Soil Physicochemical Parameters Research Articles

The Early Effects of an Agrivoltaic System within a Different Crop Cultivation on Soil Quality in Dry–Hot Valley Eco-Fragile Areas

The co-allocation of photovoltaic arrays with crops presents a promising strategy to mitigate the conflict between photovoltaics and agricultural land. However, there is a notable lack of quantitative research on the impact of agrivoltaic system on land quality in fragile areas. In this study, peanuts (Arachis hypogaea) and ryegrass (Lolium perenne) were cultivated in photovoltaic array in the dry–hot valley of southwest China, with an off-site native land serving as the control. Sixteen soil physicochemical and biochemical parameters were measured in the gap and under-panel and control area. Results demonstrated that the agrivoltaic system significantly enhanced soil moisture, organic carbon, nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium nutrients, microbial biomass, and urease activity. It also led to varying degrees of increase in soil pH and electrical conductivity, along with reduced soil sucrase and phosphatase activity. In comparison to the control, the agrivoltaic system notably improved soil quality and multifunctionality. Specially, gap cultivation had a more pronounced positive impact on soil quality than under-panel cultivation, and the cultivation of peanuts had a greater effect on soil quality and multifunctionality improvement than ryegrass. This study provides fundamental data to support the improvement of land quality in photovoltaic developed regions, and to alleviate the conflict between photovoltaics and agricultural land.

Assessment of the extent of soil degradation over different land uses in the Kebbi area, northwestern Nigeria

This paper assessed soil degradation over land use in the Kebbi area, Northwestern Nigeria. The specific objectives entailed identifying major forms of soil loss in the study area, estimating soil loss, and examining the responses of soil physico-chemical properties over dominant land use types. Slope angles were determined using a GPS, a handheld Abney level, ranging poles, and a 30 m measuring tape while gully depths, widths, and lengths were taken at 5 m-30 m intervals. Key soil physico-chemical parameters were determined using standard procedures. Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and coefficient of variation were used to summarize the data generated from the study. The analysis of variance and the student’s t-test were used to test for significant association between and within pairs of land uses. The results show that slopes range from 4⁰ - 16⁰, while the magnitude of soil loss ranged between 3580.32 m3 in K1 (Kalgo 1), 3550.89 m3 in G2 (Goru 2) and 161.01 m3 in A1 (Angwar Daji 1). Results show significance at p≤ 0.05 in bulk density values over the different land uses, with the highest bulk density value of 1.78 g/cm3 in badland and the lowest value of 1.35 g/cm3 in plantation land use. Total nitrogen ranges between 0.01 – 0.38%, with the lowest values in badland and scrubland, while soil base saturation is highest over plantation (76.3%) and lowest in badland (50.4%). The study concludes that the dominant geomorphic responses identified in the study area are gully initiation and development and varying amounts of soil degradation over the different land uses. The findings should facilitate policy initiation to rehabilitate degraded lands and adopt sustainable soil management practices like tree planting while linking geomorphological information to infrastructural planning and development.

Biostimulation potentials of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on a diesel fuel polluted soil

The study was carried out to examine the biostimulatory effect of pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff on remediation of soil contaminated with diesel fuel. Different rates (0, 1 and 2kg) of pig dung and 1kg of oil palm fruit chaff and were applied to diesel fuel contaminated soils at (0, 1litre and 2litre /ha) of diesel fuel respectively were used. A total of twelve (12) treatments combination with three (3) replicates each summing to thirty-six (36) plots were used. The experiment was laid out in a randomized complete block design. The soil physicochemical parameters that were examined are pH, total organic content (TOC), nitrogen (N), carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N), phosphorus (P) CEC, TPH and PAH. The results for soil physicochemical parameters showed significant variations (P<0.05) in the levels of pH, phosphorus, Cation Exchange Capacity, carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) associated with pollution and biodegradation occurring within the soils, the result shows high levels in total organic carbon (TOC) and Nitrogen. Soil analysis during the experiment revealed a general negative correlation coefficient implying enhanced remediation during the trial periods. The research has shown that pig dung and oil palm fruit chaff are good biostimulatory agent in the remediation and restoration of diesel fuel polluted soil.

