Soil Profile Modification Research Articles

Формирование хемоземов в условиях длительного воздействия аэропромышленных выбросов горно-металлургического комбината

Introduction. The mining and processing industry, as one of the complex, high energy-consuming production processes is the most problematic from an environmental point of view. As a result of processing raw materials from ore, a huge amount of waste of practically all types, solid, liquid and gaseous, is generated. In some areas, tones of slag dumps and tailings are stored, which in one way or another are exposed to external impact and are transported by Aeolian streams to the adjacent environment. Hydrogenic surface runoff is also formed from the surface of dumps and the territory of enterprises with atmospheric precipitation, and gas-dust emissions flying into the atmosphere are deposited on the nearby landscapes. In aggregate, all the above mentioned technogenic flows carry pollutants, including heavy metals, which accumulate in the depositing environments, changing them in one way or another. Thus, for more than 100 years, in the Soymanovskaya Valley of the Chelyabinsk Region, as a result of the Karabashmed Copper Smelting Plant, soils and other landscape components have been undergoing changes under the influence of anthropogenic flows. Research methods and materials. As a result of this work, in order to study the impact of air-industrial emissions of the plant on the soil cover, soil samples were taken both from the adjacent landscapes in the vicinity of the plant and at a distance of more than 20 km from the source of gas-dust emissions. In the selected soil samples, the determination of the main physical and chemical parameters of soils was carried out: pH, Sorg content, exchangeable calcium and magnesium cations. To identify the degree of contamination of the territory, the gross content of Zn, Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni, Mn was determined by atomic adsorption spectroscopy. According to the obtained data of heavy metals content in the surface layer of soils, the total pollution coefficient was calculated. Research results. In the course of works, it was determined that in the lower illuvial horizons of soils of natural and anthropogenic landscapes the concentrations of heavy metals are practically at the same level. In the upper layers of soils, a significant difference with excess of heavy metal concentrations in soils of anthropogenic landscapes in comparison with soils of background areas was recorded, which may indicate the entry of pollution from the surface. Soils with a small thickness of profile (up to 45 cm), located near the mill, have a fully contaminated profile, from the surface to the lower horizons, as a result of which these soils are transformed into chemozems. With the distance from the mill a sharp decrease of concentrations to values close to background was revealed, even within the city limits. The obtained calculations of the total pollution coefficient Zc, indicate that all chemozems have skillfully dangerous and extremely dangerous category of pollution. Background soils have acceptable category of pollution. When comparing background soils and chemozems located in the zone of intensive anthropogenic load, it is established that there is no influence of bedrock on soil profile modification and transformation. In the lower horizons of such soils, both in chemozems and background soils, physico-chemical parameters practically do not change. Comparative analysis of the upper soil stratum showed significant exceedances of concentrations in comparison with clark and background content. Exceedances relative to these values are 50 times for Cd, 40 times for Cu, 45 times for Pb and 30 times for Zn. Conclusions. As a result of the conducted researches it was proved that the influence of air-industrial emissions of the combine on the transformation of native soils and formation of chemozems from them. This circumstance occurs for more than 100 years, as a result of the Karabash area, anomalous zones with high concentrations of heavy metals are formed, which directly changes the regional background. The results of the research can be useful in adjusting the regional geochemical background of heavy metals, making geochemical maps of the degree of soil contamination, as well as can serve as a basis for the development of measures to eliminate the degree of soil contamination.

Water balance and leaching of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon of eroded Luvisols using high precision weighing lysimeters

Erosion can be observed in many arable soil landscapes such as those of the hummocky ground moraine. The topsoil removal by water erosion in combination with tillage operations (e.g., ploughing) is leading to truncated soil profiles along slopes with reduced solum thickness and modified properties of soil horizons. The objectives were to identify and quantify effects of erosion-induced soil modifications on the water balance and the leaching of dissolved organic and inorganic carbon (DOC, DIC), considering complex soil-crop interactions. The idea was to compare lysimeter-based water and solute balances of eroded Luvisols that differed in solum depth. The six high precision weighing lysimeters (1.0m2 surface, 1.5m high; UMS Science-Lysimeter) had a resolution of 10g (=0.01mm). The cylindrical steel rings of the lysimeters were filled with undisturbed soil monoliths from two fields. Lysimeter soils were cultivated with maize, winter rye, Sudangrass, triticale, alfalfa, and Persian clover during the observation period April 2011 to March 2014. Cumulative drainage of the six lysimeter soils ranged from 57 for the least to 104mmy−1 for the most eroded Luvisols; the differences of about 83% indicated that the erosional profile modifications in combination with differences in crop development affected the water balance components. Soil-crop interactions depending on properties of differently-truncated soil profiles caused varying amounts of precipitation and evapotranspiration for the 3-years. Since lysimeter effluent concentrations of DOC (5±0.5mgL−1) and DIC (62±5mgL−1) were relatively constant in time, the DOC and DIC leaching was mainly controlled by the water fluxes. Thus, the leaching rates ranged from 0.3 (Luvisol) to 0.5gm−2yr−1 (eroded Luvisol) for DOC and 3.3 (Luvisol) to 7.1gm−2yr−1 (eroded Luvisol) for DIC. Because of the complex soil crop interactions, a clear relation between erosion-induced soil profile modification and the water balance and DOC and DIC leaching could not be identified. Nevertheless, when transferring lysimeter results to the arable soil landscape the erosion-induced modifications even within the same pedogenetic soil type should be considered.

