Improve Soil Chemical Properties Research Articles

Effectiveness of Biopelet Combination of Biochar, Chicken Manure and Fish Waste To Improvement of Chemical Properties of Sandy Soil and Soybean Plant Growth

Most of the activities of the use of organic fertilizers and natural additions of organic matter in agricultural intensification fields in Indonesia have not been able to compensate for the rate of decline in soil organic matter by the decomposition process. Biochar has high C levels and has The mean residence time (MRT) in long period in the soils. It was proven that biochar application may increase soil Carbon but has not been able to increase the production of plant. Therefore the use of biochar combined with organic waste rich in nutrients is important to be developed. The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of some biochar compositions with sugar cane, chicken manure, fish waste in the form of biopelet fertilizer on improving the chemical properties of sandy soils and the vegetative growth of soybean plants. This study used a Randomized Completely Block Design (RCBD) with 2 factors, namely: the first factor (B): the composition of Biochar consisted of 3 levels, namely: 1) 70% biochar, 15% chicken manure, 15% fish waste (B1), 2) 50 % biochar, 25% chicken manure, 25% fish waste (B2), 3) 20% biochar, 40% chicken manure, 40% fish waste and the second factor were (D): The dose of biopelet fertilizers, consists of 4 levels, namely: 1) Control (D0 ), 2) 2.5 tons.ha-1 (D1), 3) 5 tons.ha-1 (D2), 4) 10 tons.ha-1 (D3). The results showed that the addition of biopelet fertilizer can effectively improve soil chemical properties (pH, C-organic, and CEC) and the availability of NPK of the sandy soil. The effectiveness of increasing the N-total of soil varies by an average of 32.42 to 75.79%; followed by available P varies between 17.46 to 40.69%, and Kexch between 8.7 to 25.67%. Improvement of soil chemical properties and the availability of NPK by biopelet fertilizer applications could increase plant growth, but reduce the weight of root nodules.

Amelioration of actual acid sulfate soils to improve soil chemical properties and rice yields

This study aim was to determine the effectiveness of various types of ameliorant in improving soil chemical properties and rice yields in actual acid sulfate soils. The study was conducted in Tamban Baru Tengah village, Tamban Catur Subdistrict, Kapuas, Central Kalimantan, from April-September 2019. The research design used a Randomized Block Design with treatment (A1) 5 t ha−1 of lime given once at the beginning, (A2) 3 t ha−1 lime + 2 t ha−1 lime given at the rice age of 1 month, (A3) 3 t ha−1 lime + 2 t ha−1 ‘Porre’ organic fertilizer, (A4) 3 t ha−1 lime + 2 t ha−1 rice husk ask. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. Periodic soil observations included pH H2O, EC, SO4 2-, Fe2+ and Al3+, plant height, tillers number, and rice yields were observed. The results showed that the ameliorant treatment was able to reduce concentration of Fe2+ at planting from 6400 ppm to 1000-1500 ppm, SO4 2- from 8000 ppm to 2100 to 4300 ppm, Al3+ from 16.31 cmol(+) kg−1 to 5.2-6.7 cmol(+) kg−1. Lime combined with “Porre” organic fertilizer (A3) gave the highest rice yield (>17% higher than A1). The use of “Porre” organic fertilizer was able to reduce the use of lime in tidal swampland.

Addition of biochar to urea and urine fertilizer for improving soil chemical properties and maize yield in acid upland, East Lampung

Some studies have shown the ability of biochar in nutrient retention, including N such as urea and urine. The objective was to evaluate the effect of addition of biochar to urea/urine on the soil chemical properties and maize yield in acid upland East Lampung. The study was conducted at the Research station of Indonesian Soil Research Institute, East Lampung, from February to May 2016. The study used a randomized block design 4 replications, with treatments: 1) urea, 2) biochar (BC) + urea, 3) BC + urea (dissolved), 4) BC + urine and 5) urine. The parameters measured were soil chemical properties and maize yields. The results showed that the addition of biochar on urea and urine had soil chemical properties significantly better than without biochar. Urine could be applied with biochar. The highest dry grain was obtained from BC + urea (7.49 t ha−1) and dissolved BC + urea (7.15 t ha−1) compared to the others treatment (5.11 to 6.05 t ha−1). The application of BC + urine had a higher dry grain 12% compared to the urine without biochar treatment. Application of BC + urea, whether dissolved or not, is more effective to be applied in acid upland in East Lampung because it has soil chemical properties and yield better than BC + urine.

