Improve Soil Chemical Properties Research Articles

Improving soil chemical properties and okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) yield through complementary applications of biochar, and organic and inorganic fertilizers

In spite of okra’s importance to food security in developing countries, its production is limited by low soil nutrient and health status. A screenhouse study examined soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield under complementary application of biochar, organic and inorganic fertilizer in an Ultisol. The treatments comprised 5 kg soil each amended with 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t poultry manure compost (SPM) ha−1, urea at 56 kg N ha−1, urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t biochar ha−1, 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMB), urea (28 kg N ha−1) + 5 t ha−1 (2:1, PM: biochar) (SPMBF2). The treatments, replicated thrice, were arranged in a completely randomized design. There were two sets of plants terminated at 50% flowering (dry matter yield (DMY) and nutrient uptake) and at 10 wk post-planting for growth and yield determination. Results revealed that soil chemical properties, okra growth and yield increased responsively to the organic amendments. The SPM, followed by SPMB and SPMBF, enhanced soil pH (0.18–0.19 unit), total N (79–100%), organic carbon (75–100%), available P (55–58%) and exchangeable cations over the control and others (p < 0.05). These treatments also increased the plant’s agronomic parameters: plant height (10–19%), number of leaves, leave area (21–31%), stem girth (33–51%), DMY (59–67%), and tissue Ca, Mg and K. The SPMBF2 – treated soil had the highest fruit yield (45 g pot−1). Conclusively, sole and complementary applications of biochar and compost improved soil chemical properties, and okra growth and yields.

Aplikasi Formulasi Bahan Pembenah Tanah terhadap Beberapa Sifat Kimia Tanah Berpasir dan Produksi Tanaman Padi

Sandy soil is part of the soil fraction with low nutrient content, organic matter, and cation exchange capacity. This is due to the leaching process so that nutrients are easily lost. The research aimed to improve the chemical characteristics of sandy soil and rice crop production due to the application of humic acid and silica. This research used of Completely Randomized Design method using soil amendment materials, namely humic acid (A) at the of 60 kg/ha and silica (S) at the of 5 tons/ha consisting of 6 combinations of comparisons repeated 4 times. Variables of analysis parameters include pH, cation exchange capacity, organic matter, N-NH4+, N-NO3- and rice crop production. The data obtained were analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA). If the results showed a significant effect, it was continued with the Honestly Significant Difference (HSD) test at the 5% level. The results showed that the application of soil amendment in the from humic acid and silica with various treatments on sandy soil was only able to improve CEC by 3,18% and Organic-C by 0,08%. In contrast soil pH and N-available didn`t give significant results in improving soil chemical properties and rice crop production. It`s recommended to conduct further research on the dose used in soil amendments so that it can effect nitrogen parameters and rice crop production in sandy soil. Keywords: humic acid, silica, sandy soil

Short-term effect of no-tillage management on the chemical attributes and bacterial diversity in soils in an organic production system

No-tillage (NT) has been adopted in organic agriculture as an alternative to conventional tillage (CT) for improving soil conservation. Cover crops (CC) play a vital role in this process by providing straw and releasing nutrients into the soil. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of NT and CT management on the chemical properties and bacterial diversity of soil following the cultivation of diverse CC in an organic system. The experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with subdivided plots, wherein the plots represented CT and NT, and the subplots represented the diverse CC tested, including pearl millet, sunn hemp, jack bean, seed mixes 1 and 2 (containing 100 % and 50 % of the recommended seeding rates for each crop), and spontaneous plants. The evaluations were conducted one year after the experiment was conducted. The results demonstrated that NT promoted increases in soil magnesium, phosphorus, and organic carbon contents, including increased bacterial richness. Moreover, NT resulted in a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, GAL15, and Myxococcota. Conversely, CT favored a greater relative abundance of Actinobacteria, in addition to the members of Bacteroidetes. Regarding the influence of CC, no significant differences were observed in the diversity and structure of the bacterial communities, except for subgroup 17, which was more abundant in spontaneously grown plants. NT proved to be more effective than CT in improving soil chemical properties and bacterial diversity, implying its potential to contribute to sustainable agricultural systems.

