat and ancestral species under different soil fertility conditions

Mycorrhizal responsiveness of modern hexaploid wheat and ancestral species under different soil fertility conditions

Ailanthus excelsa L. based agroforestry systems in North-West Indian dry lands: effect on yields of intercrops and soil properties

ABSTRACT Different Ailanthus excelsa-based agroforestry systems (Bund/boundary, scattered trees in the existing farming systems) are practiced by the farmers in dry parts of north-west India. However, improved A. excelsa-based agroforestry systems are not popular among the farmers. Therefore, in this study, improved A. excelsa-based agroforestry systems (in association with pearl millet-mustard and cluster bean-wheat) were introduced with different tree densities (50, 100, 150 and 200 trees ha−1) to identify its effect on crop yield and soil attributes (fertility and productivity). In the present study, yields of agricultural crops were not influenced by A. excesla, irrespective of crop or tree density; however, higher yields were recorded under sole cropping in both the cropping systems. Among different tree densities, higher crop yields were recorded with 50 trees ha−1. Soil fertility status in terms of organic matter (OM), available P and K improved under agroforestry systems as compared to sole cropping. Growth of A. excelsa under tree densities and in association with crops was at par, maximum girth (47.10 cm) at breast height was recorded under density of 200 trees ha−1 with cluster bean-wheat cropping sequence. Two years experimentation showed maximum benefits under agroforestry with 200 trees ha−1.

Impact on Soil Health under Organic Nutrient Management in Transplanted Finger Millet (Eleusine coracana L.)

Background: Finger millet being highly nutritious and easy to digest is one of the important crops grown in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh. Organic farming is gaining importance among the farmers with increasing yield, improving the quality of grains, and maintaining soil quality. Since the land availability is decreasing with increasing population. Finger millet has great scope under organic cultivation which could result in increased soil condition.&#x0D; Methodology: A field trial was performed at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Killikulam, Tuticorin, TNAU, Tamil Nadu from 2019 to 2020 during the rabi season to evaluate the performance of various organic sources concerning the soil properties changes. The study was conducted with an RBD design. Treatments include solid manures and liquid organics combination and their performance was evaluated. Finger millet - Co (Ra) 15 was used as a test variety. Soil health represents the soil properties generally including pH, EC, organic carbon content, N, P, and K levels, and also the soil microbial population.&#x0D; Results and Discussion: From the study, it was found that the application of 100 percent of nitrogen through poultry with foliar application of panchagavya at 30 and 45 DAT gave better yield and also enriched the soil fertility status.&#x0D; Conclusion: 100% N through Poultry manure and 3% panchagavya foliar spray at 30 &amp; 45 DAT in transplanted finger millet gave increased soil health with higher soil properties. Thus, Organic farming proved to be an eco-friendly management option in finger millet for maintaining good soil health.

Effects of Foliar Fertilization on Nutrient Uptake, Yield, and Fruit Quality of Pomelo (Citrus grandis Osbeck) Grown in the Mekong Delta Soils

Foliar application is a popular technique to supply mineral nutrients to crops. It also enhances nutrient use efficiencies, especially under limited soil fertility or restricted environmental conditions. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of foliar application of phosphorus (P) with potassium (K), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn) on the nutrient uptake, yield, and fruit quality of pomelo. The experiments were conducted between 2018 and 2021 in three different sites of alluvial soils, including four treatments, namely, control (without foliar fertilization), FF1 (containing P, K, and Mg), FF2 (P, K, Mg, and Zn), and FF3 (Zn). The results indicated that the P, K, and Mg concentrations in leaves and fruits were significantly enhanced after the spraying of solutions FF1 and FF2 compared with the control and FF3. The application of FF1 and FF2 greatly improved the fruit quality, and the fruit yield response was as high as 4.0-5.0 t ha−1. Foliar Zn application (FF3) increased the Zn concentration in leaves, but there was no improvement in fruit Zn content, fruit quality, and yield compared to the control treatment. The results indicate that FF1 or FF2 could be used as a sustainable fertilizer strategy for pomelo trees because of its ability to improve the leaf and fruit nutrient concentration and enhance the fruit quality and productivity of pomelo.

