Levels Of Organic Matter Research Articles

Spatio-Temporal Distribution and Population Dynamics of Two Sympatric Species: The Rock Shrimps Sicyonia dorsalis Kingsley, 1878 and Sicyonia typica (Boeck, 1864) (Penaeoidea: Sicyoniidae) on the Coast of Ilhéus, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil

Rock shrimps (Sicyonia dorsalis and Sicyonia typica) are commonly caught as bycatch during shrimp trawling along the Brazilian coast, but are not commercially exploited due to their small size and hard carapace. This study evaluated their spatio-temporal distribution, size classes, and sex ratio near the Almada River Estuary, Ilhéus, Bahia, Northeastern Brazil, and tested correlations between environmental factors and species abundance. Samples were collected monthly using double-rig trawl nets in the estuary and along transects at depths of 5–35 m. Bottom water and sediment samples were obtained for analyses of environmental factors. In total, 5336 individuals of S. dorsalis and 303 individuals of S. typica were collected. No individuals were recorded in the estuary. Both species were significantly more abundant between 25 and 35 m, where fine sediment with high levels of organic matter occurred. Considering the temporal variation, their abundance decreased during the rainy season, coinciding with increased river flow. Organic matter content, salinity, and water transparency were the primary environmental factors influencing abundance. Females were generally larger and predominant compared to males, likely due to life cycle dynamics. Despite being congeneric and sympatric, the species exhibited distinct population patterns, possibly to avoid niche overlap and competition.

Determinants of minimal soil disturbance adoption over time and in the face of climate vulnerability

ABSTRACT Minimal soil disturbance (MSD) can reduce soil degradation and ensure agricultural sustainability. This study examines MSD adoption status (i.e. long-term non-adoption, dis-adoption, late-adoption and long-term adoption) and their determinants. Datasets of 1,659 Bangladeshi rice-farm households were utilized from the Bangladesh Integrated Household Surveys of 2013, 2016 and 2020. Long-term non-adopters (58%) are those who did not practice MSD in any survey years, dis-adopters (23%) are the households who abandoned MSD after practicing in a given period of time, late-adopters (13%) are the households who adopted later than their peer, and long-term adopters are the households (6%) who practiced MSD for three survey years. We used an ordered logit model to find out the determinants of four types of adoption. Heavy rainfall (p < 0.05) and storm vulnerability (p ≤ 0.01) decrease the likelihood of long-term adoption of MSD. Farmers are more likely to be long-term adopters with increasing salinity vulnerability and improving soil organic matter (SOM) level in farm-fields (p ≤ 0.01). Larger farm-size (p ≤ 0.1) and higher education years of female household members also increase long-term adoption, implying that strengthening farm-households’ socio-economic status is the driver of MSD adoption. This study suggests designing and implementing policies, tailored based on different climate hazards vulnerability to improve MSD adoption.

Exploring Fungal Biodiversity in Crop Rotation Systems: Impact of Soil Fertility and Winter Wheat Cropping.

This study investigated soil fungal biodiversity in wheat-based crop rotation systems on Chernozem soil within the Pannonian Basin, focusing on the effects of tillage, crop rotation, and soil properties. Over three years, soil samples from ten plots were analyzed, revealing significant fungal diversity with Shannon-Wiener diversity indices ranging from 1.90 in monoculture systems to 2.38 in a fertilized two-year crop rotation. Dominant fungi, including Fusarium oxysporum, Penicillium sp., and Aspergillus sp., showed distinct preferences for soil conditions such as pH and organic matter (OM). Conservation tillage significantly enhanced fungal diversity and richness, with the highest diversity observed in a three-year crop rotation system incorporating cover crops, which achieved an average winter wheat yield of 7.0 t ha-1-47% higher than unfertilized monoculture systems. Increased OM and nitrogen levels in these systems correlated with greater fungal abundance and diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis revealed strong relationships between fungal communities and soil properties, particularly pH and calcium carbonate content. These findings highlight the importance of tailored crop rotation and tillage strategies to improve soil health, enhance microbial biodiversity, and boost agricultural sustainability in temperate climates, providing valuable insights for mitigating the impacts of intensive farming and climate change.