Effectiveness of Soil Salinity Management Practices in Basin-irrigated Pecan Orchards

Soil salinity management is a factor for successful production of pecan (Carya illinoinensis) in arid southwestern United States. An exploratory study was performed to evaluate the effect of various soil management practices on salt leaching in basin-irrigated orchards developed on alluvial soils (Torrifluvents, Entisols) of the middle Rio Grande Basin. The practices evaluated were ripping, minimum-till chiseling, and soil profile modification. For ripping, parabolic shanks were passed through the center section (4 to 8 ft wide) between each tree row to a depth ranging from 18 to 36 inches. Minimum-till chisels included 7- and 30-inch shanks, equipped with coulters to reduce break up of the ground surface. Soil profile modification consisted of trenching with a backhoe and profile mixing with a large excavator. The effectiveness of these methods was evaluated by measuring soil salinity and moisture in treated and untreated zones at 17 test sites. Both ripping and minimum-till deep chiseling helped improve salt leaching, and the effectiveness of salt leaching increased as working depths approach the thickness of the clayey layer. However, annual ripping of the center section of each tree row space may not provide wide enough zones to alleviate salt stress to the trees. Straight shanks prune but do not lift tree roots, thus appearing to be better suited for chiseling closer to tree rows. Soil profile modification was highly effective in leaching salts. From the view of minimizing soil aggregate destruction and of maintaining a leveled floor, minimum-till deep chiseling, followed by the use of sand-topdressing and minimum-till shallow chisels for maintenance may prove to be more desirable than conventional ripping, especially in soil types consisting of silty clay loam.

Rehabilitation of a lignite mine‐disturbed area in the Indian desert

AbstractExtensive lignite mining in the Indian (Thar) Desert commenced within the past decade. Accompanying extraction of this valuable resource there have been visible, important environmental impacts. The resultant land degradation has prompted concern from both public and regulatory bodies. This research assesses the success of rehabilitation plans implemented to revegetate a lignite mine‐disturbed area, near the village of Giral in western Rajasthan State. Rehabilitation success was achieved within the environmental constraints of this northwest Indian hot‐desert ecosystem using a combination of: (1) backfilling (abandoned pits) with minespoil and of covering the backfilled‐surfaces with fresh topsoil to a thickness of about 0·30 m; (2) use of micro‐catchment rainwater harvesting (MCWH) technique; (3) soil profile modification approaches; (4) plant establishment methodologies; and (5) the selection of appropriate germplasm material (trees, shrubs and grasses). Preliminary results indicate that the resulting vegetative cover will be capable of self‐perpetuation under natural conditions while at the same time meeting the land‐use requirements of the local people. The minespoil is alkaline in nature and has high electrical conductance. The average content of organic carbon, N, P and K is lower than in the regional topsoil. However, the concentration of Ca, Mg, Na and total S in the minespoil is much higher than in the topsoil. Further, the spoil material has no biological activity. Enhanced plant growth was achieved in MCWH plots, compared to control plots, where minespoil moisture storage was improved by 18–43 per cent. The rehabilitation protocol used at the site appears to have been successful because, in addition to the planted species, desirable native invasive species have become established. This study developed methods for the rehabilitation of lignite mine‐disturbed areas and has also resulted in an understanding of rehabilitation processes in arid regions with an emphasis on the long‐term monitoring of rehabilitation success. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

