Soil Chemical Characteristics Research Articles

SOIL CLASSIFICATION AND CROP SUGGESTION BASED DEEP LEARNING

Agriculture is one of the most important components of our society. Soil is a critical factor for a successful agriculture. The composition of soil differs from soil to soil. The Growth of Crops is affected by these chemical features of soil. Choosing the right type of crops for that particular type of soil is also important. Machine Learning techniques can be used to classify the soil series data. The results of such classification can further be combined with crop dataset to predict the crops that are suitable for the soil series of a particular region and its climatic conditions. Soil dataset and crop dataset are used. The datasets comprise of chemical attributes and geographical attributes of soil and crops. Algorithms like SVM and Ensembling technique can be used to classify the soil series data and predict the suitable crops. Index Terms— Soil, Crop, Agriculture, crop recommendation, soil classification, machine learning.

Tillage and Straw Management Practices Influences Soil Nutrient Distribution: A Case Study from North-Eastern Romania

Tillage practices govern crop quality and quantity through soil nutrient availability and crop root systems. A deeper knowledge of the impact of conservation tillage on soil chemical characteristics (such as pH, soil organic carbon, macro and micronutrient storage and distribution) is required for both the promotion of agricultural sustainability and environmental preservation. This study assesses the changes in soil features and properties in the context of a long-field experiment with different tillage systems and straw management practices. Research findings revealed that compared with conventional tillage (CT) conservative tillage with partial straw retention (MT) and no-tillage with straw mulching (NT) substantially boosted the organic carbon (OC) (by 6–19%), total nitrogen (TN) (by 2–12%), and available potassium content (AK) (by 2–5%), in 0–30 cm soil depth. However, the stratification trend was observed for available macro and micronutrient content (Zn, Fe, Mn) in both conservative management practices. The concentration of Cu indicates a constant pattern through a 0–30 cm soil profile with a higher concentration under MT (1.41 mg kg−1) compared to NT (1.10 mg kg−1). In particular, the results failed to establish if conservation tillage can increase the total phosphorus (TP) and potassium content (TK), where only in surface 0–10 cm an increase was observed. This research also suggested that the X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) of total micronutrient content (Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn) is minimal or unpredictable with no substantial differences between the tillage systems and straw return management practices. These findings suggest that conservation tillage in north-eastern Romania might be optimal to maintain soil quality status and sustain high yields.

The Role of Organic Farming in Sustainable Agriculture

Organic farming, as a sustainable alternative to conventional high-input practices reliant on synthetic fertilizers, fungicides, and pesticides, prioritizes the vitality of soil as a living ecosystem. Embracing practices such as crop rotation, animal manures, crop residues, green manures, and biological pest and disease control, organic agriculture aims to uphold soil health and productivity. By meeting present food demands in an environmentally conscientious manner, organic farming also safeguards the needs of future generations, thereby preserving and nurturing our ecosystem. Modern agriculture has detrimentally impacted the environment, leading to issues such as decreased soil fertility, elevated water hardness, insect resistance development, reduced genetic diversity in plants, heightened levels of toxic residues in the food chain and animal feed, contributing to health problems and environmental degradation. In contrast, organic farming nurtures plants with essential macronutrients and micronutrients while simultaneously enhancing soil physical, chemical, and biological characteristics. Guided by the ethos of sustainability, organic farming prioritizes mitigating health risks linked to synthetic inputs and cultivating a healthier ecosystem. The minimal environmental footprint of organic farming positions it as a practical solution for tackling urgent concerns like soil degradation, water pollution, and global ecological well-being. Essentially, organic farming stands out as a beacon of sustainable agriculture, paving the way to reconcile food production with environmental conservation. Moreover, organic farming's low environmental impact presents an opportunity to rehabilitate and enhance degraded agricultural lands.