Intelligent Field Sensor Station for Monitoring Agrophysical Parameters and Phenotyping in Precision Agriculture System

Current trends in agriculture highlight the widespread adoption of information technology and Internet of Things (IoT) sensor networks for monitoring agrophysical soil parameters and phenotyping objects. This approach enables precise, real-time data analysis, optimizing agricultural processes and supporting the development of adaptive management systems. The integration of information technology with the monitoring of agrophysical parameters and phenotyping objects underscores the strategic importance of this approach, especially in the context of climate variability and the growing need to enhance production sustainability. (Research purpose) To develop an intelligent field sensor station for precision farming that ensures high-accuracy, real-time monitoring of agrophysical parameters and plant phenotyping using an Internet of Things sensor network. (Materials and methods) Existing methods for monitoring agrophysical parameters and phenotyping objects were analyzed. Based on these methods, a design for an intelligent field sensor station was developed, and suitable sensors were selected. (Results and discussion) The intelligent field sensor station successfully demonstrated its efficiency, confirming both its functionality and reliability in simultaneous data collection. The data collected on soil agrophysical parameters, meteorological conditions and plant phenotyping provide extensive knowledge for precision farming and optimizing agricultural processes. (Conclusions) Light gray forest soil with high porosity and neutral pH level provided favorable conditions for crops. Preliminary chemical analysis of the soil revealed moderate levels of organic matter, mobile phosphorus, and potassium, indicating a potentially fertile site. Meteorological data playeda key role in agrometeorological analysis, significantly impacting agricultural processes. The developed station introduces an innovative approach to monitoring agricultural parameters, offering promising prospects for modern agriculture.

ASSESSMENT OF THE PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF SOIL IN FARMLANDS OF BIRNIN YERO, IGABI LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA, KADUNA STATE, NIGERIA

Globally, soil degradation is widely recognized as a major agricultural and environmental problem. This study assess the physicochemical properties of soil in farmlands in Birnin Yero, Igabi LGA, Kaduna State. Soil samples were collected from different farmlands and analyzed for particle size (sand, silt, and clay), pH, Organic Carbon (OC), Organic Matter (OM), Exchangeable Acidity (EA), Available phosphate (AP), Calcium (Ca), Magnesium (Mg), Potassium (K), and Sodium (Na). The study revealed that soils of the study area are sandy loam and loamy and the acidic pH indicates the need for soil amendments to improve nutrient availability for plant growth. The medium to low levels of OC, OM, and AP highlight the significance of using soil amendments and focused fertilization techniques to improve soil fertility. Correlations between physicochemical properties demonstrated interrelationships, where EA showed a negative correlation with pH, Mg showed a positive correlation with pH and a negative correlation with EA. K showed a positive correlation with AP and EA. Na showed a positive correlation with Ca. OM had a positive correlation with OM. The percentage of sand in the soils had a negative correlation with OC and OM. Silt soils correlated positively with OC. Then clay soils had a positive correlation with OC and OM. It was concluded that soils from the study area can impact water drainage, nutrient retention, and soil fertility. Furthermore, the physicochemical properties indicate that soil amendments and targeted fertilization strategies should be employed to enhance soil fertility.

Chemical Properties of Agricultural Soils after Applications of Municipal Sewage Sludge

An alternative technique for disposing and managing municipal sewage sludge is its application to soils associated with crop production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the suitability of the existing sludge application routes in terms of the fertility of the soil and the accumulation of heavy metals. A chemical analysis was carried out on four agricultural soils located in the north-central region of Algeria, which had been subjected to an irregular application of sewage sludge for more than ten years. Results showed high levels of organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in the sludge samples. The amended soils are characterised by an increased content of organic matter and an improved availability of nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus. In addition, the pH of the soil solution is close to neutral, there is an increase in the cation exchange capacity and there is no change in the electrical conductivity. The total concentrations of cadmium, copper, nickel and zinc were found to be consistently low and below the acceptable limit values for soil. Copper accumulation in P3 soil was slightly above standard (122.4 mg.kg-1). However, amended soils showed remarkable Cu (+167%) and Ni (+84%) accumulation. Whereas the total concentration of Cd is slightly lower than in the control soil, its speciation indicates a very high bioavailability. The results show that sewage sludge application has a positive effect on the availability of essential elements and the improvement of soil properties. However, inappropriate use and/or inaccurate application rates can lead to soil contamination with potentially toxic heavy metals.

