Soil Fertility Characteristics Research Articles

TRANSFORMATION OF QUALITY AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION OF MINERAL PHOSPHATES IN LIGHT CHESTNUT SOIL DURING LONG-TERM APPLICATION OF PHOSPHOROUS FERTILIZERS IN CROP RATOTAION AND PERMENANT SUGAR BEET SOWING

The article presents the results of studies on the influence of long-term application of phosphoric fertilizers on sugar beet crops unchallenged for more than 50 years on the transformation of phosphate forms on light chestnut soil and its productivity in comparison with the identical options in the rotation.
 Despite the large amount of practical material, the effect of the duration of application of phosphorus fertilizers on irrigated soils in Kazakhstan has not been sufficiently studied. The available isolated data on the influence of the duration of fertilizer application relate to the aspect of assessing their impact on the yield and quality of the crop and, partly, on the phosphate regime of soils. Most of the studies were carried out within the framework of short-term field experiments, which are designed, first of all, to establish specific doses of fertilizers on the productivity of agricultural crops. These field studies were carried out on a fairly narrow background and time frame of variation in soil fertility characteristics, which did not allow us to establish the qualitative and quantitative composition of phosphates and their functional relationship between the level of potential and effective fertility.

Determination of Soil Fertility Characteristics and Heavy Metal Health Risks Using the Camellia oleifera Planting Base in Guizhou Province, China

To clarify the soil nutrient status and identify the safety risks of heavy metals in Camellia oleifera planting regions, the integrated soil fertility status was assessed using the improved Nemero composite index method, weighted average method, and coefficient of variation (CV) method, and the impact of heavy metals in the soil on human health was evaluated with a health risk assessment model using the Qianyu C. oleifera planting base in Yuping County, Guizhou Province, as the study object. The results showed the following: (1) The soil pH levels were 4.12–6.17, with CV values of 0.04–0.66, and no significant differences were observed among the plots. The soil was rich in organic matter, alkali-hydrolyzed nitrogen, and available phosphorus, with a high total potassium content, total phosphorus content, and rapidly available potassium, indicating a high level of comprehensive soil fertility. (2) The total carcinogenic risk (CR) index of the arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), and chromium (Cr) in the soil was 1.92 × 10−7, and among these elements, the CR index of the As was the highest (1.3–8.0 × 10−7), but all were below the highest acceptable level (10−6) recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). (3) The redundancy analysis (RDA) between the soil fertility and trace elements revealed that the soil organic matter content was positively correlated with the contents of lead (Pb), manganese (Mn), and Cr and negatively correlated with the contents of zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), Cd, mercury (Hg), As, and copper (Cu). The soil pH was positively correlated with the contents of Cr, Fe, and Cu and negatively correlated with the contents of Mn, Pb, Zn, Cd, Hg, and As. In the study area, the soil was slightly acidic with overall high fertility without any CR. The quality of the C. oleifera was degraded by soil acidification, but the slightly acidic soil facilitated the absorption of trace elements by C. oleifera. Soil acidification could be relieved by taking appropriate measures, such as the addition of biochar or CaCO3. This study determined the soil fertility of the Qianyu C. oleifera planting base and assessed the health risk of heavy metals in the soil, providing a theoretical reference for enhancing C. oleifera quality, preventing the excessive accumulation of soil heavy metals, and improving the soil in this planting base.

Качество древесного опада как информативный индикатор функциональной классификации лесов