Conservation agriculture works as a catalyst for sustainable sodic soil reclamation and enhances crop productivity and input use efficiency: A scientific inquiry

Soil sodicity is a growing concern for crop growth and development in arid and semi-arid regions of the world. Conservation agriculture (CA) provides an effective solution towards reclamation of degraded sodic lands and enhance the crop productivity. A field experiment was carried out to assess the sodic soil reclamation potential of CA based management practices including zero tillage, legume (mungbean; Mb) rotation, residue (+R) mulch, and subsurface drip irrigation (SDI) for three years under rice-wheat (RW) system. The system scenarios (Sc) comprised of multiple indicators to measure their impact on soil properties as well as system productivity, profitability, water and nitrogen use efficiency. The results indicated that soil pHs under Sc5-Sc8 (CA-based SDI scenarios) was significantly (p < 0.05) lowered by 2.16, 2.16 and 1.33% compare with mean of Sc1 and Sc2 (CT-based system; 9.10, 8.29 and 8.14) at all three soil layers (0-5, 5-15 and 15-30 cm), respectively. Similarly, the exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was lowered by 2.9, 11.2 and 14.9% under CA-based scenarios with residue management compared with CT-based system (mean of Sc1 and Sc2; 15.2, 17.2 and 28.6%) during the study. The concentration of extractable anions (COЗ2‾, HCOЗ‾, Cl‾) decreased notably whereas, soil organic carbon and soil solution cations (Na+, Ca2+, Mg2+) concentration were increased under CA based management SDI plots. In addition, CA with SDI scenarios (mean of Sc5-Sc8) proved to be more productive and water-efficient than CA-based flood irrigation (FI; mean of Sc3 and Sc4). Moreover, CA-based FI and SDI scenarios saved 29.5 and 60.7% irrigation water, and improved the partial factor productivity of nitrogen (PFPN) by 6.8 and 24.4%, respectively compared to CT-R (conventional tillage without residue) based Sc1. Therefore, CA practices can potentially reduce sodicity and improve soil chemical properties for profitable crop cultivation.

Soil physical, chemical and biological properties in Conilon coffee intercropping systems

ABSTRACT Shaded coffee systems may offer a series of benefits, however, studies on shaded cultivation of Conilon coffee crops are still scarce in the literature. This study aimed to evaluate the soil physical, chemical, and biological properties of two Conilon coffee intercropping systems from southeastern Brazil. Two commercial coffee crops – one shaded by macadamia trees and the other by green dwarf coconut trees – were evaluated according to three treatments: coffee plants in the inter-row of the tree species; coffee plants in the same row of the trees; and unshaded coffee. The experimental design was a completely randomized with four replicates. Coffee plants intercropped with macadamia trees, both intra- and inter-row, resulted in less soil compaction than unshaded systems. As for intercropping with green dwarf coconut trees, the unshaded system presented lower soil resistance to penetration. Differences in physical properties between treatments allow no inferences about intercropping systems influence on green coconut trees. Intercropped coffee improves soil chemical properties, resulting in greater soil fertility than unshaded systems, and showed greater soil organisms. These findings indicate that Conilon coffee-macadamia intercropped with tree species represents a promising alternative for sustainable soil management.

Comparative effects of humic acid and charcoal on soil, growth, and biomass properties of lupine (Lupinus albus L.)

Recently, charcoal and humic acid application in soils is a burgeoning area of research due to its profound impact on soil properties and crop yields. Charcoal contributes to improved soil structure, enhanced water-holding capacity, and increased carbon sequestration while humic acid, a component of organic matter, enhances nutrient retention and availability, fostering healthier plant growth and long-term soil health. The experiments were conducted on November 20, 2022, at Grdarasha Research Station, College of Agricultural Engineering Sciences, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Iraq. Two organic sources (humic acid and charcoal) were used to improve soil chemical properties, growth, and biomass characteristics of white lupines. Humic acid at the levels of (0, 10, and 15 g m-2), respectively along with 1 kg m-2 of charcoal. Results showed that essential elements and heavy metals in soil were increased and improved with adding humic acid and charcoal, and then well-affected root ability to uptake nutrients. The great values of germination rate, leaf number (LN), and fresh and dry shoot weights were found when charcoal was stirred to the soil (83.33%, 15.67 LN plant-1, 10.91, and 2.24 t ha-1), respectively. While the longest root length was recorded when humic acid applied at rate of 10 g m-2 (24.22 cm), it was true about the enhancement of cluster roots. Despite that, humic acid at the rate of 15 g m-2 caused to improve fresh and dry root and shoot weights, which were compared to control treatment. The final results indicated that by adding humic acid (H), and charcoal (CH) could improve soil chemical properties, and then may affect positively microorganisms, which can promote plant growth by transforming, solubilizing, and mobilizing soil nutrients. As well, lupinus seemed as phytoremediation (uptake) in case of some heavy metals.

