Distribution Of Micronutrients Research Articles

The Distribution of Soil Micro-Nutrients and the Effects on Herbage Micro-Nutrient Uptake and Yield in Three Different Pasture Systems

Pasture micro-nutrient concentrations are often deficient for herbage productivity and the health of livestock. The aim of this study was to investigate soil and herbage micro-nutrient content and the effects on yield on the three pasture systems of the North Wyke Farm Platform (NWFP): high-sugar grass + legume mix minus nitrogen (N) fertilizer (blue/HSG + L); permanent pasture plus N fertilizer (green/P + N); high-sugar grass plus N fertilizer (red/HSG + N). The locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations had a greater slope and higher soil organic matter (SOM) content. Herbage micro-nutrient concentrations were often greater at the locations with high soil total micro-nutrient concentrations. The concentration and uptake of nearly all micro-nutrients was greatest in the herbage of the green/P + N system, which had the highest SOM content, whereas they were often lowest in the red/HSG + N system, which had the lowest SOM and the highest yield, indicating biomass dilution of micro-nutrients in the herbage. At the locations with high soil micro-nutrient concentrations, yield was higher than at locations with low micro-nutrient concentrations, and was equal across the three pasture systems, regardless of fertilizer N treatment. Variation in micro-nutrient uptake/yield in the blue grass–legume system was predominantly explained by the soil molybdenum (Mo) concentration, possibly relating to the requirement for Mo in biological nitrogen fixation. There was, therefore, a trade-off in ploughing and re-seeding for higher yield, with the maintenance of SOM being important for herbage micro-nutrient content.

Assessment of status and distribution of available micronutrients in soils under different land uses of savannah North Central Region of Nigeria

This study examines the availability of micronutrients under different land uses: natural vegetation, tree plantations (orange and cashew) and arable crops (maize and guinea corn). Available zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) were analysed in one hundred and fifty (150) randomly selected soil samples. Iron at the topsoil and subsoil under tree plantations and natural vegetation was rated marginal, under arable crops it was marginal at topsoil and deficient at subsoil. Available Mn and Zn at the topsoil and subsoil was adequate under all the land uses, with the exception of maize which fell under marginal ranking at topsoil. Copper was rated deficient under arable crops and orange, marginal under cashew, while natural vegetation was marginal at subsoil and adequate at topsoil. The results revealed that arable crops unlike tree plantations statistically differed on all occasions when their mean scores were compared with those of the natural vegetation. Copper-enriched inorganic fertilizers should be used by farmers. Monitoring of soil nutrients should be carried out regularly, in order to improve upon sustainable farming.

Large-extent spatial heterogeneity of soil bioavailable micronutrients and the relative roles of environmental indicators on them within maize fields

Soil bioavailable micronutrients have a significant impact on soil fertility, soil quality, maize production, and even environmental quality. However, minimal research has been conducted to characterize the spatial patterns of soil bioavailable micronutrients at the large spatial extent within the maize filed and to reveal the relative control of environmental factors on them at the global and local scale. In the study, topsoil samples (0–20 cm of plough depth, totaling 4,448) were collected from maize field to determine the spatial heterogeneity of soil bioavailable micronutrients including iron (Fe), manganese (Mn), copper (Cu), zinc (Zn) and boron (B), and to assess the relative effect of environmental indicators on them. Based on the 2-dimensional empirical mode decomposition (2D-EMD), the spatial pattern of micronutrients at the residues and their relationships with influencing indicators were explored. The results demonstrated that the distribution of Fe and Mn had the dominant longitudinal zonality, the distribution of Cu and Zn had the prominent vertical zonality, and the spatial characteristic of B did not exhibit any particular pattern at the large spatial extent. Based on the stepwise multivariate linear regression with the residues, environmental indicators had less global effect on the distribution of soil bioavailable micronutrients. However, based on the combination of geographically weighted regression (GWR) and 2D-EMD, environmental indicators had a good and significant interpretation on the dynamics of micronutrients bioavailability, which ranged from 53% to 75% in the study area. Specifically, the impact of environmental indicators on Fe, Mn, and Zn were greater, and the impact of human activities on B was greater. Our findings indicated that the local and scale effects on the soil available micronutrients should be integrated into the prediction methods, and the combined method of GWR and 2D-EMD would be a good choice for the high-quality digital mapping at large spatial extent.