Relevance and goals. In the context of global climate change, the climate-regulating function of forests deserves special attention. There is still no functional classification of forests according to the effectiveness of carbon accumulation function. The aim of this paper is to discuss an approach to such classification based on the assessment of tree litter quality. Objects and methods. To test the approach to the identification of functional types of forests based on the quality of tree litter, taking into account the location in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks, data on soils and vegetation obtained at 23 testing sites in the subzone of coniferous-broadleaf forests of the European part of Russia on the territory of Bryansk Polesie and Moskvoretsko-Okskaya plain were used. For indirect (Landolt’s ecological scales using the SpeDiv program) assessment of differences in the soil richness in forests belonging to different functional types, the species composition at 160 geobotanical plots in forest sites in the Moscow, Bryansk, Smolensk, Kostroma Regions, Krasnodar Territory, and the Republic of Adygea (Northwestern Caucasus) were analyzed. Results. Examples of functional forest types for coniferous — broad-leaved forests of the European part of Russia are given. The differences in soil carbon stock between forests belonging to different functional types were found, and a preliminary assessment of the influence of the location in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soils on the accumulation of carbon in soils in the same functional forest types is given. Conclusion. Based on the quality of the tree litter, 15 functional forest types were identified, which are confirmed by examples of forests in the subzone of coniferous-broad-leaved forests of the European part of Russia and in the belt of coniferous-broad-leaved forests of the Northwestern Caucasus. The validity of identification of functional forest types for the efficiency of carbon accumulation in soils based on the quality of tree litter, taking into account the influence of “external factors” (the location of forests in the geochemically linked landscape and the mechanical composition of soil-forming rocks), was confirmed by data obtained at 23 sites. Using this approach allowed us to reveal differences in the soil carbon stock and related characteristics of soil fertility estimated on an ecological scale between the functional forest types, identified on the base of tree litter in the mixed, coniferous-broad-leaved forests at the same location in the geochemically linked landscape. Differences in soil carbon stocks in forest ecosystems of the same functional forest types formed on clay loam and sandy loam soil-forming rocks were also revealed. Differences in soil carbon stocks in forests belonging to the same functional type, but formed at different locations in the geochemically linked landscape, have been confirmed: soil carbon stocks were higher in forests at the transit landscapes compared to those in autonomous ones.

Impact of soil fertility characteristics on artificial fertility gradient approach developed using sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) in Alfisols

In the advent of precision agriculture, applying fertilizer based on soil testing is a crucial tool to prescribe nutrient levels for crops, to increase nutrient use efficiency and production. A field experiment was conducted in a farmer's field in the Dindigul district, Southern agro-climatic zone of Tamil Nadu to ascertain the effect of artificial soil fertility gradient method on soil fertility, green fodder production of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) (var. CO 30) and nutrient absorption. A fertility gradient technique has been investigated to produce fertilizer recommendations for location-specific in red soils (Alfisols, Typic Rhodustalf). The experimental field was separated into three equal strips: strip I, II, and III, which received applications of the three graded levels of ertilizer N0P0K0, N1P1K1, and N2P2K2, respectively. Urea, single super phosphate, and muriate of potash fertilizers, respectively, were used to apply NPK. As a gradient crop, S. bicolor was raised. The N1 level was set based on the general fertilizer recommendation of feed sorghum, while the P1 and K1 values were set based on the soil’s ability to fix 100 kg ha-1 of phosphorus and 100 kg ha-1 of potassium, respectively. Plant samples were taken at harvest time, and their NPK content and nutrient uptake were determined. With addition of graded doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizer in Strip I, II & III increased the soil's available N, P & K status substantially in the order of Strip I<II<III and minimize the heterogeneity in the soil population , management strategies employed, and prevailing climate conditions to induce fertility variations in the same field. The outcomes showed that sorghum crop yields for fodder (Strip III – 25.01 t ha-1) and NPK uptake were significantly impacted by the application of graded amounts of NPK fertilizers.

Arbuscular mycorrhizae influence raspberry growth and soil fertility under conventional and organic fertilization.

Introducing beneficial soil biota such as arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) to agricultural systems may improve plant performance and soil fertility. However, whether bioinocula species composition affects plant growth and soil fertility, and whether fertilizer source influences AMF colonization have not been well characterized. The objectives of this research were to: (1) assess if AMF bioinocula of different species compositions improve raspberry (Rubus idaeus L.) performance and characteristics of soil fertility and (2) evaluate the impact of fertilizer source on AMF colonization. Five bioinocula with different AMF species compositions and three fertilizer sources were applied to tissue culture raspberry transplants in a randomized complete block design with eight replicates. Plants were grown in a greenhouse for 14 weeks and plant growth, tissue nutrient concentrations, soil fertility, and AMF root colonization were measured. Shoot K and Zn concentrations as well as soil pH and K concentration increased in the Commercial Mix 1 treatment (Glomus, Gigaspora, and Paraglomus AMF species) compared to the non-inoculated control. RFI (raspberry field bioinoculum; uncharacterized AMF and other microbiota) increased soil organic matter (SOM), estimated nitrogen release (ENR), and soil copper (Cu) concentration compared to the non-inoculated control. Furthermore, plants receiving the Mix 1 or RFI treatments, which include more AMF species, had greater AMF root colonization than the remaining treatments. Plants receiving organic fertilizer had significantly greater AMF colonization than conventionally fertilized plants. Taken together, our data indicate that coupling organic fertilizers and bioinocula that include diverse AMF species may enhance raspberry growth and soil fertility.