A Review on Effect of Organic Conditioner on Physico-chemical and Microbiological Properties of Soil

The unbalanced use of chemical fertilizers has caused adverse effects on the environment and human health, which has raised the focus on environmentally friendly agricultural techniques for sustainable farming globally. The article investigates the effects of organic conditioners on the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics of soil, with focus on liquid organic conditioners such Panchagavya, Jeevamruth, and Beejamruth. In order to purify agricultural fields, the necessity of organic agriculture methods that are both commercially and environmentally feasible is emphasized. The advantages of applying Soil conditioners are explained, including increased crop production, quality, affordability, and safety for the environment in addition to increases in soil health, fertility, and pest resistance. An overview of the basic principles of liquid organic manures is provided, with a focus on their ability to release nutrients, stimulate microbial activity, and facilitate plant absorption. The review discusses how organic conditioners might improve the biological characteristics of soil, such as the presence of chemicals that promote plant growth and helpful microbes. Liquid organic manure adoption is essential for healthy ecosystems, sustainable agriculture, and increased soil fertility and productivity. Because liquid organic manures may be applied in a variety of ways and used as soil drenches, foliar sprays, and seedling treatments, they are a crucial part of environmentally friendly farming methods. It is advised to combine liquid and solid organic manures to reduce negative effects and guarantee a robust and fruitful farming environment.

Correlation of Soil Chemical, Biological, and Physical Characteristics on Productivity of Maize in Cibugel District, Sumedang Regency

Maize as one of the national food commodities, experiences an increase in demand every year. Both internal and external factors influenced the growth of corn plants. Internal factors originated from the plant, such as inherited genetic traits, while external factors came from the environment, including soil properties and climate. External factors that affected plant growth included biological, physical, and chemical soil characteristics. This research aimed to understand the interrelation between soil acidity (pH), phosphorus availability (P), cation exchange capacity (CEC), nitrogen-fixing bacteria, earthworm population, carbon-nitrogen ratio (C/N), and soil texture on the productivity of maize in Cibugel District and how these factors were interconnected to support plant growth. The research employed a descriptive survey and comparative method, with soil samples taken from 18 soil samples from six villages in the Cibugel Subdistrict, Sumedang Regency. The correlation analysis results showed a significant positive relationship between cation exchange capacity and corn productivity and a significant negative relationship between available phosphorus and corn productivity. This implied that increasing cation exchange capacity could enhance productivity while increasing available phosphorus could decrease productivity. The research aided in identifying soil characteristics influencing high land productivity in the area. 

Models for predicting coffee yield from chemical characteristics of soil and leaves using machine learning.

Coffee farming constitutes a substantial economic resource, representing a source of income for several countries due to the high consumption of coffee worldwide. Precise management of coffee crops involves collecting crop attributes (characteristics of the soil and the plant), mapping, and applying inputs according to the plants' needs. This differentiated management is precision coffee growing and it stands out for its increased yield and sustainability. This research aimed to predict yield in coffee plantations by applying machine learning methodologies to soil and plant attributes. The data were obtained in a field of 54.6 ha during two consecutive seasons, applying varied fertilization rates in accordance with the recommendations of soil attribute maps. Leaf analysis maps also were monitored with the aim of establishing a correlation between input parameters and yield prediction. The machine-learning models obtained from these data predicted coffee yield efficiently. The best model demonstrated predictive fit results with a Pearson correlation of 0.86. Soil chemical attributes did not interfere with the prediction models, indicating that this analysis can be dispensed with when applying these models. These findings have important implications for optimizing coffee management and cultivation, providing valuable insights for producers and researchers interested in maximizing yield using precision agriculture. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.