Impact of bio-digestate and fertilization on the soil chemical properties, growth and yield of maize (Zea mays L.)

Recognizing the significance of maize cultivation, it is imperative to determine the appropriate levels of NPK fertilizer along with the supplementary inclusion of bio-digestate (an organic fertilizer), to achieve optimal soil chemical properties and crop yields. Hence, a field study was conducted in 2022 at the Teaching and Research Farm of Bowen University, Iwo, Osun State, Nigeria. The study evaluated the effects of bio-digestate fertilizer (D), applied alone and integrated with urea (N), single superphosphate (P) and muriate of potash fertilizers (K) at low (N1K1P1) and high (N2P2K2) rates on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize (Zea mays (L.). The treatments consisted of application of: D at 2500 L/ha alone, D + N1 P1 K1, D + N1 P1 K2, D + N1 P2 K1, D + N1 P2 K2, D + N2 P1 K1, D + N2 P1 K2, D + N2 P2 K1, D + N2 P2 K2, Control. N1 = 60 kg N/ha, N2 = 120 kg N/ha, P1 = 30 kg P2O5/ha, P2 = 60 kg P2O5/ha, K1 = 30 kg K/ha, K2 = 60 kg K/ha. The 10 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. Results showed that bio-digestate (D) fertilizer applied alone or integrated with NPK fertilizers improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize compared with the control. High rate of fertilizer DN2P2K2 increased soil chemical properties and growth parameters of maize relative to low rates DN1P1K1 whereas a higher yield was recorded at a low rate DN1P1K1 relative to a high rate of fertilizer DN2P2K2. Overall, the treatment DN1P1K1 demonstrated the highest grain yield. D alone increased shelled maize yield by 187.9 % relative to no application of any amendment (control), also integrating D with N1P1K1 (DN1P1K1) increased maize yield by 97.2% relative to D alone. Bio-digestate can be used for maize cultivation in lonely soil especially when integrated with NPK fertilizer. Therefore, to avoid waste of fertilizer due to cost and negative environmental effects of excessive fertilization, the lower rate of NPK fertilizer: N (60 kg N/ha), P (30 kg P2O5/ha), and K (30 kg K/ha) with 2500 L/ha of bio-digestate (DN1P1K1) is recommended for sustainable maize production.

Short Term Effect of Vermicompost on Soil Chemical Properties under Maize (Zea mays L.) Field in Northern Ethiopia

Aim: The application of vermicompost (VC) to improve soil chemical properties in area that have low soil fertility status is crucial. Thus, the present study was initiated to determine impact of vermicompost on selected soil physicochemical properties. Study Design: The experiment had 7 treatments arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with five replications. Place and Duration of the Study: Hence, a field experiment was carried out in 2018 main cropping season at farmer's field at Adiha village in Kolla Tembien district, Tigray, Ethiopia. Methodology: The treatments were 5 levels of VC (0, 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1), the recommended rate of N and P (46 N and 46 P2O5 kg ha-1), compost at rate of 10 t ha-1 and control. Surface soil samples were collected before planting and after maize harvesting at a depth of 0-30 cm to analyze selected soil chemical properties such as pH, extractable electric conductivity (ECe), cation exchange capacity (CEC), total nitrogen (TN), available P and exchangeable bases (K, Mg, Ca, and Na). Likewise, vermicompost and compost nutrient contents were also analyzed to know their nutrient composition. Results: Soil analysis results before sowing revealed that most of the soil chemical properties were rated as low. However, vermicompost application significantly (P≤0.05) improved the soil chemical properties. The studied soil chemical properties such as OC (1.33%), TN (0.13%), CEC (17.2 Cmol (+) kg-1), and available P (6 .38 mg kg-1) showed an improvement at VC 10 t ha-1rate as compared to the control which was respectively 0.65%, 0.04%, 7.4 Cmol(+)kg-1 and 2.45 mg kg-1. Conclusion: A significant (P≤0.05) increase in OC, TN and available P was observed with increased vermicompost rate under cultivated land.