COMPARISON OF PROFILE MODIFICATION TO TRADITIONAL TILLAGE FOR COTTON PRODUCTION ON TUNICA CLAY

A field study was established in the fall of 1993 on Tunica clay soil to evaluate the response of cotton to profilemodification tillage relative to more conventional types of tillage for clay soil. Ten treatments were replicated four timesusing plots 15 m wide 30.5 m long in a wide-bed controlled-traffic production system. Annual tillage treatmentsincluded bedding, disking, chiseling, subsoiling, and profile modification to depths of 25 cm, 50 cm, and 76 cm.Treatments to evaluate the residual effects of tillage were also included for the 25 cm, 50 cm and 76 cm depths of profilemodification. Results indicated that soil profile modification generally increased plant height, vegetative dry mass andseed cotton yield compared to conventional tillage practices. In the modified profile treatments, crop response increasedas depth of modification increased. The residual effect of soil profile modification at the 76 cm depth was as effective inincreasing seed cotton yield as annual profile modification after three years. Soil profile modification produced a positiveresponse in cotton production but the time required to perform the tillage was excessive.

Residual Effects of Soil Profile Modification on Water Infiltration, Bulk Density, and Wheat Yield

AbstractFine‐textured soils of the Southern High Plains, of which Pullman (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustolls) is the dominant series,/ have inherently low water infiltration rates. Pullman soils have a moderately permeable surface horizon overlying and slowly‐permeable Bt horizon, which limits deep water penetration, thus hampering water conservation efforts and reducing water‐use efficiencies for crop production. In 1964, Pullman clay loam was profile‐modified (PM) to 0.9‐ and 1.5‐m depths. The objective of the 1990–1991 study was to compare soil bulk density (Db), water infiltration, plant available water (PAW) content, and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) yield on PM and unmodified soil. Soil Db values were similar near the surface, but decreased with increasing depth of PM at depths greater than 0.3 m, except for the deepest increment (1.50–1.80 m), were Db values were 1.56 Mg m−3 for all treatments. Time required for 240 mm of applied water to infiltrate was 28.6 h on unmodified soil, and 8.4 h with 0.9‐ m and 6.3 h with 1.5‐m PM. The PAW contents in October and March were significantly greater for the mean and at some depths in PM plots than in unmodified plots. The differences were attributed to greater evaporative losses from the unmodified soil. After wheat harvest in June, mean PAW contents were not significantly different, but water extraction occurred to greater depths on modified than on unmodified soil Wheat grain yields tended to increase with PM (2.81 Mg ha−1 on unmodified and 3.07 mg ha−1 with 0.9‐m and 3.37 Mg ha−1 with 1.5‐m deep PM). This study showed that PM imposed on the Pullman soil in 1964 is still highly effective for increasing water infiltration. Although wheat yields were not significantly increased, grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) responded favorably to PM in previous studies. Considering the long‐term benefits, PM should be cost‐effective if the cost is prorated over the lifetime of the benefits and if crops that respond favorably to PM are grown.

Soil Profile Modification Effects on Corn and Sugarbeet Grown with Limited Water

AbstractIn arid and semiarid areas, searches continue for practices that enhance soil water storage and for crops that make the best use of stored water. Objectives of this study were to determine the effects of profile modification (PM) on profile soil water extraction, water use, yield, and water‐use efficiency (WUE) of corn (Zea mays L.) and sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris L.) grown with limited water supply. The study was conducted on a site where PM treatments involving mixing of the soil profile to 0.0, 0.9, and 1.5 m were imposed on Pullman clay loam (fine, mixed, thermic Torrertic Paleustoll) in 1964. Corn (3 yr) and sugarbeet (2 yr) were grown under limited water (growing‐season rainfall plus preplant and emergence or preplant irrigation only). Profile modification to 0.9 and 1.5 m increased the 3‐yr‐average corn yields 64 and 180%, respectively. Respective increases in water use were 11 and 20%. Sugarbeet yields and water use were not affectged the first year but yields decreased and water use increased by 11% (on 1.5‐m PM soil) in the second year. Depletion curves indicated little rooting by corn below 2 m. Sugarbeet used water from 2.7 m or deeper on all PM treatments, with greatest use on the 1.5‐m PM soil. Profile modification to 1.5 m increased soil water depletion from the 0.7‐ to 2.7‐m soil depth by corn 186% (49–140 mm) and by sugarbeet 31% (179–234 mm). Extensive rooting by sugarbeet and the long vegetative growing season for root extension limited PM effects on rooting and associated depletion of water from soil below the depths of PM. With the tested system of PM and water supply, corn yields were too low to make production profitable (average 2.8 Mg ha−1 on 1.5‐m PM soil) and the effects of PM on sugarbeet yields and WUE do not indicate that PM is a viable practice in sugarbeet production.

