Red Yellow Podzolic Soil Research Articles

Effect of Organic Nutrient Solutions on Growth and Yield Performances of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in Red Yellow Podzolic Soil in Sri Lanka

Effect of Organic Nutrient Solutions on Growth and Yield Performances of Green Bean (<em>Phaseolus vulgaris</em> L.) in Red Yellow Podzolic Soil in Sri Lanka

KAJIAN BEBERAPA SIFAT KIMIA TANAH PODSOLIK MERAH KUNING PADA LAHAN PERKEBUNAN KELAPA SAWIT BERBEDA UMUR DI SEI DAUN, KABUPATEN LABUHANBATU SELATAN, SUMATERA UTARA

Red-yellow podzolic soils are generally acidic and have poor chemical properties, so tolerant plants such as oil palm plants are needed. This research was to determine the effect of differences in the age of oil palms on the chemical properties of the Sei Daun plantation soil. The research was conducted in December 2022 using the method of purposive sampling according to plant age. Samples were taken from 5 lands with oil palm ages 8 years, 14 years, 16 years, and 25 years, as well as land without plants, 5 points were determined from each land, and each point was separated into 3 depths, namely 0-20 cm, 20-50 cm, and 50-70 cm, the 5 points were composited according to depth, producing 3 samples per field. The results of the analysis of soil chemical properties show that increasing the age of oil palm causes soil pH, thereby reducing available P, total N, exchangeable K, and CEC of soil, but increasing soil organic C, also increasing Fe-NH4OAC, Mn-NH4OAC, exchangeable Al but still in low value. Increasing the age of oil palms can lower the soil pH, thereby reducing the availability of nutrients. Fertilizer doses can be adjusted according to the age of the plant because the older it is, the more nutrients the plant absorbs.

EFFECT OF DIFFERENCES IN PLANTING DISTANCE ON GROWTH AND YIELD OF Zea mays in RED-YELLOW PODZOLIC SOIL

The problem that occurs in efforts to increase zea mays production is low land productivity, especially for red-yellow podzolic soil types. Setting plant spacing is an important factor to increase crop production easily and not increase production costs. Increasing the plant population per unit area can increase yields, but if the plant population continues to be increased, the yield will actually decrease. The aim of this research was to determine the response of growth and production of Zea mays to plant spacing treatments and to determine the correct planting distance with a high growth and production response. This research used a Randomized Block Design with 4 treatments, namely: P1 = planting distance 100 x 20 cm; P2 = planting distance 80 x 20 cm; P3 = planting distance 60 x 20 cm; and P4 = planting distance 40 x 20 cm; and repeated 3 times. Observation variables included plant height, ear weight, ear diameter, ear length, and sweetness level. The data analysis used was analysis of variance to determine whether the treatments were significantly different or not and continued with the LSD test with a significance level of 5%. The research results showed that differences in the planting distance of Zea mays on red-yellow podzolic soil had an effect on plant height, cob weight without corn husks, cob weight with corn husks, and cob length. Treatments P1 and P2 were the best treatments for the variables plant height, cob weight without corn husks, and cob weight with corn husks. Meanwhile, for the cob length variable, the best treatment is the P1 treatment.

Analysis of Coconut (Cocos Nucifera L) Commodities Based on Land Suitability in the Pining District of Gayo Lues