Improvement of Soil Chemical Properties in Mature Oil Palm Plantations by Pruning and Immersing of Weeds as Cover Crops

Improvement of Soil Chemical Properties in Mature Oil Palm Plantations by Pruning and Immersing of Weeds as Cover Crops

Effect of long-term in-row branch covering on soil microorganisms in pear orchards.

Branches covering (BC) is a way to reuse the pruned branches and save the cost of ground cloth. This study investigated the effects of BC and ground-cloth covering on the soil microcosm environment by measuring the chemical properties and microbial communities at different soil depths for 6 years. The results revealed that BC significantly improved soil chemical properties, increased the abundance of bacterial microbial communities and the diversity and homogeneity of bacteria and fungi, while decreased the abundance of fungal microbial communities. There was a threshold value for the regulation of microbial communities by BC, which decreased the high-abundance communities (Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, etc.) and increased the low-abundance communities (Acidobacteriota, Basidiomycota, etc.). Fungi were more sensitive to BC than bacteria. The stability and homogeneity of microorganisms were stronger in the 15-25 cm soil layer. The bacterial phyla were dominated by Proteobacteria, with the top 10 phyla accounting for more than 80% of the relative abundance; the genera were dominated by MND1, with the top 10 genera accounting for about 10%. The fungal phyla were dominated by Ascomycota, with the top 10 phyla accounting for 50-90%; the genera were dominated by unidentified Pyronemataceae sp., with the top 10 genera accounting for 30-60%. The phyla that differed significantly between treatments were mainly Proteobacteria, Ascomycota, Acidobacteriota, and Basidiomycota. In addition, metabolism was the predominant function in bacteria, while Saprotroph was the predominant function in fungi. Bacteroidota correlated strongly with soil chemical properties and bacterial functions, while Chytridiomycota correlated strongly with soil chemical properties and Pathogen-Saprotroph-Symbiotroph. In conclusion, BC can improve soil nutrient content and optimize microbial community structure and function. Through initially assessing the effects of BC on soil nutrients and microorganisms in pear orchard rows, this study provides a reference for excavating key microorganisms and updating the soil row management model.

Impact of cellulose and lignin on restoration of vegetation and soil chemical properties for saline-alkali soil of songnen plain.

To explore the effects of cellulose and lignin on stimulating vegetation restoration and improving soil chemical properties in saline-alkali soil, a large area test was carried out, and 2 treatments were set up: T (cellulose and lignin+ Planted seeds) and CK (Planted seeds). In this study, the species, quantity, plant height, above-ground biomass, biodiversity of vegetation in the treated plots, the determination of soil chemical nutrient content, and the effect of cellulose and lignin on vegetation restoration in saline-alkali land were investigated. The results showed that: 1) Cellulose and lignin contributed to vegetation growth. Compared with CK treatment, plant height and aboveground biomass of T increased by 158.73% and 240.13%, respectively; 2) Cellulose and lignin improved soil structure, and soil porosity, and decreased soil compaction (21.95%); 3) Compared with CK treatment, T treatment decreased soil pH by 0.5 units, total salt content decreased by 30.95%, exchangeable Na+ decreased by 63.00%, and exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) decreased by 61.51%. Furthermore, cellulose and lignin effectively improved the physical and chemical properties of saline-alkali soil, promoted the recovery of ecological environment in saline-alkali soil, and improved regional biodiversity, which will provide new methods for soil remediation and improvement in saline-alkali areas.

Adaptation potential of Miscanthus in a solonetz agricultural landscape

The aim of the study was to assess the ecological adaptability of Miscanthus cv. Soranovsky to saline agricultural landscapes and the phytomeliorative effect of the plant on saline soils. Location and time of the study. The field experimental part of the research was carried out in 2018-2020 in the central forest-steppe in the Barabinsky agrolandscape region (Experimental Research Station of the Siberian Federal Center for Agrobiotechnologies). Methods. The common methods of field and vegetation experiments, chemical analysis of soils and plant samples were used in the study. Results. Miscanthus can grow on solonetzic soils, providing a biomass yield of up to 5 t/ha under dry growing season conditions. The removal of nutrients from the soil by the biomass of Miscanthus stems was found to be low (8.2 kg/ha of nitrogen, 1.4 kg/ha of phosphorus and 9.7 kg/ha of potassium per year) due to their annual reutilization into rhizomes. This fact allow to avoid the danger of soil depletion during long-term cultivation of crops. Growing Miscanthus on meadow-chernozem solonetz for an average of three years led to changes in soil properties such as a decrease in pH, and changes in salts chemistry in the soil solution, manifested as a decrease in sodium bicarbonate content. Conclusions. Miscanthus as a crop has wide adaptation capabilities in relation to the marginal lands of the solonetz zone of West Siberia. Miscanthus plantings have a beneficial environment-forming effect on solonetz soils, due to the enrichment of soils with mineral nutrition elements and improvement of soil chemical properties.