The response of saline-sodic soils to reclamation using biological and organic amendments under arid regions of Egypt

The study focused on investigating the contribution of reclamation strategies of saline-sodic soils and their impacts on soil fertility characteristics. In this study, the soil treatments were denoted as: SG1 and SG2 (23.8 and 47.7 ton/ha of spent grain); TC1 and TC2 (23.8 and 47.6 ton/ha of compost); Azospirillium in inoculation with seed and soil (Az); Az + SG1 (Az+SG1); Az + TC1 (Az+TC1); mineral fertilizers (NPK); and control (CK). All treatments were mixed in pots with 30 kg soil. The results showed that reclamation with Az and SG2 treatments significantly affected soil pH, EC, and macronutrients. In contrast, no significant (P > 0.05) effects were found with the two compost levels and NPK treatments. The salt contents were maximal in the control treatment, while decreased with Az, SG2, and Az+SG treatments. However, SG2 application decreased the soluble Na+ concentrations in soil solution. The effect of organic and biological reclamations on chemical properties was in the following order: Az+SG > SG2 > Az > TC2 > Az+M > SG1 > TC1 > NPK > CK. Moreover, it positively impacted the salt contents, which improved soil chemical properties in the saline-sodic soil after three months of seed sowing in the greenhouse.

Response of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi and Soil Chemical Properties to Brachiaria decumbens Grass Production Technologies

HIGHLIGHTS Brachiaria decumbens pasture associated with kudzu Pueraria phaseloides legume represents an alternative for higher arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Higher lime doses presented high rates of AMF and improved soil chemical properties (SCP). Higher lime doses were the most influential technological factor than the type of pasture and the N, P, K fertilizer sources on AMF.

Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve soil chemical properties, growth and symbiotic N2 -fixation in soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars under field condition with low phosphorus availability

Inoculation of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi improve soil chemical properties, growth and symbiotic N2 -fixation in soybean (Glycine max L.) cultivars under field condition with low phosphorus availability

PENGARUH KOMPOS JERAMI PADI PLUS TITHONIA DAN BIOCHAR TERHADAP SIFAT KIMIA TANAH SAWAH

The low level of soil fertility resulted in a decrease in productivity intensification of rice fields. One of the efforts conducted by farmers to improve fertility is the continuous application of synthetic fertilizer (PS). Intensive use made PS cause pollution and soil damage. This study was aimed to identification at the best combination the straw plus tithonia compost (J+T) and biochar to improve soil chemical properties intensification of rice fields, and then looked the effect of increasing compost (J+T) and biochar to soil chemical properties intensification of rice fields. This research was conducted in rice fields in Kuranji, Padang City, West Sumatera. The experimental design used a randomized complete block design. The treatments were 0% compost (J+T) and 0% biochar; 100% compost (J+T); 75% compost (J+T) and 25% biochar; 50% compost (J+T) and 50% biochar; 25% compost (J+T) and 75% biochar; 100% biochar. The results showed that the 25% compost (J+T) and 75% biochar was the best combination to improve soil chemical properties intensification of rice fields. The dosage increased soil pH by 6.30; Eh 65.00 mV; organic C 2.53%; organic M 4.35%; total N 0.93%; available P 26.00 ppm; CEC 40,48 cmol kg-1; exchangeable K 1.47 cmol kg-1; exchangeable Ca 1.06 cmol kg-1; exchangeable Na 0.67 cmol kg-1; and exchangeable Mg 0.57 cmol kg-1.