Using a survey method, this study aimed to examine the characteristics of the land and the direction of land usage for cultivating coconuts. The land's features are described in a land map created from the overlapping findings of each land map unit, which serves as a foundation for additional study to fit the environment for growing coconut plants. According to the results of the analytics and planning of the land conservation of coconut crops in Gayo Luwes, for the crops to survive, it is vital to pay attention to soil characteristics such as temperature, rainfall, soil type, and the number of wet months. Gayo Luwes District is a coconut region in the centre of the country. Not only were the results of matching for the coconut commodity in each SST obtained by using map-based planning geographic information systems, but it was also discovered that rainfall ranged from 3100 mm/year, temperatures went from 23oC to 24oC, base saturation was in the very low to low category (3.91% -35.16%), pH H2O is classified as acidic (4.6-4.9), drainage is slightly obstructed, relatively fast and good, slopes are sloping to steep (12%-26 ) and textures with values little fine, smooth and rather rough are the limiting factors dominant. Other findings also suggest that applying organic material in garbage and compost to Red Yellow Podzolic soil in Batanghari, Jambi, increases Ca-dd and base saturation, and liming is done to raise the pH of H2O in soil units. Moderate to high levels of management can improve the slope limiting factor, such as delaying erosion, establishing a terrace, planting according to the contour, and growing covering plants. Irrigation and irrigation systems can assist in increasing the factors that limit rainfall. Keywords: Development, Coconut, Land Suitability, Gayo Lues

MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERISTIC OF VIERUL LOCAL GRAPE (Vitis spp.) CUTTING SEEDS ON PODZOLIC SOIL USING VARIOUS CONCENTRATION OF AUXIN SOAK

The development of grapes (Vitis vinifera) has obstacle among others are limited optimal land and difficult nurseries. Suboptimal land use for grape cuttings can use red yellow podzolic soil (ultisol). Podzolic soil has an acidic pH and low macro and micro nutrient uptake but can still be used as a growing medium. Vierul local grapes are a type of grape that has begun to be developed as root stock in nurseries but needs to be improved for its root success using a synthetic phytohormones bath of napthaline acetic acid (NAA). The purpose of this study was to determine the morphological character of vierul local grape cuttings at various concentrations of NAAsoaking in podzolic soil growing medium. This research has been carried out in a screen house from August to December 2021. This study used a non-factorial completely randomized design (CRD) with 3 treatments and 3 replications as block consisting of F0, F1, F2, F4 following by 0, 2, 4, 6 g L-1 respectively. The morphological characteristics observed is number of bud break, time of leaves appear, number of leaves, tendril length and percentage of live cuttings. The results of the study were analyzed using ANOVA at the 5% level and continued using the DMRT at the 5% level. The result showed that soaking of NAA at a concentration of 0 g L-1 (F0) had the best result for the variable number of bud break and number of leaves. Concentration of 6 g L-1 (F3) had the best result for variable length of the tendril while for the variable when the leaves appear, NAA soaking has no significant effect. The percentage of live cuttings is still low because it is influenced by the quality (material) of cuttings, the age of woodstock, growing media and water availability.

Role of soil organic matter on the retention and mobility of common plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, bisphenol A and benzophenone, in soil

The objectives of this study were to assess the role of soil organic matter on retaining plastic additives, Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), Bisphenol A (BPA) and Benzophenone (BP), to postulate the retention mechanisms and mobility in soil. Batch experiments were conducted for red yellow podzolic soil (OM) and soil subjected to high temperature oxidation at 600 °C for 2 h to remove total organic matter (OMR). Pristine soil, which contains organic matter abbreviated as OM (soil with organic matter) whereas total organic matter removed soil is abbreviated as OMR (organic matter removed soil). The pH edge and kinetic experiments were conducted with 20 g/L soil suspension spiked with 10 mg/L of each additive, whereas 1–20 mg/L concentration range was used in isotherm experiments and analyzed using high performance liquid chromatography. DEHP demonstrated the highest retention, 331 and 615.16 mg/kg in OM and OMR soils respectively, at pH 6.6. However, BPA and BP showed highest retentions of 132 and 128 mg/kg, respectively around pH 4.3 in pristine soil. DEHP interaction with soil OM indicated weak physical bonding whereas chemisorption to OMR soil. In the case of BPA, physisorption governed its interaction with both soil organic matter and mineral fraction. Nevertheless, BP demonstrated chemical interactions with OM and minerals. Desorption of DEHP was close to 100% however, BPA and BP were <15%. Overall, DEHP and BPA could be easily released into soil water and possibly be available for plant uptake while, BP is immobilized in soil.