Effect of Soil Profile Modification and Irrigation on Senescence and Bud Hardiness of Young Grapes

Abstract Some aspects of senescence and bud hardiness of young ‘Vidal blanc’ and ‘Chancellor’ French-American grapevines in the following treatments were evaluated: soil profile modification plus irrigation (MI), no soil profile modification plus irrigation (Cl), soil profile modification without irrigation (MN), and no soil profile modification without irrigation (CN). After a prolonged summer drought, abundant fall precipitation increased 25 Oct. chlorophyll and leaf N levels for nonirrigated vines. In contrast, leaf P and K were higher for irrigated treatments. Bud hardiness of ‘Chancellor’ was greater than ‘Vidal blanc’ for all except the Cl treatment. Maximum primary bud hardiness was achieved in the Cl and MN treatment for ‘Vidal blanc’ and ‘Chancellor’, respectively. Cambium damage and/or plant death occurred for only ‘Vidal blanc’ in the CN treatment.

Effect of Soil Profile Modification and Drip Irrigation on the Establishment of ‘Vidal Blanc’ and ‘Chancellor’ Grapes

Abstract The 1st year performance of ‘Vidal Blanc’ and ‘Chancellor’ European-American grape cultivars was evaluated in a drought year. The most favorable treatment on plant water relations and vine growth was soil profile modification with irrigation (MI), followed by no soil profile modification with irrigation (Cl), soil profile modification without irrigation (MN), and no soil profile modification without irrigation (CN). Leaf conductance (kl), transpiration, vine height, leaf number, average leaf area, and total estimated leaf area were increased 2 to 7 times with irrigation. ‘Vidal Blanc’ seems to be better adapted than ‘Chancellor’ to low soil moisture conditions. Irrigation was consistently more beneficial than soil profile modification in the establishment year.

Effects of Soil pH, Phosphorus Rates, Deep Tillage Practices, and Clay Additions on Peach Tree Performance in Deep Sandy Soils of North Carolina

Abstract Effects of soil pH, tillage practices, P application, and the addition of clay at the planting site on tree size, fruit yield, fruit size, and tree longevity of peaches [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch] for 20 growing seasons are reported. Because of widespread tree death, ‘Loring’ trees were removed after 9 years and the orchard replanted to ‘Winblo’. Soil pH below 5.6 resulted in poor tree growth, low fruit yield, and small fruit size compared to trees grown in soils at higher pH. In the final 10 years of the experiment, marked improvement in tree size, fruit yield, fruit size, and longevity were evident as soil pH increased. The effect of 3 tillage practices—normal plow to a depth of 20 cm, normal plow to a depth of 20 cm plus a 75-cm-diameter ⨯ 122-cm-deep hole at the planting site, and deep plowing to a depth of 58 cm—varied with cultivar. Both methods of soil profile modification (which penetrated the A2 horizon) resulted in increased yield and tree size compared to normal plowing to 20 cm with ‘Loring’ during the first 9 years. During the final 10 years, fruit yield was lower and tree death greater in the deep-plow plots, but there were no differences in fruit yield, tree size, or tree longevity between the other tillage treatments. Phosphorus rates (0, 15, and 30 kg/ha annually) or clay additions did not influence tree size, fruit yield, or tree survival. Results of this study lend strong support for the maintenance of soil pH above 5.6 and good evidence that increase in tree growth, fruit yield, and tree longevity is further enhanced when soil pH is maintained above 6.0.

Profile Modification of a Fragiudalf to Increase Crop Production

AbstractRoot development and crop yields are greatly reduced in soils having fragipan layers because of restricted air and water movement, high bulk densities and soil strength, and high acidity. In the first year after soil profile modification by trenching of a Missouri Typic Fragiudalf, available water storage and yields of grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) were increased. Within unmodified areas, sorghum yields averaged 1,841 kg/ha. Deep trenching without chemical or physical additives increased yields to 4,322 kg/ha. Mixing lime, fertilizer, and sawdust with the soil material within the trenches increased grain sorghum yields to 5,987 kg/ha. The sawdust significantly increased water storage and water extraction, resulting in the grain yield increase.Reexcavation of a pit used by the Soil Conservation Service for soil series identification of the Hobson soil showed no signs of soil density or strength reformation during the 16‐year period since the pit was refilled.

Dosage values obtained following pre‐plant fumigation for perennials. 1.1,3‐dichloropropene nematicides in eleven field situations

AbstractThe movement of 1,3‐dichloropropene nematicides in 11 different field situations was monitored. The eventual dosages of 1,2‐dichloropropane and 1,3‐dichloropropene achieved at various positions in the soil profile are reported. Soil moisture, temperature, texture and profile differences are indicated for each experiment. The influence of soil profile modification, surface sealing techniques and various methods and rates of application are reported.