Assessment of selected soil chemical properties at different depths and altitudes for groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) production in Hakim Gara shrub land of Harari Region of eastern Ethiopia

Ethiopia has a huge potential for growing and exporting various low land oilseed crops like niger (noug), linseed, mustard, sesame, groundnut and safflower. Currently the present achievements are very low because of least share of land and input to these crops resulting in low production and productivity. The present study was conducted to assess the suitability of soil chemical properties at different depths and altitudes for production of low land oil seed crop groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) which is the major crop in HakimGara shrub land of Harari Region of eastern Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected along with altitudinal gradients of the land features between 2001 and 2113 meters above sea level at 0-20 cm and 20-40 cmdepths. There were decreasing trend recorded in soil organic matter, soil organic carbon, cation exchange capacity and total nitrogen i.e. 5.52 to 12.24, 3.20 to 7.10 %, 35.2 to 50.6 cmol(+)/kg and 0.1 to 0.8 %, respectively. However, slight increase in pH was recorded with increase in soil depth except for soil of upper altitude. Percent total nitrogen, cation exchange capacity and altitude were positively correlated with soil organic carbon. While pH and depth were negatively correlated with soil organic carbon. Thus, soil chemical properties are the most important management interventions that are to be addressed to increase the groundnut production capacity in Hakim Gara shrub land. Therefore, stakeholders should focus on management activities that improve soil chemical properties to boost groundnut production capacity of the soil in this region of Ethiopia.

Biochar as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer: Effects on soil chemical properties and maize growth in Ghana

Owing to the benefits of biochar in soil sustainability, this study considered the effect of applying rice husk biochar as a substitute for inorganic fertilizer on soil properties and maize growth in Ghana. Six treatments (comprising of five rice husk biochar rates and one rate of NPK inorganic fertilizer as control) with four replicates in a pot experiment and “Obaatanpa” maize variety were used for the study. Results showed that the incorporation of biochar increased soil pH, organic carbon and effective cation exchange capacity for the various treatments which were higher than NPK treatment. Generally, 50 t/ha biochar applied at the time of planting recorded the lowest soil chemical properties which resulted in reduced maize germination count and yield while 50 t/ha biochar applied 2 weeks before planting improved soil chemical properties. Biochar increased all soil chemical properties analyzed more than NPK except for available phosphorus and potassium, which are key nutrients for maize growth. The maize yield in the biochar treatments was significantly lower (by 300%) than the NPK treatment, suggesting that biochar application in the short term, although could increase soil chemical properties, does not translate into essential nutrients available for improving maize yield. Therefore, quantity and incubation time for rice husk biochar before planting has a significant impact on soil nutrient and yield of maize. Future studies should consider the application of biochar at a longer period before planting and in combination with inorganic fertilizer as a top dressing and residual biochar for maize production.

Effect of reductive soil disinfestation on the chemical and microbial characteristics of rhizosphere soils associated with Salvia miltiorrhiza production in three cropping systems

Pre-planting reductive soil disinfestation (RSD) has been shown to restructure soil microbial communities and suppress soil-borne diseases. However, the effect of RSD on soil chemical and microbial characteristics in different cropping systems has not been studied. We sampled rhizosphere soils of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a staple medicinal plant in China, from three cropping system: continuous cropping monoculture, rotation cropping monoculture with Platycodon grandiflorus, and intercropped with Paeonia lactiflora. In a pot experiment, rice straw was applied as amendment to these soils before irrigating to saturation and covering with plastic film to simulate RSD. Soil chemical and microbial properties, mycorrhizal colonization, were determined using chemical analyses and high-throughput sequencing, and the growth of seedlings of S. miltiorrhiza was evaluated. RSD significantly improved soil chemical properties, changed the microbial community composition and structure, increased microbial diversity, and facilitated seedling growth. The efficacy of RSD differed greatly among the three cropping systems. RSD performed better in rotation soils compared to the soils from continuous cropping and intercropping. RSD markedly decreased the relative abundance of pathogenic Fusarium genus in intercropping soils only. In conclusion, the effectiveness of RSD should be evaluated in the context of a specific cropping system.