PENGARUH JENIS TANAH DAN KONSENTRASI ASAP CAIR TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN SERTA HASIL TANAMAN LOBAK PUTIH DAN MERAH

This study aims to determine the concentration of liquid smoke on the growth and yield of white and red radishes. Knowing the best type of soil by giving the concentration of liquid smoke for the growth and yield of red and white radishes. Knowing the type of radish that gives the best radish growth and yield. The research was carried out at the UPTD Bantul Agricultural Seed Center on Mindi Street, Ngentak Hamlet, Sumberagung Village, Kapanewon Jetis, Bantul Regency, Special Region of Yogyakarta starting in October 2022 - January 2023. This research was a factorial experiment consisting of 3 factors. The first factor is the type of soil, the concentration of liquid smoke, and the type of horseradish. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that the Mediterranean soil type treatment gave better results than the red-yellow podzolic soil. Treatment of liquid smoke concentration of 1% and 3% gave the same results. This type of white radish plant gives better growth and yield than the red radish type

Study of Agronomic Characteristics of Citronella Plants (Cymbopogon nardus L.) Cultivated Agroforestry in Gayo Lues Regency, Aceh Province

Citronella plants can grow on marginal lands. Cultivation of citronella by farmers in Gayo Lues Regency is carried out under pine stands and in open fields. This study aims to examine the agronomic characteristics of citronella cultivated agroforestry that was carried out in citronella gardens owned by farmers in all sub-districts in Gayo Lues Regency. This study used a field survey method and quantitative descriptive analysis. The citronella gardens observed were citronella orchards under pine stands and in open land on different soil types, altitudes and slopes, which were designated as homogeneous land units (SLH) of the observation site. Variables observed were variety, number of tillers, quantity, length and width of leaves, weight of wet herb, dry weight of herb and oil yield. The results showed that the agroforestry cultivation pattern of citronella plants under pine stands showed very good growth, which was indicated by the agronomic characteristics of citronella, namely the number of leaves; the leaves were longer and wider than when planted in open land. The agroforestry system of citronella cultivated in open land has agronomic characteristics of citronella, namely the number of tillers, the weight of the wet herb and the dry herb weight is higher than when cultivated under pine stands in Gayo Lues Regency. Citronella plants should be cultivated in open land (without shade) with Red-Yellow Podzolic soil type at an altitude of 1,000 – 2,000 m above sea level so that the best oil yield is obtained, namely SLH AAS44, without pine stands.

THE EFFECT OF RICE HUSK BIOCHAR AND NPK FERTILIZER ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF RADISH IN RED YELLOW PODSOLIC SOIL

Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) is an annual plant, In Podsolic Soil. Utilization red-yellow podsolic soil as a growing medium is fact with the characteristics of dense soil and high clay content, low organic matter content, moderate to high base saturation, generally low nutrient content of N, P, K, and low pH. Efforts to improve the physical and chemical properties of red-yellow podzolic soil can be carried out by giving balanced organic matter and inorganic fertilizers so that it is expected to increase soil productivity. One of the organic materials that can be used was rice husk biochar. NPK anorganik fertilizer is an important macro nutrient needed by plants in large quantities so it must be available in sufficient quantities contain the growing media. This study aims were to find the interaction of biochar and NPK fertilizer on the growth and yield of radish on Red Yellow Podsolik soil. This research was conducted from 27 April – 30 May 2022, in the experimental garden of the Faculty of Agriculture, Tanjungpura University, Pontianak. The study used a factorial Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of 2 factors. The first factor consisted of planting media, namely husk charcoal biochar (A) which consisted of 3 treatment levels and the second factor was NPK fertilizer (P) with 3 treatment levels. Each treatment combination was repeated 3 times and each experimental unit contained 4 sample plants, so there were 108 plants. The variables observed in this study were the number of leaves, plant fresh weight, plant dry weight, tuber length, tuber diameter and tuber fresh weight. The results showed that the dose of 10 tons/ha of biochar and 400 kg/ha of NPK fertilizer gave the best results on the growth and yield of radish on red-yellow podzolic soil. Keywords : Fertilizer, Radish, Rice Husk Biochar, Red-Yellow Podzolic Soil, Response.

