Chemical Soil Tests Research Articles

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.

Landscape forming factors of the Karkaraly low mountains

The territory of geosystems of the Karkaraly low mountains is mainly forest landscapes and dark-chestnut soil cover. The paper reflects the state of the soil and vegetation cover of the forest landscapes of the Karkaraly low mountains in the Karaganda region. The paper provides the results of chemical soil tests, describes the vegetation cover samples using geoinformation technologies based on the standard quantitative index NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), confirmed in field studies in the summer of 2020. The work performed aims at a comprehensive assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the components of geosystems. In course of the field study, a brief description of phytodiversity was compiled, indicating the geomorphological attributes of key areas. To study the vegetation, sample plots of the underlying soil and vegetation cover were set. Overview and thematic maps of the object under study were created. At the final stage of the study, the interpretation of the results is presented with the identification of cause-and-effect relationships of the state and fluctuations of geoecosystems. Data sources include satellite images of Landsat-8 (US Geological Survey) and field studies along the routes and four key areas. The results of the work allow defining the object under study, determining the distinctive properties in key areas, as well as possible reasons for the difference in the studied territory of geosystems.

Ландшафтообразующие факторы Каркаралинских низкогорий

The territory of geosystems of the Karkaraly low mountains is mainly forest landscapes and dark-chestnut soil cover. The paper reflects the state of the soil and vegetation cover of the forest landscapes of the Karkaraly low mountains in the Karaganda region. The paper provides the results of chemical soil tests, describes the vegetation cover samples using geoinformation technologies based on the standard quantitative index NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index), confirmed in field studies in the summer of 2020. The work performed aims at a comprehensive assessment of the physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of the components of geosystems.
 In course of the field study, a brief description of phytodiversity was compiled, indicating the geomorphological attributes of key areas. To study the vegetation, sample plots of the underlying soil and vegetation cover were set. Overview and thematic maps of the object under study were created. At the final stage of the study, the interpretation of the results is presented with the identification of cause-and-effect relationships of the state and fluctuations of geoecosystems. Data sources include satellite images of Landsat-8 (US Geological Survey) and field studies along the routes and four key areas. The results of the work allow defining the object under study, determining the distinctive properties in key areas, as well as possible reasons for the difference in the studied territory of geosystems.

Sick or rich: Assessing the selected soil properties and fertility status across the tea-growing region of Dooars, West Bengal, India.

Harnessing the potential yields of evergreen perennial crops like tea (Camellia sinensis L.) essentially requires the application of optimum doses of nutrients based on the soil test reports. In the present study, the soil pH, organic carbon (OC), available potassium as K2O (AK), and available sulphur (AS) of 7300 soil samples from 115 tea estates spread over the Dooars ranging from 88°52'E to 89°86'E longitude and 26°45'N to 27°00'N latitude of West Bengal, India have been documented. About 54% of soil samples were found within the optimum range of soil pH (4.50-5.50) for tea cultivation. The overall range of OC was found from 0.28% to 6.00% of which, 94% of the analyzed samples were within the range of satisfactory to excellent level of OC i.e. (>0.80% to 6.00%). Around 36.3% of soil samples were found to have high AK (>100 mg kg-1) but 37.1% of soils were found to have high AS content (>40 mg kg-1). The nutrient index status of soil pH was low in Dam Dim, Chulsa, Nagrakata, Binnaguri, and Jainti sub-districts. Soils from five sub-districts had a high nutrient index (2.47 to 2.83) for soil organic carbon. However, it existed in the medium index (1.69 and 2.22) for Dalgaon and Kalchini sub-districts. Only Nagrakata sub-district soil samples were in the high nutrient index (2.65) for AK. All analyzed samples showed a medium nutrient index (1.97 to 2.27) for AS. The result indicated that soil pH was significantly negatively correlated with soil OC (-0.336) and AK (-0.174). However, the soil OC was significantly positive correlated with AK (0.258) and AS (0.100). It could be concluded that a balanced fertilizer application would be needed as a part of the soil improvement program through soil chemical tests for sustainable tea cultivation.