Bay leaf essential oils inhibited microbial growth and exerted potential preservation effects on tofu

Cattle manure contains high organic matter, so that this material is commonly used as plant nutrients in a form of organic fertilizer. In order to get a better understanding on the use of cow manure, the objectives of this research are (1) to determine the influence of liquid waste and solid livestock as fertilizer on soil quality and (2) to study the effect of both liquid and solid fertilizer on coffee plant growth. In this research, Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed as a research design, while data analysis was conducted using ANOVA. The F statistical test was applied to measure whether all independent variables could influence the dependent variable by using 5% and 1% (Alpha) degrees. The results showed that one time application of livestock wastewater improved C-organic chemical properties, N, P, CEC, Ca and Mg while soil chemical properties of pH, K, Na decreased. Two times application of livestock liquid fertilizer treatment improved soil chemical properties pH, N total, Ca, Mg and saturation bases. As for solid waste, one time treatment increased chemical properties of pH, C organic, N total, Ca and saturation of the base. The two times treatment could improve soil chemical properties of pH, N. total, P, Ca, Mg, base number and base saturation. Liquid waste fertilizer also found to provide significant effect on plant height and coffee plants quality. Additionally, (3) solid waste (compost) was found to have a significant effect on plant height, plant height rate and number of buds.

The effects of livestock’s waste utilization as fertilizer on coffee plant’s growth

Cattle manure contains high organic matter, so that this material is commonly used as plant nutrients in a form of organic fertilizer. In order to get a better understanding on the use of cow manure, the objectives of this research are (1) to determine the influence of liquid waste and solid livestock as fertilizer on soil quality and (2) to study the effect of both liquid and solid fertilizer on coffee plant growth. In this research, Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed as a research design, while data analysis was conducted using ANOVA. The F statistical test was applied to measure whether all independent variables could influence the dependent variable by using 5% and 1% (Alpha) degrees. The results showed that one time application of livestock wastewater improved C-organic chemical properties, N, P, CEC, Ca and Mg while soil chemical properties of pH, K, Na decreased. Two times application of livestock liquid fertilizer treatment improved soil chemical properties pH, N total, Ca, Mg and saturation bases. As for solid waste, one time treatment increased chemical properties of pH, C organic, N total, Ca and saturation of the base. The two times treatment could improve soil chemical properties of pH, N. total, P, Ca, Mg, base number and base saturation. Liquid waste fertilizer also found to provide significant effect on plant height and coffee plants quality. Additionally, (3) solid waste (compost) was found to have a significant effect on plant height, plant height rate and number of buds.

Characterization of Biochars From Tropical Biomass

Tropical country has a large biomass provide from agricultural residue. The biomass has potential to be processed as biochar. In general, biochar can be utilized as soil amendment in order to increase the ability of soil to retain nutrients, reduce surface runoff, due to excess water, and adding biodiversity of soils that are very useful for plant growth. The biochar characteristics are strongly related to the feedstock types and also their pyrolysis method. This research aims to study the physical characteristics of tropical biochar and their potential suitability in soil improvement. The biochar was produced by slow pyrolysis method using a vertical bed kiln. The feedstock were 9 types of agricultural residue including: mango leaf, longan leaf, teak leaf, mango branch, longan branch, rubber branch, corncob, rice straw, and rice husk. Temperature of the pyrolisis process was in the range of 400 °C to 600 °C. The results indicated that the physical properties of feedstock affects the characteristics of biochar. The higher bulk density and fixed carbon value the greater yield of biochar. Compare to their raw materials, the average water content of biochar was reduced (0.2–3.85 %), while pH increased (7.06–9.9). The electrical conductivity in general also increased (0.11–2.9 ds.m-1 ). Bulk density changed, corncob, and branches materials decreased, while rice straw, rice husk and leaves materials increased. The water holding capacity was a fairly low number (4–20 %). Application of the utilized biochar as a soil amendment is to improve soil chemical properties (pH, electrical conductivity, and availability of N-P contents) and physical properties (bulk density, porosity, and water holding capacity). Application for different soil types requires different biochar characteristics, it is influenced by the type of raw material used, temperature, and combustion time.