Impact of Agroecological Innovations on Agricultural Production and the Environment in the Foothills of Mumirwa, Burundi

Agriculture is an important pillar of the national economy of Burundi. The sector contributes more than 40 % of gross domestic product (GDP) and employs 90 % of the population. The main challenges facing the sector include soil degradation, loss of biodiversity, water contamination, pesticide residues, use of genetically modified organisms and participation in climate change. Faced with such constraints, the Burundian farmers experience new modes of production and consumption such as the development of agroecological farms (crop association, crop rotation, agroforestry, anti-erosion ditches) and the use of biofertilizers and biopesticides. This study aims to analyse the impact of agro-ecological innovations on agricultural production and environment in Mumirwa region, especially in three communes of Bubanza province (Bubanza, Musigati and Rugazi). The study approach consisted of surveys conducted on two samples (members of cooperatives and non-members), focus groups, individual interviews and field visits. The ordinary least squares method and comparative approach between the two samples (treatment sample and comparison sample) were used to analyse the impact on production and environment, especially on soil fertility. We referred to the ISABU laboratory (Higher Agronomic Institute of Burundi) results of the soil samples brought by ADISCO NGO before and after planting the beans using organic manure on the one hand and chemical fertilizers on the other. The results showed that agro-ecological practices positively impact agricultural production and improve soil fertility. After one year of adoption, bean production increased by 21%. The analysis of the soil samples indicate that the combination of agro-ecological practices improves the soil's chemical characteristics, contributing to increased productivity. This could be explained by the fact that the development of agro-ecological farms and biofertilizers promote the sedimentation of particles of organic matter from runoff water and organic manure

Influence of Conservation Agriculture on Certain Soil Qualities Both Physical and Chemical in Relation to Sustainable Agriculture Practices a Review

Conventional tillage raises the possibility of soil erosion and degrades crucial physical characteristics of the soil, such as soil organic carbon (SOC) reduction. Additionally, ineffective management techniques result in a decrease in soil organic matter, a breakdown of the soil's structure, and more erosion. As a result, crop yields have decreased. Conservation agriculture (CA) is being considered as a potential system having the capability of improving soil quality and providing stable yields. This review's primary goal is to demonstrate how conservation agricultural practices affect certain physical and chemical characteristics of soil in order to support sustainable agriculture. So as to produce production system that are sustainable, conservation agriculture refers to cropping system management approaches that support permanent soil cover, low soil disturbance, and appropriate crop rotation. With the use of conservation agriculture techniques, it is possible to enhance the physical and structural health of the soil (by reducing bulk density and improving soil aggregation), in addition to increase soil water infiltration, decrease water runoff and soil loss, decrease evaporation loss, decrease soil organic carbon, and lower greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. These factors are crucial for maintaining soil health and sustainable crop production. In general, applying the conservation agriculture concepts of limited tillage, soil cover, and legume integration would promote the development of soil microorganisms and organic matter by decreasing erosion. Conservation agriculture is therefore regarded as one of the agricultural systems that have the ability to favorably contribute to soil physical and chemical improvement as well as techniques for mitigating and adapting to climate change.

Under pressure: elucidating soil compaction and its effect on soil functions

Abstract Background Modern agricultural practices have exacerbated soil compaction, largely due to the intensification of operations involving heavier machinery and tillage practices. Soil compaction increases soil bulk density and reduces porosity, limiting water and nutrient diffusion within the soil matrix. Soil compaction also alters bacterial and fungal communities in agroecosystems by favouring, for example, anaerobic prokaryotes and saprotrophic fungi. Under these conditions crop yields are reduced, affecting food security. Scope We review recent advances in understanding the impact of compaction on soil physical and chemical characteristics and plant physiological response to this stress, with special emphasis on the effect of soil compaction on bacterial and fungal communities and their interaction with the plant. Additionally, we discuss recent findings on plant responses to compacted soils that affect the recruitment of root microbiota and how the microbiota could help the plant cope with this stress. We also discuss possible strategies to mitigate the consequences of soil compaction in agricultural settings. Conclusions Research in soil compaction is far from conclusive about the mechanisms that plants use to respond to compaction. It is also not well understood how the microbiota inhabiting the roots participate in the plant response mechanisms to this stress. A better understanding of the mechanisms that drive the selection and establishment of the plant microbial community at the root-soil interface in compacted soils could help find new strategies that, together with existing ones, could improve crop production in compacted soils.