Artificially remediated plants impact soil physiochemical properties along the riparian zones of the three gorges dam in China

River ecosystem biodiversity and biogeochemical processes are shaped largely by riverside vegetation and soil. Moreover, river ecosystems provide ecological services influenced by the surrounding vegetation and soil interactions. However, the mechanisms by which artificially remediated plants (ARPs) and riparian soil interact to provide these benefits are still unclear among various ARPs. This study fills this gap and examines the impact of ARPs along the riparian zones of Three Gorges Dam (TGD) in Chongqing City, China. We sampled four varieties of ARPs from the Ruxi River Basin in the TGD. These varieties included Cynodon dactylon, Hemarthria altissima, Taxodium disticum, and Salix mastudana. Our results indicated substantial changes in soil physicochemical parameters. Comparably, T. distigum contains significantly higher soil chemical contents. Interestingly, principal component analysis explained almost 100% of the variance for all plant species in this study. Moreover, different vegetation types and soil chemical properties were positively correlated using Pearson correlation analysis (p < 0.05). Furthermore, all plant species exhibited strong negative correlations with physical characteristics (up to r = −1.00). Specifically, these mechanisms explain the interactions between ARPs and soil from riparian areas in the TGD. Hence, this study may facilitate ecological restoration and land management in degraded riparian areas.

Relationship between Carbon Sequestration and Soil Physicochemical Parameters in Northern Campeche, Mexico

For decades, mangroves have been exposed to various pressures, resulting in the loss of large swathes around the world. For this reason, ecological restoration actions are presented as alternatives to recover mangroves that can restore their ecosystem services while helping to mitigate climate change’s effects. Mangroves are crucial, as they capture and sequester carbon in biomass and soil, highlighting their importance in environmental conservation and in the fight against climate change. In this research, the amount of carbon sequestered in a mangrove area restored eight years ago and its relationship with soil physicochemical parameters were evaluated and compared to those of a reference forest. Soil cores were collected at a depth of 30 cm from both sites, and in situ measurements of physical chemistry were made at different depths. In addition, soil salinity, bulk density, and carbon concentration were determined. The results revealed a similar amount of carbon sequestered both in the reference forest (BR) (470.17 ± 67.14 Mg C/ha) and in the restoration area (RA) (444.53 ± 86.11 Mg C/ha) (p > 0.05). A direct relationship was observed between carbon sequestration and soil depth. In the case of the RA, a direct relationship was found between carbon sequestration and soil salinity. In conclusion, the results of this study indicate that the behavior of carbon sequestration in soil is determined by the physicochemical conditions in both the BR and the RA, as well as by the presence or absence of vegetation.

Can deep fertilization in spring maize fields improve soil properties and their distribution in soil profile?

Deep fertilization strategy has been proven to be an important fertilizer management method for improving fertilizer utilization efficiency and crop yield. However, the relationship between soil chemical and biochemical characteristics and crop productivity under different fertilization depth patterns still needs comprehensive evaluation. Field tests on spring maize were therefore carried out in the Loess Plateau of China for two successive growing seasons from 2019 to 2020. Four distinct fertilization depths of 5 cm, 15 cm, 25 cm, and 35 cm were used to systematically investigate the effects of fertilization depth on soil physicochemical parameters, enzyme activity, and biochemical properties. The findings demonstrated that although adjusting fertilization depths (D15, D25) did not significantly affect the soil organic carbon content, they did significantly improve the soil chemical and biochemical characteristics in the root zone (10–30 cm), with D25 having a greater influence than D15. Compared with D5, the total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), available nitrogen (AN), Olsen-P, dissolved organic carbon, and nitrogen (DOC and DON) in the root zone of D25 significantly increased by 12.02%, 7.83%, 22.21%, 9.56%, 22.29%, and 26.26%, respectively. Similarly, the urease, invertase, phosphatase, and catalase in the root zone of D25 significantly increased by 9.56%, 13.20%, 11.52%, and 18.05%, while microbial biomass carbon, nitrogen, and phosphorus (MBC, MBN, and MBP) significantly increased by 18.91%, 32.01% and 26.50%, respectively, compared to D5. By optimizing the depth of fertilization, the distribution ratio of Ca2–P and Ca8–P in the inorganic phosphorus components of the root zone can also be increased. Therefore, optimizing fertilization depth helps to improve soil chemical and biochemical characteristics and increase crop yield. The results of this study will deepen our understanding of how fertilization depth influence soil properties and crop responses.

