Low Humic Gley Soil Research Articles

Micronutrient Status in Commercial Sugarcane-growing Alfisols at <em>Sevanagala</em>, Sri Lanka

The continuous mono-culture cropping without organic matter addition could deplete the plant available micronutrient reserves in sugarcane-growing soils. This study attempted to investigate the current status of micronutrient availability in commercial sugarcanegrowing Alfisols at <em>Sevanagala</em>, Sri Lanka, and to assess the potential of these soils to become micronutrient deficient in the future. Sugarcane-growing Alfisols at <em>Sevanagala</em>, covering both irrigated and rain-fed cropping systems, and low humic gley (LHG) and reddish-brown earth (RBE) soils were included in this study. A stratified random sampling technique, covering both cropping systems and soil orders, was employed to obtain 263 samples. Soils were analyzed for available Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu contents using the standard DTPA procedure. Available Fe and Zn contents exhibited significant differences among cropping systems and soil orders. They were significantly higher under RBE soil (75 mg/kg and 1.1 mg/kg in Fe and Mn, respectively) when compared to those under LHG soil (43 mg/kg and 0.6 mg/kg in Fe and Mn, respectively). Available Fe and Mn contents were at sufficient levels for sugarcane in most soils. In contrast, Zn and Cu contents exhibited deficient patches (&lt; 0.1 mg/kg) within the cropping systems and great soil groups in the studied area. The results indicate that appropriate nutrient management practices are required to overcome Zn and Cu deficiencies in <em>Sevanagala</em> sugarcane-growing Alfisols and to mitigate any negative effects on crop yield and quality in the future.

Yield Response of Rice to Added Phosphorous and Potassium Fertilizer in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka

Purpose: Continuous application of Phosphorous (P) and Potassium (K) fertilizer over a long period in rice (Oryza sativa L) cultivation may lead to their accumulation in the soils. So, further addition of such fertilizers may be a waste in rice cultivation and also lead to environmental pollution. Thus, field experiments were carried out to study the yield response of rice to added P and K fertilizer under irrigated conditions in Low Humic Gley soils in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Research Method: For the P response study, an experiment was conducted over three consecutive seasons in a rice field where P fertilizer had not been applied for 10 years before the initiation of the experiment, and for the K response study, an experiment was conducted over two consecutive seasons in a rice field where recommended K fertilizer had been continuously applied before the initiation of the experiment. Data on grain yield and yield components, milling quality, important soil properties, and soil and plant P and K contents were recorded and analyzed statistically. Findings: Grain yield, yield components and milling quality of rice did not respond to added P fertilizer over three consecutive seasons in a rice field where P fertilizer had not been applied 10 years before the initiation of the experiment. Soil P analysis indicated that enough soil P was available to maintain an adequate plant P level so that application of P fertilizer in rice cultivation can be avoided at least for about 11½ years (10 years + three seasons) without affecting grain yield and milling quality in Low Humic Gley soils in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka while saving the cost for P fertilizer. The short-term response of grain yield in rice to added K fertilizer appeared dependent on the grain yield level obtained. No yield response of rice to added K was observed up to the yield level of about 4 t/ha. Thus, the application of K fertilizer can be avoided over two consecutive seasons without affecting grain yield in rice in Low Humic Gley soils in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka if the yield level is 4t/ha or lower. Research Limitation: Further studies at different locations in farmers’ fields are needed to confirm the applicability of the findings of the present study in farmers’ fields in the Dry Zone of Sri Lanka. Originality/ Value: Long term (over 11½ years) P response study in rice. Such a long-term P response study in rice has not been reported to date. The short-term K response in rice is dependent on the grain yield level achieved.

Effects of Environmental Factors and Infecting Trematodes on the Size and Inorganic Elements of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos Snails in Northeast Thailand.