Evaluation of the impact of wastewater irrigation on the soil's dielectric parameters

AbstractThis study investigates the impact of wastewater irrigation on soil dielectric parameters, focusing on the often‐overlooked aspect of dielectric properties in contaminated soil. Wastewater, a significant contributor to soil and groundwater degradation, has long‐term effects on soil physical, chemical, and dielectric characteristics. Experimental measurements conducted overtime at 2.45 and 5.8 GHz frequencies reveal a correlation between wastewater irrigation and changes in dielectric properties. Emphasizing time variation as a pivotal independent variable, the study sheds light on its substantial influence on soil dielectric behavior. Notably, the research introduces an alternative methodology for the comprehensive evaluation of wastewater‐induced pollution effects on soil properties. This approach is substantiated by meticulous physicochemical analyses conducted on both pollution sources and the affected soil. The study further presents a robust response surface method‐based model, showcasing impressive accuracy with dielectric properties (ε′ and ε″) and penetration depth with R2 values of 0.9845, 0.9831, and 0.9528, respectively. Beyond unveiling crucial insights into the intricate interplay of wastewater and soil dielectric behavior, this research contributes to the development of effective strategies for pollution monitoring and management in soil ecosystems.

Summarizing soil chemical variables into homogeneous management zones – case study in a specialty coffee crop

Homogeneous management zones (HMZs) delineation is important for the application of precision agriculture because farm management decisions are based on it. Diverse soil chemical characteristics are important for the HMZs delineation. However, summarizing several variables into homogeneous zoning while taking into account the spatial distribution pattern of soil chemical characteristics is a challenge. Addressing this challenge is important to produce HMZs oriented for practical use for the farmers. In this work, 17 soil chemical variables were jointly analyzed for HMZ delineation by using indicator kriging (IK) to interpolate a soil fertility index (SFI). Soil samples were taken from a 4.5 ha area in a quasi-regular grid at 0 - 0.20 m depths in November 2019 (66 samples) and May 2021 (40 samples). Soil P, K, Ca, Mg, S, Na, H, Mn, Fe, Zn, B, cation exchange capacity, aluminum saturation, total organic carbon, base saturation, and organic matter were analyzed. In May 2021 the coffee yield was sampled together with the soil. Applying the SFI and then interpolating it using IK were effective for summarizing soil chemical variables into binary HMZs, showing a zone with higher priority for fertilization (therefore, lower general soil fertility) and another zone with low priority for fertilization. The summarizing process of several variables into binary HMZ was validated by evaluating the boxplots of each variable in each HMZ. Also, higher soil fertility areas presented a higher average coffee yield. Results indicated that joint use of SFI and IK was adequate to delineate HMZs in terms of summarizing soil fertility and separating coffee yield average variability. Delineating management zones by using the SFI approach is flexible for relatively limited sampled studies (less than one hundred samples) where machine learning and geostatistical methods may fail for lack of data.

Green Waste Compost Impacts Microbial Functions Related to Carbohydrate Use and Active Dispersal in Plant Pathogen-Infested Soil

The effects of compost on physical and chemical characteristics of soil are well-studied but impacts on soil microbiomes are poorly understood. This research tested effects of green waste compost on bacterial communities in soil infested with the plant pathogen Fusarium oxysporum. Compost was added to pathogen-infested soil and maintained in mesocosms in a greenhouse experiment and replicated growth chamber experiments. Bacteria and F. oxysporum abundance were quantified using quantitative PCR. Taxonomic and functional characteristics of bacterial communities were measured using shotgun metagenome sequencing. Compost significantly increased bacterial abundance 8 weeks after amendment in one experiment. Compost increased concentrations of chemical characteristics of soil, including phosphorus, potassium, organic matter, and pH. In all experiments, compost significantly reduced abundance of F. oxysporum and altered the taxonomic composition of soil bacterial communities. Sixteen bacterial genera were significantly increased from compost in every experiment, potentially playing a role in pathogen suppression. In all experiments, there was a consistent negative effect of compost on functions related to carbohydrate use and a positive effect on bacteria with flagella. Results from this work demonstrate that compost can reduce the abundance of soilborne plant pathogens and raise questions about the role of microbes in plant pathogen suppression.