Environmental impacts of land application of biosolids to perennial pastures.

Land application of biosolids to pastures confers multiple agronomic and environmental benefits, particularly in coarse-textured soils with low nutrient and organic matter levels. However, concerns over potential water quality have led to more stringent regulations that will limit beneficial reuse of biosolids in Florida. This 3-year field study evaluated the impacts of biosolids application strategies on N and P leaching losses, and soil P availability in an established bahiagrass (Paspalum notatum Flueggé) pasture. Treatments consisted of 2 P sources (biosolids and inorganic fertilizer) applied at 0, 20, 40, and 60kg total P ha-1. Inorganic fertilizer treatments received the same N loads as the corresponding biosolids treatments. Biosolids and inorganic fertilizer increased in situ soil P availability and pore-water P concentrations relative to the control. Pore-water P concentrations increased linearly with P rate with the greatest values generally associated with inorganic fertilizer. Relatively low leachate P concentrations (below the detection limit of 0.025mg L-1 in 596 out of 777 samples) observed in the current study indicates minimum P offsite movement risk regardless of the P management strategy. Annual P mass leached was not affected by treatments; however, inorganic fertilizer resulted in modest but significant greater annual NO3-N mass leached than the other treatments. Lack of biosolids application rate effect on P and N leaching losses indicates that reduction in biosolids imposed by new state regulation will likely have no positive impact on water quality. Data demonstrated that, when properly managed, biosolids can be an environmentally sound fertilizer source for pastures.

Insights into the influence of organic and salinity on the two-stage partial nitritation/anammox process in treating food waste digestate

ABSTRACT Food waste digestate (FWD), which contains significant levels of ammonium, organic matter, and salinity, can interfere with treatment performance of the anammox process. In this study, a two-stage partial nitritation/anammox (PN/A) process was established to investigate nitrogen removal and microbial response in treating FWD at a nitrogen loading rate (NLR) of 0.27 ± 0.02 gN/L/d. High concentrations of free ammonia (58 mg/L) and free nitrous acid (0.3 mg/L) facilitated the initiation of the partial nitritation (PN) process, achieving an average NO2 −/NH4 + ratio of 1.28 ± 0.08. For the anammox process, a nitrogen removal rate (NRR) of 0.72 ± 0.13 gN/L/d was achieved. Free ammonia (NH3) stripping, Anammox pathway, and denitrification pathway contributed 4.1 ± 0.3%, 5.1 ± 0.2%, and 84.0 ± 1.5% of the total nitrogen removal, respectively. Nitrosomonas, a salt-tolerant ammonia-oxidizing bacteria (AOB), was enriched to 1.0%, while Nitrospira, a nitrite-oxidizing bacteria (NOB), was effectively suppressed to 0.003%. The salt-tolerant anammox genera unclassified_f__Brocadiaceae (13.9%) and Candidatus_Kuenenia (4.8%) dominated the nitrogen removal pathway. The high enrichment of unclassified_f__Brocadiaceae ensured stable operation of the anammox process at 0.62 ± 0.11% salinity, even with a high initial FA inhibition concentration of 40 mg/L. Additionally, norank_f_A4b (1.34%) and norank_f_norank_o_SBR1031 (52.1%) facilitated the hydrolysis of refractory organic matter. Denitrifying bacteria, including Hyphomicrobium, Truepera, and unclassified_c__Alphaproteobacteria, played significant roles in nitrate removal, with a CODconsumed/NO3 − removed ratio of 2.7 ± 0.2. This study highlights the application of a two-stage PN/A process for rapid startup and effective nitrogen removal from FWD.

