Soil Physicochemical Parameters Research Articles

Enhanced Carbon Sequestration in Marginal Land Upon Shift towards Perennial C4Miscanthus × giganteus: A Case Study in North-Western Czechia

Bioenergy crops such as Miscanthus × giganteus are foreseeable as an alternative source to replace fossil fuel and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. They are also assessed as an environment-friendly solution for polluted, marginal and low-quality agricultural soils. Several studies had been launched on soil organic carbon sequestration potentials of miscanthus culture along with its impacts on restoring soil functionality, most of which focus on the long-term basis of the plant’s cultivation. Nevertheless, information concerning the short term impacts as well as the situation in Czechia is still scarce. In this context, a field experiment was launched in 2017 in a poor-quality agricultural land in the city of Chomutov (North-Western Czechia) to compare the impacts of the perennial C4 miscanthus with an annual C3 forage crop (wheat) on the soil carbon stocks as well as enhancing its functionality. Results through the 0–30 cm soil profile examination showed that miscanthus plants played a role in improving the studied soil physico-chemical (bulk density and soil organic carbon concentrations) and biological (Phospholipid fatty acids stress indicator, basal respiration and fluorescein diacetate hydrolytic activity) parameters. The naturally occurring δ13C concentrations were used to evaluate the direct plant contribution to the total soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks and revealed considerable miscanthus contribution all over the detected soil layers (1.98 ± 0.21 Mg C. ha−1 yr−1) after only 3 growing seasons. It is thus suggested that the C4 perennial miscanthus possess remarkable prospects for SOC sequestration and restoring degraded lands.

Carbon and nitrogen stocks under various land cover in Gabon

The purpose of this study was to evaluate soil organic carbon, nitrogen stocks and physico-chemical soil parameters in eight provinces, various land use/ land cover systems and soils type in Gabon. 701 data of physico-chemical properties (particules size distributions, organic and nitrogen contents, C/N ratio and pH-water) of arable soil layers (0‐30 cm) were collected from the ORSTOM’s (Office de la Recherche Scientifique et Technique d’Outre-Mer) reports resulting from a sampling campaign in 8 out of the 9 provinces of Gabon 40 years ago. We compared soil pH, texture, bulk density, SOM contents and SOC and SON stocks in eight provinces under forests (primary and secondary) savannahs (herbaceous and shrubs) and under cropland and fallow forests and in main soils type Soil bulk density ranged between 0.9 (G7) and 1.2 g.cm3 (G1) and was significantly lower in G2, G4 and G9. Soils were acidic and no significant difference in soil pH among provinces were observed. However, soils under forest was more acidic than in savannahs. The soil textural show predominance of sand and clay and there was no difference in soil texture.According to soil type, SOC stocks were 5.5 kgC.m2, 17.3 kgC.m2, 18.7 kgC.m2, 21.8 kgC.m2, 22.3 kgC.m−2, 26.0 kgC.m‐2 and 27.8 kgC.m2 respectively in leached ferralitic soil, rejuvaneted ferralitic, lithic rough ferralitic, indured yellow ferralitic, hydromorphic soil, reworked soil and modal in ferralitic soil. SON stocks were higher in hydromorphic ferralitic soils (1.9 kgN.m−2) and reworked ferralitic soil (1.8 kgN.m2) compared to others type soil.SOC and SON stocks were lower in center (14.2 kgC.m2 and 1.4 kgN.m2 in G3) and southern (16.1 kgC.m2 and 1.4 kgN.m2 in G5) of Gabon. Under various land uses system, SOC and SON were higher in cropland (27.0 kgC.m2 and 2.8 kgN.m2) compared to forests and savannahs, suggesting that burning forest did not affect SOC and SON stocks in different provinces.

Degradation of imazethapyr in soil: impact of application rate, soil physicochemical properties and temperature