Dosage values obtained following pre‐plant fumigation for perennials II. Using special methods of applying methyl bromide and 1,3‐dichloropropene nematicides

AbstractThe movement of 1,3‐dichloropropene and methyl bromide was monitored in various field situations involving fumigant application coupled with contemporary soil profile modification techniques. The soil moisture, temperature, texture and profile differences are reported in each case. A combination of soil modification and soil fumigation may provide for better plant response than either treatment alone. Spot and strip treatments may provide an efficient method of applying certain pre‐plant fumigants to protect young perennials.

Pedological evidence of man's role in soil profile modification in ireland

The physical and chemical properties as well as the land-use range of many arable soils in Ireland have been improved by man's agricultural activities. The amount of improvement is directly related to the intensity of human activity. The classification of the soils studied has changed as a result of man's influence from peats (Histosols) and peaty podzolised gleys (Haplaquods) to plaggen soils (Plaggepts). pH levels have been increased even in the C horizons and where sea sand has been added in large quantities the man-made surface horizon (plaggen soil) is strongly calcareous. Organic matter has been drastically reduced and the surface texture has been changed from a peat to a loamy coarse sand. Phosphorus, sodium and magnesium are very low in the undisturbed soil but are extremely high in the plaggen soil. The enumerated effects of man's activities represent soil construction much more than soil destruction. The husbandry and economic history of some rural areas in Ireland is recorded in the soil profile, and pedological investigations give a more accurate record of the reclamation process than the written historical records.

GROUNDWATER MANAGEMENT ON THE TEXAS HIGH PLAINS1

ABSTRACT The effects of major water management practices on the pumping requirement from the Ogallala aquifer are discussed. Demand on the aquifer may be reduced as much as 15 percent by recycling irrigation runoff, 25 percent by recycling irrigation runoff and irrigating with water from playas, and 29 percent by recycling irrigation water in combination with irrigation from playas and artificial recharge of playa water to the aquifer. Other practices that can result in more efficient use of precipitation and groundwater are limited irrigation, land forming, soil profile modification, and improved irrigation systems, thereby reducing the pumping demand on the Ogallala. Additional water supplies can possibly be obtained by water harvesting, weather modification, and water importation. Conclusions reached were that the overdraft on the aquifer can be reduced by the application of sound water management practices on an area‐wide basis.

Factors Influencing Chemical Characteristics of Peaches1

Abstract We determined the influence of fertilizer and cultural treatments upon peach flesh resistance to browning, soluble solids, titratable acidity, pH, and soluble ninhydrin-positive nitrogenous compounds. Nitrogen, P, K, and lime and severe pruning increased the resistance of macerated fresh fruit to browning. Soil profile modification and Mg application lowered browning resistance. Application of N or lime increased soluble solids in the fruit, but deep tillage decreased them. Soluble solids were higher when pruning was either less or more severe than that normally practiced. Titratable acidity was positively related to the application of P and K, but was decreased by N application. Application of K or lime increased pH whereas changing the N supply yielded inconclusive results. The soluble amino acids of the fruit were positively related to N supply and were reduced by K application. Interrelations of treatment effects upon the various components are discussed.

Relationship of Tillage and Fertilization to the Yield of Alfalfa on Freeman Silt Loam1

AbstractLiming (L) and fertilizing with phosphorus (P) and sulfur (S) were more effective than any other combination (LP, LS, PS, LPS + N) of fertilizers used in increasing the productivity of alfalfa. Tillage and seeding practices were associated with degrees of frost heaving of alfalfa, but had no effect on production of alfalfa in the second and third cutting years. Plant heaving at the end of the first year following seeding was decreased by seeding alfalfa without a companion crop, by deep tillage, and to some extent by surface compaction.Loosening the soil to a depth of 122 cm reduced average bulk density of the subsoil from 1.65 g/cc to approximately 1.45 g/cc. This treatment permitted greater water storage in the subsoil and an increased availability of subsoil water to plants through more extensive root penetration into the loosened zone.Fertilization, combined with deep soil profile modification (with topsoil and subsoil mixed), produced the highest yield of alfalfa. The unfertilized deep‐tilled soil produced more alfalfa than the fertilized shallow‐tilled soil.Mixing the topsoil and subsoil together to a depth of 122 cm sustained greater yields than tilling to the same depth but replacing topsoil and subsoil in their original sequence.

Soil Profile Modification by Backhoe Mixing and Deep Plowing

Soil Profile Modification by Backhoe Mixing and Deep Plowing