Limited effect of mycorrhizal inoculation depending on soil type and fertilization level in a central European field trial

AbstractRecent trends indicate a substantial increase in the application of mycorrhizal inoculants (Myc) across Central Europe. These inoculants are projected to contribute to a reduction in fertilizer dependency and to facilitate the mobilization of soil nutrients. Nevertheless, most studies are conducted in tropical or arid regions with very few data on wether mycorrhizal inoculants affect soil biological activity and cereal growth in temperate climates. A 4-year field trial was set up to assess the effects of Myc treatments (Funneliformis, Clariodeoglomus, Rhizophagus)on two different soil types. Myc was applied in combination with conventional fertilization in the first three years (sowing corn-wheat-corn) and substantially reduced fertilizer application in the fourth year (sowing corn). Weather conditions and fertilizer application rates had the highest impact on crop yields and shoot biomass throughout the four-year period. Mycorrhizal inoculants consistently caused significantly greater root colonization than the control each year, regardless of the fertilization rate. Myc also enhanced root capacity, phosphatase enzyme activity, and yield, but these benefits were most pronounced when combined with reduced fertilization and Luvisol with nutrient deficiency. In contrast, higher levels of soil organic matter and microbial activity in Gleysol led to a greater yield and diminished the impact of Myc compared to Luvisol. In this experiment, the Myc’s capacity to increase yield was not enough to compensate for the yield decrease caused by reduced fertilization. Our results indicate how critical soil types and fertilizer application rates are in determining the effectiveness of Myc in Central European cereal production.

Temporal assessment of water and soil quality near Barapukuria coal mine, Bangladesh

This study assessed the water suitability for various purposes, evaluated heavy metal contamination and soil fertility, and investigated seasonal variations in water and soil parameters near the Barapukuria coal mine in Bangladesh. A total of nine sampling locations were selected, resulting in 18 samples (12 water and 6 soil) collected during the summer and winter seasons. The water samples were analyzed at the Environmental Engineering Laboratory, while the soil samples were analyzed at the Soil Resource Development Institute (SRDI). The suitability of drinking water was evaluated using the Water Quality Index (WQI), and heavy metal contamination was assessed using the geo-accumulation index. The findings indicate that surface water is generally suitable for irrigation due to several positive attributes, with slight to moderate seasonal variations. However, treatment is required for high turbidity and chemical oxygen demand (COD). On the other hand, wastewater quality exhibits elevated levels of turbidity, total suspended solids, and chemical oxygen demand, although most parameters are within acceptable limits. The assessment of drinking water quality using the WQI reveals that both hand and deep tubewells are generally unfit for consumption. The WQI values peak at 441.84 in summer and 202.79 in winter for the hand tubewell, and 129.66 in summer and 95.88 in winter for the deep tubewell. This finding emphasizes the need for effective treatment and continuous monitoring. The soil analysis indicates that most heavy metals are not present in significant amounts, except for cadmium, which shows uncontaminated to moderately contaminated conditions during the summer. Moreover, the soil treated with coal water exhibits significantly higher levels of organic matter, micronutrients, and macronutrients compared to the normal field soil. Further analysis of the coal water treated soil shows a shift from a slightly acidic pH in summer (6.30) to a neutral pH in winter (7.10). The organic matter content remains consistently high, and nutrient analysis shows high to very high levels of Zn, Cu, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, and Fe, while phosphorus remains low. Seasonal analysis reveals increased levels of zinc, potassium, and phosphorus in winter, whereas other nutrients generally decrease. The primary novel contribution of this study is the detailed seasonal analysis of water and soil quality near the coal mining area, capturing changes across summer and winter. Additionally, it compares coal water treated soil with normal field soil, revealing significant improvements in soil quality and fertility.