KESESUAIAN LAHAN REKLAMASI UNTUK REVEGETASI TANAMAN MAHONI (SWIETANIA MACROPHYLLA) DAN TANAMAN SUNGKAI (PARONEMA CANESCENS) PADA PT. BHUMI RANTAU ENERGI DI KABUPATEN TAPIN PROVINSI KALIMANTAN SELATAN

The mining sector is one of the main economic sectors in Indonesia, including coal. Given the importance of ecosystem sustainability, reclamation and revegetation activities are very important. The aims of this study were (1) to analyze the characteristics of soil fertility at the reclamation and revegetation sites of PT. Bhumi Rantau Energi and (2) analyze land suitability of PT. Bhumi Rantau Energi which has been planted with mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and sungkai (Peronema canescens) plants.. The approach used in this study is a quantitative method and descriptive analysis, with a research implementation time of 3 (three) months. The research was conducted at Rinjani and Merapi which is a reclamation and revegetation area of PT. Bhumi Overseas Energy. The objects in this study were soil samples in Rinjani D3 planting year 2017 with an area of 2.39 ha and measurements of Mahogany, Sungkai and Sengon vegetation on Rinjani D3 planting year 2017 with an area of 2.39 ha, Rinjani E2 planting year 2018 with an area of 6, 40 ha and Merapi F9 planting year 2019 with an area of 18.62 ha. The results showed that the fertility of the soil was in the low fertility class. However, the success of growing the main types of sengon and inlay types of mahogany and sungkai in post-coal mining revegetation land was in the high category. Sungkai inserts have better diameter and plant height than mahogany inserts. For land suitability results, the mahogany insert is thought to be relatively slightly better than the sungkai plant. Parameter differences that occur in the annual average rainfall. The results of the land suitability analysis obtained direct engineering improvements to be carried out by improving the parameters of soil pH, soil fertility and soil depth.

Biochar made from chicken manure - a fertilizer that can ensure the carbon neutrality of agricultural soils in conditions of elevated temperatures

Amendment of soil with biochar instead of mineral or organic fertilizers might be one of techniques wich reduce carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere. The effect of biochar based on chicken manure on the biomass and respiratory activity of agricultural soil microorganisms was evaluated in lab conditions at normal (average climatic norm for the vegetation season in central Russia, 15 °C) and elevated (25 and 35 °C) temperatures. It was shown that the introduction of 10% biochar by mass did not lead to an increase emission of CO2 from the soil relative to the control at 15 °C for 60 days of the experiment. An increase in temperature caused an increase in carbon dioxide emissions from the control soil by 35% and 91% and a decrease in moisture by 24% and 42% at 25 and 35°C, respectively. Microbial biomass increased in the control soil by 32% at 25°C and decreased by 34% at 35°C. Soil amendment with biochar led to the leveling of the effect of elevated temperatures on all three parameters. Thus, biochar made from chicken manure allowed one of the characteristics of soil fertility to be preserved and did not lead to the loss of greenhouse gases.

Land Suitability Evaluation of Soils of Bayelsa State for Oil Palm Production

Selected soils of Bayelsa State were evaluated for oil palm production using FAO land suitability classification. Eight pedons were sunk on each the three geomorphic features found in Bayelsa State. A total of twenty-four pedon were investigated and soil samples were taken to the laboratory for routine analysis. The average of the results from each geomorphic unit was calculated. Results of the physicochemical properties of soil showed that soils of Mangrove Swamp Deposits (MSD) and Sombreiro Warri Deposit (SWD) were characterized by sandy texture while the texture of soils of Recent and Sub-recent Alluvial Deposits (RSA) were loamy sand. Soil pH ranged from strongly (3.9) to moderately (6.2) acidic. Organic matter reduces down the profile. Effective cation exchangeable capacity (E.C.E.C.) ranged from 3.34-7.28cmol/kg while base Saturation ranged from 33 – 48.6%. From the land suitability results, rainfall and temperature were highly suitable while relative humidity was moderately suitable for oil palm production. The texture was marginally suitable in RSA while it was not suitable in MSD and SWD. For soil fertility characteristics, the major limitation affecting oil palm production was the C.E.C. which placed these soils in suitability class N1 (Not Suitable). Organic matter was another serious constrain to oil palm cultivation in RSA.