Infection with the foodborne trematode, Opisthorchis viverrini, is a major public health issue in southeast Asia. The freshwater snail, Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, is an intermediate host of O. viverrini and other trematode species. Understanding the effects of environmental conditions and infecting trematodes on B.s. goniomphalos snails is thus crucial for the potential influences on trematode transmission. This study measured environmental variables of water and soil properties, and analyzed B.s. goniomphalos snails for their trematode infection, snail shell length, and inorganic elemental concentration, from 30 localities in northeast Thailand. The results showed that prevalence of trematode infection in B.s. goniomphalos was 3.82%. Nine types of trematode cercariae were identified, with virgulate type 1 as the most common (1.23%). Opisthorchis viverrini-infected snails were mostly found in low-humic gley soils in Sakon Nakhon Province, and were associated with water dissolved oxygen and soil pH. Compared with uninfected snails, larger sizes were observed in virgulate type 1 and pleurolophocerca-infected snails, whereas hypercalcification was noticed in virgulate type 1, virgulate type 3, and pleurolophocerca-infected snails. Infected snails were more sensitive toward environmental conditions, possibly because of the dynamic parasitic processes between trematodes and hosts. Among the environmental factors, soil texture (i.e., sand, silt, and clay compositions) exhibited more significant correlations with B.s. goniomphalos shell characteristics regardless of the trematode infection types. The findings of this study underscore the need to consider the effects of environmental conditions and trematode species-specific pathogenic processes for a more effective and sustainable parasitic control and prevention effort.

Variations in Soil Chemical Parameters of Long Term Sugarcane Growing Alfisols under Contrasting Cropping Conditions at Sevanagala, Sri Lanka

This study was conducted to determine the variability of soil pH, macronutrients and Na contents in long term sugarcanegrowing Alfisols at Sevanagala, South-East of Sri Lanka. The study site included the entire sugarcane-growing area covering its contrasting cropping systems namely, irrigated and rain-fed cultivation on low humic gley (LHG) and reddish brown earth (RBE) soils, and adjacent undisturbed soils. The mean pH of the two soil types was significantly different and ranged from 4.5 to 9.3. Except some soils under rain-fed cultivation with a pH less than 5.5 in RBE soil and a pH greater than 7.5 in LHG soils, pH in all other soils favoured sugarcane growth. Plant available P content of soils were not significantly different among cropping conditions due to its wide variation. In both cropping systems and soil types there were areas with very low to nondetectable P levels. Exchangeable K content was significantly different between LHG and RBE soils with the latter having a mean concentration of 257 mg/ kg that is favourable for sugarcane cultivation. Though, the mean values are higher than the optimum range, there were K deficient patches in the studied area. Soil exchangeable Ca, Mg and Na contents were low in the study area but were significantly higher in LHG soils than in RBE soils contributing to alkalinity in the former soils especially under rain-fed conditions. The sugarcane-growing soils except LHG under rain-fed conditions showed chemical properties similar to undisturbed soils in the area highlighting their buffered nature despite long-term sugarcane cultivation. This study also emphasised the need for site-specific soil fertility management strategies for the Sevanagala sugarcane growing areas.

Effects of Paddy Husk Biochar on Selected Physical and Chemical Properties of the Low Humic Gley Soil in the Low Country Wet Zone