Effect of Zn and sucrose supply on grain Zn, Fe and protein contents within wheat spike under detached-ear culture

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is one of most widely consumed cereal crops globally. More than two billion people are affected by nutritional deficiencies caused by zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) deficiency. Therefore, biofortification is a strategy supposed to be economical, sustainable and easily implemented to increase the micronutrient content in the crops. However, micronutrient distribution, especially Zn and Fe, within the spike has been rarely reported. For this, different concentrations of Zn (0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 μmol L–1) and sucrose (2%, 4%, 6%) were supplied at Zn concentrations of 30 and 90 μmol L–1 under detached-ear culture. The results showed that grain weight and grain Zn, Fe and protein contents were higher in superior grains than in inferior grains, and higher in central spikelets than in basal and apical spikelets. Zn supply significantly improved grain Zn, Fe and protein content. Increasing sucrose concentration at low and high Zn supply levels significantly increased grain weight, and grain Zn, Fe and protein contents. The percentage increase in dry weight and nutrient contents of superior and inferior grains was higher in central spikelets than in apical and basal spikelets. It is concluded that grain position significantly affected the grain weight and nutrient content, and these effects could be improved by application of Zn and sucrose. These findings suggest Zn and sucrose application for increasing mineral nutrients contents in wheat grain, and mechanisms of nutrient accumulation in relation to external sucrose and Zn supply should be elucidated in the future.

Effect of land-use change along\xa0altitudinal\xa0gradients on soil micronutrients in the mountain ecosystem of Indian (Eastern) Himalaya

Management of soil micronutrients for better crop production needs a sound understanding of their status and causes of variability. This is more relevant for acid soils of the mountain ecosystem of Eastern Himalaya (Northeast India). We assessed the status, and the effect of land uses along altitudinal gradients (14 to 4090 masl) on soil properties and micronutrient concentrations (DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn) across the region. Soils varied widely in micronutrient concentrations: Fe from 0.665 to 257.1 mg kg−1 while Mn, Cu, and Zn from traces to 93.4, 17.1, and 34.2 mg kg−1, respectively. On conversion of evergreen forests (EF) to upland agriculture (Shifting—SC and Settled—SA) and plantation (PH), Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations decreased significantly from 30.5, 1.74, and 2.13 mg kg−1 to 6.44–17.8, 0.68–0.81, and 1.06–1.42 mg kg−1, respectively. Grassland (GL) and lowland paddy (LP) had comparable Fe, Mn, and Cu concentrations (except Zn). Degradation of EF to scrubland (SL) recorded the lowest Mn (5.91 mg kg−1), Cu (0.59 mg kg−1), and Zn (0.68 mg kg−1) concentrations. Fe concentration was however increased in degraded SL (+ 73%) over EF (48.7 mg kg−1). The distribution of micronutrients among the land uses was inconsistent and followed the order: (i) Fe: SL > PH > LP > EF > GL > SC > SA, (ii) Mn: EF > GL > LP > PH > SC > SA > SL; (iii) Cu: EF > GL > LP > SC > SA = PH > SL; and (iv) Zn: GL > EF > LP > SC > SA > PH > SL. Four micronutrients responded differently and followed a non-linear, 6th—order polynomial trend along the altitudinal gradients (< 500 to 4100 masl). Peak concentrations of Fe, Mn, and Cu were recorded at 1001–2000 m while Zn was recorded at > 4000 masl. The variability (54–64%) in soil micronutrients was mainly controlled by three key soil properties: acidity, clay, and organic carbon contents. Thus, altitude-specific land-use management holds significance in the distribution of available soil micronutrients in hilly ecosystems.

Management zone delineation and spatial distribution of micronutrients in cold-arid region of India.