Biochar and saline soil: mitigation strategy by incapacitating the ecological threats to agricultural land

Soil salinity caused a widespread detrimental issue that hinders productivity in agriculture and ecological sustainability, while waste-derived soil amendments like biochar have drawn attention for their capacity to act as a mitigating agent, by enhancing the physical and chemical features of soil, and contributing to the recovery of agricultural waste resources. However, the information concerning biochar and salinity which affect the physicochemical characteristics of soils, crop physiology, and growth is limited. To investigate whether biochar mitigates the salinity stress on wheat crop seedlings, we grow them with salinity stress (120 mM), and biochar (20 tons ha−1), and its interactive effects. The soil properties of soil organic carbon (SOC), soil organic matter (SOM), dissolved organic carbon (DOC), and soil available phosphorus (SAP) decreased in the saline soil by 36.71%, 46.97%, 26.31%, and 15.00%, while biochar treatment increased SOC, DOC, and SAP contents by 7.42%, 31.57%, and 15.00%, respectively. On the other hand, dissolved organic nitrogen (DON) contents decreased in all the treatments compared to the control. The root growth traits, SPAD values, leaf nitrogen, photosynthetic parameters, antioxidant enzymes, and reactive oxygen species decreased in the saline treatment while increasing in the biochar and interactive treatment. Thus, these activities resulted in higher leaves and root biomass in the biochar treatment alone and interactive treatment of salinity and biochar. According to principal component analysis, redundancy analysis, and the mantel test, using biochar in conjunction with salinity treatment was found to be more effective than salinity treatment alone. The results of this study suggest that biochar can be used as a sustainable agricultural technique and a means of mitigation agent by lowering soil salinity while increasing the biomass of crops.

Pengaruh Pemberian Berbagai Macam Bahan Organik terhadap Ketersediaan Hara Nitrogen, Fosfor dan Kalium serta Serapan Nitrogen oleh Jagung (Zea mays L.) pada Tanah Ultisols

Ultisols distributes spreadly in Indonesia, but this soil has low fertility. Therefore, the application of organic matter (OM) is a common management to increase this soil fertility. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of different types of OM (originated from animals and plants) on the availability of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as nitrogen uptake in maize in Ultisols. Soil with a mass of 5 kg without organic matter (control), with the application of chicken manure, cow manure, swallow manure, kirinyuh, babadotan, and kalopo manure were incubated in experimental pots for two weeks at 60% field capacity. After the completion of the incubation period, soil sub-sampling was carried out for the determination of available N, available P and exchangeable K. Furthermore, in each experimental pot, corn seeds were planted, and the observations of dried-weight of  corn and nitrogen uptake in corn were observed in a vegetative phase. The results showed that the application of different types of organic matter increased soil pH, nitrate content, exchangeable K, plant dried-weight and plant nitrogen uptake. The content of ammonium and available P was not affected by OM addition. The results also showed that OM derived from animals resulted in  higher increases in pH and exchangeable K than those derived from plants. However, OM derived from plants resulted in higher increases in nitrate, plant dry weight and better plant N uptake than OM from animal waste. The results of this study show that the application of OM results in increases  in some soil chemical properties, in which the degree of increases in soil chemical characteristics is controlled by the OM origin.