Soil health changes from grassland to row crops conversion on Natric Aridisols in South Dakota, USA

In the northern Great Plains vast amounts of native grassland have given way to crops, mostly small grains and corn, over the past half century. It is well understood that over the long-term, grassland conversion accelerates erosion and generally decreases many soil functions. It is less clear, however, what short-term effects occur to the soil from grassland conversion; after the first or second year of conversion. The objectives of this study were to assess the short-term (first year) effects of converting land that is considered long-term grassland to small grain production through either conventional tillage (CT) or no-till (NT) practices using various indicators of soil health and to demonstrate how tools such as the Comprehensive Assessment for Soil Health (CASH), can be used to document soil health indicator decline immediately upon conversion from grassland to small grains. The CASH offers a suite of chemical, physical and biological soil tests to broadly assess soil health. In general, these indicators showed a more rapid decline in soil health under CT than NT. After the first year of grassland conversion, aggregate stability declined by 7% and 19% in the NT and CT plots, respectively when compared to the grassland control. Likewise, CT produced significantly greater declines in permanganate oxidizable carbon (POX-C) and soil protein (ACE-Protein), particularly under reduced precipitation. This study highlights how the CASH can provide an intuitive framework for monitoring the effects of land use change and can be used by land managers to identify potential soil constraints and formulate potential interventions.

Ecological value of soil organic matter (mandala customary forests with awiq-awiq management)

The current ecological value has become a global trend that can be used as a reference in conservation. Soil is one of the parameters of the ecological value that stores organic matter (SOM) consists of organic elements C, N, P, and K contributing to the biogeochemical cycle. The purpose of this study is to determine the ecological value of soil organic matter in Mandala customary forests that is managed by using awiq-awiq. Data on soil organic matter content was carried out in the customary forests of Mandala, Bayan, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. Soil samples taken at five points based on the height of 310-350 masl. Measurements were carried out directly and indirectly, using soil physical and chemical laboratory tests. Lab test results were then analysed using a cost-based approach to determine their ecological value. The results showed ecological values based on C, N, P and K (SOM) content of land contributed around 5609.74 USD / ha or 78,990,748, 9 IDR / ha and 5830.82 USD / ha or 82,103,776.4 IDR / ha. This value is an award given to Mandala customary forests in protecting SOM to maintain a biogeochemical cycle in forest ecosystems. However, it’s protection requires sustainable forest management.

Combination of biological and chemical soil tests best predict maize nitrogen response

AbstractSoil tests can help optimize nitrogen (N) fertilizer rates, thereby improving farmer profitability and environmental performance. In US Midwest maize (Zea mays) production, however, most soil N tests have limited accuracy to predict N fertilizer requirements. Here we tested the individual and combined ability of 30 soil tests (12 rapid N extractions, seven biological carbon or N tests, six long‐term incubation kinetic parameters, and five other routine soil tests), as well as environmental and management data, to predict maize response to N fertilizer across 56 site‐years in the US Midwest. Out of 30 soil tests, and across all site‐years, a 14‐d aerobic incubation best predicted whether maize responded to N fertilizer, and a 5‐min tetraphenyl borate extraction best predicted agronomic optimum N rate. We combined these two tests to evaluate their ability to predict N fertilizer response against the most commonly used soil N test in the US Midwest, the pre‐sidedress or late‐spring nitrate test (PSNT or LSNT). The combination of soil tests nearly doubled the ability to predict nonresponsive sites compared to PSNT, and on average resulted in a 40% reduction in over‐application and 37% reduction in under‐application of N fertilizer. Weather and management variables marginally improved the prediction of maize N response. Our results indicate that a simple combination of biological N mineralization (14‐d aerobic incubation) and chemical extraction (5‐min tetraphenyl borate) assays could improve current N fertilizer recommendations.