The plant health is governed by many factors: soil playing a central role which exhibits huge variability in its characteristics. Micronutrients even though needed in small quantities by plants play an indispensable role in affecting the crop growth and development. The assessment of spatial variability of different soil parameters is incumbent for tackling the loss of crop productivity on account of non-receipt of desirable inputs. The present investigation centered on the spatial distribution of soil parameters and micronutrients was conducted to delineate management zones (MZs) in cold arid region (Kargil) of India for proficient micronutrient management. Overall 454 georeferenced representative soil samples at the depths of 0-15 cm were garnered. The soil samples were processed and analyzed for different soil parameters encompassing pH, EC (electrical conductivity), SOC (soil organic carbon), and available micro-nutrient (iron, manganese, zinc, copper and nickel) concentrations. The distinct variation in the soil properties including micronutrients was identified with coefficient of variation ranging as low as 5.62% to moderate (21.16 to 42.49%) and as high as 159.63%. Semivariogram analysis and ordinary kriging of soil variables under study revealed diverse spatial distribution exhibiting medium to high spatial dependence in the region. PCA (principal component analysis) and K-means clustering were expended for the delineation of MZs. Four principal components (PCs) having eigen values > 1 and accounting for 70% of the total variation were subjected to further analysis. The five potential MZs were demarcated on the basis of K-means cluster performance index, and heterogeneity in parameters was discerned. The results of study corroborate that the spatial variability analysis of different soil parameters for delineation/identification of MZs might be effectually employed for site-specific micronutrient management.

Chemical and molecular scale speciation of copper, zinc, and boron in agricultural soils of the Canadian prairies

The general incidence of copper (Cu), zinc (Zn), and boron (B) deficiencies in soils of the Canadian prairies may be related to identifiable, highly variable, inherent soil attributes. The objective of this study was to investigate the variability of selected properties and their relationship with the bioavailability, forms, and distribution of Cu, Zn, and B in a range of prairie soils. The nature of these micronutrient distributions were evaluated by measuring extractable concentrations, supply rates, and by separation into various chemical pools through sequential extraction and spectroscopic speciation analyses. Soil pH was found to be the least variable property [coefficient of variation (CV) &lt; 13%], whereas carbonate content was the most variable (CV &gt; 130%). The Cu and B availability showed strong negative correlation with the sand content in all soils. Path coefficient results indicated that organic carbon had the highest positive direct effect on availability and supply of Cu and B in Grey soils. Extractable Zn was positively correlated with organic carbon content of Brown and Dark Brown soils. Overall, high sand content and low organic matter were identified as important soil properties contributing to the deficiency of Cu, Zn, and B. The major proportion of Cu, Zn, and B was found in the recalcitrant residual fraction (59%–88%), with the smallest proportions in labile soluble, exchangeable forms (2%–8%). The X-ray absorption near edge structure revealed that Cu and Zn associated with carbonate minerals were dominant forms of these micronutrients present in all soils. Chemisorption is likely a major process regulating the bioavailability of Cu and Zn in prairie soils.

Effect of Climate and Soil Development on the Quantity and Chemical Forms Distribution of Iron, Copper, Zinc and Manganese Micronutrients in the Dominant Soil Orders of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province

Effect of Climate and Soil Development on the Quantity and Chemical Forms Distribution of Iron, Copper, Zinc and Manganese Micronutrients in the Dominant Soil Orders of Kohgiluyeh and Boyerahmad Province

Assessment of soil micronutrient level for vineyard production in southern Syria

Availability of micronutrients is one of the important factors for the successful and economic cultivation of vineyards. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the spatial distribution of soil micronutrients (Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B) and their suitability for vineyard cultivation in Jabal Al Arab of Syria. To achieve the research objectives, soil samples were collected randomly from vineyard farms which cover the study area. Following this, soil analyses were conducted to determine the concentration of soil micronutrients. Results showed that soil micronutrient concentrations did not reach the minimum threshold for vineyard cultivation with 1.1, 12.06, 11.2, 2.6 and 0.3 ppm for Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B, respectively. Furthermore, spatial distribution showed that 63%, 39%, 34%, 76% and 74% of the study area was affected by severe deficiency of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn, B respectively.