PAH contamination in coastal surface sediments and associated bacterial communities

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are semi-volatile, lipophilic, and harmful compounds that can persist for decades in a range of marine environments. There are several marine and soil microorganisms that possess enzymes involved in arene degradation. Here, we analyzed the structure (16S rRNA amplicons) and metabolic potential (inferred using phylogenetic placement) of the bacterial community in surface marine sediments from coastal waters off Concepción, Chile, and describe how microbial community patterns are shaped and altered by PAH contamination. Two depositional zones were identified, a “High PAH” area containing a mix of high and low molecular weight PAH of up to 10,350 ng∑PAH gdw−1 and with high organic matter content; and a “Low PAH” zone mostly characterized by low molecular weight PAH of up to 1810 ng∑PAH gdw−1 and lower levels of organic matter. We identified 53 hydrocarbonoclastic bacteria genera, with eight showing relatively high abundances at High PAH sites, although known PAH degrader clades were also present at Low PAH sites. With potential enzymes inferred in almost all samples, we suggest that breakdown of PAH is widespread in this area, likely resulting from the long history of local PAH emissions that may have promoted a stored microbial capacity for these degradation processes.

Sustainable nutrient management and agricultural productivity in chernozem soils of the Kostanay Region, Kazakhstan

Chernozem soils, known for their high organic matter and fertility, are crucial for agricultural productivity in northern Kazakhstan's Kostanay region. This study evaluated the physical, chemical, and biological properties of these soils to assess their suitability for crop production and propose sustainable management practices. Soil samples were collected from 0-20 cm depths across various locations to represent the region's main nutrient profile. Physical analyses included texture determination, while chemical analyses measured pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter, and nutrient levels (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn, and Mn) using standard methods. Biological assessments focused on microbial biomass carbon (Cmic), basal soil respiration (BSR), dehydrogenase and catalase activities, as well as Cmic: Corg and metabolic quotient (qCO₂) ratios. Results indicated high organic matter content (mean 4.49%), sufficient total nitrogen (&gt;0.25%), and high levels of potassium and calcium. However, phosphorus levels were low (

Metagenomic Analysis of Microbial Diversity in the Moroccan Coastal Water of the Gibraltar Strait

Coastal waters are known for higher productivity and organic matter levels, which support a high diversity and abundance of microorganisms compared to some aquatic environments. The characterization of marine microbiomes can provide valuable information for evaluating the sustainability of coastal waters that are increasingly subjected to environmental and human impacts. Our study is the first metagenomic study realized on Moroccan Mediterranean coastal seawater. We analyzed and described the Gibraltar Detroit marine microbiome taxonomic and functional profiling using MG-RAST software. Shotgun sequencing revealed a predominance of bacterial taxa, particularly the Proteobacteria (57.29%) and Bacteroidetes (27.06%) phyla, alongside notable populations of eukaryotes, viruses, and archaea. Alphaproteobacteria and Gammaproteobacteria emerged as the dominant bacterial classes, while Flavobacteria represented a significant portion of Bacteroidetes. Functional profiling of the microbial community highlighted a wide array of metabolic pathways, emphasizing genes related to carbohydrate metabolism, amino acid synthesis, and protein processing. The marine microbiome exhibited essential biogeochemical activities, particularly in nitrogen, sulfur, and carbon cycles, with notable pathways including denitrification, thiosulfate oxidation, and carbon fixation. This functional diversity underlines the microbiome’s role in sustaining ecosystem health through nutrient cycling and organic matter degradation. Our findings offer a crucial baseline for understanding microbial community structure and resilience in Mediterranean coastal ecosystems, with implications for assessing future environmental and anthropogenic impacts on these microbial dynamics.

Comparison of Hollow Fiber and Flat Sheet Membranes for Removing TDS and Turbidity of Palm Oil Mill Effluent Wastewater