A dissipation study of pesticides in soil is essential as it is a major sink for bulk of globally used pesticides. Soil properties, temperature and application rate play important role in its degradation. Laboratory studies were carried out in order to assess the degradation dynamics of imazethapyr under subtropical conditions. In all soils, at all studied temperatures dissipation followed single first-order kinetics at lower application rates (0.0375 and 0.187 µg g−1) with half-life varying from 30.15 to 52.16 days. However, at higher application rate (0.8 and 1.5 µg g−1), dissipation followed biphasic first-order kinetics and half-life varied from 6.57 to 7.79 days (p > 0.05) during initial phase and 93.74–152.83 days (p < 0.05) during final phase. Dissipation rate was fastest in alkaline soils (pH = 8.0–8.8) followed by neutral soil (pH = 7.4) and acidic soil (pH = 5.0). Amendment of soil with farmyard manure and increase in temperature enhanced the dissipation of imazethapyr. Application of imazethapyr at low rate has nonsignificant effect on dehydrogenase and alkaline phosphates activity, whereas short and momentary toxic effect was observed at 0.8 and 1.5 µg g−1. These findings indicate that soil physicochemical parameters especially pH, OM content and temperature should be considered in combination along with the application rate of imazethapyr for achieving satisfactory weed control and reducing environmental risk associated with the use of imazethapyr in different crops.

Investigation on Physico-Chemical Parameters of Soil from Washim district of Maharashtra (India)

Investigation on Physico-Chemical Parameters of Soil from Washim district of Maharashtra (India)

Influence of organic amendments on acidic soil responsive crop groundnut (Arachis hypogaeaL.)

AbstractThe present study evaluated the comparative effects of organic amendments on physiology, growth, and yield of acidic soil responsive crop groundnut and soil physicochemical and biochemical (dehydrogenase, acid phosphatases, and glucosidase activity) parameters. The treatments comprise of control (recommended dose of fertilizer or RDF), lime at 25% (L25 + RDF) and 100% lime requirement (L100 + RDF), farmyard manure+ RDF, compost+ RDF, poultry manure+ RDF, and pig manure+ RDF. The impact of organic amendments was also investigated on root exudation and crop parameters in a controlled growth chamber. At active growth stage, organic amendment application especially poultry and pig manures maintained higher leaf cell membrane integrity, chlorophyll content and stomatal frequency/or density compared to other treatments. Soil available P under organic manure (particularly pig and poultry manure) or lime was significantly higher over control. In contrast, exchangeable acidity and readily soluble Al were significantly lower under pig and poultry manure. Increased soil P availability was due to P availability from manure, increased soil pH, exchangeable Ca + Mg, organic carbon and enzyme activities, and reduction in exchangeable acidity and readily soluble Al as evident by their significant correlation with soil available P. In conclusion, pig and poultry manures seems to be effective substitute of lime for amelioration of soil acidity by maintaining favorable soil pH, organic carbon and microbial biomass carbon, available nutrients, exchangeable Ca and Mg, enzyme activities, and thereby improved plant physiological condition. These findings confirmed the applicability of poultry and pig manures as recyclable low‐cost farm wastes as alternative liming materials in acidic soils.

Correlation between soil physico-chemical parameters and the diversity of their inhabiting algae

Correlation between soil physico-chemical parameters and the diversity of their inhabiting algae

Researching the Possibility of Using Sediments in Forest Reclamation of Disturbed Lands

The research of the physico-chemical, biological and toxicological parameters of sediments and soils reclaimed by them, as well as the analysis of the growth of Scots pine seedlings, suggests that the use of sediments as a soil ameliorant at forest reclamation sites is advisable.

The influence of Ramial Fragmented Wood and manure on some physico-chemical parameters of a sandy loam soil in Constantine (Algeria)

The objective of our work is to study the influence of the contribution of Rameal Fragmented Wood (FRW) and cattle manure in the presence and absence of earthworms Octodrilus complanatus on some physicochemical parameters of a sandy loam soil such as porosity, carbon, nitrogen and C/N ratio. The study station is located in a semi-arid zone (Constantine, Algeria). The results obtained show that the contribution of FRW or FRW mixed with cattle manure in the presence and absence of earthworms Octodrilus complanatus has a beneficial effect on the studied physico-chemical parameters.

Correlation between soil physico-chemical parameters and the diversity of their inhabiting algae

Five soil samples (S1-S5) collected from different locations in Egypt to investigate the effect of their physio-chemical parameters on the diversity of algae and their divisions. The results obtained showed that the physio-chemical parameters of the soil have its influence on the diversity of algae. The most varied parameters between the studied locations were soil pH and the nitrogen contents. The collected algae were 36 species representing 25 genera classified over four divisions. The dominant division was Cyanophyta, which represented by 18 species from 11 genera, followed by Chlorophyta, eleven species belonging to seven genera, then Bacillariophyta and Xanthophyta. The variation in the soil characters between the studied locations affects both the algae richness and diversity. Correlation analyses have been done to investigate the most effective parameters affecting the algae richness and diversity. This study showed that, the soil texture, moisture content, organic matter and nitrogen concentration are the most effective factors in controlling the diversity of soil algae at the studied locations.