Micronutrient status and associated factors of adiposity in primary school children with normal and high body fat in Colombo municipal area, Sri Lanka

BackgroundThe prevalence of obesity and associated risk of chronic diseases are increasing among the paediatric population. The effectiveness of preventive measures and interventions are likely to improve when all factors which associate with obesity in a specific target group are considered. Currently such comprehensive data is unavailable for Sri Lankan children aged 8–9 years.MethodsThis paper pertains to the data collected from August-2015 to November-2016 for a case-control study which included cases (high body fat) (N = 160; males-81) and controls (normal body fat) (N = 164; males-80) recruited from primary schools in the Colombo Municipal area. Anthropometry and body composition (Bioelectrical impedance analysis-BIA) were measured. Diet, physical activity and socio-demographic data were collected using validated interviewer administered questionnaires. Serum concentrations of vitamins A, D [25(OH)D], E, folate (serum and red blood cell-RBC), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), chromium (Cr), manganese (Mn), cobalt (Co), ferritin, leptin and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) were assessed using fasting blood samples.ResultsCases were from higher socio-economic strata and spent significantly less time on physical activities, more time on sedentary behaviours and consumed higher energy compared to the controls. Cases from both genders had significantly lower levels of vitamin D [25 (OH)D], Fe and Mg (all p < 0.05) and higher levels of Cu and Ca (all p < 0.01) compared to controls. Higher levels of ferritin and Cr were seen among male (p < 0.001) and female (p > 0.05) cases compared to the controls. However, total serum folate levels were lower in male (p < 0.01) and female (p > 0.05) cases while the RBC folate levels were higher among male (p < 0.01) and female (p > 0.05) cases compared with controls. Vitamins A, E, Se, Mn and Co (p > 0.05) were not significantly different between groups. The inflammatory markers, both hs-CRP and leptin levels were higher among cases (p < 0.001) compared to the controls.ConclusionsThis study highlights higher socio-economic status, lower physical activity, more sedentary behaviours, higher energy intake and inconsistent distribution of micronutrients among the children with high body fat when compared with the control group. Increased levels of inflammatory markers indicate the presence of the risk of chronic inflammation in children with high body fat.

Impact of different altitudes on distribution of micro-nutrients under different land use systems of district Kupwara

In order to study the “Distribution of Micro-nutrients at Different Altitudes Under Different Land Use Systems in district Kupwara” soil samples from four land uses of high, mid and low altitude areas of Kupwara were collected up to a depth of 0-20 cm. The soil samples were studied for various physico-chemical properties and micro-nutrient status. The study revealed that texture of soils ranged between clay Loam, Silty clay loam to sandy loam. The soils were slightly acidic to slightly alkaline in reaction with normal electrical conductivity. Bulk density and Particle density were decreasing with altitude increase. The organic carbon content was medium to high with higher amount in soils of high altitude. The pH, electrical conductivity, calcium carbonate, cation exchange capacity and organic carbon varied significantly with altitude. The DTPA-extractable zinc, copper, manganese and iron ranged from 0.81-2.87, 0.54-2.72, 5.75-50.2 and 21.78-53.43 ppm, respectively. The micro-nutrient status under study was almost medium to high and showed linear increasing trend with increase in altitude. All available micronutrients in soils exhibited significant differences with altitude. The correlation studies revealed that organic carbon showed positive and significant relationship with available micronutrients viz zinc, copper, iron and manganese. The pH and EC exhibited significant and negative relationship with available zinc, copper, manganese and iron. The calcium carbonate showed significant and negative correlation with available micronutrients. The OC and CEC content revealed significant and positive relationship with available micronutrients. These properties affect the availability of micronutrients in the soil.

Accumulation and distribution of micronutrients in banana cv. Williams (Musa AAA Simmonds) with different doses of nitrogen

This research evaluated the effect of nitrogen fertilization (0, 161, 321.8, or 483 kg ha-1) on the accumulation of Fe, Cu, Zn, Mn, and B in banana plants cv. Williams in two production cycles in Uraba, Colombia. The micronutrient accumulation models for the plants were obtained with a multivariate approach for differences between cycles, using a randomized complete block design with repeated measurements over time. The N doses with greater accumulation of Cu, Fe, Mn, Zn and B in the plants with fruits were 321.8 and 483 kg ha-1. The average sequence of micronutrient extraction by whole plants was Fe&gt;Mn≥Zn&gt;B&gt;Cu in the first cycle and Fe&gt;Cu&gt;Mn≥Zn&gt;B in the second cycle. The micronutrient accumulation was organ-specific and varied depending on the stage of development. Fe was the major micronutrient extracted by the corm, pseudostem, and bunch. The leaves had the greatest accumulation of Mn. The higher fertilizer doses generated a major response in terms of micronutrient extraction by the banana plants.

