Soil Fertility Management Systems Research Articles

Impact of silicate and lime application on soil fertility and temporal changes in soil properties and carbon stocks in a temperate ecosystem

Most agricultural soils are unproductive due to soil acidity which limits crop growth and yield. To ameliorate soil acidity constraints and enhance the ecosystem services the soil renders to achieve optimum crop yields, lime, and silicate are mostly used. However, there are few studies reporting the impacts of the combined application of silicate and lime on soil properties, soil fertility and carbon stocks and stratification in long-term experiments. This study evaluated the impacts of the combined application of silicate and lime on soil fertility indicators (pH, soil organic matter (SOM), available phosphorus, exchangeable potassium, magnesium, and calcium, and available SiO2), carbon stratification and stocks in comparison to sole lime and sole silicate applied to a Fluvaquentic Eutrudepts over a 67-year period. Each treatment’s rate of application was calculated to raise the soil pH to 6.5. Incorporation of the treatments increased the soil pH by 1.30, 1.22, and 1.35 folds in the sole silicate, sole lime, and combined silicate and lime-treated soils, respectively, relative to the baseline soil pH (5.5). The combined application of silicate and lime resulted in significant decreases in C stratification and C stocks. The significant reduction in the C stocks in the silicate and lime-treated soils implies that its long-term application could potentially reduce carbon sequestration and increase the carbon footprint of rice cultivation. This information is crucial to develop sustainable soil management interventions to curtail the environmental footprint in rice paddy ecosystems. Comparatively, the combined silicate and lime treatment caused an increase in the relative change of soil fertility by 65.7% and the average annual growth rate in the soil fertility improvement by 0.0115, as compared to the untreated soil. Among the soil variables, soil pH, exchangeable calcium, and available silicate contributed most to the variation the soil fertility. The obtained results could serve as a guide in revising the lime and silicate fertilization programs instituted by the Korean Government and reviewing national soil fertility management systems in temperate paddy ecosystems.

Integrated Soil Fertility Management: A Promising Pathway for Sustainable Intensification of Smallholder Cotton Farming Systems in Côte d’Ivoire

Aims: This study was aimed to increase the sustainability of smallholder cotton cultivation in Côte d’Ivoire, through the implementation of Integrated Soil Fertility Management, combining the use of moderate amounts of mineral fertilizer and fortified organic manure.
 Study Design: The experiment was set up in a Fisher block design, with four treatments and three replications.
 Place and Duration of Study: The trials were conducted in four locations across two largest cotton growing areas (Odienne and Minignan) in the northern agro-ecological zone, between March and September 2021.
 Methodology: The technical options included: 1) mineral fertilizer (25 kg NPK ha-1 + 12.5 kg urea ha-1) + 0 kg manure ha-1 (control), 2) mineral fertilizer + 50 kg manure ha-1, 3) mineral fertilizer + 75 kg manure ha-1 and 4) local practice (200 kg NPK ha-1 + 50 kg urea ha-1 + 0 kg manure ha-1).
 Results: The results showed an increase in seed cotton yield for the manure treatments compared to the control treatment. Non-significant yield difference was found between the manure treatments and local practice. The average yields obtained in Odienne were 5.73 ± 0.70 t ha-1 for 75 kg manure ha-1 and 5.13 ± 0.96 for 50 kg manure ha-1, versus 2.58 ± 0.76 t ha-1 for the control treatment. In Minignan, the average yields obtained were 6.86 ± 1.76 t ha-1 for 75 kg manure ha-1 and 5.73 ± 0.70 t ha-1 for 50 kg manure ha-1, versus 2.58 ± 0.76 t ha-1 for the control. The Agronomic Efficiency of applied manure varied from 37.00 ± 13.07 to 73.41 ± 16.89 kg cotton kg-1 and from 44.34 ± 15.05 to 1 for the two agro-ecological zones.
 Conclusion: The Integrated Soil Fertility Management system was proven to be a promising pathway for achieving sustainable intensification of smallholder cotton cultivation systems.