Effects of co-inoculation of indole-3-acetic acid- and ammonia-producing bacteria on plant growth and nutrition, soil elements, and the relationships of soil microbiomes with soil physicochemical parameters

Abstract To cope with the problem of the reduction in agricultural productivity, the massive usage of chemical fertilizers for boosting agricultural productivity is popular across the world. In return, it thereby declines soil quality and biodiversity. We therefore determined the potential of co-inoculation of the indole-3-acetic-acid- and ammonia-producing bacteria, Pseudomonas sp. strain NK2/7 and Bacillus sp. strain NK1/19, immobilized in agar to promote mustard greens growth and investigated the effects of co-inoculation of both strains on plant and soil elements as well as soil bacterial community structure, in comparison with a chemical fertilizer and single-strain inoculations. The knowledge on the relationships of both species with plant and soil microbiota in field conditions is limited. The results show that the co-inoculation of both strains immobilized in agar increased plant dry weight up to 62.02% and plant elements, including N (38.46%), P (28.37%), K (203.16%), Ca (10.89%), Mg (25.8%), and Na (70.3%). The co-inoculation also conferred the highest organic matter (OM) (by 429.45%) and increased soil elements including Fe (92.74%), Mn (126.88%), Cu (12.05%), and Zn (107.46%). Illumina next-generation sequencing demonstrated that the establishment of both strains affected the soil bacterial community by reducing bacterial diversity and richness. Bacterial classes Bacteroidia, alpha-Proteobacteria, Vicinamibacteria, Gemmatimonadetes, Verrucomicrobiae, Polyangia, Nitrososphaeria, and Blastocatellia were significantly decreased, whereas the amounts of gamma-Proteobacteria and Bacilli were significantly increased. Soil parameters, including pH, OM, total Fe, Mn, Cu, and Zn, were the major factors influencing the soil bacterial community structure.

Ecological effects of soil physicochemical properties and copper speciation on the microbial properties associated with land use management in cacao production

Soil microbial functioning heavily influenced by heavy metals, is critical to soil health. We investigated the response of soil microbial properties to Cu speciation and soil physicochemical properties at two depths (0–15 and 15–30 cm) in the natural field (NAF), conventional- (CCM), and organic cacao management (OCM) in Ghana. A sequential extraction technique was used to quantify Cu into labile, potentially stable, and stable speciation. Soil physicochemical properties, microbial biomass, basal respiration, enzyme activity, and microbial counts were measured. Microbial- and metabolic quotients (qCO2) were calculated. Cu speciation and microbial properties were largely influenced by land management vis-à-vis soil depth. Except for basal respiration and qCO2 which were dominant at CCM, the other microbial properties increased in NAF > OCM > CCM. CCM had the maximum labile Cu while NAF had the least. Potentially stable and stable Cu were dominant at OCM. Labile Cu negatively affected soil microbial properties except for basal respiration and qCO2, which had a positive effect. However, when labile Cu co-varied with potentially stable and stable Cu or soil organic carbon (SOC), it positively affected microbial properties. The relationship between soil microbial and physicochemical properties was stronger than Cu speciation. The negative effect of labile Cu on microbial biomass, microbial count, and enzyme activity was masked by pH, clay, and SOC. Overall, Cu speciation and soil physicochemical parameters jointly altered microbial properties which varied with the land management systems. This study provides novel insight into the microbial properties in cacao soils associated with land management systems.