The most significant pollutant produced from agricultural industry in Kalimantan, Indonesia is Palm Oil Mill Effluent (POME). Due to the high levels of suspended particles and organic matter, POME has become a brownish color with high turbidity, color, chemical oxygen demand, and oil and grease content. To recycle the POME wastewater as clean water, these pollutants must be eliminated. In this study, we compare the effectiveness of hollow fiber (HF) and flat sheet (FS) membrane to remove total dissolved solid (TDS) and turbidity from POME with varied filtration pressure. HF and FS membrane were prepared from PVDF and nylon66 polymer, respectively. The PVDF HF membrane was modified using TiO2 and SBE (spent bleaching earth) to improve HF membrane properties to maintaining fouling. Meanwhile, FS membrane was added by pectin to increase the hydrophilic properties. Overall membrane’s morphology was determined by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to investigate the membrane structure. Both of HF and FS membrane were operated via ultrafiltration (UF) under cross flow system. The filtration pressures were varied at 1-3 bar and followed by flux and rejection evaluation. The results show both HF and FS membranes has stability flux. In addition, TDS rejection up to 25% while turbidity is excellent high over 95% for all membranes. The fabrication HF membrane has finger like-sponge structure and FS membrane exhibits sponge asymmetric structure. Overall, all membranes perform highest water flux (FS membrane) while highest rejection conducted by HF membrane for POME wastewater treatment.

The Multifaceted Soils of Himachal Pradesh, India: Types and Characteristics

The soils of Himachal Pradesh face a multitude of pressing issues that threaten their health and agricultural productivity. The diverse geographical features, temperature regimes and biological zones of Himachal Pradesh have resulted into a vast range of soil types in the state. Alpine, forest, alluvial and sub-mountain soils are the four major soil categories into which the state's soils can be generally divided. Only a particular species and adapted plants can thrive in the extreme weather circumstances of alpine soils, which are located at higher elevations and possess soils having thin, stony and acidic in reaction. The mid-hill areas are dominated by forest soils which are distinguished by their high levels of organic matter and nutrients. These soils support luxuriant vegetation and make effective agricultural methods possible. Alluvial soils, which are mostly found in river valleys and are deposited by ravine systems are extremely rich and perfect in fertility and suitable for growing a range of crops including vegetables, rice and maize. Located in the foothills, sub-mountain soil exhibits a blend of traits from alluvial and forest soils, thus providing a range of uses for horticulture and agriculture. In addition to supporting a diverse array of plant and animal life, Himachal Pradesh's varied soil types are vital to the region's agricultural economy. One of the biggest problems is soil erosion, which is made worse by the steep terrain and abundant rainfall in the area. This results in the loss of topsoil and decreased fertility. Deforestation, overgrazing, and unsustainable farming methods all contribute to land degradation, which further reduces biodiversity and soil quality. Furthermore, crop development is impacted by soil acidity in high-altitude regions, which restricts nutrient availability. However, these issues need efficient conservation measures and soil management techniques. In order to maintain Himachal Pradesh's rich biodiversity and agricultural potential for future generations, sustainable agricultural development and environmental protection in this ecologically sensitive area depend on an understanding of the complex soil dynamics. Addressing these interconnected issues requires a comprehensive approach, emphasizing sustainable land management practices, community engagement, and restoration efforts to preserve the vital soil resources of this ecologically sensitive region.

Analysis of Topsoil Quality Changes Across Soil Groups in Vietnam

This study systematically investigates the changes in topsoil quality across various soil groups in Vietnam over a 13-year period, spanning from 2004 to 2017. The primary objective is to evaluate key soil quality indicators, including pH, organic matter (OM), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P2O5), potassium (K2O), and cation exchange capacity (CEC), to assess the health, fertility, and sustainability of these soils in response to agricultural practices and environmental factors. The findings reveal significant alterations in soil parameters across the diverse soil groups studied, which include alluvial, red-yellow, acid sulfate, grey and degraded, and yellow-red humus soils. Notably, the average pH levels exhibited a decline in most soil groups, indicating a trend toward increased acidity. This decline in soil pH was accompanied by a marked reduction in nitrogen and potassium concentrations, which are critical for crop growth and productivity. For instance, alluvial and degraded soils demonstrated particularly pronounced nutrient depletion, with nitrogen levels decreasing from 0.23% to 0.19% and potassium levels from 1.23% to 1.03%. In contrast, while phosphorus levels exhibited a slight increase in some soil groups, the overall variability in nutrient content suggests that certain areas may be experiencing more severe deficiencies. Interestingly, the Yellow-Red Humus soils displayed enhanced organic matter retention, with mean OM levels increasing from 4.95% to 5.10%, highlighting their potential for improved nutrient availability and soil health. Cation exchange capacity also showed variability, with a notable decline in the grey and degraded soil group.