PENGARUH KOMPOS SERBUK SABUT KELAPA TERHADAP PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL TANAMAN CABAI RAWIT PADA TANAH PODSOLIK MERAH KUNING

This study aims to determine the effect of composted coconut coir dust on growth and yield of cayenne pepper on red yellow podzolic soil. This research was conducted in the experimental farm of the Faculty of Agriculture, University of Tanjungpura Pontianak, started from February to July 2014. This study used a field experiment with completely randomized design consisting of single factor i.e composted coconut coir dust, with six level treatments: S1 (800 g/polybag); S2 (900 g/polybag); S3 (1000 g/polybag); S4 (1100 g/polybag); S5 (1200 g/polybag); dan S6 (1300 g/polybag), consists of 4 replications, with 3 plant samples each. The variables observed in this study include, plant height (cm), number of fruit per plant (fruits), the fruit biomass per plant (g), total dry biomass (g), and root volume (ml). The results showed that the application of composted coconut coir dust here not a significanlly affected plant height, number of fruit per plant, the fruit biomass, total plant dry biomass, and root volume.Keywords: Cayenne Pepper, Composted, PMK

RESPON PERTUMBUHAN BIBIT KELAPA SAWIT DI MAIN NURSERY AKIBAT KOMBINASI PUPUK KOTORAN AYAM DAN NPK PADA TANAH PMK

Seedlings of oil palm in the main nursery take place from the age of 4 to 12 months of seedlings, in that period the oil palm seedlings already need additional nutrients in the growing media. Utilization of PMK soil as a growing medium is faced with low soil fertility, low levels of organic matter availability, and lack of nutrient content. The limited carrying capacity of PMK soil needs to be overcome by adding organic matter and nutrients to improve soil fertility of PMK as a growing medium for nurseries in the main oil palm nursery. This study aims to determine the effect and dose of the best combination of chicken manure and NPK fertilizer on PMK soil for the growth of oil palm seedlings at the main nursery stage. The study was conducted in Ngabang, West Kalimantan on January 17, 2022 to May 17, 2022. This study used a field experiment method with a completely randomized design (CRD) one factor, namely a combination of chicken manure and NPK fertilizer. The combinations in question are A= Chicken manure 0 % + 100 % NPK, B= Chicken manure 20 % + 80 % NPK, C= Chicken manure 40 % + 60 % NPK, D= Chicken manure 60 % + 40 % NPK, E= Chicken manure 80 % + 20 % NPK, F= Chicken manure 100 % + 0 % NPK. The variables observed in this study were plant dry weight (g), root volume (cm3), plant height (cm), stem diameter (cm), and number of leaves (strands). The growth response of oil palm seedlings in the main nursery on the 100 % NPK treatment was better than the 100 % chicken manure treatment on the variables of plant height, stem diameter and equally good on the variables of plant dry weight, root volume and number of leaves. Treatment of 100 % NPK resulted in the highest average plant dry weight, root volume, plant height, stem diameter and number of leaves compared to other treatments.Keywords : chicken manure, main nursery, npk, red-yellow podzolic soil

Onion Growth and Yield on Red Yellow Podsolic Soil based on Dosage and Duration of Incubation of Kirinyu Green Manure

The increase in onion production on red-yellow podzolic soils is faced with physical and chemical properties that are not good for plant growth so that efforts are needed to improve the land by applying a combination of kirinyu green manure and incubation duration. This study aims to determine the best dose and duration of incubation of kirinyu fertilizer against the growth and yield of onions on red-yellow podsilok soils. The research was carried out on the experimental land of the Faculty of Agriculture. The research time is from April 12 to May 27, 2020. The method used in the study was a Complete Randomized Design (RAL) by giving a combination of doses and incubation time of kirinyu green fertilizer which was repeated 3 times, and consisted of 3 sample plants so that the sample plants were entirely 81 plants. . The treatment in question is k1 (375 g / polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 2 weeks); k2 (375 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 3 weeks); k3 (375 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated 4 weeks); k4 (750 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 2 weeks); k5 (750 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 3 weeks); k6 (750 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 4 weeks); k7 (1125 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 2 weeks); k8 (1125 g/polybag of kirinyu green manure incubated for 3 weeks); k9 (1125 g/polybag of kirinyu green fertilizer incubated for 4 weeks The results showed that the combination of dose and duration of incubation of kirinyu green fertilizer had an unreal influence on all observation variables, namely plant height, number of leaves, number of saplings, root volume, and fresh weight of plants.