ASSESSMENT OF SOIL FERTILITY STATUS OF DIFFERENT VILLAGES FROM PALAKKAD DISTRICT, KERALA

An assessment of soil fertility status of different villages from Palakkad district, Kerala carried out 2021-22. The prime objectives of this work were to study the physico-chemical properties of soil at different depths of various sites of Attappady block of Palakkad District, Kerala to determine the availability of macro and micro nutrient on soil of these soil samples and provide Soil Health Card for farmers of the Attappady block, Palakkad District, Kerala. For the assessment 9 sampling locations were selected. Soil samples were collected with depth of 0-15 cm, 15-30 cm and 30-45 cm respectively. The Soil colour (Dry Condition) of soil varied from Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish brown, Yellowish red, Dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow. Soil colour (Wet Condition) of the soil varied Brown, Dark brown, Yellowish red, very dark greyish brown, very dark brown and Brownish yellow colour. Soil textural classes were sandy loam. It clearly indicated that soil has good Water Holding Capacity (54.19 to 61.80 %) and good physical condition, Bulk Density (0.938Mg m-3 to 1.365Mg m-3). Particle Density (2.124 Mg m-3 to 2.866 Mg m-3). Pore Space (50.018 % to 64.321%). The pH of soil is acidic nature (5.517 to 6.687) and the Electrical Conductivity (0.121 to 0.229 dSm-1) was suitable for all crops. Organic carbon ranged from medium to high (0.902 to 1.182 %). These soils have low Nitrogen (127 kg ha-1 to 252 kg ha-1) in all villages. Phosphorus (18 kg ha-1 to 34 kg ha-1) content is high at eight locations and medium at one location. Potassium (131.8 kg ha-1 to 383.9 kg ha-1) is low in one location and high in two locations. Calcium (5.9 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 8.6cmol (p+) kg-1) and Magnesium (1.2 cmol (p+) kg-1 to 9.8 cmol (p+) kg-1) are very sufficient in this soil. Sulphur (17 Mg kg-1 to 30.5 Mg kg-1) is high in five locations. Zinc (0.79 Mg kg-1 to 0.81 Mg kg-1) content is sufficient in this soil. There is an including awareness of the need to pay greater attention in the role of macronutrients enhancement pin the soil for good soil health and proper nutrition of plant so as to attain optimum economic yield and soil is suitable for all major tropical and sub-tropical crops.

Effects of biochar and fertilizer application on soil properties and nutrient status of lettuce

Different ways of benefiting from plant wastes in agricultural production are developed. One of the methods is to convert wastes into biochar and use it as a soil regulator. This study was conducted to determine the effects of biochar produced from tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) plant waste on soil fertility and nutritional status of the lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) plant. For this purpose, the combined effect of five different doses of biochar (0, 10, 20, 30, and 40 t ha-1) and three chemical fertilizers (control, half-dose NPK and full-dose NPK) were investigated. The research was conducted in two cultivation periods. Biochar was applied to the soil just in the first period. In the first period, applications increased electrical conductivity, organic matter content, total N, and concentration of available P, Zn, and Mn, and the exchangeable K and Mg in the soil. Biochar and chemical fertilizer applications positively affected the lettuce plant’s N, P, and K concentrations. In the second period, concentrations of the available P, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu and exchangeable Ca, Mg in soil, as well as the N, P, Ca, Mg, Zn, and Cu concentrations of the plant are higher compared to the first period. It was determined that biochar application alone was not sufficient for the nutrition of the lettuce plant, chemical fertilizers should be used additionally. In lettuce cultivation, half-dose NPK was recommended in addition to 30 t ha-1 biochar. As a result, it was determined that biochar produced from tomato plant waste was an effective soil improver material and might be an alternative source of K.

Seasonal changes in soil carbon storage capacity and glomalin-related soil protein under different agricultural activities, abandonment, and wildfire occurrence in Mediterranean region

Agricultural practices can directly affect soil environmental conditions and consequently soil ecosystems and fertility. Soils under different agricultural practices like tillage and grazing were studied and compared to other soils affected by wildfire and different ages of abandonment. Atmospheric CO 2 , soil C-CO 2 loss, soil temperature, soil moisture, bulk density, soil organic carbon (SOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), Redfield ratios of C:N:P, easily exactable and total glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP EE and GRSP T ), and morphology, quantity, and stability of soil aggregates (WSA) were seasonally analyzed. Statistical significance checked using the two-factor ANOVA. Intense tillage and wildfire occurrence revealed a deficiency in soil nutrients and fertility more than grazing practices. Steady soil fertility conditions occurred in soils preserved by fire and ancient abandonment. The GRSP seasonal means varied significantly among all soils because of land-use effects. GRSP T , SOC, TN, and TP increased from winter to spring and reached the highest values in summer then decreased again in autumn. GRSP was positively correlated (P < 0.01) with atmospheric CO 2 , SOC, TN, and TP with high peaks in summer indicating the dependent GRSP production on plant nutrients acquisition as well as soil carbon pools. Moreover, the correlation between GRSP and emitted C-CO 2 may indicate the contribution of GRSP fractions to the labile as well as the stable SOC fractions. The GRSP EE showed rapidly transformed into stable forms in more fertile and better-structured soils than in less fertile soils with vulnerable soil structures. In conclusion, the stoichiometric balance of soil nutrients, aggregate stability, and stabilized GRSP pools improved relatively across the seasonal rhythms from winter to summer. Moreover, environmental soil conditions developed to preserve organic carbon in soils with long abandonment than in mid abandonment, while the worst conditions were in the vulnerable soils intensively mismanaged and devastated by fire.