High Efficient IoT based modern soil composition identifier for smart yield farming

In Systematic agriculture the accurate readings of soil nutrients are needed, which includes specific crop management. The nutrients applications are adjusted accordingly on requirement basis. The fertility of the soil decides the essential amount of nutrients and water adequacy for proper yield. In soil chemical testing, analytical laboratories provide insufficient data, only few testing are carried out and other essentials were ignored. To enhances from this, our idea deals with complete soil.

Soil information management and knowledge sharing in Victoria, Australia—user perspectives

AbstractFor twenty‐one years, soil information and knowledge in Victoria, Australia has been shared via the Victorian Resources Online (VRO) website. VRO has been the primary online repository for soil and landscape information generated from land resource assessment studies, field days, training workshops, and the visualization and animation of soil and landscape processes. User surveys and qualitative feedback have highlighted the value of online soil information to users, with many considering it a useful “tool of trade,” particularly those involved in agricultural research, extension, planning and education. An extensive series of “Healthy Soils” training workshops (2007–2010) focused on topics such as “soil types and structure,” “soil chemical testing,” “soil biology,” “soil erosion” and “organic matter.” Evaluation has demonstrated their usefulness and relevance, with learning outcomes achieved by >80% of overall participants, many of whom planned to make better management decisions and change management practices on‐farm. The information and knowledge generated through the series of workshops remains a valuable online resource. The development of more sophisticated knowledge visualization tools, such as animations, has broadened the potential audience for soil‐related information. Analytical profiling of VRO users in recent years has highlighted it as a source of information and knowledge for a local, national and international audience. This supports the notion that increasing access to public‐sector data and information provides significant benefits. Lessons learnt from enduring programs such as VRO can inform future information and knowledge management initiatives.

Comparing Biological and Conventional Chemical Soil Tests in Long‐Term Tillage, Rotation, N Rate Field Study

Core Ideas Haney N and P tests were correlated with conventional soil NO3–N and Mehlich III P. Corn and soybean yields were generally not correlated with soil health indicators. Haney and conventional soil test methods had similar laboratory precision as determined by sensitivity ratio analysis. Haney Soil Health Tests generated additional information, particularly about organic C and N fractions, that is not available from conventional chemical soil tests. The Haney Soil Health Tool is a suite of tests integrating chemical and biological factors to provide a sophisticated analysis of soil nutrient availability. This research was conducted to determine if Haney tests (including H3A and water extracts, Solvita 24‐h CO2 evolution, and Soil Health Calculation [SHC]) can add value to conventional chemical soil testing methods and increase knowledge of the effects of tillage systems, crop rotation, and N rate on soil health and corn grain yield. We studied rainfed continuous corn (Zea mays L.) and corn following soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] under three tillage systems and three N rates in a long‐term field experiment in northeast Nebraska. The H3A ammonium, H3A inorganic N, and water‐extractable total N tests detected more differences (significant F tests for main effects and interactions involving all treatments) than conventional NO3–N analysis (which detected the interaction of rotation × N rate). Water‐extractable organic C detected more differences than LOI. There was a three‐way interaction of tillage × rotation × N rate for Solvita and SHC; high N and intensive tillage mostly corresponded to low Solvita and SHC values. We did not expect the treatments to affect P or K directly, but the tillage × rotation interaction was significant for Mehlich III P, tillage for H3A organic P, and N rate for H3A inorganic and total P. Correlation analysis confirmed linear relationships between many Haney and conventional soil tests, and we concluded via sensitivity ratio calculations that the tests offered similar precision.

Development of an Innovative Liner Leak-Detection Technique

Abstract This study introduces an innovative diagnostic technique for the detection of leaks through liners using the changes in the electrical resistivity of the base soil. The system design is based on the well-known principles of the electrical resistivity method. A new leak-detection system is developed by pairing a resistivity-sensing technique with four-probe ground resistance–testing equipment. The guidelines given by AS 1289.4.4.1-1997, Methods of Testing Soils for Engineering Purposes—Soil Chemical Tests—Determination of the Electrical Resistivity of a Soil—Method for Sands and Granular Materials (Superseded), are used for the system design. The details for the fabrication of the system are presented extensively in this article. Some test results are also provided to substantiate the efficacy of the system in determining leakage issues through liners. It is demonstrated that this system can be used to effectively detect and locate liner leaks by simulating the field conditions. This newly developed innovative diagnostic technique can be useful in designing the monitoring systems for waste storage and handling facilities, contamination detection, liner leak detection, development of sensors, and so on.