PENGARUH NPK MAJEMUK TERHADAP PELINDIAN N-TOTAL DAN C-ORGANIK PADA TANAH PODSOLIK MERAH KUNING DAN TANAH SULFAT MASAM

The research aims to determine the effect of leaching on N-total and C-organic on podzolic soils and acid sulphate soils. This research was conducted for 6 weeks from March until April 2020, housed in the Laboratory of the Department of Agriculture, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Palangka Raya. This research used Complete Random Design (CRD) single factor. There are 6 treatments namely P1 = NPK fertilizer = 0 kg.ha-1 on Podzolic Red Yellow (PRY); P2 = NPK fertilizer = 150 kg.ha-1 on Podzolic Red Yellow (PRY) ; P3 = NPK fertilizer = 300 kg.ha-1 on Podzolic Red Yellow (PRY); P4 = NPK fertilizer = 0 kg.ha-1 on Acid Sulphate Soils (ASS); P5 = NPK fertilizer = 150 kg.ha-1 on id Sulphate Soils (ASS); P6 = NPK fertilizer = 300 kg.ha-1 on Sulphate Soils (ASS);. Each treatment was repeated 3 times. The measured variable is the content of N-total, and C-organic in soil and water leaching. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance on the level of alpha = 0.05 and alpha = 0,01. If there is real effect in treatment, The result of HRD (Honest Real Different) level of alpha = 0.05. The results of research showed the higher dose of NPK fertilizer compound given cause increased content of N-total, and C-organic on a red-yellow podzolic soil and acid sulfate soil before leaching and after leaching. The dose of NPP fertilizer Compound that high will increase the content of N-total, and C-organic dissolved in water leaching red yellow podzolic soil and acid sulphate soils.

Pengaruh Kompos terhadap Kecernaan Bahan Kering dan Organik Rumput Hymenachne amplexicaulis (Rudge) Nees

Compost fertilizer can overcome the problems found in red-yellow podzolic soil, namely the low availability of nutrients and less able to hold water. The purpose of this research was to prove the impact of composting on dry matter and organic matter digestibility of kumpai grass planted on red-yellow podzolic soil. The research design used was a randomized block design (RAK) with 4 treatments and 5 replications, namely K0 (control) = 0 Kg/4m2, K1 = 4 Kg/4m2, K2 = 8 Kg/4m2, K3 = 12 Kg/4m2. The observed variables were pH (degree of acidity) of the supernatant, dry matter digestibility (KcBK), and organic (KcBO). Based on the analysis variance or variance, it showed that the application of compost had no significant effect (P&gt;0,05) on the pH value of the in vitro supernatant, but it had a very significant effect (P&lt;0,01) on the dry matter and organic digestibility of kumpai grass. Based on Duncan’s real distance difference test, the compost treatment of 12 Kg/4m2, showed the highest dry matter and organic matter digestibility compared to the compost treatment of 0 Kg/4m2, 4 Kg/4m2, and 8 Kg/4m2, namely 43,04% and 44,32%.