Rice Straw and Titonia Compost Granular Formation to Improve Onion Production in Regosol

Utilization of granule compost from rice straw (JP) and titonia (T) as a nutrient enrichmen for Regosol. Regosol has low nutrient content, especially in macro nutrient then it important to incease nutrient content for Onion cultivation. This research aims to study the effect of application granular compost from rice straw and titonia to the chemical properties and onion production. The research was conducted at the Wire House and Soil Chemistry Laboratory, Faculty of Agriculture, Andalas University. The design used was a completely randomized design (CRD) consisting of 4 treatments and 3 replications. The level of granul compost is 0 ton / ha; 7.5 tons / ha; 15 ton / ha; and 22.5 ton / ha. The results showed that giving JP and T granule compost improved soil chemical properties such as C-organic, N-total, P-available and K-dd soil. Aplication granular compost 22.5 tons / ha increased wet weight, dry weight, number and diameter bulb.

Effectiveness of compost and vermicompost from market organic waste to improve soil chemical properties

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results of compost and vermicompost derived from market organic waste and its ability to improve soil chemical properties. Seven treatments consisted of treatments without organic matter (control), compost consisted of three treatments (2.5, 5, and 10 tons/ha), and vermicompost consisted of three treatments (2.5, 5, and 10 tons/ha). The treatments were arranged using a Completely Randomized Design with three replications. Each treatment was mixed with soil and incubated for eight weeks. After eight weeks the parameters observed consisted of total N, total P, available P, total K, Organic-C, and pH. The results showed a change in soil chemical content. The highest increase in soil chemical content was shown in the treatment of vermicompost. Application vermicompost 10 tons/ha had a significant influence on changes in soil pH, organic C, total P, available P, total K, and Compost 10 tons/ha increased total N. Vermicompost application of 10 tons/ha could increase total P (215.99%), available P (465.34%), total K (37.78%), pH (12.38%) and organic-C (40.34 %). Compost 10 tons/ha increases total N by (54%). Market organic waste effectively used as vermicompost and compost that could improve the soil’s chemical properties.

Higher NPK nutrients absorption due to the use of humic acid affects the growth and yield of baby corn applied with mungbean extract

This study aims to determine the growth and production of baby corn plants due to application of humic acid and mungbean sprouts extract. The study was conducted at the Teaching Farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, Hasanuddin University, Makassar from March to May 2018. This study used a factorial two-factor design that was arranged based on a randomized block design. The first factor was the application of humic acid consisted of control, 20, and 25 kg ha−1. While the second factor was the mungbean sprout extract concentration consisted of control, 5, 15, and 25 ppm. Each treatment was repeated 3 times, resulted in 36 experimental units. The results show that humic acid treatment can increase NPK uptake by corn plants and improve soil chemical properties. However, the two treatments had no significant effect on the growth and production of the baby corn plants. Application of 25 kg ha−1 humic acid and 25 ppm mungbean sprouts extract showed the best results on the parameters of the plant height (107.28 cm) and the highest number of leaves (15.56 leaves). Highest production per hectare was obtained both from the application of 20 kg ha−1 humic acid and 5 ppm of mungbean sprouts extract, and application of 25 kg ha−1 humic acid and with 15 ppm of mungbean sprout extract.

Application of geo-organo granule fertilizer derived from volcanic ash and tithonia on corn production at oxisols

Volcanic ash material (Vam) can cover the surface of the farming land post volcano eruption. The covering process could be advantageous for soil fertility if it is thin enough, but it can be destructive for the crops if it is thick. The purpose of this research was to study the effect of the application of Geo-organo granules from volcanic ash and Tithonia (Tt) for the production of Baby Corn in Oxisol. The pot experiments design with six treatments (1AV:1Tt; 1AV:2Tt; 1AV:3Tt; 1AV:4Tt; 1AV:0Tt; 0AV:1Tt)) three replications, and used Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The criteria test of compost standard used to test the benefit of these Geo-organo materials (PT Pusri, SNI, and Regulation from Agriculture Ministry, Republic of Indonesia). Corn growth was also measured for height and yield. Plant height and yield were analyzed using F-test and continued using HSD at a 5% level of significance. The results showed that Geo-organo granules be to improve soil chemical properties of Oxisol, and mass of cob of Baby corn.