Зміни агрофізичних властивостей чорнозему типового під впливом застосування добрив і обробітку грунту

The solution to the problem of increasing the production of agricultural products largely depends on the correct assessment of the level of fertility and cultivation of the soil, a clear understanding of its main indicators optimal for cultivated plants and the use of an effective soil fertility management system on this basis. The goal is to determine the effect of the use of systems of basic tillage and fertilization in grain-tilled crop rotation on changes in soil density in the agrophytocenosis of winter wheat. Methods: The soil density was determined with M. Kachinsky cylinders in the arable layer of 0–10, 10–20, 20–30 sm. The results of stationary studies of the effect of prolonged (2012–2019) application of three options deep coarse-silty-medium loamy in ten-field grain-row crop rotation of the right-bank forest-steppe for its agrophysical indicators. It has been established that the variant of dump-dump-free tillage in the crop rotation creates the best agrophysical conditions for the fertility of typical chernozem. The use of shallow moldboard-free tillage led to a significant increase in soil density (on average by 0,02–0,04 g/sm3) compared to the control. The use of shallow moldboard-free tillage led to a significant decrease in the total porosity by 2,2% in comparison with differentiated and moldboard-free tillage.

National system of soil fertility management of the Republic of Belarus: current state and development prospects. Vestsі Natsyyanal’nay akademіі navuk Belarusі

The paper presents a comprehensive study on development of soil fertility management system in the Republic of Belarus. The history of development, as well as the modern scheme of functioning of services for agro-chemical and radiological examination of soils of agricultural lands has been studied in detail, including the sources of their financing, services provided, the list of provided consolidated analytical materials as a result, etc. Special attention is paid to the republican databank of agro-chemical and radiation indicators of agricultural soil, which, through automated information system, is considered an information basis for modeling soil fertility in order to develop recommendations for using mineral fertilizers in individual fields and working plots, farms, districts, regions calculated under requirements for agricultural crops. The authors concluded that the data bank of agro-chemical and radiological properties of soils of agri-cultural lands of the Republic of Belarus, as well as the analytical information system functioning on its basis, were of high practical value and of an applied nature for the country’s economy. However, in the modern world, digital solutions, on the basis of which the data bank functions, are worn out morally. Studies indicate that the technical requirements for functioning and use of electronic databank of agro-chemical and radiological monitoring of soils of agricultural lands in the Republic of Belarus should be formalized in the form of regulations (or rules) and enshrined in the national regulatory framework. In addition, it is necessary to develop a scheme for information content of the databank by optimizing organizational interaction of agro-chemical services of the Republic of Belarus. It is feasible to give access to a huge array of analytical information in the form of geographic information system, which will make it possible to maintain electronic register of agricultural land soils, as well as electronic certification of fields and elementary plots. Implementation of a number of measures to develop the soil fertility management system in the Republic of Belarus may lead to increase in demand for work related to agro-chemical services for agriculture by 50-60 % by 2030.

Some Aspects of Social Organization and Indigenous Resource Management Practices in Awi Zone, Amhara National Regional State (ANRS), Northwest Ethiopia