Pedometric mapping for soil fertility management – A case study

Information about soil physico-chemical parameters plays an important role in precision farming. To examine the relationship among soil properties, pedometric mapping is essential and has been widely applied in agricultural activities. This paper is aimed at soil nutrient assessment by generating the geospatial distribution maps for Kestur, a village in Tumakuru district of Karnataka State, India. Using random sampling technique, a total of one hundred and sixty geo-coordinated surface (0–20 cm) soil samples were collected from different land cover regions including irrigated and dryland areas in Kestur village. The samples collected were analysed for pH, electrical conductivity (EC), organic carbon (OC), available nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P as P 2 O 5 ), and potassium (K as K 2 O). Also, a structured questionnaire was used to collect data about demographic profile, farming practices, crops grown and fertilizers applied from each farmer under the study. The spatial distribution maps were generated for each soil property and were mapped using spatial variability by adopting Ordinary Kriging geostatistical method. Semivariogram models such as exponential for pH, spherical model for EC and OC and Gaussian for N, P 2 O 5 , and K 2 O were used based on the best-fit selection using least Mean Error (ME) and Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) values. The outcome of the study proved that the geostatistical methods can be utilized to develop the spatial distribution maps thereby resulting in a cost effective solution to soil fertility management.

Influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana

Soil-Species correlation studies help in understanding the ecology of plateau ecosystems. However, this information is scarse thereby posing a challenge in their effective management in Ghana. Hence, the study on the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the six fringed communities which constitute the focus of the study: Bowuri (BO), Nkonya (NK), Akpafu (AK), Santrokofi (SA), Hohoe (HH) and Alavanyo (AL) in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana. Soil and vegetation parameters were recorded in a total of 180 plots (each measuring 25m × 25m) demarcated across the communities and analyzed. Canonical Correlation Analysis (CCA) results showed that pH, OC, TN, OM, TCa, TMg, TK, Na, T.E.B, ex. Acidity, ECEC, Base sat, AVI – P (ppmP), Sand and Silt were the drivers of trees, saplings and seedlings composition and structure (including density, richness, shannon, evenness and basal area (BA)) on the plateau. This vegetation attributes were seen to be highest and more correlated with soil parameters for BO, NK and AK occupying lowland areas and lowest in the SA, HH and AL occupying highland areas of the plateau. The soil is somewhat weak acidic to neutral, with a pH ranging between 4.17 and 7.06. The CV values revealed Base sat showing lowest values (c.v.&lt;15%), with moderate (c.v.=34%-15%) for TK and highest (c.v.˃35%) for TCa, TMg, Na, T.E.B, EX. ACIDITY and ECEC, AVI-P1. This study provides a better understanding of the current status of this plateau in Ghana.

Influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana

Influence of soil physicochemical parameters on species composition and structure in the Togo Plateau Forest Reserve in Ghana

Nigerian Defence Academy Shooting Zone: Soil Speciation of the Kwanar-Doya Military Shooting Range, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The speciation of toxic metals of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni and As in Kwanar – Doya Shooting site of the Nigerian Army, Military Training, Base Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria was investigated. The soil physico-chemical parameters, total metal content and sequential extraction methods were determined in duplicates using standard methods. The pH ranged from 3.93–4.51, showing the high acidity of the soil and electro -conductivity gave a mean value of 0.11 ms / cm showing the poor nutrient value of the soil). While the mean total metals values were Zinc: 28.94 mg/kg, Nickel: 13.45mg/kg, Manganese: 78: 12 mg/kg, Lead: 40.6 mg/kg, Arsenic: 305 mg/kg, Chromium: 49.32 mg/kg, Cobalt: 162:50 mg/kg and copper: 7.3 mg/kg. All the metals were above the W.H.O permissible limit for toxic metals in soils except Zinc and Nickel. The sequential partitioning and distribution and variation of toxic metals in the various fractions of the Nigerian Defence Academy Shooting Range soil were in the following order: Cobalt: Residual &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Organic &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide Arsenic: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Chromium: Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Organic &gt; Residual. Nickel: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Residual &gt; Organic. Manganese: Residual &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Organic &gt; Exchangeable. Lead: Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide. Zinc: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable. Copper: Residual &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Organic. The Toxic metals speciation of the soil samples indicate that the toxic metals were predominately in the non-residual fractions suggestive of input by anthropogenic sources and human activities due to military exercise and are readily available for plant uptake. This could pose serious health risk to the military personnel using the training period. Thus phyto-remediation technique which is cheap and non-destructive is recommended to be applied to remedy the affected toxic metals in the soil for its continual use as a military training ground and also preserve the soil fertility for continued agricultural use of the area when there is no military operation.