Changes in Physicochemical Parameters of Soil Along the Villages in Pendhurti Block of Visakhapatnam District, Andhra Pradesh

Soil represents a critical element of plant existence, ranking prominently among the five essential elements. When soil quality declines, it adversely impacts crop productivity. In the present research, the emphasis was placed on conducting a physicochemical analysis of soils in various villages within the Pendhurti block of Visakhapatnam district. In this research, 30 samples of soil were gathered haphazardly from 0 to 15 cm depth across 15 distinct villages.The soil samples gathered underwent analysis in a laboratory to assess their physicochemical parameters. The results revealed that the soil pH exhibited a neutral to slightly alkaline reaction i.e. 6.9 to 8.2 and EC 0.076 to 0.381. The organic-C content was found to be low i.e. (0.12 to 0.59). The Particle density and bulk density were observed to be 2.05 to 2.8 Mg m-3 and 1.33 to 1.57 Mg m-3. The available N in soil was found lowi.e.75.26 to 137.98 kg ha-1, medium to low for K (78.4 to 389.40), and high for P i.e. (22.38 to 151.98 kg ha-1). The available Ca and Mg were recorded to be adequate and S was low to medium (0.21 to 19.6 mg kg-1) and nutrient index values for N, S, Organic-C found to be low, medium for K and high for P. The available micronutrients were reported sufficient (Cu, Zn) to high (Fe, Mn).This analysis emphasizes the need for a greater emphasis on improving soil quality using enhanced practices such as integrated nutrient management and crop rotations, rather than depending solely on monoculture farming.

Ralstonia solanacearum differentially modulates soil physicochemical properties and rhizospheric bacteriome of resistant and susceptible tobacco cultivars

Ralstonia solanacearum is a devastating soilborne pathogen which poses significant yield and economic losses to tobacco production globally. The impact of R. solanacearum on rhizosphere bacteriome and soil physicochemical characteristics in resistant and susceptible tobacco cultivars is poorly understood. This study aims to determine the effect of R. solanacearum on soil physicochemical parameters and rhizosphere bacteriome of resistant (K326) and susceptible (Hongda) tobacco cultivars at various growth stages. Results demonstrated that the contents of available potassium and phosphorus, as well as soil pH were significantly increased in K326 soils (CK and T2) compared with Hongda (T1) after 21, 42, and 63 days post-inoculation (dpi) of R. solanacearum except for available nitrogen which showed an opposite trend. The qPCR results showed a significant decrease in R. solanacearum population in rhizosphere of K326 (T2) compared to the Hongda (T1) at 21 and 63 dpi than that after 42 dpi. The rhizosphere bacteriome analysis through 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing revealed that rhizosphere bacterial community composition was significantly different between two tobacco cultivars (Hongda and K326) and this effect was more prominent after 63 dpi (93 days after post-transplantation), suggesting that each cultivar recruits a unique set of bacterial communities. There was no obvious difference observed in the rhizosphere bacteriome of CK (K326) and T2 (K326), which might be attributed to the same genetic makeup and inherent resistance of K326 to bacterial wilt infection. Analysis of co-occurrence networks revealed that the microbial network in T1 (Hongda) was more complex than those in T2 (K326) and CK (K326), while the networks in CK and T2 were almost identical. The present research highlights the time-course relationship between environmental factors and rhizosphere bacteriome of tobacco cultivars showing different levels of resistance against R. solanacearum. Conclusively, studying the plant-soil-microbe interaction system in susceptible and resistant tobacco cultivars may enable us to develop effective integrated disease control plans for the healthy production of tobacco crops.

Interactions between mangrove soil, water, and microbes in degraded, natural, and restored tropical coastline ecosystems

ABSTRACT The interactions among soil, water, and microbes are unique and fundamental in mangrove forests. We examined and compared the physicochemical parameters of soil (pH, Organic Carbon (OC), Electrical Conductivity (EC), N, P, K, Mg, Ca, S, Fe, Zn, Cu, and Mn) and water (pH, temperature, Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), EC) as well as microbial diversity and abundance in nine natural, degraded, and restored mangrove ecosystems along Guyana’s coastline. Sampling was done using a randomized block design for one year in two seasons. Significant differences, correlations (p < 0.05, R > 0.75) and regressions in water and soil parameters were documented for the natural ecosystems and restored ecosystems in both seasons. Additionally, microbial abundance was greater in the restored ecosystems, while seasonal variations in diversity were seen in the degraded and restored ecosystems. Our study lends some credence to the idea that ecosystem type and seasonality can influence soil, water, and microbial interactions, which can ultimately affect mangrove biodiversity.