Land Suitability Assessment and Crop Water Requirements for Twenty Selected Crops in an Arid Land Environment

Expanding projects to reclaim marginal land is the most effective way to reduce land use pressures in densely populated areas, such as Egypt’s Nile Valley and Delta; however, this requires careful, sustainable land use planning. This study assessed the agricultural potential of the El-Dabaa area in the northern region of the Western Desert, Egypt. It focused on assessing land capability, evaluating crop suitability, mapping soil variability, and calculating crop water requirements for twenty different crops. In this work, we evaluated land capability using the modified Storie index model and assessed soil suitability using the land use suitability evaluation tool (LUSET). We also calculated crop water requirements (CWRs) utilizing the FAO-CROPWAT 8.0 model. Additionally, we employed ArcGIS 10.8 to create spatial variability maps of soil properties, land capability classes, and suitability classes. Using a systematic sampling grid, 100 soil profiles were excavated to represent the spatial variability of the soil in the study area, and the physicochemical parameters of the soil samples were analyzed. The results indicated that the study area is primarily characterized by flat to gently sloping surfaces with deep soils. Furthermore, there are no restrictions on soil salinity or alkalinity, no sodicity hazards, and low CaCO3 levels. On the other hand, the soils in the study area are coarse textured and have low levels of CEC and organic matter (OM), which are the major soil limiting factors. As a result, the land with fair capability (Grade 3) accounted for the vast majority of the study area (87.3%), covering 30599.4 ha. Land with poor capability (Grade 4) accounted for 6.5% of the total area, while non-agricultural land (Grade 5) accounted for less than 1%. These findings revealed that S2 and S3 are the dominant soil suitability classes for all the studied crops, indicating moderate and marginal soil suitabilities. Furthermore, there were only a few soil proportions classified as unsuitable (N class) for fruit crops, maize, and groundnuts. Among the crops studied, barley, wheat, sorghum, alfalfa, olives, citrus, potatoes, onions, tomatoes, sunflowers, safflowers, and soybeans are the most suitable for cultivation in the study area. The reference evapotranspiration (ETo) varied between 2.6 and 5.9 mm day−1, with higher rates observed in the summer months and lower rates in the winter months. Therefore, the increase in summer ETo rates and the decrease in winter ones result in higher CWRs during the summer season and lower ones during the winter season. The CWRs for the crops we studied ranged from 183.9 to 1644.8 mm season−1. These research findings suggest that the study area is suitable for cultivating a variety of crops. Crop production in the study area can be improved by adding organic matter to the soil, choosing drought-resistant crop varieties, employing effective irrigation systems, and implementing proper management practices. This study also provides valuable information for land managers to identify physical constraints and management needs for sustainable crop production. Furthermore, it offers valuable insights to aid investors, farmers, and governments in making informed decisions for agricultural development in the study region and similar arid and semiarid regions worldwide.

Analysis of Physicochemical Properties, Enzyme Activity, Microbial Diversity in Rhizosphere Soil of Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) Under Organic and Chemical Fertilizers, Irrigation Conditions