Nigerian Defence Academy Shooting Zone: Soil Speciation of the Kwanar-Doya Military Shooting Range, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria

The speciation of toxic metals of Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Pb, Zn, Ni and As in Kwanar – Doya Shooting site of the Nigerian Army, Military Training, Base Camp, Kachia, Kaduna State, Nigeria was investigated. The soil physico-chemical parameters, total metal content and sequential extraction methods were determined in duplicates using standard methods. The pH ranged from 3.93–4.51, showing the high acidity of the soil and electro -conductivity gave a mean value of 0.11 ms / cm showing the poor nutrient value of the soil). While the mean total metals values were Zinc: 28.94 mg/kg, Nickel: 13.45mg/kg, Manganese: 78: 12 mg/kg, Lead: 40.6 mg/kg, Arsenic: 305 mg/kg, Chromium: 49.32 mg/kg, Cobalt: 162:50 mg/kg and copper: 7.3 mg/kg. All the metals were above the W.H.O permissible limit for toxic metals in soils except Zinc and Nickel. The sequential partitioning and distribution and variation of toxic metals in the various fractions of the Nigerian Defence Academy Shooting Range soil were in the following order: Cobalt: Residual &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Organic &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide Arsenic: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Chromium: Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Organic &gt; Residual. Nickel: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Residual &gt; Organic. Manganese: Residual &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Organic &gt; Exchangeable. Lead: Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide. Zinc: Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Residual &gt; Organic &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Exchangeable. Copper: Residual &gt; Fe – Mn Oxide &gt; Exchangeable &gt; Bound to carbonate &gt; Organic. The Toxic metals speciation of the soil samples indicate that the toxic metals were predominately in the non-residual fractions suggestive of input by anthropogenic sources and human activities due to military exercise and are readily available for plant uptake. This could pose serious health risk to the military personnel using the training period. Thus phyto-remediation technique which is cheap and non-destructive is recommended to be applied to remedy the affected toxic metals in the soil for its continual use as a military training ground and also preserve the soil fertility for continued agricultural use of the area when there is no military operation.

Bioefficiency of Clarias gariepinus Liver Rhodanese and Physicochemical Parameters of Soil from Cassava Effluent Contaminated Odo-Oba River, Ogbomosho, Oyo State, Nigeria

Cyanide contamination of Soil and aquatic environment has become a great concern in Nigeria because of increase in the number of cassava processing milling plants. The sample collection and the conduct of this experiment took place between September and October when the country is experiencing late rainfall. The levels of physicochemical parameters in soil and plant samples were obtained using Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer. Soil and plant samples of Amaranthus spinosus were obtained from cassava processing site (site X) and other samples 100m to the cassava mills (site Y) as control. The concentration of metals in soil samples in mg/kg at site ‘X’ recorded were Cr(39.0mg/kg), Mn(3.5mg/kg), Cu(33.0mg/kg), Fe(4.3mg/kg), Pb(2.5mg/kg), and Zn(52.5mg/kg) while that of site ‘Y’ were Cr(16.5mg/kg), Mn(1.3mg/kg), Cu(13.0mg/kg), Fe(1.9mg/kg), Pb(0.3mg/kg), and Zn(17.0mg/kg). The concentration values for AS, Cd and Nickel in the environment were below detection limit for all soil and plant samples. The concentrations of metals in A. spinosus root and shoot in mg/kg from sites ‘X’ were Cr(6.00mg/kg - 8.50mg/kg), Fe(0.55mg/kg - 0.80mg/kg), Cu(4.00mg/kg - 5.50mg/kg), Pb(0.05mg/kg - 0.08mg/kg), Zn(6.00mg/kg - 8.00mg/kg), Mn(0.35mg/kg - 0.5mg/kg) while that of site ‘Y’ were Cr(5.50mg/kg - 8.00mg/kg), Fe(0.545mg/kg - 1.00mg/kg), Cu(4.00mg/kg - 6.50mg/kg), Pb(0.03mg/kg - 0.08mg/kg), Zn(7.50mg/kg - 9.50mg/kg), Mn(0.30mg/kg - 0.60mg/kg). The values of some metals analyzed were above the recommended values by WHO and FEPA. The analysis of effluents and surface water samples resulted in higher figures for most of the parameters and acidic pH in cassava effluent than the surface water sample. The mode of phytoremediation was also investigated. Data obtained suggested the plants could be used for phyto-extraction of these metals. Rhodanese, enzyme that detoxify cyanide was extracted and characterized from the liver of Clarias gariepinus of cassava effluents contaminated Odo-Oba River. The results show specific activities of 0.0526RUmg-1. The optimal temperature and pH of 30˚C and 7.0 were recorded for the enzyme respectively. The Vmax of 9.62RU/Ml and 6.33RU/Ml were obtained for the KCN and Na2S2O3 substrates while for the Km, higher figures of 49.4mM and 28.5mM were recorded respectively. However, the Km values of the fish liver Rhodanese of Clarias gariepinus indicated higher affinity for thiosulphate (Na2S2O3) than for potassium cyanide (KCN) as a substrate, although maximum activity was observed for KCN substrate. Inhibition studies on the enzyme with a number of chloride salts showed that the activity of the enzyme was not affected by Mg2+,, Mn2+,Ca2+ while Ba2+,Hg2+ and Cu2+ inhibited the enzyme considerably.