Biochar Application Does Not Improve the Biochemical Properties of Ni Contaminated Soil

Waste disposal, metal plating, refineries, and mining operations frequently contaminate soils with nickel (Ni). We explored the effects of artificial Ni contamination (0, 56, and 180mg Ni kg-1) on the soil biochemical indices. The lab experiment also investigated the possible use of kunai grass (Imperata cylindrica) biochar at a 0.75% dry weight basis to alleviate contamination effects. The biochemical indices such as dehydrogenase enzyme activity, acid phosphatase enzyme activity, and soil respiration rates were monitored in three replications. High level of Ni (180mg kg-1) suppressed soil respiration rate by 37% and dehydrogenase activity by 62% up to 15 days. The acid phosphatase activity was not affected by Ni levels and was insensitive to Ni contamination. Biochar application to the Ni contaminated soil did not improve the soil's key biological properties. The beneficial effects of biochar could be limited to improvements in soil chemical properties and not on index biological properties.

Effects of straw decayed products of four crops on the amelioration of soil acidity and maize growth in two acidic Ultisols.

Variable charge soils have low agricultural productivity associated with low pH, low cation exchange capacity (CEC), and low pH buffering capacity (pHBC). As a result of rapid acidification rates, these soils are prone to infertility resulting from Al phytotoxicity and deficiency of P, Ca, Mg, and K, and thus require amendments that can ameliorate soil acidity and enhance soil CEC and pHBC. A 30-day pot experiment was carried out using a clay Ultisol and a sandy Ultisol amended with straw decayed products (SDPs) of peanut, pea, canola, and rice. The results showed that applying SDPs increased the soil CEC, organic matter content, and exchangeable base cations in the two Ultisols. The ameliorative effects of the SDPs were superior for the sandy Ultisol than for the clay Ultisol. The addition of SDPs significantly increased soil pH and pHBC of the two Ultisols, and simultaneously decreased soil exchangeable Al3+. Among them, the greatest effect was found in the treatment with pea straw decayed products (PeaSD). The soil pHs of clay Ultisol and sandy Ultisol treated with PeaSD were respectively 5.70 and 7.37 and were 1.26 and 2.63 pH units higher than those of control. Also, applying SDPs increased maize seedling biomass in both soils and the most significant effect was found in the treatment with PeaSD, which were 0.97 (clay Ultisol) and 2.5 (sandy Ultisol) times higher than in the respective controls. The results of this study demonstrated that carefully selected straws for SDP production can effectively improve soil chemical properties, enhanced soil pHBC, and thus promote agricultural sustainability.

Effects of Different Rates of Poultry Manure and Split Applications of Urea Fertilizer on Soil Chemical Properties, Growth, and Yield of Maize.

During integrated nutrient management involving poultry manure (PM) and urea fertilizer (UF) for maize (Zea mays L.), it is necessary to investigate the best time to apply UF that will optimize soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Hence, studies were carried out to investigate the effect of different rates of PM and single and split applications (SA) of UF on soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. The treatment involved three levels of PM (0.0, 4.0, and 8.0 t·ha−1) and four sets of periods of UF: (i) 0 kg N ha−1 (control), (ii) 120 kg N ha−1 applied at planting (AP), (iii) two SA of 120 kg N ha−1 (90 kg N ha−1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha−1 at thirty days after planting (DAP)), and (iv) three SA of 120 kg N ha−1 (60 kg N ha−1 applied AP + 30 kg N ha−1 thirty DAP + 30 kg N ha−1 at tasseling). The 12 treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design and replicated three times. PM and UF alone and integrating UF with PM improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize compared with the control. SA of UF three times (60 + 30 + 30) had the most improved soil chemical properties, growth, and yield of maize. Results also showed that maize yielded higher under UF integrated with PM compared with their sole forms. Application of 60 + 30+30 with 8 t ha−1PM (60 + 30+30 + 8 t ha−1PM) or with 4 t ha−1PM treatments showed the highest growth and yield of maize, but due to the bulkiness, handling challenges, and cost of PM, 60 + 30+30 + 4 t ha−1PM is recommended. Therefore, for better growth and yield of maize, after the initial application of PM, UF application should be split-applied in accordance with plant growth and the pattern of uptake to avoid losses by leaching and therefore ensured that N level in the soil is high at the critical stage of N demand.