Content and distribution of micronutrients in calendula (Calendula officinalis) grown in Valle del Cauca, Colombia

Calendula productivity depends on the nutritional demands of the crop. Knowledge of the nutritional requirements of calendula at its different phenological stages will allow the producer to improve fertilization programs. The objective of this research was to evaluate the content and distribution of essential micronutrients and beneficial elements in different organs and stages of development of calendula under field conditions. An experiment was set up in the municipality of Yumbo, in the Department of Valle del Cauca in Colombia, using a completely randomized design with five treatments related to the stage of development of the plants (2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 months after transplanting). Each treatment had three replicates. Leaves, stems, flowers and seeds were collected every month after transplanting to analyze the concentrations of Mn, Fe, Zn, Cu, B, and Na. The concentration of nutrients differed significantly between organs and stages of development. Calendula accumulated nutrients in descending order (from highest to lowest) as follows: Na&gt;Fe&gt;Mn&gt;B&gt;Zn&gt;Cu. The highest concentrations of Na, Mn, Zn, B and Cu were found in the leaves and of Fe in the flowers. Among the phenological stages, the highest values of Na were recorded in the second and sixth months, B and Fe in the fifth month, Cu and Zn in the third month, and Mn in the third and fifth months. Thus, the stages and organs on the plant with the greatest nutrient accumulation were identified.

Assessment and mapping of available soil nutrients using gis for nutrient management in hot arid regions of North-Western India

Soil fertility assessment and mapping for hot arid regions of Thar Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan was carried out and on the basis of fertility ratings the soils were classified as low, medium and high. In the present assessment a systematic set of 5655 soil samples across the land use systems viz., rainfed croplands, irrigated croplands and rangelands covering 12 districts of hot arid Rajasthan were collected using global positioning system (GPS). The soil samples were analyzed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available phosphorus (P), potassium (K), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu) and manganese (Mn). Results of the soil analysis revealed that OC is low throughout the region, while available P was low to medium, but generally medium to high in available K. Among the micronutrients, Cu and Mn were adequately supplied in most areas, but Zn and Fe were inadequate in large parts. The spatial variability of OC and available plant nutrients viz., P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn in hot arid regions of Rajasthan across the land uses in region, has been mapped in a geographic information system (GIS), and their adequacy determined as per the criteria followed in the soil testing laboratories. Spatial distribution maps indicated that about 99.4, 48.7, 11.0, 56.1 and 41.0% of the area are under low availability class for OC, P, K, Zn and Fe, respectively. Present study also showed that the hot arid regions of India not only deficient in individual nutrients but they also suffer from multi-nutrients deficiencies which warrants attention for soil test based integrated plant nutrition system. The wide spread deficiencies of P, Fe and Zn were most revealing; their deficiencies varies with topography, soil type and land management practices. Irrigated croplands were better endowed than other land uses in respect of OC, P, Zn and Cu; rangelands in respect of K and Fe, and rainfed croplands in respect of Mn. With use of information technology tools like GIS and GPS helps in generation of spatial data/maps on distribution of available plant nutrients with which we can precisely use the required input at right place (location specific application of inputs). Information on spatial distribution of available micronutrients enables grouping of the soils into homogenous units for better nutrient management.

Distribution of cationic micronutrients in relation to different soil properties and fractions of phosphorus in coastal soils of West Bengal