Biochar made by pyrolysis of various types of biomass has been recognized in recent years as a potential soil amendment. Studies from different parts of the world using a variety of feedstock materials, process conditions and applications in different soil types have reported a diverse range of effects that are sometimes conflicting. Though paddy husk biochar (Kara dahayya) has been used in Sri Lankan paddy fields since ancient times, the actual outcome of this is uncertain owing to the limited number of research that have been carried out. This study focused on studying the effects of paddy husk biochar made by traditional methods, with and without other soil amendments such as compost, mineral fertilizers and their combinations on selected physical and chemical properties of Low Humic Gley soil used for paddy cultivation in the Low Country Wet Zone. A pot experiment was carried out from May to August 2015 with six treatments, namely; T1-Soil only (Control), T2-Soil+Paddy husk biochar, T3-Soil+Compost, T4-Soil+NPK(mineral fertilizer), T5- Soil+Compost+Paddy husk biochar and T6-Soil+NPK+Paddy husk biochar with four replicates for each treatment. The physical properties of soil were analyzed initially as well as at the end of the experiment, while soil chemical properties were analyzed once every 3 weeks during the study period. The results revealed that paddy husk biochar used in this experiment serve as both a soil fertilizer and as a soil conditioner in the test soil. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) revealed that the application of paddy husk biochar along with mineral fertilizer (T6) is the most effective treatment for this soil. This treatment recorded the highest porosity of 60.26% and the second lowest bulk density of 1.10 g/cm3. Also increasing trends in soil pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen and cation exchange capacity were observed in this treatment. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the application of paddy husk biochar along with recommended levels of mineral fertilizer is effective in improving certain properties of Low Humic Gley soil of the Low Country Wet Zone. Keywords: Paddy husk biochar, Low humic gley soil, Paddy cultivation, Soil physical and chemical properties, Soil amendments

Interspecific Differences of the Capacities on Excessive Soil Moisture Stress for Upland Crops in Converted Paddy Field

The interspecific estimation for tolerance capacities of upland crop species to excessive soil water stress in paddy field is significant in agricultural practices. Most of upland crops can be damaged by either excessive soil water or capillary rise of the water table during rainy season in paddy fields. The major objective of this study was to evaluate water stress of upland crops under different drainage classes in converted paddy field. This experiment was carried out in poorly drained soil (PDS) and imperfectly drained soil (IDS) of alluvial sloping area located at Toero-ri, Bubuk-myeon, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The soil was Gagog series, which was a member of the fine silty, mixed, nonacid, mesic family of Aeric Endoaquepts (Low Humic-Gley soils). Two drainage methods, namely under Open ditch drainage methods (ODM) and, Closed pipe drainage methods (PDM) were installed within 1-m position at the lower edge of the upper paddy fields. The results showed that sum of excess water days (SWD30), which was used to represent the moisture stress index, was 42 days (the lowest) in the PDM compared with 110 days in the ODM. Most of upland crops were more susceptible to excessive soil water during panicle initial stage on more PDS than on IDS. Yield of upland crops in the PDM was continuously increased by the rate of 15.1% on sorghum, 15.4% foxtail millet, 53.6% proso millet, 49.6% soybean and 47.9% adzuki bean as compared in the ODM. The capacity for tolerance by excessive soil water based on yield of each upland crop in the poorly drained sloping paddy fields was the order of sorghum, soybean, foxtail millet, proso millet and adzuki bean. Therefore, Sorghum is relatively tolerant to excessive soil water conditions and, may be grown successfully in converted paddy field.

Effects of soil type and fertilizer on As speciation in rice paddy contaminated with As-containing pesticide

Inorganic arsenic (As) pesticides have been widely used for decades in many countries. However, insufficient data are available on the chemical speciation of inorganic arsenicals in tropical paddy soils. Inorganic As-containing pesticides were used in tropical countries, a few decades ago, however, their fate have not been studied. Hence, the objective of this study was to determine fractionation of inorganic arsenicals and to assess As lability with/without fertilizer application using a static incubation experiment. Eight soils from wet and dry regions of Sri Lanka were amended with 1,000 mg/kg arsenate for this purpose. The FT-IR and XRF results suggested that soils in the wet region were rich in Fe/Al-oxides. Paddy soils in the dry zone showed high As lability. These low-humic gley soils have low Fe/Al oxyhydroxide and alkaline pH. In contrast, the wet zone had soils with higher As retention capacity, high amounts of Fe/Al oxyhydroxide, and acidic pH. Arsenic lability increased considerably 30 days after fertilizer application. Overall, As lability was mainly influenced by soil mineralogical and chemical properties, i.e., Fe/Al oxyhydroxide, pH, organic matter, and fertilizer application.