Monitoring Grassland Management Effects on Soil Organic Carbon—A Matter of Scale

Introduction of temporary grasslands into cropping cycles could be a sustainable management practice leading to increased soil organic carbon (SOC) to contribute to climate change adaption and mitigation. To investigate the impact of temporary grassland management practices on SOC storage of croplands, we used a spatially resolved sampling approach combined with geostatistical analyses across an agricultural experiment. The experiment included blocks (0.4- to 3-ha blocks) of continuous grassland, continuous cropping and temporary grasslands with different durations and N-fertilizations on a 23-ha site in western France. We measured changes in SOC storage over this 9-year experiment on loamy soil and investigated physicochemical soil parameters. In the soil profiles (0–90 cm), SOC stocks ranged from 82.7 to 98.5 t ha−1 in 2005 and from 81.3 to 103.9 t ha−1 in 2014. On 0.4-ha blocks, the continuous grassland increased SOC in the soil profile with highest gains in the first 30 cm, while losses were recorded under continuous cropping. Where temporary grasslands were introduced into cropping cycles, SOC stocks were maintained. These observations were only partly confirmed when changing the scale of observation to 3-ha blocks. At the 3-ha scale, most grassland treatments exhibited both gains and losses of SOC, which could be partly related to soil physicochemical properties. Overall, our data suggest that both management practices and soil characteristics determine if carbon will accumulate in SOC pools. For detailed understanding of SOC changes, a combination of measurements at different scales is necessary.

ПОЧВООБРАЗУЮЩЕЕ ЗНАЧЕНИЕ ВЫНОСЯЩЕЙ (ПЕРЕОТЛОЖНОЙ) ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ КРОТА ЕВРОПЕЙСКОГО (TALPA EUROPAEA, L) В ТАЕЖНОМ БИОГЕОЦЕНОЗЕ

Кротовые выбросы (кротовины) представляют собой перемешанные поверхностные слои почвы, в которых наблюдается положительная динамика основных физико-химических свойств почвы – снижение плотности, влажности, кислотности и увеличение содержания органического вещества (гумуса), особенно в первые 3 месяца после образования выбросов. В результате исследований были определены наиболее предпочитаемые для крота европейского (Talpa europaea) биогеоценозы Вологодской области. Наиболее заселенными оказались лесные биогеоценозы с влажными участками на опушках леса и на пограничных лесных территориях. Также крот предпочитает смешанные молодняки на вырубках. Одним из лимитирующих факторов выносящей деятельности крота является гранулометрический состав почвы. Выявлено, что крот охотнее осваивает территории с легкими и средними суглинками, в то время как на участках с более легкими супесчаными и тяжелыми суглинистыми почвами активность крота снижается. Получены данные о площади повреждений кротом почвенного покрова в разных лесных биоценозах. Одним из положительных факторов деятельности крота является создание благоприятных условий для восстановления растительных сообществ на антропогенно-нарушенных территориях (вырубках) в результате качественных улучшений физико-химических свойств почвы.