Soil fertility characteristics in North Carolina pastures as affected by spatial separation and renovation with annual forages

AbstractSpatial variation in soil properties is often considered significant across broad geographical regions due to soil formation factors. However, fine‐scale variations might also be significant. This study was conducted with the original intent of assessing how simple and complex mixtures of annual forages might be used to renovate perennial pastures. Private farmers in the Flatwoods, Piedmont, and Blue Ridge Major Land Resource Areas of North Carolina tested annual forages to renovate tall fescue pastures. Soil was sampled in multiple random locations in each field at depths of 0–6, 6–12, and 12–20 cm at the beginning and ending of a 3‐yr annual forage evaluation. Relative variation among five components (year of sampling [n = 2], physiographic region [n = 3], annual forage treatment [n = 2], soil depth [n = 3], and random variation from pseudoreplicates [n = 3 in 2015 and n = 5 in 2018]) was assessed for four soil physical, 10 soil biological, and 16 soil chemical properties. Soil chemical properties were mostly affected by physiographic region (47 ± 26% of total variation) and soil depth (33 ± 18%), soil biological properties were mostly affected by soil depth (63 ± 25%) and random pseudoreplication (14 ± 6%), and soil physical properties were equally affected by pseudoreplication (35 ± 21%), physiographic region (32 ± 18%), and soil depth (29 ± 22%). The type of annual forage had no discernible effect on soil properties, even the most biologically active. A diversity of spatial variations was important, suggesting that regional‐level ecological investigations require careful attention to an appropriate sampling design considering multiple factors.

Soil and geomorphic patterns within relict charcoal hearths could represent unique ecosystem niches

Hearths used for 19th and 20th century charcoal manufacturing have been found to have unique plant communities or to produce unique growth characteristics for some species but not others. Given known differences in hearth morphology, within hearth physical and chemical differences may exist and result in unique ecologic niches. We examined soil stratigraphy across 8 relict charcoal hearths (RCH) and control soils on different landforms near a 19th century furnace complex (Greenwood Furnace, northcentral Appalachians USA). Soils were analyzed for particle size, total and trace elements, and fertility. Platform creation resulted in soils from upslope RCH positions mixed with subsurface materials on the downslope side to create a stabilized platform. The thin, uniform thickness of charcoal surface horizons (Ac) indicate that RCHs were not used more than once for charcoal manufacturing or that charcoal was always removed very efficiently. While rubification of soil or rock from high heat was seen in 6 of 8 sites sampled, it was not extensive across sampled areas of any one hearth, which indicate hearth use may not be frequent, hot enough, or spatially disparate. Soil fertility characteristics change within RCHs but also by landscape position. Downslope RCH positions are enriched in some parameters compared to control soils (total C, Mehlich 3 Mg, Ca, and Aquia Regia digestion Mn) and that enrichment often is from the surface downward. Downslope enrichment within RCH soils may have occurred from charcoal and released ions, slope erosion and accumulation, or transportation of constructed materials during RCH creation. Landscape position may accentuate or mute soil chemistry differences. Greenwood Furnace RCHs have unique patterns of chemistry, which could result in unique niches for flora and maybe fauna within RCH. Future research could more closely investigate whether hearths support unique species assemblages and how they may play a role in enhancing today's forest biodiversity.

Land Use Changes Influence the Soil Enzymatic Activity and Nutrient Status in the Polluted Taojia River Basin in Sub-Tropical China.