Improving soil fertility through dual inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and Rhizobium on a eutric cambisol cultivated with forage legumes in a semi-arid region

The Sub-Saharan region of southern Africa is characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, and poor land-use management practices such as continuous cropping without replenishment of soil nutrients. The combination of these factors has resulted in nutrient depletion and land degradation. The current study aimed at investigating the effect of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) and Rhizobium bacteria inoculation on soil chemical properties in field-grown forage legumes, namely, Mucuna pruriens (mucuna), Lablab purpureus (lablab) and Vigna unguiculata (cowpea), in the semi-arid region of the Eastern Cape Province (South Africa). Forage legumes were inoculated with the AMF species Paraglomus occulum and the Rhizobia bacteria species Bradyrhizobium strain and grown for 120 days. Soil samples were collected in the following sequence: prior to planting, before flowering and after harvesting the forage legumes in each of the two seasons (2017/2018 and 2018/2019) and soil chemical properties were determined using standard procedures. The results showed that the addition of dual inoculation over time greatly improved soil chemical properties when compared to the control treatment. This was advocated by the significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in soil pH, soil organic carbon, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium, potassium, magnesium, sodium, sulfur and iron in soils. The concentration of cation exchange capacity was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher in cowpea treated with Rhizobium as compared to other treatment combinations. The control treatment of mucuna forage greatly improved the concentrations of manganese, boron, copper, molybdenum, and zinc over other treatment combinations only before the flowering stage. However, the concentrations of micronutrients were significantly higher on the treatment combination of lablab and single inoculation of AMF after harvesting. Generally, dual inoculation with AMF and Rhizobia enhanced soil properties when compared to a single inoculation or untreated control.

Effect of Bio-Organomineral Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties and PB Content of Industrial Waste Polluted Soil

Rancaekek Sub-district is one of the agricultural centers in Bandung Regency, Indonesia, which is currently experiencing land conversion into an industrial area. The industrial activities produce waste containing heavy metal lead (Pb), which if not treated can pollute the soil and surrounding waters. Efforts to overcome soil pollution are through fertilization. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the dose and incubation time of Bio-organomineral fertilizer with Bacillus subtilis biological agent on improving soil chemical properties and reducing soil Pb levels. This study used a two-factor Factorial Randomized Block Design, namely the dose and incubation time of Bio-organomineral fertilizer. The results showed that the combination of Bio-organomineral fertilizer dose of 225 kg.ha-1 and an incubation time of 30 days was able to increase soil K-potential. The independent factor of Bio-organomineral fertilizer dose had a significant effect on increasing soil pH. The independent factor of incubation time had a significant effect on reducing soil Pb levels. In particular, there was an interaction between the dose and incubation time of Bio-organomineral fertilizer on soil K-potential.

Liming leads to changes in the physical properties of acidified forest soils

AbstractBackgroundForest liming is a common practice in many German forests, which aims primarily at improving soil chemical properties that have been negatively impacted by acid rain. Effects on physical functions have not yet been studied widely.AimsThe hypothesis of this study is that chemical changes after liming lead to changes in the physical properties of the humus layer and mineral soil.MethodsWe studied soil physical characteristics (water retention characteristics, air and water permeabilities, and conductivities) of limed and adjacent control plots of sandy to loamy, acidified soils under spruce and beech‐dominated stands.ResultsWe found differences between limed and control plots, especially in the humus layer and mineral top soil. Here, air capacity values (representing air‐filled macropores at −6 kPa) have experienced an increase, while available water capacities (representing the sum of dewatered mesopores between −6 and −1500 kPa) were reduced to a variable extent. These changes in pore size distributions affected gas diffusion as well as gas permeability positively. Unsaturated hydraulic conductivity was not affected. Below the top mineral soil, a tendency to a reduced macroporosity and gas permeability was observed, but no clear changes were detected.ConclusionsSmall but significant changes of soil physical properties and functions in the humus layer and top mineral soil are discussed to be an indirect effect of forest liming. Liming improves pH and nutrient availability, which in turn should have stimulated activity and abundance of soil fauna, especially earthworms. Where observed, their activity could explain the observed changes in soil physical properties. We believe that effects below the top soil might be due to mobilization and translocation of soil particles and a clogging of pores, but these depths were only studied at three plots. Compared to common liming practices, however, the investigated sites are characterized by significantly higher lime applications. The effects on practice liming areas in forestry praxis are therefore likely to be smaller than in this study.