The people of Awi have succeeded in preserving their age-old traditions that are handed down from generation to generation. Traditional social organizations and labor exchanging forms, aimed at mutual aid and close cooperation either in pleasure or grief are among the many traditions. In Awi farm land and soil fertility management systems employ three major types of strategies in order to manage the organic matter and chemical fertility of the cultivated soils: Mixed cropping rotational cropping and indigenous organic practices. Irrigation is the artificial application of water to soil for the purpose of crop production. The major purpose of this paper is, therefore, to bring out the traditional social organizations and labor exchanging forms that have been practiced in Awi. It also attempts to assess and analyze the indigenous soil fertility management systems as well as the indigenous managements of river waters for irrigation. In the course of the study, I have depended mainly on primary and secondary sources, as well as oral informants, and archival materials. For archives, I have used Debre Markos University Archive Center, Addis Ababa National Archives and Library Agency, Institute of Ethiopian Studies of Addis Ababa University and Awi Zone Agriculture Office. Indeed, gathering oral information from knowledgeable individuals through interviews was another important source data for the research. The interview was effectively addressed by qualitative approach through purposive sampling method. In the interview semi structured interview questions were designed for acquiring valuable information about the study. The age and the ability to remember the past events and the level of participation in the local affairs were given emphasis for the selection of informants. The data which I collected from oral sources were crosschecked with archival and secondary sources before interpretation. Thus, the consideration of the land tenure system and the social structure as well as taxation system in Agaw Meder (presently Awi Zone) helps to study and investigate not only the study area but also to comprehend other areas regarding the issue. Keywords : Indigenous Resource Management, Wubiri, Wonfel, Soil-fertility, Irrigation DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/56-04 Publication date: February 29 th 2020

Effects of organic manure and crop rotation system on potato (<i>Solanum tuberosum</i> L.) tuber yield in the highlands of Awi Zone

Lack of sustainable soil fertility management system is a critical challenge in the highlands of Awi Zone. Important physicochemical properties of the soil are below the critical level to support crop growth. Hence, a study was undertaken with the aim of improving the yield of potato through organic treatments and sound crop rotation system. Two rotation systems and four levels of organic treatments were factorially arranged and laid out in RCBD with four replications. The organic treatments were: V1 = 0 t/ha farmyards manure (FYM); V2 = 2.5 t/h fresh sesbania green manure (FSB) V3 = 5 t/ha FYM; and V4 = 5 t/ha FYM +2.5 t/ha FSB applied in fixed plots for three years. Indeed, the rotation systems varied from year to year to estimate the changes in potato tuber yields due to the differences in crop rotation systems. Tuber yields of potato showed increasing trend over the period of the three years with the lowest in the first year, intermediate in the second year and the highest in the third year across all treatments. Among all, the highest total potato tuber yield (35.15 t/ha) was obtained at the combined application of 5 t/ha FYM +2.5 t/ha FSB and clover-wheat-potato rotation system in the third year. The treatment combination increased total potato tuber yield by 140% and 41% over that of the first and the second years and would be recommended as ecologically sound option in improving the productivity of potato.Keywords: Cropping system; farmyard manure; green manure; productivity; soil management

Soil fertility management in organic greenhouse: an analysis of the European context

Soil fertility management systems in organic greenhouses are quite diversified within Europe. The challenge is to identify and implement strategies which are in agreement with the organic principles stated by (EC) Reg. 834/2007 and (EC) Reg. 889/2008 as well as environmentally, socially and economically sustainable. In this paper, written by a group of scientists of different geographical origin and with different background, the state of the art of the sector and the main characteristics of the European greenhouse cropping systems are described. The main bottlenecks and constraints are discussed with a particular reference to the regulatory framework in force. The more relevant issues that may influence the enforcement and future development of the sector have been identified as specific knowledge gaps. For each of them, the appropriate research needs were elaborated in a multidisciplinary perspective as forthcoming challenges for the whole sector. Far to be exhaustive, given the wide heterogeneity of the implemented systems, this paper is able, for the first time, to give a structured outlook, on soil fertility in protected organic condition at an European scale.

Assessment of low-input technologies to improve productivity of early harvested cassava in Côte d’Ivoire

ABSTRACTIn Côte d’Ivoire, smallholder farmers cultivate cassava on poor, highly weathered soils without improved varieties or fertilizer inputs. Land pressure combined with high demand result in premature harvests and low yields. Furthermore, subsistence agriculture limits the adoption of input-intensive technologies. This study aimed at identifying integrated soil fertility management systems for increasing cassava productivity and profitability in two locations in southern Côte d’Ivoire. The integrated technical interventions included improved cassava genotypes and modified spacing, legume intercropping, and application of fertilizer at moderate doses. Overall, an improved cassava variety (Yavo) generally out-yielded the other varieties at both sites. Legumes performed better at the higher soil fertility site and gave higher grain yield and biological nitrogen fixation in a 2 × 0.5 m cassava spacing compared to 1 × 1 m. The response of cassava to nutrient amendments varied between sites, suggesting the need for site-specific adaptations. Fertilizer application was essential to avoid cassava yield reduction upon legume intercropping as a result of competition for nutrients and N immobilization and delayed re-mineralization of legume residues. Growing legumes, however, substantially increased profitability. Hence, better synchronization of legume sowing, legume residue and fertilizer application in relation to cassava growth phases is needed.