Evaluation of Soil Tests for Measuring Potentially Mineralizable Soil N in Southern Idaho Soils

Core Ideas A reliable rapid soil test method to predict N mineralization is currently unavailable. Chemical and biological soil tests were evaluated against N mineralized by a 7‐d anaerobic incubation. Multiple tests were strongly correlated to the 7‐d anaerobic incubation (e.g., ASN, LOI, and FL_CO2_C). Developing rapid soil tests to predict N availability could improve management strategies for irrigated crops and would assist in sustainable production. No rapid soil test has been evaluated for applicability in irrigated systems in the semiarid western United States. Soils were collected at two sampling depths (0–30 and 30–60 cm) from irrigated fields across southern Idaho representing predominant soil classes, crops, and irrigation management systems; a 0–60 cm depth was calculated. Anaerobic incubations were used to estimate N mineralization (NMIN) in the sampled soils. The tests were positively correlated with NMIN: the amino sugar N (ASN) test was strongly correlated at 0 to 30 cm (r = 0.73) and 0 to 60 cm (r = 0.79). The flush of CO2 from soil after capillary rewetting (FL_CO2_C) was also strongly correlated at the 0‐ to 30‐cm depth (r = 0.73) and 0‐ to 60‐cm depth (r = 0.67). The loss on ignition (LOI) test was strongly correlated for the 0‐ to 30‐ (r = 0.65) and 0‐ to 60‐cm (r = 0.67) depths. Removal of sites with high soil organic matter resulted in improved r2 for LOI and ASN but not FL_CO2_C. The relationship of several tests with NMIN warrants further investigation of their ability to predict crop responses in the region. The ASN test uses a standard 2 M KCl extract, can be automated, and is easily implemented with only minor changes. These results should be expanded to field correlation calibration trials before any test is recommended.

Short-term nitrogen dynamics in soil amended with poultry litter containing woodchip bedding

Concurrent N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding may reduce synchrony between the short-term N supply and crop N demand. Therefore, we used soil chemical tests, ion exchange membranes, and wheat N uptake to assess N dynamics in a poultry-litter-amended soil. Air-dried soil was thoroughly mixed with five poultry litter rates (50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 mg total N kg−1) and preincubated for 7 d in a controlled environment chamber. After preincubating, soil was placed in 10-cm-diameter pots and planted with spring wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Wilkin’), or left unplanted and monitored with anion and cation exchange membranes for 45 d. Soil nitrate (NO3-N) concentration increased with poultry litter application rate at the end of the preincubation period, but subsequent wheat N uptake did not, suggesting that little net N mineralization occurred during the 45 d of wheat growth. The membrane data indicated a shift from net N immobilization during the early part of the wheat growth period to net mineralization during the latter portion of the wheat growth period. We conclude that alternating N mineralization and immobilization in soils receiving poultry litter containing woodchip bedding limited the short-term N supply to wheat.

Assessing chemical soil tests for predicting nitrogen mineralization in paddy soils of the Dongting Lake region in China

Purpose Developing routine methods that accurately predict soil nitrogen (N) mineralization is essential for fertilization recommendation; thus, chemical soil testing has received worldwide attention. However, the optimal chemical soil test for predicting soil N mineralization is region specific. This study aimed to determine suitable chemical soil tests for predicting N mineralization in paddy soils of the Dongting Lake region, China.