Migration from inorganic to organic fertilization for a more sustainable oil palm agro-industry

The rapid growth in oil palm production has raised environmental concerns due to the massive discharge of liquid and solid waste. To address this issue, waste generated need to be optimized by composting and converting the waste into organic fertilizer. The practice of pure inorganic fertilization must also be discontinued due to the rising cost of imported fertilizers and their detrimental effect on the soil. Furthermore, several studies have established that recycling self-produced organic waste as fertilizer is an excellent method to achieve sustainability. Therefore, this study investigates a significant response to organic fertilization treatment. The bioorganic empty fruit bunch (EFB) compost was tested on Podzols soil (Typic Placorthods) in the nursery and in the young mature stage of the palm that was treated from the beginning of planting. The results showed that organic fertilization using low and high concentrations of fresh and composted EFB had a more significant effect on seedling growth. A high dose of composted EFB positively affected the N and K content of the leaf. Composted EFB had added value, especially in improving soil chemical properties and assimilation of N nutrients by oil palm seedlings, especially Podzols (Typic Placorthods). Pure inorganic fertilization on Podzols (Typic Placorthods) could not have been more practical due to inadequate nutrient uptake. Composted EFB had a positive effect superior that of the fresh EFB on the chemical composition of the soil, such as improving the saturation rate of the cation exchange capacity and the exchangeable K and Mg. Fresh EFB was good, but composted EFB was better for maintaining yield and less attractivity to Oryctes, which is essential in replanting.

Biochar Enhanced Chemical and Biological Properties of Contaminated Soils with Lead

Soil pollution has become a global problem due to the significant increase in the concentration of heavy elements. Lead is one of the most dangerous heavy elements cause damages to soil microorganisms and soil chemical properties. In this study the effect of adding of biochar (EFBB and WSB) with different addition rates (0%, 1% and 3%) in two soil textures (sandy loam, clay loam) contaminated with lead (500 ppm) were studies to approve the role of biochars on some soil chemical properties of soils and microorganisms activity. The results showed the amount of released CO2 has increased up to (127.6 and 123.2 mg CO2 100 g-1 soil) with addition rate (3%) of WSB and EFBB compared to control treatments (45.4 mg CO2 100 g-1 soil). This result indicated that the microorganism’s activity was enhanced with incubation periods in contaminated soils. It was noted that biochars improved soil chemical properties such as OM, OC, CEC, cations of positive elements such as Ca2+, Mg2+, and K+ and improved electrical conductivity EC. A larger surface area and the negative charges content as well as micro pores are made biochars more effective to adsorbed heavy metals, which allows reducing toxicity of lead in contaminated soil and making its environment more suitable for microorganism’s life with enhancing some soil chemical properties. Therefore, it is recommended to add biochar to contaminated soils and it could be an alternative to other treatments due to its low-cost.

Amended Crop Wastes Compost Affect Soil Chemical Properties and Yield of Maize (Zea mays L.) in Nigeria Savanna

Aims: To evaluate the efficacy of poultry droppings amended cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes, as a substitute for costly inorganic fertilizers on some soil properties and yield of maize.&#x0D; Study Design: Experiment was laid in randomized complete block design.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Two year field study was conducted at the Research Farm of the Cross River University of Technology during 2019 and 2020 cropping seasons.&#x0D; Methodology: Two compost types: cocoa pod husk and rice mill wastes both amended with poultry droppings at the ratio of 3:1 for cocoa pod husk + poultry droppings and rice mill waste + poultry droppings respectively. Each compost type was applied at rate of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 t ha-1 with absolute control (0 t ha-1 compost) and optimal control NPK 20.10.10 at 300 kg ha-1 making a total of 10 treatments replicated three times. The effect of the amendments were assessed on soil pH, OM, N, P, exch. Ca, K, Mg, EA, ECEC and maize yield.&#x0D; Results: The compost rates increased soil pH, OM, N, P and the exch. K, Ca, EA, and ECEC over the pre-treatment soils and the controls. Cocoa pod compost amendments with poultry droppings at rate of 7.5 t ha-1 produced highest plant dry matter 8.21gplant-1 and 8.08 gplant-1 in 2019 and 2020 (P = .05) respectively and the highest grain yield of 3.92 t ha-1 and 3.89 t ha-1 respectively in 2019 and 2020. The least grain yield was in the absolute control, which yield was 0.38t ha‑1 and 0.42 t ha-1, respectively in 2019 and 2020.&#x0D; Conclusion: Amended cocoa pod husk compost is a suitable soil amendment for optimum yield of maize and improvement of soil chemical properties in the study area and a substitute for mineral fertilizers for resource poor farmers.