Microbial activity of soil cultivated with corn in association with weeds under different fertility management systems

Interactions between weeds and soil microorganisms can give them a competitive advantage over crops. This study assessed the biomass and microbial activity of soil cultivated with weeds and corn (Zea mays L.) in monoculture and in competition under different fertility management systems. The experiment considered four soil fertility management systems (calcium and magnesium silicate + fertilization; limestone + fertilization; no correction source + fertilization; no correction source + no fertilization) and 12 crops (five competition arrangements between corn and weeds Urochloa brizantha (Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R.D. Webster, lpomoea grandifolia (Dammer) O'Donell, Conyza canadensis (L.) Cronquist, Hyptis suaveolens (L.) Poit., and Bidens pilosa L. plus the six species in monoculture and bare soil. After 60 d coexisting in a greenhouse, soil samples were collected to determine microbial biomass, respiration rate, and metabolic quotient. Soils cultivated with B. pilosa and Z. mays+U. brizantha showed higher microbial biomass. Cultivation of B. pilosa and Z. mays+H. suaveolens provided greater energy efficiency to maintain microbial cells. Biomass and microbial activity were altered by plant species, coexistence, and soil fertility management. Calcium and magnesium silicate, as well as limestone similarly influenced biomass and respiration rate of soil cultivated with most species. For some crops, the Si source was better than limestone to promote lower specific activity of the edaphic microbiota. The change in the microbial activity of soil can be a strategy used by the species to minimize the effects of competition.

Crop Nutrient Status and Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium Balances Obtained in Field Trials Evaluating Different Fertilizer Recommendation Systems on Various Soils and Crops in Hungary

Based on correlations calculated from the database of long-term fertilization experiments carried out in Hungary between 1960 and 2000, a new, cost-saving, and environmentally friendly fertilizer recommendation system was developed. The aim of the new system is to apply the lowest possible nitrogen (N)–phosphorus (P)–potassium (K) rates required to achieve good yields and maximum income per unit area. The World Phosphorus Institute (IMPHOS) agreed to finance a 3-year program to test various Hungarian fertilizer recommendation systems (the new RISSAC-RIA [Research for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry‐Research Institute for Agriculture] system, the Talajerőgazdálkodás integrated soil fertility management system, and the intensive MÉM NAK [Department of Plant Protection and Agricultural Chemistry of the Ministry of Food and Agriculture] system) when applied to three major crops grown on three characteristic Hungarian soils. The first five treatments in the experiment represented a classical deficiency experiment, aimed at checking the correctness of the NPK supply categories determined by the various systems. On all three soils and for all three crops the IMPHOS experiments confirmed the basic principles of the new cost-saving, environmentally friendly fertilizer recommendation system and the correctness of the methods used for calculating fertilizer rates. In this article, diagnostic plant analysis, soil analysis data, and NPK balances obtained in the different recommendations are discussed. In most cases the plant NPK contents of all the recommendations exceeded the lower limits of the good NPK supply category for wheat and barley shoot as well as for corn leaf. Crop NPK contents in Talajerőgazdálkodás and MÉM NAK treatments (with greater recommended NPK doses) were most cases better than in the RISSAC-RIA treatments; however, the better crop NPK status did not result in extra grain yield in the former treatments. Taking into account that similarly high yields were obtained using the RISSAC-RIA system and the Talajerőgazdálkodás integrated system with much smaller NPK doses than those recommended by the intensive MÉM NAK system, it was more advantageous from agronomic, environmental protection, and economic points of view. Differences in PK balances correlated well with the differences in the measured soil ammonium lactate (AL)–PK contents after the third year of the experiment.