Karakteristik Kimia Tanah pada Areal Kelapa Sawit dan Nilai Konservasi Tinggi (NKT) di Kabupaten Tapin, Provinsi Kalimantan Selatan

In the practice of oil palm plantation management, land clearing and cultivation using heavy equipment will change soil conditions from anaerobic to aerobic. This condition will cause sulfide compounds contained in the soil, or commonly referred to as pyrite (FeS2) to undergo an oxidation process that can cause the formation of sulfuric acid compounds (H2SO4) which when dissociated will release H+ ions in the soil solution, thus increasing soil acidity. In addition, improved drainage will also lead to a high likelihood of plant nutrients being leached from the soil.  On the other hand, the HCV areas will be left unmanaged by maintaining the original vegetation adjacent to the oil palm plantations. So there are two different land management systems between oil palm land and HCV areas which in theory will have different land characteristics, one of which can be seen from differences in soil chemical characteristics. The purpose of this study was to determine the differences in the characteristics of several soil chemical properties including pH, C-organic, Al-dd and P-available in oil palm land and HCV areas. This research is a field research using survey method. Sampling in the field was carried out by purposive sampling at PT Kharisma Inti Usaha, Tapin Regency, South Kalimantan Province. Soil samples used in this study were soil samples at a depth of 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm on oil palm land and HCV areas where each land was taken as many as 10 sampling points, so that the total sample points amounted to 40 sampling points. The results showed that the characteristics of soil acidity (pH), carbon (C-organic), aluminum (Al-dd) and phosphorus (P-available) on oil palm land were lower than HCV areas in PT Kharisma Inti Usaha Tapin Regency.

Land leveling and cover cropping impacts on chemical and biological properties of paddy soil

Aim of study: To examine the impact of solitary land leveling and its combination with cover cropping on the chemical and biological characteristics of paddy soil.
 Area of study: This research focused on paddy fields located in Guilan Province, situated in northern Iran. Specifically, two sites were chosen for investigation, where land leveling had been conducted 5 years and 2 years prior to this study, respectively. Furthermore, cover cropping was implemented during the second year after the latter area's land leveling.
 Material and methods: A total of 80 composite soil samples were collected, with 20 samples gathered from both leveled and unleveled plots at the designated study sites. Various soil chemical and biological properties such as organic carbon, total nitrogen, available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon were quantified. Subsequently, a paired t-test was employed to analyze the impact of land leveling and the combined effects of land leveling with cover cropping on soil attributes.
 Main results: The study revealed that five years after land leveling, there was a significant decrease in organic carbon, total nitrogen, microbial respiration, and biomass carbon. In contrast, the area leveled and cover cropped for two years exhibited higher levels of these attributes compared to adjacent unleveled parcels.
 Research highlights: This study highlights the distinct effects that solitary land leveling and land leveling combined with sustainable practices like cover cropping have on soil attributes.

Physical properties and ash content of post-fire Sumatra coastal peat soil in Sei Kepayang District, Asahan Regency, North Sumatra

Fires in peatland have numerous detrimental effects as regards degradation of the environment especially changes of soil properties. The purpose of this study is to ascertain how drying and rewetting peatlands affects the physical and chemical characteristics of post-fire peat soil with two depths. This research was carried out in Dusun XIII, Perbangunan Village, Sei Kepayang, Asahan Regency. The factor was drying and re-wetting of the past fire peatland, namely: unburnt peat in wet conditions (P-nw), post-burnt peat in dry conditions (P-bd), and post-burnt peat in wet conditions (P-bw) within 2 tiers namely: 0-30 cm and 30-60 cm respectively. This research data analysis used a descriptive method presented through tables and graphs. The findings indicate that post-fire peat experience changes in moisture content, degree of decomposition, bulk density, soil color, and ash content. In conclusion, there are changes in peat properties in post-fire peat due to drying and rewetting.