Resposta do arroz irrigado à adubação residual e aos níveis de adubação em solo de várzea

Informações sobre o efeito residual da adubação na produção de arroz irrigado em solos de várzeas no Brasil, são escassas. Conduziu-se um experimento de campo, durante três anos consecutivos, para se avaliar o efeito residual da adubação e de níveis de adubação aplicados no sulco de plantio sobre a produção de arroz irrigado em um solo Glei Pouco Húmico (Inseptissolo) de várzea, período em que a produção de matéria seca da parte aérea e de grãos foi significativamente afetada pela adubação no sulco e não pela adubação residual. As produções máximas de matéria seca e de grãos foram obtidas com o tratamento T7 (efeito residual da adubação média + adubo verde + 75 kg N ha-1, 90 kg P2O5 ha-1 e 60 kg K2O ha-1). O tratamento T4 (efeito residual da adubação média + 50 kg N ha-1, 60 kg P2O5 ha-1 e 40 kg K2O ha-1) não foi diferente significativamente em comparação com o tratamento T7; enquanto entre os componentes da produção o número de panículas por m² e o peso de 1.000 grãos foram significativamente afetados pelos tratamentos, por outro lado, a acumulação da maioria dos nutrientes na parte aérea e nos grãos foi significativamente afetada pelos tratamentos.

Avaliação de repolhos de verão na várzea do estado do Amazonas

Um experimento de campo foi conduzido na Embrapa Amazônia Ocidental, em Iranduba, AM, de setembro a dezembro de 1995, para avaliar nove cultivares de repolho de verão, entre comerciais (híbridos Master, Shutoku, Saikô, Sooshu - testemunha e a variedade de polinização aberta União) e experimentais (híbridos XPH - 5786, XPH - 5787, XPH - 5904 e XPH - 5909), nas condições do ecossistema de várzea (solo Gley Pouco Húmico). O delineamento experimental foi blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições. A parcela constituiu-se de quatro linhas de cinco plantas no espaçamento de 0,80 m x 0,40 m. Como fertilizantes foram utilizados apenas o bórax e a uréia, devido aos bons níveis naturais de outros nutrientes dos solos de várzea. As irrigações e os tratos culturais foram executados conforme as necessidades da cultura. Os maiores rendimentos por parcela foram dos híbridos Saikô (12,5 kg) e Sooshu (15,0 kg) e os menores do híbrido Master (7,0 kg) e da cv. União (6,0 kg). As cabeças mais pesadas foram as dos híbridos Sooshu (810,6 g), Shutoku (719,1 g) e Saikô (698,0 g). Destacaram-se como mais compactos os híbridos Saikô e Shutoku. As cabeças foram levemente achatadas para os híbridos Saikô e Shutoku, formato preferido comercialmente, e achatadas para o híbrido Sooshu; as demais cultivares produziram cabeças levemente alongadas. Para a profundidade do coração, (comprimento do coração/diâmetro longitudinal), apenas os híbridos Master e Shutoku tiveram valores depreciativos (0,62 e 0,64), respectivamente). Os híbridos Sooshu, Shutoku, Saikô e a cv. União foram os mais precoces e o híbrido XPH-5787 o mais tardio. Concluiu-se que o híbrido Saikô apresentou o conjunto mais consistente de características desejáveis, expressando boa adaptação às condições edafoclimáticas de várzea, podendo ser testado em níveis mais extensivos nesse ecossistema

Methane emission from plots with differences in fertilizer application in thai paddy fields

Abstract Methane emission rates from plots with differences in fertilizer application (no fertilizer: NF-, chemical fertilizer: CF-, and organic materials: OM-) in 3 typical Thai paddy fields (fresh water alluvial, acid sulfate, and low humic gley paddy fields) were measured every week throughout the rice-growing period. The CH4 emission rates from the NF- and CF-plots in the paddy field with acid sulfate soil were much lower than the CH4 emission rates from similar plots in other countries, while those from the paddy field with low humic gley soil were much higher. The CH4 emission rates from these plots in the paddy field with fresh water alluvial soil corresponded to the lower reported values. The CH4 emission rates from the OM-plots in Thailand were within the ranges of reported values or higher. Methane was mainly emitted in the first half of the growth period in Thailand irrespective of the plots, in contrast to reports stating that CH4 emission was higher in the second half of the growth period in ...