Comparing Traditional Soil Extraction With Ion Exchange Resin Capsules for Determining Sulfur Bioavailability in Semiarid Low-Fertility Soils

AbstractSulfur (S) is an essential plant nutrient found in most soils primarily in the organic matter phase; consequently, predicting bioavailability is difficult. Ion exchange resin capsules provide a viable alternative to soil chemical extraction tests in evaluating the S status of fertilized soil

EFFECTS ON PH BEHAVIOUR OF EXPANSIVE AND NON EXPANSIVE SOILS CONTAMINATED WITH ACIDS AND ALKALIS

The acidic or alkaline characteristics of a soil sample can be quantitatively expressed by hydrogen ion-activity commonly designated as pH. The hydrogen-ion concentration of soil water solution is of interest in problems involving grouting in weak rocks, soil stabilization processes using lime and resinous materials, corrosion of metals in contact with soils and reclamation of marine soils. The pH value also helps in interpreting some of the soil chemical tests. Several factors, soil-water ratio, soluble salts concentration, Carbon dioxide pressure, exchangeable cations and temperature affect the pH value of a particular soil sample. With the dilution of soil suspension, its pH increases. Increase in salt concentration, in general, decreases the pH. A definite relationship exists between Carbon dioxide pressure of soil air and pH, for example, the pH of calcareous is reduced in proportion to the logarithm of Carbon dioxide pressure of soil air. In alkaline soils, the pH is principally influenced by exchangeable cat ions. With increase in temperature, pH decreases. In the present study Attempts were made to study the pH soils treated with optimum percent of alkalis and contaminated with one normal acids. Expansive soil Black cotton soil and non expansive soils Red Earth and Shedi soil are treated individually with optimum percent of alkalis CaCO3 and MgCO3 and contaminated with 1N H2SO4 and 1N H3PO4 separately. Results of the study indicate that the evaluation factors associated with soil pH therefore are based on the full consideration of the soil constituents and not on pH value alone.

Soil tests for predicting nitrogen supply for grassland under controlled environmental conditions

SUMMARYMineralized soil nitrogen (N) is an important source of N for grassland production. Some soils can supply large quantities of plant-available N through mineralization of soil organic matter. Grass grown on such soils require less fertilizer N applications per unit yield. A reliable, accurate and user-friendly method to account for soil N supply potential across a large diversity of soils and growing conditions is needed to improve N management and N recommendations over time. In the current study, the effectiveness of chemical N tests and soil properties to predict soil N supply for grass uptake across 30 Irish soil types varying in N supply potential was investigated under controlled environmental conditions. The Illinois soil N test (ISNT) combined with soil C : N ratio provided a good estimate of soil N supply in soils with low residual mineral N. Total oxidized N (TON) had the largest impact on grass dry matter (DM) yield and N uptake across the 30 soil types, declining in its influence in later growth periods. This reflected the high initial mineral N levels in these soils, which declined over time. In the current study, a model with ISNT-N, C : N and TON (log TON) best explained variability in grass DM yield and N uptake. All three rapid chemical soil tests could be performed routinely on field samples to provide an estimate of soil N supply prior to making N fertilizer application decisions. It can be concluded that these soil tests, through their assessment of soil N supply potential, can be effective tools for N management on grassland; however, field studies are needed to evaluate this under more diverse growing conditions.

State-space estimation of the intrinsic soil phosphorus pools from soil phosphorus tests

The widely-used measurements of soil P by chemical soil tests cannot explicitly give the intrinsic status of soil P for quantitative management of soil P. Estimating the intrinsic sizes of soil P remains an unresolved problem. The objectives of this study were (1) to develop a new method to estimate the intrinsic sizes of soil P pools, and (2) to quantify the plant-available P in these intrinsic soil P pools. An adsorption experiment of soil P was carried out to determine the dynamics of chemically extractable soil P by the Olsen method (Olsen-P) after fertilizer phosphate was applied to soils. State-space models were developed to describe the intrinsic sizes of two soil P pools including a weakly adsorbed P pool (a reversible part of sorption) and a tightly adsorbed P pool, their transformations, and their relationship with Olsen-P. A cropping experiment was carried out to test the mass balance of plant P uptake and the intrinsic sizes of these two soil P pools. Results showed that state-space models of the two soil P pools could describe the dynamics of soil Olsen-P in the adsorption experiment. Olsen-P was a fraction of the weakly adsorbed P, and this fraction showed a linear relationship with soil P-sorption site density. The measured amount of P removal by plants in the cropping experiment could be estimated by the intrinsic sizes of the two soil P pools, and thus, the two pools both contributed to plant P uptake.