Studies on Soil Physico-chemical Parameters of Different Vegetable Crop Fields of Cachar District, Assam

Soil characterization of four vegetable crop fields viz. Bhagpur, Gobindapur, Irangmara and Barjalenga of Cachar district, Assam were carried using standard procedures. Physico-chemical parameters of the soil of different sites studied were in the range of 0.65% to 1.48%, 17.08% to 23.88%, 10.9 to 14.78 (g/cm3 ), 0.22 to 0.37%, 0.02 to 0.08% and 0.47 to 0.72% for OC, MC, BD, TN, TP, and TK, respectively. The pH was found to be mildly acidic in nature. The value of conductivity revealed that all the sites are non-saline. The soil of Bhagpur, Gobindapur, Irangmara and Barjalenga comprised of different textural groups viz., silty clay, silty clay loam and clay loam, respectively. Correlation analysis was done to study the relationship between various physico-chemical parameters in soil.

Mapping soil suitability using phenological information derived from MODIS time series data in a semi-arid region: A case study of Khouribga, Morocco

To address the increasing global demand for food, it is crucial to implement sustainable agricultural practices, which include effective soil management techniques for enhancing productivity and environmental conditions. In this regard, a study was conducted to assess the efficacy of utilizing phenological metrics derived from satellite data in order to map and identify suitable agricultural soil within a semi-arid region. Two distinct methodologies were compared: one based on physicochemical soil parameters and the other utilizing the phenological response of vegetation through the application of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) Modis-time series. The study findings indicated that the NDVI-based approach successfully identified a specific class of soil suitability for agriculture (referred to as S1) that could not be effectively mapped using the multi-criteria analysis (MCAD) method relying on soil physicochemical parameters. This S1 class of soil suitability accounted for approximately 5 % of the total study area. These outcomes suggest that phenological-based approaches offer greater potential for spatio-temporal monitoring of soil suitability status compared to MCAD, which heavily relies on discrete observations and necessitates frequent updates of soil parameters. The approach developed to map the soil-suitability is a valuable tool for sustainable agricultural development, and it can play an effective role in ensuring food security and conducting a land agriculture assessment.

Assessment of Physicochemical Properties and Heavy Metal Content of Floriculture Soil in Amhara Region of Northwest Ethiopia.

Floriculture is a new and rapidly expanding sector in Ethiopia that aids economic growth but has also come under blame for pollution of the surrounding soil. The purpose of this study was to assess the soil physicochemical properties and heavy metal contents in floriculture in the Amhara Region of Northwest Ethiopia. Soil samples were collected from seven different greenhouses (2ABC, 4DEF, 5ABC, 7DEF, 8ABC, 9DEF, and 11DEF), and a control soil sample was taken on the 15-cm depth from a nearby agricultural area. They were analyzed for soil physicochemical parameters and heavy metal compositions. Soil texture showed a significant difference between the soils sampled from the greenhouses and the control group. The highest average clay, silt, and sand contents were recorded in the control group, 4DEF, and 9DEF, respectively. The lower clay content was at 9 DEF, silt at 11 DEF, and sand in the control group. Clay was positively correlated to soil pH (r = 0.66) and TN (r = 0.38) but showed significant negative correlation with the sand fraction (r = -0.96). The average bulk density (BD) values of the soils from the greenhouses were within acceptable ranges; however, the mean BD value of 7DEF was relatively highest (1.34 g/cm3). There were significant (P < 0.05) changes in soil pH and electrical conductivity, with pH values ranging from 5.8 to 7.17 and EC from 0.08 to 1.72 mScm-1. Soil organic carbon, available phosphorus, total nitrogen, and carbon-to-nitrogen ratio of the soil samples from the greenhouses and the control group were significantly different. There were also significant differences in soil exchangeable aluminum and acidity between greenhouse soil samples and the control group. Soil contents of some of the heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Mn, and Cu) in the floriculture soil were above the permissible limits, while Cr, Zn, and Ni contents were below. The soil in floriculture showed low quality compared to the control group and international standards, indicating the need for improved soil quality management. This study recommends reducing agrochemical use, increasing bio-fertilizers, using botanicals, and transitioning to organic farming. Further studies are needed to assess soil microbial diversity and abundance for soil fixation.