Lowland rice response to potassium fertilization and its effect on N and P uptake

Not much is known about the response of lowland rice to K fertilization under Brazilian conditions. A field experiment was conducted during four consecutive years to determine the response of three lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivars to K fertilization on a Low Humic Gley soil. In the first two years, K was broadcast at rates of 0, 42, 84, 126, and 168 kg K ha−1. In the last two years K rates were reduced to 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100 kg K ha−1 and applied in a band. Potassium significantly (P < 0.01) increased grain yields but the response varied from cultivar to cultivar and year to year. Yield responses to K fertilization were superimposed on a general trend of increasing grain yields across the four growing seasons. Mean grain yields increased 14.3% with broadcast application of K in the first two years and 10.4% with banded application of K in the last two years when compared to the control treatments. Extractable soil K increased with K application rate and decreased with soil depth. Potassium was rapidly removed from the soil and yearly broadcast or banded application of K can be expected to result in a significant increase in grain yield of lowland rice in these soils.

Behavior of phosphorus in paddy soils of Thailand

Abstract Analyses of the phosphorus content in soil and rice plant samples from paddy fields in Thailand showed that: 1. The contents of Org-P and Org-P/T-P v/ere very low, 69 μg/g and 19% on the average, respectively.2. Org-P contents were regulated by the T-P and T-C contents.3. The low content of Org-P and Org-P/T-P was attributed to the larger extent of mineralization of Org-P under submerged conditions and higher rate of decomposition of organic matter in the tropics compared with the conditions in the temperate region.4. The contents of available P differed remarkably between the soil groups and are highly correlated with the contents of Org-P as well as of Inorg-P.5. P concentration in rice plants was correlated with certain P test values which differed between the soil groups and corresponded to the Inorg-P contents. It appeared that Org-P is a less important source of available P in Thailand than in the temperate region.6. The content of available P in Fresh Water Alluvial soils and loamy Low Humic Gley soils depended more on the capacity factor of available soil P than on the intensity factor.

Effect of liming on dry matter yield of wheat in pots of low humic gley soil

This experiment was carried out with the aim of verifying the effect of liming on three wheat cultivars, IAC-5, Alondra and Anahuac, in lowland hydromorphic soils (Low Humic Gley) rich in organic matter. The treatments consisted of five levels of liming using two recommended methods. These treatments were: control without liming; liming by the aluminium method and 1/3, 2/3 and 4/3 of the liming recommended by the buffer method of Shoemaker, McLean and Pratt (SMP buffer method). Adequate levels of calcium and magnesium in the plants were obtained with higher doses of calcium than those indicated by the aluminium method. With the aid of curves adjusted to the experimental data it was verified that the maximum yields of dry matter of 15.86, 15.88 and 12.53 g/pot for the cultivars IAC-5, Alondra and Anahuac, respectively, occurred with higher quantities of calcium at 2/3 of liming indicated by the SMP method at pH 6.0 At this rate of liming aluminium levels in the soil were not totally neutralized and the levels of calcium and magnesium adequate for maximum yield were estimated in 4.6, 4.08 and 4.7 meq/100 g of soil. The results indicate that for Low Humic Gley soils with a high level of organic matter, the level exchangeable aluminium does not constitute an adequate criterion for indicating liming requirements for wheat.