Different land use practices may improve soil quality or lead to soil deterioration. Recently, environmental problems, such as heavy pollution and soil erosion, have led to serious land degradation in the Taojia River basin. In this study, we explored the soil fertility characteristics (mechanical composition; pH; soil organic matter (SOM); soil total nitrogen (TN); and the activity of four enzymes, i.e., urease, hydrogen peroxide, alkaline phosphatase, and sucrose enzymes) under different types of land use in the Taojia River basin. Soil samples were taken from 0-10 cm, 10-20 cm, and 20-40 cm depths from four different land use types that were widely used in the Taojia river basin, including cultivated land, vegetable fields, woodlands, and wastelands. The results showed that the soil enzyme activity and the constituents of the soil were closely related and significantly affected each other (p < 0.05). Woodland soil exhibited the highest content of SOM in all soil depths. Soil total nitrogen mainly depended on the accumulation of biomass and the decomposition intensity of organic matter, so the changes in TN followed the trends of the changes in SOM. Woodland soil showed an improved mechanical composition. We were also able to observe an increased clay content in woodland soil. Woodland soil also exhibited the reversal of soil desertification and an increase in nutrient/water retention capacity. Therefore, an increase in woodland areas would be an appropriate goal in terms of land use in order to improve the eco-environmental quality of the Taojia River basin.

Subsurface Water Retention Technology Promotes Drought Stress Tolerance in Field-Grown Tomato

Agricultural activities depend heavily on irrigation in arid and semi-arid climates, which are one of the most water-limited areas, reducing agricultural productivity. As the climate changes, the lack of precipitation is expected to aggravate in these areas, requiring careful management of water use. Subsurface water retention technology (SWRT) may hold promise as a management tool to save water use and improve crop drought resistance. In this context, the effect of SWRT on tomato yield, growth, physiology, and biochemical characteristics, as well as soil characteristics under two regimes of water (100% field capacity (FC) and 50% FC) in open field conditions, was investigated. The results here suggest that drought affected tomato performance. Nevertheless, SWRT application significantly increased tomato yield (38%), chlorophyll fluorescence (3%), gas exchange (39%), and chlorophyll total content (49%), as well as soil fertility characteristics, with significant increases in organic matter (23%) and assimilable phosphorus contents (25%) compared with the control. Furthermore, it resulted in a significant reduction in enzymatic antioxidant activities and polyphenol and significant improvement in fruit quality by increasing protein content. This technique should be used as a valuable strategy to save irrigation water and mitigate the negative effects of water deficiency on tomato plants in arid and semi-arid regions.

Spatial Changes in Glomalin-Related Soil Protein and Their Correlation with Soil Properties in the Black Soil Region of Northeast China

Glomalin-related soil protein (GRSP), soil nutrients, and soil enzyme activities are closely related to soil fertility and land productivity, which play an important role in indicating soil quality. Little is known about the spatial variation in GRSP and its relationship with edaphic factors. Here, the spatial distribution of GRSP, soil chemical properties, and the soil enzyme activities of 0–20 cm depth farmland soil in the black soil region of northeast China were investigated, and the relationships among edaphic factors were analyzed collected from 41 sampling sites. The results indicate that GRSP, soil organic matter, total nitrogen, and acid phosphatase activities showed significant patterns of spatial variation, generally decreasing from north to south along a latitudinal gradient. Principal component analysis revealed that total GRSP (by 80.19%) and soil organic matter content (by 80.15%) were the greatest contributing factors accounting for the variations. Edaphic factors such as soil organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and acid phosphatase were significantly positively correlated with GRSP, while urease was negatively correlated with GRSP. Mantel tests also showed that soil organic matter, total nitrogen, urease, and acid phosphatase were positively correlated with GRSP. The results reflect the soil fertility characteristics of the black soil region of northeast China and reveal the relationship among edaphic factors. These findings could be used to inform agricultural production and provide new insight into the role of GRSP in soil quality.

Riparian fungal communities respond to land-use mediated changes in soil properties and vegetation structure

PurposeOwing to their topographic location and nutrient rich soils, riparian forests are often converted to pastures for grazing. In recent decades, remnant riparian forests cleared for grazing pastures have been restored with native species. The impacts of such land-use changes on soil fungal communities are unclear, despite the central roles that soil fungi play in key ecosystem processes. We investigated how soil fungal taxonomic and functional composition are affected by land-use change at different depths, and if variation in soil fungal communities is related to edaphic properties and extant vegetation.MethodsThe study was conducted in six waterways in south-eastern Australia, each comprising three land-use types: remnant riparian forest, cleared forest converted to pasture, and pastures restored with native plants. We surveyed three strata of vegetation and sampled top-soil and sub-soil to characterise physicochemical properties and soil fungal communities. ITS1 region sequences were used to assign soil fungal taxonomic and functional composition.ResultsFungal taxonomic and functional composition infrequently varied with land-use change or soil depth. Overall, environmental properties (soil and vegetation) explained 35–36% of variation in both fungal taxonomic and functional composition. Soil fungal taxonomic composition was related to soil fertility (N, P, K, pH and Ca) and ground cover characteristics, whereas functional composition was related to clay content, sub-canopy cover and tree basal area.ConclusionAcross the six studied waterways, fungal taxonomic and functional composition were more strongly associated with land-use mediated changes in site-scale soil physicochemical properties and vegetation structure than broad-scale classes of land-use type.