Assessment of the Variations in Soil Physicochemical Parameters of the Natural Forest and Plantations in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Assessment of the Variations in Soil Physicochemical Parameters of the Natural Forest and Plantations in Orumba North Local Government Area, Anambra State, Nigeria

Fungal diversity and key functional gene abundance in Iowa bioretention cells: implications for stormwater remediation potential.

Stormwater bioretention cells are green stormwater infrastructure systems that can help mitigate flooding and remove contaminants. Plants and bacteria improve nutrient removal and degrade organic contaminants; however, the roles of fungi in bioretention cells are less known. Although mycorrhizal fungi aid in plant growth/improve nutrient uptake, there is a notable lack of research investigating fungal diversity in bioretention cells. Other types of fungi could benefit bioretention cells (e.g., white rot fungi degrade recalcitrant contaminants). This study addresses the knowledge gap of fungal function and diversity within stormwater bioretention cells. We collected multiple soil samples from 27 different bioretention cells in temperate-climate eastern Iowa USA, characterized soil physicochemical parameters, sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon to identify fungal taxa from extracted DNA, and measured functional gene abundances for two fungal laccases (Cu1, Cu1A) and a fungal nitrite reductase gene (nirKf). Fungal biodegradation functional genes were present in bioretention soils (mean copies per g: 7.4 × 105nirKf, 3.2 × 106Cu1, 4.0 × 108Cu1A), with abundance of fungal laccase and fungal nitrite reductase genes significantly positively correlated with soil pH and organic matter (Pearson's R: >0.39; rho < 0.05). PERMANOVA analysis determined soil characteristics were not significant explanatory variables for community composition (beta diversity). In contrast, planting specifications significantly impacted fungal diversity; the presence/absence of a few planting types and predominant vegetation type in the cell explained 89% of variation in fungal diversity. These findings further emphasize the importance of plants and media as key design parameters for bioretention cells, with implications for fungal bioremediation of captured stormwater contaminants.

Black (Acacia mearnsii) and silver wattle (Acacia dealbata) invasive tree species impact on soil physicochemical properties in South Africa: A systematic literature review

Invasive alien plant species are a problem to global biodiversity, ecosystem dynamics, and human livelihood. The risks and potential effects of invasive alien species on local vegetation are growing, particularly the potential loss of ecological services. Thus, this study aimed to synthesise the impacts of acacia 'species' on soil physicochemical properties in South Africa. A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) framework for conducting a systematic review was followed. A total of 16 studies that met the study selection criteria were used. Data were extracted and evaluated by checking if any soil physicochemical parameters increased (+) or decreased (−) the impacts on invaded and cleared soils. The results showed increased quantities of soil organic carbon, total nitrogen, and gravimetric water content in invaded soil than in cleared soil. Acacia species generally positively improved the soil's physical and chemical properties during their invasion, and some minor changes may occur after their clearance, such as a decrease in cations. The results of this study only explain how acacias affect soil physical and chemical properties in three provinces; therefore, there need to be more studies from other provinces which could have further given insights into a particular region.