The effects of biocrusts on soil parameters in a semi-arid pediment at north-eastern Iran

The biocrusts are organized by soil-surface communities of biota that live within or on the very top of soil surface and play an important role in soil conservation. They include lichens, mosses, fungi, cyanobacteria, eukaryotic algae, and other heterotrophic bacteria. The interaction between biocrusts and soil is very important and good awareness from that help to better manage soil specially in arid and semi-arid areas. The linkage between cyanobacteria species and soil physicochemical parameters and mineralogy in two geomorphic zones in the northeastern Iran was studied. Samples were collected in summer along a linear transect by using 50 x 50 cm quadrates for each study zone. Individual mineral soil particles were analyzed by a scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The amounts of Na, K, Ca, and Mg contents as well as EC and SOC altered significantly between two study zones. Biocrusts increased levels of organic carbon, pH, calcium carbonate, exchangeable sodium and potassium percentages. The main soil properties of SOC, CaCO3 and amount of clay changed among biocrust sand bare soils.

Biochar Alters Soil Physical Characteristics, Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi Colonization, and Glomalin Production

Soil enhancements such as biochar (BC) are gaining attention as tools to mitigate climate change and also to promote crop growth. However, biochar use can disrupt soil ecosystems by changing the soil’s physical, chemical, and biological properties. The study aimed to determine how biochar influences soil physical changes such as specific surface area (SSA) and water vapor sorption, and how these conditions affect arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) hyphae growth and glomalin production. The study analyzed these factors at different plant phenological phases (i.e., flowering, development of fruit, and ripening of fruit and seed) to better understand the changes within the system while varying biochar amounts. The study also investigated the effect of different soil physical and chemical parameters on mycorrhizal hyphae growth and glomalin production. Four treatments were investigated: 0, 0.5%, 2.5%, and 5.0% (w/w) biochar amended silt loam soil planted with pepper. Soil samples were taken at the beginning and weeks 6, 10, and 12 of the study. The amount of adsorbed water vapor increased with an increasing amount of biochar added to the soils. Compared to control, SSA was significantly higher in all biochar amended treatments based on adsorption data, and only in the highest biochar amended soils for the desorption data at the end of the experiment. The presence of AMF in the roots appeared at week 6 of the experiment and the intensity of AMF root colonization increased with the age of plants. The AMF colonization parameters were significantly lower in BC2.5 compared to all other biochar amended soils. The abundance of intraradical AMF structures was highly correlated with several physicochemical soil parameters, such as SSA, the geometric mean diameter of soil aggregate, soil aggregate sizes, or pH. Glomalin production was negatively correlated with SSA, water vapor adsorption, aggregate stability, aggregate size, total nitrogen, potassium, and organic carbon content of the soil, while positive correlation was observed with bulk density. Increased biochar amount resulted in a significant decrease in glomalin production, concurrent with the age of the plants. Our results highlight the great complexity of interactions between soil physicochemical and biological parameters, and the importance of the time of sampling when biochar is used in soil, as the effects of biochar additions on the plant, soil physical characteristics, and soil microsymbionts vary over time.

Improvement of Garlic Growth, Physiology, Biochemical Traits, and Soil Fertility by Rhizophagus Irregularis and Compost

The present work aimed to study the effect of compost and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) on soil physicochemical parameters on garlic (Allium sativum L.) growth, physiology, biochemical traits, and yield under environmental conditions. The application of AMF or compost increased both carbonic and mineral contents in soil. An improvement of 92% and 35% was observed in case of total organic carbon in soil of plant amended with compost and inoculated with AMF, respectively, compared to the control. Indeed, available phosphorus and total nitrogen were increased by 139% and 52% in case of compost + AMF compared to the control. Mycorrhizal frequency was significantly higher in AMF than in compost + AMF plants, while compost application did not significantly affect the mycorrhizal intensity in garlic roots. The application of R. irregularis, compost, and their combination enhanced the growth parameters and biomass production with the greatest improvement in AMF and compost + AMF treatments. Compost + AMF was considered the best treatment, with a yield improvement by 81% in comparison to the control. The same biostimulants applied alone or in combination significantly enhanced stomatal conductance, total soluble sugars, proteins, and the content of chlorophyll and total carotenoid in garlic plants compared to the control. Finally, we revealed the positive impact of the tested biofertilizers and the interest in adoption of innovative practices improving growth, physiology, biochemical traits, and soil fertility as well as biological agriculture of garlic yield.