Study of long-term stability of reference materials of soils

The author’s article presents information on the study of the stability of main indicators of fertility (mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium, organic matter) in different types of soil. Experiments were carried out on state reference materials selected in different soil-climatic zones, within 12-30 years since the date of reference material certification. It has been established that different types of soil preserve sufficient stability of the content of mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium, organic matter in reference material provided that reference materials were kept in storage in dry room in removal from the installations that create vibration, with the lack of vapor steams and the relative humidity of the air not higher than 70 %.The results of the studies of stability of main characteristics of soil fertility (mobile forms of phosphorus and potassium, organic matter) allow us to recommend a guaranteed storage period of reference materials of soils certified for these indicators during 10 years.

Method for detecting soil total nitrogen contents based on pyrolysis and artificial olfaction

Soil nitrogen is an essential nutrient element for crop growth and development, and an important indicator of soil fertility characteristics. This study proposed a method based on pyrolysis and artificial olfaction to quickly and accurately determine the soil total nitrogen (STN) content. A muffle furnace was used to pyrolyze the soil samples, and ten different types of oxide semiconductor gas sensors were used to construct a sensor array to detect the soil samples’ pyrolysis gas. The response curves of the sensors were tested at pyrolysis temperatures of 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C and at pyrolysis times of 1 min, 3 min, 5 min, and 10 min to obtain the optimal pyrolysis state of the soil samples. The optimal pyrolysis temperature was 400°C, and the pyrolysis time was 3 min. The response area, maximum value, average differential coefficient, variance value, maximum gradient value, average value, and 8th-second transient value of the sensor response curve were extracted to construct an artificial olfactory feature space of 121×10×7 (121 soil samples, ten sensor numbers, seven extracted eigenvalues). Back-propagation neural network algorithm (BPNN), partial least squares regression algorithm (PLSR), and partial least squares regression combined with back-propagation neural network algorithm (PLSR-BPNN) were used to establish a prediction model of artificial olfactory feature space and STN content. Moreover, coefficient of determination (R2), root mean square error (RMSE), and the ratio of performance to deviation (RPD) were used as the performance indicators of the prediction results. The test results showed that the R2 of the PLSR, BPNN, and PLSR-BPNN models were 0.89033, 0.81185, and 0.92186, and the RMSE values were 0.24297, 0.37370, and 0.21781, and the RPD were 2.9964, 1.9482, and 3.3426, respectively. The model established by the PLSR-BPNN algorithm has the highest R2 and RPD and the smallest RMSE, can achieve the accurate prediction of STN content, and therefore the model is rated as “excellent”. The detection method in this study achieves a low-cost, rapid, and accurate determination of STN content, and provides a new reference for the measurement of STN. Keywords: pyrolysis, artificial olfactory system, soil total nitrogen, gas sensor array, prediction methods DOI: 10.25165/j.ijabe.20221503.7086 Citation: Li M W, Zhu Q H, Liu H, Xia X M, Huang D Y. Method for detecting soil total nitrogen contents based on pyrolysis and artificial olfaction. Int J Agric & Biol Eng, 2022; 15(3): 167–176.

Evaluation of Irrigated Soils

This article discusses the main purpose of the assessment of irrigated soils, the methods used to determine crop yields based on the characteristics of soil fertility and its properties, and their advantages. Procedures for scientifically substantiating the yield of irrigated soils corresponding to one quality score are also described.