Characterization of thick varved-clayey-silt deposits along the Delaware River by field and laboratory tests

The existence of thick compressible varved clayey silt deposits along the Delaware River presents one major obstacle for design and construction of structures or industrial facilities in this region. To understand the characteristics of this thick weak soil layer and then develop reliable soil parameters for future earthwork design and construction, a comprehensive soil testing program was carried out. The program consisted of both in situ tests [e.g., standard penetration test borings, piezocone penetration test (CPT) soundings, Marchetti flat dilatometer test soundings, seismic shear wave test soundings, CPT pore pressure dissipation tests, and field vane shear tests] and laboratory tests (e.g., soil index tests, consolidation tests, triaxial tests, and chemical tests). Additionally, a field surcharge test program with and without installation of wick drains was carried out to investigate the compressibility of the thick clayey silt deposit and the efficiency of wick drains to help accelerate consolidation. The field and laboratory test results showed that the varved clayey silt deposit was normally consolidated to slightly overconsolidated and moderately to highly compressible. Its physical properties were intermediate between those of Savannah muddy clay and Shanghai soft clay, while much closer to that of Shanghai soft clay. Due to its lamination structure in the horizontal direction, the horizontal consolidation coefficient of the varved clayey silts was significantly greater than that in the vertical direction. The measured undrained shear strength of the varved clay silt almost increased linearly with depth. The installation of wick drains in the thick clayey silt deposits accelerated primary consolidation, but showed no effect on the secondary consolidation under constant loading. The findings obtained from this study will be beneficial for future design and construction of earthworks along the Delaware River.

Predicting the potential of soils to supply phosphorus by integrating soil chemical processes and standard soil tests

In agriculture there is a growing need to use phosphorus (P) fertilizer more efficiently because of P related environmental problems and diminishing P reserves. A key factor to achieve this is an accurate prediction of the P supply potential of a soil. To improve the choice of soil tests and interpretation of the corresponding results a new methodology is proposed. The methodology is derived based on the continuous removal of P from soils using an artificial P sink (Fe oxide-impregnated paper) and linking the results to standard soil tests. To achieve this, the desorption results are modeled based on the adsorption characteristics of the P sink and a soil specific Langmuir desorption isotherm in which the parameters are calculated a priori from standard soil tests. To be able to make any prediction of the P supply potential a minimum of two parameters is needed: a measure for the reversibly adsorbed P (Q) and for the P concentration in solution (C). The best prediction is obtained when Q was approximated by P-Olsen, followed by PAL and Pox. The measure for C is an indication of the rate with which P can be removed from the soil and is approximated by P-CaCl2. The ratio Q over C is an indication of the capacity of the soil to buffer C, and thus the capacity to maintain the flux from the soil to a sink. The accuracy of this prediction increases for soils with high buffer power, i.e. with low P saturation of the reactive surface area associated with the readily desorbable P. In this case the Langmuir isotherm is linear. To increase the accuracy of this prediction for soils that do not have a high buffer power, and the Langmuir isotherm is thus nonlinear, a measure for the reactive surface area (e.g. Feox and Alox) of the soil must also be taken into account. In addition, to be able to extend the prediction of the soil P supply potential to an amount of P exceeding the amount of readily desorbable P, a measure for the total desorbable P content must be included (e.g. Pox). This total desorbable P content dictates the level at which C is highly buffered once the reversibly adsorbed P has been depleted.The methodology was verified in pot- and field experiments. Implementation of the methodology based on two parameters in a Dutch routine soil laboratory has resulted in a more accurate P fertilizer recommendation for grassland.