Integrated soil fertility management using cocoa bean shells improves soil chemical properties, coconut yield and mitigates environmental pollution

One approach to sustain and intensify coconut production is nutrient cycling through an integrated soil fertility management strategy. This strategy may include transferring crop by-products from one farm commodity to another. One such promising by-products identified is cocoa bean shells (CBS), which is in abundance and could serve as an environmental pollutant at Bamiankor, which is a forest zone and an important area for coconut and cocoa productions, located in the Western region of Ghana. Following this, a 42-month integrated soil fertility management field study was conducted to assess improvements in selected soil chemical properties, coupled with vegetative, and reproductive parameters in a Sri Lankan Green Dwarf (SGD) coconut genotype under various fertilizer treatments. The treatments included: no-fertilizer control (CK), nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium (NPK) fertilizer, cocoa bean shells (CBS), and NPK+CBS, which were arranged in a randomized complete block design (RBCD) in three replications. There were appreciable increases in values of soil pH, total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), and available phosphorus (AP). Values in carbon to nitrogen (C:N) ratio after treatment with CBS, however, were significantly reduced. It was observed that collar girth from palms treated with NPK+CBS were significantly higher compared to other treatments. Similarly, number of leaves, percentage of palm inflorescence, and number of nut-load palm−1 year−1 were all significantly higher under NPK+CBS treated palms compared to the other treatments. In conclusion, CBS in combination with NPK fertilizer is recommended as a good strategy to intensify coconut production. However, for a long-term benefit, circularity, cleaner, and sustainable production, addition of sole CBS is advocated. Adoption of this management strategy will also potentially mitigate the negative environmental consequences associated with accumulation of CBS in studied area.

Long-term grazing improved soil chemical properties and benefited community traits under climatic influence in an alpine typical steppe

Grazing and climate change both contribute to diversity loss and productivity fluctuations. Sensitive climate conditions and long-term grazing activities have a profound influence on community change, particularly in high-altitude mountain grassland ecosystems. However, knowledge about the role of long-term continuous grazing management on diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms in fragile grassland ecosystems is still rudimentary. We conducted a long-term grazing experiment on an alpine typical steppe in the Qilian Mountains to assess effects of grazing intensity on soil, diversity, productivity and the regulation mechanisms. Plants and soil were sampled along grazing gradients at different distances from the pasture entrance (0, 0.3, 0.6, 0.9, 1.2 and 1.5 km) under the non-growing (WP) and the growing season grazing pasture (SAP). The results revealed that community diversity and biomass did not change significantly on a time scale, while the concentration of soil organic carbon and total phosphorus increased significantly. Heavy grazing (0–0.3 km) decreased community diversity and biomass. Grazing increased soil chemical properties in heavy grazed areas of WP, while the opposite was recorded in SAP. Soil chemical properties explained the largest variances in community diversity and community biomass. The prediction model indicates that grazing in WP mainly affects community diversity through soil chemical properties, and promotes a positive correlation between community diversity and community biomass; in SAP, the direct effect of grazing gradients on community diversity and biomass is the main pathway, but not eliminating the single positive relationship between diversity and biomass, which means that diversity can still be used as a potential resource to promote productivity improvement. Therefore, we should focus on the regulation of soil chemical properties in WP, such as the health and quality of soil, strengthening its ability to store water, sequester carbon and increase nutrients; focus on the management of livestock in SAP, including providing fertilizer and sowing to increase diversity and production in heavily grazed regions and reducing grazing pressure through regional rotational grazing. Ultimately, we call for strengthening the stability and sustainability of ecosystems through targeted and active human intervention in ecologically sensitive areas to cope with future grazing pressures and climate disturbances.