This study aims to establish the relationships between cationic micronutrients and soil properties in 52 surface soils (0-15 cm) collected from coastal areas of West Bengal, India. The initial status of cationic micronutrients and their relationship with soil properties were also studied. The DTPA-extractable micronutrients namely, zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) ranged from 0.03-2.65, 5.59-68.4, 10.8-49.9 and 0.69-3.71 mg kg-1 with mean values of 0.65, 27.3, 33.7 and 1.71 mg kg-1, respectively. Different soil properties namely, pH, organic carbon (OC), electric conductivity (EC), cation exchange capacity (CEC), Olsen-P and different inorganic phosphorus (P) fractions were determined. Results showed a significant negative correlations between pH and Zn, Fe, Mn and Cu, whereas OC showed positive and significant correlations with Zn, Fe and Cu and non-significant positive correlations with Mn. The EC showed the non-significant negative correlations with Fe and Cu and non-significant positive correlation with Zn and Mn. Olsen-P showed the non-significant positive correlations with Zn, Fe and Cu and non-significant negative correlations with Mn. Results also revealed that CEC and EC enhanced the loosely bound-P explaining 47% of total variability. Loosely bound-P and reductant soluble-P showed the significant negative correlations with all the micronutrients. However, Al-P showed the significant positive correlations with Zn, Fe and Cu.

ECOLOGICAL AND GEOCHEMICAL ESTIMATION OF THE SPREADING OF TECHNOGENIC ELEMENTS IN THE TERRITORY OF KIVERTSIV NATIONAL NATURAL PARK "TSUMANSKA PUSHCHA"

Analysis of heavy metals content in the soils of the territory showed its heterogeneous distribution and dependence on available sources of technogenic impact. Geochemical accumulation coefficients were calculated and analyzed. The highest concentrations of manganese and chromium are in soils developed on forest deposits. The highest concentrations of nickel and copper are in soils developed on water-glacial deposits. Most of the studied heavy metals exceed the regional geochemical background. In terms of gross content in soils, trace elements form the following geochemical series: Zn&gt; Cu&gt; Pb&gt; Ni&gt; Mn&gt; Cr. Accumulation of lead in forest deposits up to 2-3 MPC was defined. Most heavy metals in the soil are nonuniformity distributed. High values of the variation coefficient (V) – more than 34 % – are typical for inhomogeneous set of data on the concentrations of all investigated heavy metals. The highest index of variation was defined for lead concentration and equal to 170%, the lowest values were obtained for chromium content and equal to 34 % and zinc – 36 %. In the investigated soils there are two types of micronutrient distribution: elements accumulation in organic horizons with concentration decrease in the lower part of the profile and distribution by sedentary – illuvial type. The first type is characterized by increasing distribution of the following elements Zn, Pb; the second one is characterized Co, Ni, Cu, Mn. The ecological and geochemical assessment of technogenic elements distribution of the NNP Tsumanska Pushcha territory is made on the basis of the comparison of technogenic geochemical specialization of different environments (water, soils, etc.). For assessing the role of landscape components in the general geochemical anomaly of the territory, it is proposed to create total ecological and geochemical estimations. It represents the total values of pollutant concentration coefficients in individual components. Further researchers should focus on the analysis of macronutrients and genetic types of soils; determination of the reference content of elements in geochemical landscapes for defining intensity migration and characteristics of elements distribution; conducting biogeochemical zoning.

Minerals in Pregnancy and Their Impact on Child Growth and Development.

During pregnancy, women undergo metabolic and physiological changes, and their needs are higher, to maintain growth and development of the fetus. If the nutritional status of the expectant mother is not satisfactory, some maternal and neonatal complications can occur. In the second and third trimester of pregnancy, there is a reserve of nutrients in the fetus that can be utilized after birth; thereby, children present an accelerated growth in the first years of life, which is a proven response to the available nutrition pattern. However, if such a pattern is insufficient, there will be deficits during development, including brain function. Therefore, despite many recent published works about gestational nutrition, uncertainties still remain on the mechanisms of absorption, distribution, and excretion of micronutrients. Further elucidation is needed to better understand the impacts caused either by deficiency or excess of some micronutrients. Thus, to illustrate the contributions of minerals during prenatal development and in children, iodine, selenium, iron, zinc, calcium, and magnesium were selected. Our study sought to review the consequences related to gestational deficiency of the referred minerals and their impact on growth and development in children born from mothers with such deficiencies

Conservation Tillage, Residue Management, and Crop Rotation Effects on Soil Major and Micro-nutrients in Semi-arid Vertisols of India