The impact of olive mill wastewater on soil properties, nutrient and heavy metal availability – A study case from Syrian vertisols

Olive oil mill wastewater (OMW) is an environmental concern in olive oil producers' regions due to its use in agricultural soils as an organic amendment. However, OMW can also be used as organic fertilizer due to their high organic matter and nutrient levels, but its use, when it occurs without environmental management, can cause serious environmental implications for soils and waters. This work evaluated the impact of different OMW levels on a set of physicochemical parameters from an agricultural vertisol where wheat grew (Triticum aestivum L var. Douma 1). A set of physicochemical parameters were conducted before adding different levels of OMW (0, 5, 10 and 15 L m−2) at two soil depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) and for the two growing seasons to determine: i) the effect of OMW treatments on the studied physicochemical soil properties (bulk density, soil porosity, soil pH, electrical conductivity and organic matter), ii) available primary (N, P, K) and secondary macronutrients (Ca, Mg and Na), ii) micronutrients (Cu Fe, Mn and Zn), and iv) available heavy metals (Cd and Pb). The results indicated that soil physicochemical parameters were slightly improved, mainly due to improvement in organic matter, macro- and micronutrients, usually proportionally to the olive mill wastewater dose. Cadmium and Pb were within the permissible limits. The increased OMW had different behaviour on the soil nutritional balances of different elements, leading to nutrient imbalances, although in some cases, they were improved. However, the plant growth was not affected, and it was improved under 10 L m−2 and 15 L m−2 doses. The results offer valuable data about the use of OMW as organic fertilizer for crops and their potential impact on soil properties.

Evaluation of Physicochemical and Geoelectrical Parameters of Soil and Water around Electronic Dumpsites in Selected Locations of Aba, Nigeria

Electronic waste can be harmful to human health as it contains some heavy metals which alter the wellbeing of people. Aba being a commercial city in Southeastern Nigeria is lying on permeable soil. The indiscriminate disposal of these items makes it expedient for the investigation to be carried out by studying the characteristics of the soil and groundwater quality in order to ascertain the concentration of some of these heavy metals which pollute the water. Resistivities of the soil were determined by employing the vertical electrical sounding method and using some appropriate computer modeling software such as ip2win, surfer12, grapher 8, etc. to interpret the geoelectric sections. Water samples were collected from twenty different locations (BH1 to BH20 and leachate site), then, analyzed using atomic absorption spectrophotometer which revealed the concentration levels of some elements including heavy metals and some compounds such as Al (4.5–40.26 mg/L), As (0.0–3.78 mg/L), Cd (0.0–3.78 mg/L), Cr (0.0–0.543 mg/L), Cu (0.0–21.54 mg/L), Fe (0.15–9.27 mg/L), Pb (0.0–5.604 mg/L), Hg (0.0–2.688 mg/L), Ni (0.0–0.504 mg/L), Ag (0.04–1.2 mg/L), Zn (0.0004–5.2 mg/L), CN (0.84–2.63 mg/L), NH3 (0.004–2.74 mg/L), PO4 (0.3–8.4 mg/L), SO4 (0.0–35 mg/L), etc. The soil resistivities range from 500 Ωm to 1000 Ωm and the depth to water is between 20 m to 40 m. The results revealed that water level is very close to the ground surface and hence, the groundwater is prone to pollution. Also, the percentage concentration of some of the heavy metals is high, which points to a serious threat to life.

Unearthing diverse culturable fungal communities associated with Ophiocordyceps indica sp. nov. from Indian Western Himalaya.

Fungal communities colonizing Ophiocordyceps spp. plays a crucial ecological role in their natural habitat, contributing to infect the host larvae, and influencing their occurrence. Although associated fungi with the newly described Ophiocordyceps indica, from the Indian Western Himalaya remains unclear. Therefore, we untangled the culturable fungal communities associated with O. indica and soil adhered to it, collected from low-height areas of Himachal Pradesh, India. The study resulted in the identification of 111 fungal isolates representing 17 families, with maximum fungal isolates (36.03%) within Cordycipitaceae. Interestingly, a total of 24 genera were found associated with O. indica and adhered soil, of which 12 were common, 8 were exclusive to O. indica and4 were only limited to soil. Additionally, the influence of soil physicochemical parameters on fungal diversity indices revealed a positive correlation with humidity and available nitrogen and a negative correlation with pH and available phosphorus. These findings provide insights into the culturable fungal diversity of O. indica and the soil adhering to it, thus can contribute to the understanding of host-microbial interactions. Furthermore, these associations can be explored as a source of bioactive metabolites to combat the unending industrial demands.