Structural leaf attributes indicate different degrees of xeromorphism: New discoveries in co-occurring species of savanna and forest formations

The diversity of environments in the Neotropical region has different environmental filters on vegetation. The southern face of the Amazon is exposed to high rainfall seasonality and poor soils, which imposes a severe environmental filtering. Plants with structural and functional adaptations can occur in specific locations due to microenvironmental characteristics. We investigated how anatomical-leaf attributes of seven co-occurring species of savanna and forest formations respond to the environmental conditions of their phytophysiognomies using usual optical microscopy techniques and statistical models. The species have different strategies to support environmental conditions. Even under a more limiting rainfall regime, plants living in seasonal forests closely related with savannic areas (Cerradão area - CDA) are less endowed with xeromorphic characteristics, which we can attribute to the conditions of continuous canopy and soil, comparatively more clayey than savanna soils. The species associated with rocky outcrops more closely related to savannic habitats (Rupestrian Cerrado of Transition area - RCT) showed greater investment in thickness of epidermal cell walls and the total thickness of the central vein. These species, together with the species associated with rocky outcrops more closely related to forest habitats (Amazon Savanna on Rocky Outcrops area - ASR), demonstrated greater investment in cuticle, straight anticline walls, straight periclinal walls or straight and convex periclinal walls, epidermis thickness, parenchyma, secretory ducts, collenchyma and sclerenchymatous fibers. Our findings reveal species’ different responses to environmental conditions: ASR and RCT species present a likely longer (temporal) selective process with a high investment in hydraulic safety, but RCT species showed greater xeromorphism; CDA forms a less xeromorphic microenvironment. The leaf xeromorphism is not only determined by the rainfall levels or soil fertility characteristics, but also by the degree of exposure of these plants to solar radiation and local seasonality.

Evaluation of Hermetia illucens fly maggots zoocompost influence on some agrophysical parameters of soil

Nowadays the application of intensive agriculture methods, based on using mineral fertilizers, plant-protecting agents, cultivating operations, has resulted in soil cover degradation. The usage of organic fertilizers can improve the structure and agrochemical characteristics of soil. As organic fertilizers the composts of various compositions are used, including those based on poultry-farming and stock-raising enterprises’ waste with the use of other components – peat, sapropel, wood processing waste and food production waste. The application of composts represented with vermiculture products is also known – the organic matter vermicomposting products, or those formed at rearing insects, for example, Hermetia illucens fly. As a result of organic waste bioconversion by feeding it to Hermetia illucens fly maggots a zoocompost is formed, which is a mix of maggots’ excrements and undigested waste residues. In this work we researched the influence of zoocompost, formed at rearing maggots of a fly of the dipteran order – Hermetia illucens, – its amount, conditions and methods of its application on physical characteristics of soil fertility – granulometric texture and moisture deposit at the end of growing season. The evaluation was performed by results of a micro-plot field experiment on a specially allotted plot. The research findings have demonstrated that zoocompost in its nutrient elements content corresponds to organic fertilizers, and by its physical parameters it can be used as soil loosener. The application of zoocompost to soil samples in amount of 5 t/ha increases the moisture deposit by 28.4% and improves the structural state of soil to the «good» grade in comparison with the control plot.

Can Addition of Organic Manures Mediated Sodicity Toxicity in Mustard Cultivation ?

ABSTRACT In India’s arid and semiarid regions, soil sodicity is a restraining factor for crop productivity. There is less rainfall in these areas, and the groundwater has a high sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) and pH. However, by moderating soil fertility characteristics, these sites have a lot of potential for increasing the mustard yield. For this, a field experiment was conducted with four levels of sodicity water irrigation (6, 10, 20, and 30 SAR) and six levels of nitrogen (composed of different combinations with urea, farm yard manure-FYM, and vermicompost-VC). After harvesting of the crop, soil and plant samples were analyzed for physicochemical properties. Experimental results showed an increasing level of SAR mediating the soil parameters like soil organic carbon, available water content, and also mustard crop yield. Although replacement of N application doses with FYM and VC showed improvement in SOC and available water, it reduced soil pH, EC, SAR, and bulk density. Increasing sodicity levels from 6 to 20 SAR reduced the mustard seed yield by 16.05 q ha−1 to 9.76 q ha−1, whereas 50% RDN through urea and 75% RDN through VC increased the seed yield by 8.28 to 16.27 q ha−1. Such studies have opened the door for sustainable mustard production in high sodicity areas, i.e. western part of Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana, and Punjab states by application of nitrogen through organics. It will improve the mustard growers’ economic situation and contribute greatly to the country’s economic growth in sodic soil areas.