Analysis of Soil Fertility in Oil Palm Plantation (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) Smallholder Farmers in East Luwuk District, Banggai Regency

One of the factors that influence the production of oil palm plantations is the condition of the land favorable for their growth and development, especially regarding the physical and chemical properties of the soil and the status of soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine soil’s physical and chemical properties, as well as its fertility status on smallholder oil palm plantations. Soil sampling was conducted through a descriptive exploratory survey method, involving six sampling points and representing three oil palm ages (11, 16, and 22 years old). The soil chemical and fertility status were analyzed using the National Criteria of Soil Chemical Properties developed by Soil Research Institute and Five Major Soil Chemical Properties approach developed by Soil Research Center. All observed soil exhibited clay textures and varying soil color matrix. The soil had neutral acidity, medium to high base saturation/BS and cation exchange capacity/CEC, moderate P2O5, as well as low organic C and K2O. Soil fertility status on the entire sites were classified as low, which primarily caused by low soil organic C and K contents. In order to improve soil condition favorably for oil palm growth and development, further studies must be conducted using more direct approach, relating the oil palm requirement with current state of soil and land conditions.

Analisis Keberlanjutan Buah Naga Organik di Kabupaten Banyuwangi

Indonesia is a country with fertile soil conditions so that if it is planted it is easy to grow and there are also abundant natural resources, therefore the majority of Indonesian people are engaged in agriculture. One of the areas where the majority of farmers are engaged in agriculture, especially organic agriculture, is Banyuwangi Regency. The organic commodities produced by Banyuwangi Regency are organic rice and its derivative products, dragon fruit, guava, coffee and vegetables. The Department of Agriculture and Food of Banyuwangi Regency participated in the development of organic agriculture in 2012. The derivative product of organic agriculture in Banyuwangi Regency which is currently starting to develop into the export market is organic dragon fruit. Organic dragon fruit has been recognized as an organic product from the Seloliman Organic Certification Institute (LeSOS) in 2018. The methods used in this research are Multi Dimensional Scaling (MDS) and Multicriteria Policy (Multipol). The analysis uses 5 dimensions of sustainability (ecological dimensions, economic dimensions, social dimensions, institutional dimensions and technological dimensions). The results of the analysis of the sustainability status of organic dragon fruit are "quite sustainable" with a value of 59.93.

Residual Effect of Finely-Ground Biochar Inoculated with Bio-Fertilization Impact on Productivity in a Lentil–Maize Cropping System

Biochar fertilization improves soil fertility and carbon sequestration, implying agricultural and environmental advantages. The effect of different sized previously applied biochar and biofertilizer agents on succeeding crops remains poorly known for legume–cereal cropping cycles. This study compared different particle-sized biochar and biofertilizer strains applied to lentils for their residual impact on subsequent maize growth, nutrition, and soil fertility without further polluting the environment. Three particle sizes (&lt;2, 2–5, 5–10 mm) of Babul tree (Acacia arabica) wood biochar was obtained through grinding and sieving and applied prior to the lentil (first) crop at a rate of 500 g m−2. The commercial Rhizobium leguminosarum products Biozote-N and Rhizogold were inoculated to lentil seeds before sowing. The effect of biochar and biofertilizer agents on the succeeding maize (second) crops was evaluated for soil and crop performance. Findings revealed that particle sizes of &lt;2 mm biochar and Biozote-N inoculation enhanced plant height, leaf area and leaf area index, biological yield, and thousand grain weight of the subsequent maize crop. Maize grain yield was enhanced by 2.5%, tissue N uptake by 15%, nitrogen uptake efficiency by 17%, grain protein content by 15%, extractable P by 17%, and soil bulk density by 3% with a residual biochar particle size of &lt;2 mm and Biozote-N inoculation. It was concluded that the finely grounded (&lt;2 mm) biochar particle combined with inoculation of Biozote-N was superior to larger particle sizes for enhancing crop growth and improving soil fertility status at the residual level, benefiting the subsequent crop in a legume–cereal rotation system.