ABUNDANCE AND DISTRIBUTION OF ARBUSCULAR MYCORRHIZAL FUNGI SPECIES IN LONG-TERM SOIL FERTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN NORTHERN NIGERIA

Soil fertility management systems (SFMS) can influence the community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF). Hence, long-term SFMS was studied. The SFMS comprised three legume combinations, urea application and solely maize as control. Spores were extracted by wet sieving, characterized and identified using their morphology. Interrelationships between cropping systems and occurrence of AMF species were analyzed with genotype by environment (GGE) biplot. Seventeen species were identified with Glomus species (47.05%) having highest value while Gigaspora species had the least (11.76%). Legume residues significantly (P < 0.05) increased spore population with the highest spore count (120 spores/100 g soil) obtained in plot under cowpea residue. Shannon Weiner index (H′) of maize/Lablab purpureus plot was highest (1.996) while that of sole maize system was the least (1.550). The GGE indicated Glomus intraradices as a stable species across all the SFMS. Community structure of AMF and function can be preserved using appropriate SFMS.

Evaluation of Different Fertilizer Recommendation Systems on Various Soils and Crops in Hungary

The World Phosphorus Institute (IMPHOS) financed a 3‐year program for the testing of various Hungarian fertilizer recommendation systems [the four levels of the new Research Institute for Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry (RISSAC)–Agricultural Research Institute (RIA) system, the Talajerőgazdálkodás integrated soil fertility management system, and the intensive MÉM NAK system developed in the late 1970s by experts from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food] when applied to three major crops (winter wheat, maize, spring barley) grown on three characteristic Hungarian soils (brown forest soil, chernozem, meadow soil). The first six treatments in the experiment represented a classical deficiency experiment, aimed at checking the correctness of the nitrogen–phosphorus–potassium (NPK)–supplying categories determined by the various systems. On all three soils and for all three crops, the IMPHOS experiments confirmed the basic principles of the new cost‐saving, environmentally friendly RISSAC‐RIA fertilizer recommendation system and the correctness of the methods used for calculating fertilizer rates. The new RISSAC‐RIA system resulted in good yields, on par with those obtained using the intensive MÉM NAK system, with total NPK rates that were sometimes as little as 40–60% of the intensive recommendations. Consequently, the greatest incomes per unit area were also achieved using the recommendations given by the new, cost‐saving, environmentally friendly RISSAC‐RIA system.

Prospects for using conventional techniques and molecular biological tools to enhance performance of 'orphan' crop plants on soils low in available phosphorus

Molecular biology, combined with Mendelian and quantitative genetics in quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and marker-assisted selection (MAS), provides powerful new tools to facilitate efficient genetic manipulation by plant breeders of complex traits such as drought tolerance and phosphorus (P) acquisition ability. This paper examines current opportunities for genetically manipulating the ability of crop plants to more efficiently acquire (i.e. access and take up) essential soil nutrients, using as examples P and several of the crops in the genetic improvement mandate of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) – chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.), groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.), pearl millet [Pennisetum glaucum (L.) R. Br.], pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan(L.) Millsp.], and sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]. It is concluded that for at least some of these important, but often academically and economically orphaned tropical food, forage and feed-grain crops, the genetic variation and molecular tools that we will need already exist or can be expected to become available in the very near future. With appropriate, targeted research, these tools can permit empirical exploration of the potential for marker-facilitated mapping and manipulation of major genes that can contribute to enhanced ability of these crops to acquire P from sources with limited availability. With these tools, delivery of new versions of currently popular high-yielding, high quality, disease resistant crop cultivars, having genetically improved ability to acquire P currently in soils but unavailable for crop growth, could take as little as five to seven years. Sustainable use of such improved cultivars would require their utilization as components of integrated soil fertility management systems.