Micro-Environmental Variation in Soil Microbial Biodiversity in Forest Frontier Ecosystems—Implications for Sustainability Assessments

Soil health indicators based on microbial biodiversity are increasingly used in agricultural sustainability assessments. However, little is known about how microbial communities vary within micro-environmental gradients across different land uses, which is crucial for designing field sampling and monitoring protocols. Our objective was to assess how soil microbial communities changed with soil depth and spatial distance across land-use types. We sampled soils in four spatial distances (within 0.1–70 m) and four depths (within 0–40 cm) in forests, grasslands, and horticultural lands, and combined 16S rRNA gene sequencing, DNA quantification and soil chemical characterization to explore micro-environmental variation in microbial biomass, α-β-diversity, and communities’ assembly processes. Depth and spatial distance had differential effects on microbial biodiversity within different land uses. Microbial biomass was most sensitive to depth, α-diversity to spatial distance, and β-diversity to both depth and spatial distance. Deterministic processes dominate microbial communities’ assembly along depth in all land uses, which is a promising result for developing soil quality indicators based on microbial biodiversity. Overall, our results suggest that collecting soil samples separated by at least 12 m is adequate to capture biodiversity changes across land uses. However, collecting randomly within the first 10 cm is recommended for native forests, while systematic sampling within the first 20 cm is advised for grasslands and horticultural lands. Our findings underscore the need for land use-specific sampling frameworks in soil life-based sustainability assessments for meaningful regional comparisons.

Impact of biochar from different agricultural wastes on soil chemical characteristics and growth of maize

The use of biochar as soil amendment is gaining acceptance as an important management strategy to tackle food insecurity for the growing population in Nigeria amid soil deterioration. This study examined the influence of biochar produced from the different agricultural wastes on soil chemical characteristics and growth of maize. A pot experiment was conducted at the greenhouse of Imo State University Owerri, Nigeria. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design. The agricultural wastes used were rice husk, corn cob, poultry manure and pig dung. The agricultural wastes were charred differently for 60 minutes at the temperature of 250oC. The maize plant used for the experiment was Oba super II. The biochar was produced using modified biochar kiln and were applied to the soil at the rate of 10t ha-1. The treatments were replicated thrice. Soil amended with poultry manure charred for 60 minutes at 250oC (PMB60) had the highest significant growth (plant height) and yield (dry matter) parameters. Significant differences were observed among the biochar amendments with the soil chemical characteristics (pH, Available P, SOM, TN, Exchangeable base cations and CEC). However, the study reported that PMB60 gave the highest significant increase in almost all the soil chemical characteristics (soil pH(6.0), Avail. P(18.20mg kg-1), exchangeable Ca(5.8Cmol kg-1), Mg(3.97Cmol kg-1, K(0.32Cmol kg-1, Na(0.28Cmol kg-1) and CEC(10.75Cmol kg-1)) compared to the other biochar amendments. This study concluded that PMB60 was better suited to improve soil chemical characteristics while also improving maize performance compared to the other biochar amendments.

Influence of soil physical and chemical characteristics on soil compaction in farm field

Farm soil compaction is influenced by animal loads and Agricultural machinery. In this paper the influence of soil physical and chemical characteristics on soil compaction at Awash Melkasa farm field. Compaction of soil test was taken at five different depths which are; 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, and 25 cm with the help of a hydraulically operated cone penetrometer. Those five depths were used in 15 sample points (point A to point O) to take 75 soil compaction data using hydraulic powered a Spot-on digital soil cone penetrometer from an area of 0.6 ha farmland. A correlation of 15 sample points (A to O) of soil compaction in the field was performed. For soil physical and chemical tests in laboratory soil samples were taken from selected farm fields at 3 different ranges of depths (0–10, 10–20, and 20–30 cm). Averagely the highest and the lowest compaction values are 3947.32 Kpa and 2667.72 Kpa respectively. The soil texture laboratory test indicates the soil was a clay loam with 36.74 % sand soil, 30.31 % clay soil, and 33 % silt soil. The highest and the lowest percentages of moisture value were 13.97 and 16.04 respectively. Total organic carbon, organic matter, and total nitrogen increase as the soil compaction increases and vice versa. The output of this study adds value to the field of agricultural mechanization since the weight of machinery is high, knowing the soil's physical and chemical properties and investigating the relation with the soil compaction rate is necessary.