Clay minerals in some upland soils from Thailand

Abstract The clay mineral composition of upland soils sampled from 15 sites belonging to various great soil groups in Thailand was studied. Mica clay mineral was the dominant mineral in addition to kaolinite in Alluvial Soil formed on the river levee of Kanchanaburi, Noncalcic Brown Soil of U-Thong Agric. Exp. Stn., Suphanburi and Red Brown Earth of Chatturat, Chaiyaphum. These soils had relatively high total potassium contents. Smectite was positively demonstrated in Grumusol of Phattanikom, Lopburi and Rendzina of Chai Badan, Lopburi, in both cases being derived from calcareous bed rocks. The materials were characterized by very high CEC values. Kaolinite was the principal detectable mineral in the clay fraction of the following soils: Low Humic Gley Soil of Maejo Agric. Exp. Stn., Chiangmai; Gray Podzolic Soil of Huaypon Agric. Exp. Stn., Rayong; Red Yellow Podzolic Soils of Nan Agric. Exp. Stn., Nan, Kangadai, Prachuabkirikan and Dochanipee, Chiang Saen; Reddish Brown Lateritic Soil of the Corn and So...

THE POTENTIAL FOR INCREASING FOREST PRODUCTIVITY

SUMMARY The short term solution to increasing forest productivity in Australia lies in rapid expansion of reforestation works: the problems involved here are in part social and economic. In the long run, biological problems may prove more important, and these are discussed with reference to (1) plant introduction and breeding, and (2) cultural measures, including fertilizing. Plant introduction trials may fail if the soil fertility factor is overlooked. This is illustrated by the introduction of hoop pine (Araucaria cunninghamii Ait.), a rainforest species, into the sclerophyll forest environment of the coastal lowlands of south Queensland. Utilization of poorly drained sites in this region would greatly increase its potential for forestry. The humic gley soils can produce high yields provided the trees can survive an intermittently high water table during the first few years. The low humic gley soils are less fertile, but should have considerable potential when planted to a suitable species and appropria...

The effect of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium on the growth, chemical composition, and symptoms of deficiency of white clover in a subtropical environment

The effect of the rates of application of sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, and calcium carbonate on growth, chemical composition, and visual symptoms of deficiency in Trifolium repens var. Irrigation White, grown in a low humic gley soil under subtropical conditions in Queensland, has been investigated. The surface soil is grossly deficient in phosphorus, potassium, and calcium and consists almost entirely of sand (92 per cent.). Additions of sodium phosphate, potassium chloride, and calcium carbonate each increased the yield of clover, increased the phosphorus, potassium, and calcium contents respectively, and conditioned the uptake of other nutrients. Plant material for chemical analyses consisted of petioles and leaves (less senescent and expanding leaves), harvested at the immediate pre-flowering stage of growth. Critical percentages for phosphorus, potassium, and calcium under these conditions were established at 0.23, 1.1, and 1.0 per cent. respectively. Visual symptoms of phosphorus, potassium, and calcium deficiencies are discussed in relation to yield and nutrient content. The sum of the equivalents of potassium, calcium, and magnesium is approximately constant. The mean value of 18 analyses covering all treatments was 136 m-equiv. per cent. with a range of 116-148.

Fragipan and Water-Table Relationships of Some Brown Podzolic and Low Humic-Gley Soils

Ground-water levels in relation to the fragipan were studied in Paxton, Scituate, and Ridgebury soils at two field sites in southeastern New Hampshire in 1956 and 1957. The first two series are Brown Podzolic soils and the last a Low Humic-Gley soil. Horizons of Scituate and Ridgebury soils at one of the sites were sampled for laboratory determination of particle size distribution, cation-exchange data, free iron content, and organic matter. Bulk density measurements were made of selected horizons, and thin sections for microscopic studies were prepared for parts of the fragipans. All three soils have coarse textures, low cation-exchange capacity, and low base status. Free iron oxides in the upper solum are lower in the Ridgebury than in the Scituate but the former has an appreciable concentration in the upper part of the fragipan. A mechanism is proposed for this concentration of iron oxides. Ground-water levels were measured in a number of access wells. These measurements indicate that the water table (1) remains in the upper solum of Ridgebury soils during the late fall, the winter, and most of the spring, (2) remains in the upper solum of the Scituate soils for short periods and in the lower solum for long periods, and (3) seldom rises above the fragipan in Paxton soils. Some of the factors affecting observed water tables are discussed.