The Effectiveness of Oil Palm Empty Bunch Compost and Goat Manure on Shallots Cultivated on Red Yellow Podzolic Soil

Red yellow podzolic (RYP) soil is one of the limiting factors in crop cultivation due to its high level of acidity and low content of essential nutrients. This study aimed to explore the effect of oil palm empty bunch (OPEB) compost and goat manure on shallots cultivated on RYP soil, determine the best treatment combination as fertilization recommendation, and analyze the economic feasibility for organic shallot farms. Observations were conducted on soil pH, crop growth, crop yield, shallot farm economic analysis, and the fertilization effectiveness calculation. The results demonstrated that the fertilization had a significant interaction effect on crop height, number of tillers, and fresh and dry tuber weights, but not on the soil pH, number of leaves, and tubers per cluster. A combination of 4 ton/ha compost and 1,00 ton/ha manure resulted in optimal production of dry tubers reaching 0.708 kg/plot (2.36 ton/ha). Meanwhile, the highest production of dry tubers of around 0.990 kg/plot (3.30 ton/ha) resulted from the combination of 5 ton/ha compost and 1.25 ton/ha manure. Farm analysis showed that organic fertilizer applications provided economic profit, indicated by R/C Ratio value greater than 1. The effectiveness of organic fertilization using compost and manure reached the highest values of 318.90% and 384%, respectively.

Identification of Arbuscular Mychorizae Fungi on Oil Palm in Bireuen, Aceh

Abstract&#x0D; &#x0D; Oil palm plantations in Aceh , especially in Bireuen, are generally planted on red-yellow podzolic soil types. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are fungi who are symbiotically associated with 97% of plant species. This study aims to identify the type and population of mycorrhizal spores from oil palm rhizosphere soil samples using culture trapping techniques (maize, sorghum, kudzu). This research was carried out in a greenhouse and Experimental Field, Faculty of Agriculture, Islamic National University of Indonesia, Bireuen, Aceh. Isolation, identification and observation of AMF colonization on plant roots was carried out at the Laboratory of Soil Biology, Faculty of Agriculture, Syiah Kuala University. The parameters included the number of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi spores and the percentage of root colonization using the trapping culture method. The trapping culture method used 50 g of soil samples on oil palm rhizosphere which aged 5 months, 7 years, 9 years and 12 years. The results showed that the most dominant mycorrhizae found was the Glomus type. The mycorrhizae spores types found in the trapping culture were Glomus, Acaulospora and Gigaspora. The host plant that produced the most AMF spores was sorghum, while the highest AMF colonization of the three host plants was found in the roots of maize plants (78%) with very high criteria.&#x0D; Keywords: Oil palm, Culture trapping, AMF&#x0D;

Metabolic activities of eight oil palm progenies grown under aluminum toxicity

Abstract. Putra ETS, Purwanto BH, Wulandari C, Alam T. 2021. Metabolic activities of eight oil palm progenies grown under aluminum toxicity. Biodiversitas 22: 3146-3155. In Indonesia, oil palm is mostly cultivated on red-yellow podzolic soils, which mainly contain the high availability of aluminum (Al). This condition might affect oil palm growth i.e stunted growth and root damage. Therefore, this study was aimed to characterize metabolic activities and growth of eight oil palm progenies under Al toxicity. The study was conducted from January to December 2018 in Bendosari Hamlet, Madurejo Village, Prambanan Sub-District, Sleman District, Province of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The trial was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) factorial with three blocks as replications, with experimental factors including oil palm progenies and Al concentration. The observation was conducted on Al concentration in the planting medium, metabolic activities, and oil palm growth. The data were analyzed using ANOVA, PLS-SEM, stepwise regression, hierarchical clustering heatmap, and GGE-Biplot. The results showed that Simalungun, Dumpy, and Yangambi progeny could grow and adapt better than other progenies in Al toxicity conditions. The resistance to Al poisoning mechanism was shown by a relatively low activity of O2-, H2O2, MDA, and REL, whereas SOD, POD, GB, AARed, ?-Toch, TPC RDW and, SDW showed higher relatively.