The application of chemical fertilizers and organic fertilizers, as well as irrigation, is an important agricultural practice that can increase crop yields and affect soil biogeochemical cycles. This study conducted coconut field experiments to investigate the effects of conventional fertilization (NCF), optimized fertilization (MCF), conventional fertilization + organic fertilizer (NOF), optimized fertilization + organic fertilizer (MOF), conventional fertilization + organic fertilizer + irrigation (NOFW), and optimized fertilization + organic fertilizer + irrigation (MOFW) treatments on soil physicochemical properties, soil enzyme activity, bacterial and fungal community structure and diversity, and compared the controls (CK, non-fertilizer and non-irrigation). The results showed that MOFW significantly increased soil electrical conductivity (EC), organic matter (OM), alkaline nitrogen (AN), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), available calcium (ACa), and available magnesium (AMg) levels. At the same time, it also significantly enhanced the activities of soil catalase (CE), polyphenol oxidase (POE), sucrase (SE), urease (UE), acid protease (APE), and acid phosphatase (APPE) (p &lt; 0.05). The PCA analysis of soil microorganisms in the coconut rhizosphere soil showed indicated significant changes in bacteria and fungi community structure under fertilization treatments. The fertilization application leaded to an increase in the relative abundance and diversity of bacteria, but a decrease in fungi. Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacterota were the dominant bacterial phyla, and Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, Rozellomycota, and Mortierellomycota were the significant fungal phyla. Compared with CK, MOFW significantly increased the abundance of Acidobacteriota, Proteobacteria, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota. Redundancy analysis (CCA) and Mantel test further revealed that pH, EC, OM, and AP were the main soil fertility factors driving changes in microbial communities. CE, SE, UE, APE, APPE were significantly correlated with microbial communities. Compared with NOFW, MOFW has a lower proportion of N, P, and K fertilizers in its fertilizer composition. The results indicated that MOFW can better improve the nutrient and enzyme status of the soil, which is a promising method for maintaining the balance of soil microorganisms in coconut orchards, and accordingly, reducing chemical fertilizers within a certain range can not only ensure consistency with conventional fertilizers, but also effectively improve soil conditions.

Study of the effect of five growing media used for the nursery production of Bombax costatum Pellegr. et Vuillet: A multipurpose tree in Côte d'Ivoire

Bombax costatum Pellegr. et Vuillet is a species frequently recommended for reforestation in West Africa. Mass production of vigorous seedlings of this species in nurseries is necessary for the reconstitution of colonies. The effect of five growing media on the growth parameters and dry matter production of Bombax costatum was studied in a completely randomised design. The Soil substrate was compared with a mixture of three (3) portions of Soil + one (1) portion of organic matter based on poultry droppings, rice straw compost, cocoa pod husks compost and wood chips compost, respectively. The growing media enriched with organic matter had pH values close to neutral and high levels of organic matter and nitrogen. The Soil + Poultry droppings substrate favored the production of plants with the highest values of stem height (87.84 cm; p ≤ 0.042), collar diameter (13.72 mm; p ≤ 0.004), number of leaves (19.34; p ≤ 0.025) and total dry matter (20 g.plant-1; p ≤ 0.036). Since the quality of transplant affects plant establishment and initial growth, the substrate Soil + Poultry droppings must be recommended for the nursery production of Bombax costatum, followed by the substrates Soil + Rice straw and Soil + Cocoa pod husks compost.

Soil bacterial community characteristics and influencing factors in different types of farmland shelterbelts in the Alaer reclamation area.

To investigate the effects of various types of farmland shelterbelts on soil quality and soil bacterial community diversity, this study focused on soil samples from four different shelterbelt types in the Alaer reclamation area, including Populus euphratica Oliv.- Populus tomentosa Carrière (PP), Elaeagnus angustifolia L.- Populus euphratica Oliv. (EP), Populus alba var. pyramidalis Bunge (P), and Salix babylonica L. (S). We analyzed their physical, chemical, biological properties as well as the differences in bacterial community structure, and explored the influencing factors on soil microbial community characteristics through microbial correlation network analysis. The results showed that: (1) There were significant differences in soil properties among the four types of farmland shelterbelts (p < 0.05), with P soils exhibiting the highest levels of organic matter, total nitrogen, and total phosphorus contents. (2) The Alpha diversity indices of soil bacteria showed significant differences among the four types of farmland shelterbelts (p < 0.05), with the P soils displayed the highest Chao1 and Shannon indices. (3) There were differences in the composition and abundance of dominant soil bacterial communities among different farmland shelterbelts, notably, the abundances of Verrucomicrobia, Acidobacteria, and Planctomycetes were significantly higher in P soils compared to the other three types. (4) The complexity of the correlation network between microbial species and environmental factors was highest in EP soils, soil microbial biomass nitrogen and available phosphorus were the main influencing factors. These findings indicated that different types of farmland shelterbelts had significant impacts on soil properties and soil bacterial communities. Soil bacterial communities were regulated by soil properties, their changes reflected a combined effect of soil characteristics and tree species.