Due to declining soil quality and increasing climate change, resource conservation technologies are often advocated for the food production system. Conservation agriculture (CA) is one of the technologies that increase soil nutrient status without jeopardizing the soil health and quality. The effects of conservation tillage, residue retention, and cropping systems on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties within the irrigated agricultural system are well established. However, scanty information is available on the combined impact of tillage, residue, and cropping system available on the major and micro-nutrient in the rainfed farming systems. Thus, a field experiment was conducted to measure the short-term effect of CA practices on soil properties and major (N, P, and K) and micro (Fe, Mn, Zn, and Cu)-nutrients in a Vertisol of Central India. The field experiment was laid out in a split-plot design consisting of two tillage systems (TS), conventional tillage (CT) and reduced tillage (RT), as the main plots and six cropping systems (CS) as subplots. A total of 144 soil samples were collected after four crop cycles to assess soil properties and nutrient (major and micro-nutrient) status. Results demonstrated that in the surface soil layer (0–5 cm), the major and micro-nutrient concentrations were higher than subsurface layers, regardless of TS and CS. In the surface soils, soil organic carbon (SOC) varied from 0.58 to 0.60% under CT and from 0.60 to 0.62% under RT. Tillage and cropping systems had a significant effect (p < 0.05) on major available nutrients (N, P, and K) at 0–5-cm depth. The DTPA extractable Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn concentrations exhibited decreasing trends with increasing depth. At 0–5-cm depth, the DTPA-Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn under CT varied from 7.56 to 9.58 mg kg−1, 15.04 to 15.91 mg kg−1, 1.37 to 1.80 mg kg−1, and 0.57 to 0.62 mg kg−1 and under RT varied from 8.25 to 11.16 mg kg−1, 15.65 to 17.73 mg kg−1, 1.54 to 1.80 mg kg−1, and 0.59 to 0.67 mg kg−1, respectively. We concluded that RT practices, coupled with crop residue retention, positively affected major and micro-nutrient distribution and availability in this soil. Results highlight the importance of nutrient dynamics under different tillage and cropping systems and thus improve the nutrient recommendation in the semi-arid eco-region of Central India.

Block Wise Spatial Distribution and Mapping of Cationic Micronutrients in Soils of Jhargram District of West Bengal

Aims: This investigation is aimed to conduct a delineation study to know the spatial distribution of available cationic micronutrients (Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn) in red and lateritic soils of Jhargram district of West Bengal and their relationship with soil chemical properties.&#x0D; Study Design: Spatial distribution.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Geo-referenced 253 surface soil (0-15 cm depth) samples were collected from eight blocks (Gopiballavpur- 1, Gopiballavpur- 2, Nayagram, Jhargram, Sankrail, Jambani, Binpur- 2 and Binpur- 1) of Jhargram district of West Bengal, India during 2017- 2018.&#x0D; Methodology: Grid based detailed block wise soil sampling has been carried out in long term crop growing fields of Jhargram district of West Bengal.The collected soil samples were analyzed and their cationic micronutrient status were depicted through nutrient index and fertility maps. Geographical information system (GIS) is an important tool to identify the risk areas. In our study Arc Info GIS has been used to prepare the spatial distribution maps of available cationic micronutrients and soil chemical properties (pH and organic carbon) of different blocks of this district.&#x0D; Results: The pH, organic carbon content, available Zinc, Copper, Iron and Manganese content in soils were in the range of 3.68-7.6, 0.15-2.01 (%), 0.56-5.52, 2.4-11.76, 31.6-208.4 and 6.32-99.74 mg kg-1, respectively, with the mean value of 4.97,0.64 (%),2.21, 5.75, 114.68 and 41.87 mg kg-1 respectively. The lowest zinc content has been recorded from the soils of Gopiballavpur- 2 block.&#x0D; Conclusion: The calculated NIV and spatial distribution maps clearly indicated that there is no deficiency of Iron, Manganese and Copper in this region. Zinc status did not resemble with other cationic micronutrient status which was mostly low to medium with some patches of deficiencies. Soil pH has significant positive relation with Iron. Copper has significant positive relation with soil organic carbon.

Vertical distribution of cationic micronutrients across landscape positions on Meghalayan plateau in the North Eastern Region of India

Vertical distribution of cationic micronutrients across landscape positions on Meghalayan plateau in the North Eastern Region of India