Growth of celery (Apium graveolens L.) in the red-yellow podzolic soils as inoculated by earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus

In this study, the inoculation effect of earthworms Pontoscolex corethrurus on celery growth (Apium graveolens L.) has been carried out in red-yellow podzolic (RYP) soils. The research studied in a pot experiment using a completely randomized design (CRD) with 6 (six) treatments and 3 (three) replications. One-pot consists of 4 (four) plants. The treatments carried out were as follows: I0 (without inoculum of earthworm), I1 (inoculum of 5 earthworms pot-1), I2 (inoculum of 10 earthworms pot-1), I3 (inoculum of 15 earthworms pot-1), I4 (inoculum of 10 earthworms pot-1) and I5 (inoculum of 25 earthworms pot-1). Observation parameters were the number of tillers clumps-1, fresh biomass clumps-1 (g clump-1), and root volume (mL). The observations were statistically analyzed using variance (one-way ANOVA) and followed by the Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) with a level of 5%. Treatment I5 gave the best results on celery crop in all parameters, i.e., 20.33 tillers per hill; fresh biomass per clump 113.93 g; and a root volume of 10 mL. The results showed that earthworms' inoculation into RYP soils significantly affected all parameters. There was also an increase in pH in each treatment that was inoculated with earthworms.

Effect of biochar on nitrogen and phosphorus losses in broiler litters

Potential of biochar to reduce nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) leaching from three types of broiler litters was assessed. One thousand eighty (1080) day-old Hubbard F-15 male broilers (average body weight±SD, 35.8±1.32 g) fed with a commercial diet were raised on a litter containing either wood shavings (WS), paddy husk (PH) or paddy straw (PS) in triplicates (120 birds per replicate) until day 35. Representative litter samples collected from the respective pens on day-35 (n=9) were used to prepare litter samples either unamended (U) or amended (A) with rice (Oryza sativa) hull biochar produced through pyrolysis at 500 to 520 °C. A sample of red yellow podzolic soil was used as the control (C). The leachates obtained from the control (C), biochar unamended (UWS UPH; and UPS) and amended litter samples (AWS, APH and APS) were tested for N and P leach outs on day 0, 5, 10 and 15. A significant treatment x time interaction was observed for both N (P&lt;0.05) and P (P&lt;0.05) concentrations in leachates. The highest leaching of P and N was observed (P&lt;0.05) in UPS over the period. Biochar amended WS, PH and PS significantly reduced (P&lt;0.05) leaching of P and N compared to unamended counterpart but seemed to be highly time dependent. Amendment of WS with biochar reduced N (P&lt;0.05) and P (P&lt;0.05) leaching than the other two litter types tested over the period. The present study concluded that the WS has the best potential to reduce N and P leaching when amended with biochar.

Assessing the role of Filopaludina martensi martensi as a biocontrol agent of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos, the first intermediate host of Opisthorchis viverrini.

The freshwater snail Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos serves as the first intermediate host of liver fluke Opisthorchis viverrini, a foodborne parasite, of which human infection has persisted in Southeast Asia for decades. The snail Filopaludina martensi martensi has been proposed as a biological control agent against B.s. goniomphalos, but knowledge on the snail ecology and population dynamics between the two species remains rudimentary. This study investigated selected abiotic and biotic factors influencing the distribution and abundance of B.s. goniomphalos and F.m. martensi. Water quality, soils, and snails were collected from 34 localities in Northeast Thailand. Soil properties and snail soft tissue elemental concentrations were analyzed. Experiments were performed to examine interspecific competition. Statistical analysis was conducted to explore the associations between water and soil properties and soft tissue elemental concentrations. The results showed that B.s. goniomphalos had the highest mean dominance in streams and red-yellow podzolic soils, while F.m. martensi snails preferred ponds and latosol soils. Negative correlation in species abundances was found between the two species. Interspecific competition was detected, with B.s. goniomphalos growth rates hampered by the presence of F.m. martensi. Despite the possibility of using F.m. martensi to control B.s. goniomphalos, B.s. goniomphalos exhibited a greater adaptability to different water and soil properties, suggesting that the species could colonize a wide range of environmental conditions. This study provides further insights into the ecology of the two snail species, underscoring the importance of considering abiotic factors when assessing the possible biological control agent to control O. viverrini transmission.